Post 13 - Pre-Production Documentation

Script:

Originally done by Casey however re-drafted and finalised by myself and Kelly:

Summary:
Written by Casey
James, a young man still at school is at a crossroads. Unsure of his sexuality and with a girlfriend, he finds himself torn between what he knows and what he might know. James has a girlfriend, Roxanne, but he is one of the lads, he plays football and is accepted in his peer group. James has to decide which path he wants to take and a series of scenarios traces his journey.

Synopsis:
Written by Casey
Our short film has been influenced by the style of Jean-Luke Goddard and the French New Wave; we will experiment with camera, sound and editing.

The scene cuts to show James in goal, taking part in another football game, only this time, he is somewhat more distracted. The camera subtly shows James focusing on the players, instead of the ball. The scene cuts to the next scene to show James walking out of the changing rooms, having subtly removed his masculine football shirt, and replaced it with a pink polo shirt, when both Ashley and Roxanne approach from different directions. Ashley then walks away, and James leaves shortly after. As he leaves, Roxanne shouts to him, “I’ll see you later anyway.”

The scene cuts to a close up shot of James walking alone. He receives another text from ‘Ashley’ reading, “Come and see me later.” James is shown to be confused, and thinks about what to do.
A close up shot of a couple’s hands held together is shown with intimate lighting. It is clear that the people who these hands belong to are in a bedroom. Dialogue of James’ voice is heard over this shot, as he says, “I know I’ve done the right thing, Ashley.” The camera will then cut to a 3/4 two-shot to reveal that the two people holding hands are actually James and a male Ashley, revealing that James is gay.

The film will be visually enhanced by French New Wave style cinematography, sound and lighting, including freeze frames and dropping sound. All of the symbolism of James’ homosexuality will be extremely subtle; as the idea is that the audience will not discover he is gay until the final scene.

The film will open with an establishing shot of the protagonist, James, standing in the toilets. There will be a close up of his face, to show his expression, before showing a close up of his mobile phone screen, reading, “keep it to yourself” from the recipient ‘Ashley.’
James then walks out of the toilets to find his girlfriend, Roxanne, waiting for him on the stairs. She excitedly stands up and holds his hand, while he doesn’t appear to be all that bothered. The camera will show a medium shot of them from behind, walking out of the doors together.
Throughout the piece, the audience does not know the name of James’ girlfriend (Roxanne); they are intended to assume that her name is ‘Ashley.’

As they walk out of the building, James and Roxanne are surrounded by a group of ‘lads,’ James’ masculine friends, talking to him about football. The sound will be dropped in and out in the style of Jean-Luke Goddard to symbolize James trying to block them out, block out the masculinity.
The film will then cut to a short scene of James in goal, whilst playing football. At this point, he is content, and focused on the ball. Roxanne is dressed in pink clothing, waiting for him next to the pitch. After the game, James and Roxanne walk off together. They are walking through the school together talking, when shouting can be heard. James looks round to see Ashley being brutally beaten up by the ‘lads,’ who are shouting homophobic abuse at him. There are different shots of James, showing his extremely concerned expression, and loosening the grip of Roxanne’s hand. Roxanne pulls James away, grasping his full attention, and takes him towards a bench.

An establishing shot shows the audience that James and Roxanne are alone. Roxanne wants to kiss James now that they are alone, and so moves onto him. James is shown to be somewhat uncomfortable with this, but awkwardly kisses her anyway.

The film cuts to show James in goal, taking part in another football game, only this time, he is somewhat more distracted. The camera subtly shows James focusing on the players, instead of the ball.

The film cuts to the next scene to show James walking out of the changing rooms, having subtly removed his masculine football shirt, and replaced it with a pink polo shirt, when both Ashley and Roxanne approach from different directions. Tense expressions are exchanged, and in the style of Francois Truffaut we will freeze frame the character’s faces, just for a split second to emphasize them. Ashley then walks away as James completely ignores him, and focuses on Roxanne. Once Ashley is out of sight, he then quickly says that he has to leave, and also walks away. As he leaves, Roxanne shouts to him, “I’ll see you later anyway” and James just nods his head. The ‘lads’ who are also around the changing rooms here this, and shout, “oi, oi!” James doesn’t respond, and walks away, embarrassed.

