Script to Screen: Project Evaluation

 Script to Screen: Project Evaluation

Our final project for the Script to Screen unit is titled the Interview. Initially, we had planned to adapt and shoot Derrin Elliott's screenplay for the final project. However, due to a national lockdown, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we were unable to go ahead with our plans. We had to collaboratively come up with creative alternatives. It was decided that in order to make this work, we were going to have to adapt Derrin's idea and write two completely new pages of script. As a team, we virtually met and tried to figure out some creative solutions to our obstacle. We drew upon things that we had watched. For example, we looked at the show Staged and the film Cyberbully as well as video platforms like Youtube. As we had to shoot remotely due to the lockdown and us all being in different locations, the solution we decided upon was to create something similar to a video diary. We adapted Derrin's initial screenplay about a father having a conversation with his deceased daughter to being about a brother who had lost his sister and was trying to get his life back on track. Heather wrote the new screenplay and conferred with us as a group, making changes along the way to ensure that it sounded realistic and could be shot. Despite the challenge of Covid-19, we were able to work collaboratively to come up with a solution and product.

As the Producer, I was tasked with completing risk assessments, location scouting, and ensuring that everyone was getting on with their roles. As a result of Derrin's screenplay being partially set in a cemetery, I got in contact with Kent Film Office to try and obtain a cemetery as our location. Due to Covid-19, we had to ensure that we had back-up locations in case we weren't allowed to shoot in a cemetery. When tier four and lockdown were announced, it was decided that we would shoot in our student accommodation (one of our backups). Whilst writing the first risk assessment, I struggled to know what to write and how much detail to go into. Once I had completed it, gotten feedback on it and had it signed off, I became more confident with writing a risk assessment. In addition to being producer, I was also the Covid-19 Supervisor, meaning that I had to ensure precautions were taken surrounding filming and the pandemic. I used the risk assessment to highlight the Covid-19 precautions our group were to take and the possible impacts it could have if Covid-19 precautions weren't taken. 

To begin with, we had allocated Harry as editor. With the change in circumstances, we collectively decided that we would each make our own edits of the footage. This not only enabled us to see how we interpreted the footage and story, it allowed us to practice using Premier Pro and become more confident with it. Through the editing workshops with Ferg and looking up tutorials on Youtube, I was able to feel a bit more confident with using Premier Pro halfway through editing the final project. I learnt how to add video transitions (e.g. cross dissolve) between two clips to make them appear smoother and allow for the video to flow in a better way. I learnt how to rotate a video from portrait to landscape. In addition to this, I gained an understanding of how to adjust the volume of the audio clips. When editing, I had to keep reminding myself that you do not have to religiously match up each clip to each action/scene. Instead, it's about telling the story and making it come to life visually, ensuring that it makes sense along the way. 

In order to develop further, I would like to develop my camera skills surrounding the industry standard cameras and understand more about them. Furthermore, as I continue to edit more videos, I would like to ensure that jump cuts are more smoothly hidden so that aspects of the footage appears as though it was filmed as one. By continuing to use Premier Pro, I will hopefully gain more knowledge and skill as well as become more confident in using the software.