The Old Times

Note to readers: Part 2 will follow after the official launch of this important movie.

Music Video Project – Module Definition

“This module introduces you to the key skills and fundamental processes necessary for working in Digital Media, and develops your ability to balance technical capability with an appreciation of what it is that makes compelling digital content. You will be introduced to the potential and scope of digital media through a series of short exercises and tasks which will address different learning styles and inclusive user profiles. Project briefs will also challenge you to engage with social issues that are impacting on the world, nationally and internationally. During this module, you will be conceiving, researching, experimenting and making a variety of digital media content. You will develop competencies in the use of digital media software and hardware and will apply this to gradually more challenging project briefs. You should expect to be working individually and in groups and with students from other courses on some projects. Practical interactive lectures present and address the fundamental issues of content creation and application for digital platforms, and there will be more emphasis during this module on the way in which content and function are connected and how and where the user might interact with content. Seminars and critiques will formatively assess, analyse and evaluate the projects development especially the emotive quality, functionality and their appropriateness for purpose.

Outline Content

• Produce an imaginative work that shows creativity and engagement with the brief
• Engage with a range of software and hardware to explore digitally based outcomes.
• Research appropriate sources and document project development
• Clear Self-reflective process
• Produce imaginative work that shows creativity and engagement with the brief”

Source: https://canvas.anglia.ac.uk/courses/47377/external_tools/24

Process

I have never made a movie before – unless you count my very simple contributions to TikTok in recent years and an appearance in a couple of corporate videos during my time in the Tesco Corporate Affairs Team more than a decade ago. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that I have never produced a film before – this project started as a real challenge to me, and it was teamwork that made it deliverable. While I have significant experience of supporting and delivering events – including conferences, presentations and liturgies – I have never experienced a project of this nature. My challenges were:

• I’m completely new to digital media and film production, with no previous hands-on experience.
• I’m still learning how to use cameras, lighting, and editing software effectively.
• Most of my understanding comes from observing rather than doing, so I’m keen to learn through practice.
• Technical terms and equipment can feel a bit overwhelming at times.
• I’m approaching this project with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes.

I took part in this project with the 6 key points from ‘My Personal Learning Manifesto’ in mind:

Deliverables

This project sets the challenge to a small team within the 1^st Year Digital Media Production Group to produce a short music video:

“For this project you will be developing a 60 second music video project in small teams.” Which includes and :

• Equipment List
• Call sheet
• Production Schedule

Team

Teams were selected in collaboration with the module tutor, Liam Conway and the course students. The group I was in – MVG (Music Video Gang) – includes Tony, Ben, Ivanusa and myself.

Stages of Film Production

New York Film Academy (Source:https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/7-stages-film-production/) suggests that there are seven stages in film production which I outline below with an abridged description of each stage:

• Development: Producer develops idea, acquires rights, and completes final screenplay.
• Financing: Producer meets investors, networks, and secures funding for production.
• Pre-production: Cast, crew, locations, sets, and schedules are finalized.
• Production: Director oversees filming; crew captures scenes efficiently and creatively.
• Post-production: Editors assemble footage; add effects, sound, colour, and music.
• Marketing: Teasers, posters, and social media generate buzz and awareness.
• Distribution: Film released theatrically or streamed domestically and internationally worldwide.

I have used this template for the purposes of this report on the Music Video Project but have excluded the ‘Finance’ Section so the process will be described under the following headings:

1. Development
2. Pre-production
3. Production
4. Post-production
5. Marketing
6. Distribution

Development

The team began by discussing the brief, and settling upon a theme and piece of music around which to base the Music Video Project.

The musical track was agreed as: Hunter’s Moon by Ghost

And the theme of the movie to accompany the music was:

A university community is thrown into a Halloween panic by the sudden appearance of a sinister, shears-wielding figure, only to discover the terrifying “Hunter’s Moon Killer” is actually the campus gardener on a routine pruning mission.

Tony outlined a story board for the project:

Source: https://tonykorotanaaru.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/hunters-moon-video-project/

And the title “Hunter’s Moon – The Gardener’s Cut” was agreed.

And a storyboard created:

The plan for the 4 weeks of the project was outlined and agreed:

• Week Commencing 06/10/2025 Briefing and Preparation Week: Objective – Finalize the script, assemble the crew and cast, secure all locations, and create a definitive shot list. This week is purely administrative and creative preparation.
• Week Commencing 13/10/2025 Lighting and Production Planning: Objective – Technically plan every shot, with a focus on lighting and camera movement. Train the team on all equipment.
• Week Commencing 20/10/2025 Production Week: Objective – Capture all footage according to the shot list and schedule.
• Week Commencing 27/10/2025 Editing and Submission Week: Objective – Assemble the footage, add sound design and music, colour grade, and deliver the final film.

