On set: Meeting minutes

On Monday, I planned all things I needed to be done for the next day. By doing this, it allowed me more time to focus on filming efficiently.

 This is where I was shooting, just off Portobello Road. It suited the ideas in my head perfectly, I needed an estate / run-down and rough area to emphasise the poor conditions my protagonist lives in.





This is who's playing, "Ruby". The outfit indicates her urban attitude and look, wearing boots and a parka.























Today, Monday, 16th February, I have gone to North Kensington Library in order to write up a plan and as it's near my desired location, I was able to look around and take pictures. (see above).

So Today, (Tuesday 17th, February). I started off the day with packing my bag with the equipment. Ensuring everything is working, charged and ready-to-go. Leaving my house at 12pm, I got to my setting around 1pm. Staying there for an hour and a half, I was able to shoot 4 shots that include a POV shot, low angle and a panning left close-up. Compared to my first draft, I see a major improvement. Although, last time I didn't bring a tripod and unfortunately, it broke whilst shooting therefore I had to improvise immediately and use railings and concrete sides to support a steady shot. Nevertheless, the quality is adequate enough for my final piece.

Further planning for "Fixated"

I started filming on January 30th, this is where I produced mock-up shots. I wanted it to be very amateur/handheld so I didn't use a tripod; however, after watching back the shots I realised this wasn't for me. I wanted it to be shot properly and steady. On my re-shoot, which I am planning to do during the half-term. I've thought of a production Schedule: 

• Monday: - Plan exactly the settings I would like to shoot, by googling how to get there, researching facts about it to see whether it's most suited for my movie. Look at many places that have a run-down environment. 

Ensuring I remember all items.

• Tuesday: Morning - Prepare for the shoot, ensure both camera batteries are fully charged. Tripod and camera is packed in a bag, safely. Storyboard and production brief is also packed to stay related to it.  Midday - Go out and shoot, until around 4 o'clock I will see whether the shots that I need to have a day-time setting is perfected, if not I will still have time to redo it. Taking many shots, in not just one setting to maximise the variety of work i'm able to work with. 
• Wednesday: Morning - see what shots will need redoing, and go up London to reshoot. Also to try different camera angles. 
• Thursday: A week ahead, I have asked if my actor will be free on these dates, unfortunately she isn't on Thursday. So in the meantime, I will shoot the shots that doesn't need an actor. Such as scenic shots of the city's skyline as well as trains. 
• Friday: This will be my last shooting date of the half term as my actor is busy for the weekend. Finally, after looking after the weeks shoot I will see what looks the best and what doesn't. Sorting them into files as I do not want to delete the not-so good shots. 

I will want all my filming to be completed by Saturday as I will want to have as much time with post-production.

Genre Change

After continuously researching movies similar to the films I seek influence from: Juno and Submarine, I realised a "Feel-good" drama wasn't for me. From developing plans I discovered I want to alternate from a "Feel-good" to a "Coming Of Age" story, however keeping the a "feel-good" atmosphere.

The reasoning for my change was down to my narrative, although in fact both genres correlate with with my narrative but I believe a "Coming Of Age" suited it more although, I will still want the "feel-good" atmosphere being produced in the title sequence; down to the fact that you aren't going to "feel-good" throughout the movie because I want to have a sympathetic and sad tone at the beginning of the movie. Moreover, it'll be less of a challenge trying to convey a "feel-good" atmosphere just from a title sequence, as a "coming of age" story will be far more easier as her journey from rags-to-riches symbolise this.

Soundtrack ideas

I gathered what soundtrack, because in my feedback I got told to work on it. I wanted for my title sequence, however, I have been told I am not allowed to use copyrighted music.

Consequently, I am currently trying to find a perfect soundtrack that will be most suitable for my title sequence. Although, in my animatic, I will use the song I desired so in the mean time I can spend longer with searching:

I chose this song due to the atmospheric and textual tone throughout the song. Although it's only 2 minutes long I believe it's almost perfect to my title sequence. In an ideal world where copyright laws weren't an issue, this would be my go-to song. I think a song similar to this will suffice because I don't want no vocals removing the attention from the visuals. However, I do want the audio to compliment the visual aesthetic that I will produce. Having an instrumental and atmospheric audio leaves the whole concept questionable and open into interpretation. Having no dialogue and lyrics, I will want the audience to interpret my title sequence concept and fit it into their own experiences and personal life. So in the mean time, I will be spending a lot of time scouring the internet for the most suitable song for my title sequence.

