
The filming process for our short film was both challenging and rewarding. Our production was relatively small-scale, but it required careful planning, coordination, and adaptability—especially since we were working with limited equipment and time constraints. The story, which takes place mostly in and around a taxi, demanded creative problem-solving in terms of location, lighting, and shot composition.
We began with several pre-production meetings to storyboard the scenes and finalize the script. Wentao, the director, was responsible for shot planning and character direction, while I contributed ideas related to how sound would interact with visual elements. We discussed pacing, transitions, and the emotional tone of key scenes to make sure the cinematography would leave space for sound to play a meaningful role later in post-production.
One of the most logistically difficult parts of the shoot was the taxi scene, which formed the core of the narrative. Filming inside a moving car brought technical limitations, such as camera placement and ambient noise, but also inspired some interesting framing choices. We used both handheld and fixed camera angles to create a sense of tension and unease, aligning with the film’s darkly humorous tone. Since much of the story is set within this confined space, we experimented with close-ups and off-screen dialogue to build psychological pressure.


Although Wentao led the cinematography and direction, our collaboration extended into small but important decisions during the shoot. For example, in transitional scenes where characters shift from dialogue to silent thought, I offered input about how these moments could be enhanced through quiet or ambient sound, helping us decide when to hold a shot longer or leave a space for audio to carry the emotion.


Overall, the filming process required a lot of flexibility. Some scenes were restructured on the spot to adjust for lighting conditions, actor availability, or continuity errors. These improvisations were sometimes frustrating but ultimately improved the natural flow of the narrative. It was a valuable reminder that film is not a fixed plan but a living process that evolves through collaboration and experimentation.
