Re- Edit (22nd/ 26th March)

This week we got to work on re-editing our thriller making amendments and improvements to our opening for the final piece follwing the feedback from our teachers and the class. We decided that we would not record voiceovers to be played in the background explaining facts about the killer and victims from news reports as we felt it would give too much away too early on and would sound too much when combined with the music. The main job of the week was making the ending more tense and thrilling as this was one piece of feedback that we got from our teachers. They felt that that more focus should be placed on the killer and not the couple. We edited the ending so there was less long continous shots of the couple. Whereas before the camera cut from a close up of the back of the girl and the boys face to the other way and then a long shot of the killer watching we edited the sequence so the camera kept alternating between the close up of the girls face while hugging her boyfriend and the long shot of the killer watching. This builds up much more suspense and tension than before and puts more focus on the threat and presence of the killer. The two shots we cut between are shown in the stills below.

(1) (2)

We also cut some of the walking sections down as feedback told us that they were a little too long. Whilst me, Sophie and Josh edited Andrew looked for some alternative music that was more background and drone that would build up tension at the end.

http://freeplaymusic.com/
He carried out his search on the website above and gained 5 possible tracks to use, he saved them on to our shared (T) Drive so that we could access them whilst editing the footage in Adobe Premier on a separate computer. Below are the titles of the tracks:
•Figures Taking Shape
•Freeze In Place
•Secrets Told
•The Dark Side
•Victim Pileup

Next week we need to re-film the photo pan sequence in widescreen. Hopefully having this second chance at filming will allow us to improve the footage from the first time.

Feedback on First Draft (22nd March)

Today we watched everyone's first drafts of their Thriller Opening's and discussed what we thought the story was and what we thought was good and what could be improved to feedback to the group. We then got feedback from our teacher, these points were:

•Unusual approach
•Good camera work
•Good music choices - tension built at points
•Out of focus shot at the end - good ending
•Music - at points makes it sound like Television Drama
•Re-film shots in wide screen (that weren't)
•Length of shots need to be edited and cut down
•"Tom" and "Sophie" romantic section, looks too "happy" and focused around them
•Cuts more from "stalkers" point of view so that it build up tension

We got to work on adapting our opening ready for the final edit.

Editing- Part Three and Completed Draft (19th March)

Today we had to have a completed first draft of the our opening. All we needed to do in this lesson was add the titles to our opening. We searched through various types of titles but opted for quite a plain font which was thick and black but quite gothic and dark. They were clear to read and blended well with the black and white action on screen. We placed the titles in areas across the screen which would not obstruct the view of important shots. We then kept checking through our opening for any parts that needed to be cut down or amended. I am happy with our draft however I believe the following things need to be worked on for the final draft:

1. The section of the couple is too long and not tense enough and needs to be cut down and have some more shots from the killers point of view. Some other music which is more tense could be used here too.
2. We need to re-film the photo pan in widescreen. These parts need to be longer.
3. We need to re-film the end of the victim Andrew plays section in widescreen and include it.
4. We need to record some voiceovers and other sound effects to create a more of a montage feel.

Out of Focus (Opening)- Draft Edit

Editing- Part Two (15th March)

In today's lesson we continued the editing process for our Thriller opening, focussing on the second half- involving the scenes we shot of the couple being watched and then chased by the killer. After the scene of 'Victim one' walking and being followed we inserted the second photo pan scene onto the timeline directly after this, again placing a fade effect to ensure a smooth, subtle transition. We edited this so the shot ended on a picture of the couple which then faded into a shot of them walking through a field together happily. This would make it obvious to the audience that they were being targeted. As with the other victim scene we had filmed the shots for this part from different angles so we could edit multiple angles together in a sequence. The first shot of the couple is a front view as they walk towards the camera. The shot type is a mid-shot which allows you to see half of their bodies so you know they are walking but can also see their happy and relaxed facial expressions oblivious of what is to come. We then edited the footage to cut to a long shot from a side angle- this allows the audience to see the surrounding area and where they are going. In this shot the boy who I play turns to look to the side this is where we decided to cut back to the front view. We edited this so the front view shot appears again when I return my head from looking. This creates a flowing scene where the different angles match together, again ensuring continuity.

