Research and Planning: Re draft of script

Script

Scene 1

Aby: Chris, I don't understand why we have to go and see them.
Chris: But its my family. I miss them and they really want to meet you

Scene 2

Chris: Look if you don't want to come you don't have to. I just thought it would be nice to spend some time away from uni.

Scene 3

(In car)
Chris: You ready?

Scene 4
[Chris knocks on parents' door, but nobody answers]

Chris: Let me phone my dad.
Aby: Hurry it's cold out here.

[Chris is on the phone to his dad]

Chris: Hi dad where are you?
Dad: We've just nipped over to Paris to visit your Aunt and Uncle. Why where are you?
Chris: Well I'm outside yours with Aby, we drove down to surprise you and Mum.
Dad: Oh well er we're not there. The house sitter should be there soon.
Chris: House sitter?
Dad: Yeah, we asked Megan to watch the house for us.
Chris: Megan my ex girlfriend Megan
Dad: Yep, good luck! Look son got to go we're about to go wine tasting
Chris: Okay, well have fun! See you when you get back

[Chris hangs up the phone]
Aby: So?
Chris: They're in France, won't be back until Monday

Scene 5
[Megan appears from around the corner with bags of shopping]

Chris: [Noticing Megan] Megan
Megan: Chris

Scene 6
[All three characters sitting awkwardly in the living room silently. Tension between Aby and Megan]

Scene 7
Aby: How long has it been since you two last saw each other?
Megan: Must be about 3 years
Chris: Yeah. It's gone fast.

Scene 8
Megan: Look I'll get out of your way. See you around.
Chris: I'll see you out.

(at front door)

Megan: It was really nice seeing you
Chris: You too
Aby: Chris are you coming inside
Megan: Bye

Scene 9
(In guest bedroom)

Aby: I saw the way you were looking at her
Chris: I don't know what you're talking about
Aby: Yes you do, you couldn't keep your eyes off her. It was as if i wasn't even there
Chris: Stop being so dramatic
Aby: Is that what you think
Chris: Well you are aren't you?
Aby: I thought we came here to spend time with each other but you clearly want to be with her
Chris: Its not my fault I haven't seen her for years
Aby: Well you can spend as much time as you like with her. I'm going home.
Chris: You being serious?


Scene 10
(Aby drives off)

Chris: *sigh*

Scene 11
(In living room)

Chris: I can't believe she left, thanks for coming over.
Megan: Its fine honest. I thought you'd be upset so I brought you something
Megan: *Comforting noises* I've missed you
Chris: Ive missed you too

Scene 12
(Guest Bedroom)

Megan: Look, that shouldn't have happened you have a girlfriend

Chris: What did we even do last night
Megan: I don't know but I remember laughing a lot *laughs*
I best be going. Let me know when you're next visiting


Scene 13
(bathroom)

Chris: *sobbing* Why doesn't she love me


Scene 14
(Megans living room)
*tears roll down Megans face*


Scene 15
(at dinner in Parents house. Chris is sat at the dinner table alone in deep thought)

*Knock at the door*

Andrew: Shall I go?
Chris: No its alright I'll get it

*opens door Chris walks to front door and opens it* 

Chris: Megan

Research and Planning: Audience feedback

I asked my friend if she would give me some feedback on my blog this is what she said.

Research and Planning: Updated storyline/plot

We have had to change the plot of the film because two of our actors are no longer available and we have not been able to find replacements.


Plot:
Male character moved away to university a couple of years ago. He decided that him and his girlfriend were going to come home one weekend to surprise his parents. When they got to his parents house they were on holiday and his ex girlfriend (and high school sweetheart) was housesitting as she is still close friends with his parents. The male protagonist and his girlfriend decided to stay for the weekend even though his parents weren't there. Seeing and spending time with his ex brings back some good memories and feelings, they end up falling for each other again and when the weekend is over he decides he is not going back to the city and breaks up with his current girlfriend.

