My short film:

 Date: 25/6/24

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Plan for short film -

Premise is based upon childhood, the longing for being what once was. Innocence and happiness. Specific relations to my own childhood  through use of setting/location specifically.

- Old photos and videos from that time, which then cuts to how it is now, the past to the present.

- Focus on how things change

- Structured in non-linear way, starts off with the journey of heading to the tree, putting the letter there, walking away. Cuts to being at home, not a huge mention of what the beginning was about - introduction of me I guess... head to my room - (ideas: lie on bed, music, pan of my room or a POV shot of me looking at my room/ ceiling) get off the bed, pull out a letter and read it (The letter is from my younger self - but that isn't revealed easily, doesn't mention it, just questions and ideas on a page) I want it to come across to the audience as if I am grieving someone I know, I'm reading letters they once wrote to me etc. Not until the end when its revealed it was from my younger self - grieving my younger self.

Random ideas - not sticking with all of them -
use of diary or letters to bring context without constant dialogue. Maybe a call or along the lines of it.

I want it to be realistic but mixed with expressionism too - Capture the feel of Cambridge/Cambridgeshire - especially what it felt like when I was younger

I want it to feel relatable and wholesome, and I have inspiration from some of these films and photos down below.

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Slap

 Date: 18/6/24

Narrative >  Chronological order - linear narrative. In my opinion, there is no resolution as it finishes in a worse way than it started. The storyline does bring forward rising points which lead to a climax nearer the end. For example, his friend finding out about his dressing up and makeup - which then leads to everyone else finding out after miscommunication and an argument surrounding the main characters sexuality in the film. The film finishes with a quite horrific yet powerful scene, a brutal watch.

Genre > A drama - the conventions are featured thoroughly throughout the film. Moments of rising tension through the use of fighting and violence for example, when he comes to save his friend who is being beaten up. It dramatizes the moment for multiple reasons, not only as a heroic situation but also as a hard decision to come out as he was (dressed up) to save his friend, risking himself and the reaction he may get. This is done again later, during the moment of a emotional scene between him and his girlfriend as she comes to confront him and support him - however, this contrasts later, when she is told something else, as he argues his point and she becomes "disgusted" by him. The bathroom scene, builds tension up to the moment when his friend attempts to kiss him - which is greeted by a more offended and violent approach. This is a firm showcase of gender norms and roles, and masculinity 

Representation > A huge display and form of toxic masculinity and array of femininity - opposing to the gender norms and roles of society. Having a character who from the outside very much sticks into the male gender role (boxing/wrestling, muscles, short hair, sportswear, lad culture etc). Who actually hides a secret of wearing dresses and makeup and enjoying more 'feminine activities' it showcases a big meaning behind gender and how it fits into society. 

Micro Elements:

Cinematography > 

The opening shot creates an opposition. There is a characteristic trait communicated to us straight away. It opens to a guy who is applying makeup, he seems happy and expressive of his feminine side, our first thoughts as a audience may be that this person is potentially apart of the LGBTQ+ community, or he enjoys dressing up etc. However, the objectifying posters of women (half-naked women) on the bedroom walls behind, shows he has an appreciation for the female body but also showing an idealised self and his aspirations of his own physical looks. It showcases a binary opposite in an odd yet appealing way, of course, we shouldn't and cant assume, yet it is interesting as its revealed further on more about the character and his lifestyle. We could interpret these scopophilic posters as a deterrent tp his family, specifically to deceive his father into thinking he has voyeuristic fantasies of women like most boys his age. The ending scene features an array of film shots, they're quite disorientating and harsh on the eyes, it coincides with 

