presentation original notes
SLIDESHOW:
RESEARCH FILM:
I’ll be using my 5 minute research film to experiment with some new territories and set up a kind of taster for the narrative/style of next years Major film project. I’ll be practicing working with a child actor (to get a taste of what is and isn’t effective, problems to look out for, methods that will make the filming process next year easier for both the actor and film team), trying to find what kind of special effects or use of animation would best suit the film’s narrative and work out my teams limitations are when it comes to adding a visual element to the magical realism within the film.
The film will involve a little girl, entering the magical realm beneath her bed to fight off the monster that she believes lives below her whilst she sleeps at night. This is an excellent opportunity for me, as the cinematographer, to try and pin down a camera style that stylistically suits the theme of the film and potential effects we may decide to use. We will shoot in various locations, woodland and we have our sights set on a castle type location & a cliffside beach.
This film will also provide, hopefully, a piece that we can use to gain public interest in the major film to come and possibly help us gain funding through a kickstarter account etc
Sound design is VERY important to this film, since we want to place most of the weight of creating the creatures and ambiance of the film onto the sound design because we feel it’d suit our budget and film style much more than trying to create elaborate animations - bridge to terabithia being an example of this.
We will be looking for a sound designer and producer for both this film and the major film next year.
ESSAY/P.E:
To compliment the research I’m undergoing for my research & major films, I’ve decided to write an essay that explores Magical Realism cinema - specifically how filmmakers use magical realism to explore and create narratives that revolve around children who have experienced or are living through trauma and as a device to create symbolism to this trauma.
I’m studying titles such as: Bridge to Terabithia, Pan’s Labyrinth, Where the Wild things are and The Babadook (which is more of a horror but there’s symbolism there that is valuable to what I’m trying to explore)
I’ve found written work online about trauma in cinema/narratives, along with some books from the library that will help me explore individual components to my essay that I can combine with others to create my case
I’ve continued to update my blog from last year’s P.E studies with what i’ve been creating and investigating for this unit and also the workshops i’ve been undergoing - cinematography & script writing.
I’ve also been sharing my notes for films I’ve been watching that will contribute to my research and development
I’m using it to document any of my professional experiences throughout this final year and the presentations and talks I may visit to further my career and experience.
MAJOR FILM:
story is based on a little girl who’s father was an explorer/adventurer and enthusiast of Scottish folklore and myths - going out to seek them. he went missing a year ago, presumed dead (he is dead) - this left the daughter’s mother quite estranged and caused a rift with their relationship as she is consumed by grief she neglects the child and does not like her shared enthusiasm for myths and adventure. She burns a pop up book of folklore that the father made for her, and this sets a catalyst in the plot and the girl ventures out to go fight the Shelly-Coat monster that she believes took her father away. she defeats the beast and returns home, upon her return her mother realises how important her daughter is and how she has been too wrapped in bereavement. She does not get her father back, but she does gain a sense of closure and a restored relationship with her mother.
There will be other magical creatures hinted along the way
sound design is again greatly important
filmed in scotland
the shelly coat is symbolic of her battling her grief/bereavement - a monster that has pursued her in the time after her fathers disappearance (comparable to the symbolism in The Babadook)
looking for a sound designer, producer and general help (runners etc)
will set up a kickstarter to aid in funding
