Alex Muir's A2 Level Media Blog!

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Costume Designs | Jack Morgan

Unknown 06:32:00

Jack Morgan, is the name for our main protagonist character. His character background includes being a worker for a secret organisation called 'Syndicate International'. He was an ex-moilitary soldier before he joined Syndicate International and then left to 'seek peace'. Jack has been tracked down by the main antagonist and his men. Jack has experienced the worst in his past, after the death defying 'Crimson' murdered Jacks family. Jack now fights to gain revenge from the main antagonists gang including Crimson.

This mood board above was created by myself and Robert which expresses our thoughts on what we want Jacks character to look like. He will wear a pair of green combat trousers, boots, a fleece and a bomber jacket. This style of clothing is from a similar character form a television series called '24'. His name is 'Jack Bauer' which dresses very similar due to his military background. This clothing choice is also very iconic and will give easy give aways to the audience of his characteristics.

Robert and I have decided who is now going to play the character for our short film, his name is 'Morgan Taverner' who is going to play Jack Morgan as our previous actor who was going to play this role 'James McCullin' is unable to give up his time to play the character. Morgan is determined to do a good job of the role and is very excited to get on with the filming.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Costume Design

Costume Design - Crimson

Unknown 11:25:00

After sketching out Crimsons initial costume designs throughout the first two storyboards, Robert and I have decided there were a couple of features to the design that we wanted to change. We kept the gas mask as it is incredibly iconic part of Crimsons character design visuals. One thing that we were both very unsure on was the clothing look for our character. So we decided to attempt at some brief photo shoots of Robert dressing up in what we wanted Crimson to look like:

The two existing characters that Robert and I have taken inspirations from include Darth Vader from Star Wars due to his deathly darkened threatening costume and voice, and Bane from The Dark Knight due to his life support mask that gives him his iconic look. Images of these two inspirational villain characters are shown above.

The render below follows the same basic design that the original detailed illustration we have made includes. We have taken a lot of influences from Star Wars and how many of the characters wear robes to enhance their characters features as well as their abilities.

Overall, we are very happy with the renders outcome that we have created, however there is one change we are going to make and that is to do with the colour of the clothes Crimson is wearing. We are going to change the colour of white clothing to black as this will illustrate the characters dark/bad side even more as he is indeed a villain in our short film after all.

Finally, we then devoted our idea of Crimsons costume further and added darker colours and longer robes/cloaks to make him look more sinister. This is exactly what we wanted to create and we will use this to model our Crimson villain character in our short film.

The role of Crimson will be played by myself (Alex Muir) as acting is not an issue with this character as all that is needed for myself to do with this character is to 'move about' on set as the speech of this character will be digitally edited.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Workshops

BBC Correspondant - Simon Hall visit

Unknown 13:36:00

To give our media class an insight of what it is like to work in the media itself as a correspondant, Simon Hall gave our class a visit to give a very valuable presentation talk.

During the lesson, Simon gave us some little tasks to complete which involved putting some vital news headlines in order of consumer importance. This task is a typical situation which the media have to tackle by putting the most important media headline up front.

From this lesson, I leant how highly demanding the media is during this present decade and how media headlines change at any time depending on what happens all over the world.

Planning

Location shots

Unknown 02:38:00

Last week, Robert and I went to visit two similar locations (East Hill and Harpford) where we thought they would be good places to shoot our car chase scene. These two locations are both very natural, sparsely populated and are fortified in trees. This is what we had planned in our storyboard. Harpford is a lot more difficult to access compared to East Hill as there are many trespass gates obstructing the back road , also the road is quite a narrow and hazardous which won't be good for our risk assessment. East hill is incredibly easy access which makes it easier for us to film as the long main road here is much wider and safer than Harpfords. Also the area where we plan to have the hostage scene in our film will take place at East Hill so the car chase here will link in successfully.

East Hill

Harpford Images

Monday 21 November 2016

Filming

Day 1 | Short Film

Unknown 13:00:00

Robert and I attempted our first scene of footage on the 18th November 2016 with our main antagonist character 'Igor' played by Harry Cockayne. This scene took place on the top floor of Princesshay Car park in the city of Exeter. This filing day was va very good 'test day' which made myself and Robert experience timing errors, equipment usage and weather changes. The footage we had got was useful for myself and Robert to group together in a rough cut and present to our class audience back at school for some audience feedback.

We were very lucky when we arrived due to there being only us in the car park and no other public shoppers. SO we weren't disturbed for the first couple of hours. We scripted the day based on the actions from our story-board which was useful. Our rough storyboard included the opening sequence of Harry walking out of a lift which we attempted to film. After several attempts, it started to get busy all around the area and we soon realised that it wasn't easy for us to capture quality footage without people walking into shot. We tried many more times, but more and more shoppers were entering the car park, so we tried some other different shots of harry walking around the floor for a short amount of time, but the weather was starting to get even worse with wind and rain showers.