Performance > Joe Cole a rising star, best known for his performance in Peaky Blinders and skins is a good match and great actor for this movie. The vast difference between his historical, violent and strong male-lead in Peaky Blinders compared to that of his exploring, introverted character Connor, who likes to cross-dress and is adventuring into his own sexuality and own-self. Joe Cole may have been chosen for this very reason, 'Slap' came out a year after Joe started playing a well-loved character in PB, having him play someone so different may have influenced the importance of this film and its message. Joe's performance in Slap, is a powerful demonstration and showing of someone who doesn't know themselves, someone who seems lost - and how it can effect them. For example, his switch from being a happy person, who is enjoying his time, putting on makeup, to an instant fit of rage and strong examples of masculinity. For example, the scene where he realises his friend needs help, and he has to face him dressed as he is to be able to save him. An another scene, the broad and harsh switch from his full party outfit and expression to him in a boxing ring, beating the life out of another person. That ending scene is a powerful and important point - he cant cope, he is angry and upset. The constant changing of 'Conner's' feminine and masculine side really adds to the effect once again. And its brilliant acting by Joe.

Mise En Scene (costume/makeup) > Conner's costumes are important to his character. We see him in his true form, which is his dresses and playful makeup, this is when he feels most happy and comfortable. However, we also view his more 'masculine' outfits and looks, his gym style and boxing outfits which push that more male side on show. His colourful makeup also heavily references the props (magazines, etc.) which he is influenced by.

Mise En Scene (props) > The main props are his boxing gloves, wraps, and awards/posters which showcase his passion for the sport - which then, highly contrast with his box full of makeup and teen magazines. These are key traits of Conner as a character, and as an audience we get a true feel for who he is as a person and his interests which make him stand out as a character which the audience can align with. 

Mise En Scene (setting) > The setting/location of this film is rather an important detail in my opinion. The environment and social life of the place Conner lives in doesn't seem to be the sort who would be accepting and happy with his identity and exploration. Such as the violent attack we see committed against his friend in the streets for being a gay man. Further backed up by the pushy 'manly' father who teaches boxing to young lads and enforces on his own son ( Conner). The dull and bleak setting aligned with the personality of Conner, adds a powerful impact and binary opposite. 

Influence > The binary opposites and detail on the switching up between these opposites really influences me. I love how well thought out it is to showcase how different the two things about Connor are. Its like he is leading a double life, like we are watching two different people. 

Echo

 Date: 18/6/24

Echo

Narrative > Echo follows a linear narrative structure - however, we don't have information on the background/ beginning or what happens after. The film starts and finishes the same way, with Caroline pretending to be on a phone call in which she receives tragic news. Cause and effect is followed showcased in the scene when we see Caroline's lie unfold in front of her victim, and he begins to become rather irritated by her lies - and even threatens her with police. This creates a moment for the audience to realise how unsafe and serious her actions seem to be, we hope she changes. In the beginning yes, an alignment is created through her situation of distress and worry until the truth is revealed to us. From there on, we as an audience don't like her as a character as much. The three act structure is followed, and the climax would be the moment we find out its all a lie. However, a new equilibrium doesn't appear, as it ends the same way it begins - which is her lie.

Genre > I think it falls under the Drama category. It follows the conventions of a drama too, as it builds up tension and emotion in specific scenes which then are brought back down again - through viewing of normal life again. It does follow a cause end effect structure. We see this represented in those scenes where Caroline answers the phone, she starts off with a very ordinary reaction, 'Hello, who is this?' which quickly turns into a frightening situation that nobody would want to go through. The tension rises as we see her panic and struggle to stay calm - this is completely toned down once we realise it was all a lie - that's when we are made to question the characters actions and her reasoning behind it.

Representation > I feel as though this movie communicates ideas of minor crime and petty actions by teenagers or young adults - potentially however, it could be a message of someone grieving. People grieve very differently to one another, it could be in this instance that the character of Caroline has truly lost her Father, and in reaction to this her fake calls for attention as she cries and panics helps her to grieve and understand for herself what she has lost. It may be messed up to watch and uncomfortable but it could be the interpretation that the director wanted to portray to the audience.

