P1(d) Set Designs

Producing set designs and layouts for various scenes are a key planning tool, helping you set up your desired set efficiently and closely to how you originally planned. On the days of the shoot, referring to set designs before commencing with filming meant I could see if any alterations needed to be made to the current set up. Additionally if the set was yet to be created, I could follow the plans I have previously created in order to make up the correct setting for filming. Examples of the set designs for a number of scenes are shown below:

The exterior shot of Waterstones will be a wide angle, establishing shot. The camera will be at eye level and just to the right of the stores entrance, showing people passing and entering the store on their way to the book signing. The only lighting used in this clip will be natural light, providing the most natural shot.

Oliver Harrow's office desk will be placed close to the back wall, in front of a book case. A number of props will be places on the desk in order to create more effective shots that help the audience understand the storyline. There will be two cameras angled from the left and right side of the desk, giving a large perspective of the whole scene, whilst making the footage more interesting. In addition to this a crane will be used on the left hand side for one of the opening shots, to create a more diverse range of shots, all of this will abide by the 180 degree rule and be used effectively. In a number of the clips, the light will be provided from the office lamp place on his desk, however there will be a back light out of shot to provide additional lighting if the shot is too dark. I plan for the lighting in these shots to look very natural and coming from the lamp.

When in Waterstones, I have very little say in how the set can look, however the current setup of the store works very well for the film. With a camera on the right hand side at eye level, I will be able to gain a medium shot of the member of staff introducing Oliver Harrow to the crowd, once again using the stores lighting to keep a more natural looking tone. Additionally a camera will be setup in front of the escalator at eye level once again, showing a wide angled shot of the store as customers who are attending the book signing begin making their way upstairs.

The library set will involve a desk in the corner of the room, with bookshelves surrounding the perimeter. The main camera will be set up directly in front of the desk and the protagonist sitting at it. A wide shot will show the desk and fans of the author forming a queue next to him. The camera will also be moved to give various perspectives of the crowd and their excitement to meet the author. Finally there will be a camera at the back of the queue, showing a high angled medium shot. This will be above eye level and show the crowd part when the protagonist is walked away. There will be one light placed near the protagonist's desk in order to ensure he is illuminated effectively, in addition to this the library's lights will be on at all times.

For the award ceremony set, there will be one camera located at a low angle, to give an captivating angle that continues to draw the audience in, and seem as though it is a professional awards presentation. The camera will be on a steady cam tripod in order to shoot clear and effectives shots with a handheld effect. There will be lighting located on either side of the award stand, with the rest of the lights in the room turned off. This will cause the protagonist and presenter to be nicely illuminated, contrasting to the dark background.

The studio set for the interview will involve a number of cameras and lighting, however many of these will not be operating, as they are used to effectively create a studio rather than for the actual film. There will be one camera operating to the left of the set, showing the studio lighting and cameras that are not in use. There will be two full lights directed at the desk in which the interview will take place in order to light the actors.