AICE Media Studies Blog, Short Film

In the week of December 18-21st I planned how we could obtain our props. Our film is grounded in reality so there was no prop that was difficult  to get. Props that were needed included, various poker chips, playing cards, pool balls, a pool cue, chewing gum, a sports car, and a lightweight table. We originally did not plan on the car, however when Connor Toale joined our group he volunteered his own vehicle for the scene. My family has an affinity for camping so naturally we had a lightweight table and the cards and chips needed. The pool cues and balls were also not originally planed, however the location we chose already had a pool table. This lead to us deciding to implement it into the film. We acquired the chewing gum at a convenience store.

During the week of December 18-21st we cast actors for our film. When deciding the roles for the play I volunteered for the role of the dealer as I worked with a lot of his lines and i would have felt comfortable with the delivery of the dialogue. As for the protagonist we did not have any clear choice however, in the script we decided that he would make a getaway in a sports car. This car belonged to our partner Connor Toale, so it was a natural fit for him to drive it. We also cast friends Kyle Brown and Dylan Opitz as other players with small amounts of dialogue. This was done as they are older and more experienced. Sam Stringer and Cooper Whisnant were cast as background extras as they were available for the filming, but did not have as much experience as the others. Kasey Beach was cast a the female extra as she meets the qualifications of whats needed for the role, and she accompanies Kyle.

During the week of December 11-15th we created the script for our project. We all brainstormed ideas and when we had a solid one, my partner, Sam, primarily wrote the draft for the script. Once completed, I gave insight into making character dialogue seem more natural. This is also where we decided most of the camera directions, although they were revised later. Besides making character language seem more colloquial I also add the concept of a "boss" character, who remains unseen yet feared. I also had the idea to match the first few shots of the film with a musical beat. We also had two different ideas for an ending, and we all agreed upon ending it with a rear view mirror shot of a car in the distance.

On the week of December 11-15th we created our story board. I drew this by hand, as it seemed i was the most artistically inclined in my group. I created the idea of the slow motion card table flip. I feel this shot of extreme intensity slowed down will create an interesting juxtaposition. I also came up with the idea of an extreme close up on the dealer's eyes as he delivers the first lines. I feel this will not only serve as an interesting shot, but also foreshadow the vigilance of the dealer. Another shot I had created was the focus change from gangster to the back door. As a character changes his own focus form the dealer to the door so will the camera, this will show the importance and ominous state of this door.

During the week of December 11-15th, our group created a shortlist. The shot list was based off the script that we made. Most of the important shots on it were also framed by the story board I had drawn. We also researched other professional examples of shots lists so we could understand the correct information to input.

In the film The Dark Knight, the first two minutes reveals little about the overall plot, but a lot about the main antagonist. It shows his criminal mastermind, his cruelty, and insane demeanor. It also sets in motion a plot point that will be important later on, the fact the main antagonist has now antagonized the local crime bosses. There is tracking shots, dolly shots, long shots, and a high angle shot. The crew of the robbery in these first scenes wears clown masks to foreshadow the connection to the main antagonist, the Joker. No opening credits are present. The budget was 180 million, and the box office was 1 billion. The film won Oscars for best supporting actor, and sound editing.

In the film The Departed some of the plot is reveled in the first 2 minutes. You can see that that Jack Nicholson's character is some sort of criminal as seen by his dialogue with other characters and his monologue to the audience. We can also see him forming a connection with Matt Damon's young character. There is tracking shots on Nicholson, and several pans. A Rolling Stones song is played over the scenes. Costumes represent an urban street environment in possibly the 80's or 70's. It had a budget of 90 million, and made 289.8 million. It won academy awards for best motion picture of the year, best achievement in editing, best achievement in directing. Nominated for many acting Golden Globes.