The Pitch - planning for 'Anonymous Lead'

During the early phases of planning, we devised ideas based around the aspect of Crime Thrillers, alongside some of the conventions of a Film Noir and eventually formulated the pitch of:

A criminal couple is hunted down by an investigator who depends on anonymous calls from a hidden persona.

My initial thoughts as to where the genres and sub-genres fit in with this idea would be through the secrecy of a particular character who seems to be a major contributor and catalyst of the opening. Also, the main characters; the investigator being the protagonist and the criminal couple portraying the 'obvious' antagonists, in a sort of natural way (generally criminals are not perceived as people who comply to morals of the law), help reinforce the selection of the genres and themes chosen for this project. It also seems that the general story line has a dark plot behind it.

The storyboard - 'Anonymous Lead'

This storyboard contains approximately two-minutes worth of shots which will be used for 'Anonymous Lead'.

The script/screenplay - 'Anonymous Lead'

BEGIN TITLES

As the title sequence begins, the ringing of a phone from a phone box dominates the scene. Someone picks up the phone, ending the constant ringing. The receiver is Investigator JEREMY FISHER and he is curious as to who is calling. The caller is ANONYMOUS, hinting the FISHER’S curiosity is growing.

A silence is held after the phone is picked up.

ANONYMOUS

You’re Investigator Jeremy Fisher, aren’t you?

FISHER

Yes. Speaking is…?

ANONYMOUS doesn’t answer to FISHER’S question; just continues.

ANONYMOUS

I have some information regarding Dean and Alison Atkinson.

DEAN and ALISON ATKINSON are the criminal couple who are at large after committing a bank robbery.

FISHER

How do you know about the–

ANONYMOUS interrupt FISHER blatantly.

ANONYMOUS

They’re at [Address]. Better swim, Fisher.

Abruptly, ANONYMOUS hangs up the phone.

CUT FROM BLACK SCREEN:

EXT. PHONE BOX – NIGHT

FISHER’S footsteps are heard as he makes his way to [Address], leaving the phone dangling from its holder. The ‘Interrupted Call’ tone drones in the background.

INT. AN APARTMENT

DEAN is anxious. He paces about the room questioning to himself what to do next.

DEAN

We’ve got to go. They’ve found out.

DEAN slams a suitcase onto the table, filling it with belongings and supplies.

ALISON

Why did we wait so long?

DEAN, with a packed suitcase, places his gun inside. The loading of the bullets sounds out. DEAN slams the suitcase shut. As the suitcase is closing, the screen cuts to black, revealing the title ‘Anonymous Lead’. The droning sound of a dialling tone raises in volume.

Plot synopsis - 'Anonymous Lead'

This is the plot summary of what takes place during what will be shown in the opening two minutes and in the rest of what would be the full film.

Anonymous Lead

Dean and Alison Atkinson; a criminal couple escape a bank robbery gone wrong. Investigator Jeremy Fisher is assigned to the case.  Fisher receives a call from an anonymous profile, in which Fisher gains vital information on the couple’s whereabouts. Without catching them in time, Fisher must follow them. This began during a shootout and escape; where two of the couple’s gang members were killed. Flash forward event occurs; the couple commit another two crimes: Dean, stealing a car in order to escape further and Alison killing the owner. Fisher is informed by the unknown caller on what they have done and where they are. The couple have made their way to an ex-gang member who eventually gets killed whilst defending the culprits in their hiding. The couple manage to escape the action and head for a nearby airfield, the police following after them. As they flee the area, Alison betrays Dean, shooting him in the leg as she makes a getaway onto a plane, only saving herself.

Mindmap of initial ideas - 'Anonymous Lead'

What’s the purpose of a film’s opening sequence?

Independent study on German Expressionism

This post briefly discusses the origins, themes and a film influenced by German Expressionism.

Sound in thrillers

Clip Analysis - "North by Northwest"; How does this sequence engage the audience ?

Clip Analysis - North by Northwest 

Preliminary Task - The Video

So, here's the finished product of what me and Seb have been working on. (Sorry for the slow upload; technical difficulties...) This is the video where start to experiment with the basic fundamentals of filming and camera work. Below, is the grade given to us for the continuity edit of this video.

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

Evaluation of Preliminary Task 

Prezi of Thriller sub-genres

Planning for the Prelim...

Some planning for the Preliminary Task

When planning for a video, story boarding takes place. This means that we must sketch out each shot that would happen on film; without this, we (me and planning partner Seb) would not have had a base to start with.

Of course during planning, other ideas were shared and discussed, causing our story board to change slightly as opposed to what we actually produced in the film. We had to think about how we would have achieved some of the harder parts that would have been in the film e.g tracking shot or filming high angles; the location was also changed from an indoor situation to an outdoor setting. 

Here is the outline of out Preliminary Task, in story board form:

 Although the story board contains a few different parts, the main outline of the plot was retained in the film. Some of the boxes were left empty due to how we had to change location and circumstances of the characters.

During the planning for our preliminary task, we also had to create a short and simple script to match the plot that we created, as well as for those starring in it.
In doing this, I learnt how to write and structure a script:

FADE IN

RINGLEADER walks down a path; with authority and mystery. She approaches a building, somewhat abandoned and derelict. She steps in without hesitation. The VICTIM is found at the back of the building, alone and tied up in rope. The RINGLEADER walks towards the VICTIM. Eventually, the RINGLEADER stops and stands in front of the VICTIM.


RINGLEADER, an authoritative figure who will get you in trouble when messed with.

RINGLEADER

Do you know why you're here ?

The VICTIM looks directly at the RINGLEADER and a moment of silence is held.

RINGLEADER

Well ?!

VICTIM, the ordinary individual accused of messing with RINGLEADER.

VICTIM

You tell me !

The RINGLEADER slowly walks closer towards the VICTIM, the VICTIM backing away in cowardice.

RINGLEADER

In every bank job there's a snitch.

The RINGLEADER walks back out of the derelict building, deserting the VICTIM, still alone and tied up. The VICTIM shouts as the RINGLEADER leaves--

VICTIM

Come back ! You can't leave me here ! Come back !

FADE OUT

Photo Composition

    

I Live Here -- filming assignment

I LIVE HERE

So, my first filming assignment has been set and finished...It's up on the blog and I just uploaded it on YouTube

The video bases around various camera angles and shots and the topic is about the city; the general area of Norwich.

About Me

The Intro

I'm Shanelle and this is my Media blog; this is where I will be able to post work and find tasks related to topics that I will be learning throughout the year. The topics include:

• a preliminary task
• thriller planning, research, production and evaluation
• TV drama and
• the film industry.