Major Project: Call Sheets

Major Project: Call Sheets

As part of my role as producer on this project, I made a call sheet and schedule for every single shoot (as well as a number of risk assessments). There were far too many to be able to fit into this blog post, but they can instead all be viewed through the below link, along with some risk assessments and consent forms.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MP6c9nsqd4kHqnrKIzYxvWs9kM4s7RgK

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EiUJwzYvD1ueaorYK8CkH31_1wZZT5NI


Test Shoots/Edits
Also on the links below, you can view the output from some of the test shoots and test edits, which I organised/created near the start of this project, to help prepare us for some of our scenes.

https://youtu.be/l8EeUjD0Sew
https://youtu.be/0Nz6nyjEtO8
https://youtu.be/0bOOWtgF3-M
https://youtu.be/vyu0Eg3rU7s
https://youtu.be/teRAIMB4etk

Major Project: Race Day

Major Project: Race Day

Today was our final day of shooting on this project, and it was probably the biggest day as well. This was Alex's big race, the thing this whole journey had been leading up to. 

Before this race I worked extreemly hard to get us trackside media access. I had been discussing this event with Brands Hatch for months and knew from the outset that it was going to be difficult. I  began negotiations weeks in advance, emailing and phoning the media team. When our main contact proved unhelpful I attempted to discuss with his supervisor in order to justify our case. 

I filled out all of the relevant paperwork, sent over our public liability insurance. Gave details of our previous arrangements, and even submitted an extremely detailed cover letter for our application.

But despite my best efforts, Brands hatch made it clear that they reserved trackside access on race weekends, exclusively for large pre-established corporations such as ITV film crew or motorsport magazine photographers. Only large organisations that they had a pre-existing relationship with were to be granted trackside access. This was incredibly frustrating as the event we were attending was a significantly small one, and as such no one from these organisations would be interested in covering it, so it is not like we'd be in there way. They simply would not grant us this level of access though. 

But i didn't give up and managed to reach an arrangement. I got us media access and free entry to the event. And we had permission to film in the pitlane and any spectator areas we wanted. So although not ideal, arranging this in advance allowed us to adapt our plans accordingly. We scouted the track the day before to asses new locations and decided it was best to assign people to the same stations used in the racing licence and our first test shoot. 

I spent the day before the race collating every bit of information we would need. I found the schedule on the MSV website, planned out how long each part of the race would take, so that I could estimate when camera operators should switch positions. 

I pulled together Alex's camera plans and went over the shotlist carefully to work out how it would logistically unfold. Then prepared individual packs for each one of our camera operators. These packs featured a camera plan, shot list, schedule, call sheet, circuit map, backup plans, and storyboards. So that everyone had all the information they could possibly need.

We arrived at the circuit at the time I scheduled which gave as a good hour to get signed on as media, meet Sam, attend the briefing etc. Then it was time for the additional crew to arrive. In addition to us, I had arranged for Jon to be there, as well as Alex Hargood (who I was keen to get back after he did such a great job on our previous shoot).

I took everyone down to the paddock where I gave everyone a clear briefing that I had practised. I explained exactly how the day would pan out, running them through the schedule I had prepared and detailing when Alex would be out on track and where everyone would be during this. This went very successfully and I addressed any concerns my crew had quickly and efficiently. I was keen to do this to prove my worth as producer on our last shoot and also to relieve all pressure from Alex so he could focus on racing. (although he did try to interfere at the start but soon left me to run things). 

Once this was completed I distributed walkie talkies and camera packs do evryone could stay in contact. Then proceeded to help each of the camera operators get to their assigned locations. Learning from donington I carefully distributed spare SD cards to each crew member, noting who had which one and where they should keep them/who they should return them too.

Whilst Alex attended his driver's briefing, before the qualifying session started, I went around one more time to check everyone got set up alright and was ready to film when I gave the word. 

I then headed back to Cailan, who I spent most of the day with. By now i had worked out a healthy balance with him. I would keep out of his way and let him get on with his filming without interference, but would keep track of the shotlist and regularly check in with him to find out how closely it was being followed and if he needed any help. The communication between us that day was some of the most effective its ever been and we worked together as one unit. 

The qualifying session went ahead without any issues and once it had finished, I asked the camera operators to remain where they were to give Cailan the space he needed to film reaction shots of Alex and a PTC with Sam.

Once this was complete I headed out to check on everyone. Asking them if they had any issues, checking over their footage and then instructing them to head back to the pits for lunch. 

