During our year we have looked closely at our thriller introductions, and the plans we made. We concentrated for a time on the themes of our thriller. Some of which were going to be obvious:
Corruption: as the young boy, Simon, will be robbing a house, and given a gun, which is not that he is used to.
Moral Ambiguity: who is right and who is wrong, is Simon to blame for the stealing, or the gang leader? is the man's reaction to Simon being in his house the right way to act?
Mystery: as we're not sure why they picked that house, who the man is (as we never see his face) and what is going to happen.
We also looked at styles of our thrillers, and in our group we decided on gangster, and modern. We wanted a modern style to the clothing, speech and setting. We debated having the film in black and white, however due to the modernised style and the gangster theme, we decided against it.
The sub-genre is gangster, as the gang has a gangster-appearance and are dressed and act in that of a modern teenage gangster.
We also discussed what films would have influenced our thriller, in the terms of styles and how it is shot. We chose the following:
- Kidulthood & Adulthood: These two films are sequel to one another, and are a great influence as the main cast of the film are young corrupt teenagers, in adolescence. The characters act as if the world is a gangster life, but we find out that not all of these hard nut gangsters live in the same environment. This makes it relevant to Simon's life, as he was an innocent teenager gone corrupt, choosing a different lifestyle, but still living in his old one.
- Football Factory: This film is a slight influence as to the story line, as a character is caught inside anothers house.
- Layer Cake: This is a good influence for our shot types that we planned, and the location we decided to use is like that of "XXXX"'s house, urban and on a busy-ish road.
- Millers Crossing: This film also has the themes of deceit and loyalty.
- Sin City: The final influence is this, as the sounds and setting are urban, and we will have similar sound affects. Another thing is the number of phone calls in the shots, and how you can hear the voice from the other line, which we are hoping to achieve.
Showing posts with label G321 Thriller Planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label G321 Thriller Planning. Show all posts
Monday, 16 February 2009
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Location Scouting - Thriller Film
The first picture is one of the kitchen. This is where "Simon" will break into the house, and where the mysterious man will find the open window, props on the floor, and proceed to get out his gun. This room was handy and practical as it had a fairly low window that was easy to open from the outside (when unproperly locked) making the break in scene easier to act, as ben could get up onto the windowsil.
The two shots below are of the street outside the house, where the gang mebers meet before Simon goes in, and where Jitmal calls Simon from. The street is quite busy, and in an urban setting, adding danger to the mise-en-scene, as the crime is being commited somewhere loud.
These outside shots of the house show the front door and the front drive, which will be seen as Simon goes round the back of the house, and as the old man comes home. The door is quite useful as its window-paned and quite old fasioned, and set into the house, giving the house a more prominent stage in the mise-en-scene, making it look bigger.
The 3 pictures below show the hallway and staircase next to the front door of the house. The staircase has a good banister as it gives he sense of being in prison because of the rails. There's an interesting veiw when the stairs are shot from the top, like a birds eye veiw but also high angled. This could be used for quite a few different shots to create different atmospheres. The hallway is to be used quite a bit in our film, after Simon breaks in, and when the guy returns home then proceeds upstairs. There were a few problems with the area such as items on the stairs or the fish mobile hanging from the ceiling. We removed these items, but decided to keep the family pictures, creating a contrast between what the old man is and what he seems to be like from family belongings.
The two shots below are of the street outside the house, where the gang mebers meet before Simon goes in, and where Jitmal calls Simon from. The street is quite busy, and in an urban setting, adding danger to the mise-en-scene, as the crime is being commited somewhere loud.
These outside shots of the house show the front door and the front drive, which will be seen as Simon goes round the back of the house, and as the old man comes home. The door is quite useful as its window-paned and quite old fasioned, and set into the house, giving the house a more prominent stage in the mise-en-scene, making it look bigger.
