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.