Project Summary

The full details of the production plan can be found in Appendix 1. Appendix 1 sets out a four-week production schedule details the making of “Hunter’s Moon – The Gardener’s Cut,” a short film for Ghost’s “Hunter’s Moon.” Starting October 6th, the team moves from briefing and planning to a dedicated Production Week (Oct 20th), culminating in Editing and Final Submission (Oct 27th). The film’s success hinges on syncing a genuine horror build-up with a precise comedic reveal. The key points in Appendix 1 are:

10 Key Points

1. Project Goal: Produce the short film “The Gardener’s Cut” to accompany the song ‘Hunter’s Moon’ by the band Ghost, with a core comedic twist.
2. Four-Week Timeline: The schedule spans four weeks (Oct 6th – Oct 31st), covering Briefing, Planning, Production, and Submission.
3. Core Team Roles: Key responsibilities are clearly assigned: Tony (Director/Editor), Ben (DOP/Visual Execution/Editor), Ivanusa (Sound/1st AD/Logistics/Editor), and Nick (Producer/Editor).
4. Briefing & Pre-Production (Wk 1, Oct 6th): Focuses on finalizing the script, casting (Gardener/Killer, Students, Detectives), location scouting (Cemetery, ARU Campus), and securing props (shears, vine graphic).
5. Technical Planning (Wk 2, Oct 13th): Dedicated to equipment training (camera, lighting, audio), blocking complex scenes, and creating a detailed lighting plot for the contrasting horror and reveal aesthetics.
6. Principal Photography (Wk 3, Oct 20th): A four-day Production Week shooting exteriors (Cemetery/Street) on days 1 & 2 (dusk/night) and interiors/courtyard (Office, Vine Cut) on days 3 & 4.
7. Music Sync Criticality: The entire production is timed to the music; the crucial moment of the shears cutting the vine must hit a sharp musical sting at the song’s end.
8. Post-Production (Wk 4, Oct 27th): Focus shifts to Assembly/Fine Cut editing, Sound Tracklay (effects, ADR), and Colour Grading (cold horror vs. warm reveal) for final submission.
9. Thematic Tone: The film requires a challenging shift: an initial gothic horror pastiche must transition into a deadpan comedic reveal with the happy gardener.
10. Marketing Strategy: A plan is outlined using 15-second visual teasers, a stylised poster, and a strategic social media reveal of the twist to leverage the Halloween season for engagement.

Pre-production

Pre-Production Summary: “The Gardener’s Cut”

The Pre-Production phase, comprising Weeks 1 and 2 (October 6th–19th), focused intensely on administrative and technical groundwork. Key activities included casting the leads and extras, finalizing the script/shot list, securing all five locations, sourcing props (shears, vine), and conducting essential equipment training and choreography rehearsals for the dramatic music sync.

10 Key Pre-Production Points (Weeks 1 & 2)

1. Creative Finalisation (Wk 1): The core task was holding the full team briefing to disseminate the finalized storyboard and shot list, ensuring creative vision, tone, and pacing were understood by all.
2. Casting Complete (Wk 1): Casting sessions were held for all necessary roles: The Gardener/Killer (who must master the limping walk), the Students, the Detectives, and general Extras for the street scenes.
3. Location Agreements (Wk 1): The team successfully scouted and secured permissions for all five filming locations: the field/park (moon shot), the cemetery, a specific street near ARU, the ARU interior/hallway, and the dedicated “detective’s office” room.
4. Props & Costing (Wk 1): Essential props were sourced, including the hero prop (large garden shears), Halloween buckets/costumes, and the unique, printed vine graphic for the pivotal final scene.
5. Technical Training (Wk 2): Equipment training was conducted for all crew members, covering the camera (Blackmagic/Sony), lighting units (LED panels, gels), audio gear (boom, recorders), and support (gimbal, dolly).
6. Music Video Spotting: The team held a critical session to map the video’s action and cuts precisely to the rhythm and beats of the song ‘Hunter’s Moon’, ensuring the critical climax syncs perfectly.
7. Key Scene Blocking (Wk 2): Technical rehearsals were held to block the most complex shots, specifically the “hand shadow” effect on the church wall and the Killer’s signature limping silhouette walk.
8. Lighting Plan Development (Wk 2): A detailed lighting plot was created, specifying the use of cold, blue-ish moonlight for the horror scenes and ensuring a warmer, more naturalistic light for the happy gardener’s final reveal.
9. Choreography Rehearsal (Wk 2): The actor playing the Gardener practiced the ominous, deliberate, limping gait and rehearsed the dramatic motion of pulling out the shears and the final cutting action for maximum suspense.
10. Deliverables Locked (Wk 2 End): Pre-production concluded with all necessary paperwork finalized, including a signed-off shot list, confirmed cast/crew list, all location agreements, and the completed detailed lighting plot.