The 2 pictures below are some images of the inside of the house we are filming in for our Thriller. They are both the mysterious-man's bedroom. The first picture shows the man's bed, under which Simon will hide when the man returns home. The window in this picture had good placement, as out of the window is the main street on which the gang and Jitmal should be. In the filming in this room the curtains will be drawn, hiding any possible light. The second picture shows a chest of drawers and a desk-table. The furniature is quite low-key and minimalistic, which add's to the characters mystery. Also, around the room in the corners there are some unorganized items or clothing and such, that suggests this could be a man's house.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Cast - Thriller Film
The cast starring in our thriller are:
CHARACTER'S NAME ---- ACTORS:
Simon ---------------------- Ben Jones
Reason: We had a problem with our casting, as someone dropped out, and Ben was free when we needed to film. Also, he fit the character profile quite well when he wore the appriopriate clothing for "Simon". Ben has an innocent "baby face" which is what we hoped for for the casting of "Simon", as he's meant to be a good boy gone bad. His face represents his innocent youth, and his outfit (similar to in the picture below, but without the scarf) represents the group of people he has fallen into. Because Ben usually wears similar to clothes as to the ones we picked for "Simon", he suited the character props well. He owned a coat, hat and shoes extremely alike the ones on our prop list, so generally he was a good pick.
Jitmal ---------------------- Jakob Montagu-Shaw
Reason: Jakob had the appearance and attitude to suit the character, and also, a problem with our casting led us to need him to play 2 roles in the film. This worked quite well because the other role he plays, we do not see his face. Handily, Jakob owned many clothes to fit this character, and could act the part, as its what he is usually like.
Old man -------------------- Jakob Montagu-Shaw
Reason: He's tall (which fits the character profile) and we generally thought he would be a good person for this role because he is in our group, wanted to be in the film, giving him a good chance to multi-task within the group. He also helped write the character profile for the character giving him a good idea of how to act toward the camera in the shots, as he was involved in the conversation about the character as well as the written work.
Jitmal -------------------- Mark Wright-Premachandra
Reason: Mark has the appearance and attitude for this character. At first we didn't think he would be able to play this role, so we prepared to cut out the gang leader, and prepare Jakob for the role. However, he came through and when he was available we filmed with him. Mark smokes, so it wasn't a problem getting cigarettes into the film to show the gang's nature. he also has darker skin, which fits in with the gang image and gets the film to appeal to a wider audience. Mark wears quite bright colours compared to the others in film, however this suits his character as he's meant to be the more child-like and sensitive one of the group, the "little brother".
CHARACTER'S NAME ---- ACTORS:
Simon ---------------------- Ben Jones
Reason: We had a problem with our casting, as someone dropped out, and Ben was free when we needed to film. Also, he fit the character profile quite well when he wore the appriopriate clothing for "Simon". Ben has an innocent "baby face" which is what we hoped for for the casting of "Simon", as he's meant to be a good boy gone bad. His face represents his innocent youth, and his outfit (similar to in the picture below, but without the scarf) represents the group of people he has fallen into. Because Ben usually wears similar to clothes as to the ones we picked for "Simon", he suited the character props well. He owned a coat, hat and shoes extremely alike the ones on our prop list, so generally he was a good pick.
Jitmal ---------------------- Jakob Montagu-Shaw
Reason: Jakob had the appearance and attitude to suit the character, and also, a problem with our casting led us to need him to play 2 roles in the film. This worked quite well because the other role he plays, we do not see his face. Handily, Jakob owned many clothes to fit this character, and could act the part, as its what he is usually like.
Old man -------------------- Jakob Montagu-Shaw
Reason: He's tall (which fits the character profile) and we generally thought he would be a good person for this role because he is in our group, wanted to be in the film, giving him a good chance to multi-task within the group. He also helped write the character profile for the character giving him a good idea of how to act toward the camera in the shots, as he was involved in the conversation about the character as well as the written work.
Jitmal -------------------- Mark Wright-Premachandra
Reason: Mark has the appearance and attitude for this character. At first we didn't think he would be able to play this role, so we prepared to cut out the gang leader, and prepare Jakob for the role. However, he came through and when he was available we filmed with him. Mark smokes, so it wasn't a problem getting cigarettes into the film to show the gang's nature. he also has darker skin, which fits in with the gang image and gets the film to appeal to a wider audience. Mark wears quite bright colours compared to the others in film, however this suits his character as he's meant to be the more child-like and sensitive one of the group, the "little brother".
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Shooting Schedule - Thriller Film
Our shooting scedule for our Thriller is:
- 6th December, 4 o'clock
- 16th December, 4 o'clock
- 17th Dcember, 4.30pm
- 12th January, 5 o'clock
We had to also film some more in january because we had a few problems with our tape, which is fine now. The filming was to be done near dusk, when it was dark, as that's when the film was set. Also it gives us shadows and dark corners which created mystery for the location and the story. Depending on how much filming we get done on each day, we are leaving plenty of time to re-film to sort out technical problems, so we have enough time to edit and finalise our peice.
