I uploaded my first practice shoot for my short film, and even though it wasn’t perfect, it was a very important step in understanding what’s working and what needs improvement. Below is a breakdown of the feedback I received and how I plan to improve in the next stages of production.


1. Change Script & Connect It to a Social Issue

The practice shoot made me realise that the story can be deeper and more meaningful.
A suggested improvement is to link it to a real-world issue like:

  • Technology dependence
  • Parasocial attachment
  • Loneliness
  • Teen isolation
  • AI ethics

By connecting the story to a social message, the film will feel more powerful, relatable, and relevant.


2. Change Cast

One of the first points mentioned was that the current cast may not fully match the emotional depth and screen presence needed for the story.

  • The main character requires strong emotional expression, especially in silent scenes.
  • Chemistry between characters is crucial since many scenes depend on subtle interactions.
  • I will start searching for actors who can give natural expressions and deliver the emotional tone needed.




3. Slow Movements of the Main Character

The feedback mentioned that in several shots, the main character’s movements were too fast, making scenes feel rushed or unnatural.
Since the film’s mood is soft, emotional, and reflective, the character needs:

  • Slower hand gestures
  • Controlled movements
  • Calm pacing
  • This will help build the “memory-like” aesthetic in flashbacks.


4. Include More Shots

My practice shoot had only a few angles, which made the pacing feel flat.
For the final film, I need to include:

  • Close-ups (hands, eyes, subtle expressions)
  • Medium shots to show body language
  • Wide shots for location context
  • Insert shots (objects like the projector, phone screen, rooftop elements)
  • This variety will make the film visually richer and more cinematic.



5. Research How Phone Texts Are Shown in Movies
Since my film relies on the main character texting the hologram, I need to study how films visually present messages.


Techniques to explore:
  • Floating text bubbles next to the character
  • Over-the-shoulder shots of the phone
  • Split screens
  • Text appearing in the air near the hologram
  • I will research movies/series like Sherlock, Do Revenge, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, and various K-dramas that use this technique well.



6. How Holograms Are Shown in Movies

Because my male lead is a hologram, I need to research:

  • Colour palettes (usually blue, white, or glitchy tones)
  • Transparency levels
  • Light particles or soft glow
  • How holograms interact with real humans onscreen
  • Movies like Iron Man, Blade Runner 2049, Jung_E, Star Wars, and sci-fi short films will be important references.

This research will help me make the hologram look realistic but still emotional, matching my film’s soft romance vibe.



7. Make Transitions Smooth

The practice shoot editing felt a bit jumpy.
For the final film, I need seamless transitions such as:

  • Cross dissolves for memories
  • Fade-ins for emotional scenes
  • Match cuts (character looking → rooftop → memory)
  • Smooth cuts between timelines

Good transitions help the story feel “connected,” especially since my film switches between the past and present.


8. Actions Should Be Natural

One major note was that some actions felt acted instead of natural.
For example:

  • Smiling too suddenly
  • Overly dramatic movements
  • Looking at the camera accidentally

I need to direct my actors to behave more like they would in real life.
This is especially important because my story relies on quiet moments, where authenticity matters.



9. Research Couple Behaviour in Movies

Since the film shows past memories with the hologram boyfriend, I have to study:

  • How couples interact softly on screen

  • Natural gestures (tucking hair, walking close, looking at each other instead of the camera)

  • Comfortable body language
    Movies/music videos with soft romance, like La La Land, Before Sunrise, Tamil/Korean MV aesthetics, will help me develop realistic romantic blocking.




Conclusion

This practice shoot gave me a clearer idea of what needs improvement before filming the final version.
The main takeaways are:

  • Change script
  • Better casting
  • More natural performances
  • More varied cinematography
  • Strong research on visual techniques (texts, holograms, transitions, couple behaviour)

Even though my practice shoot wasn’t perfect, it was a valuable part of the learning process. These improvements will help me create a more professional and emotionally powerful short film.