Project Shoot Report - "The Final Cut"

UNIT - 13

Written & Directed by Dhanush Raj

Cinematography Arun Sriram

Editing Sahana Dharshini

DI Siva Sankar

Audiography Harish

Music Haasan

AVFX Rohith Kumar

Production Phase
Day 1:

Today marked the beginning of my involvement in the film "The

Final Cut" as a VFX Supervisor on set and an assistant set
organizer. The film revolves around an aspiring filmmaker
determined to complete his feature against all odds. The story
required the capture of a film roll that gets exposed, set in the
2000s period, necessitating a vintage-style set.
As the assistant set organizer, I worked closely with the
production designer and art department to plan and set up the
vintage-style set. Our objective was to recreate the atmosphere
and aesthetics of the 2000s, ensuring authenticity and visual
appeal. This included sourcing appropriate props, decor, and
set pieces that accurately represented the time period.

Day 2:

Continuing our work in the production phase, today was

dedicated to the planned VFX shot involving the gradual
exposure of frames in a film. To achieve this effect, we placed a
film roll on the floor and captured a static close-up shot for 10
to 15 seconds. The lighting setup and camera angles were
carefully designed to create the desired visual impact. As the
VFX Supervisor, I collaborated with the director,
cinematographer, and production team to ensure the technical
aspects of the VFX shot were achieved during filming.

Day 3:

Unexpectedly, we encountered a situation that required an

additional shot involving object removal. The scene consisted
of a static shot of a building, with a car entering from the right
side, remaining in the center, and then exiting the frame from
the left side. However, the building had naming boards and
stone inscriptions that were not intended to be part of the film's
narrative.
After discussions with the team, we decided to remove the
unwanted objects in post-production. This involved careful
planning during the shoot to ensure proper framing and lighting
for the subsequent object removal process. As the VFX
Supervisor, I worked closely with the production crew to ensure
the necessary coverage and coordination.

Day 4:

During the production phase, my role as the assistant set

organizer continued. I focused on maintaining the vintage-style
set, ensuring its smooth functioning and cohesiveness with the
film's narrative. This involved coordinating with the production
team, overseeing set arrangements, and ensuring set continuity
throughout the shooting process.

Additionally, I collaborated with the costume department to

ensure that the characters' attire aligned with the 2000s period,
contributing to the overall authenticity of the film. Attention to
detail was key, encompassing not only set design but also hair,
makeup, and costumes.

Day 5:

On the final day of the production phase, I continued my duties

as an assistant set organizer, ensuring the vintage-style set
remained intact and visually appealing. This included
addressing any last-minute logistical challenges, coordinating
with the production team, and making necessary adjustments
to maintain the desired aesthetics.

Furthermore, I collaborated with the director, cinematographer,

and production team to wrap up the shooting schedule
smoothly. Clear communication and efficient organization were
essential to ensure a successful transition to the
post-production phase.

Post-Production Phase

Day 1:

Transitioning into the post-production phase, my role shifted to

being a VFX artist and title animator. Today, I focused on the
two planned VFX shots that required attention in
post-production.

Shot 1: Object Removal The first VFX shot involved removing

unwanted objects from the scene captured during the
production phase. Using techniques such as content-aware fill
and rotoscoping, I meticulously worked on removing the
naming boards and stone inscriptions from the building while
ensuring seamless integration with the surroundings. Regular
communication with the director and editor allowed for
adjustments and feedback throughout the process.

Shot 2: Film Roll Visual Effects The second VFX shot aimed to
enhance the gradual exposure of frames in the film roll.
Working closely with the director, I added visual effects to
simulate the gradual exposure effect in bright light. Through
creative techniques and software tools, I brought the film roll to
life, ensuring it aligned with the desired visual aesthetic and
narrative of the film.
Day 2:

Continuing my work as a VFX artist and title animator, today

was dedicated to refining and finalizing the two VFX shots.

Shot 1: Object Removal (Continued) I reviewed the progress

made on the object removal shot, addressing any remaining
imperfections. This involved fine-tuning the content-aware fill
and rotoscoping techniques to seamlessly remove the
unwanted objects. Collaborating with the director, I ensured the
final version of the shot aligned with the film's vision.

Shot 2: Film Roll Visual Effects (Continued) For the film roll
shot, I refined the visual effects applied to simulate the gradual
exposure in bright light. This included adjusting color grading,
exposure, and any other necessary enhancements. Close
collaboration with the editor allowed us to achieve the desired
visual impact, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Day 3:

On the final day of the post-production phase, I focused on the

final touches, rendering the shots, and delivering the completed
VFX shots and title sequences.
Shot 1: Object Removal (Final Touches) I conducted a thorough
review of the object removal shot, addressing any remaining
imperfections or inconsistencies. Fine-tuning the content-aware
fill and rotoscoping techniques, I ensured a seamless
integration of the modified scene. With the director's approval, I
rendered the final version of the shot, ready for integration into
the film.

Shot 2: Film Roll Visual Effects (Final Touches) Continuing from

the previous day, I made final refinements to the visual effects
applied to the film roll shot. This involved adjusting color
grading, exposure, and other parameters to achieve the desired
visual impact. Collaborating closely with the editor, we ensured
the visual effects complemented the overall narrative and
aesthetics. The final version of the shot was rendered,
completing the post-production process.

Conclusion: Throughout the five days of production and the

subsequent three days of post-production, I fulfilled my roles as
a VFX Supervisor on set, VFX artist, title animator, and assistant
set organizer. Despite unexpected challenges, we successfully
executed the planned VFX shots, including object removal and
gradual film roll exposure. The collaboration between the
director, cinematographer, production team, and
post-production crew resulted in a cohesive and visually
stunning film that showcased the aspiring filmmaker's journey
in "The Final Cut."