Development on the Poster

During the production of my original design it became apparent that the design wasn’t going to create a poster of high quality and an accurate representation of my short film. The images were of low quality which meant that that placing filters and effects on the pictures was ultimately in some locations degrading them. This was the main reason behind the idea was changed from the images of Kathy and Lucy to Kathy and Rhys. It also showed that this idea worked better as a concept rather than an actual production in the style I had planned. To make this idea effective I would have needed to show the two characters of Kathy and Rhys accurately as a background shot before the superimposition of the two together. This idea although feasible I felt was not an accurate representation of my short film and its content. As the basis of only two images was important to me as it is theme of the entire narrative of the film. I also felt if this idea was carried out it would need a different image in the background instead of using the same image as foreground.  The change to the design although it continues to show images of both Kathy and Rhys but they are not superimposed but are faded and edited to show the weight of the decisions and the danger they are in.

Poster Idea Clarification

Colour is an important feature to consider when producing a poster that in an effective representation of the films narrative and themes. The audience’s perception of colour is vital to consider as different colours symbolise different emotions. By asking members of my target audience as well as members of my media group it gave me an example of colours and the emotions that they create. Putting them into a wordle (http://www.wordle.net/) shows a visual representation of the results I uncovered. With this information in mind it reinforced the colour choices made about my poster.

Colour and Font are also important to take into consideration on a poster. Both of these play a crucial role in the advertising of a film but also of its representation. Another factor that is important is the central image.  The idea has changed from my first design of both Kathy and Lucy to Rhys and Kathy in order to convey the ambiguity of the film and the tough relationship that the two characters face. It was also edited because of the higher quality editing that was afforded by the appearance of both Kathy and Rhys.

Final Costume Choices

There have been changes to the ideas suggested in the original concept phase for the costumes of the characters, Rhys, Lucy and Kathy. Both Kathy and Lucy do not wear necklaces in the actual short film as the risk of them catching on the rope would have been high and it would break health and safety guidelines. The style of clothing has also been changed. Previously both Lucy and Rhys were wearing formal clothing, but in order to create more impact it was decided that they should wear more casual items as it would help the audience relate but also add to the horror aspect of the piece because the danger they are in could faced by anyone. It also strengthens the bond between the audience and the social genre that the short film “two” is also classified under. The social genre explores humanity and its boundaries and by wearing casual, widely found clothes it represents the fact that the difficulty in making decisions can affect society as a whole. These changes were all implemented in order to produce a successful film that the audience can relate to easily and flows consistently. It was also implemented in order for the comfort and safety of the actors involved. Cost of replicating the outfitted planned also played a small part in the development of the costumes.

The costume worn by Kathy Miller (played by Saskia Brett) consists of a dark blue and green dress. The colours used in the costume are consistent with the original idea put forward. It represents an inversion of the traits traditionally associated with these colours. Kathy is not a trust worthy character or reliable as these tones represent. The fact that the dress consists of muted colours conveys the difficulty that Kathy faces in feeling emotion. The consistent use of a dress symbolizes her femininity and allows for a variety of audiences to interact with her. The wearing of her hair down emphasises this point of her appearance.  The style of the dress can signify to the audience the privileged background that Kathy comes from. The cut of the dress highlights the fact that though Kathy cares about her appearance, the femininity and the attention often derived from fitted dresses are not important to her. The dark tone of this dress represents the danger they are in and the horror genre of the piece. It also conveys the cold and empty nature of the room. Kathy’s hair is another factor that conveys femininity. The curls in her hair and the colour help to make her more flamboyant and approachable than someone with straight hair. It is another feature used to represent her rebellious nature.

Kathy’s boots are used in order to detail that her individuality is important to her. The colour of the boots remained brown in order to contrast the colours of her costume with her personality; a theme that is continued with her contrast to the traditional female stereotype. The style of the boot focuses her youth in the audiences mind and makes her an easier character to form a connection with, as her lack of emotions may otherwise hinder the process. The style of the shoe shows that Kathy rates comfort higher than aesthetics, contrasting with both Lucy and Rhys in this factor. It reinforces the fact that Kathy does not hold a profession that requires formal dress. Her individuality is a key feature to this outfit. By wearing these two items together is shows Kathy as a blend of stereotypes.

