Filming - Locations

Our opening scene features two different scenes in two separate locations that are both crucial to the narrative. The first scene is what appears to be a local park and was filmed in Tamworth Castle Grounds. We chose this location to represent the park as it highly resembles one and is big enough to film different scenes in different areas, which helps to create the idea when the film is edited together that there are passages of time and movement by the characters. Below are two pictures showing the area of which we filmed several of the shots.

Two significant areas which we filmed are the bench where the two seemed to be 'loved up' and exchanging words in audible to the audience, and the framing where we concluded this scene. We chose the bench area because it was secluded and made the exchange between the two characters more private and therefore more romantic than if there was movement or people in the background of the shot. The framed area was also chose for a similar reason as it was secluded, but upon first finding it we though it was ideal for our finishing shot as it the flowers and colour seen emphasised the romantic element of the shot, and we tried to position the wooden framing to the corners of the shot so there was no wasted space and the two protagonists were at the foreground and the focus of the shot. These two locations are shown in the photos below.

Our second scene is set and filmed in our sixth form canteen as it is convenient to film in and can easily represent the school canteen which the scene is set in. When filming we were careful to make sure the characters were positioned around the table so that the camera could see them all when we were filming group shots and also so that the dialogue seemed natural when we were filming the scene. To add to the location we decided to place a water bottle on the table in front of the characters to contribute to showing that it is a canteen and the characters are on a lunch break rather than a general table. We also decided on filming at a table in the back corner of the corner to limit what was surrounding the characters and could potentially distract the audience from the narrative but it also limited the background noise when filming.

Filming - Production Schedule

(click to expand)

This is our production schedule which shows us the deadlines we have to meet regarding each area of production to ensure we stay on track producing our opening scene. 

We aim to finish the whole production process by the last week of January which will then give us 2-3 weeks in February to complete our evaluation.

Storyboard Two - Digital

Our first shot shows the two protagonists holding hands. This is an extreme close up of their hands and will be shown as the soundtrack plays prominently in the background. Over the top of this shot and the following shot will be the title sequence.

Following the previous shot, the camera will pan out of the zoom revealing the figures of the two protagonists now known to be males. The soundtrack will continue to play in the background and the titles will continue to be shown in the corners of the screens. The characters will exchange dialogue however it will be inaudible to the audience. From this shot the screen will slowly fade to black and show the words 'Six Months Earlier'

This shot is the establishing shot. It will show the location of the following scenes; the sixth form. The title of our film will be displayed in the top right hand corner. During this shot, the soundtrack will begin to fade to nothing.

This shot is the close up of an iPhone displaying text messages. All of the messages will have hearts and kisses to connote both the recipient and sender have some sort of love. There is no dialogue during this shot. The phone will then be snatched off screen.

The following scenes all revolve around the characters seated at the table and the dialogue exchanged between them. Shots will switch from different angles of the table and different close ups of the characters faces. The shots will be edited with simple cuts.

For this shot our protagonist will stand from the table and proceed to walk away. The camera will track the character both forward and backwards. Once the character is a few metres from the table, there will be sound effect of a text message. The character will read the message and smile towards the character before the screen fades to black.

Storyboard One

This is our storyboard mapping each part of our opening scene and the shots we plan to use.

Opening Scene Screenplay (Rebecca's Version)

Fade In:
EXT. Castle Grounds-Day 
Close up of both characters, hand in hand. Zooms out to reveal the two boys holding hands. Both seventeen.Mattie is more masculine and challenges the gay stereotype.Sam fits the stereotype.  

SAM (V.O) This is the ending of our story. Perfect inst it? We never used to be so happy. Our lives used to be so hidden, we were hidden, until one day I made that change. 

Rewinds to show the days before this time. The beginning of the day of the stand up. Establishing shot accompanied by the title sequence, which is presented with music. 

INT. College Restaurant-Late afternoon 
 Long shot of Mattie at a table with a group of friends. Mattie is on his phone, being distant from the table's conversations about the a famous pop star.

Mattie (P.O.V of text messages). Presents the relationship between Sam and Mattie.
Audience hears muffled questions that are directed at Mattie but with no answer. 

FRIEND #1: James! 

