THE SET

The end result of the set, was in a closed confined space, surrounded by brick walls. There was a door on upstage left and the poker table was in the centre. In the top right corner we had set up a small table to hold the drinks.

The poker table itself, was very realistic. Lauren had bought in a poker set including the poker table top. We had divided the chips out, set the cards out, and had layed some drugs out.

The lighting was very dimmed, and atmospheric. We had a naked bulb hanging above the table, and then some studio lights to add some extra lighting. It was the perfect lighting for our vision on the shoot, as it wasnt too dark or too light.

We used a smoke machine, to again add some atmosphere to the set. However we couldnt use too much, as it got very smokey, and began to look like a haze machine! But the use of it created a mysterious feeling, and worked very well :)

THE COSTUMES:

- POKER BOYS : They were in suits, but each person had there own style, for example we had some in hats, one in a cravat, and one in a fur coat. So it was individual to their characteristics.

- TOY BOY: Brown Suit, with a grey jumper and a white shirt. This worked really well, as he was still smart but with a more youthful edge, which was perfect for the 'toyboy' feel.

- NIKKI : Red dress, with a fur coat and black heels, also some diamond jewellry. This was very well thoughout as it was a great contrast to the grey and black suits from the poker players. It made her stand out.

THE LOCATIONS:-

- The Studio: we wanted to film in the studios because we thought that it would be easier to create the atmosphere that we wanted, instead of trying to find a location that fitted the description that we wanted. Luckily, it worked really well, and turned out how we want it.

- Hurtwood Underpass: We filmed here due to its bare feel, and also because it has an 'underground' feel to it, which is primarily our first idea. Again, this worked really well as it had an echo with the shoes, and we didnt need to use any additional lighting as it was perfect!

DAY OF THE SHOOT

On the day of the shoot, we had everything prepared from the previous day with the costumes, props and the poker set. However, the set design that was built, didnt match the design that we had drawn, as there was no bar and no door. We were trying to find ways to work around this, the bar wasnt as important, but we had to have the door, as this is a main entrance and exit for the characters. Luckily, we had left ourselves enough time to make the finishing touches to the set, as we had called the actors to come for 11.30.
At 11.30 we 'made-up' the actors in the suits that were supplied to us by the costume department, and a little hair and make-up was needed.
At 12.00 we began by shooting the first scene with Nikki and Luke entering and sitting to begin the game. From the time that this small and simple scene took to shoot, we knew that the day was going to be long.
We then decided to go for lunch, so we could have a smooth run of shooting after lunch at 1.30.
After lunch, we began by shooting clips on individual scene such as, eyes, hands with the cards, the drugs and shots of the chips being thrown in. After these, we filmed alot of tracking shots around the table, from watching the monitor it looked extremley effective, and professional. These took a long time, and we were on a tight schedule becuase 3 of our actors had to leave by 5. So we needed to film the end scene ASAP!!
We were slightly unsure on how to portray Luke being killed, as our first idea was that it was from a POV shot, so all you saw was guy directing the gun straight into the camera. However, we came up with a more 'creative' shot. It was a birds eye shot of Luke falling to the ground, and then gradually the camera zooms out to reveal the poker table from a height. This was very effective, and much better than our inital thought for the end poker scene.
The final scene that needed to be filmed was in the Hurtwood underpass. Our storyboard required us to film Luke and Nikki, but we decieded against the idea as we were loosing time, and we came to teh conclusion that it wasnt that important. However we needed to film Guy's walk, as these shots were going to be used to build tension to the scene. Luckily, this filming took 10minutes, so we managed to call it a 'rap' by 6pm. On time :)

Overall I thought that the shoot went well, it was well co-ordinated,we worked well as a group, and everything went according to our vision for the shoot. Despite the minor problem of the set, it was a perfect day of shooting!!

ACE SHOOTING SCRIPT

ENTER: tracking shot of Nikis shoes (high heels) walking along an external road

PAN SHOT of her walking down the road from the behind.Luke steps into the frame and shows them walking along the street together

ENTER Niki and Luke in the poker room set. Niki shrugs her coat and thrusts it into Luke’s arms. (Camera is placed behind her)Laughing and groaning from the table of poker playersMid shot: their reaction to a woman entering the room

OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT Niki sits down and is dealt a hand

MID SHOT Luke goes and sits at the bar and orders a drink.

CUT IN to Guys shiny loafers walking a long an external road

CLOSE UP of some of the poker player’s eyes and facesShot of the bar and the barman mixing drinks and taking orders.Barman is followed over to the table where he places a drink and walks back to the bar.

CUT IN to another shot of Guy’s feet walking fast this time

CLOSE UPof Lukes eyes gazing at NikiThe money being gambled increases into drugs and car keys

CUT IN to Guys feet walking very quicklyExtreme close up of guns put onto the table

CLOSE UPof on gamblers eyes

CUT IN to Guys feet walking stops. Gamblers are now laying down their cards

MID SHOT of the poker room: Guy bursts through the room and instantly pulls up his arm and fires a shot at Luke

ACE FILM INFO

‘Ace’Film Info.·

Name – AceTagline – It’s the luck of the person… Not the deal
Distributor- Lions gate·
Production Company- Blanc Productions·
Producer- Steph·
Director-Cat·
Sound Engineer - Lauren·
Cinematographer- Meggie
Cast List·
Seyi
Min
Oleg
Felix
Tym
Nikki Gilford
Guy Stanley
Alex moss

MISE EN SCENE
Locations- Studio & Hurtwood Underpass
Costumes...
Poker Players – Suits·
Woman- smart dress, heels, fur coat
Bar tender- shirt and waistcoat
Killer- leather jacket and suit·
Toy boy- open shirt and suit
Props- Poker Set – Green Cloth, Cards & Chips· Alcohol – Whisky & Vodka· Drugs – Cocaine· Guns· Money – Gambling· Cigars/ Cigarettes· Cocktails mixers

THRILLER OPENING SEQUENCE

After, long consideration we have come up with a concept of how we want our sequence to develop. Beginning with the main action of the poker scene, and then ending with a gunshot, and for a red 'blood' curtain to fill the screen. This is where the credits begin...
We like how the James Bond 'Casino Royale' credits are floating around a 'card' animation of the Queen of Hearts, Ace of Spades etc.... In order for us to have the ability to do this, we do need to draw some animations to use.
I like the effect that it brings to an actioned scene before, as the card game is the focal point of the narrative. Due to the cards playing a big factor in the film itself. Another reason why I am interesting in us trying this, is because it isnt your convential credits.