Production

Production Summary: “The Gardener’s Cut”

Production Week (Week 3, Oct 20th–23rd)

This is the dedicated filming period. The four-day shoot focuses on capturing all required footage, moving from exterior night scenes (Cemetery, Street) to interior and courtyard day/evening shoots (Office, Final Reveal). The key objective is executing the complex shots and ensuring the music video’s visual pacing is achieved.

10 Key Production Points (Week 3, Oct 20th–23rd)

1. Dedicated Shooting Period: The core of the production takes place over four days during the week commencing October 20th, dedicated solely to capturing footage.
2. Night/Exterior Focus (Day 1): Monday’s shoot begins in the late afternoon/dusk and continues into the night, focusing on the highly technical, eerie scenes: the moon shot, the cemetery pan/approach, the hand shadow effect, and the killer’s limping exit from the graveyard.
3. Action and Conflict (Day 2): Tuesday’s shoot focuses on the progression of the “killer” through the community: filming the street walk, the interaction with the Halloween students who run, and the killer’s dramatic entrance into the ARU uni building.
4. Interior Narrative (Day 3): Wednesday is dedicated to interiors, specifically the “detective’s office” scene. This involves capturing the dramatic, high-contrast lighting for the detectives working and the crucial Point of View (POV) shot as the killer walks past their window.
5. Climax Location (Day 3): The focus then shifts to the courtyard for the final suspense sequence: the killer walking into the empty space, the reveal of the lone vine, the Over-the-Shoulder (OTS) approach, and the suspenseful chest-level shot of the shears.
6. The Critical Cut (Day 3): The highlight of the courtyard shoot is the final cut, where the shears snip the vine. This action must be captured precisely, timed to the planned musical hit/sting for the subsequent cut to black.
7. Final Reveal (Day 4): Thursday is reserved for capturing the emotional and narrative resolution. This includes the short cut to black, the close-up shot of the gardener picking up the vine, the hood-off face reveal (showing a happy, professional expression), and the wide-shot slow zoom out.
8. Buffer Day: Thursday is also designated as a buffer day to manage any missed shots, bad weather delays, or unexpected technical issues, ensuring all required coverage is achieved before moving to post-production.
9. Music Sync Execution: The Director (Tony) and the 1st AD (Ivanusa) are responsible for ensuring the actor’s actions and the camera cuts are physically executed in rhythm with the music, validating the work done in the pre-production spotting session.
10. Technical Discipline: The DOP (Ben) must strictly enforce the pre-planned lighting plots cold/blue for horror, natural/warm for the reveal) and camera settings (e.g., , aperture) to achieve the consistent cinematic look.

Post-production

Post-Production Summary: “The Gardener’s Cut” (50 Words)

Post-Production (Week 4, Oct 27th–31st) is the final phase, focused on assembly, polishing, and delivery. Key tasks include creating the Fine Cut synchronized precisely to the music track, layering Sound Design (screams, shears) over the score, executing the contrasting Colour Grade (horror vs. reveal), and generating the final files for submission.

10 Key Post-Production Points (Week 4, Oct 27th–31st)

1. Assembly Edit (Monday, Oct 27th): The week begins with ingesting all footage, organizing and labeling clips, and creating the rough assembly edit. The immediate priority is syncing the video precisely to the rhythm of the ‘Hunter’s Moon’ song.
2. Picture Fine Cut (Tuesday, Oct 28th): The edit is refined for pacing and flow, focusing on the comedic effectiveness of the twist. The editor ensures the crucial cuts (hand shadow, shears pull) hit the musical accents and that the final scene transitions smoothly.
3. Sound Tracklay Start (Wednesday, Oct 29th): The process of layering all non-music audio begins. This includes adding specific sound effects (the snikt of the shears, footsteps on gravel, screams) and ensuring the clean recording of any Audio Dialogue Replacement (ADR) is integrated.
4. Conform Picture Edit (Wednesday, Oct 29th): The picture edit is finalized and “locked off.” No further changes can be made to the video’s timing or shot order, providing the foundation for the final audio and colour work.
5. Sound Finalization (Thursday, Oct 30th): Sound work continues through the week, culminating in the final audio mix. The goal is to layer the intense sound effects powerfully over the music and ensure the cut to black is followed by a deliberate moment of absolute silence before the reveal.
6. Colour Grading (Thursday, Oct 30th): A crucial step to define the film’s tone. The early scenes (moon, cemetery, street) receive a cold, desaturated, blue/teal-shadowed grade to convey horror, while the final reveal switches to a warmer, naturalistic palette for the gardener.
7. VFX and Graphics (Thursday, Oct 30th): Any simple visual effects are added, specifically the animation for the “Hunter’s Moon” title card and the effect of the moon turning a menacing red.
8. Lock Off Sound (Thursday, Oct 30th): The audio mix is officially finalized and approved. OMF files are prepped on Friday for final submission packaging.
9. Final Review and Export (Friday, Oct 31st): The complete film is screened for the core team for a final quality check. Any minor tweaks are addressed before the film is exported into the required format(s) for the official submission.
10. Delivery and Submission: The final film file, along with any necessary paper deliverables, is submitted. The subsequent marketing launch, leveraging the Halloween date for maximum impact, begins immediately after delivery.

