Character Profile

Character Profile Number 1: Creegan Donohue

We wanted to show Creegan in a extremely negative view as the stereotypes are often representing the "drug dealer image" so we tried to show him as the very embodiment of the sinister culture of the drug trade.

 

Dark, devious, cunning, cold hearted and above all else, greedy he is a character of volatile and obtrusive nature with his sole aim in life to reap the rewards and benefits of other people’s discomfort and misfortune, primarily making a sizable profit from the drugs that he sells.

 

Sinister by nature, tyrannical and commanding by force it is these attributes that mark the character as one to be viewed with particular discontent, resentment and displeasure from audience members and the other characters alike.

Character Profile Number 2: Toby Scott

Toby the protagonist of our film, unlike the antagonist Creegan, he is more easily relate-able to members of our audience, although many wouldn't relate to his addictive and cold state, they would be include to except his downsides due to his Innocent nature.
 
Less volatile and aggressive than Creegan, the character generally is more oriented towards more usual or otherwise ‘normal’ social behaviour. However, one thing that marks Toby out as acutely different is his tendency to become socially awkward in situations whereby he can become difficult in expressing the correct emotion for the situation that he may find himself in, this often gets him into large trouble in his life due to childish smiles in the face of aggression and blank expressions in time of joy.

We wish to showcase this in our film opening as it is an area of disability similar to autism or aspersers and as we are making a social realism film opening to cover this material will be a new and exciting direction in which to move our film opening.    

Film Opening Script

This is our planned script for our final piece film opening, this is a close example of the script we will use as we have allowed the cast slight improvisation.

A script is an essential tool for any filmmaker/production company in that it provides clarification and guidance to, not only the actors performing in the piece, but also to the production staff such as cameramen and lighting crews as although they will not be performing dialogue or 'in role' so to speak- they will still be performing aspects of the film production all be it different ones to 'performers.' They will still require guidance as to how best to perform their role. A script acts as a basis- or foundation- from which the crew and actors can stimulate and springboard developments from an original, guiding source. This is why a script is so fundementally important as it acts as a guiding light to keep all team and crew members on track and not become deviated too much from the original story and ideas discussed at an earlier pre production stage. 
   

Old Habits Die Hard script

(Tracking establishing shot of the main character, Toby Scott, commentary over the top as audio track)

(Cut to master shot of sharp fencing, symbolic.)

(Homeless people crouching in litter and rubbish, long shot with a slight pan)

(Long shot that develops into a two shot, showing two main characters)

(Conversation between the two men begins)

[Dialogue]

Creegan: You’re back for more then? (Gruffly)  I haven’t seen you in bloody ages.

Toby: Not exactly Creegan

Creegan: You complaining Toby, or… something else?

Toby: No, not really far from it. I love the hits man, but only when they last. I’ve had to make a choice mate….

Creegan: (Suspiciously) What choice? This better not be heading where I think it is, or you know what will happen. (Reaches into pocket threateningly)

Toby: No... I mean the hits mate. They get fewer and fewer every time. (Maddening slightly) I need this, I crave it. But, I’ve come to a bit of ‘rough luck’ shall we say.

Creegan: What ‘rough luck’ is this? A bribe to hand me in to the pigs?! You got another thing coming mate!

(Two shot, slight pan, argument begins.)

Toby: If you think I’d hand you into that lot I could’ve done it. The offer was open for me...

Creegan: ... And you went and fucking took it. And they say I’m a lowlife!!

(Creegan pushes Toby against the wall.)

Toby: ...but I refused the offer despite the money. The wealth of friendship is worth far more than any amount of money …even in our world.

Creegan: Don’t you lecture me on your petty bullshit. Your words are filth; and so are you!! You’re scum; Scott!  Scum that’s about to be wiped off the face of the Earth!

Toby: And I thought you couldn’t sink any lower, I guess I was wrong.

(Zooms in to over the shoulder shot)

(Toby breaks free, enters chase)

(Toby runs out of tunnel, Creegan follows later after being punched)

(Match on action shot of Creegan getting phone out and dialling a number into his phone)

(Shot reverse shot of Creegan talking onto his phone)

(Close up of Toby’s legs as he runs down the street. Long/mid shot of Toby running down the street, commentary audio under the action) 

Toby: When you’ve been in the ‘game’ as long as I have you begin to realise when shit is going down. If you fail to notice it quick enough you could be fighting for your life. That’s what the drugs do; turn a simple bit of fun into roulette between life and death; a numbers game, luck of the draw as some might say.

