Planning

Brainstorming ideas

Here are some of our original ideas before we paired together and merge our ideas together to create what we have now:

My original idea: not much was carried forward to the final idea

Connor's first idea had plenty of detail, but not a lot of substance

Connor's second idea had much more potential, and was therefore what we used
as the inspiration for Paranormal Mind.

Initial Idea Pitch: What Was It And How Was The Response?

Shortly after getting into our desired groups for the thriller opening sequence production, we were told to come up with some rough ideas and then pitch one of them to the rest of the class for some critical feedback in order to improve. I grouped with Connor. We first brainstormed some ideas independently, but shortly after collaborated our ideas together to come up with a hybrid of our imaginations.

The Pitch

I pitched the idea without notes - though I knew what our idea was. Here is the pitch, in a strongly paraphrased form:

"Our idea involves a guy in his late teens/early twenties who has just moved into his own apartment. He is quite a jumpy sort of person; relatively nervous. Within his first day of living in the apartment, he notices a few oddities around but simply dismisses them as coincidental or unfortunate incidents. Later the same evening, he has a cup of tea which makes him feel a bit ill. He has no idea of the cause, but the audience are getting very subtle hints that something, someone, is causing this. The most notable hint would be at the very start when our character moves in, and finds some red substance on the kitchen counter. He dismisses it with an open mind. Going back to the story, our protagonist is feeling very ill and decides to sleep it off. During his sleep, it becomes apparent that some kind of demon emerges from his body and starts setting up these booby traps that all have one target: kill the resident. The audience then learns that the demon caused this poison tea. Opening titles start as the camera follows the demon setting up these traps."

My Vision Of The Rest Of The Film

As this is only meant to be the opening sequence, there should be a lot more to the story than just  a demon setting a few traps. I do not have Connor with me right now, but we will probably merge our ideas together to create the rest of the film's plot. Here is a rough outline to the rest of the film, according to my imagination: 

As soon as the audience learns that this is seemingly being caused by a demon, they are left wanting to know more about this thing. During the opening stages of the film, the identity of the demon is kept moderately secret: no close up shots of the face and mainly shot facing the demon's back.
     Our protagonist has a few near misses the following morning, but luckily doesn't get killed. He still has a open mind, but as time goes on, he starts to suspect something. He contacts his friend who tells him to stay calm and 'It's just your imagination playing up. You're scared of your own shadow, for crying out loud'.
     Later on in the movie, our character goes out for a few days with his friend for a bit of escape and fun. The demon is not inside the protagonist's body, but just hanging around in the apartment, looking visibly weak. When the apartment cleaner comes in to clean the rooms, the demon jumps into the cleaner's body. It becomes clear to the audience that the demon requires humans for energy, and that it isn't specifically targeting our protagonist. Once the demon is recharged, it jumps out, sets a trap, and unfortunately the cleaner doesn't have as much luck.
     Our protagonist comes home to the cleaner dead on the floor. Frustratingly to the audience, he doesn't consider anything about the demon (or indeed his own suspicious near-misses), and gets the cleaner away. The demon is angry that our main character is back, as it thought he had been driven away. The demon significantly ups the antics.. by controlling our protagonist's body.

That's as far as I've got so far, but combining my ideas with Connor's should result in a concrete result.

Responses and Criticism

After we had pitched our opening sequence, people were free to give comments about our ideas. Here are the main points of what they said:

• The plot itself is very creative and well-detailed
• Locations shouldn't be too much of an issue 
• The practicality is quite bad
• The idea is original
• We may be revealing too much in the opening three minutes

Regarding the negative points, they are very viable and actually something I'm worrying about a little as well. 

The practicality is bad because it would take some very clever special effects to make the demon that we imagine; translucent and floaty. How is it meant to come out of the protagonist's body? I am confident it can be done with Adobe After Effects, but it will be a very steep learning curve. What we was proposing is seriously professional special effects.

Regarding the point about revealing too much, I kind of agree that it tells a lot about the main characters in a short space of time. On the other hand, I believe it's important to reveal that kind of information near the start; otherwise we would have a boring opening sequence of a random guy moving in to an apartment and that's it. We needed to get the demon in quickly to show that this is a thriller genre film.

Conclusion

As a whole, I have found the pitching task quite successful. It has allowed me to learn that our idea went down well with the class. This means that if this is done properly, it will allow us to produce a good opening sequence. This has also highlighted the negative issues that we need to - and will - address.

Resulting Changes (18/12/14)

To comply with some issues with the Mise En Scene, Connor and I came to an unanimous decision to make one small change to the story that will not affect the footage that has been planned to record.

