After checking the Transport for London website I have just found out that filming on buses isn't permitted as it may distract the driver :|
This means that we have to alter the scene, so that we dont see the character actually on the bus, maybe instead she could just walk home, or we could show her waiting for a bus, and then make it look like she just got off a bus at a different stop, without filming on the actual bus. Or maybe something else. We will have to work it out...
Monday, 14 December 2009
Filming
As yet we have not started filming.
Today we finalised our shooting schedule and had to change one of our actors, but we will definately make a start to filming on Wednesday(December 16th).
On wednesday we will be able to film the whole of the opening of the film, as it's all shot from in school, and also the scene at the bus stop and on the bus.
The remainder of the scenes are filmed in houses during the evening, so we will get them filmed on the weekend, over the christmas holiday.
Today we finalised our shooting schedule and had to change one of our actors, but we will definately make a start to filming on Wednesday(December 16th).
On wednesday we will be able to film the whole of the opening of the film, as it's all shot from in school, and also the scene at the bus stop and on the bus.
The remainder of the scenes are filmed in houses during the evening, so we will get them filmed on the weekend, over the christmas holiday.
Friday, 11 December 2009
Donnie Darko opening
After watching the opening to 'Donnie Darko' we were given an idea of a technique that we could try using in our film. Here the director has transferred the non-diagetic song playing as Donnie is riding his bike into diagetic sound coming from the kitchen radio.
As our film is aimed at a younger audience we plan to include a track from a popular music artist with a young fanbase. After wathing this clip we are going to use the song as non diagetic playing music over the top of one character as she walks home and then have it transfer into diagetic sound coming from another persons car CD player as the scene changes, in order to convey that the scene is continued from the previous one, with no time difference.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Animatics
In class we have been developing an animated video of our films, by uploading pictures of our screenplay onto the macs, and adding voiceovers, to give us an idea of the timings and layout of our film.
This process helped us with out script development as it enabled us to see where certain bits of footage worked, and what bits needed improving. An example of a change we made was converting the first conversation the girls have after leaving form, from one long tracking shot to shot reverse shot instead. This is because we got an idea of how long and boring the shot looked on screen and therefore realised that the film would benefit from having it as shot reverse shot.
The benefits we experienced from making this animatic:
It made us more aware of the importance of detailed dialogue, in order to make conversations seem more realistic. We saw that conversations between people were very short and focused, when in fact they should have been quite casual and typical to the relationship between the characters. We therefore went through and added more ''boring detail'' to the conversations, such as the mum saying that she wanted to get home to watch 'Deal or No Deal'.
Another benefit was that it showed us our film was only 4 minutes long. This helped us as it has given us time to make alterations to our script in order to make it long enough. We have so far considered including another scene, e.g. a flashback of the mum's death.
This process helped us with out script development as it enabled us to see where certain bits of footage worked, and what bits needed improving. An example of a change we made was converting the first conversation the girls have after leaving form, from one long tracking shot to shot reverse shot instead. This is because we got an idea of how long and boring the shot looked on screen and therefore realised that the film would benefit from having it as shot reverse shot.
The benefits we experienced from making this animatic:
It made us more aware of the importance of detailed dialogue, in order to make conversations seem more realistic. We saw that conversations between people were very short and focused, when in fact they should have been quite casual and typical to the relationship between the characters. We therefore went through and added more ''boring detail'' to the conversations, such as the mum saying that she wanted to get home to watch 'Deal or No Deal'.
Another benefit was that it showed us our film was only 4 minutes long. This helped us as it has given us time to make alterations to our script in order to make it long enough. We have so far considered including another scene, e.g. a flashback of the mum's death.
Preparation for shooting
We handed out copies of the final script to our actors today :) Our aim is to have started filming by wednesday the 9th December at the latest. This therefore gives our actors plenty of time to learn the general jist of the film.
Pictures taken of the various locations we're gonna use are coming soon, as soon as we've taken the last few pictures.
We've come up with a small list of props that are needed:
-a nice looking dinner :)
-a car
-household food items
-shopping bags
And costumes:
-school uniform
-work uniform (smart clothes and a name tag basically)
-scruffy work clothes for the dad
-casual clothes for the mum
-hoodies for extras on street
I don't think there's anything in the film that requires us to do a risk assessment, although we do have a driver that needs to be included in a scene. For this we need to make sure we've got a licensed and insured driver. There's also a small section that needs filming on bus, so we may need to contact the bus company to check that it's okay for us to film.
Pictures taken of the various locations we're gonna use are coming soon, as soon as we've taken the last few pictures.
We've come up with a small list of props that are needed:
-a nice looking dinner :)
-a car
-household food items
-shopping bags
And costumes:
-school uniform
-work uniform (smart clothes and a name tag basically)
-scruffy work clothes for the dad
-casual clothes for the mum
-hoodies for extras on street
I don't think there's anything in the film that requires us to do a risk assessment, although we do have a driver that needs to be included in a scene. For this we need to make sure we've got a licensed and insured driver. There's also a small section that needs filming on bus, so we may need to contact the bus company to check that it's okay for us to film.