We then placed the third and final part of the photo pan after this section which then fades into a close up of the couple hugging against a fence. We edited this so the camera cuts between both sides of the couple first seeing the boy's face and the back of the girl and then vice versa before cutting to a long shot from the viewpoint of the killer as the girl starts to notice something. We then placed the shot of where the camera drops and you see the killer run towards the couple. As a group we decided this would be a good place to end the opening as it leaves it on a cliffhanger and the audience would not know exactly what happened, only assume. Although we really liked the footage we shot in the trees as the couple are chased as it was a good location, had some good shot types and was fast paced we felt it was not needed and took away from the intrigue and suspense. We believed the shot as the camera drops was an ideal ending so we placed a fade out to black at the end.

Next we added the music which we found in our first planning lessons and it really suits the piece well enhancing what is seen on screen creating a sinister mood, injecting the audience with the feeling of something is going to happen. Overall, another successful lesson, on Friday we will add the titles to our Opening and look through it to edit any other parts ready to upload the first draft to Youtube and then our blogs. We also need to decide on a name. In the editing section of the project the group has worked well, alternating between doing extra research and helping whoever is on the editing computer, which although mainly is Josh the rest of the group is always telling him ideas of what to edit, cut, insert or change, he is just elected to carry the action out as only one can be round the computer.

Editing- Part One (12th March)

In today's lesson we captured the footage which we shot earlier in our free period in our final filming session and begun the editing process. Before we started however we looked through all the clips we had shot, naming them so we could remember what part was what. This was a task crucial to the efficiency of the group as some groups in the past have had lots of clips and cannot remember what each one was.

We had filmed several versions of the same scene to ensure that if any mistakes were made we had a different version to use and did not have to go out at the last minute to re-film. Because of this, as we looked through the clips we discussed which were the versions of the scenes we would use as some were better than others. For example the shot where the killer drops the camera was filmed several times and initially we had opted for the version where the camera cuts very briefly to footage previously recorded on the tape as the effect suited the action however we found when we watched the shot on the computer that it froze instead. Therefore we now had to use the first version we took, although this is not perfect I suggested we could cut a small section out where Andrew's hands come into the shot and speed it up- giving the effect of falling. Below is the computer we edited on using Adobe Premier Pro:

We also decided that the handheld camera filming of the photos was superior to the version we filmed on the tri-pod, which was rigid, inconsistent and not as smooth. Although the handheld footage could be shaky at times we watched all of the footage we filmed and cut out the excess footage that was not needed or was not good enough. We then edited the best quality footage into three seperate parts. We judged the quality on how still the camera was and if a consistent slow- medium speed pan over the photos was sustained. We will place these three different parts of the photo pan sequence in between the scenes of our victims later in the editing process. We added a spotlight effect to highlight what was in the centre of the screen and create the effect of camera lens, fitting in with the narrative of taking photos. The idea is that the opening will keep cutting back and forth between the panning of the photos and clips of the victims.

Next, we started editing the section of Victim One- played by Andrew walking and being followed. We filmed Andrew walking down the street from a side viewpoint from the other side of the road, in front of him as he walked towards the camera and behind him as he walked away. We placed these three clips together on the timeline starting with the side viewpoint before cutting to the front view and then the rear view. We spent a lot of time cutting little sections away so they matched with each other, meaning the continuty was met. For example at the end of sideview shot Andrew walks past the end of a wall and as the camera then cuts to the front view he needs to be in the same position so we cut the clip so it started with Andrew next to the wall meaning it follwed on accurately. This can take time and you have to be very specific however it is rewarding when you get the shots to match and the transition perfect and it looks effective having different shots and angles in a scene and is a techinque actual films use.

We decided to have our opening in black and white as this symbolises flashbacks or prologues and fits the mood of the piece. Initially we only had the photo pan section in black and white however the transition from black and white to colour for the other scenes was an obvious contrasting change and did not work. We then tried putting everything we had done so far colour and edited the saturation and colour but it made the footage look unclear and a slight cartoon feel. We all preferred black and white as it fitted the style of a Thriller by creating a dark tense mood.

So far we have the first part of the photo pan at the start and then the camera cuts to the scene of Victim one. In between the twos scenes we placed a fade effect at the end so the scene faded smoothly into the first shot of Andrew walking. We tried several transition effects including dissolve and wipe however some were not smooth enough and some made too much happen, whereas we wanted the transition between the two to be as subtle as possible. We even tried leaving the transition without an effect however it was too sudden. Unfortunately we ended a successful editing lesson badly due to realising that the photo pan footage and the footage of Andrew which we filmed earlier were not in widescreen and so was not in the required format and meant that the screen was smaller than the rest of the footage. We do not have time to re-film anything now so we will use the footage for the draft and re-film anything we need in widescreen for the final edit. We perhaps forgot to check the format on those occasions due to problems with night mode and the rain.