Our original idea consisted of Andrew gets the guts to move into his own apartment, but he faces barriers with his fear of being alone and anxiety. The problem we faced was that the only location we had to film in was a fully decorated semi-detached house; not something you'd associate with a 19 year old moving into his first apartment.

To get around the issue of the setting, we changed the plot slightly so that now Andrew is living home alone in his parent's house for a few days since his father passed away and his mother is out to look after a dying relative (she believes he is old enough to look after himself, despite the anxiety). Andrew's source of anxiety now comes from the death of his father, rather than bullying.

This means that the setting of a typical family house now makes much more sense with the plot. It also means we don't have to change the core idea, which is Andrew is by himself in a building and drives himself insane until he 'sees' this demon.

Overall, we felt this was a necessary change to the plot; otherwise the Mise En Scene would be heavily incorrect, and would've dragged our mark down.

Group Planning Meeting

After a quick group meeting between me and Connor, we have finally come to the decision that I will be the producer and camera operator, whereas Connor shall be the director and the editor. We also decided that we shall not limit ourselves to these roles; as there is only two of us, we believe that it's important that there is some degree of flexibility in there. Therefore, I may take over the editing for a day if Connor is ill, or Connor may operate the camera if there is a scene that requires me to be in it.

Costume, hair and makeup

Andrew's Character Profile

Props

Planning - Props from Connor Michie


EDIT: Boxes and good luck cards are now not necessary if Andrew is simply going back to his parent's house. Would not fit the plot of being alone in his own home.

Location Planning Ideas

Target Audience Research

To get a better understanding of our audience and what they expect from a thriller genre film, we were asked to construct a few questions and ask people who fit within our target audience range. This is important as it allows us to change and modify any parts of our plan before we start filming, thus increasing efficiency and making our opening sequence more pleasurable to the audience. Here are the proposed questions: 


     1) What emotions do your feel towards Andrew, our main protagonist? Do you find yourself supporting him?

     2) Would you consider our idea a thriller? Do you reckon there are some aspects of other movie genres in there as well? If so, please state which you believe to be present.

     3) Do you think you would be thrilled by this film? Is there enough tension there to keep you at the edge of your seat?

     4) Would you be likely to look into this film if it was generally described by a friend?

     5) Would you take interest in the film if you saw it being advertised online, or in the local papers?

     6) Presuming you did take interest to this movie, what would be the ideal location to watch this film?

     7) Is there any constructive criticism you can provide us with in order to improve this film?


We want to only keep to our target audience in order for maximum relevance for the answers to the questions provided. If we had released this survey to anyone, there is a strong chance that someone may pick up the survey who doesn't care about thriller genre films.
We will either print copies of the questionnaire out and ask the target audience to fill it in, or we will do a video focus interview. The benefits of a video focus interview is that reactions are often more honest as there is no time to bluff an answer. Therefore, this would increase our accuracy and help us to improve the opening sequence even more.
A downside may be that we will not have the time to reach out to a greater quantity of people, but we believe that accurate responses from a small amount of people is better than bluff answers from a large group.

Finished Script

Paranormal Mind

EDIT: The voiceover at the very start has been changed to fit the plot alteration. It now reads: "The name's Andrew. I've always been a bit of a nervous wreck. It's.. probably not helped by my dad's death a few years back. Anyway, time to put on a brave face and grow out of this. My mum's gone on a bit of a wild goose chase across the globe, to look after a dying relative... which leaves me all alone. *Sighs*"

Andrew also doesn't look at good luck cards, as stated in the script. This would go against our altered plot.

Casting Profiles

Connor Michie

Jack Cooper

Andrew - Jack Cooper

There are no specific requirements (other than being male) since Andrew is meant to be a person who blends in with society. He is just a person in the general public, and therefore there does not have to be any special features for the person to have in order to play Andrew.

Jack is suitable to play Andrew because he is close to Andrew’s quiet and timid personality. Jack also considers himself aware of his surroundings, which would match Andrew well, too. Lastly, Jack is tall; tall people are often linked with clumsiness, which is a trait that Andrew has.

Johnathan - Connor Michie

Johnathan is meant to be portrayed as the clever and wise friend of Andrew’s. He often gives Andrew valuable advice and is known to be helpful towards others. Once again, Johnathan does not have any distinguishable features as his character is based solely on his personality. Therefore, anyone could be up for the job.

Connor was chosen to play the job over Jack since he is seen as a wise individual. He is also seen as smarter in a stereotypical way since he wears glasses. Connor will have to act his natural self in order for this role to be successful.