Final Screenplay
We then made some drastic changes to our script when we began making our Animatics films. This is because we wanted a more dramatic climax at the end, as opposed to just an argument in a chip shop :)
Therefore we came up with the idea of the Dad of the poorer girl being violent to her at the end.
Here is a copy of the new edited script that we came up with:
PERSON 2
I know! That teacher is the worst one in school!
PERSON 1
Tell me about it. Trust us to land him as our form tutor as well.
PERSON 2
I had detention with him the other day. You know he spits when he talks?
PERSON 1
(Interrupts) I know! I hate that!
PERSON 2
(laughs) Anyway, by the end of the hour I needed an umbrella.
PERSON 1
Gross!
Both stop walking once they are outside the school gates to continue their conversation.
PERSON 1
Tell me about it, at least it’s Claire’s party tomorrow. You are going right?
PERSON 2
(Reluctant, hesitant): Oh yeah. I don’t think I can make it.
PERSON 1
(Surprised) Why?
PERSON 2
I’ve got work.
PERSON 1
Can’t you just take the day off?
PERSON 2
(Nervous laughter) I can’t just take the day off, they might fire me. I need the money anyway.
PERSON 1
(Looks sheepish) Oh yeah, sorry I forgot.
PERSON 2
(Smiles) It’s okay. I’ll come to the next one.
PERSON 1
(Grins) Good.
Person 1 spots her mum’s car.
PERSON 1
I have to go, there’s my mum. See you later, and don’t forget to UP YOUR VIVA!
PERSON 2
(Really laughing) See you later!
EXT. DAYTIME. BUS STOP. CONTINUED
Person 2 waiting for a bus. She shivers and pulls coat further around her. Looks sad and sighs to herself. Bus comes and Person 2 gets on and goes to sit at the back. Takes I-pod out and song plays; Eminem - Beautiful.
INT. PERSON 2 MUM’S CAR. CONTINUED
Song from previous scene carries over to playing from the car CD player.
MUM
What are you listening to?
PERSON 1
(Rolls eyes) Mum, I always tell you this. It’s Eminem’s new album.
MUM
You kids. How was school?
PERSON 2
It was okay; Mr Flowers set us loads of homework though.
MUM
Well you better make sure you do it when you get in.
PERSON 1
(Moaning) But mum! It’s X-Factor tonight and I want to see Jedward!
MUM
Oh not those twins! That welsh girl should have got through. That Simon Cowell needs his head testing.
PERSON 1
(Exasperated) But she’s boring. Jedward are actually fun to watch.
MUM
Whatever you say dear. Any plans for the weekend?
PERSON 1
Oh yeah, it’s Claire’s party. I need to get something to wear.
MUM
(Smiling) Does that mean you need money to go shopping?
PERSON 1
(Cheekily) Well if you’re offering...
MUM
Okay. I’ll give you some later. Is Jade going?
PERSON 1
No, she’s working.
MUM
Again? She should take some time off. It’s not healthy to work as much as she does.
PERSON 1
That’s what I said. But she said she needs the money.
MUM
(Tuts) You’d think her parents would pay for her. Come on, I want to get home for Deal or No Deal.
Mum starts the car and drives away.
EXT. EARLY EVENING. PERSON 1 AND 2 GARDEN.
Person 2 walking up the garden path. Garden is in a bit of a mess. Takes her key out and puts it in the door. Then switches to a split screen of both person’s 1 and 2 putting their keys in the door simultaneously. Both doors open and they walk into their houses both at the same time. Doors slam and camera goes back to normal.
INT. EVENING. PERSON 2 AT HOME.
Walks into the living room and puts bag down. On the table is a note from her dad saying he’s at the pub and there’s some change for a takeaway. Next to the note is a few pound coins. Person 2 sighs, puts the note down and goes into the kitchen where she opens a cupboard. It is empty except for a loaf of bread and a few tins. The fridge is equally as sparse. Going back to the cupboard she gets one of the tins out and a saucepan. She opens the tin and pours it into the saucepan which she then places on the cooker. She walks back into the living room and puts the television on and sits on the sofa to watch it. As she does she glances across at a photograph on the wall. The camera slowly zooms into it so the audience can see what it’s a photo of. It’s her mother, who passed away, leaving behind a hopeless father who drinks away his wages. It offers an insight for why Person 2 is poor, and has to work instead of going out with her friends.
INT. PERSON 2 AT HOME.
It’s bright in comparison to Person 2’s house. It’s loud and family orientated. Person 1 is sat on the sofa with a laptop watching TV.
PERSON 1
(Shouting) Mum, what’s for dinner?
MUM
Chicken and potatoes. Do you want vegetables?
PERSON 1
Eurgh no thanks.
MUM
You should eat them you know, not everyone is as lucky as you.
PERSON 1
(Rolls eyes) Whatever Mum.
