P1 Pre-Production
I am writing a report based on codes and conventions of a short film, which will include lighting, audio, foley track, mise-en-scene, location and more. I have researched into different short films including 'about a girl', 'The detective' and 'Finley'.
About a girl
About a girl is a short drama film, which is based on a teenager who is neglected and forced to comply with commands from family. The film is set in Manchester and shows the girl walking around her town while explaining the awful life she's had while remaining positive towards her future. About a girl uses black silhouettes and dark lighting which makes the scenes feel authentic and connotes cold, winter weather and connotes eeriness. The actor uses facial expressions and body language to show their emotions such as having hands in her pockets when she walks to suggest it might be cold. The film felt quite mysterious and left people feeling confused at the end as the narrative felt quick. There were fast cuts while she was talking which connotes that she is feeling a lot of different emotions and she's experiencing them all at once, and it shows that the thoughts and feelings are coming out all at once. Also, the use of direct address makes the audience feel included.
The film feels relatable as she explains family issues with financial instability and damaged relationships, which the audience may feel they have experienced.
Costume: She was wearing the same outfit throughout, which shows their financial problems as they can't afford new clothes
The harsh lighting connotes sadness and aggression, which relates to how the character is feeling.
Finley
Chiaroscuro
Non-diegetic sound to create eeriness
A doll prop is used as that is generally associated with horror and makes the audience feel freaked.
Binary opposites, very confident vs very scared
Close up shot to capture emotion
Baseball bat prop to show that the characters are scared but ready to fight
Fast camera pans show the rising action in the scene
Building up tension in the scene before calming down
Person left alone in house shows that something creepy may happen
Knife rack creates a rising action
Using a black cat suggests bad luck as their is a superstitions that crossing paths with a black cat is bad luck
The villain isn't very good at killing people, which creates an element of comedy
Floorboard creaking suggest it may be an old house and are generally associated with horror films.
Intertitle to show when the scene is set (Continuity and narrative)
Black fade out to show a change is setting or time
The good characters mock the bad, which shows who actually has power
Slow sad music to show the emotion the doll is feeling
There is a lack of character background so that you can't establish a relationship towards the characters.
Plot twist to keep viewers on edge
Location is small and limited as there is a low budget
There are only a few characters that appear in the film which is a typical convention of a short film
The Detective
Establishing shot/ chiaroscuro
Dubbed voice over (monologue)
Mise-en-scene, use of props such as cigar, typewriter etc shows the time that it is set and the cigar gives a masculine powerful feel to the character.
Art-deco type font
Todorov narrative theory (Equilibrium, Disruption, Recognition Repair the Damage and Equilibrium again)
In my own short film i will work on using some of these conventions. We chose the name October 31st as our narrative was a killer on halloween and there is already a franchise and movies called halloween so we had to be creative to avoid any copyright issues. Our genre is a horror/comdey so we had to include aspects of horror movies and comedic movies such as loud incidental music and short, funny lines that may mock or play down the threat. We can also include colour themes like red and black, which are portrayed in many horror films as red is a signal of danger and anger and black is mysterious as you cant see into it like an abyss. In our short film we use aspects of mise-en-scene such as costume, props, proxemics and lighting. In our short film we will all be directing, filming and acting as it is only a group of 3 of us.
As a group we are wanting to come up with new ideas for a film using horror conventions
They need to be very strong but also have some forms of weaknesses shown
Make sure the acting is not cringe and use camera angles to ensure people feel like they are experiencing it themselves
We want to create a story that is realistic and engaging and one that the actors will enjoy playing as we want the actor to really become a part of their role.
Script:
OCTOBER 31ST
ALICE, ISAAC, NOAH
FADE IN:
INT. LIVING ROOM — NIGHT
A group of teens are sat in a dimly lit room illuminated by a TV screen. From left to right, the friends are – CHLOE (the dumb blonde), TYLER (the confident jock), OLIVIA (the worrier) and ROSIE (horror obsessed). Dressed in casual clothes, they are watching a horror film. 2 of them are sat on the sofa with another on the floor and another on an extra chair.
A loud sound comes out of the TV.
OLIVIA
(Hiding behind a pillow, looking terrified)
TYLER
Come on Liv, it is not that bad!
OLIVIA
It does not help the fact that we are in this (gestures around the room) house on Halloween!
CHLOE
(Applying lip gloss) I do not think this film is that good to be honest.
ROSIE
What?! It’s one of my favorites!
TYLER
Don’t you think the acting is terrible and the plot is predictable?
ROSIE
No, it is a classic! If anything, the acting is terribly brilliant.
TYLER
They all have the same thing – dumb blonde girl that eventually gets killed.
