Thriller Planning - Storyboard

Thriller Planning - Inter-textual Refrences

For our film, our production team really went deep and researched around Psychological thrillers, their conventions, motifs and plot twists. Psychological films are amazing at playing with the audiences mind, playing around with people feelings and creating illusions. It was vital to us as a group that we incorporated clever and complex ideas into our film. We took inspiration from various films such as 'Inception' and 'Harvey'.

Our first inter-textual link comes from the incredible Christopher Nolan film 'Inception'. This masterpiece creates illusions and makes the audience really take a step back and think about the film, this is the exact reaction we wanted the audience to have to our film. The link derives from the plot itself which is based around the idea of reality and nightmares being inter changeable, through which the main character is in a never ending nightmare. As well as our thriller linking with the plot of 'Inception' we were also influenced by one of their breathtaking sequences in which Leonardo Di Caprio is seen in a extreme close up waking up. In our thriller we will replicate this scene to show an inter-textual link very early on, as well as demonstrating our knowledge on the subject this sequence fits perfectly with our thriller. This use of an extreme close up is very important as it lets the audience differentiate between what is a dream sequence and what is reality. Furthermore by using this shot it will show our skills in camerawork.

Another inter-textual reference we have made in our film is from the 1950's film 'Harvey'. The inter-textual reference being that the main character in the film is insistent on the fact that he has a six foot tall rabbit as a best friend. Whilst this film seems to have no resemblance to our thriller what so ever. We actually got the idea of not being able to see Javier Martellini's face in the thriller from this film. In our thriller only Josh Masterson see's Javier, this is exactly the same as in Henry Koster's film where main character Elwood is the only one that can see his best friend. I believe that this inter-textual link whilst being very alternative is a very clever idea from our production team.

These inter-textual references displays our knowledge of the genre and film, but also shows we are able to use various ideas from different films and incorporate them into our thriller piece.

Written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Title Sequence

 The typography of a film is key, it gives you a sense of the film creates an atmosphere. So when choosing the font to use in our title sequence we decided that we wanted to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere. By using this kind of typeface it allowed us to initiate and connote feelings of uneasiness before any footage was actually shown. Rather than using a simple font such as Arial which doesn't connote anything special, we aimed to use a serif font with medium point size. As for the colour of the typeface we have decided on using reverse type too grab the readers attention. The common typography used in thrillers is a predominantly clean, condensed and thin typeface.

An example of a possible font that we could use in our thriller is 'Supernatural Knight' by Matthew Walters taken from the website 'http://www.dafont.com'. This font is simple, easy to read and gives connotations of the supernatural and whilst our film is a psychological thriller it does contain elements of the supernatural in the form of dreams.


The font 'Angelface' gives connotations of happiness and elegance, this font would be most suited to a romance or feel good film rather than a psychological thriller.

The font here is 'Typographica' it is a sans serif font giving connotations of boldness and intimidation. This typeface is very easy to read which contrasts the opening sequence of our film which is uneasy and confusing.

After much consideration as a group we chose the font 'Avenir Light', we decided on this font as it is clear, simple yet holds many connotations. For example, the thin typography and wide kerning grabs the audiences attention. The connotations of this font is that it provides clarity and simplicity to a very complex opening sequence, this contrasts perfectly.

Overall, we want our font to give connotations of mystery, uncertainty and create an uneasy atmosphere.

Written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Actors

In terms of acting, as a production team, we wanted to ensure that the standard of acting was up to a high standard because it improves the overall complexion of the film as it makes it less 'amateur'. Reflecting upon our Preliminary Task, our focus on that task was based solely around narrative and less so the technical components of the film, so for our thriller, we wanted to strike a balance between narrative and technical aspects such as lighting, mise en scene, camerawork and sound.

Connor Southwell - I decided to act in our thriller as alongside my studies of A Level Media Studies, I also study A Level Theater Studies, which means naturally, I put myself forward for the acting and as a production team, we decided that my experience with acting and study of theatre allowed me to play the role of the main character with flexibility and professionally which doesn't decrease the quality of our film. I play the role of Joshua Masterson, who is the main character in the film, and a character who needs to be presented in a way that shows mystery and illusion towards the opening of our thriller.

Thor Forster- Thor plays the role of the films antagonist in Xavier Martinelli. Thor is excellent for this role, because he is able to characterize really well, which is needed when playing a character who relies solely on body language and movement to play this character, as throughout the opening, his face is completely hidden which is in relation to not being able to see people's faces with in dreams.

