HLP Day Four :: Bowden Creative Space

Lisa Griffiths (L) and Carol Wellman Kelly (R)I just had to show this image - shot as we started working on our fourth 'tableau' idea. I think it captures the lively fun of working together in the space and the playfulness of where the project is heading so far!

Today was half technical preparation for next week's preliminary shooting, and half the development of a new vignette. We started the day with a vist from Pete Hall, from Urban Cine. He had a look at the space and we discussed the cameras for the array (we are aiming for 16 now), as well as the lighting for the space. Given that a) I can't use flash because of the limitations for fast shooting and video, and b) the backlighting from the window being variable due to changing outside conditions - it's a really tricky scenario. We even considered shooting at night and backlighting the backdrop so that the light defines the grid from the back. Basically, Pete Hall is an absolute legend, helping to problem-solve and keeping positive.

Pete Hall from Urban Cine, considering lighting

Peter Stanley, the rig technitian, mapped out the space to see if the 4m curved rod will work well in the rehearsal room given our decision to now shoot in that room rather than the large warehouse. We were thinking about a tighter 3m radium but have decided that the 50mm lenses on the Canon 5D Mark IIs will be quite tight, so we do need to work at least 4m away (preferably further). We may need to use the 5m rod instead. We tested a quick array-style idea using my Nikon in varying positions on the array rig to see what the far positions of the array would see of the space.

Peter Stanley (left) blocking out the space, and Pete Hall (Urban Cine) contemplating light

Peter and I also discussed the 'stage' and are hoping to be able to get something robust and aesthetically consistent made up for the shoots. Tricky with little time and no money though, so although we know what we'd like to do it may just have to wait for the final development if we can secure some funding. In the meantime, here is the rough footage we got this afternoon - Carol got her Tennis Marilyn after all!

Here is the raw stills sequence as we shot it. I plan to edit it as soon as I get a chance..

I really like the low angle against the windows. I think it will be quite playful once I get a chance to edit the work together. More thoughts, comments and reflections after today's shoot (another project)..

OK, back now..

I've roughly cut together the 2 angles - it's a little more interesting but I'm still not sure where it's going. The front shot is too close because I shot on a 50mm focal length to get a feeling for what the array will see in the space using a 50mm lens on a 4m radius rod positioned about 4m from the subject.

Looks like we may need to set the array on a 5m radius rod a bit further back - will try that next week. My flashes burnt out again during the low angle shoot, so we only got a few characters done from that angle. I've never had my lights fizz out on me before, so it's a clear signal that I'm going to have to work with continuous light and move out of my comfort zone. We will trial some lighting with Pete from Urban Cine next Wednesday.

Looking forward to working with the 3D Anthropometric Scanner at the University of South Australia's School of Health Sciences on Monday...!