Marketing

Marketing and Campaign Plan: “The Gardener’s Cut”

The marketing strategy for “The Gardener’s Cut” is designed to leverage the project’s Halloween timing and the comedic horror twist for maximum engagement and viral potential upon submission during Week 4.

7 Key Marketing Points

1. Timed Release: The film is scheduled for release during Submission Week (WC 27/10/25), aligning perfectly with the approach of Halloween for peak topical relevance and audience interest in spooky content.
2. Platform Focus: The campaign is centered on short-form content platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels (1-minute format) to capture the Primary Audience (16–30 year-olds).
3. The Teaser (The Hook): A highly effective 15-second teaser clip will be released first, showcasing only the horror elements: quick cuts of the red moon, a limping foot, the shears, and a scream. This is designed to build genuine suspense and hide the twist.
4. The Poster: A professional stylised poster will be created, featuring the Gardener’s ominous silhouette against the red moon with the high-impact tagline: “The past always finds you… under the Hunter’s Moon.”
5. The Tagline Strategy: Two distinct taglines will be used: a suspenseful one for the initial push (“The Hunter’s Moon is Rising”) and a question for post-release engagement (“What were you so afraid of?”).
6. The Reveal (The Engagement): A critical social media step involves posting a still from the final, happy gardener reveal a day or two after the main video launch. This leverages the twist to spark conversation, shares, and bring viewers back to the full video.
7. Targeted Demographics: The primary target is fans of Gothic aesthetics, horror, Halloween content, and the band Ghost. Hashtags like #HuntersMoon, #GhostMusicVideo, and #Halloween2025 will drive discovery.

Detailed Marketing Plan

Phase	Activity	Platform & Format	Objective
Pre-Launch (Wk 3 & 4)	Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Teases	Instagram Stories, TikTok	Build anticipation by showing glimpses of the production process (graveyard, equipment, makeup).
Launch Week (Wk 4)	15-Second Teaser Drop	YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Reels	Generate immediate fear and suspense, ending with the release date. Do not show the shears being used or the final face reveal.
Launch Week (Wk 4)	Official Poster Campaign	Instagram Feed, Facebook	Establish the professional, gothic tone of the film using the silhouette and red moon visual.
Launch Day (Wk 4 Submission)	Full Video Upload	Dedicated YouTube Channel	Present the final film with a clever, engaging description and full credits, titled: “THE GARDENER’S CUT – A Ghost ‘Hunter’s Moon’ Short Film.”
Post-Launch (Wk 4)	The Comedic Reveal Post	Instagram Feed, Twitter	Post a still of the smiling, happy gardener with the caption: “What were you so afraid of?” This viral tactic encourages shares based on the twist.

Camera Angles and Effects in Marketing

The marketing assets will be carefully selected to maximize the theme:

• Low Angles: Used in teasers to make the “Killer” look looming and threatening.
• Close-ups: Focus on intense details like the eyes, hands, and the metal of the shears to heighten suspense and horror.
• Tracking Shots: Used to convey a feeling of being hunted or followed.
• Contrast (Key Visual): The poster and cover image will utilize the high contrast between the dark figure and the unsettling red moonlight to immediately signal the film’s gothic tone.

We have prepared mocked up images of a potential marketing campaign:

Social Media

Newspapers

Cinemas

Public Transport

Public Realm

Hero Advertising at Piccadilly Circus

Distribution

Distribution Plan: “The Gardener’s Cut”

The distribution strategy for “The Gardener’s Cut” focuses on maximizing reach and impact by targeting key online video platforms relevant to the film’s genre, audience, and short-form nature.

5 Key Distribution Points

1. Primary Platform: YouTube: The full, finished film will be uploaded to a dedicated YouTube channel (or a relevant academic/team channel) to serve as the project’s central hub, optimizing the title and description for searchability (e.g., using “A Ghost ‘Hunter’s Moon’ Short Film”).
2. Short-Form Channels: The film will be immediately broken down and uploaded to YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to leverage their short-form algorithms, focusing on the suspenseful opening and the surprising twist for viral potential.
3. Targeted Communities: The film will be actively shared in relevant online communities, specifically Ghost fan forums/groups and subreddits focused on horror short films and music video analysis, targeting the core secondary audience.
4. Academic Portfolio: The project will be included in all team members’ academic and professional portfolios (e.g., LinkedIn, Vimeo), detailing the process and crew roles to showcase production skills to future employers/collaborators.
5. Film Festival Consideration: Given the film’s high production value and thematic appeal, a strategy for submitting it to relevant short film and student film festivals (especially those with a horror/genre focus) will be considered to gain external recognition.