Cinematography: 

• high key lighting - bright, happy
• Colouring - red, white, pink
• Slow paced editing, mostly straight and jumps cut to make it realistic and maybe some graphic matches and action matches.
• Shot types - Medium and long shot mostly, a few close ups and establishing shots
• Camera angles - high angles on the current girlfriend, low angles on main male character and main female

Mise-en-scene:

• Male and girlfriend from the university dressed smartly and fashionable
• People from the country wearing casual clothing
• natural make up

Sound:

• Royalty free, acoustic music and our own sound effects

Research and Planning: Actor Headshots - Chris Holtie

Chris will be playing the role of the male protagonist. We instantly like this character, he comes across as a positive character. The audience will also feel sorry for this character as he has just broken up with his girlfriend, figures out he is in love with his ex, but is unsure whether she feels the same way. He seems to have quite a few problems so the audience will feel for him and will support him with whatever choices he makes.

Chris Holtie

Chris Holtie

Chris Holtie

Research and Planning: Actor Headshots - Megan Ormiston

Megan will be playing the part of the male protagonists 'ex' or 'high school sweetheart'. The audience will immediately take a liking to Megan's character. She will come across as a positive, innocent character who everybody likes. To make the audience see her this way we will show her in high key lighting, perhaps some slightly low angled shots, and play happy, lively music in the background. 

Megan Ormiston

Megan Ormiston

Megan Ormiston

Research and Planning: Actor Headshots - Abigail Woodcock

Aby will be playing the role of the male protagonists 'current girlfriend'. Right from the start she will be seen in a negative light. A lot of the clips will show her arguing with male protagonist and also moaning.

Abigail Woodcock

Abigail Woodcock

Abigail Woodcock

Research and Planning: Chosen Film Name, Production Company Logo and Distribution Company Logo

After discussing with my partner, the name of the film, the production and distribution company logos we have decided:

Film Name: Double Ex

We decided this because the name 'Double Ex' gives the audience clues as to what the film is about. It also has two meanings, the first being that double ex means their will be two characters in the film who are both ex's of the same person. The other meaning is that it is a play on word of 'Triple X' which could suggest to the audience mild sexual activity. Another reason we chose this title is that our poll results showed 'Double Ex' being the favourite within our audience.

Production Company Logo: 'Picture House'

As discussed in a previous meeting post, myself and my partner decided that the name for our production company would be 'Picture House'. I think this name is suitable for a production company because the 'picture' resembles the film and the 'house' represents the place where it is made or shown. It could also mean a house in which film(pictures) are shown. The final logo we chose was one which my partner created, we had both created many other logos very similar to this one. One thing we noticed with our designs is that this symbolism of the house was is most of our designs, however this one was the favourite because the house is a lot more subtile than in our other designs. A problem we found with some of our logos is that they looked like a logo for a interior design company because of the house image but this logo did not which is why we chose it. 

Distribution Company Logo: 'Lights Out'

Again, in a previous meeting post, me and my partner decided that we would use the name 'Lights Out' for our distribution company. The logo we decided to use was one which I created using Adobe Illustrator. My partner actually designed a logo very similar to this one of mine however after asking a few people of our audience we found that from a distance you couldn't read the 'out' part of my partners logo whereas the logo I designed can clearly be read as it should be from a distance. 

Research and Planning: Distribution Company Logo Design Ideas

These are some designs for our distribution company logo. Soon I will have a meeting with my partner and we will discuss which one of the logos we will be using.
My partners designs: http://jakethompsona2media.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/research-planning-distribution-company.html

Research and Planning: Production Company Logo Design Ideas

 These are some designs for our production company logo. Soon I will have a meeting with my partner and we will discuss which one of the logos we will be using.
My partners designs: http://jakethompsona2media.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/research-planning-production-company_27.html

Research and Planning: Solvr

http://solvr.freshbrain.com/d/516qx385rr

Research and Planning: Meeting Post 3

Tracy and Andrew are no longer available to play the male protagonists parents due to change in circumstances. This means we have no actors to play the parents of the male protagonist so we might have to rewrite the story.