Risk Assessment 

The risk assessment is an important part of the planning process of the production overall. It outlines what problems we may face and how we can overcome them.

Shot List 

A shot list was required after we completed the script for the opening sequence. The shot list will give us a clear insight on what to film on the day, therefore reducing the time wasted thinking about how to film a scene on filming day. Here is the annotated script, giving a good idea on what to film. This annotated script will make it easier to do the proper shot list.

Connor was in control of producing this task, but once he finished I was asked to go over the work in order to make sure that everything was in order. Very little adjustment was needed, as the work Connor produced was of high standards.

Shot List - Opening Sequence

  

Filming Location Permissions

In order to film in our desired locations, we first had to obtain permission from various owners in order to gain access to our locations. A lot of our filming takes place inside Jack's house, so he had to get permission from his parents in order to record there. 

We also have to obtain permission from Central Bedfordshire Council in order for us to record footage in the local public park. This section will be updated when a response is received from the council via an email.  

Production Schedule

Pre Production 

In the pre-production, a lot of planning tasks are needed to be complete before we start production. We decided to split the tasks between us as we went along, to maximize efficiency. Below is the planning tasks we were set, who's doing them and targeted date for completion.

Name: Mind Maps

Person in charge: Jack and Connor

Targeted completion: Early November

Met target?: Yes

Name: Character Profiles

Person in charge: Jack

Targeted completion: 10th November

Met target?: Yes

Name: Script

Person in charge: Connor

Targeted completion: 10th November

Met target?: Yes

Name: Shot list
Person in charge: Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Location Ideas
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 10th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Location Recce
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Risk Assessment
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 13th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Location Permissions
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 11th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Test Camera Shots
Person in charge: Jack and Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Storyboard
Person in charge: Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: No

Name: Animatic
Person in charge: Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: No

Name: Production Schedule
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Casting Profiles
Person in charge: Jack
Targeted completion: 10th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Costume & Prop designs
Person in charge: Jack and Connor
Targeted completion: 10th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Audio Clips With Permissions
Person in charge: Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes

Name: Call Sheets
Person in charge: Connor
Targeted completion: 14th November
Met target?: Yes


Production


Filming will take place on the 19th November 2014, from 11:00 until 15:00. This should give us enough time to film at our primary location - Andrew's parent's house. We will also use this time to film a short scene at a nearby public park, but this will heavily rely on the weather on the day. If the light is really poor, or if it's raining, we will have to move filming to another time slot.

We will also have to use the school's green screen during the 17th-21st November. We cannot fix a date because the green screen is on hot demand, and is run on a first come, first served basis. We anticipate to do the green screening as soon as possible.

Post Production

Post production will take place on the following week after filming. This will primarily be taken up by editing. My partner and I intend to get as much editing done during the media lessons, but we are agreed to do editing together on our free periods if we run short on time. Post production can be completed on my personal computer as well, since I have access to Adobe Premiere.


Audio Clips and Permissions

(Via Connor)

For our production, soundtrack will be a key way of building up tension. There are two main sources of soundtrack available that can be used for free.

One place is the YouTube Audio Library, where people can freely download music and sound effects for productions for YouTube broadcasting. Since this is the format in which it will be watched, this music can be used.

Another source is Incompetech.com, where a large library of royalty-free music is available for download, in agreement that the artist will be credited in the work. There is no financial cost for either of these sources.

Below is a table of the tracks that we have listened to and would provide the right atmosphere. Obviously, not all of these tracks can be used in a such a short space of time, but the track can be decided in editing, by comparing which one sounds the best for the scene.

(By Jack)

We both had equal control on what music pieces we were going to use in our production. We did this by going through several dozen potential tracks that could be included, and only if we both strongly agreed that it would suitably fit our thriller opening sequence would be consider it.

Location Recce

A location recce is required to be carried out before we commence with filming our opening sequence. By carrying out a location recce, we can be confident about the locations we are filming in, allowing us to fully take advantage of our surroundings and therefore come out with the best results possible.

Location 1

Location Address: Goldstone Crescent, Dunstable, LU5 4QU

Location Name: Jack's house

Bedroom with softbox lighting to be used

Kitchen

Location Description: Medium sized semi-detached house in a suburban estate. Small bedroom with personal decorations and a large kitchen.

Date Of Visit: 19/11/14

Time Of Visit : 11:00

Lighting: Will be provided with four 5500K softbox lights to provide natural looking light in even the darkest rooms.

Noise level: Noise will be kept low as it's indoors. The time we visit will also mean that there will be nobody in the house until 16:00.

