CASE STUDY JEAN-FRANCOIS RODRIGUES
ABOVE Searching for Meaning was filmed in 4K to get more options when framing in post-production. Over a terabyte of data was shot, but the end result will be downscaled to 1080p
mainly using the Rembrandt lighting technique. Overall, we shot over a terabyte of data, though the end result will be subsequently downscaled to 1080p, which was pretty much what I was looking to do from the outset. Learning curve Diving head first into a passion project of this kind was a daunting prospect and, as might be expected, the learning curve required was steep indeed. The interviews took us from London through to Leeds, West Sussex, Oxford, Warwickshire and Swindon. This amount of travel placed extra pressure on my finances, since the cost of petrol, food and an overnight hotel stay all came out of my pocket. Thankfully, as a teamwe were united in our determination to produce the best possible piece of work and to raise awareness about a subject we all cared about deeply, which affects us all. Frommy perspective, I started out as a novice and, truth be told, I still consider myself not far above that state, but now, at least, I do have a great piece of work under my belt that will serve as a foundation to grow from. I’ve always aimed high with
care and also some of those at the sharp end, who are undergoing treatment and can talk about the experience. Each interview featured a two-camera set-up: the GH5 fitted with a 16mm lens being attached to a seven-inch monitor on a static tripod, focusing on the broad side of the talent’s face, with the Rode VideoMic providing reference audio. Meanwhile, the Lumix G80 and 35mm lens were mounted on the Proaimmotion control slider to provide a degree of movement – its position being dependent on the layout of the room. The Rode NTG3 was used on the boom pole, connected to the Tascam recorder running on dual mono. I prefer recording separate audio, as it gives more leeway at the editing stage and it’s straightforward to sync with the aid of reference audio from the camera. Ever mindful of the need for a professional production, I signed up a specialist interviewer, which left the team free to focus solely on technical issues. We worked with natural lighting where possible, looking around for spacious, well-lit rooms when we arrived at a location. This was supplemented from time-to-time with the use of my LEDs,
everything I do, even if sometimes I miss the target and, for me, pushing boundaries is the only way I can learn. When it’s completed, Searching for Meaning will be screened at a number of locations during Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 13 to 19 May. It will be the conclusion of an amazing project, and I’m so proud to have produced something I think does justice to the thought process that started the whole train in motion.
More information searchingformeaning.org.uk
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PRO MOVIEMAKER SUMMER 2019
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