We have found possible locations for:

• Parents house/Front door
• Lounge
• Kitchen
• Dinning Room
• Guest room
• Dorm room
• Ex's lounge 

What we need to do:

• Take photographs of the locations
• Actor head shots 
• Find replacement actors
• or rewrite storyline

Research and Planning: Animatic Storyboard With Sound

We have now added the sound from our sound test to our storyboard.

Research and Planning: Publication Plan

Research and Planning: Magazine Name Research

I had a few different title ideas for my magazine and couldn't decide which one I wanted to use so I created an online poll so the audience can vote for which name they prefer. Which ever title gets the most votes will be the title I go with. 

Here are the results of the poll.

Research and Planning: Plan for the week

What I hope to of completed by the end of this week:

• Complete production documents
• Auditions/actor headshots
• Make up tests
• Test shots
• two drafts for film magazine - codes and conventions
• Publication plan for magazine - Prezi

Research and Planning: Magazine Draft 2

Research and Planning: Magazine Draft 1

Research and Planning: Film Magzine Analysis

Cineplex - November 2011 issue

Genre
From looking at the front cover of this magazine you can tell that the genre of the film is romance. Firstly because the main central image is an very intimate pose between the two main characters of the film. It also says on the magazine 'Stewart & Pattinson talk Twilight' so we know that they are promoting the Twilight films which most people will already know that Twilight is a romance. The cover also says 'Happy Together?' which is trying to get the audience to want to read more of the magazine because it is addressing the audience with a question. People being 'happy together' is meaning happy in a relationship with each other which is obviously going to be associated with romance and the romance genre.

Representation 
I think that the actors on this magazine cover are represented as being young and in love. They are represented as being in love because in the image they are positioned facing each other and are stood very close. They are also look like they are in love with each other because Robert Pattinson is touching her face and resting his head on hers which are both seen as intimate gestures. As the image is a medium shot you have a clear and detailed view of their faces, the make up they are wearing for the photograph makes them look quite young, for example Pattinson has no facial hair.

Narrative
As there are only two actors on the film magazine I would say that the characters they play in the film are the protagonist characters. Also film companies will usually get the main characters/actors to do all the promotional work in the media for example, chat shows and magazines.

Audience
I think that the target audience for the Twilight film being promoted is people aged 15-25 mostly because of the young actors and the romance aspect might appeal more to a young audience. I think it will mostly be aimed towards women because of the romance and they might find the actor in the film, Robert Pattinson attractive which might make them want to see the film more.

Media Language
The main central image is of the to protagonist characters of the film, the medium two shot lets the readers see their faces and some of their body. This shows the audience
 

Research and Planning: Film Magazine Analysis

Famous - January 2010 Issue

This is a front cover from an issue of Famous Magazine who changed their name to 'Cineplex' in 2010. The film being promoted on the magazine is 'Youth in Revolt'(2010) it is a Comedy/Drama/Romance starring Michael Cera.

Genre
From only looking at the front cover you probably wouldn't be able to tell which genre the film they are promoting is. However if you are familiar with some of the other work of Cera you will know that he has had parts in other romantic comedies for example he starred in 'Juno'(2007) so if people know him from these types of roles then they might associate him with this genre in the future. The magazine has 'How can you not love Michael Cera?' written on it, the word 'love' is in red, which catches the readers eye because it looks different to the rest of the text. Perhaps the producers did this so the audience can see that it might be a clue towards the genre of the film. Another piece of text on this magazine cover is 'Faithful couple?' this is a separate cover line for an article not relating to the film. But couples are associated with love and romance so it still fits with the theme of the films genre.