Lucy Morgan as portrayed by Emily Smith has the most significant change of costume of any of the characters. Originally her costume was going to portray the professional aspect of her personality but after careful consideration I decided to change her costume into a more casual style. After reviewing other films and discussing the idea with my peers, I felt a developed costume would make her more human and approachable and that casual clothes would do this. Her demeanour and language would still portray her as a professional but her clothing would strength the human aspect of her personality and the audience would be able to relate to her as a mother, friend and partner instead of just a worker.

 The long sleeve top, Lucy wears signifies her modesty and maturity compared to Kathy whose style of clothing represents her youth. The colour white was carried across from the original concept of costume. It represents her cleanliness and the fact she takes large amounts of pride in her appearance. Other connotations that are attached to the colour white are the belief of perfection, a trait that would be important to Lucy for her to get as far professionally as she has. The blue stripes that are found horizontally on the t-shirt are portraying her confidence and approachability. These are two factors that are normally found in Lucy’s personality, but are missing in the crisis when panic takes over. The blue also represents the same mystery and unknown that the colour purple represented in the first idea. The style of top that Lucy wears is a symbol of youth but also of the emotional development that Lucy has. Much like with the inversion of messages in Kathy’s profile, the colours and style are used to represent the equilibrium of the characters and how they would normally react.

The jeans that Lucy wears are also symbolic of this fact. Instead of wearing a skirt as previously stated, trousers were chosen in order to protect Emily from the cool conditions of the location but also as a strong contrast between the two women (Kathy and Lucy). Lucy’s hair is straight for this piece in order to convey the professional tone of her work and personality. It also represents her femininity that is not often portrayed as openly in her costume.

The final character is Rhys Miller, played by Baz Cloud, who like the character of Lucy has had his costume edited dramatically from the first idea. I felt it would add more emotion to the piece for them to be dressed in casual clothes which allows the audience to relate to them more easily.  One feature that was kept from my first plan for Rhys is the colour of his shirt. Rhys is wearing a white v-necked t-shirt. The style of the t-shirt represents his youth and is one of the personal touches in his costume. The choice of white as the colour was because it represents the flawlessness nature of Rhys’ personality. It also is interpreted as a key to the profession he holds and the importance of always looking fresh and presentable. The style of shirt is also common and could be described as being a feature of a stereotypical males outfit. This helps Rhys blend into his surroundings as he is not recognisable, a feature that was essential in the first concept.  Rhys’ hairstyle is also important. It is one of the only features that show a part of his individuality. It also has the ability to be restyled into a professional appearance, which would be crucial in Rhys compartmentalised life. The trousers that Rhys wears are also an example of the view of normality and equilibrium that exists within the characters live before they were captured.

Music within two

Sound is an important feature of any film. It helps the audience to connect with a piece and reinforces the information already known through visual imagery. It supports the content that the audience have just witnessed and helps them to suspend belief and adds to the possible interpretation of realism in the plot. Sound be it non diegetic or diegetic adds an extra dimension to a film and often helps to make it a success. In the case of a short film in which the director isn’t able to explore information about the characters and themes of the film as in depth as a feature length would, the music is a strong representation of emotion and conventions of the genre. As short films are artistic by their nature it also conveys the importance of showing the audience information subtly.

The music used within my production was found at http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/ and is royalty free which means it can be used. The pieces I have chosen are from Kevin MacLeod and were chosen due to the tone that exists within them and the fact that they would focus upon the surreal and yet dangerous situation that the characters are in.

A soundtrack is used throughout my short film. It creates an extra dimension to the film and explores the narrative and the emotions that the characters feel. A non diegetic track named “Private Reflection” is played over the film from the beginning till the point of Rhys making his decision. It helps to bridge all of the different scenes and reactions together. The tone of this piece of music is ethereal and strengthens the danger, darkness; as the situation the characters are in is completely unnatural. The base of the music ties all of the voices together, a symbolic gesture of the decision that has to be made. The lone voice that makes up the lead of the piece and performs as a solo for the majority is a representation of the lone choice that Rhys has to make and the fact his decision is the entire premise of the film.

The final track that is being used is “Touching moments three” The soft piano is melodic and is representational of the love that is hidden by both Kathy and Rhys. The simple melody creates strong emotions of sadness which signifies the intense sensations that Rhys is exposed to after having decided his sister’s death. The two tracks are edited so that they link together and portray the contrast of emotion.