Final Filming (12th March)

Today in our free period we went to a park near Fairfield school to film our last scenes. One of the shots was the same as one we took last Friday- of me as a victim being watched while I waited on a park, sitting on a swing. However we refilmed this with Andrew today due to me now being in the sequence we filmed on Monday. We had to film quickly and effectiently as it was raining and was very cold. The weather did create a good dull atmosphere and appropriate pathetic fallacy for a Thriller though. The shots filmed today were taken by me with help from Sophie in between her taking location shots. The first shots were of Andrew walking into the park from a far and approaching a swing then of him sitting and gently swinging on the swing- alone. This gave a sense of isolation, vulnerability and the park setting symbolised naiveity and innocence of the younger generation. I filmed Andrew on the swing from different angles like Josh did with me however we did forget to film the high angle shot we did with me that would have exposed the character as vulnerable. Josh filmed one take of this scene from in front of Andrew however I thought it looked more professional and effective when took from the side or on a diagonal angle.

Here are location shots and stills (with examples of shot types) from this scene-

I then shot footage of Andrew getting off the swing and leaving the park in two different ways. One take was from the killer's perspective hiding behind a tree and watching and the other was just a 'normal' film take where the camera is invisible. I placed the camera a little way from the path that Andrew would walk across after leaving the park and I follwed him with a pan as he headed towards a small alley that would take him out of the park. During this, Josh as the killer walks into the shot. We tried Josh walking in from the side a little way from the camera however this was clumsy and not natural- it seemed to deliberate. We then tried him walking from behind the camera and directly past it into the shot. This looked a lot better and created a sinister and tense shot. It also made the camera appear to be invisible, as if it was not there.

Here are some stills from this scene-

After this Sophie filmed Andrew walking down the path from the front but on a diagonal angle with Josh following. Finally from the bottom of the small alley I filmed Andrew walking down it with Josh as the killer following him. We filmed the shot several times due to interfences from the public. I also filmed the shot several times where each time I placed the camera further down the alley so as the characters walked down they were not too far from the camera and hard to see after a while. The shot finishes with Andrew walking round a corner at the end of the alley with the killer following him- leaving the outcome ambiguious.

Here is a location shot of the alley- (which is dull and dank, a place which is somewhere you believe someone could be abducted)

In editing this scene will be placed before the scene where the killer drops the camera to chase after the couple as that shot is more conclusive and will be our ending. In editing we will mix the footage of the past victims and the photo pan to create a montage like opening acting as a prologue to the killer's action/ methods. The group has worked well and despite the rain filmed some good footage- we also saved time so we could go to lesson and start editing.

Filming- Part Three (8th March)

Today we continued to film scenes for our opening sequence- aiming to keep to our film schedule and finish filming by the end of the lesson ready to film on Friday. Unfortunately we do still have a part that we need to film however we will do this in a free period we have on Friday before the lesson and will not lose out on anytime. The group worked well together today and this is the first lesson where everything started to slot into place and come together. At the start of the lesson we went off to film straight away to ensure we had the maximum amount of time possible. Today we filmed scenes of Me and Sophie playing a couple walking together in through a field. This scene will be cut to at several points between shots of the photo panning sequence we filmed last week and as explained previously will make up a montage/ proglogue style opening of past victims of the killer. We chose a field as it is a realistic place for a couple to take a nice walk together and a place where someone can easily watch them without being seen. Fields are often places were people are took and killed elsewhere. The first shots we took were of Me and Sophie walking along a path using a long shot, occassionally zooming in. We tried this from several angles so we can edit them together so you see the shot from different views. These shots where the camera would be 'invisible' and not a point of view shot of the killer. To ensure the acting was as realistic as possible I told Andrew and Josh to not tell us when they had started filming therefore we started acting as soon as we set off along the path. This technique seems to have been successful.