Micro Elements:

Performance >  Caroline is portrayed by a young actress called Lauren Carse. Carse, fully takes the role of a convincing, distressed young girl who has just found out the tragic news of her Fathers car accident. The director - Lewis Arnold - plays apart in her performance, due to Carse's young age and recent acting roles in small budget dramas and series, this could be a main reason why he chose her to play Caroline. Instead of using a famous celebrity, having an unknown young person play the role can add to the realism of her performance, we as an audience recognise her age and innocence, which further creates sympathy for Caroline as a character - specifically in the beginning when we are introduced to her. This could apply as well to the character of Caroline's younger brother (Oliver), he is portrayed by a young actor and his performance plays an interest into his older sisters struggles and actions. Oliver seems to understand Caroline but doesn't know how to help, mainly because she doesn't let him. It seems as though Oliver has overcome grief better than his older sister has.

Cinematography > The colour palette of the film consists of lots of grey and dull colours, we only ever see a pop a slight pop of colour when Caroline appears with her deep turquoise jacket. This could represent certain emotions which I will mention soon. The importance of the dull palette further influences the point of the film. Grief, death, sadness, confusion, struggle and loneliness - Caroline is suffering with these things, and the world around her keeps going as she cant move on - repetition of the phone call - Another example of confusion and feelings being expressed is through the camera shots. Multiple of them in scenes where Caroline is in town begin blurry and up close, until they slowly focus to then be cut to another shot of the same instance. The use of blurred shots could suggest how Caroline's struggles have blurred the lines in her life - the straight path is now gone, and she is stuck in a state of grief.  ---- Lastly, the end scene where we once again see Caroline take action of her own plan of fake lies for attention - The camera angles and shots are highly different to beforehand. We have a tracking shot as Caroline pretends she is getting a call, and struggles to find her phone in her handbag, as she answers the 'call' the tracking carries on, it seems handheld and less focused on being purposely set up in a perfect way. As Caroline has a conversation, she stops walking, stops moving - as if she is getting ready for the main act - so does the camera, instead we now have a slight motion from the cameraman which creates a unsteady tone and setting for the audience. There are more close ups on her facial expressions and reactions too.

Editing > The best example of editing in this short film is the end scene, There is a complete change in editing at this moment compared to the rest of the film - The shots have been slowed down, to create a more tense setting, and this adds more to the impact of the muted out sound. The slow motion concentrates on Caroline's facial expressions even more than before.

Sound >  Echo has a lot of diegetic sound, we hear the busy rushing streets of people and cars around our main character whenever she is in town - this could be to suggest how normal and everyday it is. When she's alone however, there's a focus on the silence - This is used in a clever way which interprets someone going through grief and struggling to overcome that bump in their life which has appeared. Caroline seems lonesome, she is quiet, and when we do see her in her home life she seems rather absent from her family. The end scene is the best to talk about sound and how its used and portrayed in this film, Caroline begins her roleplay and catches the attention of others like planned. However, the naturals sounds around her become almost silent to us and I believe her too - it feels as though we as an audience are witnessing a panic attack. Caroline is struggling, everything around her is too much - the worst thing is occurring, except its not. 

Mise en Scene (setting) >  Using the average and commonplace setting of a busy, local town really adds to the meaning of the film. Its such an average place and most common things go about there that seeing that one time and upsetting scene of a worried young girl who has just had a life changing call, really effect the audience and their sympathy for the character. Right from the begiinni9ng we are shoved into aligning with Caroline. However, as time goes on, we obviously realise the truth and her alignment fades away more and more. Using the bleak and natural location is a good choice for almost 'tricking' the audience. 

Influence >  This films narrative as well as context influences me on a more complex level, to find a deeper or more interesting topic to create my film about. The use of grief in this short film is so simple yet impactful, there's only minor hints towards it yet, it can be obvious to some. I think grief is a very hard subject to create realistically in film, yet, this films captures how grief is carried out in many different ways very well. We are made to not sympathise with the main character, what she's doing is bad and quite messed up. But, if you truly look further, she clearly isn't doing well and this is how she's dealing with her pain and emotions.