Diegetic sound is also crucial to a successful and realistic production, so that the audience can connect to it. Within the production of “two” diegetic sound is found in the dialogue and movement of the characters. An example of this is the friction of rope against skin and the trap door opening. This sound effect is not shown with synchronous action but instead is played over the top of black screen. During the mixing process it will be insure that a balance is correctly found between the diegetic and the non diegetic sound. The soundtrack does not have as much sound perspective as the diegetic actions.

The last piece of sound that is used within “two” is the non diegetic voice over of Lance (The Villain); and at the end of the film Rhys Miller’s. The dialogue at the start conveys Lance’s perverse pleasure about his actions but also highlights the power he has, as he is not required to be at the scene. To the audience this represents the danger and the insanity as well as the choice that they may have to come to terms with. The voice over in the epilogue from both Rhys and Lace conveys the contrast between characters. Lance shows enjoyment and pleasure where as Rhys is broken and dejected. It reinforces the moral message about the difficulty in making decisions, but it also signifies the social genre of the piece. It leaves the audience unsettled by the amalgamation of the soundtrack.

Overall, the soundtrack is used in order to strength the emotions and themes of the film for the audience. The music within itself also acts as a method of advertising, if it features a memorable motif. Within the short film “two” the music is in place to support the action but also to reinforce to the audience the horror of the choice between life and death.

Short Film Script - First Draft

Shot opens with a black/blank screen with narration from the villain (Lance) over the top

(Prologue)

Lance: (Cold, emotionless) who decides when our time is up? Who chooses upon our importance to the world?  I worship every breath, every tear, and every drop of blood that beats within our ungrateful souls. I decide who gets to live or die. It’s my (loud, angry) choice! I’ll make sure you welcome the silence and yet wish it never came. Play the game and suffer the consequences.

(End of Prologue)

An abrupt flash of light bridges the two scenes. It’s a dark screen; a close upshot to the inside of a bag. The sounds of heavy breathing and frantic scrabbling are heard over the top.


Rhys: (Heavy breathing) what?
(Whispers) Kathy? Lucy?

Lucy: (Sobbing; reading instructions via an earpiece) you have two minutes to decide. Follow the human weakness and choose. Think carefully for one of them must die (Breath hitch) don’t try and defy me; I planned every detail. You have two minutes to decide. Enjoy my game Mr Miller. Good luck! (Crying)

Rhys: Kathy? Lucy? Are you alright? Are you hurt?

Lucy: (Highly emotional) Oh god! I can’t (Sob)

Kathy:  (Sarcastic) Of course! Having the time of my life!

Rhys: (Angry, weary) Now is not the time Kathy! (Confident, assured, masking fear)  You’ll be fine. I promise! Both of you!

Lucy: (Whisper) Please, Please!

Rhys: (Assured tone) Kathy, move slowly to the right.... Don’t put any tension on the chord

Lucy: (Screams as the noose pulls tighter around her neck)

Rhys: (Angry, confidence slipping) STOP, Just Stop! (Directed at Kathy) I’m sorry! I’m so sorry (whispers to them both)

Kathy: You promised! Let me go! (Silent pause)  Rhys, I’m nothing to you! Always the disappointment; always the dark secret. It’s easy isn’t it? Almost like choosing between heaven and hell.

Lucy: Please no! (Whispers to self)  (Pause)  
(Directed at Rhys) Promise me you’ll make sure Greg and Amy are cared for. Help them deal with this. Help them get over me (Voice steady, though still crying)

Rhys: (Serious tone) I’m meant to protect you both. I can’t.... (Looks at both of them, eyes not focusing)
(Turns to Kathy) I always taught you it was wrong to make promises you can’t keep

Kathy: (Voice calm) Promises are always there to be broken. Mother taught me that.

Lucy: (realisation. Anger) What! No! Rhys you can’t do this. This isn’t what we agreed! This isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

Kathy: (Calmly, Confidently) don’t resent him. That’s his biggest fault, he cares too deeply. He couldn’t live knowing he’d orphaned two children. He’s too generous for that.

Lucy: (Yells angrily) Shit!

Rhys: (sadly) I love you, Kath.