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Detailed Distribution Strategy

Channel	Format	Content Focus	Rationale & Objective
YouTube (Primary)	Full 1:39 Video	Complete Film, Full Credits	Central Hub: Acts as the high-quality, permanent home. Allows for monetization potential (if applicable) and detailed analytics tracking.
YouTube Shorts	15-60 Second Clips	The Ominous Build-Up: Clips focusing on the red moon, limping silhouette, and screaming students.	Algorithm Boost: Targets YouTube’s aggressive short-form discovery algorithm to drive traffic back to the full video.
TikTok / Instagram Reels	15-60 Second Clips	The Twist Reveal: Clips showing the dramatic cut/blackout followed by the happy gardener’s face.	Viral Potential: Leverages platform trends and shares based on the surprising comedic juxtaposition.
Vimeo	Full 1:39 Video (Private/Password)	High-Quality, Downloadable	Professional Portfolio: Used primarily for sharing with industry contacts, potential clients, and academic assessors who require a premium viewing/download experience.
Thematic Forums/Groups	Direct Link / Embedded Player	Announcement Post, BTS Photos	Targeted Audience: Reaches dedicated fans of the band Ghost and the horror genre who are most likely to appreciate the source material and tone.

Post-Distribution Action

1. Monitoring Analytics: Immediately after launch, the team (Nick, the Producer/Editor) will monitor YouTube and social media analytics to see which clips and platforms are driving the most engagement and views.
2. Responding to Feedback: The team will actively monitor comments across all platforms. Positive feedback can be highlighted for marketing, and constructive criticism can be used for learning on future projects.
3. Festival Submissions: Research relevant festivals like Bram Stoker Film Festival or large student media showcases. Prepare the necessary entry package (short synopsis, director’s statement, clean film file) to seek broader recognition.
4. Academic Documentation: The entire distribution strategy and the resulting performance data will be included as essential evidence in the final paper deliverables for the university module.

Press Reaction

From ‘The Daily Screen’, Top Film Critic Carolyn Moi* writes:

A CUT ABOVE!

Hunter’s Moon is a Scream For All the Right Reasons!
★★★★★ – Five Stars

Hunter’s Moon – The Gardener’s Cut is the laugh-out-loud hit of the autumn — a genuine surprise that will have you gripping your seat one moment and roaring with laughter the next.

Forget your gory slashers and overwrought thrillers – this wickedly funny gem proves that sometimes, the simplest mistake makes for the biggest laughs.

A perfect five-star treat!

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to:

• ARU Media Services for advice and equipment loans
• Tiana Nealon who played the Police Chief
• Ramy Liu, Hollis Yuan and Carys Meng who generously gave their time to be ARU Police Force
• The Oscar’s Nominating Committee for their interest in this production.
• Butter Kist for creating great popcorn

Asterisks

Carolyn Moi* is a top film critic and an anagram of a well-known Digital Media Tutor.

Appendix 1

Short Film: “The Gardener’s Cut” – Production Schedule

A university community is thrown into a Halloween panic by the sudden appearance of a sinister, shears-wielding figure, only to discover the terrifying “Hunter’s Moon Killer” is actually the campus gardener on a routine pruning mission.

Week Commencing 06/10/2025: Briefing and Preparation Week

Objective: Finalize the script, assemble the crew and cast, secure all locations, and create a definitive shot list. This week is purely administrative and creative preparation.

Key Activities:

• Monday: Full team briefing. Disseminate the finalised storyboard and shot list (created from your plan). Discuss creative vision, tone, and pacing.
• Casting (Tue-Wed): Hold casting sessions for:
  • The Gardener/Killer (1x actor, must be comfortable with physical, limping walk and holding a presence).
  • Students (4-5x actors for the street and run-in scenes).
  • Detectives/Student Union Members (3-4x actors for the office scene).
  • Extras (for people on the street staring and screaming).

• Location Scout & Confirmation (Thu-Fri): Physically visit and secure permissions for:

• A suitable open field or park (for the moon shot).
• A cemetery (for the establishing pan and “rising” shot).
• A specific street near ARU University.
• The ARU University interior hallway and a specific courtyard.
• A room to serve as the “detective’s office.”

• Props & Costing (Throughout the week):
  • Props: Source large, dramatic garden shears. Acquire Halloween buckets, costumes for student actors. Create the “vine” prop (printed graphic on sturdy paper/card, with a fake leaf or two).
  • Costumes: Finalise the Gardener’s silhouette costume (dark hoodie, trousers) and the “reveal” outfit (e.g., a university groundskeeping jumper). Costumes for detectives and students.
• Deliverables by End of Week: Signed-off shot list, confirmed cast & crew list, location agreements, prop list completed.

Week Commencing 13/10/2025: Lighting and Production Planning

Objective: Technically plan every shot, with a focus on lighting and camera movement. Train the team on all equipment.