Show wide shot of different trees. Cutting and splicing in-between them to show a sense of mystery and foreshadowing. Cut to: shot of forest floor, focussing on mud and dirt on the track. Use low angle shot to show. Audio: rustling of leaves.

Cut to: tracking shot of running feet. First, show the leading pair of feet and then those of the pursuer.

Cut to wide shot showing curve in forest track, shoot the shot from here, now showing the two characters running towards the camera and track them round the bend, kicking up dirt to show urgency and speed of the characters.  Have camera follow the characters in handheld steadicam shot to show a sense of chaos and urgency.

Pursuer grabs his target by the scruff of the neck, throwing him to floor.

Pursuer should be shown as the antagonist of the opening, dark apparel and scars to show this. Pursuer is a violent criminal.

Pursuer/Dealer/ Antagonist; Creegan Donohue.

Protagonist; Toby Scott

Creegan turning over Scott on the ground, POV Shot.

Creegan: You’re finished Scott, you’ve changed the balance forever. Now I’m gonna kill you, for all the fucking misery you’ve caused me

Cut to: webcam shot of main character, focussing his webcam and re-adjusting the lens.

 

Toby: Is this thing on?... (Sits back in chair, relaxing, but on edge)  

Right, ok (Clears throat) Yeah what you just saw, I mean before I 
(indicates himself with a wave of the hand) 

came in, was the day, the day, (pauses, zoning out slightly) my life changed and not…. 
(Pause, considering his word choice) not in a good way. We’re all born different, yeah ok I get that- we all make different choices in our lives, good or bad, proud or regretted; I know I’ve certainly made some choices in my life that I’ve lived to regret even to this day. 

We just gotta face every new day as it comes, even if that day is the darkest day we may ever face. That day, my world changed forever, I… I… killed a man not out of hatred or greed. Just defiance. Defying and standing up to his oppression. He was making a living off other people’s addiction. He had to be stopped. I don’t defend what I did; I just hope it’s easier for people to understand. 

(Fade to black; end credits roll)      

Film Opening Story Board

This is my Storyboard that I created for our Final piece Film Opening, This is not a perfect representing of our opening as we may change scenes, timing or location if the situation calls for it, also we have allowed our cast slight improvisation ability.

Inspirational Directors Part 2

Shane Meadows

- "When I am not happy with my work, I am like Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now".

Personally I feel that Shane Meadows is a extremely inspirational director as he can really create a scene in improbable situations, for example, I think there are very, very few directors who could have made "This is England" to the level and with the skill that shane did, as not only did he have the massive problem of time difference but also he had a limited budget (compared to that of hollywood blockbusters that is). 

Shane Meadows first tasted fame in 1997 with his well received film "TwentyFourSeven", after that his talent and notoriety both grew largely coming back after some less successful films with  "Dead Man's Shoes" in 2004 which boosted Shane's name to a new level and soon after earned his the title of Britain's 40th most powerful figure.

Shane's biggest successes are within the british film industry as his depiction of England and its people is often to "Dark" or "aggressive" for other audiences.

I feel that by focusing mainly on Shane's bigger film successes such as "This is England" and "Dead Man's Shoes" we will be able, like him, to achieve a realistic and effective film that can convey our ideas as well as possible.

BBFC Film Rating

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 should see a 15+ rated film in a cinema. and no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15+  rated video/film.

Theme and Plots

No theme or plot is forbidden as long as it does not focus on pain or unnecessarily dark plot lines.

Discrimination

The film must not positively show/represent discriminative language or racists behaviour as good or expectable in any way or means.

Drugs and Drug use

Drug taking may be shown but the film must not promote or encourage drug use. The use of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances are unlikely to be used.

Horror and Violence

Violence may be used but should not focus on the cause of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable as well as strong sadistic or sexualised violence.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour should not focus on details which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be used.

Language

The use of large amounts of strong language is often acceptable unless used for unclear purpose or repeated for a extended time.

Nudity and Sex

Sexual activity may be shown without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Films were the primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Our Film

I feel that our film fits into the category of 15 as by no means does it encourage or show acceptance to the violent and illegal acts that happen throughout the film but it does use realistic and mildly offencive scenes to bring the viewers closer to the protagonist.

