Storyboarding

Here is the first half of the storyboard i've created. I think this provides a solid foundation for the visualisation of the film.

 Because we can't physically show our character (in this case Matt) talking on-screen, I had to think about ways in which the audience can still hear/understand what's going on, whilst showing visuals that don't seem 'pointless'. Therefore throughout the first half of the storyboard I've chose to include cut-aways that will hopefully connote signs and symbols of Matt's situation and current lifestyle.

Also, close-up shots of the protagonist's eyes are current, as I feel we can push body language and emotions through visual means.                                                     

The shots change from fixed shots, to hand-held shots, hopefully to indicate, or sub-conciously show the audience that his world is unsettled. Also, to help us (the audience) feel more involved with the piece.

I'll forward the piece to my fellow group members, as well as Tom who'll carry on with the job of finishing the last half.

Visualisation

It's really hard attempting to visualise the room/place we'll be filming in when we haven't had the opportunity to scout the location yet. Currently i'm creating the storyboard for our piece, and I know that once we've scouted the location next week, the majority of the storyboard may need altering! However hopefully this shouldn't be an issue, as once we've seen the location, taken pictures, created floor-pans etc, the process of visualising our piece on paper/on-screen should be clearer.

The vision i currently have in my head, is a scruffy studio apartment that features a couple of tables, a small sofa, magazines laid out around the flat, and a tall fridge that stands near the entrance.

On another note, a dose of inspiration on how we'll be 'decorating' the flat for the over-all mise-en-scene of the film, has come from The Big Bang Theory, an American sitcom that is widely known around the world.

 Possible props in the show could be implemented into our film, for examples magazines, pens, documents, and other mandatory items. However, saying this, our character is to be portrayed as someone who doesn't earn much, and strives along with little amenities... back to the storyboard i go!

Exercise update!

Jess has forwarded the screenplay/script of our 2-minute exercise piece that we will be running over tomorrow afternoon, discussing and altering (if need be). Following this, it will allow Tom and I to get underway with the storyboarding process.

Upon first glance, the script appears to be heading in the right direction we were going for; a fragile person once shaken, and one who struggles to tackle setbacks in his life.

A few alterations I think need to be made, for example the manager Dom I feel should hang up after Matt's penultimate line, creating a more dramatic effect on the main character as well as the audience. Some lines of dialogue could do with tightening up, but apart from that I seem pretty happy with the initial script!

A small dose of inspiration

Sitting peacefully and comfortably on the train reminds me of how i've always enjoyed the concept of following a character during their journey from one place to another. Train journeys always allow me to  open my mind and think about anything to everything.

It led me onto thinking that perhaps our lead character could venture on a journey, both literal and psychologically.

I also watched the film Wanted recently, a film in-which i believe is insanely far-fetched, but at the same time fun, action packed and dramatic.

My Personal Role - Cinematographer

Being assigned the camera role, i have been thinking about what I can/need to offer towards the project. During today's session, we discussed what each role involves, and you're expected to do.

Here's another mind-map i created that helps me gain a clear understanding of what is expected for my role/other roles.

In the next week, i shall be creating a storyboard with my partner Tom, who is the director. We decided it would be easier if i created the first half of the storyboard, and Tom continues on from what i've initially created. We'll collaborate with one another during the process, and discuss the vision we are wanting to achieve.

In the mean time, i'll be looking at external sources that may influence me in my creative process.

More to follow! :)

Narrative Exercise!

We've been tasked with creating a short 2 minute piece, followed by a longer 5-10 minute piece.

I have assigned the camera role, or 'cinematographer'... before today's session, our group collaborated with one another to discuss ideas and expand upon them. From the get go we decided to think of something fresh, other than the ideas we created for the session the week before.

Following this, we came up with the idea of a protagonist who has a low source of income, and a low quality of life. Consequently, we decided to have this character lose his job, and emphasise upon the idea that he has hit rock bottom. Our lead character, after losing his job, loses his mind.. anger, frustration, desperation, sorrow and more emotions will tried to be portrayed on-screen through a heavy use of body language, facial expressions and blocking.

Here is a quick brainstorm i created whilst we were discussing and developing our concept.

Ideas we came up with in terms of helping the story progress, included our character perhaps entering a supermarket with a £1 coin, after being mistaken as a tramp on the street. He purchases a lottery ticket, thinks he has won the day or two after (or on the day), but has not. The idea of false hope shall hopefully be portrayed effectively on-screen.