Representation
I think that Michael Cera's character on this magazine cover is represented as being a young, innocent teen and maybe a bit of a 'geek'. I think this mostly because of his appearance. Although the actor is actually 25 years old (22 at time of filming) he still looks very young or he has been made to look younger with make up. He is wearing a smart buttoned up shirt, but from a stereotypical teenager you would probably expect more of a casual t-shirt, which is why I get the impression he might be a bit 'geeky'.

Narrative
Because there is only one cast member featured on the film magazine, I would say that Michael Cera's character is the protagonist. I also think this because when companies want to promote the film the film they will usually get the main characters/actors to do the promotional work in the media e.g. Magazines, chat shows.

Audience
I think the target audience for this film is teens aged 15-18, because the actors are generally aimed at them. However the comedy aspects might attract a male audience. They might also be able to relate to the male character.

Media Language
The main central image is a close up of the male protagonist character. This shows how young the character is. The expression on his face also shows us his inocence. You can also see a small amount of the clothing and mise-en-scene of the character. This might tell the audience a little bit about the personality of the character.

Research and Planning: Film Magazine Research

• Colour scheme - black, white, yellow
• Masthead - Bold, serif
• Main central image - of actor from main article
• Varied font sizes

• Colour scheme - red, black, white
• Masthead - bold, sans serif, stands out
• Main central image - of actor from main article
• Page layout - busy but still looks tidy 
• Varied fonts and font sizes

• Colour scheme - red, black , white
• Masthead - bold, sans serif, stands out
• Main central image - actor from main article
• Lots of cover lines 
• Varied text sizes

Research and Planning: Film Poster Draft 2

For this poster draft I placed the male protagonist looking happy on the right side of the page, I then wanted his 'ex girlfriend' next to him also looking very happy. On the left separated by the banner I placed the current girlfriend. I thought that the separation between them would show the competition and war between the two women. 

I have included: 

• Masthead - big and bold, catches audiences eye

• Main image - introduces the characters to the audience

• Actors names

• Production credits

• Film certificate

• Production logo 

• Distribution Logo

• Release time

Research and Planning: Film Poster Draft1

Draft 1

Conventions I have included:

• Masthead - big, bold. Catches the readers eye
• Main Central Image - of main characters. Introduces the audience to the characters right away.
• Actor Names - Names of the main stars of the film. Big stars attract a big audience
• Production Credits (in SteelTongs font)

Things Ive forgotten:

• Certificate
• Release date 
• Distribution/Production Company Logos

For this poster draft I placed the male protagonist looking confused on the right side of the page, I then wanted his 'current girlfriend' next to him looking angrily at the 'high school sweetheart' on the left looking very happy and smily. I thought each of the characters having a different expression on their face would sum up the film quite well because each of the characters have very different feelings and emotions throughout the film/trailer. It also gives the audience a clue as to what kind of situation the male protagonist has gotten himself into, and it shows that he is unsure as to what he is going to do. 

Research and Planning: Film Poster Research

Before drafting for my film poster I thought I could do a bit of research to see what the conventions of romantic comedy posters are.

What I found: 

• One large image of the main characters (most important thing)  - Which introduces the audience to the characters
• Actors names 
• Film title - always bold and stands out (2nd most important thing) 
• Sometimes include a quote e.g. 'She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart' and 'A story about a man who had the girl of his dreams and never even noticed'
• Production Credits - in 'Steel Tongs' font
• High key lighting
• Bright colour scheme

Research and Planning: Audience Research

As me and my partner are stuck between two film titles, 'The Ex Ex' and 'Double Ex' I have decided to do another quick poll using PollJunkie. Hopefully I will get quite a few responses and we can then decide our title from the majority vote. I have posted my poll on social networking sites. I included a brief of the storyline in the question so the voters would be able to understand the titles more.

