Film Workshop – Recap on Weeks 3-6
Film WorkshopThis post is a brief recount of the work done in weeks 3-6 of this module. Below are summaries of topics covered, production stages, and any next steps.
Week 3
Kyle, our writer, created the first four-page draft of our script based on the following initial idea:
An estranged workaholic father attempts to reconnect with his hyper-independent daughter later in life.
We had our first dramaturgy seminar. Dramaturgy is defined as ‘the study of dramatic composition and the representation of the main elements of drama on the stage.‘ I was unfamiliar with the concept, and still find it to be a bit abstract, but has allowed me to consider how actors approach a scene and represent their characters in front of the camera.
We later had a seminar delivered by a 1st AD who walked us through each aspect of being an AD and the department. It was helpful to gain insight into this department despite not wanting to pursue a career as an AD. I feel I would have greater on-set awareness of the nuance between AD roles and the hierarchy in place.
Week 4
We had our first rehearsal with our actors, but unfortunately I had to leave after a quick run-through of character motivations and script developments to attend a Saltire Scholarship presentation. I plan to make up for this in future rehearsals, but thankfully I briefed Mara and Kyle on what I wanted to say and run through and they did this with our actors.
Thankfully, Mara and I had met with our two lovely actors Abigail and Michael outside of class to discuss directorial approach, acting exercises, character studies, etc. This proved useful in briefly summarising our ideas and intentions and also getting to know them both better.
Our second dramaturgy seminar focused on time and how we can utilise it to give the audience information, create certain effects and moods, and emphasise specific elements within a scene.
Week 5
We submitted our second draft of the script. Kyle, Mara, and I had a group meeting over a call to discuss the characters, plot, story, and script development. I found this useful in conveying my ideas and feedback and to generate new ideas.
Week 6
Due to unavailability with the actors, we could not do our filmed rehearsals this week. Fortunately, this gives us time to redraft and prepare as we hadn’t had a chance to meet with our actors again out of class due to everyone’s busy schedules.
We focused on trying to arrange a filmed rehearsal, which proved difficult to coordinate across multiple projects and modules. I’m a director for Film Workshop, but also a DP and 1st AC for On-Set Production, so I have three rehearsals to ideally attend. Today’s class taught me the importance of logistics and scheduling, even if it isn’t the most engaging topic.
Future Targets
Below are our group’s targets for upcoming weeks:
- Schedule a filmed rehearsal.
- Finalise the script.
- Finalise our crew.
- Have several meetings with actors and crew prior to shooting.