Diary Entry: First Day of Filming

Saturday 3rd December 2011

Myself and my partner, Monica, had previously given a call sheet to our artist so that he had an understanding of the filming schedule for the day (times, specific locations, costume requirements etc). Also, in addition to our storyboard, we created a prop list and scene list for the day.

Café (Narrative)

After meeting with our artist, Olly, at 11.30am we made our way to South Kensington to film the 'Café Scene' at Costa. This scene expresses a part of our narrative where the artist is surrounded by loving couples at the café, whilst he on the other hand, is a mere solitary figure sitting at a table alone, longing for his lost partner.
Petersham Place (Narrative/Performance)
At 2.00pm we began to shoot the 'Running Scene' at Petersham Place. Firstly, we filmed a sequence where Olly runs, almost breathlessly, down the secluded road which is metaphorical for the sense of isolation and loss he feels; forever running away and trying to escape reality. Since it is important to always film a variety of shots at different angles, we captured long-shots of Olly running towards the camera; mid-shots of his profile (side-view) whilst he ran through the frame and extreme close-ups of his feet lifting off the ground (side and point-of-view). Furthermore, we also shot an element of performance where Olly is positioned in the centre of a close-up frame and sings directly to the audience, emphasising his star image and the commodity on sale. Although this is a close-up shot, the frame is not tightly packed but instead, quite spacious to showcase his desolate surroundings as we aimed to convey his loneliness and vulnerability. Moreover, the fact that he is singing directly into the camera enables the artist to establish an intimate connection with the audience.

When myself and Monica went location hunting, we discovered Petersham Place in Kensington; a quiet and cobbled mews. We thought this was perfect and on film, the terraced houses and narrow, secluded road looks as if it's closing in on the artist whilst he sings; his world is crashing down. Furthermore, we thought this location would look great on film since it appears symmetrical and picturesque; an idealistic location to associate with a love song.
(photos from our Location Recce Photoshoot - see on group blog here).

Millennium Bridge (Performance)

Once we left Petersham Place, we became worried that we would run out of daylight by the time we reached the Millennium Bridge. However, once we arrived at approx. 3.30/4pm, we realised that the natural lighting was perfect since the dull, grey-ish tone that lit our shot helped to convey a sense of despair; providing a link between the visuals of our music video with the lyrics. Also, the sunset skyline looked incredible and contributed to a romantic setting, contrasting vividly with the artist's melancholy emotions. We filmed a mid-shot of Olly standing stagnant in the centre of the bridge, singing and emoting directly into the camera, whilst the busy, jostling public rushed around him, almost appearing as a blur.