The Operator

 Operator

Narrative > linear (chronological order) it starts from the introduction to the operator and it goes from there. The cause and effect of the film would mostly likely be the main point that there is a fire - and that is what effects the rest of the story from her going up the stairs to them being rescued.

Three Act Structure - the equilibrium is the showcase of an everyday moment for these operators at their desks - Most of the calls we over hear are less serious compared to what we are about to be shown. The climax in the film would be when we no longer hear from Gemma on the other end of the line, instead we hear loud noises and the burning of the rapid fire, as well as Gemma seeming to scream before not saying anything else - this is the point where we as an audience are worried and impacted most because the narrative creates a sympathetic appeal towards Gemma and her child due to their situation, now not knowing what is going on we feel worried for what is occurring.

Genre > This film follows genre conventions of Drama, through the use of tension and creating a rising point till the climax, and then even though it drops down a bit afterwards, it then rises a bit again because Gemma begins to panic. It fully dramatizes right from the beginning to the end, when we see her take a break for only a few seconds and then have to deal with the next caller. Making a standing point.

Representations > Gender stereotypes are portrayed through Gemma, her freaking out, mother instincts, panic and more. This is a binary opposite to the operator, Laura, who is calm and guiding them to safety, she is using her instincts and knowledge. Laura acts as the hero in this film, which typically is portrayed by men in media and film.

Micro Elements:

Sound > It is all diegetic sound during the movie, and it is all impactful on the storyline and aligning with the audience. We can hear the spitting fire, and the collapsing of the house, we are made to understand the seriousness of this situation. This film very much relies on sound to communicate the storyline for us - we cannot see Gemma and her situation, we can only hear what the operator hears on the phoneline. Yet we are still severely impacted emotionally wise whilst we hear all the things happening. More diegetic sound is created from Gemma, hearing her scream and her coughing as she struggles to breathe.

Cinematography > Range of camera shots even though it is set in one location - Close ups on the operator, as analysis on her facial expressions, this is an opposite to after the call when we see Laura clearly very impacted by what has just happened.

Lighting > low-key lighting adds to the drama and tension

Mise en scene (costume) > Context is provided via costume, we see they are operators because of their uniforms and their headsets.

(props) The computers and tech which is used for these operators calls

(Setting/Location)Begins by panning the operator phone call room, sets the scene and the story. It is only set in one place, this is done on purpose to signify how and what its like for an operator, it focuses on just her (Laura) nothing else.

Editing > The editing in Operator is so simplified and micro, that most don’t even notice it. There isn’t a huge array of scenes in this short film - it’s focused around the operator herself, and her actions and emotions. The micro detailing includes different shots consistently changing from one angle to the next throughout the scene, this creates tension between both the operator and the woman on the other line as well as us, the audience.

Performance > An important role of the actresses performance in this film, creates the right statement to the audience. Her so called calm tone and lean-back manner/behaviour really push her as an skilled and knowledgeable operator, who is good at their job. However, when we see her break down and struggle to take in what she just had to do and be a part of we realise, maybe she isn't so strong as we originally thought. Not as a criticism, but instead, a sympathetic and understanding approach as an audience and as a human being. We realise she isn't okay, we start to know how hard her job is and how stressful it can be, it seems as though it really affects her and her life. Kate Dickie plays as the operator in the film, although I don't believe her fame is an important factor for this film, her performance and true understanding really shock as after her other performances in her well-known series/movies. Kate plays a much more empathetic character we as an audience align to then she has before. Her most notorious roles are 'Game of Thrones', 'Loki', 'Peaky Blinders' and more British dramas.