Credits: First Look

Order of credits:
{[{
1 - [Studio logos]{

2- - Film 4 Presents
A Pathe Film Production
 3 –  Fixated

4 - Red Madrell
Geraldine James
Freya Mavor

5. Casting:
 –Tommy Mahoney
Jade Northen

Production Designer:
Tommy Mahoney

Costume / Make-up:
Gemma Hancox

Special Effects:
Laura Woodburn 

Music / Sound Editor:
Chris Martin 

Photography:
Sofia Coppola

Producer / Writer: 
Richard Ayoade

Director: 
Richard Ayodade


    

First Draft

This is my first draft for my film, "Fixated" or "Livingstone" I still haven't decided on a title just yet. The first draft is terrible, spaced out and contains no soundtrack as it's my first time using Final Cut Pro and i'm also working alone.

Throughout, my positive feedback where my cinematography, framing and setting. They went into further detail verbally, stating my "Setting  and colours matched my genre" and that my "framing" was excellent. However, my not-so-good feedback that I need improve on it making my narrative more vivid, also that there's no soundtrack or credits.

I am currently struggling to find a soundtrack at the moment, especially one that's copyrighted. I really want an upbeat dreamy song as I believe it will make the genre seem more clearer. People didn't understand the genre as the shots were all scattered and did not make sense, I will be working on this. 

Treatment

I'm going to follow the guidelines of, coming of age / rags to riches story but with a twist.

The journey of self-discovery and determination is what Ruby Livingstone thrives off. Throughout her story, you see the constant darkness she lives in, often labelled of the "black sheep" from her family and even her society. She's an introvert who grips onto her dreams to rocket out of the poor conditions she's living in. Wanting to become significantly successful in London's centre of finance, she goes one step further to be as close with her dream; by constantly putting herself in that environment she dreams of. A life without struggle. Although, she is a "fish out of water" and much different than the people she desires to be around. Her full urban look doesn't match the 3-piece suit elegance that is out there. The heart-warming journey of how a dream can completely allow a girl to seek solace from.

Brief:
A girl wants to escape her poor life and break into a life without struggle.

Ideas: Cinematography

I discovered a pattern with teen movies like, "Palo Alto" and "Very Good Girls" that they have very beautiful cinematography. They use incredible lighting and have vivid colours that burst off the screen; this is what I want to achieve. I believe films that target the younger generation do this because the major trend with "Instagram" which is a photo-based social platform, so teens currently favour stunning photography. At least I think. The colours really symbolise and represent the brightness in a teenagers life, it's said its the best years of your life and it's prominent that directors take this route; exactly what I want to portray. Very pitcuresque.

Above is the screenplay from "Very Good Girls" as you can see, there are elements of light and dark lighting, emphasising the importance of light to portray the emotions of teenagers.

 

I also noticed there's a familiar typography theme throughout all of these movies, they use a very simplistic or cartoonish font; making it overall aesthetically pleasing, having each frame looking "Instagram" worthy. 

On the same hand, costuming is also a significant aspect to address when the movie is targeted at teenagers. As sometimes they seek influence from characters, they may want to look like them so using trendy outfits it will be a key aspect that could make the movie successful. 

I believe the producers do this to ensure their movie becomes a major success; as social media is significant to teenager's lives, it's much different from how the audience consume movies from fifty years ago. For example, in our present times people create a thing called "fan bases" which is literally a group of fans supporting something, with websites like "tumblr" "Instagram" and "twitter" there's a platform for these teenagers to exert their opinions of the movies; creating an exchange. So by making the movie beautifully appealing, as I experience it first handily especially seeing teens favour  photography etc. It will be an intelligent move to take; cinematography wise.

Finalising my ideas for the title sequence

Title sequence - 

The title sequence gives a short two to three minute insight into the movies: funding companies, actor credits and also a hint to the storyline; mostly creating an engaging enigma for the audience to be hooked instantly.

For my title sequence, I want to mostly centre on her dream as this main focus of this movie. I will start with Ruby around her home environment, going towards her flat indicating to the audience this is her living conditions. The camera will change to a camera shot of Ruby sitting in a coffee shop, fantasising about being successful in central London where business is most vivid. Once in her "dream", I will make the scenes more colorful intense proving this is a light in her life, showing her walking out of a train station into the architecture heavy areas. Although, this shows she's a "fish out of water" not belonging in these places. However, I will show how she still carries the "chav" stereotype by smoking. Then, how she really isn't accepted in these places by bumping into people/arguing then finally being snapped of the dream in the coffee shop and returning back into her less fortunate lifestyle.

Post-production ideas -

• For post-production, I really want to exemplify how dark and isolated she feels in her current living state; using dark contrasting effects and possible vignetting on the camera shots.

• In the transition from reality to fantasy, I want to show fading CGI or some kind of journey indicating how how big the spectrum is from rich to poor. 

• When in the dream, using a high contrasting and blurring will signify the fantasy life-style. 

• Editing pace will be quite slow in the beginning to symbolise how she's stuck in this environment then contrasting to fast-paced jump-cuts to focus on how her dreaming comes to an abrupt end. 