This short clip is one of the few decent pieces of footage that we managed to record that shows our original opening sequence idea. Robert and I quickly decided to change the idea of using the lift for our opening sequence and introduced a smooth over the shoulder pull over shot for our opening. The weather also got sunnier as the day went on, which was not what we wanted, as it doesn't represent a British gangster film with sunny weather. We wanted gritty weather with a grey sky to illustrate darkness. Our gathered footage we made from this filming day has been presented to our class for audience feedback and has given us some tips for improving and developing our short film.

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Filming

Day 1 | Filming Preparation

Unknown 12:44:00

From looking at myself and Roberts production schedule we have made recently. We are now organising props, costumes and filming equipment for our first filming day tomorrow starring our main antagonist character 'Igor' (Harry Cockayne) in Exeter.

I firstly made sure I could pick up Harry in the morning so we could get to Exeter to film our first scene as quick as possible before the car park we intend to film in gets too busy with members of the public. Myself and Harry would meet Robert my filming partner in the Exeter car park as it is more convenient. The car I will be driving over there will also be the car we are going to use for Harry to drive in the film which is a 'Mercedes A Class' black vehicle that shows class and wealth. Robert will bring all of the camera/filming equipment with him and I have the responsibility of getting Harry, his costume and ourselves to arrive on time.

The equipment that Robert will be bringing includes:

Canon 600D DSLR
RODE NTG3 Mic
RODE Mic Boom Pole
Audio Recorder
iPhone 6s

Harry was informed by myself and Robert to wear a black suit, tie and smart shoes. This costume choice will illustrate his wealth and sophistication to his criminal character. I also agreed with Robert that I would clean the Mercedes prop car the night before so it would be clean and shiny that will show up nicely on the footage of our short film. Also, the weather was looking slightly unpredictable as it kept changing every day, with a mixture of rain showers and sunny spells. We wanted our footage to be shot on a dry day with not too much sun, so we had to see on the day if the weather was appropriate.

Monday 14 November 2016

Costume Design

Costume Design | Igor

Unknown 07:37:00

Igor is the character name our main superior antagonist (who is played by Harry Cockayne). Igor is a superior high ranking member of Syndicate International. Igor is on the hunt for Jack Morgan (our main protagonist character) Jack possesses a Swiss vault which Igor wants in order to conqeur. A bounty hunter called 'Crimson' is hired by Igor to hunt down Jack and to bring him to a rural location isolated from everything where Igor's sidekick 'Zeb' interrogates Jack for the Swiss Vault. Just like in most action/adventure films, Igor is played as the superior, powerful villain.

The moodboard above is made by Robert and myself that illustrates what we want our character Igor to look like. We want him to look intimidating, superior and villainous. The suit he will wear is also a typical convention/stereotype of sophisticated criminals in action films such as Agent 47.

Harry Cockayne is our actor for the role of Igor as his physical appearance is perfect for the role (large and intimidating.) He also looks older than he looks (he is currently 16) even though he looks like an 18 year old at least. Harry played a great role in our AS media studies opening sequence so we wanted to use him again for an even more key character in this years A2 media short film.

Harry Cockayne is on the left on this image above.

Sunday 13 November 2016

Audience

Audience Profile

Unknown 06:30:00

Robert and I think that it is crucial for us to identify who we want out target audience to be. This will enable us to sculpture our product more and enhance the conventions and features of our film that will please our audience.

Audience Profiles:

Primary Audience: (People which would watch out film and enjoy it.) James Reddish

Age Range: 18
Interests: Fashion-design, Vehicle industry and mixed martial arts.
Social Background: Lively, and frequent cinema visitor.

Secondary Audience: (who might watch it, but would prefer watching other film genre types.) Jack Simmons

Age Range: 18
Interests: Into varieties of film genres with a moderate use of visiting cinemas.
Social Background: Very musical, interested in Rock/electronic music.

These two types of audiences (primary/secondary) will give us an insight of what Robert and I need to do to make our short film entertaining to a broader audience range including the secondary audience.

Saturday 12 November 2016

Planning

Production Schedule

Unknown 13:56:00

Due to the conversations made with out media Facebook group chat, Robert and I have successfully organised dates in advance for our actors to attend filming dates for our short film. We asked the actors which dates they were available and what times. They all replied and we all agreed on certain days which we all were able to attend. The image below is a screen shot of our chat using the social media website called 'Facebook'.

After we agreed on permanent dates for filming, Robert and I produced an initial production schedule of the three main scenes of our short film.

This production schedule lists each location of each shot, as well as the props, equipment and timings which will all help myself and Roberts organisational skills for a better post production.

