On the 18th october 2011, we began filming our production ‘House Forty Two’ a short horror film, which is the genre that we had all agreed on. Camera Woman Katy Kennedy, Director Hannah Molloy-Herat and editor Sereena Lewis had met at the location, 42 Aldborough road South at approximately 4pm with our cast, protagonist Helena Morais and Natalya Martin.
After Katy Kennedy had set up and prepared the camera, we then went into the bathroom so that we could apply Helena’s makeup. Her makeup consisted of talcum powder in order to give her an eerie ghostly effect. We also used black eye liner on her lips and around her eyes as well as dripping blood (food colouring) from her eyes so this would emphasise the chilling, creepy effect that we wanted her to give off. She had also put her costume on which was a long white nightdress which had been designed too look as if there was blood on it, fitting in with the conventions of protagonists within many horror films.
Due to the camera being set up already, this meant that we could begin filming straight away. We entered the first bedroom, which would be the first scene of our film, and Camera Woman Katy Kennedy had got into position to start filming. Hannah Molloy-Herat had got into position as she was also in the film as well as being the director. This is due to her taking place of another individual who was not able to film that day. Although the storyboard was available, as the director, I had to make sure the Camerawomen could vision the production that I wanted, and the angles and shots that I wanted this short horror film to be consisted of. So myself, in collaboration with Katy Kennedy were able to figure out what the most effective way to film this production was. I was in charge of the rest of the crew and had to make sure that they knew what they were doing, knowing their lines as well as following my directions of when to start and stop acting.
Within the opening scene, I had decided to use various Close-up shots such as ones of their hands gripping together as well as a close-up of both of the characters eyes. I believe these close-ups were effective within the beginning of the film as it meant that the audience would be able to establish the fear that these two individual characters were encountering. Another shot, which I believe was used effectively within our piece was the point of view shot. At the time, you are able to see the ‘presence’ behind the protagonist, which then turns into a point of view shot when she briskly turns around to see what is behind her. It allows the audience to feel scared for the character as they know what is in the house but can see that the character is unable to see it, building up suspense and tension. The main shots that we used were close-ups of the antagonist faces, fitting in with the conventions a typical horror, showing the fear that these characters felt and allowing the audience to also feel this. We also used various other shots, regularly moving and re positioning the tri-pod in order to test numerous shots and angles in order to see which ones were best.
Throughout my role as director, I was constantly giving directions in which I believed would benefit our film and engage the target audience that we wanted to engage. I believe that all of the crew and cast worked very well together, taking and following directions that I had given, effectively. I feel that throughout the filming process I was able to take on the dominant speaking role highlighting what I wanted and expected from this film as well as allowing other individuals to express their ideas. I was very confident in conveying what I wanted, as without this confidence I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill the role as director effectively. Although everyone began getting tired of filming, and we had to keep moving and reapplying makeup, everyone worked very well together, supporting each other in order to get the best out of one another. We all individually developed our skills in time management as well as being able to work well within a team.
