On-Set Production – ‘One More Day’ Shoot Day 1
On-Set ProductionOn November 11th we had our first shoot day for ‘One More Day’ at Barton Bunker. The first day was set aside for our establishing shots that didn’t require Ben or Robert and to complete set-dressing of our selected room within the bunker itself.
The day began somewhat chaotically with delays to equipment pick-up and drop-off at the bunker due to traffic. We were delayed by around an hour but once the camera equipment had been dropped off and Duncan and Finlay left to collect the remaining equipment, Joseph and I set up camera to begin shooting the establishing shots.
It helped to have created a storyboard and detailed shot list as we were able to quickly reference these production documents and make rapid decisions about what to move onto and setup for. I found it a little difficult to maintain lines of communication in such a large space and ask for feedback from Alfie regarding the shots. Thankfully on the second day we had walkie-talkies for HODs which made communication far less confusing and stressful.
Below are some photos Vanessa took of the two goats that live on-site and found their way onto set. Sadly we did not have a position available for them and had to chase them out – not before taking many, many photos however!
Below is Finlay giving my 1st AC Joseph the all-knowing producer face.
Duncan focused on using black gaffer tape to skirt the practical overhead lights in the bunker room, as suggested by Andrew. It worked fantastically and Duncan managed to completely block out one light and shape the other light which was a game changer. It made the room appear less flat and washed out by the fluorescent lighting.
Gaffers love their gaffer tape.
Saskia, our production designer, and India, our art department assistant, did an excellent job with set-dressing. The room was completely transformed and given so much more character.
Putting up newspapers to create dimension and visual interest against the dark walls.
Wee Gary’s dog food designed by India that Cam (played by Ben) is seen eating in the film.
A map of nearby cities and towns wiped out in post-apocalyptic Scotland.
The much needed lunch break.
An overly dramatic and incredibly staged crew shot.
The finished set design for the bunker room – I loved the colour scheme, fairy lights, and tea lights in a lantern. The practical lights provided a lot of visual interest to the shots completed on day two.
The first day provided a lower-pressure environment to begin to work as a crew without the actors present, get familiarised with the kit, and troubleshoot any issues before our main shoot day. I struggled to find out how to add a LUT to the Ursa Mini, but managed to find it within the menu after shooting a few shots. I learnt a lot about operating a camera even just from capturing establishing shots.