Influence > I like the idea of creating something which has such a bigger meaning and response the way this film does. Highlighting a key issue, and the truth of what it is like to be an operator - it’s such an emotionally draining job to hear people literally beg for their lives to you and then have to hang up and just move on to the next call. It’s a deeper meaning and I’d like to be able to portray something like that in my own short film. Meaning and response and audience interpretation

The Fly

 The Fly

Narrative > the structure keeps an intended POV of the main character and the development of his frustration. It follows a linear chronology and has cause and effect: The fly appearing consistently leads to the rising emotions and tension, its persistence makes him more and more agitated and annoyed – this is awkward for him because he is trying to sty calm and focused so that he is ready for when they finish robbing the bank. This cause and effect create a comedic yet volatile act of entertainment.

Three Act Structure = the set up > catalyst being the fly appearing and beginning to piss of the character the climax is the turning point of events where we can really see that its all become too much, and he goes a bit crazy. However, its hard to argue what the resolution is in this scenario as it ends with chaos still having been ensued.

Genre > For this film the fly comes under comedy, conventions of comedy = slapstick, clumsy characters which causes them pain but is made to be laughed at, funny duos, drastic stunts (again usually painful ones for entertainment or very over-the top), rude jokes and humour. Conventional costume may be something nerdy = clumsy and silly or daft, maybe even complete opposite being a confident guy who gets the ladies, thinks he’s cool and has a rude sense of humour that people find funny, relatable more to a certain stereotype of men maybe?

The fly does inherit these conventional comedic forms > specifically stunts which include the joke aiming towards the ridiculous over reaction to the pesky fly that wont leave him alone. Its funny because it's supposed to be relatable – audience are made to align with him because they align with his frustration of the fly that won't leave him alone. This simple occurrence being blown out of proportion really details that comedic genre.

Representations > Could be suggestion towards anger/violence and men > stereotypical ideas of how men behave when angry and agitated. Not sure what else…

Micro Elements >

Cinematography > close up of the fly on his face after the tantrum of outrage. Really dramatizes the moment and the emotions, again, relatable in ways to the audience and it adds to their expectations – the knowing that this means he is really gonna be pissed off now and even though we have already seen him go mad already, we (audience) know the climax has arrived and all hells is going to break loose now. An action match shot is used as we are made to look at the sky and hear his screams from below as they echo through the location – this is also a stylistic conventional feature of comedy as a genre – the shot then matches o the action as we see he has inured himself as he attempted to smack the fly off of his face, in the process he managed to pierce his lower lip with the cocktail stick he was consistently chewing on.

Editing > It is very fast paced, cut shots are used when it appears on the fly after we believe and the character believe it’s gone. Again, adds to the comedic effect.

Sound > it is all diegetic sound in the fly. Added sound effects of the fly’s buzzing being really loud – adds to the characters frustration, it like its in his head almost. It also makes it annoying for the audience that way hey feel more related to the character and align with his feelings. The added noise of everything going on around him in the beginning also sets the tone of the characters tension and worry/ anxiety as he sits there waiting to hope it will be over quickly and that they won't get caught. The noise of dogs barking in the background, the use of a helicopter above, which we see panicky him a bit as he moves to look out the windscreens and check its not for them. As well as, the actual illegal act being committed inside the bank, and the scared victims and shouting. When he set the horn of the car off, we can hear his struggle to stop it, not only see it, his jacket can be heard as he quickly moves about, his heavy breathing suggesting his panic to stop the noise, and the persistent cutting of the air bag, his grunting noises as he struggles with the car.

Mise En Scene – Costume > very stereotypical British guy who does some illegal activities on the side. This costume design gives context to the audience and prepares us for his actions and personality. Props > the coffee and donut also add to his personality and plays on stereotypes a bit, the car may be an ad on to the gangster kind of vibe as well as set us up to believe he I some cool get away driver maybe? And of course, the gun - that’s what really starts the whole break down, collateral damage.

Setting/location > Outside a bank (more context) and set in a very typical British looking town/city – may just be a way to create that effect with the audience, aligning them to the film maybe the target audience are British.

