ideas for possible film

Initial ideas for my film:

 Documentary style film of lizard eating crickets, dramatized with music and close up shots to create fear and tension in the viewer. Whilst the lizard is in the background there is a greater story being told in the room that the lizard and meal-worms are completely unaware of as the lizard hunts the meal worms fighting for their life.

A film of people chatting with few shots/movement/no change of scenery, inspired by tight jeans. Maybe friends talking about important issues or chatting about personal things etc.

During creation

I started with the lizard shots, making a dramatic documentary style film that showed a lizard hunting with dramatic music whilst he hunts, but after creating this first draft I decided I wanted to further add to the dramatic story going on, and decided on a dramatic, dark story that seems some-what light in the beginning. I used myself and Joseph Valler as actors during the film, as-well as Josephs lizard.

Final edit of film: Shots of a lizard eating meal worms cut between a conversation with point-of-view shots (inspired by the TV show Peep Show) of a couple arguing over who will take custody of the lizard as they are splitting up. The short film then takes a drastic turn, with the man looking as if he has not slept in a long time, in a dark room surrounded by empty bottles of beer, suggesting he has turned to alcoholism after he killed his girlfriend. There is still shots of the lizard and after the man puts on a record, he sits in bed in his dark room, with bottles behind him and tells the lizard 'You're all mine now' with a sinister smile. The film then abruptly ends.

Arrival (2016). Directed by Daniel Montanarini. UK (5 mins)

 

"Arrival," directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a science fiction film that explores themes of language, time, and the complexities of human communication. Released in 2016, the film has unique storytelling, compelling performances, and visually stunning cinematography. The film has strong elements of narrative structure and thematic depth. It is thought provoking and makes the viewer think about the nature of existence, free will, and the choices we make. It challenges preconceived notions and leaves room for open interpretation, encouraging conversations and contemplation long after the film has ended. The theme of the film being a woman contemplating keeping her child is very interesting and a very real issue that women go through during pregnancy. Despite being directed by a man, the film is very accurate from the woman's perspective and the woman's story makes the viewer feel a close connection to the woman and her struggles. The usage of a mid shot to show the woman sitting, whilst not speaking, makes you feel like you are having a close, personal conversation with the woman and further makes the viewer feel empathy for the woman. Despite being a very short film, the deep thoughts the woman has makes the film feel longer and the short run time does not make it feel any less significant.

Operator (2015). Directed by Caroline Bartleet.UK(6mins)

"Operator," directed by Caroline Bartleet, is a powerful short film that delves into the psychological toll and moral dilemmas faced by emergency call operators. Released in 2015, the six-minute British film explores the emotional challenges and responsibilities of an emergency service worker. The film shows an emergency service call involving a distressed young girl who has been left alone at home. It unfolds in real-time, making the film extremely dramatic and somewhat stressful situation. The usage of a real-time call and the short duration of the film further adds to the tension the viewer and operator feels. The film has themes of compassion, responsibility, and the burden of decision-making. Through the perspective of the call operator, the audience is confronted with the weight of making life-altering choices based on limited information. "Operator" explores the human struggle to balance empathy with professional obligations, shining a light on the emotional toll that emergency responders face in their line of work .Despite its brief runtime, "Operator" effectively captures the audience's attention and leaves a lasting impact. The concise storytelling and well-crafted pacing contribute to the film's ability to build tension and evoke an emotional response. The climax of the film delivers a thought-provoking twist, challenging viewers' perceptions and highlighting the unpredictable nature of emergency situations. "Operator," directed by Caroline Bartleet, is a gripping short film that offers a poignant exploration of the emotional challenges faced by emergency call operators. Through its focused narrative, thematic depth, and impactful storytelling, the film invites viewers to reflect on the weight of responsibility and the delicate balance between professional duties and human compassion. In its concise runtime, "Operator" manages to leave a lasting impression, shedding light on the often-overlooked psychological toll of those who serve in emergency response roles.

Echo (2011). Directed by Lewis Arnold. UK (17 mins)

 

'Echo' is a 17-minute short drama film directed by Lewis Arnold. It revolves around a girl who employs an elaborate technique to deceive people for money in a bustling city center. In this short film, the focus is on the performance and narrative. The film's concept is highly intriguing, and the title aids in the audience's comprehension of the story. The lead character's performance is exceptional, particularly in the opening scene where her acting and crying make the situation feel genuinely real. She pretends her father has been in an accident and urgently needs money for a cab to reach the hospital. This portrayal successfully deceives both the viewers and the people who offer her money, creating a sense of authenticity. However, it is later revealed that her father had actually died in an accident years ago. When she repeats this con twice more, it becomes evident that the scene she reenacts had truly occurred when her father had the accident and strangers had given her money for transportation. Now, she exploits this past event as a means to acquire money. This twist is both impressive and sad, as whilst you initially feel sorry for her, most people would be conflicted about the girl lying and scamming strangers, but you still feel bad for her as it was a past experience. The performances of all the characters involved make the twist extremely shocking as not only did she deceive the people she asked for money, but also the viewer, with her serious demeanor and the fact that she exhibits a sense of guilt when she is not engaged in the con, hinting at her exploitation of a real-life situation. Although the film does not explicitly state this, the title implies that her con performances serve as echoes of a past event. This narrative aspect, along with the performances, makes 'Echo' an amazing, captivating and gripping short film, that leaves the viewer thinking about the impactful film even after it's finished.