During lunch and the large gap we had before the race, I took the opportunity to didge all the morning footage. Giving cailan the space he needed to film a PTC with Alex. I had also scheduled for the cameras to be charged during lunch which I supervised. 

Once all cameras were charged and everyone was fed, I went through eh shotlist again with everyone and detailed the new positions they would be in for the afternoon. Some minor changes had to be made hear as it was impractical for one of our operators (Nick) to get to his assigned location. Fortunately, I had prepared for this eventuality and referred him to his back up position/camera plan.

Once I had addressed any questions or concerns from the crew, I checked my schedule and got everyone to head back out to their location slightly early so that we were 100% ready when the time came to start filming. 

Once again I stuck close to cailan and got ready with my stopwatch (which I had brought with me to keep track of time in case the race started late) so i could tell people exactly when to change positions. 

Before the race started I also spoke to the staff in the media office about the best way to record the race commentary (which we planned to use in our edit). They showed us that we could access it through our phones and record it that way, so I set that up in my car to ensure it recorded without interference. 

As the race began I informed everyone to start recording, whilst I stayed close to Cailan to make sure he got all the reaction shots and actuality he needed of Alex as Sam went out in the car.

We were all ready for the change over when Sam came in to the pitlane slightly early and appeared to be driving very slowly. It transpired that he had hit a curb during the last part of qualifying and dmaged the axel of the car. He instructed Alex to get in as he tried desperately to see if he could repair the car in time. Cailan got all around the car to film this actuality whilst I informed everyone that there was a possible delay. 

We then had a very agonising and nervous wait whilst Sam tried everything he could to get Alex out there. But it just didn't happen. The car was too badly damaged to continue the race, and Sam had to tell Alex that he wouldn't be going out today. We managed to get this on camera, but were put in to a small state of shock.

With all our planning and preparation, we now found ourselves in a situation beyond our control where the ending planned for our documentary had disappeared in front of us. I informed the crew that Alex wouldn't be going out but had them stay where they were until we figured out a plan of what to do. 

With no shotlist to work from Cailan and I found ourself a bit at odds, but Cailan did his best to capture some further actuality. It was at this point that fellow driver Rod came to speak to Alex. While Cailan filmed this conversation I went out to talk to our camera operators. They were all very understanding and professional about the situation. Suggesting possible ways we could draw this scene to a close.

Once back in the pitlane we took some time to have a think and try to figure out what to do next. Once it had all sunk in for Alex, he surprised us both by remaining reasonably neutral, perhaps even upbeat about the situation. So him cailan and I headed up to the media centre where we could sit at a table and plan what to do

next. 

After discussion we came up with a few different ways to end this documentary. Which basically involved having our closing PTC here at the circuit, instead of the diary room. We would just need to change the questions/answers slightly. We also talked about filming other actuality, that could potentially a closing line of story. Cailan did a great job of drawing up a list of shot we now needed to get before the end of the day, in order to have enough material for a new ending. 

We filmed the closing PTC, trying it a few different ways and Cailan and Alex then went to film some final actuality while I collated the SD cards and didged the final footage.

So overall, although the day ended up going completely off plan, we really pulled together as a team to come up with a new ending that I think will give cailan a few different options, when he comes to edit this sequence. 

Communication between all group members was fantastic today, and I cannot fault our teamwork as it was really professional. If i had one criticism, it would be that we could have filmed more actuality after we found out Alex couldn't race as I think more reaction shots would have been nice. But ultimately I feel that although we did not get the ending we planned, we still got one that is effective. We shall just have to talk to Simon about how we approach it now.

Major Project: Abbi Pulling Interview

Major Project: Abbi Pulling Interview

Today saw the completion of our final interview for this documentary. We went up to Snetterton Circuit to speak to karting championship winner, and young rookie racing driver Abbi Pulling.

Quite a while ago on this project Simon said it would be good to get a younger female contributor to bring a new energy and sense of diversity to this project. I had been working really hard to try and find one for weeks on end. Emailing and messaging as many drivers as I could find, and I initially got really far with a driver called Katie Milner. But a few days before we were due to go and interview her, she suddenly went dark. Despite keeping in regular contact she suddenly called off the interview and stopped replying to my messages. But I was undeterred. I kept searching for drivers and eventually got in contact with Abbi.