Performance > serious showcasing of physical agitation and anger – hitting himself, smashing the mirror, bashing his head into the steering wheel, ad the shotgun scene all of his body language right from beginning to end really tells us as an audience his emotions. His performance through body language and facial expression showcases his worry, fear, panic to furious anger and then shame and embarrassment right near the end.

Influence > I am influenced by the use of sound in this film. The directional sound of the fly itself is an interesting way to portray how irritating and annoying this little creature can be. It’s relatable which makes it funny. And it’s a good way to describe it.

Over

 Over (2015, Threlfall)

Narrative > non-linear, it goes backwards in time (reverse chronological storytelling) starting from late at night way up until the actual finding of the body to the actual death occurring. If we saw what happened to begin with, it most likely wouldn’t have the same effect on the audience.

Genre > drama, documentary…re-enactment - definitely links to conventions of drama, the entire process leading up to the main event is dramatized to a full extent - every new shot has a bit more information and detail until finally we see the initial cause.

Representation > Countertypes possibly… I feel like the directors intended meaning of the film was to bring light to the situation again although it was in the limelight when it first happened, it then just became forgotten all about - who is this man? Why was he fleeing? Why has no one claimed him?

Micro Elements:

Cinematography > static shots, helps to create suspense. As well as, the use of long shots. Cut to close up shots of evidence scenes - binary opposite. First shot is very dark, used to represent the time of day, and each shot appears lighter (going back in time) this is contrasting with lighter conditions - and it could be a metaphor for life and death and how quickly it can all be changed. A long shot, portrays the crime, the clean up, the police etc. all whilst a young boy and his dad enjoy a game of football together. ( meaning of life and death possibly). A focus on a few shots where no one notices the body, the impact to society and their outstanding unawareness.

Editing > Very slow paced, time to take it all in, and focus on the detail, this is done to build the tension and the drama. We feel as though something is going to happen - yet, it's hard to know what it possibly could be.

Sound > lack of non-diegetic music, not a lot of dialogue. In the beginning and throughout there’s a focus on the natural sound of nature and people going about their day - birds, sirens, talking, cars, footsteps, small parts of dialogue such as, indistinctive dialogue - when the woman notices the flowers, even mentions that it looks like someone has died. Focus on the noise of sweeping and clearing up the blood, whilst we hear a piano being played in the background - binary opposite. This makes it feel quite morbid.

Performance > Extras portray a very different counterpart to what we are seeing on screen - a literal dead man lays on the road, and people take no notice, instead we see some people jogging, riding a bike, then later even whilst police are still there cleaning up the scene, a dad and his son play football together on the green right by where this man died. It isn’t a dig at how people acted, but more of a detailed view of how odd life is… people happily giggling, enjoying themselves whilst a few hours ago a man just died, ad we know nothing about him.

Mise en scene (costume) > Through the use of costume, this film portrays the important information for us to understand what is going on for example, we know that their is something serious happening due to police officers being at the scene for majority of the short film. We know this because of their outfit - high-vis jacket, caps, walkie talkies, the colours of their clothes etc. This is opposite to that of the extras (public) who wear simple outfits such as jeans and tops, dresses e.g.

Mise en scene:

(props) > Showcasing police cars further gives us important details to the storyline, seeing the amount of police cars may be a shock factor to the audience to realise something really serious has occurred - this is further justified with evidence of a black van which is seen taking a body away. (Setting/location) > Real place, not a set up, can add to the impact of the film, realism/naturalism.

Influence > The narrative structure of this short film has influenced be to be more optimistic towards the use of unstandardized procedures of film such as breaking the conventions of sequence and context.