Here are shots of the location in which filmed this first part of the scene:

Originally they filmed us walking and sitting down on the grass however this did not look very natural so we tried again and instead walked from the path to a fence (which you can see slightly in the images above) and get up and sit on it. However this took too much time so we settled with me leaning against the fence whilst Sophie stood in front of me. This is a typical position for a couple to stand in and hug. Again this was filmed from different angles to add varitation, make it interesting and show our understanding of different shots and our ability to edit them together. The shots we took were a long shot continuing from us walking down the path, a long shot from the side rather than the front seeing the fence in the shot before we stop near it, a close up of me and you see the back of Sophie whilst leaning against the fence and a close up of Sophie and you see the back of me whilst leaning against the fence. Close ups allow the audience to see our facial expressions, particularly as Sophie starts to notice something in the bushes- building up tension. We filmed against the fence because directly behind it was longer grass, lots of trees and bushes and this would where the killer would be watching from.

Here are a variety of images of us filming this sequence and examples of the different shot types:

We then filmed an idea me and Sophie had in the planning stage- a shot where the camera is on the victims- the couple, from the perspective of the killer watching them- as if it was his camera filming them. Andrew filmed this shot and moved behind a tree create the effect of the killer moving to avoid being seen as Sophie starts to starts to notice something in the bushes behind her whilst she is hugging me. Then when he has been spotted he drops the camera and runs towards them. This will be cut with the close ups and shots we filmed earlier. This is an effective and skillful shot that creates a sinister effect however it was difficult to film as we had to make it look like the camera had actually been dropped by the killer without actually dropping it because the fall would damage it. It needed to fall in a way that looked realistic and land on an angle. I told Andrew to shake the camera fast and jerky while bringing it down to the ground and drop it when it is just centimetres away from the floor over one of the tree trunks. Therefore it could land on an angle and the shaking makes it hard to see what is happening- giving the effect that it had fallen. We filmed this three times so we could choose the best one. In one of the takes when the camera was dropped the footage actually went fuzzy and cut to the footage we were recording over for a second. This was an effect we created by mistake and actually looked effective as it was so quick you could not actually see what was on screen and it could have been what the killer previously had recorded. We decided to use that version of the shot.

The image above shows the location Me and Sophie found behind the field and thought it would be an excellent place to film like a chase or running sequence as the couple try to escape from the killer after he dropped the camera and ran after them. We took several shots of Me and Sophie running from out of the bushes and looking frantically where to go before running past the camera. This was done with a long shot so you could see all of our bodies and the surroundings and a pan was used to follow us as we ran- the pan gave a sense of being trapped and the effect of the characters having to keep moving. Andrew then filmed an extreme close up of the lower part of Josh's body as the the stalker walked slowly hunting his prey. This would contrast with the fast moving of the victims and would create tension as the predator hunted it's prey while his identity remains hidden. Overall, a great lesson where we filmed some great footage with a variety of shot types and in a well chosen location. The group has a better idea of where our Opening is going now as our ideas are more focused. We aim to finish filming in our free period before the lesson on Friday where will film the end of the other victims' (Andrew) story which we started last Friday.

Filming- Part Two (5th March)

Today we started to film the moving shots of our victims in different locations for our opening sequence. Before this we captured the footage of the photo pan sequence which we filmed on Monday. We did this to save time because if we wanted to capture all our footage at once we would be in a queue with everyone in the first editing lesson- so hopefully this will will save some time.

My Idea-

Whilst we were doing this I had the idea of the opening sequence being a montage- the camera would cut between the photo pan and the footage we would film today and on monday of the victims before they were took by the killer. We could have the music we found playing and recordings of police reporting on the killer and victim's parents giving a statement playing in the background. Sophie felt this would make the sequence become like a trailer however I knew it wouldn't because it will not start to cut faster, give too much away or reveal parts of the beginning, middle and end of the film. Also a lot of films have montage like prologues as the opening, (cutting between different shots with different unknown characters talking in the backround) before the film starts properly. Once I had explained this everyone seemed to like the idea and we will use it.