She gets her food and begins to eat. Goes to split screen of both people eating their dinners, watching television. Audience sees the stark contrast in their lives. Person 2 is alone in a dark house with only the television for company, eating beans. Person 1 is sitting with her mum in the bright living room watching television, talking occasionally with a home cooked dinner.
INT. MORNING.
Split screen of person’s 1 and 2 getting up to begin their days. Person 2 gets out work uniform, begins to iron. Person 1 standing in front of full wardrobe picking out something to wear.
INT. DAY. MORNING.
Still a split screen of the girls going through their rituals. Person 2 boils the kettle. Goes to full screen of her. Enters living room and looks at picture of her mother. Begins monologue.
PERSON 1
(Muttering) I wish you were here mum. I miss you. I had detention with Mr Flowers the other week. At parents evenings you always used to moan about him spitting. It always makes me laugh when I think of it, not so good when he’s shouting and I’m laughing. When Nan used to tell me I was lucky to have you, I didn’t realise how right she was. Well, I didn’t realise I’d find out what it was like to not have you.
Kettle finishes boiling, returns to the kitchen. Gets a mug, pours water into it. Puts teabag in and realises there’s no milk. She sighs and makes her way to the front door. Pauses before she leaves the house.
PERSON 2
Bye mum, I’ll see you later.
Exits the house.
Then a couple of hours later, we have a split screen of person’s 1 and 2 returning from their day. Shot of them coming through their front doors. Person 1 is in her work uniform, comes in and slumps down in a chair. Person 2 comes in with lots of shopping bags and also slumps in a chair.
Returns to full screen shot of person 1’s home.
MUM
Will you take your bags up please?
PERSON 1
(Tuts) I only just sat down
MUM
Oh it’s a hard life isn’t it?
PERSON 1
(Carrying bags upstairs) Whatever...
Returns to full screen of Person 1’s house. Her dad enters the room.
DAD
Enjoy your cup of tea this morning?
PERSON 2
What?
DAD
Your cup of tea you made this morning? Are you incapable of washing up a cup?!
PERSON 2
Oh sorry, I forgot. I was in a rush, I was running late.
DAD
Oh so you can’t even get up on time for fucking work?! They’ll dock your wages for being late y’know?
PERSON 2
I wasn’t late for work; I just woke up late so I had to get ready quick. I didn’t have time to wash up a stupid cup!
DAD
A stupid cup? I go to work all day earning money so that you can live in this house and you treat it like a shithole!
Person 1 gets up to leave. As she goes past him he grabs her by the arm.
DAD
Where d’you think you’re going?
PERSON 2
Leave me alone!
The dad then raises his arm as if to hit the girl round the face. The shot freezes just before he makes contact, and goes to black and white.
We then get a shot of person 2 in her room trying on her new clothes. Her phone begins to ring and there’s a close up shot of her phone showing that person 1 is ringing her. Person 2 ignores the call so that she can continue trying on outfits.
Returns to person 1’s bedroom, where she has the phone to her ear, with a bruise coming up on her face. Scene ends with a shot of her face looking very depressed and lonely.
Therefore we came up with the idea of the Dad of the poorer girl being violent to her at the end.
Here is a copy of the new edited script that we came up with:
INT. SCHOOL, CLASSROOM, DAY
Two people sitting in class during registration. Both look bored. Bell rings and whole class get up and rush out.
The people meet up in the corridor. A tracking shot follows them as they walk down the corridor and out of the school building.
PERSON 1
I’m so glad we’re out!
Two people sitting in class during registration. Both look bored. Bell rings and whole class get up and rush out.
The people meet up in the corridor. A tracking shot follows them as they walk down the corridor and out of the school building.
PERSON 1
I’m so glad we’re out!
PERSON 2
I know! That teacher is the worst one in school!
PERSON 1
Tell me about it. Trust us to land him as our form tutor as well.
PERSON 2
I had detention with him the other day. You know he spits when he talks?
PERSON 1
(Interrupts) I know! I hate that!
PERSON 2
(laughs) Anyway, by the end of the hour I needed an umbrella.
PERSON 1
Gross!
Both stop walking once they are outside the school gates to continue their conversation.
PERSON 1
Tell me about it, at least it’s Claire’s party tomorrow. You are going right?
PERSON 2
(Reluctant, hesitant): Oh yeah. I don’t think I can make it.
PERSON 1
(Surprised) Why?
PERSON 2
I’ve got work.
PERSON 1
Can’t you just take the day off?
PERSON 2
(Nervous laughter) I can’t just take the day off, they might fire me. I need the money anyway.
PERSON 1
(Looks sheepish) Oh yeah, sorry I forgot.
PERSON 2
(Smiles) It’s okay. I’ll come to the next one.
PERSON 1
(Grins) Good.
Person 1 spots her mum’s car.
PERSON 1
I have to go, there’s my mum. See you later, and don’t forget to UP YOUR VIVA!
PERSON 2
(Really laughing) See you later!
