Comparing and Contrasting Locations - Penance and Passengers Seat

 In Studio VS. On Location

Firstly, shooting in a studio is rather limiting when it comes to the variation of shots you can get, this is evident in 'Penance' where the angles are repetitive. This is because if the purpose was to transport to a different setting rather than set in a studio itself, you have to avoid certain angles as it would expose the bare studio instead of the rest of the setting you have created. This does not prove to be an issue when shooting on location as the setting is natural and already produced.

However, because the setting is not specifically made for the sequence, it may not be as detailed as the creative team wish for it to be or it may take a while to find a location that actually suits the needs of the sequence. In this case, a studio may be more suitable as a green screen could be used to produce the desired effect exactly. Although, as seen in 'Passengers Seat' shooting on location can produce a large variation in the shots with a more intriguing storyline as it feels as though it is constantly moving rather than is being stagnant or repetitive, like in 'Penance'

Something to take into consideration for both places of filming is the lighting. This is highly dependent on the genre and shot that is being taken as it then dictates wether you need low-key, high-key or completely natural lighting. For low-key and high-key lighting, a studio is optimal as you are inside and can manipulate the light completely, from the intensity to the colour, as seen in 'Penance'. Opposingly, when shooting outside there is the added concern of lighting, if using natural lighting, in order to make the sequence feel cohesive the lighting must be constant and using natural lighting is unreliable as it is depended on the weather and nature surrounding the setting. When shooting in darker settings, such as the car shot in 'Passengers Seat' it can be difficult to light in a manner that still appears natural with enough clarity in the shot to understand the action.

In conclusion, filming in studio or on location both have their advantages and disadvantages, ultimately, it is dependent upon the idea and concept for the sequence as well as the desired effect and impact on the audience.