CHLOE
And you know I personally find that offensive and not true!
ROSIE
Chloe, you put salt instead of sugar in those cakes you make the other day and then used real glitter instead of edible glitter!
CHLOE
Well – at least they looked pretty.
A slamming noise can be heard.
Chloe makes her way to the window and looks out of the blinds/curtains.
OLIVIA
(scared) What was that?
CHLOE
Oh god – it’s that weirdo gardener. He always drags out his lawnmower at like 3am.
TYLER
Man – I’ve heard some weird stuff about him lately…
CHLOE
Did you hear about that family down the road? He cut their grass and then they disappeared the next day. What if they all like died or something?
TYLER
Nah – he for sure chucked them in the lawn mower or something!
ROSIE
You know what.
Rosie turns off the TV.
ROSIE [CONTINUED]
How about we do something else instead?
(A knock at the door)
CHLOE
Ooh might be some trick or treaters!
ROSIE
Let me go and check.
Rosie makes her way out of the room, grabbing the sweet bowl on her way. From the living room, a scream can then be heard – Rosie is not visible.
OLIVIA
What was that?
Tyler, Chloe and Olivia hurry out of the living room and into the corridor. Once they get there, they see Rosie sprawled on the floor with a fake knife prop through her head.
CHLOE
Rosie! Oh my god – she’s dead!
Chloe kneels to Rosie’s level.
CHLOE
I will never be able to give her back those shoes that I borrowed.
Rosie suddenly opens her eyes.
ROSIE
So you were the one that took my shoes!
OLIVIA
Rosie that was not funny!
ROSIE
What - not even a little?
The rest of the group shake their heads and make their way back into the living room.
CHLOE
So, were there trick or treaters?
ROSIE
Nope – nothing there.
TYLER
Ah it has been dead around here tonight to be honest.
(Another knock at the door)
ROSIE
Okay – I’ll get it.
TYLER
And no pranks this time!
ROSIE
All right, all right.
She makes her way towards the door – opening it to see a pizza delivery guy stood holding a box in his hand. He is absolutely drenched due to the rain.
ROSIE
Hey – how are you?
They take the pizza boxes from the delivery guy quickly and without hesitation. Not even giving the man a chance to speak.
ROSIE
Brilliant. Have a nice night – thank you!
Rosie slams the door shut.
PIZZA GUY
(annoyed) What – not even a tip?
The pizza guy trudges away from the door. From far away, POV shots show that he is being watched by someone.
CUT TO:
ROSIE
Look – what I have!
CHLOE
(excited) Yay! Pizza!
TYLER
Thank God – I am starving.
OLIVIA
Me too and I hope nothing disturbs us while we -
Olivia is interrupted by another knock at the door.
ROSIE
Hm – I’m guessing the pizza guy forgot something? TYLER
I will get it.
Tyler goes back to the door, opening it hesitantly.
On the doorstep is the pizza delivery guy’s hat splattered with blood.
CUT TO:
CHLOE
What was it? Any spooky killers?
TYLER
No – just the guy’s hat. Must have dropped it when he walked off.
OLIVIA
(scared) Wait - is that blood?
TYLER
Oh no – just some exploded ketchup packets.
Tyler holds up the ketchup packets and shows them to the group.
TYLER [CONTINUED]
Anyways – can we eat now?
The group sit around the hot pizza boxes and start to tuck in. Slowly the camera moves to the door, zooming in to show the door handle turning.
The door creaks open.
OLIVIA
Ooh, actually – I just remembered. I wanted to get a photo of us all. (Holding polaroid camera and showing it to group)
CHLOE
Wow, that is so ancient.
OLIVIA
Um, not really it only came out a few years ago…
TYLER
Can we just get the photo over and done with?
The group move in close together, smiling into the camera. As the camera flashes, the killer can also be seen in the background.
Olivia’s stomach makes a noise.
OLIVIA
You know what – I think I ate too much pizza. Be right back.
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM
Olivia washes her hands. She turns off the tap and looks into the mirror. She adjusts her hair and see a spot of blood on the mirror, wiping it before moving adjusting the mirror.
Behind there is a figure stood still staring at her.
She screams.
CUT TO:
All the group are scrolling through their phones until they hear a scream echo through the house.
ROSIE
Wait - what was that?
CHLOE
Oh, it was me watching a proposal video – look how sweet!
Chloe shoves her phone into Rosie’s face.
ROSIE
No, not that. That.
The same scream echoes through the house again.
CHLOE
Tyler, you should go and look around.
TYLER
Me?!
CHLOE
Yes – you are the strong one here.
TYLER
Just because I have been putting effort into working out does not mean I have to risk my life.
ROSIE
Or we could just all leave out of the front door right now.