EXT. DAYTIME. BUS STOP. CONTINUED
Person 2 waiting for a bus. She shivers and pulls coat further around her. Looks sad and sighs to herself. Bus comes and Person 2 gets on and goes to sit at the back. Takes I-pod out and song plays; Eminem - Beautiful.
INT. PERSON 2 MUM’S CAR. CONTINUED
Song from previous scene carries over to playing from the car CD player.
MUM
What are you listening to?
PERSON 1
(Rolls eyes) Mum, I always tell you this. It’s Eminem’s new album.
MUM
You kids. How was school?
PERSON 2
It was okay; Mr Flowers set us loads of homework though.
MUM
Well you better make sure you do it when you get in.
PERSON 1
(Moaning) But mum! It’s X-Factor tonight and I want to see Jedward!
MUM
Oh not those twins! That welsh girl should have got through. That Simon Cowell needs his head testing.
PERSON 1
(Exasperated) But she’s boring. Jedward are actually fun to watch.
MUM
Whatever you say dear. Any plans for the weekend?
PERSON 1
Oh yeah, it’s Claire’s party. I need to get something to wear.
MUM
(Smiling) Does that mean you need money to go shopping?
PERSON 1
(Cheekily) Well if you’re offering...
MUM
Okay. I’ll give you some later. Is Jade going?
PERSON 1
No, she’s working.
MUM
Again? She should take some time off. It’s not healthy to work as much as she does.
PERSON 1
That’s what I said. But she said she needs the money.
MUM
(Tuts) You’d think her parents would pay for her. Come on, I want to get home for Deal or No Deal.
Mum starts the car and drives away.
EXT. EARLY EVENING. PERSON 1 AND 2 GARDEN.
Person 2 walking up the garden path. Garden is in a bit of a mess. Takes her key out and puts it in the door. Then switches to a split screen of both person’s 1 and 2 putting their keys in the door simultaneously. Both doors open and they walk into their houses both at the same time. Doors slam and camera goes back to normal.
INT. EVENING. PERSON 2 AT HOME.
Walks into the living room and puts bag down. On the table is a note from her dad saying he’s at the pub and there’s some change for a takeaway. Next to the note is a few pound coins. Person 2 sighs, puts the note down and goes into the kitchen where she opens a cupboard. It is empty except for a loaf of bread and a few tins. The fridge is equally as sparse. Going back to the cupboard she gets one of the tins out and a saucepan. She opens the tin and pours it into the saucepan which she then places on the cooker. She walks back into the living room and puts the television on and sits on the sofa to watch it. As she does she glances across at a photograph on the wall. The camera slowly zooms into it so the audience can see what it’s a photo of. It’s her mother, who passed away, leaving behind a hopeless father who drinks away his wages. It offers an insight for why Person 2 is poor, and has to work instead of going out with her friends.
INT. PERSON 2 AT HOME.
It’s bright in comparison to Person 2’s house. It’s loud and family orientated. Person 1 is sat on the sofa with a laptop watching TV.
PERSON 1
(Shouting) Mum, what’s for dinner?
MUM
Chicken and potatoes. Do you want vegetables?
PERSON 1
Eurgh no thanks.
MUM
You should eat them you know, not everyone is as lucky as you.
PERSON 1
(Rolls eyes) Whatever Mum.
She gets her food and begins to eat. Goes to split screen of both people eating their dinners, watching television. Audience sees the stark contrast in their lives. Person 2 is alone in a dark house with only the television for company, eating beans. Person 1 is sitting with her mum in the bright living room watching television, talking occasionally with a home cooked dinner.
INT. MORNING.
Split screen of person’s 1 and 2 getting up to begin their days. Person 2 gets out work uniform, begins to iron. Person 1 standing in front of full wardrobe picking out something to wear.
INT. DAY. MORNING.
Still a split screen of the girls going through their rituals. Person 2 boils the kettle. Goes to full screen of her. Enters living room and looks at picture of her mother. Begins monologue.
PERSON 1
(Muttering) I wish you were here mum. I miss you. I had detention with Mr Flowers the other week. At parents evenings you always used to moan about him spitting. It always makes me laugh when I think of it, not so good when he’s shouting and I’m laughing. When Nan used to tell me I was lucky to have you, I didn’t realise how right she was. Well, I didn’t realise I’d find out what it was like to not have you.
Kettle finishes boiling, returns to the kitchen. Gets a mug, pours water into it. Puts teabag in and realises there’s no milk. She sighs and makes her way to the front door. Pauses before she leaves the house.
Bye mum, I’ll see you later.
Exits the house.
Then a couple of hours later, we have a split screen of person’s 1 and 2 returning from their day. Shot of them coming through their front doors. Person 1 is in her work uniform, comes in and slumps down in a chair. Person 2 comes in with lots of shopping bags and also slumps in a chair.
Returns to full screen shot of person 1’s home.
MUM
Will you take your bags up please?
PERSON 1
(Tuts) I only just sat down
MUM
Oh it’s a hard life isn’t it?
PERSON 1
(Carrying bags upstairs) Whatever...