Inspirational Directors Part 1

- “When people ask me if I went to film school I tell them, 'no, I went to films.'"

To me Tarantino is one of the all time greats in directing, his uniqueness and specialities mean his work can be easily distinguished from others and mainly because of his ability to input his personality into all his films no matter the genre or plot. I feel his input to the film industry will one day be as great as early directors who shaped the future of films such as Alfred Hitchcock.

Quentin Tarantino's fame skyrocketed with the release of the hit film "Reservoir Dogs". After writing the script in a reported three and a half weeks, the (relatively) low budget heist themed, dialogue-driven blockbuster was found to be what would shape Tarantino's future film career

After receiving offers from Hollywood to direct films like Men in Black (and refusing them), he started production on the extremely well received Pulp Fiction, which solidified his fame in the directors seat. Indeed, the latter was the cause for nomination for best picture, best director and best original screenplay, though humbly receiving only the award for best original screenplay.

Kill Bill Vol. and 2 are also very notable films that he directed.

Critics often agree that Quentin Tarantino "bends and reshapes" genres; his originality in films sets him apart from others in the thriller and crime genres that he often partakes in. He often uses unusual storytelling device in his films, such as retrospection in "Reservoir Dogs", and the non-linear style in Pulp Ficiton to further his distinction. His unabashed look on violence is often seen in his films, though using 'seen' loosely, as the most extreme violence is often off screen, and merely implied. Further proof comes straight from his mouth: "Violence is one of the most fun things to watch."

Reports from co-directors, actors, and others who work with him all tell the same thing about Tarantino; he's an incredibly talented director, with a penchant for oddness. Also ruthlessness. Certainly, his outlook on violence, and his cutthroat approach to directing are reflected in his films. And one other thing that never varies is told by one Roth, an actor in Inglorious Bastards: “Tarantino always fosters an air of a great place to be creative.”

I believe that by studying the works of Tarantino we as a group will be able to greatly improve the atmosphere and realism of our film, in terms of our filming, directing, actor guidance and script writing.

Inspiration

The inspiration for our final piece came from a mix of our own tastes, but what sealed the deal was our joint passion towards the 1996 film, "Trainspotting" which is an extremely well known and highly regarded film based around the Edinburgh drug scene and Renton who tries to "clean up and get out", despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

Danny Boyle is a personal favourite among directors for me alongside other greats such as Shane Meadows. I will be researching more about these two in more detail at a later date.

For me what makes "Trainspotting" such an inspirational and influencing film is its uniqueness within the genre, the way trainspotting jumps straight into the action and then uses the drama to show what is happening by breaking the tension really appeals to me as it makes us as viewer question the film from the go.

Another reason Trainspotting is inspirational to me is because unlike most other drug related films it doesn’t have a dark and depressing feeling even though the story is quite hard.

Trainspotting mainly relates to drugs but really has aspects of many personal issues such as death, aggression, depression and unemployment.

Thriller Research

As our final piece is a social realistic thriller I have collected some research on Thrillers and what is expected to be in thrillers, so mainly i have researched the codes and conventions in typical thrillers as well as iconic ones.

For a thriller the audience will be expecting many similarities within the genre and without these thing a movie could be doomed for example a thriller must contain some form of mystery or drama, have a amount of action within it, parts may contain some tension and keep the viewer on the edge of there seat. A thriller will also be expected to contain a twist and constantly make the viewer think or question the plot, locations should be dark and gloomy to build suspense when foreshadowing and the ending should be unexpected as well as thought provoking.

The main aim for any thrillers is to keep the audience alert, on the edge of their seats and constantly thinking about the plot. On average in most thrillers the main character is set against a problem or task for example they might have to escape for somewhere or solve a mystery of some sort. During a good thriller they would be expected to show drama or tension by enhancing facial expressions to show fear or worry during key scenes within a film as without that a thriller wouldn't be nearly as attention grabbing and viewers would not be able to connected with the characters fully. Thrillers normally use quick, fast and sudden changes in emotions to drive the viewer to a constant state of alertness and keep them on the edge of a seat.

Mise-En-Scene

Within a thriller there are often no real specific Mise-en-scene as it all depends on the plot or sub category, in a period thriller the clothes, make-up, plot, etc would be completely different to a SC-FI thriller.

