Filming Frenzies - Script to Screen
The filming focus was on getting the largest chunk of filming done which is undebatable shooting the interview with the “detective/police officer role” fulfilled by Satnam Kandola (my mum).
To initiate my filming process I made sure my mum and I were on the same page for makeup and costume ready. For my actor, I wanted to keep it simple and posh. In the interviews I’ve seen in crime documentaries these interviewees are not in uniform but wear professional attire. Luckily this made my job a lot easier. I told my mum to pick out an outfit that she is comfortable in and would be semi-formal. Since it’s an interview format only the top half will be shown so the top is the main importance. We decided a white t-shirt best fulfilled this role. For makeup she did the same but I informed her to not put on any lipstick yet since she would apply it in the “getting ready” scene. At this point too I also reiterated my acting tips from the previous briefing.
Props are much more vast so I had to prepare adequately. This started by gathering whatever props I had in my home which consisted of a folder filled with papers (simulating the case file), a computer, a book, lipstick, and glasses. Originally I had wanted to buy fake case files from amazon but it would take a lot of time to come in the mail so I rather film with what I have and then use the case files for the crime board. The computer was simply so I could film some b-roll later of the detective working. The lipstick was for the getting ready scenes. The book was also for the b-roll clips but the only “serious” book I had was How To Be Loved by Humble The Poet. Luckily, in the set there is a bookshelves so I just took one of those too which ended up working out better for me. Also in the set I had a globe which I used as a prop. All in all, I tried to keep with a muted and blue color palette so I can use color design to my advantage. As the connotation with blue and muted colors hints something disheartening which is what is being alluded to in the interview segment.
As I’ve hinted towards, the set is all ready to be used. The interview and working clips of the detective will be taken in my apartment building. Before this I did inform staff that I will be filming and before filming I put up posters saying “FILMING IN PROGRESS! PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS” around the area before actually filming. This way the people who live in this building were informed and the area is secured. For me this was my biggest safety concern since it is a public area. 
The globe within the set
Moving on to the actual shots. In order to be the most time efficient I broke down the scenes we were going to film in a chronological and logical order. It started with the getting ready scene, following the hallway walking scene, and then the main chunk being the interview (including the globe), then b-roll of working and reading.
The getting ready scene did not pose any major humps. It started with setting up the composition of the frame. We filmed in the bathroom of my apartment which has built-in lighting with the mirror which ensures a well-lit cut. Since I don't have a tripod I made sure to keep my camera super still and stabilize my arms instead. I also made sure to switch on the “Grid” and “Level” feature on my iPhone, enhancing my camera operating. Once I set up to film for an eye level, medium closeup I realized that there were a lot of bathroom items all around. Quickly, I moved any shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes, and skincare products in the background and counter. This was an easy fix to my issue. After that I directed the actor on the shot of applying on her mauve lipstick. This clip had to be natural so I made sure to approach my directing as a friend rather than with an authoritative tone. Luckily this worked just as I had hoped and the shot was secured!
After this we headed towards the communal working space. While walking down the halls I shot a candid tracking shot at knee level to create a chaotic pace. This clip is not the best since the hallways in my apartment building were either fully sun-lit and would be too bright or were very dark with little lighting. Despite that I still filmed the tracking shot in the dark hallway. But, I’m already debating snipping out this clip from the final product.
Next, we started with the interview portion which took a couple takes. My mom started with her glasses on and took them off to be more “serious”. I also put the folder with papers and computer down so it looks as if she is referencing the case details.
Truthfully this took a lot of takes. Despite the posters and informing people that I’ll be filming in this area, it still was a communal space. Meaning any noise of doors opening or dogs barking was still present. During editing I’ll have to see if I can cut these parts out or soften the background noise. I really want the audio to be clear since the interview will also be used as a voiceover when B-roll is being shown. Along with that, my mum and I kept laughing together. We get along really well so it was hard to focus even when in my director role to not laugh. Because of this we had to take a couple more takes than I wanted. I also noticed while filming the interview went on much longer than I had expected so once again in editing the interview parts may have to be adjusted a couple seconds to better fit the narrative. Luckily for me the actual filming was super easy since it was at eye level, medium close up. At the location I was filming there were seats on both sides of the table. For once, I got to sit and film instead of contorting into a human tripod.
The main filming location.
After this I went ahead and filmed the introduction of the character and the globe cene in the same area. The introduction to the character was again and medium close up so there was little change compositionally, all I did was move in front of the table. For the globe, we set it on the table which then the actor could spin as she needed to.
Last up, the reading and working scenes. In the same communal areas they had more study spaces so we used those. First I did the reading scene at a couple of blue chairs to keep with the color design. Since there was little camera variation thus far, getting to film a pan, over the shoulder, and high angle shot was really fun. Same with the two working scenes I got at the original table and another side table. The actor also had a good time filming these scenes since they were simple to act out.
I loved filming in this location since the lighting is so nice. There are so many windows and overhead lighting that I didn't even have to consider taking a light myself. This made my life so much easier. Looking back, I really appreciate this hidden luxury.
I’m so happy how smoothly the day went. It was the perfect mix of laughter and hard work. Today I could really see how much I’ve grown with directing too. Last time I was filming for the Music Video, I had been a bad director and often interrupted the ambient noise but this time I gave notes, said I was rolling or take and then allowed the actor to proceed. It felt much more organized this time around. I’m so excited to see this all come together!
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