Sunday 29 June 2014

Behind the Scenes: Blag Blog

Burglars, blags and (probably) botched heists are the theme in this week's episode, A Cracking Caper!

It's another of our compilations, and the photographs are selected from the huge collection we have built up over the last couple of years.  In fact, the earliest shot dates from September 2012 and the latest from January of this year, although they are not presented in chronological order.  In compilations, we choose images that work together in groups over three postings, and they may or may not depict a singular narrative.


Above, the intruder may be in for an unpleasant surprise!  The architecture of the hallway worked well here, allowing variation in the poses and an element of anticipated surprise to be introduced.

Below, join us at the table for a heist-planning session.  This particular table has featured in several episodes, but, covered in paraphernalia, it could be any table.  The dangerous duo here have grabbed whatever was to hand, to represent the targeted location.


Below: Ah, once again, The Hat puts in an appearance!  That micro-cassette, is it being stolen or planted?


Now, the eagle-eyed amongst you will spot that this image, below, is not actually one of our own. (Yes, we have a range of characters, but transforming into a plasticene penguin is a step too far, even for us!)  Any fans of Wallace and Gromit will recognise that our current episode title, 'A Cracking Caper!' could easily be a line from one of their adventures. It's the word 'cracking'.  Well, we like a spot of alliteration, and on this occasion, 'cracking' is rather ambiguous.  However, I've added this still from 'The Wrong Trousers' as it seemed to fit in, despite the colour.


Stay tuned, and join the adventure! 

Shadow Laughter schedule: 
Tuesday - trailer
Thursday, Saturday, Monday - Episode posts
Sunday - Blog




Sunday 22 June 2014

Behind the Scenes: Table Talk

Our current episode, Parley, Promise and Politics, was shot in Hamish's kitchen, the location for various previous shoots.  This time we literally turned the table, and the chairs, too, in order to make the composition work better, and to offer more potential for lighting.

We had in mind a famous painting that is often discussed or referred to in Shadow Laughter, and which was the inspiration behind a previous episode.  



'The Potato Eaters' by van Gogh.  Like us, he also made a few studies before producing the final version, including this lithographic version with the reversed composition.  Go, Vincent, that's much more 'noir'!

We often take some test shots, just to check on exposure settings and to see how the lighting might need adjusting.  Here are some test shots from the shoot:



It was early evening when we began, but as the sun went down the lighting became more effective of course.  Hamish had placed a light underneath the table, and this produced great chair shadows, extending the geometry in these shots.


We tried out the different seating positions, in order to check the lighting on each.



We gave our ten-second acting skills a thorough workout during the set-up, and also during the shoot itself.



 As our special guest star joined us, we worked out that placing her at the head of the table gave her a better position and also offered greater suggestion of her role in the scenario.



Below; one of the final shots used in this week's Thursday opener.


In our trailers, we always credit the presence of our special guest stars, and they deserve all the credit they can get!


Stay tuned, and join the adventure! 

Shadow Laughter schedule: 
Tuesday - trailer
Thursday, Saturday, Monday - Episode posts
Sunday - Blog