Potential Hazards: The lights are big and awkward to carry, and the bulbs are hot. Extra care is needed to carry them down the stairs. There will also be plenty of wires along the floor, so it will be important to be aware of these.

Overall Suitability: This is a suitable location because we will have a quiet, undisturbed environment. It also represents Andrew's parent's house well, as it is your stereotypical family house.

Location 2

Location Address: Ridgeway Park, Ridgeway Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4QL

Location Name: Ridgeway/Hadrian Park

Location Description: A public park located in the suburbs of Dunstable. Often quiet.

Date Of Visit: 19/11/14

Time Of Visit: ~13:00

Lighting: Lighting will be provided by natural daylight. Even if the weather is overcast, it will be enough light to film with comfortably. 

Noise Level: There will be some noise occasionally from things such as passing cars, but it will remain fairly quiet overall due to the park being located on a back road.

Potential Hazards: There is always the risk of loose dogs running around the park, knocking over equipment and causing harm to both us and themselves.

Overall Suitability: Out of all the public parks in Dunstable, this is probably one of the most suitable ones out there. Noise levels are low, and there is minimum disruption to and from the public.

Location 3

*The usage of this location is subject to availability*

Location Address: Dunstable Road, Caddington, LU1 4BB

Location Name: Manshead School - T1

Location Description: Medium sized classroom featuring a large formal desk

Date of Visit: 19/11/14-21/11/14

Time of Visit: N/A

Lighting: Lighting in this room is well provided due to the room featuring a large amount of skylights. This means that lighting will be consistently good as long as we film during daytime.

Noise Level: If we film in the classroom whilst it is empty, the noise levels shall be low. However, there are students around the classroom, which the camera may pick up. 

Potential Hazards: There is once again a tripping hazard that stands out about this location. Not only are there wires for the camera and potential lighting, there will also be tables and chairs to be careful to walk around.

Overall Suitability: This classroom is quite suitable for us as it features the right desk we require to convey an office job. However, it may be difficult to find the time to use this room.

Test Shots

Before we could start shooting our opening sequence, we had to do some test shots so that we could become confident in practicing the more complex shots required to make our sequence look polished and professional. It is important that we perfect our camera work skills, and minimize things such as camera wobble or an unstable tripod.

Firstly, we did a POV shot. This is an important shot in our opening sequence, because it revolves around the life of Andrew. POV shots give the video a more personal touch. This went quite well, but there is some excessive shaking at times. This can be resolved by holding the tripod and not the camera. Holding the tripod absorbs some of the shaking your arms may give.

The second shot we did was a panning, which is useful for establishing some of the new scenes. We have to be careful about which surroundings we have, since the pan in this video has an unwanted person in the background. Therefore, a good pan would require extra care on the mise en scene.

The next test shot we did was a close up-cum-low angle on the character. This was a test to see if it would work in outside conditions (ensuring the camera wouldn't lock its exposure to the sky and making the character appear dark). The exposure remained alright, but the camera was a little bit shaky. If we want to use this style in our final cut, we will once again have to take extra care. 

Next, we had an attempt at a focus pull. These are good for drawing the audience's attention from one thing to the other. In this case, we used a pen and the trees in the background. The video went quite well, but we found it difficult to know when an object was properly in focus due to the camera's terrible display. We will need extra practice in order to become confident with the focus pull.

Lastly, we tried out an aerial shot. This would be good in the final production to emphasise how insignificant Andrew is to the rest of the world. As you can see, the video often had me out of shot due to the fact the camera person couldn't see what he's recording. The footage is also rather shaky. To have a good aerial shot, we would probably have to use a camera drone.

Call Sheets

(By Connor)



To help with the design of the call sheets, I searched online to see what they looked like and I found a good template that looked like some of the more professional film-like call sheets. I modified this to fit the production and here is the finished result below.

A call sheet is a document used to organise filming. This would determine who would be needed, when they would be needed, and what shots would be filmed. This is paired with other pieces of information like general details about the production (who is directing and producing it), and what the weather will be like on that day.

This is useful to the success of our production because it will allow us to be more organised and efficient when filming commences. However, since we have only a few locations and only two of us working on this production, it isn't the most complex and detailed Call Sheet.

Call Sheet

EDIT: Since this call sheet was produced , the plot was changed slightly. This was done in response to constructive criticism about the mise en scene issues from our first draft. Instead of Andrew living in his own, new apartment, he now has his parent's house to himself since they have gone away to look after a dying relative. For this call sheet to be accurate and up to date, 'Andrew's parent's house' should replace the boxes where it says 'Andrew's apartment'.