Student producer Zoe Seaton tells us about her experience on test shoots and why they’re so important for a successful film. 🎬
“Ideally a good day for myself on a test shoot is when all creative objects are met. I have a clear idea on what aspects to change, and have high-quality usable footage for the editor to slice together as a pre-filming mock up to further showcase what areas work and whether we’d need to rethink certain scenes within the script.
*WHY ARE TEST SHOOTS SO IMPORTANT?*
“Test shoots are a vital part of the production itself – they must be thoroughly planned out.
“Also with a wider crew present, it helps organise and network with others and showcase their work ethic efficiently so we don’t have any problems when it comes to filming.”
*WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAGS THAT PRODUCERS SHOULD KNOW?*
“One red flag I encountered in the past was a lack of communication between departments – as well as the actual involvement of the team.
“A red flag looks like members not taking part and doing their respective roles and collaboration, but rather sitting idly to the side. This can lead to the script, layouts, or creative vision having to change.
*WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A PRODUCER FOR THIS PROJECT?*
“I have to be truthful, at first I wasn’t entirely keen on producing a scripted film. I was more keen on going into factual! But after talking with group members like Rachel Radford, our DOP, about making a film inspired by the 1600’s, I felt more drawn to the idea and concept.”
*WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING FILM?*
“This film is set heavily in the 1600’s and we are basing it on historical events about women and
neurodivergent people.
“I’m most excited about this film having that educational element distributed towards an audience, as well as having that implementation of diversity within the film.”
Photo credits: Jack Sutton
Prequel Magazine 