Written by Connor Southwell

Thriller Planning - Explanation of Planning Process

Our first step as a production team was too create a mind map of initial ideas which gave us a base to brainstorm various different ideas. Our groups consisted of Connor, Robert and I, immediately our focus was drawn to creating a psychological thriller as this particular sub genre seemed to appeal the most to us. This is because a psychological thriller really allows you to play around with different plot lines, camera shots and soundscape. For example, by choosing to make a psychological thriller we could use an eerie underscore and really let the audiences imagination run wild. After choosing our genre we moved onto making a plot and script, which is crucial within a psychological thriller film. With our ideas from our mind map myself, Connor and Robert devised a plot for our film, this is where we really came into our own, we devised a creative narrative based around the idea of dreams. After developing the plot and putting it in script form we went into production, whilst collecting shots we analysed and edited our script, perfecting and refining it. Throughout the whole of our planning process one thing we stayed true to was developing and changing sections of our script as a group. Each decision was discussed and thought about carefully, despite the script being written by Connor, I would very much say that it was a group effort. Overall as a group I believe we performed exceptionally, each of us contributed to everything, whether it be camera shots, types of lighting or dialogue. In addition to this we shared out the tasks evenly each of us adding our unique touch to every part of the thriller.

Written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Soundscape - Updated

In the thriller I intend on using sound to create tension and suspense. I will achieve this through various methods, for example non diegetic, contrapuntal and crescendo. By using a range of different sound I will be able to produce a more effective and stunning piece.

For example, by using a crescendo I will be able to slowly build up tension and as the sound gets progressively louder an anxious and nervous atmosphere shall be created. This specific method of sound type perfectly conforms with the thriller conventions.

Another example of this is in our thriller when we use diminuendo whilst the main character is walking down a flight of stairs. The music in the scene suddenly dies down creating the false sense of security that the threat is over, this is not the case.

I intend on using a lot of non diegetic sound too keep the clip realistic. This adds to the constant question our thriller is asking which is 'Is it a dream?'.

In our opening sequence we will be using diegetic sound in the form of heavy breathing, this will be used to create tension and suspense. This is a very common feature in many thriller films. Furthermore, the use of this will create a relationship between the character and audience as the viewer will feel concerned for the character.

We are contemplating on using additional dialogue recording in our thrillers there is a large amount of background noise in our clips. This would be hugely beneficial as it would make our dialogue clearer and more understandable. However, due too our thriller not having very much dialogue this may not need to be used, but it it none the less an option.

In addition to these methods we shall be using an underscore in the majority of our thriller, this is because it adds to the eerie feel we want to portray. Furthermore, we are likely to use a low drone sound as this makes the audience feel uneasy,which is perfect for the atmosphere we are trying to create.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XyW7791kCQ

This YouTube clip is an example of a type of score we may use.

Finally, silence is used for effect within our thriller as it creates an uneasy, tense and eerie atmosphere, especially when used alongside a low droning underscore. Furthermore, the use of silence allows the audience to focus on Mise en Scene and the camerawork in the sequence.

Written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Title Explanation - Updated

The film will be called 'Torpidity'

The meaning of the title perectly represents our film in the sense that it is all about being in a dream state. A relativly uncommon word, Torpidity presents ideas of being in a restless, inactive state. Much like the film this title raises alot of questions as to whether the character is in a dream state or is actually awake and in reality.

The word 'Torpidity' derives from the latin word 'Torpidus' meaning numbed or paralyzed, this is coincides with the feeling that the character is helpless in the film unable to escape in reality and in dream. In addition to this idea, this word also presents ideas of feeling trapped, whether it be mentally or physically.

Our aim in choosing this title is that it will relate to the audience as I'm sure a majority of people have felt the feeling of being in a dream state or as the film displays feeling trapped. This feeling of torpidity is something that can happen to any individual and this is something that we really conveyed in the films opening sequence.

Another reason we chose 'Torpidity' to be the title of our film is because this is a feeling that anyone can have at any moment, creating a relatable feeling which we feel we have utilized throughout our opening sequence through the characters and soundscape.

This is an individual task written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Costumes - Updated

Costumes

In terms of costume, we have placed a great quantity of thought into what is being worn by our characters and the characterization in which costume allows, and how it influences the piece in its entirety.

Josh Masterson-  Wears a hooded coat along with grey jeans and grey shoes. The thought process behind the hooded coat is to reveal the identity of his character slowly, and present him as a character of mystery and shadiness. Despite the audience feeling sympathy for Joshua, there is also an air of wondering what is happening etc.

Xavier Martinelli- Wears a tracksuit supported with a green coat with a large hood as we don't want his face to be seen throughout the opening as faces aren't ever seen in dreams. It is used to make him seem a tough and hardened character. This is represented through his stereotypical characterization. 