Key Activities:

• Equipment Training (Monday):
  • Camera: Training on the chosen camera (e.g., Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K) – settings, lenses, rigging.
  • Lighting: Hands-on session with LED panels, fresnels, and gels (especially red for the moon shot).
  • Audio: Training on boom poles, lavalier mics, and field recorders.
  • Support: Practice with tripods, gimbals, and dollies.
• Technical Rehearsal (Tuesday):
  • Block key complex shots with stand-ins:
    • The “hand shadow” effect on the church wall.
    • The limping “silhouette” walk.
    • The slow push-in on the grave and the final reveal.
  • Test the moon transformation effect (practical lighting vs. post-production).
• Lighting Plan Creation (Wed-Thu): Develop specific lighting setups for each location:
  • Cemetery/Grave: Cold, blue-ish moonlight. Use a strong backlight for the silhouette.
  • Street: Mix of practical streetlights and a softer key light for the students’ faces.
  • Detective’s Office: Dramatic, high-contrast lighting (film noir style) from a single desk lamp.
  • Courtyard: Even, naturalistic light for the reveal, ensuring the gardener’s face is well-lit for the happy expression.
• Deliverables by End of Week: Detailed lighting plot, finalized equipment checklist, technically rehearsed scenes.

Week Commencing 20/10/2025: Production Week

Objective: Capture all footage according to the shot list and schedule.

Shooting Schedule:

• Monday (Day 1 – Cemetery/Street Exteriors):
  • AM (Dusk/Twilight): Shoot the moon shot (using a telephoto lens). Film the pan down to the cemetery (establishing shot).
  • PM (Night): Shoot the grave approach, the hand shadow on the wall, and the killer’s limping exit from the graveyard. Capture reactions from extras (staring, screaming).

• Tuesday (Day 2 – Street & University Approach):
  • PM/Early Evening: Film the killer walking down the street. Shoot the scene with students in Halloween costumes seeing the killer and running. Film the killer entering the ARU uni building and people running away in the halls.
• Wednesday (Day 3 – Interior & Courtyard):
  • AM: Shoot the “detective’s office” scene. All actors look at the board, then turn to the camera (their POV of seeing the killer).
  • PM: Film the killer walking past the office (from the inside looking out). Move to the courtyard for the final sequences: the killer walking into the empty courtyard, the shot of the lone vine, the OTS (over-the-shoulder) approach, the chest-level shot of the shears cutting the vine.
• Thursday (Day 4 – Pick-ups & Reveal):
  • AM/PM: Film the final reveal sequences: cut to black, then cut to grass floor as the vine is picked up. The gardener takes off the hood, revealing a happy, proud face. End with the wide shot of the courtyard, slowly zooming out to black.
  • This is also a buffer day for any missed shots, bad weather reschedules, or additional coverage.

Week Commencing 27/10/2025: Editing and Submission Week

Objective: Assemble the footage, add sound design and music, colour grade, and deliver the final film.

Key Activities:

• Monday (Assembly Edit): Ingest all footage, label clips, and create a rough assembly edit based on the shot list. Sync audio.
• Tuesday (Fine Cut): Refine the edit for pacing and timing. Ensure the comedic twist lands effectively. Add temporary sound effects and music tracks.
• Wednesday (Sound Design & Music):
  • Finalise the soundtrack (song choice as per your plan, ensuring it ends precisely as the vine is cut).
  • Add sound effects: footsteps on gravel, wind, the snikt of the shears, screams, classroom ambience.
  • Perform and mix Audio Dialogue Replacement (ADR) if necessary.
• Thursday (Colour Grading & VFX):
  • Colour Grade: Apply a consistent grade. Make the early scenes (moon, cemetery, street) cold and desaturated with a blue/red tint. Transition to a warmer, natural palette for the final reveal.
  • VFX: Create the “Hunter’s Moon” text animation and the simple effect of the moon turning red.
• Friday (Final Review & Export):
  • Screen the final cut for the core team for a last review.
  • Make any minor tweaks.
  • Export the film in the required submission format(s).
  • Submit the final project.

A Director’s Note

Team, listen closely. The success of this film hinges on tone. The first two-thirds are a sincere, gothic horror pastiche. The camera work, lighting, and performance must sell the genuine terror. The final third is a deadpan comedic reveal. The shift must be abrupt but not sloppy. The humour comes from the absolute sincerity of the gardener. He isn’t a clown; he’s a professional who has just done a good day’s work.

The song, “Hunter’s Moon,” is your protagonist’s theme. It’s not just background music; it’s the score to his epic, nightly pruning mission. Cut the video to the rhythm and beats of the track.

Now, let’s get to work.

Tony X

1. Crew Roles & Responsibilities

A chain of command is vital. Everyone must know their domain.

