BEHIND THE SCENES
Challenges and Solutions
Our team filmed during the ARTD 209 course on Dec. 4 at the Japan House. Professor Gunji-Ballsrud, an expert of the Way of Chado, gracefully welcomed us into her class to film her demonstration of making Koicha, a ceremonial heavy tea that is shared amongst guests. She also agreed to an interview with us to talk about the significance of the Japan House to spreading the Way of Chado.
During the filming process, we had some difficulties with the cameras and needed some time to get comfortable filming in 360º. In the end, we overcame those challenges and turned them into advantages. We got more than enough footage for the project by the end of the shoot.
Challenge 1: The cameras’ connections to the phones were unstable
While recording a 360º video, it is crucial to use our phones as a viewfinder because it helps ensure the footage quality. However, a few of our scenes were shot outside, where the internet connection was unstable. We needed to find a location where we can be out of sight and be close enough to the camera at the same time. After a few failed attempts, we got a satisfactory shot for the final product.
Challenge 2: The interview was recorded in slow-motion
After successfully filming a few scenes, the ONEX camera’s video mode was unintentionally replaced by a bullet icon right before our interview with Professor Gunji-Ballsrud. Although we didn’t know what the bullet icon meant, we decided to film the interview anyways. After the interview, we proceeded with the EVO camera for the rest of the shoot just in case. In the meantime, we consulted Dr. Ball on what the bullet icon mode meant and found out that it meant slow-motion, which meant that the interview footage was unusable. Luckily, Professor Gunji-Ballsrud agreed to redo the interview with us.
In the end, it worked out in our favor because we had a better idea of what we wanted to address in the interview after we shot the rest of the footage. We also communicated with Professor Gunji-Ballsrud about keeping the interview short so that the footage was short enough to use in the final product without heavy editing.
Challenge 3: Cameras have a short battery life
This is a straightforward challenge, but it seriously impeded our filming process. Fortunately, we were able to switch off between the two cameras, while using a power bank to charge the spare in between.
In addition to the challenges, we also had a few successes in the process.
Success 1: Good weather conditions
On film day, the weather was picturesque. The setting was neither too sunny nor too cloudy while only a slight breeze existed. As a result, the footage had quality lighting and the tripod stayed steady.
Success 2: Full access to the Japan House and the ceremony
Professor Gunji-Ballsurd provided full access to capture supporting footage around Japan House before the tea ceremony. Plus, the team was able to place the camera and the tripod among the students, which provided a first-person perspective. With these advantages, the videographers were able to produce an experience that accomplished the goal of an immersive experience.
Success 3: Cooperation from the students in the course
Luckily, the students in the course were very cooperative in the filming process. After explaining the project to them, they ignored the cameras' presence for the most part. The cameras are also relatively non-intrusive, which resulted in footage that provides viewers with a natural and authentic experience.