Session 4 – Camera training + swede filming – Holly McCandless-Desmond

As planned in the previous session, this day was designed to provide us with practice and knowledge of how to operate cameras.

In the morning, we received a masterclass from Alex Shipman and Joseph Nowell on how to use Blackmagic cameras, a variety of light set ups and the professional conduct regarding when handling cameras. For example, always take a photo of how the camera is laid out in the bag before removing anything. As the camera operator for our shoot, I took a hands on approach to practice building the camera and learning the correct technical settings. As well as this, Alex Shipman helped me understand the role of DoP more as she taught us about focus pulling, building a camera on set and using the clapper board. This was extremely beneficial and I felt more confident in handling the role as DoP in the following shoot.

After this, our groups met up to discuss logistics for the shoot. We wanted to ensure our actors knew their lines, there was a clear plan for camera and we had any props needed. As we wanted most of it to be shot in one take, we created an almost dance like sequence for me to follow, including several whips and shaky handheld camera. This enabled my fellow camera operator and I to feel confident in knowing our roles. During production, our team worked quickly and efficiently so we were able to wrap on schedule. I think everyone took on their roles well and we were able to communicate effectively and produce a scene we were proud of.

However, of course we encountered several problems during shooting. As most of the shots were around 2 minutes long and required a shoulder rig, I struggled with the weight of the camera. At the end of each take, I had to ensure someone else could take the camera as quickly as possible so I could relax my arms. This made me realize why traditionally women may not have been able to be camera operators and it’s such a male dominated field. However, if nothing else, it inspired me to be stronger. We also encountered some practical problems on set in terms of sound. As we were filming in a toilet, there were certain points were the drains ruined our sound and we had to cut early. However, as we kept to our time schedule, we were able to work past this.

Overall, I was happy with our swede and believed it conveyed the genre we were working towards: mockumentary. I believe our team worked well together and everyone adjusted to their roles quickly without overruling others.