The film cuts to a close up shot of James walking alone, showing his confused and upset expression. He receives another text from ‘Ashley’ reading, “Come and see me later.” James then kicks some pink flowers at the side of the road out of frustration, and petals go everywhere.
A close up shot of a couple’s hands held together is shown with intimate lighting. It is clear that the people who these hands belong to are in a bedroom. Dialogue of James’ voice is heard over this shot, as he says, “I know I’ve done the right thing, Ashley.” The camera will then cut to a 3/4 two-shot to reveal that the two people holding hands are actually James and a male Ashley, revealing that James is gay.

All of the symbolism of James’ homosexuality will be extremely subtle; as the idea is that the audience will not discover he is gay until the final scene.

Treatment:

Written by Casey
The film will open with an establishing shot of the protagonist, James, standing in the toilets. There will be a close up of his face, before showing a close up of his mobile phone screen, reading, “keep it to yourself” from the recipient ‘Ashley.’

James then walks out of the toilets to find his girlfriend, Roxanne. Throughout the piece, the audience does not know the name of James’ girlfriend (Roxanne); they are intended to assume that her name is ‘Ashley.’
As they walk out of the building holding hands, James and Roxanne are surrounded by a group of ‘lads,’ James’ masculine friends, talking to him about football. The film will then cut to a short scene of James in goal, whilst playing football. At this point, he is content, and focused on the ball.
Roxanne is waiting for him next to the pitch. After the game, James and Roxanne walk off together. They are walking through the school together talking, when shouting can be heard. James looks round to see Ashley being brutally beaten up by the ‘lads,’ who are shouting homophobic abuse at him. Roxanne drags him away. An aerial establishing shot shows the audience that James and Roxanne are now alone. Roxanne wants to kiss James. James is shown to be somewhat uncomfortable with this, but awkwardly kisses her anyway.

Camera Equipment:
Done by Kelly:

Storyboard:

Done by all members of the group:

Location Recce: 
Done by Kelly and Sade:

Technical Recce:
Done by myself and Kelly:

Health and Safety:
Done By Sade:

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Location	Hazard
6th form boys toilets	·   There is the issue of someone falling over electricity cables, ·   The possibility of the floor being wet, and someone slipping ·   The large amount of people being within the room may cause collisions ·  The possibility of tripping over wires of power cables used for lighting
Downstairs science corridor	·   Other people may drift into our shot (close area off ·   The possibility of tripping over wires of power cables used for lighting ·   Possibility of Roxanne falling down the stairs ·   Possibility of James hurting himself when coming out the door
Outside 6th form-by P.E. area	·   The possibility of rain-which can sabotage filming and effect electrical camera equipment- could cause electric shocks ·   The possibility of mud being on the floor-and causing film crew and cast to fall over ·   The possibility of film and cast members falling over and hurting heads on concrete ·   The possibility of ‘Ashley’ being kicked to hard- must ensure it is carefully acted out/he is protected by padding ·  Possibility of cars coming down the road
Common outside school	·   The possibility of the ground being wet- and film crew and cast slipping on mud ·   The possibility of rain-which can sabotage filming and effect electrical camera equipment- could cause electric shocks ·   Possibility of the bench being wet and slippery and causing ‘James’ and Roxanne to slip over ·   The possibility of ‘James’ and ‘Roxanne’ falling off bench and hitting head on concrete ledge
Football field in school	·   The possibility of the ground being wet- and film crew and cast slipping on mud ·   The possibility of rain-which can sabotage filming and effect electrical camera equipment- could cause electric shocks ·   Possibility of James and other cast members falling over when acting out football scene ·  Possibility of camera tripod falling in the mud
Cross-country opening	·   The possibility of the ground being wet- and film crew and cast slipping on mud ·   The possibility of rain-which can sabotage filming and effect electrical camera equipment- could cause electric shocks ·   Possibility of James falling in archway and into brambles ·  Possibility of cars coming down the pathway

Production Design:
Done by Casey:

Done by myself:

Props/Costume List:

Done by myself:

