Final Touches

As the cinematographer, I faced several logistical challenges during the last day of filming. The tackle scene was something we really had to think about as it was supposed to be a continuation from the previous shot. So the angles had to be in accordance with the scene. We did have to do multiple takes and I had to explain the exact place and way the actor was supposed to land.

But one of the most significant challenges we encountered was the safety of our actors. Initially, we planned a more physically demanding scene involving a forceful takedown. However, to decrease the risk of injury, we decided to modify the action. By dividing the scene into two parts and strategically framing the shots, we were able to convey the intended impact without compromising the actor's well-being.

The editor has a crucial role in seamlessly blending these two shots, creating the illusion of a continuous action sequence. By carefully selecting the right angles and timing the cuts, he should be able to maintain the momentum of the scene and avoid any jarring transitions.

Production Time 2/2

I faced a number of problems on our second day, especially when it came to capturing the crucial penultimate move. The original idea was to get a close-up of the chessboard with the piece being moved by one of the players. The members of my group, however, argued that an extreme close-up would highlight the important moment more. After considerable thought, we chose a close-up that struck a balance between the significance of the composition and the emotional effect of Max's anxious hand gestures.

Another issue I felt was important to note was the different weather on our second day, it was more cloudy than the first day. It was something out of my control but thankfully it shouldn't impact much at the end of the film as we tried to add shadows (mainly from the tree) to create a more tense setting.

The tracking shot's filming presented yet another significant obstacle. Although our original plan was to have an effortless tracking shot of the red player getting up to leave the table, we soon found that this strategy didn't have the effect we wanted. We chose to put the thief in the picture to highlight the pursuit and provide a sense of urgency, making the action more dynamic and tense. However, as we wanted to capture the actors in motion without any odd cuts, this called for exact timing and synchronization between them. Which was quite challenging for me as they ran pretty fast, due to this we had to retake the scene a good amount of times which also delayed the final scene.

But we overcame these challenges and produced our desired cinematic impact by using careful preparation and innovative problem-solving. 

Minor Issues

Despite its significance, our first day filming had its own set of difficulties. Choosing camera angles was one such problem. We had a certain shot in mind at first, but as we went along, we saw that more angles were required to effectively convey the subtle aspects of the situation (such as the scene where we had to add to the player realizing their stolen piece and getting up).  

One other minor issue was the fact that we didn't have a well-prepared order of the scenes we needed to take. I wanted to have the same angles for similar scenes, such as one scene at the and one near the end being similar in position, so due to our miscalculation, we had to redo all the scenes from the beginning.

(scene from the beginning where the red player moves their chess piece)

(scene when she took back the chess piece and was returning to keep the game)

The meticulous preparation of actor behaviors, especially hand gestures, presented another challenge.  These minor details are crucial in expressing feelings like success or anxiety.   We spoke about the intended effect of these movements for a long time, making sure they complemented the scene's general tone and atmosphere. The winning player's smile, for example, has to be perfectly timed to express both satisfaction and a tinge of arrogance.

Overall, the production time was useful in spite of these small obstacles. With our storyboard and shot list, the majority of the sequences were diligently prepared, although we had to improvise in some cases, as we didn't take into account the over-shoulder angle, we had to go with another angle.

Production Time 1/2

As the cinematographer, I witnessed firsthand the challenges our team faced during the filming process, particularly regarding slating and time management. The initial confusion surrounding the slating procedure led to unnecessary delays, highlighting the importance of clear communication. Although I accept it was my fault as well as I was absent the day of the location hunting.

We might have done better in a few instances, but generally, the first day of filming was productive.  Although there were some last-minute changes made to the actors' clothes, the overall look was in accordance with the theme we had in mind. The visual quality of the video was improved by our assistant's great knowledge of camera techniques and lens choices.

Through their collaboration and openness to guidance, the actors brought the storyboard to life. Specifically, the main character provided insightful commentary and creative recommendations. However, I wasn't completely satisfied with the outcome of some scenes, due to some shadows in the background which I believed were quite visible. 

(In the video, the shadows are more visible as the actors aren't moving so the viewers' eyes move immediately to the slightest movement)

Careful preparation and execution will be essential to the success of the next scenes, including the pursuit and tackle sequences. Through careful examination of the shot list and storyboard, we can spot possible problems and create workable solutions. 

Preparation Time

As the cinematographer for our film, I prepared for the shoot to ensure we captured the chaotic and comedic essence of the chess film we aimed for. 

First and foremost, I selected the Blackmagic Camera app as my primary tool. Its impressive dynamic range, high resolution, and easy use made it the perfect choice for filming the film's action scenes we were looking for. I spent a good amount of time familiarizing myself with the camera's settings, experimenting with different lenses, and testing different tools the app included.

I was also in charge of getting the chess game as none of us had one, so I decided on a really simple one. The chess set was the main protagonist in our film after all.

On my own time, I decided to play with the chess set and look for any checkmate games we could use on the film as we were supposed to convey one of the players winning. Wasn't hard as videos and websites helped me by providing me with visual games to familiarize myself. In the end, one website was my final option, this website would provide me with the main pattern I was really looking to focus the film.

