Film Adaptation – Shoot
Film AdaptationDay 1 – Voodoo Rooms + Flat: The Restaurant Scene
Voodoo Rooms
We were based at Voodoo Rooms for the first day of shooting. Luckily we had two extra members of the crew joining us to help the shoot run smoothly. We had Kushal as a 1st AC and Roddy as a boom op and PA. Thankfully we had done two previous location recces in which we planned out shots and did troubleshooting for camera and sound. On the day, we did one final run-through of the shot set-up and were able to start shooting promptly as we only had access to the location from 10am until 4pm.
To ensure we were able to make the most of this time, we arranged for actors to arrive in costume and had a rehearsal prior to the shoot itself to discuss character and story. Francis and I ran through the lines and scenes whilst everyone else was setting up equipment and preparing for the first shot.
The shooting for the restaurant scene went seamlessly and with no issues whatsoever which gave us great momentum and encouragement for the duration of the two-day shoot. Everyone was on their best form which made it such a fun experience. Having Kushal and Roddy on set made it so much easier and I was very grateful for their expertise and help.
As we were ahead of schedule (miraculously) we created additional shots and were able to send Angelique and Rose home early and break for the next scene set-up in the theatre. This scene went by quickly and with minor issues, especially given how coordinated it had to be for camerawork and lighting.
Our actors had brilliant chemistry both on and off screen, which made my job as director far easier. The actors were all amazing to work with as they came with their own interpretations and suggestions for their respective characters, but were also so engaged whenever I gave them direction.
The Flat
We had a two hour break between shooting at Voodoo Rooms – ending at 4pm – and our flat. Our actors Alan and Kareem went on break together whilst we hauled equipment back to the flat and set-up for the next shoot. We had reservations about the complexities of shooting in a small, cramped kitchen but thankfully we were able to manoeuvre the camera to get shots that worked for our script.
Day 2 – Bruntsfield Links + Flat: The Park Scene
The Park
Day two of our shoot was an early start with a call time of 8am. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side, but we couldn’t change our shoot dates due to the availability of our actors. The cold and rain got progressively worse as the shoot went on, but we had to adapt and keep going to adhere to the schedule. It was far more difficult to keep morale high, but I’m proud of everyone for keeping the outward frustration and stress to minimum and still managing to get the work done.
We covered equipment with plastic bags and gave umbrellas to the actors between takes to ensure everyone was as comfortable as possible. We were done at Bruntsfield Links by 2pm and went back to the flat for our final shoot.
The Flat
This time around we had a four hour break between our first and second shoot. The call time for Angelique and Rose was 6pm, whilst we set-dressed Francis’ room in the meantime and prepared ahead of time. We chose such good-natured, talented, and easy-going actors which made our shoot far less stressful and honestly so fun. I was able to really collaborate with the actors and didn’t ever feel like I was struggling to communicate my vision.
Thanks to Cast and Crew <3
Finlay, you were a heaven-sent producer and 1st AD. I never once felt like I had to check in on progress or that I was uninformed of any important information. Thank you for keeping us on schedule and minimising the stress of running a film production, and for communicating in such a calm, level-headed, and professional way. You were so accommodating to both cast and crew, and also any concerns I had prior to shooting.
Oliwia, you did a great job as our DoP. I really appreciated the effort and preparation you did throughout each stage of production and how easily you were able to recreate my vision through each shot and take on board any feedback or suggestions.
Francis, thank you for a script only you could have wrote. You brought your eccentricity and unique perspective to the screenwriting process. I can only apologise for the great lines we had to cut… The costume and set design was also one of the most fun parts of this production and I have you to thank for that.
Ethan, my script supervisor and editor, you were a star. Thank you for always keeping continuity and post-production in mind. I couldn’t have directed to the best of my ability without you.
Gaby, my sound design and mixing queen. You did not go unappreciated. Thank you for your input after each take and for ensuring our sound was as clean as it could’ve been. You took a massive weight off of my shoulders. Your optimism was a crucial element to our set morale, even when you were overworked across multiple coinciding shoots.
Roddy, thank you for helping us out and being a fantastic boom operator and production assistant. Having someone else there to help out was so, so appreciated. You will be getting the call next time should I need someone to work with.
Kushal, my Blackmagic star. Thank you for bringing your experience and professionalism to this production and assisting Oliwia with camerawork and easing any concerns we had and providing timely, thoughtful solutions.
