Matt\’s Film Blog

All props and supplies are accounted for, aside from a few articles of clothing I will be checking out from the Evergreen costume department. The butcher’s apron came in the mail, and my storyboards have been redrawn and refined to further clarify my filming ideas. In week three, I met up with a group of people willing to act and help with my movie, as well as aiding in the physical effects that will be throughout the film. The biggest problem right now is reconciling the times for people, equipment, the weather and work. Im starting to plan for a production time in which I can have more free time to myself to explore these options. I have planned out my shots and have also started to brainstorm for creative lighting techniques to give my film a more horror oriented feel.

I would love to have help from anybody in the mediaworks crew. I am willing to help anyone, as long as I have time and do not have to miss work in order to do so.

In week four, my film finally came in the mail and it is time to begin principal photography. It is still difficult to deal with the time and work constraints. I have checked on my work schedule to have a good five days off to pump through some of the filming that needs other people. I will get the shots I can and likely use shemping methods in order to link many of the shots together later, since I wont have the actors the entire time. This wont be difficult since the actors will have their faces covered with gasmasks half of the time.

I will be filming on DoubleX black and white 16mm.

I finally got my blog working. This is a backlog from my notebook.

Week 1

I have compiled a large list of ideas and themes to go along with in my film. Choosing was difficult, but going with a more guilt based piece, I think I will be able to get some potent imagery and points across. I have written rough storyboards for the entire work, although many of the ideas will have to be refined later. I have gone on the internet and purchased some military gasmasks and somne helmets to go along with them.

One of the troubles I have been having is getting in touch with actors. WHile myself and likely another person from class will be taking parts, I will need some more people to fill in the roles of soldiers. I have not found any proper uniforms yet, but I have been searching the internet. I have also been scouting locations while driving about to deliver pizza and memorizing areas that would be visually appealing and relevant in my production.

Week2

I have spoken with the leader of the Evergreen Gun Club about meeting them and getting footage of them shooting.  I would like some of them to participate in a few simple scenes that involve nothing more than target shooting and standing around. I have found a group of uniforms for a cheap price from a military surplus website, and they are well on the way.

Research into lighting techniques and which film to use in accordance with those techniques has begun. I still have not decided on a final film stock to use, although it will for sure be a black and white stock on 16mm. I would like some input on what types of film have which strengths, since the Kodak website is a little bit vague and confusing with their descriptions. I have a few people signed up to play small roles during the surrealist dreamlike sequences, and supplies have all been compiles (dough, food coloring, sausage casings, white makeup)

I need to spend more time at the prop shop getting my props finished for production. I will begin shooting as soon as i receive film, since I need to get some sequences done before I shave my head for chronological purposes.

Costume and effects elements are being researched and purchased. Research into psychological damage, post traumatic stress disorder and guilt.