Rosie gestures to the front door.
CHLOE
Why would we do that? That is pointless.
The group sit quietly looking at each other, wondering what to do.
CHLOE
Ooh I have a great idea. Hear this out. What if... WE ALL JUST SPLIT UP?
CHLOE
O-M-G. GENIUS!
ROSIE
That is so stupid. You know the killer is just going to pick us off one by one.
TYLER
Who?
ROSIE
Uh - the killer?
TYLER
No – who asked?
Tyler laughs hysterically and raises his hand for someone to high five him. No one looks interested and his laugh fades away as looks around slowly putting his hand down.
ROSIE
Anyways – Chloe me and you stick together and Tyler, you stay here. Got it?
The others look at Rosie and nod.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN
Tyler – armed with a weapon - is walking around the kitchen. At each corner, he slows down before jumping out in case of any intruders.
Suddenly, a door creaks open behind Tyler.
He turns around slowly, making his way towards a dark cupboard.
After stepping into the small room, the door slams behind him.
Then, his phone rings.
TYLER
Yo, bro.
He answers his phone on speaker, with the light barely illuminating his face.
PHONE VOICE (V.O)
Yo, man, how are you?
TYLER
Good, man just chilling.
PHONE VOICE (V.O)
Same, here. Just wanted to check – are you still good for tomorrow?
TYLER
Yeah – for sure, for sure. Hey, bro?
PHONE VOICE (V.O)
Yeah?
TYLER
I’m kinda scared right now - got any funny jokes?
PHONE VOICE (V.O)
Uhh, kind of caught me off guard. (Pause) Okay, what about – what do mummies listen to on Halloween?
TYLER
I don’t know man, what?
PHONE VOICE (V.O)
Wrap music.
A deep male laugh is heard in the room, causing Tyler to let out a big scream. The killer can be seen slightly with the light from the phone screen.
CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR
Chloe and Rosie are walking down the corridor, peering into rooms as they walk down the hallway. Chloe is looking at her phone and is taking selfies.
CHLOE
Be honest – does this lighting make my face look weird?
ROSIE
I do not think that is the biggest of our issues right now.
CHLOE
Not for you but for my two thousand Instagram followers – it is! How about…
Chloe presses on her phone screen and then holds the phone up to her face. The phone screen flashes – illuminating both her face and the area behind her. Behind her moving in the distance the killer’s silhouette can be seen.
CHLOE [CONTINUED]
Aha better.
A phone rings.
Rosie picks it up.
ROSIE
Hello?
CHLOE [CONTINUED]
Aha better.
A scream can be heard.
They stop walking.
ROSIE
(scared) What was that?
CHLOE
Oh my god – that was Tyler!
ROSIE
Well, you know what he said – we must split up further.
Chloe and Rosie bolt towards opposite ends of the room. Chloe runs towards the door.
Chloe runs out of the door, sprinting to the field surrounding the house.
She looks behind her and the killer can be seen holding a piece of Rosie’s outfit and a bloody weapon.
As she runs, the camera follows up close mirroring her aggressive movements. However, a long shot then shows Chloe taking small footsteps as she tries to escape. The killer is walking behind her.
Chloe then trips over nothing, causing her to push herself across the floor.
She keeps running until she makes it to a tree/wall where she is cornered. The killer approaches her and raises his knife.
Chloe screams.
CUT TO:
INT. KILLER’S ROOM – LATER
The polaroid that was taken earlier by the group is stabbed into on a wall with the knife of the serial killer – this time covered in blood. On the polaroid is scratched – OCTOBER 31ST.
The camera zooms out to reveal lots of different polaroid photos of people, each one with a different date on it.
FADE OUT.
THE END
As a group we found trouble when filming, from finding time to get together and film and edit and then also having wind ruining the audio of the shots we had, as a group we decided to re-think our short film and came to the conclusion that we needed to change the script and reshoot. We decided to keep the same theme as last but made it so it could be filmed inside to ensure we had time and to make sure the audio was right. We ensured that the cameras were set up properly and the microphones were on and working.
New Octobe 31st script:
October 31st Script.
Set in a typical school classroom, ALICE, NOAH and ISAAC meet in their spare time to catch up on work they’ve missed. ISAAC is late as both ALICE and NOAH wait for him to arrive.
[INT] [DAY] Classroom
NOAH and ALICE sat in the classroom doing work
NOAH: where’s Isaac he’s late again?
ALICE: I’m not sure. Didn't he say he was getting the bus?
ISAAC ENTERS THE FRAME AND WALKS PAST THE CAMERA AND BEGINS PREPARING HIS WORK ON HIS MACBOOK.
ALICE: Wow, he actually turned up.
NOAH: You took your time, didn’t you?