Thriller Planning - Shooting Schedule

Production Company Name: Ronnor Productions	Directors: Robert Groom
Shooting Schedule

Shoot number: 01	Location: Ketts Hill/ Heights	Actors required: Connor Southwell Thor Forster	Costume, Props, Set dressing: Thor Forster (Second Main Character) – A dark coloured hoodie, old and dirty jeans and rough shoes. Connor Southwell (Main Character) – Regular hoodie/jumper and trousers (Jeans or tracksuit bottoms)
	Date: Tuesday 10th January 2017
		Crew required: Thor Forster Connor Southwell Robert Groom
	Start/ End Times:
			Shot numbers (from storyboards): 10 types of shots
	Transport: Car
		Equipment needed: Sound Recorder extended cable DSLR Rode Video Mic Boom pole Camera Stabilizer Tripod
	Additional notes: Need to double check shots after we have filmed them to make sure that they, test the equipment like tripods, boom mics and cameras to make sure all is working when we arrive at location. If we find anything wrong with the equipment at this point it means, we can replace it and go ahead with our film as smoothly as possible.

Thriller Planning - Pitch - Updated

This film displays a psychological battle where a teenager is trapped between dream and reality, which is which?

Thriller Planning - Plot Synopsis - Updated

Plot Synopsis

The plot of our film is aimed to raise a simple question; what in our lives is dream and what is reality. This is the story of Josh Masterson, who is subject of this intensive reality. Josh struggles to differentiate between the two. Stuck in between two worlds, Josh encounters Javier Martinelli, who plays the villain of the film, and as Josh gets in trouble financially, Javier is there assigned with catching a struggling Josh, is this real? Or is Josh stuck in a dream? 

One possible way we shall try to give the idea that he's in a dream is because you don't actually see Javier Martinelli's face. This is done on purpose as it is commonly known that you cannot actually see peoples faces clearly in dreams. However, we do not want to make it completely seem like he is in a dream as the whole concept behind our thriller is for the audience to figure out whether or not he is in a dream.

Also, throughout the thriller we see Josh being followed or chased by Javier, however we never actually fully understand why. But we immediately feel sympathetic towards Josh and side with him and we automatically see Javier as the antagonist. Our thriller aims to make the audience think and use their own imagination to give an explanation to all the unanswered questions in our film.

Written by Thor Forster 

Thriller Planning - Locations & Mise en Scene

LOCATIONS & MISE EN SCENE:

Throughout our thriller there will be several possible locations where we'll be filming, such as a bus stop, Ketts Hill and a dark, dead end street or alley.
The opening sequence of our thriller takes place in a location looking over Norwich with an establishing shot. The primary candidate
for where this scene will be filmed is Ketts hill, this is because you can see the whole of Norwich from here and in the winter it looks particularly dark,gloomy and isolated. The atmosphere created in this opening scene would be mysterious and chilling, these are both general conventions of a typical thriller.

The second potential location we have chosen to film in is a bus stop, this is because it gives general conventions of city life and an every day setting. Furthermore, we have a scene in our thriller in which a character is sleeping at a bus stop and the bus stop could be interpreted as the entrapment of his mind. This bus stop could essentially be anywhere, however a preferred location for it would be on a quite desolate road to show he's isolated and alone. When filming in this area we would have to pay careful attention to the lighting as it could be an issue because it is outside and very open. But, to combat this as we are filming in winter and at night there is going to be very little to no diegetic light, except from possibly the moon, allowing us to create our own non diegetic lighting with equipment.

For the chase scene in our thriller we are looking to film down an alleyway. This alley needs to be empty,rough and relatively long. This alley must connote how trapped the character is feeling and how vulnerable he is. As our thriller is a psychological thriller all of our locations, especially for this scene must connote this constant sense of isolation and paranoia. Also, our thriller is about a teenager fighting the concept of reality within his own mind, so the settings are vital in depicting this plot.


Written by Thor Forster

Thriller Planning - Initial Ideas

Group Contribution

Thriller Planning - Script

Thriller Script- Torpidity

Josh Masterson - Connor Southwell
Tom Rush - Thor Forster


JOSH MASTERSON seen overlooking Norwich, hood up. This cuts to JOSH MASTERSON standing under a lamppost, frantically checking his phone.

JOSH MASTERSON seen asleep at a bus stop after a frantic walking sequence, cut in focus’ on TOM, JOSH MASTERSON then receives a text reading ‘I see you Josh but you don’t see me’.

JOSH MASTERSON turns around to where TOM was standing, and nobody is there. JOSH MASTERSON breathes heavy and begins to run.

TOM chases JOSH MASTERSON down an alley, dead end, TOM seen walking towards him. As he reaches him, he swings to punch before a large intake of breath for JOSH MASTERSON before the screen goes black and we cut to JOSH MASTERSON sitting upright in bed before he receives the same text as previously.

Ends.


By Connor Southwell

Introduction

Hi, i'm Thor Forster and this is my media blog