Scene	Props	Cast/ Crew	Costume/Hair and make up	Location	Lighting	Responsibility
1	-Phone	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.	INTERIOR – TOILETS – MORNING	- Camera light [If needed] -Turn on light switches if needed.	- It’s the group’s responsibility to ensure that the location and props are available. Or if the lighting is needed or not and if it is in working order. - It’s the characters responsibility to ensure that their costumes are available during filming.
2	-Books	-ROXANNE -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Dress -Coat/Cardigan -Top -Shoes -School Bag -Hair down (straight) with excess make up.	INTERIOR – HALLYWAY – MORING	- Camera light [If needed] -Turn on light switches if needed.
		-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.
		-YOUNG BOY -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Non-uniform yet smartly dressed -School Bag -Flat hair
3	N/A	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – WALKWAY - MORNING	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-ROXANNE -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Dress -Coat/Cardigan -Top -Shoes -School Bag -Hair down (straight) with excess make up.
		-JOHN -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Non-Uniform yet smartly dressed -School Bag -Messy hairstyle
		-EXTRA’S -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Non-Uniform yet -smartly dressed -School Bag -Messy hairstyle
4	-Ball -Goal Post	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – FOOTBALL PITCH – AFTERNOON	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-EXTRA’S -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football outfit -Messy hair style
5	N/A	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – WALKWAY – AFTERNOON	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-ROXANNE -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Dress -Coat/Cardigan -Top -Shoes -School Bag -Hair down (straight) with excess make up.
		-ASHLEY -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Trousers -Shirt/Top -Jacket -School Bag -Shoes -Flat hairstyle
		-JOHN -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Messy hairstyle
		-EXTRA’S -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Messy hairstyle
6	-Bench	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – BENCH – AFTERNOON	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-ROXANNE -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Dress -Coat/Cardigan -Top -Shoes -School Bag -Hair down (straight) with excess make up.
7	-Ball -Goal Post	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football Shirt -Shorts -Socks -Trainers -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – FOOTBALL PITCH – MORNING	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-EXTRA’S -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Football outfit -Messy hairstyle
8	N/A	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – OUTSIDE CHANGING ROOMS – AFTERNOON	- Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-ROXANNE -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Dress -Coat/Cardigan -Top -Shoes -School Bag -Hair down (straight) with excess make up.
		-ASHLEY -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Trousers -Shirt/Top -Jacket -School Bag -Shoes -Flat hairstyle
9	-Phone -Pink Flowers	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – PATH BY FIELD – AFTERNOON	- Natural lighting - Camera light [If needed]
10	N/a	-JAMES -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-School Bag -Trousers -Shirt -Jacket/Coat -Shoes -Flat yet messy hair.	EXTERIOR – CROSS COUNTRY ARCHWAY – EARLY EVENING	-Natural lighting. - Camera light [If needed]
		-ASHLEY -CASEY -KELLY -SADE -FATHEMA	-Trousers -Shirt/Top -Jacket -School Bag -Shoes Flat hairstyle

Shot List:

