Production Blog: Change of plans
I originally had pans to film in places outside of my home but I soon realized with the current weather that it may just not be possible. I had to change my plans and adjust all of the scenes to fit at home.
Originally, Burnout was supposed to include a variety of locations, like a park and a coffee shop, but due to unexpected changes, I had to rethink my approach and film everything at home and in my neighborhood. At first, I was worried this would limit the storytelling, but after brainstorming, I realized that this change actually makes the film feel even more personal—burnout often happens in isolation, so filming in familiar, confined spaces enhances that feeling.
Filming Setup & Adjustments
• Instead of a park bench for study scenes, I used my front porch and a quiet corner of my neighborhood.
• My bedroom became the main setting, transforming from a workspace to a symbol of exhaustion.
• I used my living room for certain shots to create variation while still maintaining the theme of burnout creeping into every aspect of life.
The biggest challenge was making sure each location felt visually distinct while still connecting to the overall story. I experimented with different lighting setups to create contrast between the overwhelming work scenes and the eventual shift toward self-care.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, I’ll focus on capturing the stress-filled sequences—frantic studying, cluttered spaces, and moments of exhaustion. While I didn’t plan for this change, I think it might make the film even stronger.
Production Blog #2: Finding Creativity in Familiar Spaces
Date: January 28, 2025
Today was all about making the most of my home environment. Since I couldn’t film in public spaces, I had to get creative with how I framed my shots to tell the story visually.
Key Shots & Progress
• Front Porch Scene: Instead of the park, I filmed a scene where I’m trying to study outside, but distractions and stress take over. The natural sounds of my neighborhood—cars passing, birds chirping—added a layer of realism.
• Neighborhood Walk Scene: A replacement for my coffee shop scene, this moment represents the character stepping away from work to clear their mind. I used slow-motion shots and natural light to emphasize a shift in perspective.
• Cluttered Desk Close-Ups: To highlight burnout, I filmed extreme close-ups of messy notes, overflowing coffee cups, and my hands gripping my forehead in frustration.
Challenges & Solutions
Without varied public locations, I had to make sure the film didn’t feel visually repetitive. To solve this, I played with different camera angles, lighting, and depth of field to keep each scene dynamic.
Despite the last-minute changes, I think this new direction actually makes the story feel more intimate and immersive. Burnout isn’t about big, dramatic moments—it’s about the quiet, overwhelming weight of stress creeping into everyday life.
Next up: Filming the resolution, where my character decides to step back and prioritize mental health. This shift in the story will be reflected in brighter lighting, calmer pacing, and more open, uncluttered framing.
