AICE Media Production Blog: Changes Workaround

 

No matter how well I planned, technical limitations became one of the biggest challenges during production. The first issue I faced was camera equipment—while I wanted to shoot in 4K, my camera could only handle 1080p, so I adjusted my framing to maximize quality. Low lighting in certain locations forced me to rely on practical lights and reflectors instead of the professional lighting setup I originally envisioned. Some shots required smooth movement, but without a stabilizer, I had to get creative with handheld techniques and makeshift rigs. 

Audio was another hurdle—I didn’t have access to a boom pole, so I had to position the mic strategically to capture clear dialogue without getting in the shot. My memory cards filled up faster than expected, so I had to constantly back up footage and delete unnecessary takes to make room. Battery life was another issue, especially during outdoor shoots, so I planned scenes around available power sources and brought extra batteries whenever possible. My editing software couldn’t handle heavy color grading, so I simplified my color correction approach to avoid lag and crashes. Certain effects I wanted weren’t possible with my resources, so I had to rethink how to achieve them practically instead of relying on post-production. 

Some locations had strict time limits, meaning I had to streamline setups and shoot efficiently to get the coverage I needed. I struggled with soundproofing when filming in uncontrolled environments, so I used blankets and furniture to dampen echo as much as possible. When I realized my tripod wasn’t tall enough for a specific shot, I improvised by placing it on a sturdy surface to get the right angle. Limited storage space on my hard drive meant I had to carefully manage files and delete unnecessary footage throughout the process. Editing on a lower-end laptop slowed down rendering times, forcing me to break up my workflow into smaller sections. I couldn’t afford expensive costumes, so I worked with my actors to put together outfits that still fit the vision of the film. 

Some props I wanted weren’t available, so I had to either make my own or adjust the script to work without them. I originally planned to use multiple cameras for certain scenes, but since I only had one, I had to shoot from multiple angles in separate takes. Windy conditions during outdoor shoots interfered with audio, so I rescheduled some scenes or waited for calmer weather. Despite all these limitations, I found that adapting and problem-solving made me more resourceful as a filmmaker. In the end, overcoming these challenges made the film stronger, proving that creativity matters more than having the perfect equipment.