MATTIE: Urm, yeah? 

FRIEND #2:  what do you think about her? 

MATTIE: Yeah... she's great. 

FRIEND #1: Who's got all your attention? 

MATTIE: Oh, no one (nervous laugh). 

The phone is snatched out of Mattie's hands. 
One friend begins to read the messages out loud in a mocking voice.  

FRIEND #1:  So, when are we meeting again? I miss you. 

Friend#1 pulls a mocking sad face and begins to kiss the air 
The phone is then passed the friend#2. 

FRIEND#2: I don't know, we nearly got caught last time, I can't afford to be seen, but soon maybe. 

Group begins to make mocking kissing noises and then all falls silent. 
Mattie manages to snatch the phone back after many attempts. 

FRIEND#1: So who's Sam? 

Mattie looks across his friends 

MATTIE: She's just a friend. 

FRIEND #2: Just a friend, ay? 

FRIEND #1: Ooo, James has got himself a girlfriend, I'm proud of you. 

Friend #1 pats Sam on the back smirking at him   
The group quietly laugh at the remark for a couple of seconds  

MATTIE: Anyway,urm, I've got to go, urm, see a tutor about some work, so urm, I guess I'll see you guys later. 
Mattie walks out of the restaurant, with his phone in his hand smiling uncontrollably. Camera zooms into Jame's face and cuts to a black screen.

Opening Scene Screenplay

            FADE IN:

Ext. Castle Grounds – Picturesque setting – Late daytime – evening

            Shot shows a close up of hands joined together. The camera zooms out to

            reveal the couple – both are 17 and male and seem happy and in love. The pair

            exchange words inaudible to the audience.

            FADE OUT: Screen shows a rewind to 6 months earlier

Ext. Establishing shot – Sixth Form Building – Day

          FADE IN: Title appears over shot.

Int. Sixth Form Canteen – Corner table – Day

Protagonist POV: Phone screen fills shot displaying conversation, the recipient goes by the name ‘Sam’ – relationship visible through the exchange using hearts and x’s.

The phone is taken from the hands holding it and taken off screen.

Camera cuts to a table of a group of friends – all around the age of 17/18 and male, protagonist seated at edge of the table and reaches for his phone which is held out of reach by one of the friends.

FRIEND #1  (mockingly, looking down toward the phone screen) Who’s Sam?

                        Protagonist visibly uncomfortable – shifts in seat.

                        Laughter proceeds from all. The phone is passed to another character.

FRIEND #2  (mockingly reads from phone screen) I’ll see you soon I promise

                        (Laughter)

FRIEND #1  (mockingly reads) I love you

(laughter)

                        Protagonist remains silent as friends await response and continue to

                        laugh and nudge him. Although clearly uncomfortable is smiling and                     

                        playing along.

FRIEND #1  Got yourself a girlfriend then?

FRIEND #2  Kept that one quiet

                        Protagonist keeps his head hung low and seems sheepish as the rest of

                        the boys continue to laugh.

PROTAGONIST  (quietly) it’s nothing

PROTAGONIST  Can I have my phone back?

FRIEND #1  (laughing) Missing Sam already

PROTAGONIST (mumbles low and sighing) yeah

                        Nobody pays any attention to him but the phone is handed back. The

                        friends drift into separate conversations as the mocking dies down.

                        The camera remains emphasising the protagonists’ discomfort.

                        Moments pass.

           

PROTAGONIST  (sense of urgency) I’ve got to go back to lesson, look I’ll see you later

                        Protagonist stands and leaves the table, the camera cuts to show all

                        members of the table paying no attention to him. The protagonist

                        notices and noticeably sighs. As he walks away the camera pans

                        backwards following him. Once a considerable distance from the table,

                        the sound of a text is heard. The protagonist lifts his phone to read the

                        message and a small smile appears in his face.

PROTAGONIST  (V/O) and this is my life.

                        FADE OUT

Mr Judge Feedback

Medal: There are some excellent posts in evidence on your blog, with great textual analysis evidence, excellent use of images. Well done. 

Mission: I'm aware that yesterdays BFI data evidence may still be in draft, can we please publish those so that we have current evidence of progression.