Our stuido:

‘Should not do’ is a very educational story. It tells us anyone who does bad things would get retribution. As a microbudget film, most of the plots take place in a car, there is only one main character, and the whole story happens in just one day, so I believe it definitely can be done on a low budget. The description of Dave’s behaviors is really specific and vivid. When I was reading the plot of Dave searching for anything valuable, I already had images in my mind. Therefore, I think a series of complete behavioral descriptions can successfully convey the character’s emotion. 

However, there is a big problem with this script. The ending is too hasty. When I read that Dave could leave the locked car, I was thinking: that’s it ? How could Kenneth confirm that Dave has really remembered the stolen watch thing when Dave swears he will not commit a crime in the future? This may be an usual language when begging for mercy, so Dave should not be released immediately. It is this abrupt ending makes me feel that this story can be further developed. More dialogue could be used here to show that Dave did repent. Or, Dave could pretend to regret just to get out of the car and engage in a series of intelligence battles with Kenneth. Obviously, all of these possible plots only take place in that car, and with only one character, which will enrich the story but without increasing too much cost

In addition, I think ‘Safe’ is a successful microbudget short film script, regards to either story or cost. Basically, most of the story takes place in Frankie’s home, only a few plots happen in exterior. And Frankie is the only physically-present actress in this film. All settings can make this film a low-budget movie. In terms of the story, I feel that the character’s emotion is well constructed. When Lila is in danger, Frankie remembers her own experience and sheds uncontrollable tears, which enriches the main character’s backstory. Even after Lila is safe, Frankie still gets her emotions break out. Compared to ‘Should not do’, the ending of this story is more like a classical film ending. It’s more complete and emotional. Music is also designed at the end of the script, which I didn’t think of when I wrote my script. I deliberately listen to ‘Believe’ and find the tune is very melancholy, which is perfect for this emotional ending.

Other studios:

I watched the videos from ‘Ready Camera One’. I feel this is a very creative studio course where we can learn multi-camera productions and other TV related contents. Like our breakdown sheet, I believe all of those final works also need a lot of pre-production analysis to make a real TV show quality.

Firstly, I watched ‘Mr. Matchmaker’, an interesting dating show. We can easily see that there are four camera positions, one facing the host, one facing the female guest, one for three male guests, and the last one is a camera to take a panoramic view from the side. I think editing multi-camera material is not complicated, but I guess the more difficult part should be the position of people and cameras. I don’t know if the 180-degree framing angle is also used in TV shows, but I found that all the camera positions in this video are on the right side of the audience’s sight direction. Obviously the cameras are all on the same side of the axis. But I feel it strange that all the actors are on the right hand side of the host. Why don’t they sit on either side of the host? There may be any reason, but at least from the frame, I think the male and female guests should not sit so close. Finally, it’s important to be sure that the group did a lot of pre-production for this show, including props, stages, and scripts, to make the story so interesting.

I love the videos of ‘THE CHARLIE SHOW’ so much! They combined the style of talk shows with soap operas together so well. As a multi-camera work, we can find three cameras are used. Both characters have a camera respectively, and one for the panorama. If there is only one person on the stage, he will get a shot from two angles. ‘THE CHARLIE SHOW’ includes more content and is more attractive. Besides the indoor studio staff, there are street interviews, time for advertising and music performances. It can be said that this show contains all the components needed for a nightly talk show. The second episode even becomes a family gossip, which is very engaging and funny. I’d say this show is both funny and sensational, and I think it is very successful.