We had to also film some more in january because we had a few problems with our tape, which is fine now.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Script - Thriller Film
Shot 1:
dim light, small lamp on in the room. Streetlight from outside through the window. Simon rummaging through a chest of draws, fast and hurried. Finds a gold watch that looks expensive.
Simon: (whistles) S**t man!
Simon stuffs the watch in his pocket.
Shot 2:
Crew standing on corner outside, glancing at their watches. Street lamps light the street dimly in some places.
Crew member 1: pfft, takes his time don't he.
Crew leader: i know man, what's the kid doing in there?
Crew member 2: i'm not waitin for this s**t much longer, that geezer will be home soon. I told you we should have gone in with him.
Crew leader: and risk us getting caught? nah you idiot!
Shot 3:
Simon in the room, rummaging now in the wardrobe, he drops a load of boxes on the floor. Dim lamp still lighting the room.
Simon: f**k!
He searches through the boxes, looking for more valubles. His phone rings.
Shot 4:
Close up of the phone, which shows "Mum" on the screen.
Simon: hi mum...yeah...i'll be home soon...ok...love you, bye.
Shot 5:
He hangs up and sighs with his head in his hands. He starts putting the boxes back.
Shot 6:
Mans legs on the pavement, shoes clicking and cane on the floor. Streetlamps light the feet faintly.
Shot 7:
Simon rummaging in more draws, slower, picking up small things and putting them in his pocket - mainly jewellery, dim lamp still lighting the room. He see's an expensive ring that looks special but puts it back into the back of the drawer.
Shot 8:
Shot of the crew hanging out, with the old man walking up in the distance. The crew notice the man and watch him wearily.
Crew member 3: is that the old geezer?
the old man turns into a driveway.
Crew member 2: f**k! thats him.
Crew leader: i'm outta here, f**k the kid!
Shot 9:
the crew starts running away from the street, in and out of streetlamp shadows, they run to the end of the road, and split up, footsteps and yelling bye and swearing.
Shot 10:
close up of the old mans feet walking up to the door, and setpping infront of the door. Keys jingling and being put into the door.
Shot 11:
mid shot of the old man's body, footsteps and keys unlocking the door, walking into the house, streelamp light washes into the hallway.
Shot 12:
bottom midshot of the old man walking in from outside, door nearly shut, turning on a dim light.
Shot 13:
Simon hears a bang from downstairs and looks around and freezes with a scared look on his face. The lamp is still on.
Simon: s**! (whispered)
Shot 14:
Old man hanging his coat and hat, still no veiw of his face, this is from behind, weak light of the hallway prevents any main features being shown.
Old man: b****y kids.
Shot 15:
Simon stood in the middle of the room, looking around for somewhere to hide.
Shot 16:
Old man's shoes, walking up the stairs, which creak.
Shot 17:
Simon dashing towards the bed and getting on his knees.
Shot 18:
The old man entering the room, shot from behind, follows him in, the room is empty.
Shot 19:
Camera at floor level, looking under the bed, simon is laying there, scared look, looking at the old man's feet.
Shot 20:
The old man takes off his coat and tosses it on the bed. He notices the mess in his room.
Old Man: what the?
He looks around, looks in the wardrobe, and is about to look under the bed when the shot cuts out.
dim light, small lamp on in the room. Streetlight from outside through the window. Simon rummaging through a chest of draws, fast and hurried. Finds a gold watch that looks expensive.
Simon: (whistles) S**t man!
Simon stuffs the watch in his pocket.
Shot 2:
Crew standing on corner outside, glancing at their watches. Street lamps light the street dimly in some places.
Crew member 1: pfft, takes his time don't he.
Crew leader: i know man, what's the kid doing in there?
Crew member 2: i'm not waitin for this s**t much longer, that geezer will be home soon. I told you we should have gone in with him.
Crew leader: and risk us getting caught? nah you idiot!
Shot 3:
Simon in the room, rummaging now in the wardrobe, he drops a load of boxes on the floor. Dim lamp still lighting the room.
Simon: f**k!
He searches through the boxes, looking for more valubles. His phone rings.
Shot 4:
Close up of the phone, which shows "Mum" on the screen.
Simon: hi mum...yeah...i'll be home soon...ok...love you, bye.
