I evaluated the original footage we shot before editing it, so I could identify the areas that need to be cut out, improved or altered.
Firstly, I feel we could have found a location more suiting to the narrative we had chosen, as the green curtain in the background removes the natural effect and immediately makes the entire situation feel staged. However, this is an issue that can be dealt with during the editing stage; perhaps by reducing the saturation of the video.
I also think we should have introduced costume into the planning, as I feel more appropriate clothing, such as a suit for the bodyguard, would have nudged the final product over the right side of the line between the realistic and the superficial. This would create a more authentic feel to the piece and draw the viewer into the narrative more and make them believe in it.
In addition, we began the filming stage with a solid idea of the overall narrative but only a rough idea of the dialogue, resulting in a largely improvised performance. This has lead to a couple of minor errors/hesitations in the character's speech, again reducing that authentic feel. If we had formed a definitive script for us to learn, these errors would have been eliminated. Hopefully, I will be able to amend these issues during editing.
There are a couple of very minor camera issues, including the opening scene, where the dealer character is waiting to enter the room, but can just be seen in the right edge of the shot. Also, at 0:58 on the above video, the mobster character moves slightly, revealing a bag of sugar (the cocaine) on that side of the table! I should be able to solve these issues by cropping the video in Adobe Premier.
Onto the positives...
I feel the lighting we used creates a very appropriate effect for the chosen narrative. We used one light positioned quite low down, to the left of the camera shot, facing down on the table towards the dealer character on the opposite side of the table. It created a very small area of intense light - which was directed on the areas of interest; the dealer, the table and the mobster's hands. This light was also just enough to show the bodyguard's hands in the background, making his presence felt, whilst ensuring this presence is a subtle one. Surrounding this area of intense light was a large area of shadow/darkness, especially on the mobster, ensuring they are largely anonymous throughout the film, creating a very dark/mysterious effect. I feel that this immediately lets the audience know that this character is a very important one of great stature.
In addition, the storyline evidently progresses and emotion builds up as tension evidently grows between the dealer and the mobster, drawing the viewer further into the story.
I also think that the character of the mobster was portrayed very well. An emphasis is placed on hand movements, as the mobster uses clicking and pointing to instruct the bodyguard. This immediately shows the authority he possesses as well as his substantial stature within the drug community.
There is also a good use of props, as sugar was used to represent cocaine. I think this helped to strengthen the dialogue and provides another dimension to the film, rather than the viewer just having to listen to a conversation.
In the editing stage, I plan to decrease the saturation and the brightness of the video; at least enough to ensure the green curtain in the background is not noticeable. I also plan to introduce a few sound samples, to strengthen the existing sound. The edited version will follow in my next blog.
