Speedrunning the Theatre - Pestilence
One down, two scenes left to go. With the time ticking for us, we were only given a certain amount of time to be able to film this one scene where Digital Phantom shows off his absolute criminal activity. So, let's get right into it! Our goal today is to get Scene 3 filmed. Here is what we needed to do:
- Set up the scene
- Set up the camera
- Set up the projector and sound system
- FILM!
We arrived at 9am and got straight to work. There was not much arrangement to be done, other than clearing any obstruction that could disrupt the illusion that the set was an actual movie theatre and not the Black Box. Not only did we have to move some set pieces that were in the middle of nowhere to accomplish this, but we also had to cover the A/V booth to preserve the continuity of illusion.
Afterward, I connected my laptop to the installed projector and audio system. Once everything was set up, all that was left was to wait for the actors!
Before they came, Jaydon and I took a short break and we got the chance to eat a few bagels at the children's ministry's lounge. I stopped by and said hi to a teacher whom I had personally known since my elementary school years, and we talked for a bit whilst Jaydon was talking with some other fellow children's ministry staff. After some time, we said our goodbyes, and Jaydon and I started heading back to the Black Box to receive the actors. Rehearsal did not take long.
The Movie
Originally, there was supposed to be a separate "scene-in-scene" dubbed Scene 3A that would be filmed. It would require its own separate filming date and would require that 3A be filmed outside of Calvary Chapel. However, due to our packed academic schedules, we could not reserve any more filming time outside of Sunday from 9am to 2pm. So instead, I had to come up with a compromise. I ended up showing the Abigail music video. Since it was actually well-liked by several, I figured I'd emulate its success by moving it up to the big screen! Honestly, I think the Abigail music video was a very good choice for this scene since it provided a relaxing start to the scene to eventually climax its way up to such an intense incident.
Digital Phantom's Takeover
In Scene 3, a small audience, somehow bored, watches the Abigail music video in the theatre. Suddenly, after a few seconds, Digital Phantom manages to transmit feed to the screen over IP and then starts to cause panic throughout the entire mall, not only by transmitting an ominous message over the speakers but also by sounding an alarm, tempting others to leave.
Unparalleled Efficiency
What was probably the most eye-opening part of this production was the fact that we were able to get the main parts of this scene filmed in under 30 minutes. We were actually rushed out of the Black Box since there was apparently a miscommunication that we were supposed to be done 1 hour before the stated time. Another group had reserved the Black Box to utilize it after we were done with it. However, we were not immediately kicked out just yet. We did have at least a few minutes remaining to film. So, we did the best we could, and we managed to do it in those few minutes. Since we only had one camera to use, several angles had to be shot multiple times.
We had an outdoor shot, and it was slightly raining at that time, so we could not be outside for long.
Afterward, we did not have time for a review. So, we ended up packing up quickly and then left the Black Box en route to our homes. I am very glad that even given the lesser amount of time, we were still able to make it through production! Definitely looking forward to Scene 1, and then finally, post-production!