Shot 5:
He hangs up and sighs with his head in his hands. He starts putting the boxes back.
Shot 6:
Mans legs on the pavement, shoes clicking and cane on the floor. Streetlamps light the feet faintly.
Shot 7:
Simon rummaging in more draws, slower, picking up small things and putting them in his pocket - mainly jewellery, dim lamp still lighting the room. He see's an expensive ring that looks special but puts it back into the back of the drawer.
Shot 8:
Shot of the crew hanging out, with the old man walking up in the distance. The crew notice the man and watch him wearily.
Crew member 3: is that the old geezer?
the old man turns into a driveway.
Crew member 2: f**k! thats him.
Crew leader: i'm outta here, f**k the kid!
Shot 9:
the crew starts running away from the street, in and out of streetlamp shadows, they run to the end of the road, and split up, footsteps and yelling bye and swearing.
Shot 10:
close up of the old mans feet walking up to the door, and setpping infront of the door. Keys jingling and being put into the door.
Shot 11:
mid shot of the old man's body, footsteps and keys unlocking the door, walking into the house, streelamp light washes into the hallway.
Shot 12:
bottom midshot of the old man walking in from outside, door nearly shut, turning on a dim light.
Shot 13:
Simon hears a bang from downstairs and looks around and freezes with a scared look on his face. The lamp is still on.
Simon: s**! (whispered)
Shot 14:
Old man hanging his coat and hat, still no veiw of his face, this is from behind, weak light of the hallway prevents any main features being shown.
Old man: b****y kids.
Shot 15:
Simon stood in the middle of the room, looking around for somewhere to hide.
Shot 16:
Old man's shoes, walking up the stairs, which creak.
Shot 17:
Simon dashing towards the bed and getting on his knees.
Shot 18:
The old man entering the room, shot from behind, follows him in, the room is empty.
Shot 19:
Camera at floor level, looking under the bed, simon is laying there, scared look, looking at the old man's feet.
Shot 20:
The old man takes off his coat and tosses it on the bed. He notices the mess in his room.
Old Man: what the?
He looks around, looks in the wardrobe, and is about to look under the bed when the shot cuts out.
Character Profiles - Thriller Film
Simon (main character)
Age: 15/16 years old
Hair colour: Brown
Height: 6ft
Attitudes: Naive, clever, witty, quick- thinking.
Background: Simon started off from a young age attending a boarding school, but never really fitted in. He was often getting into trouble and eventually convinced his parents to let him move school. At the start of his new school life, he was quiet and was slow to make friends, and didn't really settle in. Some boys in his year to decide to pick on him, and an older crew of boys notice and stand up for him. That is when he got involved in the wrong crowd and his life went on a down hill.
Jitmal (Gang member)
Age: 17
Hair colour: Black
Skin colour: Tanned
Height: 5/6 ft
Attitudes: Status is below the gang leader, and he doesn't care much for school. He isn't very bright and likes being around a lot of people, which is probably why he joins the gang. He has a good home life, but arguments sometimes arise after he's been out all night with the crew, without telling his parents.
Background: Brought up well, but fell into the wrong crowd at school. He's not a main member of the gang but is more of an outcast. He's sensitive but tries to cover it up with his frequent robberies with the gang, and other things alike. Him and Simon are quite similar, though he has been part of the crew longer, and is more trusted. He's like the "kid" of the group. Everyone's little brother.
Gang Leader
Age: 19
Hair colour: No hair
Skin colour: Black
Height: 6ft
Attitudes: Has respect from the gang although he's not particularly nice to them. He dropped out of school, considering it a waste of time, but then went to college.
Background: Distant with the family, they work through the day and night. He looks after himself so is self-centered and uptight when he's around people. His gang is more like his family.
Middle Aged Mysterious Man
We have made no information as we want to make the gangster man very mysterious, but we do not wish to give anything away. The idea of him being mysterious is based on making the film introduction have a mysterious atmosphere, as this is a classic thriller signifier theme. He will be kept mysterious as the camera will never show his face only his silhouette.
Age: 15/16 years old
Hair colour: Brown
Height: 6ft
Attitudes: Naive, clever, witty, quick- thinking.
Background: Simon started off from a young age attending a boarding school, but never really fitted in. He was often getting into trouble and eventually convinced his parents to let him move school. At the start of his new school life, he was quiet and was slow to make friends, and didn't really settle in. Some boys in his year to decide to pick on him, and an older crew of boys notice and stand up for him. That is when he got involved in the wrong crowd and his life went on a down hill.
