Week 1
Wednesday 1: script, Tony’s office, group of 4
In the setups, we had a director, camera operator and two actors. The director decides on a camera position, gave directions to the camera operator and directed the actors. We each took turns to construct our own versions of the scene. Eventually building up a more complex coverage by combining the ideas we liked from each attempt. After trying out a few different layouts that we individually had in mind, we made our decisions based on the majority of the group.
The script provided very little context and visual details. On one hand, it allowed us to interpret the spatial dynamics of the scene freely (in fact, we all had very different ideas about the layout of the office). On the other hand, there was no real context for the characters and the scenario, no meaning or message to convey through the scene. Towards the end of the exercise, we all discussed how we should interpret the meaning behind the last few lines of the script, especially the line: “do you still want me?”
Week 2
Wednesday 2: script, girls at restaurant, group of 6
This script was more straightforward than the first one. Our individual interpretations were quite similar. That led to very swift decisions when it came to scene composition and coverage.
Friday: scenario, two strangers on train, group of 7
After having gotten scripts for the last two exercises, I was glad to be able to work on something different. Paul suggested that we each own a shot in the scene, which meant that we disregarded the consistency of actors to focus on the rotation of rolls. Although this affected the storytelling of our end product, it was a more efficient system during the exercise. Not only did we save time as we were only filming each shot once or twice, but we also saw diversity within the scene when it was put together.
Epiphany:
After working off a script for first two times, the scenario format was less restricting in comparison. There are less details such as dialogue, but it provided meaning and context to the characters and their situation. We feel more encouraged to interpret the story and really get creative with it. For instance, throwing in comical twists and create alternatives to the setting of the scene. I felt like there was more creative freedom, control and authorship in the production.
Though there is still a sense of vagueness in the script and room to play around, it tends to take away the authorship of the work, as if we are adapting someone else’s vision. Hence, not generating as much creativity. A lot of team members have to struggle to get into the picture that is painted by the script.