• Tony (Director)
  • Responsibilities: The creative vision. Final say on performance, shot composition, and pacing. Works directly with Ben on camera framing and with all actors to elicit the right performances. On set, the Director is God. All creative questions flow to Tony.
• Ben (Director of Photography – DOP)
  • Responsibilities: The visual execution of Tony’s vision. In charge of all camera and lighting equipment. Designs the lighting plots. Operates the camera or directs the camera operator (Ivanusa). Responsible for achieving the desired look: the cold horror tones and the warm reveal.
• Ivanusa (Sound Recordist & 1st Assistant Director – 1st AD)
  • Responsibilities: A critical dual role.
    • Sound: In charge of all sound equipment. Captures clean, crisp dialogue and atmospheric sound on location. Must be vigilant about background noise.
    • 1st AD: The logistical commander. Manages the call sheet, keeps the production on schedule, and calls “quiet on set!” This is the engine of your production. While Tony thinks about the scene, Ivanusa thinks about the clock.
• Nick (Producer & Editor)
  • Responsibilities:
    • Producer: Manages the budget, coordinates locations, handles the props, costumes, and makeup. Is the point of contact for cast and extras. Ensures everyone is fed and watered. Solves logistical problems before they derail the shoot.
    • Editor: Will assemble the film in post-production. It is advised that Nick attends the shoot to understand the coverage and direct the edit based on the intended vision.

2. Detailed Equipment List

Ben, this is your kingdom. Check everything twice.

Camera (Managed by Ben)

• Camera Body (e.g., Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro / Sony FX3)
• Lenses: A set of prime lenses (24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) for sharpness and character.
• Tripod (fluid head)
• Gimbal (for the smooth walking shots and pans)
• ND Filters
• Extra Batteries & Chargers
• High-Speed Memory Cards
• Monitor (for accurate framing/focus)

Lighting & Grip (Managed by Ben)

• 2x LED Panels (bi-colour)
• 1x Dedicated Light for the “Moon” (a strong, focusable source with a red gel)
• Light Stands
• Diffusion Material (to soften light)
• Reflector
• Clapperboard (Slate)

Sound (Managed by Ivanusa)

• Shotgun Microphone on a Boom Pole
• Blimp (Deadcat) for wind protection
• XLR Cables
• Audio Recorder (e.g., Zoom H4n / F8)
• Headphones (for critical monitoring)
• Lavalier Microphones (for the detectives’ scene if needed)

Props, Costume & Make-Up (Managed by Nick)

• Props: Large, dramatic garden shears (the hero prop), Halloween buckets for kids, “detective board” with photos/maps/red string, the printed “vine” graphic on card with a fake leaf, pins.
• Costume: Gardener/Killer: Dark hoodie, dark work trousers, muddy boots. For the reveal: a simple, clean jumper or shirt underneath. Detectives: Smart-casual clothes (jackets, etc.). Students: Halloween costumes.
• Make-Up: Minimal. Perhaps some dirt/dust on the Gardener’s hands and face when the hood is removed to show he’s been working.

Miscellaneous

• Call Sheets & Shot Lists (Multiple Copies)
• First Aid Kit
• Water & Snacks for Cast/Crew
• Torches
• Duct Tape, Gaffa Tape

3. Revised Production Schedule (Integrated with Song)

The edit must be built in-camera, to the rhythm of the song.

WC 06/10/2025: Briefing & Preparation

• Key Activity: Music Video “Spotting Session.” The entire team listens to “Hunter’s Moon” together, repeatedly. Map the video’s beats to the song’s structure.
  • Intro/First Verse: Moon shot, text, cemetery pan.
  • Build/Chorus: Hand shadow, figure emerges, screaming, students running.
  • Second Verse: Walking through university, detectives’ scene.
  • Final Build/Chorus: Entering courtyard, approaching the vine.
  • Climax/Cut to Black: The snip of the shears happens on a definitive drum hit or guitar chord.
  • Outro: The reveal and wide shot.

WC 13/10/2025: Lighting & Production Planning

• Key Activity: Choreography Rehearsal. The Gardener actor must practice the walk. The “limp” must be consistent and look intentional, not like an injury. It’s a slow, deliberate, ominous gait. Rehearse the shears pull and the final cutting motion for maximum dramatic effect.

WC 20/10/2025: Production Week (See Call Sheet below for daily details)

WC 27/10/2025: Editing & Submission

• Monday: Assembly edit synced perfectly to the track.
• Tuesday: Fine cut. Focus on the “jump scare” cuts (hand shadow, shears pull) hitting musical accents.
• Wednesday: Sound Design. The sounds of the shears, the footsteps, the screams must be layered powerfully over the music. The cut to black must be absolute silence for a beat before the reveal.
• Thursday: Colour Grade. Two distinct looks:
  1. Horror Look: High contrast, desaturated, blue/teal shadows, red hints.
  2. Reveal Look: Warmer, softer, more naturalistic.
• Friday: Final export and submission.