Jitmal (Gang member)
Age: 17
Hair colour: Black
Skin colour: Tanned
Height: 5/6 ft
Attitudes: Status is below the gang leader, and he doesn't care much for school. He isn't very bright and likes being around a lot of people, which is probably why he joins the gang. He has a good home life, but arguments sometimes arise after he's been out all night with the crew, without telling his parents.
Background: Brought up well, but fell into the wrong crowd at school. He's not a main member of the gang but is more of an outcast. He's sensitive but tries to cover it up with his frequent robberies with the gang, and other things alike. Him and Simon are quite similar, though he has been part of the crew longer, and is more trusted. He's like the "kid" of the group. Everyone's little brother.
Gang Leader
Age: 19
Hair colour: No hair
Skin colour: Black
Height: 6ft
Attitudes: Has respect from the gang although he's not particularly nice to them. He dropped out of school, considering it a waste of time, but then went to college.
Background: Distant with the family, they work through the day and night. He looks after himself so is self-centered and uptight when he's around people. His gang is more like his family.
Middle Aged Mysterious Man
We have made no information as we want to make the gangster man very mysterious, but we do not wish to give anything away. The idea of him being mysterious is based on making the film introduction have a mysterious atmosphere, as this is a classic thriller signifier theme. He will be kept mysterious as the camera will never show his face only his silhouette.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Film Synopsis - Thriller Film
Name: ________________
Genre: Gangster/Thriller.
Blurb:
Simon is 15. He got in with the wrong crowd and spends his life getting in trouble and running from it. Until one night, when they step it up a notch, and decide to rob a house. This time, Simon will discover that maybe running from the scene can prove worse than staying put.
Introduction:
Young boy robbing an old man’s house, old man returns home and catches him hiding under the bed. The boy’s friends who were outside have run off in fear of police getting involved.
Beginning of movie:
Boy has gone missing; police get involved as “missing persons” investigation. Crew members are told by the leader to lie about where they were, say that they weren’t near the old man’s house. Crew member returns to the house to watch the old guy and cover up their tracks of being there. Another crew member returns to the police to tell them what happened, police then question the old man, who claims the boy ran out of the house before he could catch him. The next day the boy turns up dead, and the old man and the leading crew member are arrested.
Middle of movie (4 Points of view):
Boys view: stealing, hiding under the bed, old man catches him, he throws the stuff back at him that he was stealing and runs out the house to walk home. Shadow grabs him and starts beating him, this is in a run down place near a river. Shadow then hides the body.
Polices view: gets a ring from parents, talk to people at the school, getting nowhere with the investigation. Question the old man and are suspicious of crew member as they find out he told everyone to lie about them being there. Arrest both.
Old mans view: returns home from pub to find boy in his house, tries to catch him and yell but boy runs out. He is stirred and starts drinking and falls asleep. Next day Police are asking him about the boy and how the boy is missing. He’s surprised. Answers and tells them what had happened and lets them search the house. He is rude because they suspect him. He gets arrested and is not happy.
Crew leader’s view: Been drinking, goes out to make boy rob a house. Drunk. They run when man returns, he stays and watches as a few minutes later the boy runs out. Angry. Follows boy home, when at river he grabs him and beats him yelling how stupid he is and he will get them caught. When the boy is unresponsive he panics and hides the body, swearing and shaking. Returns home, washes his hands and the next day tells his crew to lie about where they were. When police find out where they were he panics more, and when he is arrested he tries to cover it by swearing at the police.
End of the movie:
Police find the weapon that killed the boy and fingerprint it. They tell both man and crew leader what they are doing to shake them. Old man is released and leader is convicted as his prints are found all over the weapon. Movie ends with prison door banging shut and seeing the lad through the letterbox opening, which is also shut. He had his head in his hands.
Genre: Gangster/Thriller.
Blurb:
Simon is 15. He got in with the wrong crowd and spends his life getting in trouble and running from it. Until one night, when they step it up a notch, and decide to rob a house. This time, Simon will discover that maybe running from the scene can prove worse than staying put.
Introduction:
Young boy robbing an old man’s house, old man returns home and catches him hiding under the bed. The boy’s friends who were outside have run off in fear of police getting involved.