The Ellington Kid

 The Ellington Kid:

Narrative > Cliff hanger, flashbacks, interweaved with the retelling. It’s non-linear, begins and ends in a similar way. It starts with a story and then we see it being played out - even though in the timeline it took place before the conversation. Creates an POV for us to fully comprehend that night of the attack. Three act structure is followed of rising tension, and climax ( stabbing, getting away with a crime, the guys locking the door, grabbing the knives etc.)Editing > fast during the chase scene, cuts to close up shots frequently during the scene inside the kebab shop - a focus on the characters facial expressions and body language which to an extent provides more context for the film to the audience - an understanding towards what may be about to occur. The film also ends to just a blank shot - a cliff-hanger - this may be to get a fun reaction from the audience through the use of our own interpretation as well as the one which the boy telling the story insists on happened.

Genre > crime, thriller, comedy - knife/ one big joke, a lead back to the guy smirking when he listens to their conversation - makes it feel more true- The horror conventions of being stuck (locked in), the rising tension to a horrific scene - but stopped before we see what occurs.

Representation > London gangs very stereotypical of violence, their costumes involve tracksuits, with Gillette coats, caps, and face coverups. Costume of middle eastern, again stereotypical. The very London kebab shop - typical of street gang areas etc - As well as, the kebab shop relating to middle eastern ideas, and stereotypes.

Micro Elements:

Mise En Scene > Costumes and props used to communicate stereotypes and therefore character types. Location - safe/not safe, binary opposites. The alleyway is a common identity of a violence and illegal activities which can occur, specifically less safe in the night. Pushing that stereotypical agenda further.

Sound > First sound is the knife being sharpened, this creates for-shadowing as the short film ends with this sound as well. It also adds to the tone that the movie is attempting to create - a continuation of questions from the audience of 'what's going to happen?' and a tone of danger/ violence... A Sound balance is used - meaning there's no actual audio, we just hear the lock click, this adds to the tension and rising climax of the scene. We know something is going to happen, a chair gripping moment.

lighting > the use of day and night - for example, the shop's bright light against the contrasting natural darkness of the night, creating a haven of safety for the young guy who has been stabbed.

Cinematography > The cut shots although simplistically used, create a consistent and easy guide to follow whilst watching. We understand that a story is being told and we are witnessing a 're-enactment' or perhaps a memory. The use of a tracking shot to follow the victim in the story, gathers more of an ominous setting and fear. Specially contrasted with the use of a alleyway setting - the idea of being followed down an alleyway alone- and also in the middle of the night. A low angle shot is used to focus on the victim as he lies helpless on the restaurant floor, bleeding out - and the camera shot also motions to one of the workers behind where he lays, a hero is introduced, we know someone is there to help him now, he isn't alone. Similarly, this is used again when we see more workers come out to defend and help the man, they slowly are introduced one at a time, this makes it more interesting and planned out - they mean business.

Performance > Tension and emotions are communicated through body language and facial expressions from the actors. Such as their tense stand, some armed with weapons which they have ready to use if needed, the gang are portrayed as trying to be tough, but truly they seem a bit scared. Whereas, the owners of the shop seem ready and prepared, one has his arms crossed, he is standing up tall, he doesn’t seem to e standing all tensed. And without talking to one another, they all understand what they’re going to do just through the use of eye contact and understanding their ‘friends’ body language too They mean business.

Editing > Whilst the camera is focused on the kebab shop workers, the editing is slowed down, it adds depth to their facial expressions and body language in the moment. Its an important feature - they are not happy, they are serious, and not afraid..

Influence > Some of the genre conventions in this film seem like an interesting approach towards film, and I feel as though using conventions of genre in my own movie may impact my ideas further. I also feel influenced by the narrative, a story within a story is a different way to make a film and I like the idea quite a bit.

Generating Ideas

 Date: 17/6/24

Random suggestions:

What if?  could read other peoples thoughts constantly

Confinement idea - Trapped in a never-ending loop of the same day

Truth is stranger than fiction - Everybody who they know doesn't understand what they are talking about when they explain that they re- live the same day. However, certain people do know but lie to them about it. They know because they've always been able to read minds, so they are having to find their own way

Opposites attract - Find out its not just them who is re-living the same day, there is someone else. They are a neat freak, OCD, insecure, (Introvert)  and don't know what to do - opposite to the main character, (extrovert) more relaxed, chilled, smokes and designs video games, together they both are trying to figure out how to stop re-living the same day.

