Studio Production: Mockumentary: First Test Shoot and Idea Change

For the longest of the three VTs, we will be filming a mockumentary which will centre around the character of Norman. Originally, the VT was going to be a home video-esque, one take film that would be filmed as if Norman was doing it all from his camera at home. The contestants on the show would have to guess which films or characters he was acting out using a box of props and costumes. Since having a meeting with Josh and a first test shoot as part of a work shop, this has been altered. We were given the task to film a practice VT, we decided to use this time to film a first draft version of this VT with Helen featuring as Norman. After feedback we were told that the one take approach didn't give it enough excitement and it generally was a bit flat.
In reflection, Josh has composed the idea of a mockumentary which will feature another camera acting as the documentary crew. We have decided to keep Norman's camera in there as well to give the VT more depth and make it more exciting visually. This should also make the film more distracting for the contestants as they will be questioned on this VT and its important that it is challenging for them. The mockumentary will now be 3 1/2 minutes which will give us more time to extend it and allow for the extra material. In hindsight I think that the test shoot was a very positive thing to carry out as it highlighted issues with the original idea and has allowed us to re-think and come up with something that will hopefully improve the overall production value of the VTs.