Beginning of movie:
Boy has gone missing; police get involved as “missing persons” investigation. Crew members are told by the leader to lie about where they were, say that they weren’t near the old man’s house. Crew member returns to the house to watch the old guy and cover up their tracks of being there. Another crew member returns to the police to tell them what happened, police then question the old man, who claims the boy ran out of the house before he could catch him. The next day the boy turns up dead, and the old man and the leading crew member are arrested.
Middle of movie (4 Points of view):
Boys view: stealing, hiding under the bed, old man catches him, he throws the stuff back at him that he was stealing and runs out the house to walk home. Shadow grabs him and starts beating him, this is in a run down place near a river. Shadow then hides the body.
Polices view: gets a ring from parents, talk to people at the school, getting nowhere with the investigation. Question the old man and are suspicious of crew member as they find out he told everyone to lie about them being there. Arrest both.
Old mans view: returns home from pub to find boy in his house, tries to catch him and yell but boy runs out. He is stirred and starts drinking and falls asleep. Next day Police are asking him about the boy and how the boy is missing. He’s surprised. Answers and tells them what had happened and lets them search the house. He is rude because they suspect him. He gets arrested and is not happy.
Crew leader’s view: Been drinking, goes out to make boy rob a house. Drunk. They run when man returns, he stays and watches as a few minutes later the boy runs out. Angry. Follows boy home, when at river he grabs him and beats him yelling how stupid he is and he will get them caught. When the boy is unresponsive he panics and hides the body, swearing and shaking. Returns home, washes his hands and the next day tells his crew to lie about where they were. When police find out where they were he panics more, and when he is arrested he tries to cover it by swearing at the police.
End of the movie:
Police find the weapon that killed the boy and fingerprint it. They tell both man and crew leader what they are doing to shake them. Old man is released and leader is convicted as his prints are found all over the weapon. Movie ends with prison door banging shut and seeing the lad through the letterbox opening, which is also shut. He had his head in his hands.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Meeting Schedule - Thriller Film
Meeting Schedule:
Week 1 –
Wednesday, Period 2.
Thursday, Period 3.
Week 2 –
Wednesday, Period 3.
Thursday, Period 3.
Weekends – Saturday mornings, Café Nero’s.
In the first weeks of our Thriller planning, we gathered a few ideas and thought about the main sub-genre's and styles for the story. We also had many discussions in class and in meetings about out narrative and plot, which we changed a few times before deciding on one. Our initial ideas were pretty vague, but when we all decided on a plot we stuck to it and started trying to develop it. The sheet we were given was helpful, as it told us everything we needed to cover,
so in our meetings we would decide how to do each part, and then tick them off the list once we got them done.
The sheet involved the following:
IDEA STAGE
- Initial ideas -> Films that have influenced our ideas
- Genres and styles -> What we are trying to achieve ~ themes and ideas
During the next meetings we began to think about other things from the list, such as:
PRE-PRODUCTION which included:
-Meeting schedule
-Synopsis of film
-Detailed storyboards
-Character profiles
-Location scouting/decisions on locations
-Cast auditions/choices
-Shooting schedule
-Deciding on props.
Most of the things on this list we found to be easy to finish quickly, however the last 4 took longer for us to develop certain ideas. We thought of a number of possible locations, but the easiest and most available location to us was Jakob's (a member of our group) house. He drew out a rough plan of his house and we found it easy to fit in with our filming ideas. For example, we wanted the room "Simon" broke into to be at the front of the house overlooking a moderately busy street, which Jakob's house could provide. We also wanted "Simon" to break in through the back of the house, which Jakob could easily create with his back garden and kitchen window.
The casting for our thriller didn't take too long, because we mostly chose people we knew and Jakob from our group, as he wanted to do some acting and he fitted the profile quite well. The gang wasn't hard to find people for as alot of people were up for the idea of dressing like gangsters.
Our prop list was only a vague idea of what we thought the actors should wear/look like/carry, as we thought of possible changes as the planning and filming went on. We made a few changes to the old man's props, and alot to Simon's, as we had a few different ideas as to what we were looking for from the characters.
Week 1 –
Wednesday, Period 2.
Thursday, Period 3.
Week 2 –
Wednesday, Period 3.
Thursday, Period 3.
Weekends – Saturday mornings, Café Nero’s.