The Poll: http://www.polljunkie.com/poll/bqqnez/romantic-comedy-film-name

Research and Planning: First draft of Script

Script Draft 1

Scene 1

Aby: I don't understand why we have to go and see them. You see them every Christmas
Chris: But its my family. I miss them and they really want to meet you

Scene 2

Chris: Look if you don't want to come you don't have to. I just thought it would be nice to spend some time away from uni.
(In car)
Chris: You ready?

Scene 3

Tracy: Aww come here
Andrew: Have you done this to him?
Chris: Mun, Dad this is Aby

Scene 4
(In kitchen) 

Tracy: She seems nice
Chris: She is yeah
Tracy: Oh did I tell you Megan's coming over for dinner
Chris: Megan my ex girlfriend Megan?


Scene 5
(Dinner Table)

Andrew: How long has it been since you two last saw each other?
Megan: Must be about 3 years
Chris: Yeah. It's gone fast.

Scene 6

Megan: Thats my Dad, I best get off
Chris: I'll see you out.

(at front door)

Megan: It was really nice seeing you
Chris: You too
Aby: Chris are you coming inside
Megan: Bye

Scene 7
(In guest bedroom)

Aby: I saw the way you were looking at her
Chris: I don't know what you're talking about
Aby: Yes you do, you couldn't keep your eyes off her. It was as if i wasn't even there
Chris: Stop being so dramatic
Aby: Is that what you think
Chris: Well you are aren't you?
Aby: I thought we came here to spend time with each other but you clearly want to be with her
Chris: Its not my fault I haven't seen her for years
Aby: Well you can spend as much time as you like with her. I'm going home.
Chris: You being serious?


Scene 8
(Aby drives off)

Chris: *sigh*

Scene 9
(In living room)

Chris: I can't believe she left, thanks for coming over.
Megan: Its fine honest. I thought you'd be upset so I brought you something
Megan: *Comforting noises* I've missed you
Chris: Ive missed you too

Scene 10
(Guest Bedroom)

Megan: Look, that shouldn't have happened you have a girlfriend

Chris: What did we even do last night
Megan: I don't know but I remember laughing a lot*laughs*
I best be going. Let me know when you're next visiting


Scene 11
(bathroom)

Chris: *sobbing* Why doesn't she love me


Scene 12
(Megans living room)
*tears roll down Megans face*


Scene 13
(at dinner in Parents house)

Tracy: Cousin Anthony is coming up to see us tomorrow. Im not sure if he's bringing Hayley and the knids. That should be nice.
Chris: Yeah that sounds good
Andrew: You really like her don't you
Chris: It doesn't matter I'm not going to see her again anyway

*Knock at the door*

Andrew: Shall I go?
Chris: No its alright I'll get it

*opens door* 

Chris: Megan

Research and Planning: Prop List

Beds(scene 1, 7, 10)

Suitcases(Scene 1, 2)

Car(Scene 2, 8)

Pans & Kitchen Utensils(Scene 4)

Table & Chairs(Scene 5, 6, 13)

Cutlery & Plates(Scene 4, 5, 6, 13)

Food(Scene 4, 5, 6, 13)

Sofa(Scene 9, 12)

Alcohol Bottles - Full & Empty(Scene 9)

 

Research and Planning: Costume List

Male Protagonist Character

Our main male character will be wearing very casual clothing just a t-shirt and jeans with maybe trainers or boots. But he will still look fashionable.

Current Girlfriend

Our current girlfriend will be very fashion conscious, wearing all the designer labels and always trying to look her best.

Ex Girlfriend

Our ex girlfriend will wear very casual clothes, perhaps a t-shirt and jeans. She isn't to bothered about fashion but still always looks good without trying.

Dad

Our Dad character is not someone who cares for fashion. He will wear very simple, basic clothing. Trousers and a plain top or t-shirt.

Mum

Very basic clothing again, but still looks fashionable. Probably a Cardigan/other knitwear with a plain tee underneath and some loose jeans.