We had in-depth discussion about the project for a while, and I explained exactly what we were looking to speak to her about, gauging her interest. And fortunately, she seemed really on board with our project. I began discussing dates with her and started looking in to her background in the sport. Her availability was slightly limited and quite late in our schedule, none the less after doing some research she seemed like a really great person to speak to, so I pushed the team to make it work (which we did). 

Going in to the shoot, we knew it was going to be tight (based on how far away Snetterton was and the fact we had to be back in Maidstone that afternoon to see our tutor. As such I was sure to pay extra attention to my schedule to make sure the crew were as efficient as possible. 

On the way to the interview, I organised the filming of the "Whats To Come Sequence". A short spoken sequence where Alex explains the different challenges he will face in this documentary. We had made a previous attempt at this in Alex's room. But it did not go how I expected it, and it was heavily critiqued by Simon. As such, I came up with a clear, and more thought out solution to this sequence. Alex wasn't initially keen on the idea, but I explained it to him in the most justifiable way possible as it was designed to reflect both Simon and Helen's feedback. 

I had the script and a mic to hand, while Cailan also had the camera, and we filmed this PTC in the car, on the way to Abbi. This way it was more fitting of the journey metaphor in our doc and we had more visually interesting shots to cut too in the edit. After a few takes I think we got exactly what we needed.

Once we arrived at the circuit I messaged Abbi to find out where she was based (what garrage) and headed over to meet her. By the time we reached her garrage, she had just gone put on track. So to make the most of our time I went to get us signed on as media so we could film in the pitlane as soon as she pulled in.  

Once Abbi had returned we gave her a moment to get out the car, and unwind for a minute. Before going over and introducing ourselves to her and her Dad. I initiated conversation and discussed how she'd been getting on out on track, before proceeding to explain teh idea of the days shoot. 

She was very professional but also easy to get along with and was open and engaged in our ideas. Once I had explained our plan I then spoke to her dad to find out when she'd be on track so i could adjust my schedule accordingly. It worked out that we had just under half an hour before she was due back out. She had to have a quick de-brief so whilst this was happening I went with Alex and cailan to scout a place that his camera plans would work (as we did not have the opportunity to scout the location at an earlier point).

I initially considered swapping my schedule around so that we filmed the latter shots first, to be more efficient. But ultimately decided that it was better to film the first half now as it would play out better in the time that we had. I then went to get Abbi, and made sure that before we started filming that both she and her dad signed the appropriate consent forms I had brought with me (since Abbi is still a minor). 

Once this was sorted I re-introduced her to Alex and we talked her through the questions we wanted to ask her and how we'd film it. 

She was very open and professional and was happy to proceed after a few small alterations. The first half was a walk and talk interview (which Simon really liked the idea of) focussed on setting up Abbi as a contributor. This only took two takes to get right, which was great and left Abbi with more time to prepare for her next track session (which we were able to film).

Whilst Alex filmed most of the B-roll on the shotlsit, Cailan and I headed trackside, to the locations Alex had assigned for us. Leaving early to ensure we were there at the time I had scheduled. We used teh walkie talkies i had brought to communicate and I ensured everyone had a digital copy of the camera plans to follow whilst Abbi was out on track. 

I struggled a little bit with this filming due to the unfamilier circuit and high winds on the day. But was generally happy witht the footage I got (as were cailan and Alex with theirs). After we saw Abbi heading in we then headed back to her garage. I explained to her the plan for the second half of the interview which she seemed equally interested in. However we had to wait for her team leader to get some footage on his computer and de-brief with her before we could film. This put u =s a little behind schedule, but we made the most of our time by setting up the cameras and testing the shots.

Whilst Alex and cailan did this I stayed with Abbi to make sure it came across that we were interested in her performance on the day, as well as our own filming (which we of course were). And as soon as she was done with her de-brief, I got her set up at our new location. Where her and Alex had a sit-down interview about fitness. I ran them through the questions briefly and spent the majority of the interview checking the cameras to make sure they stayed focused.  

This all went really well and we got plenty of usable clips from this interview. I then ensured that Cailan filmed a few additional shots to help connect the two parts of the interview together which will help me in the edit. 

After checking our shotlist and schedule (which we had caught up with....just after some crazy efficient teamwork), we confirmed that we had everything we needed (including signed consent forms). So we thanked Abbi and her dad for their time, and informed them of where they will be able to see the finished cut. Then proceeded to head back to Maidstone for a tutorial, didging the footage on the way. Unfortunately we were so tight for time, and busy ensuring we shot everything we needed that we didn't really capture any photos from the day. So instead I've attached a copy of the content forms to this blog post.