In the first weeks of our Thriller planning, we gathered a few ideas and thought about the main sub-genre's and styles for the story. We also had many discussions in class and in meetings about out narrative and plot, which we changed a few times before deciding on one. Our initial ideas were pretty vague, but when we all decided on a plot we stuck to it and started trying to develop it. The sheet we were given was helpful, as it told us everything we needed to cover,
so in our meetings we would decide how to do each part, and then tick them off the list once we got them done.
The sheet involved the following:
IDEA STAGE
- Initial ideas -> Films that have influenced our ideas
- Genres and styles -> What we are trying to achieve ~ themes and ideas
During the next meetings we began to think about other things from the list, such as:
PRE-PRODUCTION which included:
-Meeting schedule
-Synopsis of film
-Detailed storyboards
-Character profiles
-Location scouting/decisions on locations
-Cast auditions/choices
-Shooting schedule
-Deciding on props.
Most of the things on this list we found to be easy to finish quickly, however the last 4 took longer for us to develop certain ideas. We thought of a number of possible locations, but the easiest and most available location to us was Jakob's (a member of our group) house. He drew out a rough plan of his house and we found it easy to fit in with our filming ideas. For example, we wanted the room "Simon" broke into to be at the front of the house overlooking a moderately busy street, which Jakob's house could provide. We also wanted "Simon" to break in through the back of the house, which Jakob could easily create with his back garden and kitchen window.
The casting for our thriller didn't take too long, because we mostly chose people we knew and Jakob from our group, as he wanted to do some acting and he fitted the profile quite well. The gang wasn't hard to find people for as alot of people were up for the idea of dressing like gangsters.
Our prop list was only a vague idea of what we thought the actors should wear/look like/carry, as we thought of possible changes as the planning and filming went on. We made a few changes to the old man's props, and alot to Simon's, as we had a few different ideas as to what we were looking for from the characters.
Prop List - Thriller Film
Old Man John:
- This is a similar trench coat to the one our character will wear. It is quite sophisticated when compared to Simon's coat which we see earlier in the film.
+ The black colour of the coat keeps in with mystery, as the identity of the man is no clearer. The coat is a typical wear for a male in a thriller, and links in to the look of a detective. The collar of the trench coat will be propped up, to hide the neck and bottom facial features of the character, creating more mystery about his identity.
- Big coat, warm and "gangster" like. Thick and with a hood.
+ Its a winter coat, giving us a time where this is set,
- This is an old gun, a prop used for the old man.
- This is a similar trench coat to the one our character will wear. It is quite sophisticated when compared to Simon's coat which we see earlier in the film.
+ The black colour of the coat keeps in with mystery, as the identity of the man is no clearer. The coat is a typical wear for a male in a thriller, and links in to the look of a detective. The collar of the trench coat will be propped up, to hide the neck and bottom facial features of the character, creating more mystery about his identity.
- These are the trousers and shoes the old man will wear, both black, and both working-style and smart.
+ This is an appropriate look for our character as it will represent the old man's wealth and class, showing he's a rich man and may be quite important (or self-important). It also hints towards a good/wealthy career. The size of his house will also enhance this idea as the house is quite large.
- The hat of the man will be grey and in the style of an old trilby hat.
+ This will be worn so it covers the majority of his face, either with the material or in shadow. This will show how mysterious he is, and how he keeps his identity hidden, because we want to leave the man's identity anonymous and unrecognized. It creates mystery which we feel is a good way to start our thriller film, as it gets the audience interested and intrigues.
Simon:
- Big coat, warm and "gangster" like. Thick and with a hood.
+ Its a winter coat, giving us a time where this is set,
Winter coat, with a hood so it can be used to hide their faces if needed. The coat is relatively cheap looking as the guys aren't very professional and are not able to spend a lot. The dark colour of the coat will be good as they will not be as noticeable as if they were wearing lighter, more colourful colours. However, our film is being shot at night so it wouldn't really matter anyway. The coat also needs pockets so the guys can stuff as much as they can in them, instead of carrying a bag.
- Grey/Black beanie hat to be worn looseley on Simon's head.
+ This will help cover Simon's hair, and other features, as burglars usually hide these things if they are burgling. It shows his limited knowledge of what he is about to do, as he is not a professional burglar, and he doesn't do this regularly.
- Expensive "Gangster" trainers.