Returns to full screen of Person 1’s house. Her dad enters the room.
DAD
Enjoy your cup of tea this morning?
PERSON 2
What?
DAD
Your cup of tea you made this morning? Are you incapable of washing up a cup?!
PERSON 2
Oh sorry, I forgot. I was in a rush, I was running late.
DAD
Oh so you can’t even get up on time for fucking work?! They’ll dock your wages for being late y’know?
PERSON 2
I wasn’t late for work; I just woke up late so I had to get ready quick. I didn’t have time to wash up a stupid cup!
DAD
A stupid cup? I go to work all day earning money so that you can live in this house and you treat it like a shithole!
Person 1 gets up to leave. As she goes past him he grabs her by the arm.
DAD
Where d’you think you’re going?
PERSON 2
Leave me alone!
The dad then raises his arm as if to hit the girl round the face. The shot freezes just before he makes contact, and goes to black and white.
We then get a shot of person 2 in her room trying on her new clothes. Her phone begins to ring and there’s a close up shot of her phone showing that person 1 is ringing her. Person 2 ignores the call so that she can continue trying on outfits.
Returns to person 1’s bedroom, where she has the phone to her ear, with a bruise coming up on her face. Scene ends with a shot of her face looking very depressed and lonely.
Screenplay
When the first draft of the script was being developed in lesson I was off school ill, so Aimee combined all of our initial ideas for a storyline and emotions and situations that we wanted to include to make the screenplay for our film. Here is a copy of the script that was produced.
INT. SCHOOL, CLASSROOM, DAY
Two people sitting in class during registration. Both look bored. Bell rings and whole class get up and rush out.
The people meet up in the corridor, a tracking shot follows them as they walk down the corridor and out of the school building.
Person 1: I’m so glad we’re out!
Person 2: I know! That teacher is the worst one in school!
Person 1: Tell me about it. Trust us to land him as our form tutor as well.
BOTH STOP WALKING ONCE THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES TO CONTINUE THEIR CONVERSATION.
Person 1: Oh well, at least its Claire’s party tomorrow. You are going right?
Person 2: (reluctant, hesitant): Oh yeah. I don’t think I can make it.
Person 1: (surprised) Why?
Person 2: I’ve got work.
Person 1: Can’t you just take the day off?
Person 2: (nervous laughter) I can’t just take the day off, they might fire me. I need the money anyway.
Peron 1: (looks sheepish) Oh yeah, sorry I forgot.
Person 2: (smiles) It’s okay. I’ll come to the next one.
Person 2: (grins) Good.
PERSON 2 SPOTS HER MUM’S CAR
Person 2: I have to go, there’s my mum. See you later, and don’t forget to UP YOUR VIVA!
Person 1: (really laughing) See you later!
EXT. DAYTIME. PERSON 1 WAITING AT A BUS STOP. SHIVERS AND PULLS COAT FURTHUR AROUND HER. LOOKS SAD AND SIGHS TO THEMSELF. BUS COMES AND PERSON 1 GETS ON AND GOES TO SIT AT THE BACK. TAKES I-POD OUT AND SONG PLAYS: EMINEM- BEAUTIFUL.
INT. PERSON 2 SITTING INSIDE MUM’S CAR. SONG FROM PREVIOUS SCENE CARRIES OVER TO PLAYING FROM THE CAR CD PLAYER.
Mum: What are you listening to?
Person 2: (rolls eyes) Mum, I always tell you this. It’s Eminem’s new album.
Mum: You kids. How was school?
Person 2: It was okay, Mr Flowers set us loads of homework though.
Mum: Well you better make sure you do it when you get in.
Person 2: (moaning) But mum! It’s X-Factor tonight and I want to see Jedward!
Mum: Oh not those twins! That welsh girl should not have got. That Simon Cowell needs his head testing.
Peron 2: (exasperated) But she’s boring. Jedward are actually fun to watch.
Mum: Whatever you say dear. Any plans for the weekend?
Person 2: Oh yeah, it’s Claire’s party. I need to get something to wear.
Mum: (smiling) Does that mean you need money to go shopping?
Person 2: (cheekily) Well if you’re offering...
Mum: Okay. I’ll give you some later. Is going?
Person 2: No, she’s working.
Mum: Again? She should take some time off. It’s not healthy to work as much as she does.
Person 2: That’s what I said. But she said she needs the money.
Mum: (tuts) You’d think her parents would pay for her. Come on, I want to get home for Deal or No Deal.
MUM STARTS THE CAR AND DRIVES AWAY.
EXT. EARLY EVENING. PERSON 1 WALKING UP GARDEN PATH. GARDEN IS IN A BIT OF A MESS. TAKES HER KEY OUT AND PUTS IT IN THE DOOR. THEN GO TO A SPLIT SCREEN OF PERSON 1 AND PERSON 2 PUTTING THEIR KEYS IN THEIR FRONT DOORS SIMULTANEOUSLY. BOTH DOORS OPEN AND THEY WALK INTO THEIR HOUSES ALL AT THE SAME TIME. DOORS SLAM AND CAMERA GOES BACK TO NORMAL.