List of shots thought of by me and Kelly and written by Kelly 

LOCATION	SCENE NO	SHOT NO	DESCRIPTION
INT – boy’s toilets	1	1	Establishing shot of the room with James from behind shaking his hands, wiping them down his trousers and pulling out his phone.
		2	CU of James’ expression with the text message displayed across the screen.
INT – outside the toilets	2	1	Establishing shot with Roxanne sitting on the stairs waiting.
		2	¾ shot of Roxanne sitting on the stairs still waiting
		3	LS of Roxanne sitting on the stairs as James walks out of the toilets to meet her
		4	Shot of James and Roxanne meeting and walking off. Shot/reverse shot with dialogue. Camera pans to the left.
		5	LS of Roxanne bumping into a young child and him dropping his books.
		6	CU of James’ reaction to Roxanne’s actions
		7	LS of James helping the child to pick up the books and standing back up.
		8	Cu of James’ reaction smiling.
		9	James and Roxanne walk out of the doors together, child walks off in the opposite direction.
EXT – Walking through the school	3	1	LS of James and Roxanne as they walk out of the doors to be greeted by John and his friends.
		2	Two shot of James and John exchanging dialogue.
		3	Over the shoulder shot from John camera facing James .
		4	Over the shoulder shot from James camera facing John.
		5	Sot of boy 1 moving in closing to Roxanne and her then snuggling into James.
		6	MLS of James exchanging dialogue with John over boy x’s shoulder.
		7	Shot over James’ shoulder, panning Ashley’s movement.
		8	MLS of James and John exchanging dialogue over boy x’s shoulder.
EXT – Football pitch	4	1	MCU of James in goal
		2	Establishing shot of the pitch showing all the players at the other end.
		3	MCU of James in goal
EXT – Outside changing room	5	1	¾ shot of James coming out of the changing rooms to meet Roxanne
		2	MCU of James’ reaction
		3	¾ shot of James and Roxanne walking along camera pans along with them.
		4	LS behind James’ shoulder of Ashley being pushed into view by John and then the boys gathering around.
		5	MCU of James looking concerned
		6	CU of James loosening the grip of Roxanne’s hand
		7	MCU of James looking ashamed
		8	CU of John shouting abuse at Ashley
		9	CU of football player 1 shouting abuse
		10	CU of football player 2 shouting abuse
		11	MCU of John shouting abuse and kicking Ashley
		12	MCU of football player 3 and John shouting abuse
		13	LS over football player 2’s shoulder of James being dragged away by Roxanne
EXT – On a bench	6	1	LS of James and Roxanne approaching a bench
		2	Two-shot of James and Roxanne sitting on the bench
		3	Over the shoulder shot of Roxanne speaking
		4	Over the shoulder shot of James speaking
		5	Over the shoulder shot of Roxanne speaking
		6	Over the shoulder shot of James speaking
		7	Two shot of James and Roxanne on the bench
EXT – Football pitch	7	1	ECU of James with no sound
		2	MCU of players feet with the ball (sound re-enters)
		3	CU of James with no sound
		4	MCU of players feet with the ball (sound re-enters)
		5	CU of James with no sound
		6	CU of players feet (sound re-enters)
		7	CU of James with no sound
		8	MLS of striker scoring
		9	¾ shot of John’s angry reaction
EXT – Outside the changing rooms	8	1	Two shot of James and Roxanne by the changing rooms
		2	MCU of James looking disappointed and confused in himself.
		3	¾ shot of Ashley walking towards the camera
		4	MCU of James delivering dialogue
		5	¾ shot of Ashley walking away and out of shot
		6	MCU of Roxanne exchanging dialogue
		7	¾ shot of James replying and walking away and out of shot
		8	¾ shot of Roxanne shouting to James
EXT – School car park	9	1	LS of James sitting on the railings playing on his phone
		2	¾ shot as a text comes through which will read across the screen
		3	MLS as James replies to the text
		4	LS as a car pulls up and James gets in
EXT – Archway	10	1	CU of James and Ashley’s hands held
		2	Two-shot of James and Ashley
		3	¾ shot of James speaking
		4	¾ reverse shot of Ashley’s reaction
		5	LS from James and Ashley from the front which will then pan up to a shot of the sky where the credits will roll

 

Post 12 - Draft Script and Feedback

1ST DRAFT

FEEDBACK FROM REBECCA KNAPP

A TV and film producer from the media industry called Rebecca Knapp had looked into our first draft of our script and then gave us the following feedback:

One of the first things Rebecca had noticed in the front page of our script was the general information which included the date it was written, a contact number, number of drafts and finally the name of the people who had written the script. Rebecca had explained that it is vital to have these information in front of the page so that the writers and directors can say, for example, if anyone needs to get in touch for whatever reason, the contact details is very vital. The number of drafts is also very necessary that the writers and directors can tell the difference between the new improved script and the final version. Rebecca has also noticed that the characters name had to be in the centre of the page and in capital letters once the names had already been seen at first.

She also mentioned that in the media industry each page had represented one minute of the film, so we had seven pages altogether so this meant that our film would be around seven minutes long which is roughly the ideal duration for a short film. Rebecca’s final comment on the layout of our script is that it had too many acting directions and not enough of actually showing on what the characters should actually do and also the introduction of each characters weren’t descriptive enough.

After Rebecca had read through our last scene, in the second shot, James who appeared to be looking at his phone when receiving a text, Rebecca mentioned that instead of filming the mobile phone when he receives the text which may seem very unprofessional and unsteady instead she suggested that it would be better to have a message appear up on the screen using the editing software like dramatic TV programmes use nowadays.