Call Sheet: Day 1 – Cemetery & Street Exteriors

• Production: The Gardener’s Cut
• Date: Monday, 20th October 2025
• Director: Tony | DOP: Ben | 1st AD/Sound: Ivanusa | Producer: Nick
• Call Time: 16:00 (4:00 PM) – Sunset is approx. 18:00 (6:00 PM). We are shooting the “magic hour” into night.

Time Slot	Scene & Description	Talent Required	Location	Notes & Equipment
16:00-17:30	SC 1: Shot of the moon. ‘Hunter’s Moon’ text appears. Moon becomes red. Pan down to cemetery (establishing).	–	Field / Cemetery	Use telephoto lens for moon. DOP to manage practical light with red gel for moon effect. Gimbal for smooth pan.
17:30-19:00	SC 2: Pan down to a grave. Slow camera approach.	Gardener (in silhouette)	Cemetery	Tripod. Frame the shot so the grave is in foreground, the figure is a distant silhouette.
19:00-20:30	SC 3: Cut to church wall. Shadow of a hand appears. Feet-shot of killer limping out. People stare and scream.	Gardener, Extras (4-5)	Cemetery Exit	Lighting Critical: Use a strong backlight for the silhouette. Ivanusa to capture clean screams. Rehearse the “shears pull” moment with actor.
20:30-21:00	SC 4: Killer walks down street. Students with Halloween buckets see him and run.	Gardener, Student Actors (2-3)	Adjacent Street	Use available streetlighting, augmented with LED panels. Nick to ensure Halloween props are ready.
21:00	WRAP

Proposed Marketing Plan

This film has strong marketing potential. Start the campaign after the final edit is complete.

1. The Teaser (Week of Release):
   • Asset: A 15-second clip. Quick cuts of the red moon, a limping foot, the shears, a scream. Ends on the text: “The Hunter’s Moon is Rising. [Release Date].”
   • Platforms: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts.
2. The Poster:
   • Design: A stylised image of the gardener’s silhouette against the red moon, shears in hand. Tagline: “This Halloween, the cutting edge is real.”
3. The Release (Submission Week):
   • Platform: Upload the full video to a dedicated YouTube channel.
   • Title: “THE GARDENER’S CUT – A Ghost ‘Hunter’s Moon’ Short Film”
   • Description: A clever logline, full credits, and a disclaimer that this is a fan film made for educational purposes, acknowledging the song’s copyright.
4. The Reveal (Social Media Engagement):
   • After a day or two, post a still from the final, happy reveal on social media with the caption: “What were you so afraid of?” This leverages the twist to create engagement and shares.

Demographics

• Primary Audience: 16–30 year-olds who enjoy horror, gothic aesthetics, Halloween content, and rock/metal culture.
• Secondary Audience: Fans of Ghost, music video enthusiasts, and students of digital media/short form video production.
• Platform: YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels.

Camera Settings

• Frames per Second (FPS): 24 fps for a cinematic look.
• ISO: 800–1200 for low-light Halloween/nighttime effect (balanced to avoid grain).
• Shutter Speed: 1/50 to match 24 fps, giving natural motion blur.
• Aperture: f/2.8 for shallow depth of field, focusing on eerie details (candles, hands, gravestones) while keeping backgrounds soft.
• Profile: LOG profile or RAW — booked for next Monday.

Camera Angles and Effects on Viewer

• Low angle shots → make figures look ghostly, looming, threatening.
• High angle shots → evoke vulnerability, memory, or being watched.
• Close-ups → intensify emotions (eyes, hands, candle flame).
• Tracking shots → create suspense as the viewer “follows” the character through the graveyard.
• Wide shots → establish eerie environment under the moonlight.

Choice of angles: to reinforce the haunting narrative — alternating between intimacy (close-ups) and fear/suspense (wide, low angles).

Campaign to Launch Project

• Hashtags: #HuntersMoon #Halloween2025 #GhostMusicVideo #DigitalMediaProduction
• Platforms: TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels (1-minute format).
• Visual Teasers: Behind-the-scenes stills (graveyard, lantern, makeup).
• Launch Date: Week 4 submission week (align with Halloween for maximum engagement).
• Tagline: “The past always finds you… under the Hunter’s Moon.”

Camera Angles & Effects

• Low Angles: To emphasize transformation into “creatures.”
• Dutch Tilt: Unease during glitchy, horror transitions.
• Drone Shot: For a modern take on the “graveyard dance” — overhead choreography.
• Close-ups: Faces morphing through AR filters.
• Why: These choices merge classic horror suspense with digital surrealism, keeping the viewer unsettled yet engaged.

Tools & Workflow

• Filming: DSLR/Mirrorless in LOG/RAW. Book cameras for Monday.
• Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro (cutting, color grading, overlays).
• Effects: Photoshop for poster campaign; After Effects for glitch and AR visuals.

Team, you have a fantastic concept. Your roles are clear, your equipment is listed, and your plan is sound. Now go out there and execute it with passion and precision. I expect great things.

Make it happen.

Tony