Major Project: Notes From Beth (9th April 2019)

Notes From Beth (9th April 2019)

Today we had another session with Beth where we showed her our latest cut. We were eager to get her feedback after her notes from last time proved so useful. Below is a summary of what we took from this meeting.

We have a clear story running through the film, Alex ha always liked racing this is now evident. We see him training for a big race, how it is good we wounder how are you going to get on?

The V/O needs scripting, as Alex repeats himself too much or rambles in places, this will likely be finalised closer to the fine cut.

Umbrella note on the whole thing - “It’s just a titan.” There’s too much in this version, some stuff feels a little bit unnecessary. Does it repeat what we’ve already got? Is there something that already advances the story forward in the same way?

The scene with Alex's dad is great, really liked the emotion and reflective feel of that sequence.

The point at the end with the diary room pictures needs work in terms of “I remember it because it’s funny”, could possibly be cut.

Right at the beginning, we need to hear, “My dream is to take part in a motorsport race…” and then see an introductory montage.

Start really thinking more about sound design, music, get the pace and momentum going early on.

Gym bits are too long, Dan Rowbottom interview is too long. What we really want is “What is it going to be like you for you, what’s race day like etc.”

Bruno interview was good but shame he’s wearing his cap.

The racing license sequence is strong but need to cut after the window winds down, also audio after that walking towards the car could be cut entirely. Just cut straight to the car

The line, “You know when you don’t notice your brother getting fat” should be cut. 

Major Project: South Downs Sequence

Major Project: South Downs Sequence

Today saw the completion of another key sequence in our documentary.

We headed down to Birling Gap, a small cinematic stretch of the South Downs to film what will be quite an emotional sequence.

We had previously been to scout this location so had a pretty good idea of where we wanted to film. The main issue we were concerned about was the weather conditions. As in our previous scout, it was very very windy, cold and wet. Which would have been significantly less than ideal conditions to film in. 

To account for this I was sure to schedule this shoot as late as reasonably possible in our schedule so that we had a higher chance of good weather, which fortunately we did.

My main responsibilities for today were to ensure we stayed on schedule, achieved all of the shots on our list, guided Cailan where necessary, give feedback to Alex, and to operate the drone.

The first part of the day was spent getting driving shots that we would need for the introduction of our documentary. Cailan would film from inside the car, whilst I would stand roadside, and fly the drone over them from a safe distance. We had some practice at this on our location scout, so I was more familiar with what I was doing here and got some good shots.

The I had suggested on my schedule that we have an early lunch, not only to prepare us for the walk. But to give us a chance to charge the drone. 

After this, we headed out to film the main bulk of the sequence. Alex already had a location in mind for this, and Cailan needed to film some walking and cinematic establishing shots along the way. As such, I hung back a little bit to ensure they had some space. Once we had reached an appropriate place to film the first PTC I helped guide Cailan so he could safely follow Alex without tripping over, as well as help Alex form more coherent answers. But after they had got a good rhythm going, I gave them the space they needed and went ahead to locate the next spot we needed to film.

After our scout and looking back at previous shoots I decided to bring walkie talkies along with us to aid in communication. So I went ahead and found a suitable location to film. The team then met me there and we set up for the next PTC. This one had to be shot on the G7, since we found from our karting shoots that the Sony struggles to focus when there is a solid background like an expansive grass/sky/sea. So by using the manual focus on the G7 we could ensure a sharper shot. And since I had Alex clip mic'd this wasn't too much of an issue. My only concern will be balancing the colour pallets of the two cameras.

I helped Cailan get up, and suggested he try a few different angles to help me make a more fluid edit of this sequence. The walking and takes were taking a little longer than I had planned so to ensure we kept efficiently to my schedule I once again once left them once they had a few takes down. Upon Alex's suggestion, I went to capture more drone footage that we could use to establish the location, so that we didn't have to spend time doing it at the end. 

On the way back I liaised with Cailan in regards to the shotlist I had on hand, working out what had been done, and what we still needed to film. So once back at our starting point, I helped him check off his last few B-Roll shots whilst Alex recorded some audio of the sea.

Overall today went really smoothly. I maintained a healthy balance as producer. Making sure my DOP got the shots we needed, but also giving him the space he needed and ensuring we maximised our time.