Another point that Rebecca had mentioned was our title, She didn’t like the whole thought of the title ‘Concealed’ as it sounded too obvious and it would give the plot away. So then we had to think of some title names and the suggestions we came up with were ‘Popular’; this was because our main character who is a popular ‘football lad’ and liked by everyone, doesn’t what to put his reputation at risk. Finally we came up with the title ‘Status’ this was to suggest James does not want to put his ‘status’ at risk.

Rebecca also felt that the characters personalities had to have more of a build up to outline the big shock at the end and so that the audience can get a sense of emotion from James’ point of view. So she suggested to ways of doing this and these were as follows:

-          Have other characters saying nice things about him, Roxanne [his girlfriend] for example saying ‘you’ve got a heart of a gold you have’.

-    Or by developing the character to make him look as if he's a nice person, we decided to do this by  adding another part to scene 2, another young student walks past James with a load of books in his hands, Roxanne who deliberately bumps in to him which results in him dropping all the books on the floor, James then feels disgusted in Roxanne and so walks back towards the young boy to help him pick up the books. This will bring out James' character and will show the selfish side of Roxanne and so the audience would take a dislike on her and also make the audience feel good that the gay couple are happy together even if he left his girlfriend for his 'true love'. 

Rebecca also felt that it needed something more to it, a tension between James and Ashley so that it makes it harder for James to choose between either his happiness or his status. The idea we came up with is that may be James used to be best friends with Ashley and then for the reason on why there is tension between and and why it has to be kept as a secret.

2ND DRAFT

FEEDBACK AFTER 2ND DRAFT


This is the second draft of our script made after Rebecca's feedback. It is now in the correct layout and the characters have their own individuality outlined. To make sure that there weren't any more mistakes or need to be further developed we asked for further feedback from our teachers and peers.


For Roxanne we purposely did not want to mention her name in the film as we want it to be a surprise to the audience this is because we want them to assume that Roxanne's name is Ashley and so there will be a big shock at the end as they will find out and the secret will be revealed about his homosexuality and his relationship with Ashley. In the narrative we decided that we wanted to the audience to take a dislike on her and not feel that she is the 'victim' in this film therefore we decided to make her be seen as selfish character, with the incidents such as Roxanne bumping into the vulnerable young student, talking about her own life and what her mum bought her, everything revolves around her own world and nothing else concerns. even James' feeling, whether he's happy or not, she doesn't take any interest in him apart from knowing that she is the school's favourite popular James' girlfriend. 


For the location we decided that we wanted it to be in a school as homosexuality would be seen as wrong and young people like to make immature and harsh comments about anything that is 'abnormal' and so in homosexuality terms it would be seen that students would most likely shout physical abuse such as 'bell-end' or 'gay prick'. We also had the extras already wearing their school uniform and therefore established about the fact that it is a school environment.


For Ashley we decided that we wanted him to be liked by the audience and also make the audience feel sorry for him especially when he gets beaten up by James' football friends also Roxanne being in the same shot, staring at the fight and just laughing at him and accepting the fact that there's nothing wrong with the boys beating him up suggesting the insensitive side of her and therefore the audience would much prefer Ashley and have an dislike effect on Roxanne.


Lastly we felt that we wanted our film to be as natural as possible, following the style of French New Wave, having natural lighting, natural extras with their usual uniform, and sound dropping in and out to illustrate the emotions and concentrate more on the characters facial expressions.

Post 11 - Script Influences

Dogme 95

Dogme used strict guidelines and rules when film-making. Some of the goals are that the film must not contain any superficial action such as murders and weapons. Dogme believes that by refusing expensice and spectacular special effects  and concentrating more on the characters performance creates a more effective film.

French New Wave


The French New Wave were a group of French film makers influenced by Italian neorealism (national film movement characterized by stories set amongst the poor and working class filmed on location and usually using unprofessional actors/actresses). They also use a very clever approach which is dropping sounds in and out throughout the film to create a sense of tension and so that the audience will question themselves about the film and drawing the audience's attention to the characters expressions.

Italian Neoralism:


We have been influenced by Italian Neorealism due to the characteristics used in this approach, one of them being the real life social realism that happens in society and the other characteristic is when instead of using extras, just use the characters who had happened to be in that scene even if they weren't suppose to be there, this creates a sense of realism.