Over (2015). Directed by Jörn Threlfall. UK (14 mins)

 

"Over," is a short film directed by Jörn Threlfall, it is a gripping short film that explores themes of perception, tragedy, and the impact of human actions. Released in 2015, this 14-minute British film captivates audiences through its haunting narrative and skillful storytelling. This analysis aims to delve into the various elements of the film, including its narrative structure, visual style, and thematic depth. "Over" has a non-linear narrative structure that gradually unravels the mystery surrounding a tragic incident, but also build a strong intrigue with the viewer, as the non linear timeline builds tension and the viewer cannot take their eyes away, waiting for the key event of the film to be shown. The fragmented storytelling adds layers of suspense and intrigue, engaging the audience's curiosity and encouraging them to piece together the puzzle, whilst not making the viewer wait for so long that they lose interest. The restrained performances by the cast effectively convey the characters' internal struggles, regrets, and vulnerability. The restrained use of dialogue and the reliance on visual storytelling allow the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' experiences, evoking a strong emotional response.

• Slap (2015). Directed by Nick Rowland. UK (25 mins)

 

"Slap," directed by Nick Rowland, is a powerful short film that explores themes of violence, masculinity, and the consequences of impulsive actions. The 2015 25-minute British film delivers a raw and intense portrayal of a single event that unravels the lives of its characters. This analysis aims to delve into the various elements of the film, including its narrative structure, emotional impact, and thematic depth. 'Slap' has a linear narrative structure, focusing on a specific incident that serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold. The film centers around a young boxer named George and his troubled relationship with his girlfriend, Chloe. The narrative builds tension steadily, leading up to a climactic moment where George's temper gets the better of him. The aftermath of this event forms the emotional core of the film, exploring the consequences of one impulsive action. The intense performances by the actors and unflinching portrayal of violence, "Slap" delivers a visceral and emotionally charged experience. The film immerses the audience in the characters' turmoil and invites them to confront the complex emotions and moral dilemmas at play. The raw emotions depicted on screen resonate deeply, eliciting a strong emotional response from viewers. It delves into themes of toxic masculinity, the cycle of violence, and the repercussions of unchecked anger and explores the societal pressures and expectations placed on men, particularly within the context of the boxing world. It raises questions about the nature of masculinity and the damaging effects of repressed emotions. The consequences of George's actions force him to confront the darker aspects of his personality and question the values he has been taught. The film's usage of handheld camera work and natural lighting creates an immersive and gritty atmosphere, capturing the intensity of the characters' emotions and the harsh realities they face, whilst making the film significantly more realistic. The film's intimate and often claustrophobic framing adds to the tension and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

• Tight Jeans (2008). Directed by Destiny Ekharaga. UK (9 mins)

 

 'Tight Jeans,'directed by Destiny Ekharaga, is a 2008 short film that centers around three young men perched on a wall outside a residential building, waiting for their friend to meet them. Their conversation whilst sitting on the wall takes an amusing turn when they begin to discuss about the tight jeans worn by a passerby. In this particular short film, the director's emphasis lies in the Mise-en-scene, with the plot revolving around the clothing choices of the characters. The film explores the concept of clothes and their association with identity through numerous shots showcasing various outfits and garments, whilst also discussing race and the different and stereotypical clothes worn by certain groups of people.

Ekharaga mostly uses mid-shots of the boys, which gives the viewer the impression that they are there, watching and listening to the conversation that the boys are having. 

The Ellington Kid (2012). Directed by Dan Sully (5 minutes)

 

Coursework brief

Set briefs:

There are two different individual production options. Learners must choose one of the following:

·         a complete, new short film (4–5 minutes) or

·         a screenplay for a new short film (10 pages, equivalent to 10 minutes of screen time) and

a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section of the screenplay, illustrating, through careful construction of mise-en-scène and shot selection, how the screenplay would be realised (20 digitally photographed key frames).

British set short film list Fiction (total running time 87 minutes)

•         Slap (2015). Directed by Nick Rowland. UK (25 mins) https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/06/11/slap/   

•         Tight Jeans (2008). Directed by Destiny Ekharaga. UK (9 mins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcPBCrUc8YI

•         The Ellington Kid (2012). Directed by Dan Sully (5 minutes) https://vimeo.com/60639863

•         Over (2015). Directed by Jörn Threlfall. UK (14 mins) https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/04/16/over/

•         Echo (2011). Directed by Lewis Arnold. UK (17 mins)
https://vimeo.com/44040317

•         Operator (2015). Directed by Caroline Bartleet.UK(6mins)
http://www.operatorshortfilm.com/

•         Arrival (2016). Directed by Daniel Montanarini. UK (5 mins)
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/06/10/the-arrival/

•         The Fly(2014).DirectedbyJackDoolan.
UK (6 mins)

https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/09/21/the-fly/