Edited scene link on google drive: https://drive.google.com/a/rmit.edu.au/file/d/0B32yH54QH6CEYkF6VUJ3M2w4WE0/view?usp=sharing
This project, which I worked on with Matthew Duong (actor) and Jeremy Costa (videographer), was quite fun, if rather short-lived. We ended up having two films with slight differences in how they are edited (one by Duong and one by Costa). The link above and the shared video on my google drive is the one edited by Duong on his laptop. Both versions, though, focused on using our limited shooting time and poor line-memorizing to our advantage, making it seem hilariously awkward and absurd.
One moment that stands out really well was having me standing behind Duong, nodding along, which is a very funny fourth-wall bit of absurdity as at the same time, I am supposedly on the other side of the room talking. This is aided by the audio mix of me talking while being inter-cut with Duong saying “whatever” while in various positions and locations. This was probably the funniest moment of the video. There were many other funny moments, such as the moving of my face to Duong’s face, or the odd pronunciation of the word “nice”.
One of the not-so-great moments, however, was most likely my need to keep looking at the script. A huge amount of lines with zero rehearsal time allowed meant that we both needed to keep a script nearby for prompts, only Duong was more subtle in keeping his hidden. I very audibly and visually turned a page at one point and constantly looked down at my lap. The good news is that in the editing suite it was used to maximum awkward and comedic effect by showing it off as much as possible, even mixing in a great reaction shot that just looks like disappointment.
I guess the main thing I would do differently, assuming I had all the time and resources available, would be to have rehearsals to memorize the lines, or perhaps have people with lines written on giant cards out of the shot to help prompt the actors. As well as better camera and audio equipment to have better-looking and sounding shots. If, however, it was exactly the same time/resources, perhaps then maybe more head-shots, so a person can keep the script in front of their face, out of shot, so they can still read the lines without looking at their lap every time. Other than that, I think we did very well.
Good reflection where you’ve made some important points. You’ve already starting shaping an approach to comedy directing, and you’ve highlighted the importance of rehearsals, and clear audio. Also think about how you would structure rehearsal time to get the best result.