Your day - It is the same every time, unless they choose to do something different or go somewhere else. However, the way which re-starts your life is by them dying, and this is different every time. 

Local legends/ Urban myths - There is a local legend of a 

Date: 18/6/24

Genre - Mystery

Protagonist: A journalist, who is always in the wrong place at the right time. 

Secondary character: A bodyguard, who is poor.

Plot: Its hardboiled PI story about second chances. It kicks off in a quiet residential district with a mysterious suicide. (Note that: someone in the story has a reputation to salvage). And there's a twist! Someone also faked a death.

Second generator idea -

An thriller, drama. Set in the south, in the 80's about a wandering Serial Killer, with an obsession trying to make things right!

Date: 21/6/24

Set in English Countryside in the late 1960's, a young student beginning his life at University, struggles to adapt to the social status and educational systems. Coming from a small, low-populated village on the outskirts of Oxford, James, a tall yet slim young man with scruffy brown hair and a introverted way of life, prefers reading and exploring new places to enjoy his books, adventuring via his trusty, old bike. However, James hides more of himself than others know of - He attempts to fit in to a group and Uni life but this is much harder then it seems. Until one day when he meets a hide-away, curious English teacher, who ends up intriguing James, as he is browsing a shelf of books in an unkempt, silent classroom. This film directs our focus onto how important people are in our lives, and the significance of those who come and go - as well as, acceptance of that.

NEA Instructions

Component 3: Making Short Film 

90 marks - 60 marks on production, 

30 marks evaluation 

Coursework - 30% of final grade.

Learners must study a compilation of short British fiction films. 

Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills through:

• the production of a 4-5 minute short film

• an evaluative analysis of the production in relation to professionally produced set short films (1500 words)

Requirement from the Board

n this component learners will apply knowledge and understanding of the short film and its distinctive narrative form in relation to the production of their own fiction-based short film.

Learners will also be required to build upon and develop their knowledge and understanding of genre, representation and how the micro-elements of film form contribute to these and also to aesthetic effect, spectatorship and film poetics.

Assessment - apply knowledge and understanding of elements of film to the production of film (AO3) (60 marks)

• apply knowledge and understanding of elements of film to analyse and evaluate own work in relation to other professionally produced work (AO2 strand 3) (30 marks).

Evaluation (30 marks)

Learners must use subject specific terminology and produce an evaluative analysis which: 

1. evaluates and analyses their production in relation to the professionally produced set short films informs analysis and evaluation by selecting a range of appropriate evidence from their own production and the professionally produced set short films.

2. makes use of appropriate critical approaches 

3. discusses how micro-elements of film form can generate a preferred and alternative reading(s) of a short film.

Must be 1,500 words (approx 500 words per section).  Learners must include a final word count as part of the individual evaluation. Each evaluation must be the work of an individual learner.

Use images to support your points. 

Other key Points

For the purposes of both the film and screenplay productions ‘new’ is defined as an original production from the learner that isn’t a sequel, prequel or remake of an existing film.

Short films and screenplays for short films must be undertaken by learners as  individuals and all materials must be assessed individually. A learner may make use of unassessed students and others as long as the outcome can be assessed as the work of an individual learner. For example, others in a group could be used as actors, or to operate sound equipment, or lighting equipment. The learner must, however, have creative control, as director, and create the final edit of the filmed production

 

Guidance on NEA Productions - Restrictions

Learners’ NEA productions MUST NOT contain:

• Violence acted out against another character which dwells on the infliction of pain or injury

• Gratuitous violence

• Frequent, gratuitous and/or aggressive use of strong language and swearing

• Scenes of sexual violence

• Nudity

• Imitation of dangerous behaviour

• Scenes demonstrating or promoting drug use

• Material that could be considered offensive on the grounds of race or gender.