• I will try to focus on the colour of Ruby compared to the people surrounding her to add stress to how different she is to everybody.

Typography ideas - 

I will use two different fonts between the title to actor credits because I want the name to be more dramatic than the credits.

For the title of the movie, "Fixated" I will use the font "Permanent marker" from http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/permanent-marker

Permanent marker with my title.

"Permanent marker" 

I will use a different font when broadcasting the actor's names and production companies that helped with the movie. I am still yet indecisive with what font that I believe will best suit my genre/narrative and target audience, so here's the few i've gathered: 

"Is that clear?" This font is quirky, less serious and will be suitable for a younger audience. 

"Mala's Handwriting" Is also quirky and less formal font, childlike almost which could indicate Ruby's age/character.

"Fun sized" I'm not as sure with this one due to the font i've chosen for my title because these are very two dramatic fonts. 

"Handwriting"

"Whimsical Wilma" this is self-explanatory, it's quirky and whimsical.

I'm slightly leaning towards the movie I seek influence from, Juno, as this movie uses imperfect and childlike handwriting; proving this movie isn't so serious, light-hearted and almost comedic. 

Help me decide:

Which font looks more desirable for an audience 15-30?

"Is that clear?""Mala's handwriting""Fun sized""Handwriting""Whimsical wilma"

As well as an online poll, I created a voting sheet for my peers to fill out; voting for which typography they think is most suitable for my film.

Mise-En-Scene

Mise-en-scene -

Costumes: I want the protagonist to look very urban, stereotypical "chav" from the suburbs of London. Exemplifying her social class etc. 

Hoop Earrings, a go-to accessory for
a typical east-london girl.

Trainers

Make up - I don't want to confide into the stereotype of a "chav" too much because it will seem unrealistic and will make the film look like a sketch from Little Britain. This isn't a comedy. Make-up will be light, because of a dark-toned character minus the dramatic eye-shadow. The overal look seen here, short hair, light make-up and big earrings: 

Estelle.

Lighting - I want, at the beginning, of the title sequence to be dark emphasising her dull environment and living conditions as well as portraying the misery she feels. When she dreams, it becomes light and more vivid with bursting of the colours.

Props - This will allow me to help build character even further. 

A Cigarette, an underaged girl's
bestfriend.

Change, showing unwealthyness. 

A take-out coffee, this is where her dream
takes

Performance - For the protagonists performance, I want her to feel very timid and shy because she's living a not-so happy lifestyle but this will change in her dream she seems more happy and focused. 

To help portray the character of Ruby, I have chosen Red Madrell who has starred in movies similar to mine. Playing a less fortunate girl from an estate. She looks the part of this movie and from watching her movies, she also acts the part.

• Born in 1987, although this is a little too old for the character's age I think she will still be able to adopt the younger age.

She was born in London, therefore she has experienced the life first hand.

Played in Kidulthood, Adulthood, Casualty and The Bill. These are all drama-based series focusing on mishap and disruption within a daily life.

Planning for film idea

After finally realising a serious drama isn't for me and that a feel-good drama is, I can now plan my film plot:

A journey of improvement and the determination of an aspirational girl – Ruby Livingstone. She constantly dreams her way out of society to move forward and escape. She doesn't share the same hopes and values the people around her have as well the immense pressure from school is an attribute to her constant daze; this is what drives her to fixate on her dreams. She dreams of becoming successful in the capital’s centre yet her lower-class background of suburban London is what is stops her, as well as her ethnicity. The reality is to prove the hindsight of prejudice in how it limits people.

Closely referring to Todorov's theory on what a basic story should hold, I put my narrative into a simpler and basic structuring:

Equilibrium – Living in a struggling and dull environment, she constantly fantasies about breaking out – seeing what life really holds, rather than the constant routine an ordinary girl has in a less-fortunate environment.

Disruption - Still relating to the equilibrium, only things worsen and family life starts to become intense, with only one friend to seek solace from, parents are very traditional and to the point, they tell her that her that she won't go far, she cannot escape because “people from here don't move on.”

Realisation - Ruby sees what’s holding her back, yet it’s the force that pushes her forward to succeed.

Resolution - Not the typical, happy ending type of story. She realises her desires aren't reachable due to not having an impressive background, this will teach the audience about prejudice etc.

Setting - For the setting, I have chosen suburban London, such as places like estate blocks such as Brownfield in East-London, as I find something quite iconic about it and how many famous subcultures are founded here. I want to go against the typical "British" stereotype that only international people would believe (like tea, scones and an overly posh accent) and focus more on the less-fortunate lifestyle that only the people whom are familiar with will understand.

However, this will alter in her "dreams" of becoming a major in financial side of London, places like Old Street, Canary Wharf and other high-end areas.

