Shoot Day Setup – Today was intended as the first shoot day but became an extended setup day instead. No final filming occurred, though a few test shots were captured after the actor left.
Lighting & Projection Setup – Successfully set up most of the lighting and projection systems. Projection screens proved difficult to erect; required last-minute materials (wooden battens) to build freestanding frames.
Equipment Logistics:
Picked up equipment from Wildfire Lighting (10 LED Pars, 2 moving heads, cables, DMX gear) on Friday.
Completed lighting patching and programming over the weekend.
Sourced additional college lighting equipment and projectors.
University of Cumbria provided superior HDMI projectors, replacing substandard college ones.
Projection Material – Used “protector board” panels (large-format) as makeshift projection screens.
2. Feedback & Progress
All necessary equipment is now on site and operational.
Studio access confirmed; all logistics around space usage and technical setup appear resolved.
Staging revised to floor level due to weight/transport issues with stage blocks.
3. Challenges & Solutions
Delayed Filming – The full day was spent on setup due to unforeseen complications with screen mounting and equipment logistics.
Solution: Prioritise efficient, focused filming tomorrow with all setup now complete.
Projection Screen Issues – No ceiling mounting options available; required building custom floor-standing frames.
Solution: Collected wood and built freestanding supports with assistance.
Time Lost Due to Equipment Retrieval – Multiple trips between college and university, and issues locating a VGA cable for an ultimately unused projector.
Solution: University projectors (HDMI) resolved compatibility issues and delivered superior performance.
Missed Opportunity to Film – Actors arrived on time at 2:30 p.m., but setup was not complete.
Solution: Schedule refinement and clear task delegation will be needed to optimise Day 2.
4. Upcoming Plans
Main Filming – Scheduled for tomorrow, with all setup now complete and space prepped.
Shot Planning – Will attempt to finalise shot lists and filming plan tonight.
Staging – Will proceed without elevated stage, keeping action at floor level for simplicity.
Documentation – Some of today’s setup was time-lapsed; footage will be reviewed and added to the blog.
5. Additional Comments
A long and stressful day but ended with everything ready for a productive Day 2.
Pleased with the upgraded projectors from the university, which improved image quality significantly.
Acknowledging the need for better contingency planning and time management in future shoots.