INT. EVENING. PERSON 1 AT HOME. WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND PUTS BAG DOWN. ON THE TABLE IS A NOTE FROM HER DAD SAYING HE’S AT THE PUB AND THERE’S SOME CHANGE FOR A TAKEAWAY. NEXT TO THE NOTE IS A FEW POUND COINS. PERSON 1 SIGHS, PUTS THE NOTE DOWN AND GOES INTO THE KITCHEN WHERE SHE OPENS A CUPBOARD. IT IS EMPTY EXEPT FOR A LOAF OF BREAD AND A FEW TINS. THE FRIDGE IS EQUALLY AS SPARSE. GOING BACK TO THE CUPBOARD SHE GETS ONE OF THE TINS OUT AND A SAUCEPAN. SHE OPENS THE TIN AND POURS IT INTO THE SAUCEPAN WHICH IS THEN PLACED ON THE COOKER. SHE WALKS BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND PUTS THE TELEVISION ON, AND SITS ON THE SOFA TO WATCH IT. AS SHE DOES SHE GLANCES ACROSS AT A FRAMED PHHOTOGRAPH ON THE WALL. IT IS VERY COLOURFUL COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE ROOM SO IT STANDS OUT. THE CAMERA SLOWLY ZOOMS INTO IT SO THE AUDIENCE CAN SEE WHAT THE PHOTOGRAPH IS OF. IT’S HER MOTHER WHO PASSED AWAY, LEAVING BEHIND A HOPELESS FATHER WHO DRINKS AWAY HIS WAGES. IT OFFERS AN INSIGHT AS TO WHY PERSON 1 IS POOR, AND HAS TO WORK INSTEAD OF GOING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS.
INT. PERSON 2 AT HOME. IT IS BRIGHT IN COMPARISION WITH PERSON 1’S HOUSE AND IS LOUD AND FAMILY ORIENTATED. PERSON 2 IS SAT ON THE SOFA WITH A LAPTOP WATCHING TELEVISION.
Person 2: (shouting) Mum, what’s for dinner?
Mum: Chicken and potatoes. Do you want vegetables?
Person 2: No thanks.
Mum: You should eat them you know, not everyone is as lucky as you.
Person 2: (rolls eyes) Whatever mum.
SHE GETS HER PLATE AND BEGINS TO EAT. GO TO SPLIT SCREEN OF BOTH PEOPLE EATING THEIR DINNERS BOTH WATCHING TELEVISION. AUDIENCE SEE’S THE STARK CONTRAST IN THEIR LIVES. PERSON 1 IS ALONE IN A DARK HOUSE WITH ONLY THE TELEVISION FOR COMPANY EATING A PLATE OF BEANS FOR DINNER. PERSON 2 IS SITTING WITH HER MUM IN THE BRIGHT LIVING ROOM WATCHING TELEVISION, TALKING OCCASSIONALLY WITH A HOME COOKED DINNER.
Rest of the film:
Next day, person 2 goes shopping to get something to wear for the party. She is dressed fashionably and it’s obvious she has money to spend. She goes into a shop to get something to eat and there’s someone ahead of her in the queue wearing a work uniform, fumbling with a load of change. She drops it on the floor and tries to quickly pick it up. Person 2 begins to get annoyed, but then realises it’s her friend from school. She offers to pay for her and gets a five pound note out. It’s the first time she is confronted with the vast difference in their lifestyle and both are embarrassed, person 1 is ashamed. They both walk out of the shop and person 2 breaks the ice first by saying “I didn’t know you worked here!” Person 1 is still upset by the shop incident and so is snappy with person 2 and says “we’re not all lucky enough to have our parents pay for everything.” Person 2 is shocked that her friend said that, and so gives a personal reply. It all gets a bit heated and they have an argument. Something along the lines of you can have all the money in the world, but it is essentially worthless. (BAUDRILLARD!!!)
INT. SCHOOL, CLASSROOM, DAY
Two people sitting in class during registration. Both look bored. Bell rings and whole class get up and rush out.
The people meet up in the corridor, a tracking shot follows them as they walk down the corridor and out of the school building.
Person 1: I’m so glad we’re out!
Person 2: I know! That teacher is the worst one in school!
Person 1: Tell me about it. Trust us to land him as our form tutor as well.
BOTH STOP WALKING ONCE THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES TO CONTINUE THEIR CONVERSATION.
Person 1: Oh well, at least its Claire’s party tomorrow. You are going right?
Person 2: (reluctant, hesitant): Oh yeah. I don’t think I can make it.
Person 1: (surprised) Why?
Person 2: I’ve got work.
Person 1: Can’t you just take the day off?
Person 2: (nervous laughter) I can’t just take the day off, they might fire me. I need the money anyway.
Peron 1: (looks sheepish) Oh yeah, sorry I forgot.
Person 2: (smiles) It’s okay. I’ll come to the next one.