Friday 11 November 2016

Planning

Risk Assessment

Unknown 06:02:00

After taking into consideration where Robert and I would be filming our short film in different locations throughout, we have came up with a numerous amount of risks that could occur while the filming process takes place. These risks involve the film makers (myself and Robert) as well as the actors and the public in general. I have made a colour coded table illustrating the levels of risk these listed hazards relate to ranking from Low-Moderate-High-Extreme.

Saturday 5 November 2016

Planning

Our final screenplay script

Unknown 07:21:00

Below is a copy of mine and Roberts short film script that will be successfully used throughout our film. This screenplay describes the narrative in great detail and includes all of the lines our actors will perform. Camera work descriptions , slug lines and character names are mentioned throughout the script which will help us film each shot correctly.

This final screenplay we have created is very detailed and a very easy to read The main narrative has now been improved due to the screenplay helping us massively with the development of our short film. SO throughout the upcoming filming days we will attend, Robert and myself will thoroughly read through our screenplay script a day in advance to be properly certain we know what we are doing.

Paradox

Illusion Studios

Written and Directed by Robert Johnstone and Alex Muir

bearjohnstone@gmail.com

alemui@hotmail.co.uk

robertjohnstonemedia.blogspot.com

alemui2.blogspot.com

Transition: IN

SLUGLINE - CITYSCAPE SCENE

As the camera pulls back from over the shoulder of one of the key criminals from Syndicate International who looks over the busy cityscape, he slowly makes his way over to his car to drive and catch an agent by the name of Jack Savage who he believes is in possession of a clue regarding a secret vault being held in Switzerland. The criminal has hired a bounty hunter named Crimson to track down the agent with the help of two other gang members of Syndicate International.

(CHARACTER NAME) Harry

*Walks towards car. Opens car door and sits inside. Answers the ringing phone*

Hello?

*Pause*

‘Ve you got him?

(Zeb) Luke

*Talks on the phone. Cross cutting to a different location*

Yeah… we got what you want boss. What should we do with him now? He’s still li’le unconscious.

(CHARACTER NAME) Harry

Alright… Well whatever you do don’t kill’im. I’ll be on my way.

Camera cuts. Titles come in.

Transition: OUT

Transition: IN

SLUGLINE - INTERROGATION SCENE

Zeb and Finick (Louis) outraged in anger take off the mask on Jack’s head. He slowly regains consciousness after being lugged in the back of a car into an unknown forest location. With no idea where he is or what the two gang members want from him, he begins to plan how he is going to escape from his interrogation. Music begins.

Shot-reverse shots during the interrogation scene. Actors staring at one another.

Jack Savage (Morgan)

*Shakes head. Looks at the two in confusion*

Where am I?

*Pause*

What’s going on her’?

(Zeb) Luke

There is something of yours that belongs to us… We wanted this thing from you before you decided to leave us.

(Jack Savage) Morgan

I have nothing to do with that service anymore. I work alone.

*More shots reverse shots of actors looking at one another*

*Wide, zoom-in shot of the scene*

Camera cuts. Music Cuts Titles come in.

Transition: OUT

Transition: IN

SLUGLINE - MAKING WAY TO INTERROGATION SITE

The criminal who has driven his way from the city centre is slowly approaching in his car to the location of where the others are interrogating the agent for this information they want. As he is driving, he pulls out of his jacket pocket a key which he believes is the first part of the missing clue to the vault they wish to explore. He quickly puts the key back and continues to make his way over.

Camera cuts. Titles come in.

Transition: OUT

Transition: IN

SLUGLINE - INTERROGATION SCENE CONTINUED…

Music Continues. Finick exits the scene with the mask in his hands. Drives off in his car. Zeb walks up to Jack and crouches in front of him.

(Zeb) Luke

We managed to track you down following your recent missions to Mexico City. It was later discovered that you have a missing clue to a well-kept vault in Switzerland which we’d like to get our hands on before it’s too late…

(Jack Savage) Morgan

I don’t know what ya talking about, but I’m not giving you anything.

(Zeb) Luke

*Silent Pause*

Fine, well it looks like we’ll have to do this the hard way then.

Zeb walks back a couple paces. Sudden change in atmosphere. Slight camera shake. A dark mystic shadow thunders to the ground. A sinister tension begins to build. The embodied character slowly approaches Jack with fear.

Character crouches suddenly in front of Jack, looking at him with nothing but a mask on. Deep cybernetic breathing replaces the normal breathing of human for this character.

(Crimson) Alex/Robert

Comfortable?

(Jack Savage) James

Not really… who the heck are you?

(Crimson) Alex/Robert

My identity is not of an importance for you.

*Pause*

You’ve seemed to convince yourself to show others apart from us the location to the vault we so desperately desire.