Completing Our Document

Cinematographer Responsibilities 

As the cinematographer for our chess film, I was responsible for completing two parts of our document: the genre statement and the storyboard. These documents work together to guide the entire filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production.

My contribution to the story's development as the cinematographer was important. I helped shape the story by visualizing the main scenes in the film and making suggestions for camera motions and perspectives. By learning from the sources provided in class, I was able to increase the energy of the chase sequence and humorous parts.

Any film must have a solid structure as it provides the basis for all other creative elements.   It leads viewers through the story, creates feelings, and finally determines the success of the film. 

The genre statement inspired the film's general focus, even if it had little direct impact on the storyboard. I was able to make sure that the storyboard sequences matched the genre statement's concept by understanding the perfect balance of comedy to action. 

I was able to organize the main ideas of our film into a clear and insightful description by writing the genre statement. It made it easier for me to explain our special combination of humor and action, emphasizing the ridiculousness of a chess piece theft and the surprising thrill of the following chase. 

Pre- Produccion

Location and Camera Shots

So, I missed the location scout – bummer, I know. But my team did a pretty good job of filling me in. They sent me photos and explained their reasoning, which was really helpful. They found a patio table with a grassy area behind it, perfect for the fall I planned in the fight scene. Originally, the lighting wasn't ideal – it didn't hit either actor's face well. They smartly rotated the table so the key character, the eventual "winner," is well-lit, while the other actor is more shadowed. I actually really like this idea; it adds a nice visual layer to the power dynamic. 

They also found a great tree near the table, ideal for the thief’s entrance. I can already picture framing that shot! They even described their plan for a tracking shot of the chase, using the tripod and phone stand for stability. They know I’m all about smooth camera movement. I appreciate that they’re already thinking about the technical aspects of the shot.

It sounds like they've got a solid foundation, but I’m going to need to see the location myself to get a real feel for the light and how it changes throughout the day. I'll want to bring my light meter and maybe some test footage to make sure everything works as I envision it. I’ll also want to discuss the tracking shot in more detail; I have a few different ideas about how we could execute it, depending on the available space and the lens we decide to use. Overall, it sounds like they found a promising spot, and I'm excited to see it for myself.

Behind the Scenes of Brainstorming

Deciding on a Genre

My challenge on this project stemmed from the open-ended brief. At first, the group decided on horror, imagining a tense setting created by music and sound effects. For added effect, we even considered adding a jump scare. But when we explored genre hybridity, we gave romance some thought but immediately discarded it because of practical issues. For a brief moment, action and a need for humorous components were brought in. 

Exploring Horror/Action and Comedy

A thief motif came up, providing a possible fusion of comedy similar to the Ready or Not film with horror/shock. The main idea was inspired by this: two chess players who are so focused on their game that they are unaware of a potential robber. The robber would take a king just before winning, starting a pursuit. I'm thinking of a dynamic tracking shot or a sequence of jump cuts to intensify the action. In the end, the player gets the piece back, returns to the game, and makes the winning move. I'm thinking of a dynamic tracking shot or a sequence of jump cuts to intensify the action. In the end, the player gets the piece back, returns to the game, and makes the winning move.

We were drawn to this story structure since it naturally adhered to Todorov's theory. With an intriguing arc in a short amount of time, the movie promises a clear development through equilibrium, disturbance, and the creation of a new equilibrium. It is my responsibility to visually communicate this story, highlighting the changes in tone and mood through composition, lighting, and camera movement.

The Start of the Chess Film

Cinematographer's Seat

I have decided to do the role of cinematographer for our group film production. Our one necessary subject, the chessboard, is an interesting visual challenge, and I can't wait to see what it can do. I think photos can sometimes express stories better than words, which is why I'm drawn to the cinematographer position. In spite of documenting the action, I want to use the camera to actively influence the audience's emotional response in order to add to the film's story. I consider myself as a visual partner rather than a solo artist. Working with the director and the editor to transform their ideas into a lively cinematic language excites me. I'm looking for methods to showcase each person's individuality while allowing the camera to capture their distinct viewpoints.

Still In Action...

The importance of pre-production communication was made clear by taking on the position of cinematographer on the first day. Our first focus was on the chessboard, but before we even thought about narrative or genre, we had a lot of creative and technological options to make. My first goal was to understand each team member's unique abilities and how they related to the film's visual aspects.  After talking about how comfortable each person was using various photography devices, we chose a primary phone and a backup. We created a clear communication plan, using a group chat to exchange drafts of shots and creative ideas, in considering the possibility of schedule changes. This made sure that everyone understood the visual principles and helped us keep up our enthusiasm even outside of class. Effective cinematography, in my opinion, is about utilizing every component—framing, lighting, movement, and focus—to further the narrative rather than merely creating beautiful images. Using the checkerboard as a visual theme, I hope to look into its meaning and the way light and shadow interact on its surface.