Filming of Victims-

Once we had captured the footage some time was wasted sorting out the camera and tri-pod but at the start of the second hour we went to film. Unfortunately for the rest of the lesson we only had three group members because Sophie had to go and play in a Table Tennis Tournament. The three of us headed to Toton Lane to film shots of Andrew as one of the victims walking somewhere. We chose this as a location to film as it is a normal street that someone could walk down and there was not many pedestrians there at that time. We did not have to choose any sort of special street for any reason so this was fine- plus we did not have time to waste. It was a good choice however as we noticed a polic operation sign which we would include to suggest that a police investigation was in progess which would add to our thriller. Me and Josh filmed Andrew walking using different camera shots and angles- so we could edit them together later and make it more interesting to watch. It is also a good skill to edit shots together with accurate continuity. We filmed him walking using a long shot from the other side of the road, walking towards the camera and walking away from the camera. The final shot was a long shot of him crossing a road on the other side of a road from where the camera was placed. We filmed these shots quickly and efficiently. We filmed these several times in case of mistakes and so we could select the best parts. We also left time at the start and the end of each shot to make editing easier. These shots are classed as professional shots where the camera would be invisible. We also used Andrew's camera (due to limited battery on the Media camera) to film an amateur shot of Andrew walking which would be from the point of view of the killer watching/ following him. This was took by Josh but I do not think we will use it because he went a bit too far in making it look shaky to suggest it was the killer's POV.

Here are the location shots of where we filmed this scene-

We then went to a playground to film me as a different victim sitting on a swing waiting for someone. We chose a playground as it would add a sinister feel to sequence where children can be took anywhere and there not safe on a place specifically for them. Josh and Andrew filmed this scene, which consisted of me walking into the park, going to the swing, and sit waiting gently swinging whilst the killer would be watching. Again we filmed the scene with different shot types to make it more interesting and show we have a skill and an understanding of different shots/ angles and their purposes as well as the thought that has gone into making our opening. The shots were a close up, a mid-shot where the camera was placed directly in front of me, a mid- shot where the camera was placed next to swing and looked on at me from just off the side (diagonally). I also suggested we take a shot from on top of the slide to get a high angle shot which would represent my vulnerability. After this we filmed the scene from the POV of the killer again to show he is watching (this was done better this time and hide parts of trees and bushes in the way to show he is hiding).

Here are the location shots/stills of where we filmed this scene-

Filming Part One- Photo Pan Sequence (1st March)

Preparation-

After we finished making the shrine, we took it, along with the rest of the photos (which we will scatter around it), the props, camera and tri-pod to Sophie's house to film. However looking back now it was not really necessary to go there, we could have just filmed at school. Sophie's dad was busy at work which restricted where could film because we did not want to disurb him. We filmed in the conservatory and closed all the blinds to make the room a little darker which would create a darker atmosphere. Ideally we would have liked it darker but we had to make due. Before we started filming we placed the clipboard on the floor and placed the remaining photos around it, amongst them we placed the props that Andrew brought it in such as a camera, pens, a diary and a pin pot to show it was a work in progress. Sophie also placed some candles on the clipboard but we did not light them until we were ready to film.

Filming, Shot Types and Problems-

As we were about to film I noticed on the camera screen that the colour did not look right. The colour did not seem strong enough and instead the resolution was light, unclear and slightly green. Everyone else took a look and confirmed my suspicion. This seriously delayed us as we spent 15 minutes trying to figure out what was wrong. We tried to adjust the white balance, we opened the blinds but then Josh noticed that someone had accidently put the camera into Night mode- explaining the colour. After this we decided we would film the pan in two ways- with a birds eye handheld techinique and a pan on the tri-pod. Sophie filmed the pan using the handheld technique for around 90 seconds trying to keep as still as possible. She moved across the pictures slowly and zoomed into some. Sophie was the best person to do this as she has the steadiest hand. I wouls have been shaking all over the place. We filmed for a long time so we could select the best bits or the steadiest parts when we come to edit. Andrew said it was better to have too much than too little. Sophie filmed a second time as some of the first footage was too close to the pictures and I thought the audience needed to see more. I filmed the sequence using the tripod, and although we did not have to worry about it being shaky it was hard to get a bird's eye view without seeing the legs of tri-pod. It was also hard to move the camera along continuously and sometimes I suddenly jolted it in another direction, so we decided the handheld shot was better and what we will use. Overall this second half of the lesson could have been more productive if it weren't for the problems and delays but we achieved what we wanted to in the time we had.