Kathy: (First time with emotion) I know.
(Dialogue stops. Reaction shots of Rhys and the decision he has had to make. Final shot a close up of Rhys’ eye as he blinks. Sound of the trap door opening on the black screen)

(Epilogue)

Lance: (Simultaneously, Gleeful full of pleasure) and then everything stopped counting

Rhys: (Simultaneously, cold and emotionless) and then everything stopped counting

(End of Epilogue)

Location Choice

Location is an important aspect of mise-en-scene and is the main feature when representing the genre and tone of the film. In a short film the use of an easily identifiable location as well as understandable one is vital as there is less time in order for these two features to be established. It is also crucial because of the importance of imagery in the short film category. The location of my short film titled “two” is in a warehouse. Due to the constraints and availability of filming in this location, the location I have chosen to film in is a cellar. The choice of location is important as it contains the crucial image aspects of a warehouse.

One of the most important aspects is the creation of claustrophobia and a small space. The architecture and the exposed brick work helps to add to this feeling. The lack of space adds to the feeling and mise-en-scene of a dark and dangerous location with no chance of escape, which is a vital aspect of my short films narrative.  The fact that this location is sparse and doesn’t contain any comforting features such as paint, windows and accessories, are crucial in creating the risk the characters face.  By not using any identifiable features, it adds to the terror by conveying that this location and actions could happen anywhere.  The lack of natural light and therefore the darkness are also representing the danger and portray the uncomfortable tone to the audience as well as the characters. The creation of this atmosphere helps to strength the information and belief that the audience have of the peril that the characters face. This location also reinforces the genre to the audience. Horror genres stereotypically take place in enclosed locations such as houses, castles and dungeons and the choice of location I have will connect to this convention. This location also adds to a gothic trait and also connotes the horror genre of my piece is by being locked in.

Narrative Structure

Although in a short film there is not a lot of time for equilibrium to be established, it is important to consider the narrative structure in order to make the film understandable and represent key features of the plot that cannot be changed. The equilibrium is established within “two” is the relationships between Rhys and Kathy, brother and sister and Rhys and Lucy, two good friends and colleagues. The connections between Kathy, Lucy and the films protagonist Rhys are standard and relatable relationships for the audience. Even the troubles that later become evident between both Rhys and Kathy are commonly found in society. The clothing that all the characters wear also represents normality. They are all well kept and each of them shows pride in their appearance. The style of clothing is also a common feature of young adults and makes them easier to relate to.

The disequilibrium for this film is the decision that Rhys has to make. It threatens his normal life and holds the possibility of breaking his heart and therefore hurting him.  The choice disrupts their everyday lives and forces them to exist outside the boundaries set by society.  The fact that Rhys is forced into a decision between saving Kathy and Lucy destroys his previous life as it does not allow anything to return to as it was previously. The disequilibrium is featured at the start of the film and is carried through until the end. There are a variety of aspects that portray this change. Rhys’ behaviour alters dramatically. He begins the narrative frightened but managing to hide it behind a façade of confidence. By the end after deciding upon Kathy’s death his posture is no longer rigid but slumped as if he no longer as the will to live. His voice and language are lacking emotion and are cold as the decision appears to have hurt Rhys to the point where he is psychologically removed from the situation.

The resolution of the piece is when the equilibrium is returned to the narrative. In the case of “two” the death of Kathy brings the end of the film to what could be interpreted as a return to normality; both Lucy and Rhys are free to return to the world. The decision has been made so for now there is no danger to the characters. It helps to represent to the audience that although normality has not always been carried through this episode of their lives that it has always been present in the world around them. This is not a strong return to equilibrium as both Lucy and Rhys will never be the same as they were previously but it does reinforce that the danger and fear that encompassed the decision Rhys had to make has now diminished.

Action and Enigma codes are also an important feature of a film. The enigma codes are crucial as they pose questions to the audience about the narrative and keep them interested in the film. The action codes are how the enigma codes are portrayed to the audience. Within my idea for “two” the largest enigma code possessed is about who will Rhys choose and that is not answered until the final moments of the film. There are also a lot of questions posed that are never answered and is left to the audience to decide, allowing them to engage with the film on personal levels. These questions are Why Rhys? Where are they? Who is Lance? There are also enigma codes that answered as soon as they are posed; an example being, wondering who Kathy is. Through dialogue it will become clear that she is Rhys’ sister. Knowing this information helps to give audiences a sense of power as they know more about the characters in the narrative.