(Jack Savage) Morgan

I don’t usually give things away when I’m getting hunted by a creature in a mask.

Crimson takes a view of his surroundings. Crimson makes sinister eye contact with Jack at this point.

(Crimson) Alex/Robert

*Pause*

I see it… I see what’s going on here. You’re afraid, and sad. Your family, you wish you still had them. They would be very disappointed in you Jack…

(Jack Savage) Morgan

Get out of my head!!

(Crimson) Alex/Robert

*Pause*

Your thoughts betray you. I see where you’ve kept the key, and now you’ll give it to me.

Wind starts to pick up. Actors look to the side and notice that (CHARACTER NAME) has arrived. As Crimson walks a step back Zeb takes a step forward beside Crimson, (CHARACTER NAME) opens the car door slowly walks towards Jack. Quickly crouches down in front of him. They both stare at each other. Shot-reverse shots of their faces. Music continues.

(CHARACTER NAME) suddenly slams Jack to the ground choking him. (CHARACTER NAME) Pulls out gun from jacket pocket. Points gun to Jack’s head.

(CHARACTER NAME) Harry

WHERE IS IT?!

*Pause*

Camera Shot behind Jack’s back of him triggering a smoke grenade from his watch. Tension builds as music stops. Cloud of thick smoke blinds vision everybody’s vision. Gang members begin to cough.

Short pause. Then a fist fight breaks out as Jack emerges from the smoke. (CHARACTER NAME) drops the necklace which Jack picks up and makes a run for it. (CHARACTER NAME) orders Zeb to run after him.

Crimson makes his escape leaving the others behind.

Scene cuts. Camera in new location.

Transition: CUT

SLUGLINE – RUNNING THROUGH THE WOODLAND

After escaping from his interrogation, a tracking shot shows that Jack makes a run for it through the forest as he tries to lose Zeb who is hot on his feet. Suddenly, Zeb ends up losing Jack when Zeb reaches a main road. Confused as to where Jack disappeared to, he looks around for him to see where he went.

Zeb turns his head around surprised by how Jack escapes momentarily in a car with the help of another agent of his. Another car from the Syndicate International eventually pulls up beside Zeb and he orders him to drive as fast as he can for that car. Slow motion shots and low angle shots used to show cars escape.

Scene cuts. Camera in new location.

Transition: CUT

SLUGLINE – CAR CHASE THROUGH THE WOODLAND

With Jack and his agent being the front car and the Syndicate International gang being directly behind them, the car chase begins. Lots shots hanging outside of the car, low angle shots and high angle shots show the car chase in action as the Syndicate are attempting to steal back the clue from which Jack stole from them earlier.

Cross cutting shots of the two cars chasing each other.

(Zeb) Luke

*Leans out and fires gun at car in front*

Car chase continues with additional close-up shots and two shots of the character’s faces. Scene carries on between 45-60 seconds.

Jack eventually is dropped off by his agent in a location where he is away from the others and quickly runs for the to a viewpoint of where he looks over to see where he is at. The gang members had lost him and drive off with the agent in front thinking that Jack is still in the car.

Jack runs for the edge of the forest turns his head around and continues wondering what he will do next by looking into the distance.

Scene cuts.

Transition: CUT

Jack pulls out of his pocket the clue necklace which he stole from the Syndicate after he broke out a fist fight. He glances at it in mystery as he hears flashbacks of voices from his broken past.

From out of nowhere, Jack could suddenly hear the engine of a high-end car slowly approaches him from around the corner. He realises that it’s (CHARACTER NAME) who has followed the Syndicate International car and realises that this could be the end for him as he is unarmed and out of breath to continue fighting.

(CHARACTER NAME) steps out of the vehicle with aggression and walks his way scarily over to Jack. As Jack raises his hands, he is beaten to the ground by (CHARACTER NAME) who pulls out his gun and has his finger on the trigger.

(CHARCACTER NAME) Harry

Give up Jack, this has gone on to far now. Just hand it over already!

*Pause*

(Jack Savage) James

As one man once said, only the strongest… shall live.

Sound of a gunfire. Screen cuts. Leaves audience wondering who is being shot.

ROLL IN CREDITS

Scene cuts. End of film

Transition: CUT

END OF TAPE

Alex Muir's A2 Level Media Blog!

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Costume Designs | Jack Morgan

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Costume Design - Crimson

Thursday 24 November 2016

BBC Correspondant - Simon Hall visit

Location shots

Monday 21 November 2016

Day 1 | Short Film

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Day 1 | Filming Preparation

Monday 14 November 2016

Costume Design | Igor

Sunday 13 November 2016

Audience Profile

Saturday 12 November 2016

Production Schedule

Friday 11 November 2016

Risk Assessment

Saturday 5 November 2016

Our final screenplay script

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