But as a key role often the mise-en-scene is used more to show the characters rather than a genre when i comes to thrillers, I feel that is mainly because thrillers range some much. Where as horrors you expect blood and black to be clear and in actions you expect good open locations with lighter tones, in thrillers it is not so simple, yeah blood is often expected but with out it people don't automatically resent the film, in fact often gore and blood is missing from thrillers to challenge the genres ideals.

Sounds

Thrillers have a huge range of iconic sounds mainly depending on sub genre but all contain a memorable tone and are used in a haunting or heart pumping style this is because almost every thriller is designed to trigger set emotions depending on the scene or genre. A lot of thrillers use very distinct noises in the films as a way to target the audience as anyone of them could use these sounds to recognizes both genre and theme of the film.

many thrillers use a very distinct technique when starting to use sounds in there films, they use a loud and powerful sound like thunder or door slams to trigger a piece of music, as well as the starting of there music they also use quick and sudden sound effects or tempo changes to break up what could be classed as a low pitched and drawn out noise.

A classic example of these techniques is clear in the all time classic thriller "JAWS".
I took this clip from you tube as its a great example of the classic thriller sounds it has a constant and repeated deep, drawn out tune with tempo changes and sudden volume changes. They have used these techniques as a way to a drama and suspense in direct lead to a killing and as it sets every killing it is also a iconic sound in its self and can instantly be used to tell the film.

Another set of iconic thrillers are the Jurassic park trilogy which are some of the most well known thriller trilogies and like jaws also uses many similar, noticeable techniques within there films which can make there film recognized by just sound and music sequences used within the films.
 Here is the opening sound track form the original 1993 film

Lighting

For thrillers the lighting typically varies a lot from scene to scene and character to character, this is because each person is represented differently. The bad guys or those against the protagonists are often shown in low key lighting and even sometimes are just shown as silhouettes this is show the audience don't relate or get attached to them, where as the good guys or those with the protagonists are shown in high key lighting and often have their faces lit up to show them off and make it easier for the viewers to relate.

Film Opening Part 1

For our final piece, of which is to create a 2 to 3 minuet clip of a film opening, we (Ben, Luke and I) decided on filming a social realistic thriller based around the drug trade. We felt that using great films like "Train spotting" as inspiration would be a great help to us in the planning and filming stages of production.

Our basic film opening plot that we decided upon was a chase scene that would in fact take place half way through the film but we would use as a good opening as it quickly puts the audience in the action, also we decided that we would use a commentary over the start in the form of a video blog (Vlog).

The overall plot of the film was to follow the life of a "druggie" and the problems he faces on a day to day level. As a whole we felt that to make the opening a thriller would be simple in terms but to make the appearance that of one which follows the codes and conventions of a social realism would be far more difficult.

The roles we have selected are as followed:

Zach - Camera man, Lighting and storyboard creator
Luke - Script writer, Location / setting director and head of casting
Ben - Music provider / collector and sound manager

Also we will all be co-directors and editors.

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

For our prelim video we decided to do a Comedy/Thriller clip because we felt we all had some good ideas as well as personal skill we thought would be useful when filming it. Throughout our clip we decided to mainly use a ere and tension filled music track as it would help to show the viewer that the characters are up to no good. At the start of our video we showed our protagonist walking down the stairs to show his appearance and give the viewers a idea of who he is.

We start off in a mid shot showing the protagonist walk down the stair as it switched to our match on action scene we used a close up on his arm to show his reaching in and grabbing the door Handel. I feel this was a good scene as with the music it made the character seem tense and if we were to redo this section I would have preferred to have a lower angle shot as it would be more effective at disorienting the viewer.

The next scene we filmed is a lead up to the location of the next few scenes, in this scene we had our protagonist walking up and over the camera so we could show a shot reverse shot. To improve this shot I would have preferred a lower key of lighting to keep the drama.

As the protagonist sits the scene turns to a two shot so both characters are in even show, then it switches to a sequence of over the shoulder shots as the dialogue is exchanged, this scene to me was as a bit plain and would have been better with a larger range of shots. 

As the two characters finish their game the second character gets up and walks off frame leaving the protagonist crying in his seat, to me this scene went well and i would improve very little as I liked how the contrast in the characters emotions changed from both being calm to polar opposites.

the final sequence contained the two characters leaving the room in opposite directions with opposite emotions, I would have preferred to switch the scene and freeze on the jump from the secondary character.