Tuesday, November 14, 2006

By The Blade

Last weekend I went out filming with Spearhead Films again. We decided to totally re-shoot the whole sword fight from beginning to end using a different set-up for the camera. We pumped the frame rate up and opened up the shutter more. We wanted plenty of depth of field so many of the close-ups were shot a fair distance away and then we zoomed in on the subject. We also went for a much lower camera angle which gave a much more dramatic effect and added some camera shake. Of course some clever editing has added to the pace and drama.

The final version will involve actors in futuristic clothing and ancient armour in a fight to the death for a future sci-fi film. This sequence is to test camerawork, angles and fight choreography and was shot and edited in approx 6 hours. We used Apple Macs for editing and Sony HDV cameras for the filming, the quality of the YouTube video does not reflect the quality of the final video.The sound is all stock from the camera as this is a camera and choreography project. We would record sound separately on our final feature project.

This time when we went out the leaves on the trees had turned more yellow and brown and gave quite a striking background to the fight. As this is simply a test shot sequence for a much bigger project there is not really much of a story here but basically the hero prevails! My take on it is that these two men trained together but that one of them wronged the other in such a way that only a fight to the death would settle the matter and restore honour. Anyway, I would be interested to know what you think of the video, especially compared to the first test clip. Also, what is your take on what happens? I'd love to hear your view!

10 comments:

OldLady Of The Hills said...

WOW! That has much more "action" in this version....at least from my memory of the other one...It has a more "real" feeling....And as to what this is about? I think this fight is over 'a woman', of course....the circumstances could be anything...but, it is surely over a Lady! (lol)

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Well, I think you handled the camera like a seasoned pro! You keep this up and you will be a First Rate Cinemetographer!!! Terrific, Bob-Kat!

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Well done, Bob-Kat!

MaR said...

Although the black clothes on the first video added dramatism, this one is a lot more passionate, the bearded guy seems to be as angry as one can be... The first video had an elegant end, the second one has a breathtaking end! I couldn't have watched further even if it had continued! Congrats on an excellent work, Bob-Kat!

Bobkat said...

Thank you for all the positive feedback - it is much appreciated! I will let the guys at Spearhead Films know as this was a group effort and others spent time on fight choreography, acting, directing and editing. I was quite pleased with how my camera work turned out despite the fact that a couple of shots were slightly out of focus (and not used in the finished piece). It is great to have a creative outlet again though!

Katherine said...

Wow! OK, I first have to say I love the "tasteful" ending. I have a hard time watching very violent films. That was perfect and it got the point across - I knew exactly who died and how - I didn't need to see the blood spurting. The actors' expressions were really good - they looked like such real people to me. I also thought this clip was more interesting - more action or maybe it was that the camera showed more of the action.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

When do you leave for New York? I'm very excited for you, my dear...I hope the weather will be MARVELOUS for you!!!
Did anybody say go to Tiffany's? It just has such a great history and what with "Breakfast At Tiffany's"...It's at 5th & 57th Street...
Oh and the Ice Skating Rink in Rockerfeller Center....and Radio City Music Hall...One of THE GREAT GREAT Movie Palaces of ALL time....I spent a lot of hours there as a young person....It is a BEAUTIFUL Example of "deco"....!

Theo said...

yep. looks like a sword fight. yep. fighting with swords. on film even.

Michele sent me.

Marie said...

Sweet action! Didn't like the shot of the dude on the left when he kicked at 29 seconds or when he licked his lips. Glad he bought it in the end. Well done!
Here from Michele...

craziequeen said...

Well done, lovey - good piece of film.....

:-)

I look forward to seeing your name on the credits when I'm at the cinema....

cq