Photo Preparation for Pan Sequence (1st March)

At the start of today's lesson I printed off and cut out thee photos I took yesteday of my character being watched by the killer as I walk down by a canal. Whilst I did this Sophie and Andrew organised the pictures we took of me and Sophie as the couple being watched on Friday and the pictures which Andrew took at the weekend of another victim being watched (which Andrew printed off and cut out in his free period). They put the pictures on the clipboard randomly, overlapping, ripped some of the edges and placed pins on to keep the pictures in place. This was all done to make it look like the killer had deliberately made this as a shrine of his next victims. The dual tasks running at the same time meant we were managing our time effectively.

Once I had finished cutting out the pictures I had took I joined the others and starting placing them on the board. Sophie and Andrew thought of the idea of adding annotations, comments and scribbles to some of the pictures to show that the killer is interested in the boys and is jealous and angry with the girl. Whilst they did this I was adding more pictures and perfecting the look of the pictures that were already there. I suggested that some of the comments should be took off as they implied that this shrine was made by a girl who fancied these boys and was jealous of the girl who was already out with one of them and this is not what we want the audience to think. Unfortunately Josh had not took any pictures and cannot be one of the victims

(*Update*- We later decided that Josh would be the killer because of this, however his face will not be revealed, you will only see the back of him, this decision was made on the 8th March).

Overall we worked well as a team in this first part of the lesson and we all had roles in the work. We have put a lot of effort into the shrine and it looks really effective and realistic- as if someone had actually made it and had been watching people. Here are some pictures I took while making it and some of the finished 'product':

Filming Schedule

Planned Dates for Filming-

Monday 1st March- Photo Pan Sequence

Friday 5th March- Victims Walking and at Park being Watched

Monday 8th March- Couple being watched then chased

*Update* (12th March) We did not quite keep to the schedule and decided to film the shots of a victim on the park again but using Andrew instead of me do to me being in scenes we filmed on Monday 8th March.

New Date= Friday 12th March (Lunch)- Second Victim being watched and then took by killer

Actors Needed-

Thomas Adcock (Victim 1)
Sophie Neil (Victim 2)
Andrew Tinley (Victim 3)

Victims do not have names as you would not find this out in opening sequence.

*Update* (8th March) Josh Curran (Killer)

Equipment Needed-

Samsung Video Camera
Tri-Pod
Andrew's Digital Camera
Props for Photo Pan- Camera, pens, diary, pins and pot, cable and phone

Locations-

Sophie's House (although location not necessary as will not be seen)

Toton Lane

Fairfield Park

Archer's Field

Risk Assessment

The group created a risk assessment to assess and acknowledge potential risks and hazards while filming for our Thriller. It is important to identify risks so we know how we could avoid them and so we know that we must act responsibly.

Key:
High Risk
Medium Risk
Low Risk

Falling over:
We will ensure that appropriate footwear is worn during all photo taking and filming sessions and make sure that the ground we are walking on during a scene/photo is extremely safe before capturing.

Getting Injured By Moving Car:
We will ensure that precautions are put in to place for road safety during footage around roads and we will never film actors crossing busy roads. (If crossing of a road is necessary in one shot, then the cameraman will never rush actor and make sure he/she feels safe crossing the road and that they do it as naturally and safely as possible).

Hypothermia:
During cold weather, we will ensure that all actors have sensible clothing on and if it is necessary to film scenes without appropriate clothing we will complete these scenes with a high level of focus, therefore it is shot efficiency, preventing unnecessary time in the cold weather.

Getting Lost:
During certain "forest" scenes, we will make sure that all actors have phone in their pocket in their pocket if they cannot find way back. However, this will be prevented by filming in groups of three or four at all times, which will limit individual isolation.

Damage to Equipment:
We will make sure, when handling equipment, that we do so gently and slowly, preventing any quick slips, trips or falls with the equipment. We will also share the equipment when walking therefore preventing any one person to carry all of it by themselves, which will hopefully prevent injury or damage to person or equipment.

Strangers/Assault:
We will make sure as a group that we don't annoy or aggravate members of the public during the filming's of our scenes. We will choose fairly isolated areas during the day to avoid this, but if we encounter a person we will take extra safety precautions to avoid awkward questioning or negative vibes.

General Injury:
We will ensure that our locations are near college during, college hours, so if something happened we can quickly return to get help. Also we will always travel in a group of 4, therefore if someone is in trouble, one (or two) member(s) of the group can stay with them whilst the other one or two can run off for help.

Illness:
If a member of a group falls ill time needs to be used efficiently to remain on schedule. If its more than 2hrs we need to find replacement or a definite reschedule date will be set and be met without exception