Person 2: (grins) Good.
PERSON 2 SPOTS HER MUM’S CAR
Person 2: I have to go, there’s my mum. See you later, and don’t forget to UP YOUR VIVA!
Person 1: (really laughing) See you later!
EXT. DAYTIME. PERSON 1 WAITING AT A BUS STOP. SHIVERS AND PULLS COAT FURTHUR AROUND HER. LOOKS SAD AND SIGHS TO THEMSELF. BUS COMES AND PERSON 1 GETS ON AND GOES TO SIT AT THE BACK. TAKES I-POD OUT AND SONG PLAYS: EMINEM- BEAUTIFUL.
INT. PERSON 2 SITTING INSIDE MUM’S CAR. SONG FROM PREVIOUS SCENE CARRIES OVER TO PLAYING FROM THE CAR CD PLAYER.
Mum: What are you listening to?
Person 2: (rolls eyes) Mum, I always tell you this. It’s Eminem’s new album.
Mum: You kids. How was school?
Person 2: It was okay, Mr Flowers set us loads of homework though.
Mum: Well you better make sure you do it when you get in.
Person 2: (moaning) But mum! It’s X-Factor tonight and I want to see Jedward!
Mum: Oh not those twins! That welsh girl should not have got. That Simon Cowell needs his head testing.
Peron 2: (exasperated) But she’s boring. Jedward are actually fun to watch.
Mum: Whatever you say dear. Any plans for the weekend?
Person 2: Oh yeah, it’s Claire’s party. I need to get something to wear.
Mum: (smiling) Does that mean you need money to go shopping?
Person 2: (cheekily) Well if you’re offering...
Mum: Okay. I’ll give you some later. Is going?
Person 2: No, she’s working.
Mum: Again? She should take some time off. It’s not healthy to work as much as she does.
Person 2: That’s what I said. But she said she needs the money.
Mum: (tuts) You’d think her parents would pay for her. Come on, I want to get home for Deal or No Deal.
MUM STARTS THE CAR AND DRIVES AWAY.
EXT. EARLY EVENING. PERSON 1 WALKING UP GARDEN PATH. GARDEN IS IN A BIT OF A MESS. TAKES HER KEY OUT AND PUTS IT IN THE DOOR. THEN GO TO A SPLIT SCREEN OF PERSON 1 AND PERSON 2 PUTTING THEIR KEYS IN THEIR FRONT DOORS SIMULTANEOUSLY. BOTH DOORS OPEN AND THEY WALK INTO THEIR HOUSES ALL AT THE SAME TIME. DOORS SLAM AND CAMERA GOES BACK TO NORMAL.
INT. EVENING. PERSON 1 AT HOME. WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND PUTS BAG DOWN. ON THE TABLE IS A NOTE FROM HER DAD SAYING HE’S AT THE PUB AND THERE’S SOME CHANGE FOR A TAKEAWAY. NEXT TO THE NOTE IS A FEW POUND COINS. PERSON 1 SIGHS, PUTS THE NOTE DOWN AND GOES INTO THE KITCHEN WHERE SHE OPENS A CUPBOARD. IT IS EMPTY EXEPT FOR A LOAF OF BREAD AND A FEW TINS. THE FRIDGE IS EQUALLY AS SPARSE. GOING BACK TO THE CUPBOARD SHE GETS ONE OF THE TINS OUT AND A SAUCEPAN. SHE OPENS THE TIN AND POURS IT INTO THE SAUCEPAN WHICH IS THEN PLACED ON THE COOKER. SHE WALKS BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND PUTS THE TELEVISION ON, AND SITS ON THE SOFA TO WATCH IT. AS SHE DOES SHE GLANCES ACROSS AT A FRAMED PHHOTOGRAPH ON THE WALL. IT IS VERY COLOURFUL COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE ROOM SO IT STANDS OUT. THE CAMERA SLOWLY ZOOMS INTO IT SO THE AUDIENCE CAN SEE WHAT THE PHOTOGRAPH IS OF. IT’S HER MOTHER WHO PASSED AWAY, LEAVING BEHIND A HOPELESS FATHER WHO DRINKS AWAY HIS WAGES. IT OFFERS AN INSIGHT AS TO WHY PERSON 1 IS POOR, AND HAS TO WORK INSTEAD OF GOING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS.
INT. PERSON 2 AT HOME. IT IS BRIGHT IN COMPARISION WITH PERSON 1’S HOUSE AND IS LOUD AND FAMILY ORIENTATED. PERSON 2 IS SAT ON THE SOFA WITH A LAPTOP WATCHING TELEVISION.
Person 2: (shouting) Mum, what’s for dinner?
Mum: Chicken and potatoes. Do you want vegetables?
Person 2: No thanks.
Mum: You should eat them you know, not everyone is as lucky as you.
Person 2: (rolls eyes) Whatever mum.
