Rough cut

This is the video of my rough cut for my short film. The rough cut did go well in some ways as I was able to gather all footage from the VHS tape and work out which clips can be used over my recorded footage. I also was able to find out the time to film the clips I wanted as I realised that I started filming too late and so it was too dark to properly see what was happening in the kidnapping scenes. Although, the darkness adds to the scary atmosphere, it is too dark for the viewers to see and may confuse some audiences as to what their watching. Therefore, I will film the scenes again but earlier in the evening. Also, in my final cut for my short film, I will add sound of Freya speaking over the silent scenes so the viewers gain a better connection with her and the story. 

Practice

This is a video where I practised scenes and angles so I had a better idea for when I actually film the short film. I worked out lighting with scenes and where the best angles were for the viewers to see what was happening in the shot. This was very useful to do as it allowed me to experience what I will actually be filming and work out what looks best in the camera and for the audience.

Casting

I used Freya Riseborough to play the role of Freya Smith. I used Freya because I knew I wanted to use VHS tapes in some way as I had never seen short films use them and I had some of Freya from a young age which would fit perfectly for my short film. Also, she is a confident and determined person who was willing to keep trying until it was perfect as well as give ideas of different shots and angles I could do for my short film. I had to use her real name as in the VHS tapes, people were using her name so it would be complicated for the viewers if this suddenly changed.

I used Trudy Riseborough to play the role as the mum. I used Trudy as she is also in these VHS tapes and the chats in some of the tapes between them both are really lovely and show a true bond. Also, she was patient in letting me re-do my shots and angles and was very committed to the character. She acted well in allowing for the audience to connect with her and Freya and I knew that she would put as much effort in as she could into my short film.

I used Suki Almond as the friend of Freya in my short film. I used Suki because she looks a similar age to Freya and they both get on great together so there was no forced acting between them both. I knew they would both enjoy listening to music in the car and wouldn't mind me taking many different shots.

I used Stuart Riseborough to play the role of the kidnapper. This is because I wanted the kidnapper to be able to pick up and throw Freya into the car so this person had to be strong. Also, I wanted Freya to be comfortable in who she was letting do this to her and she was comfortable with Stuart. Stuart is a strong man that pulled off being scary and he wasn't afraid to get involved.

Storyboard

 These are my storyboards I made before making my short film.