These trainers are quite like the ones that we have found the characters to wear (the two guys breaking into the house). They are going to wear trainers, as they are usually worn by men and they can relatively cheap. They will probably be black (the pairs that the men wear) as they will be less noticeable on the idea of them being less identifiable.
These trainers are quite like the ones that we have found the characters to wear (the two guys breaking into the house). They are going to wear trainers, as they are usually worn by men and they can relatively cheap. They will probably be black (the pairs that the men wear) as they will be less noticeable on the idea of them being less identifiable.
Extras:
- This is an old gun, a prop used for the old man.
+ The classic look of the old man's gun creates more weath for the old man, and gives him a sense that he knows what he's doing, as he's probably had alot of experience with guns, which is why he keeps one in his kitchen.
- This a more modern gun, exchanged from the gang leader and then used by Simon.
+ Because Simon is less used to having a gun, a more experienced thick black (almost toy like) gun is more suitable, as youths are more likely to get hold of these than the classic one above, as they are cheaper.
Ideas Stage/Mission Statements - Thriller Film
- Initial ideas for film:
Idea 1: Man running down a road, away from something. Empty. Thinks he’s getting chased, but he isn’t actually. Police shows him CCTV of him not being chased, could be a massive conspiracy.
Idea 2: Man in suit walking down a corridor. Bangs into a room and starts searching. Another man in a chair and a woman in another on the other side of the room. After a clear messy search the angry man leaves. The man in the chair says “so where did you hide it?” and the young woman, smoking, just smiles.
Idea 3.2: FINAL – “Gangsta’s” robbing an old man’s house, but he returns home and they run off except one is left there and gets caught inside the house with the old man, who is a “crazy killer”.
- Films that have influenced your group:
1. KiDULTHOOD – Young teenagers, Gangster lifestyle, violence.
2. Layer Cake – Shot types (close up, mid-shot), Watching a particular character (young teen) and following him through the start, Location (urban city landscape), Shots fading out.
3. Sin City – Sound effects (siren’s in the background), Location (urban city landscape), Weather (Raining).
- What kind of thriller do you want to make, Genre, Style:
Genre: This film will have a few sub genre’s including; thriller suspense and crime thriller.
Style: The style of the film will be modern “Gangsta”.
- What are you trying to achieve? Themes or ideas you want to explore:
We would like our introduction to capture the audience’s interests and attention, so that it draws them into watching the whole film with interest. We want to explore the “Gangsta” theme along with the innocence of your childhood/teenage years, by showing how a young smart innocent teenager can have their life turned around, and become a bad teen/villain, just by the people who he/she hangs out with.
Idea 1: Man running down a road, away from something. Empty. Thinks he’s getting chased, but he isn’t actually. Police shows him CCTV of him not being chased, could be a massive conspiracy.
Idea 2: Man in suit walking down a corridor. Bangs into a room and starts searching. Another man in a chair and a woman in another on the other side of the room. After a clear messy search the angry man leaves. The man in the chair says “so where did you hide it?” and the young woman, smoking, just smiles.
Idea 3.1: Young people robbing an office, running out, one falls over, they all split up and run separate ways. The young one who fell over hides in the shadows. Phone starts vibrating; “Mum” comes up on the screen. A hand slides round the youth’s mouth and he drops the phone. The phone had been answered, lays on the floor with a faint voice calling out to the owner.
Idea 3.2: FINAL – “Gangsta’s” robbing an old man’s house, but he returns home and they run off except one is left there and gets caught inside the house with the old man, who is a “crazy killer”.
- Films that have influenced your group:
1. KiDULTHOOD – Young teenagers, Gangster lifestyle, violence.2. Layer Cake – Shot types (close up, mid-shot), Watching a particular character (young teen) and following him through the start, Location (urban city landscape), Shots fading out.
3. Sin City – Sound effects (siren’s in the background), Location (urban city landscape), Weather (Raining).
- What kind of thriller do you want to make, Genre, Style:
Genre: This film will have a few sub genre’s including; thriller suspense and crime thriller.
Style: The style of the film will be modern “Gangsta”.
- What are you trying to achieve? Themes or ideas you want to explore:
We would like our introduction to capture the audience’s interests and attention, so that it draws them into watching the whole film with interest. We want to explore the “Gangsta” theme along with the innocence of your childhood/teenage years, by showing how a young smart innocent teenager can have their life turned around, and become a bad teen/villain, just by the people who he/she hangs out with.
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