Diary Entry

8th March

  Today, although we had filmed all the scenes we needed to, we decided that we should maybe re film the kitchen sequence again as we discussed whether the acting was up to the standard to interest the audience.  This therefore meant that we would have to make sure the Mise-en-scene was suitable for this scene so that the audience would make the connection of a party.  The table in the kitchen had to be laid out in the same way with the drinks bottles so we made sure that they were scattered so as not to look too staged.  However, we made sure that the titles on the bottles were facing the camera so that we could integrate the titles in that way.  However, one problem we did face was that we didn't have the smoking equipment as props.  This made us question whether we should still go ahead with the filming as it is an important prop that is typical in a party and adds to the Mise-en-scene of a party sequence.  Nevertheless, we decided that in the end, we should still shoot today and then when it comes to editing, we will then decide what footage to use - the first take or second.

  Another problem we faced today was that of the music.  On the first day of filming the kitchen scene, we didn't know whether the background music was suitable enough to portray a party sequence.  Therefore, we chose to film this sequence today without music.  When filming though, the actress found it difficult to act like she was at a party, slightly drunk and dancing to the music.  This was difficult but we told her just to sway a little so that in the editing, we would add music and it would look like she is dancing along.  The benefit of having no music was that we would have diegetic sounds which would make the scene more realistic and this would add to the whole 'feel' of the opening.

  Before filming this scene, we had a discussion about whether the costume was effective or not in the first scene.  After some consideration, we thought maybe it would be better for 'Ellie' to wear a black dress instead of the costume before.  This was because in the party scene, the girls were wearing dresses and so the audience would watch the kitchen scene and see a connection with the party.