ISAAC:Jeez guys, at least I'm here.
NOAH: Barely, you’re always late and it’s always ‘the bus's fault’.
ISAAC:For once it's actually not my fault! Anyway,what work are you doing?
NOAH: we’re carrying on with the masks we’re designing!
ALICE: What's everyone's theme? I'm not sure what mine should be
NOAH: Well, considering halloween is coming up, I thought it would be fitting to create a creepy mask and a headband with a knife through it.
ISAAC: That's what I'm doing too!
ISAAC shows his design on his computer.
ALICE:(hesitent) Did you not hear about that murder around 5 years ago?
NOAH: We live in Donny, there’s plenty of those.
ISAAC: Which one?
ALICE: The‘mid autumn murders’ that happened on October 31st.
ISAAC: Oh yeah I heard about that one, wasn’t she called Abbi?
NOAH: my brother went to secondary school with her, she was really clever.
Flashbacks to ABBI running through the forest.
ALICE: I heard she got stabbed by a man in a white mask.
ISAAC: It's a pretty popular Halloween costume.
NOAH: (Speaks directly to ISAAC) So, how does this correlate to your mask?
ISAAC: Well i guess-
ALICE interrupts
ALICE: Because that is the same exact mask that the murderer had on, how have you even got that?
ISAAC: I don’t even know i just thought of the design,the murder didnt even cross my mind.
ISAAC rustles through his bag and reveals the mask he had been working on.
ISAAC: Is this similar to what it was?
ALICE: Wait let me see if i can find any pictures of the killer
ALICE begins researching on her laptop, while NOAH and ISAAC watch on intrigued
Aha! I found it. It’s actually identical to the killers mask, look
ALICE turns her computer around to show the pair.
ISAAC: (Stutters nervously) I- I don't know how that's happened
ALICE: That is really strange.
NOAH: Are you sure you’ve never seen it before?
The school bell rings to break the conversation and signal the beginning of lunch.
[INT] [DAY] CORRIDOR
ISAAC:No… but anyway we should leave this now, it's time to go and get some food.
ISAAC and NOAH hug, and ISAAC is suspicious with a creepy tight hug, sniffing his hair.(shown on CCTV as ISAAC looks up at it and tries to play it cool)The three go downstairs to get some food. As they walk along the corridor, NOAH begins ‘hallucinating’ thinking teachers and other people are wearing the mask, however when she looks again they are back to normal.
ALICE:(directing at NOAH)Are you alright?
NOAH: Yeah, i just don't feel very good
Shake head to re-adjust
I just had the most weird feeling through my spine, almost like I was being followed.
ISAAC: That's strange. shall we go downstairs?
ALICE:I need to go to the printer to get the essay for next lesson.
NOAH: Okay see you later.
ALICE walks away and goes to the printer, the camera follows her leaving ISAAC and NOAH behind. She gets to the printer and the printer dispenses a close up picture of the mask! it flashbacks to a clip of the murder scene with abbi showing the killers mask again. The camera cuts back to ALICE and the killer emerges behind her.
ISAAC and NOAH comes across ALICE’S lifeless body with the fake knife through her head, it cuts to NOAH’S POV of him looking at the body then at ISAAC then at the body but when he looks back at ISAAC he emerges as the actual killer punching NOAH (the lens) cutting to black.
‘THE END’
Risk assessment
Company name: IN&A Assessment carried out by: IN&A
Date of next review:3/05/22 Date assessment was carried out: 3/05/22
LOCATION RECCE
Prepared by | Noah Lawton | Date | 12/05/2022 | |||||||
Location Details | Modern house, 4-bedroom house. The house has an average sized living area, where most of the filming will take place. The forest near the house is public and is common for people to go on dog walks. | |||||||||
Scene/Purpose of filming | 1- Character development. This is the chance for the characters to show the audience their role in the movie | |||||||||
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Site Contact Name | Ben Wilkinson Rachel Wilkinson-Leigh | Site Address | 14 Ashton Drive DN3 1SB | |||||||
Contact telephone | 07957 016091 | Point of access | Street | |||||||
Permissions | Owners gave permission to film and | Availability | Always available | |||||||
Points of Interest | Living room Kitchen Hallway Driveway | Suitability/Possible shots | · Long shot of everyone on sofa’s · Close ups during conversations · Long shots of pizza delivery man | |||||||
Safety Issues | Dog Equipment in house (cutlery, TV’s etc) | Electricity Supply | Mains | |||||||
Sunlight | As this is a horror, we want it to be dark | |||||||||
Windows | Yes, it may cause glare or rays through the windows | |||||||||
Noise | Dog, Cars, Passer-by’s, weather | |||||||||
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