Rough, gritty and imperfect.

Juxtaposed to the image on the left, beautiful architecture, abstract shapes and elegant.

Theme - Having a running theme of inspiration, infecting the audience with Ruby's determination. Because it's a feel-good drama, I need to include attributes of happiness, passion and sympathy so the audience is affected by Ruby's narrative. Furthermore, a sense of reality and fantasy will be apparent due to how Ruby is in a constant daze which leads her snapping back into reality.

Iconography - Consequently to the setting, the kea iconography will be run-down flats that depict her living environment as less fortunate. Whereas, tall skyscrapers will emphasise her dreams of becoming successful in finance.

Narrative - See above.

Characters - 

• Red Madrell, from Kidulthood, will be playing the protagonist "Ruby".
• Geraldine James, from Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, will be the antagonist "Ruby's mum".
• Freya Mavor, mostly known from Skins series, will be playing Ruby's friend "Amber".
• Dom Gilet, commonly known from Eastenders, will be the antagonist father alongside Ruby's mother. 

Style - I desire dim-lit scenes throughout her reality of living in the dull and miserable council estate being juxtaposed with the colourful and brightly-lit scenes of her dream. Emphasising the lightness in her life trying to break down the darkness.

Second Pitching of: Fixated

Finally, here's my last draft of my pitch:

         

         

After finalising this pitch, here are the feedback sheets:

As you can see, there wasn't a lot of thing to develop as I followed my feedback closely whilst editing the pitch. 

What I learned from doing a pitch is to not overload on information, include a lot of pictures as people don't like reading apparently, highlight key information and structure the text so it's more simple.

A Recurring Theme

I'm aiming to portray the recurring theme of, "dreaming" throughout my title-sequence. I want this as it follows my narrative of my protagonist, she dreams of being fitted in central London.

Ways I want to achieve this:

• Dreamy transitions; possibly cross fades etc.
• Complimenting soundtrack, tranced, atmospherical.
• Faded colours - high contrast.

I believe this will make my narrative come across to my audience much more.

Animatic

This is my animatic for my film, "Livingstone". An animatic lets me see how my shots will look along with my soundtrack, the length of each shot and the transitions.

Storyboard

1. The scene starts with my character walking along a bridge, this shows her environment and stating the context of the narrative.

Shot two is a POV shot that pans up, as the connotations of going up means successful, it will also show the bad envrionment round my protagnoist.

Shot three is a dramatic show of my title, making people see it and remember it.

Shot four is an over the shoulder shot that makes it look like we're following her. I want this part to look as if it's a GoPro camera doing so.

Shot five is footage of a train, symbolising travel this is the start of her journey, commuting to the city central.

Shout six is a medium long shot of my protagonist walking out of the underground, this is the start of her being in a much different place from where she lives. Also seeing how different she is from people around her.

Shot seven is a medium long shot of my character, I want to do long shots at the beginning of my title sequence as it implies how far away she is from what she wants, i then will get closer with time.

Shot eight is then another POV shot of her looking at the skyscrapers, showing what she desires.

Shot nine is a long-shot of her in a wealthy area, reinforcing how she's a fish out of water.

Shot ten is a close of of her walking, similar to shot two. Throughout I want to mimick shots i've already done to really show the change and journey.

Shot eleven is my character sitting on the underground, this is a close up, the editing starts to speed up here because it adds to the dream state of mind.

Shot twelve goes back to shot ten.

Shot thirteen is an extreme close up of her spare change, showing she's poor etc.

Shot fourteen goes back to shot ten, i want it to keep going back in a very fast pace as it quickly speeds up before her transition.

Shot fifthteen is my character standing there starring at the lens, with a blurred background showing she's in her dream.












Shot sixteen is my character sitting in a coffee shop, this really plays upon her dream because now she has time to sit down and thoroughlythink.

Shot seventeen is a blank screen, made for effect and also to prove the transition of her.

Shot eighteen is her smoking, showing she still has the values of an urban girl but I want to use weird effects in post-production to prove this dream. This shot indicates it's her that's stopping her.

Shot nineteen is a close up, her costume has changed meaning she's her new self, the sky line in the background and you can see she wants to be there.

Shot twenty is an extreme long shot of her walking into a building.





Shot twenty-one is an extreme close up to juxtapose the last, just like shot four showing we are following her. She's walking to what she saw in the previous shot.

Shot twenty-two is a similar shot to shot nineteen with the skyline in the background.

Shot twenty-two is a low angle shot of her about to go into the building she's been pointing and looking at. She's now what and where she wants to be.




The soundtrack starts in shot two as i want the focus to be on the protagonist first. it fades in after the diegetic sound of her footsteps. The music will be a soundbridge throughout.