SHE GETS HER PLATE AND BEGINS TO EAT. GO TO SPLIT SCREEN OF BOTH PEOPLE EATING THEIR DINNERS BOTH WATCHING TELEVISION. AUDIENCE SEE’S THE STARK CONTRAST IN THEIR LIVES. PERSON 1 IS ALONE IN A DARK HOUSE WITH ONLY THE TELEVISION FOR COMPANY EATING A PLATE OF BEANS FOR DINNER. PERSON 2 IS SITTING WITH HER MUM IN THE BRIGHT LIVING ROOM WATCHING TELEVISION, TALKING OCCASSIONALLY WITH A HOME COOKED DINNER.
Rest of the film:
Next day, person 2 goes shopping to get something to wear for the party. She is dressed fashionably and it’s obvious she has money to spend. She goes into a shop to get something to eat and there’s someone ahead of her in the queue wearing a work uniform, fumbling with a load of change. She drops it on the floor and tries to quickly pick it up. Person 2 begins to get annoyed, but then realises it’s her friend from school. She offers to pay for her and gets a five pound note out. It’s the first time she is confronted with the vast difference in their lifestyle and both are embarrassed, person 1 is ashamed. They both walk out of the shop and person 2 breaks the ice first by saying “I didn’t know you worked here!” Person 1 is still upset by the shop incident and so is snappy with person 2 and says “we’re not all lucky enough to have our parents pay for everything.” Person 2 is shocked that her friend said that, and so gives a personal reply. It all gets a bit heated and they have an argument. Something along the lines of you can have all the money in the world, but it is essentially worthless. (BAUDRILLARD!!!)
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Pre-production
On being told that our 5 minute film should revolve around the idea of 'crisis' we brainstormed all the different types of crisis there are, and emotions associated with them. In doing this we produced a range of ideas to base our films on, from a family crisis to an indentity one. Emotions that we associated with crises included panic, upset, shock and nostalgia. Because we had been studying post-modernism prior to coming up with ideas for our film, we were also keen to develop some of Baudrillards or Barthes' theories into our film, such as the importance of signs and symbols in society or the reliance on audience interpretation through the use of 'Action' and 'Enigma' codes. From our completed brainstorm we then chose a couple of ideas to develop further into short plots, in order to see which idea would be best suited for a short film.
The first idea we decided to develop was that of dealing with the loss of a child. This idea involved following a mother on her daily routine acting as though her child is still alive. It was not until the end of the film that it was revealed to the audience that in fact the child had died. However we decided not to pursue this idea after considering the practical issues of finding a small child to 'act' in the film and dragging the plot out to last 5 minutes.
Therefore we went with the idea of showing two peoples lives, living either side of the poverty line. We came across the theme of poverty after considering types of financial crises. We thought of all the situations that could be linked to this crisis, such as the current recession and job losses etc, but after watching a short documentary style film on gun crime in america, we thought that showing the effects of material and social deprivation on young people in society would be a good basis for our film, as it evoked many different storylines from us. Other issue that we then decided to touch on in our film was those of lone-parent families, and conflict between parent and child, in order to emphasise the difference between the middle and working class characters in our piece of media.
In our film we plan on showing how similar people can look on the surface, but how their lives can be completely different when you delve deeper. The film will follow a typical day of 2 young girls from their jouney home from school, with one being shown as very luxurious and spoiled, and the other shown as having a very deprived life. The film centres around the idea of a family crisis, with the richer of the two girls having a very close relationship with her mum and dad, and the poorer girl belonging to a lone parent family, in which her dad lacks basic parenting skills. We chose this idea as there aren't many practical issues to face in terms of getting actors and filming locations, and because its an issue that can, if filmed the right way, affect the viewer of the film.
The first idea we decided to develop was that of dealing with the loss of a child. This idea involved following a mother on her daily routine acting as though her child is still alive. It was not until the end of the film that it was revealed to the audience that in fact the child had died. However we decided not to pursue this idea after considering the practical issues of finding a small child to 'act' in the film and dragging the plot out to last 5 minutes.
Therefore we went with the idea of showing two peoples lives, living either side of the poverty line. We came across the theme of poverty after considering types of financial crises. We thought of all the situations that could be linked to this crisis, such as the current recession and job losses etc, but after watching a short documentary style film on gun crime in america, we thought that showing the effects of material and social deprivation on young people in society would be a good basis for our film, as it evoked many different storylines from us. Other issue that we then decided to touch on in our film was those of lone-parent families, and conflict between parent and child, in order to emphasise the difference between the middle and working class characters in our piece of media.
In our film we plan on showing how similar people can look on the surface, but how their lives can be completely different when you delve deeper. The film will follow a typical day of 2 young girls from their jouney home from school, with one being shown as very luxurious and spoiled, and the other shown as having a very deprived life. The film centres around the idea of a family crisis, with the richer of the two girls having a very close relationship with her mum and dad, and the poorer girl belonging to a lone parent family, in which her dad lacks basic parenting skills. We chose this idea as there aren't many practical issues to face in terms of getting actors and filming locations, and because its an issue that can, if filmed the right way, affect the viewer of the film.
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