Tragedy at Emmitt Whistle's: Pre-Production Part 3

The breakdown has been finished and I'm learning Movie Magic which is a software designed for the production files. I'll be plugging in the files this weekend. The software will make the paperwork and organizational aspect of the film streamlined and efficient.

Breaking down a scene takes time, but is enjoyable. First, I go through a mark all the props named in the script, then note the wardrobe and hair, and then specific special effects. After I have all the obvious items listed I start to think about smaller details.

I'll start with Emmitt. I know he is around 40 years old, married, has a 6 year old, works in a mill, and is fixing the roof. If the story takes place let's say around 1950, that means he was born around 1910. This means he was too young to fight in the first world war, was a teen during the roaring twenties, an adult during the Great Depression, and probably fought in World War II. His son, Jasper,  is 6 or 7 years old, so that means Jasper was born in '44 or '45, right when WWII ended. Jasper is a Baby Boomer.

Does Emmitt have any injuries from the war? How would have living through two world wars, a time of excess, and a time of disparity have an effect on someone? Maybe he is very frugal, hard working, and bitter or maybe not.  What would a child born around 1910 be taught? What kind of environment was he raised in? How were women treated, what were proper manners, what types of things would he carry on him? All questions I ponder. I also take into consideration his economic status, class, race, etc. all things that make Emmitt, Emmitt.

This led me to add additional props to the breakdown like a wedding band (never stated, but a major detail), a war medal or something to signify his participation in the war, his handkerchief, etc. It's the little background elements that really bring the character to life, I think.


I also watched Raggedy Man, which really embodies the look we're aiming towards. It also stars Eric Roberts (Julia Roberts's brother) when he is young.

Tragedy at Emmitt Whistle's: Pre-Production Part 2

This week in the art department world has been filled with breakdowns and location scouting. Heather has taken the lead on the locations, Ania is working on the storyboards, and I've been breaking down the scenes. 

Here's a clip from an early version of the breakdown:

After getting some feedback on my mood board, it was said to be too nostalgic and needed to be more real with everyday items. What did children actually wear in the late 50s? I foresee much loved research this weekend and drawing! 

The Tragedy at Emmitt Whistle's: Pre-Production

We chose a film!

Production Design:

For this film, I would really love to play up patterns and colors. I really believe we can make it look purposeful and impeccable. When I was out searching for the inspiration photos below, I came across an interview with Michael Wylie, production designer on Pushing Daisies.  Wylie uses color and pattern to create an indefinable time period. That's not what we're trying to do on this film, but I definitely think the way he uses pattern is brilliant and might be something we can look to for inspiration.

Here are some of the images from my pinboard on Pinterest:

I sat down with the rest of the Art Department (Ania, Heather, and Naomi), on Wednesday. We went through the script circling all the props and costume choices mentioned. We have a document that we can edit as needed. Once the script is finalized, I can go through and create a breakdown sheet for the props/costumes.

Naomi was wonderful and found a truck that we can use for the shoot. Now we just need to find a location. Ideally, the house would be a two story farmhouse with a porch and screen door in the middle of a field with a gravel driveway. I'll keep looking!

Narrowing Down

In Video Collab this week, we reviewed screenplays and short stories to select one to create into a short film this semester. Below I've analyzed the top selections based upon feasibility, challenges, and opportunities. 

Tragedy at Emmitt Whistle's
 by Shawn Cottrill

 

 (Inspiration Images)

Feasibility: One location- farmhouse in the Midwest (there is a scene in a hospital- possibly could be moved), props & costumes, small cast

Challenges: Final battle- gunshots and stabbing. I've personally never done a scene like this before, I'd have to talk to the Director/Director of Photography to see how it would be shot, if we'd do as much in camera as possible or if it would be done in post production.

Opportunities: Final battle! We could really try to shoot this scene in an interesting way with little effects. Since it is set in the 1960's, we can really play with color and pattern in the sets still keeping in mind the characters' personalities and economic stature.

Purple Passage
by Stephen Ahman

 

(Model House)

 Feasibility: Sets and props- 3 different locations- restaurant, apartment, house. Art supplies, camera equipment. 

Challenges: Burning down a house. Creating "The Woods." Scenes with a large cast.

Opportunities: Burning down a house. I love the idea of building a house to burn down. We could also build a miniature of a real house and burn that if we can't go full scale.  Creating "The Woods." We could make this visually interesting.

He Was Sent by God
by Kenneth Hines

Feasibility: Setting and locations, props & costumes.

Challenges: Actors, battle scenes, multiple locations. 

Opportunities: Period piece! We might be able to build a set if we can't find anything suitable. Gathering the props and costumes that are period specific will take a little extra research and planning and borrowing, but that's half the fun! Effectively combine CGI and physical sets/props /costumes.

With the Band
by Alex Coleman

Feasibility: Set in modern day, tweak the music genre possibly, musical instruments and props 

Challenges: A larger cast, multiple locations. Making it look stylized in modern day without taking the copout of using locations as is.

Opportunities: Create a visually interesting piece set in modern day or a timeless era with musical instruments. Keep the look of the film consistent through different locations and times of day. 

Grey Matter
by Stephen King

 

(Dramatic lighting & muted colors)

Feasibility: Few locations, small cast, props & costumes

Challenges: Alluding to the grey matter monster man without showing him or do we show him? Can we make it happen with our use of light and shadows? Do we have to show him in his entirety?

Opportunities: Creating tension and conflict through visuals. We can allude to the monster without showing it, just like many great low budget films. With a combination of specific camera shots, lighting, and costuming we should be able to pull this off. 

The Last Rung on the Ladder
by Stephen King

Feasibility: Takes place in a barn with hay, small cast, few other locations

Challenges: Not acting like Kitty whilst shooting the film. (ha!) Showing the relationship dynamics.

Opportunities: Sweet jumping scenes! Using a trampoline, hay, the barn scenes could look pretty interesting.