Genre:
The genre of our film will be a hybrid between science fiction and thriller; in the future (the science fiction), distant or not so distant, where we follow a survivor who thinks she’s alone- except in her head. This contributes to the thriller genre by isolating a character and putting her on edge- always on the lookout for danger; reflecting the view of the audience.
We will suggest our genre using camerawork and sound alike, this will mean we will have soundtracks which create suspense and even enigma. Off-screen sound and events will be crucial in doing this, an example is that we won't show the face of the father in the dream sequence, instead relying on the diegetic voice to convey a sense of calm.
We’ll use restricted narration throughout, a syntactic code associated with the thriller genre- to keep an enigma build up.
Representation:
Our film mostly represents young adult females; varying from a strong representation (How she overcomes her fears; and the fact that she is a survivor of the apocalypse) to a negative representation (the fact that she suffers from a mental disorder.) We show her journey, two of them, when she is trying to head back home and also her mental journey- her journey to fight her inner demon.
We’ve also represented schizophrenia and the people who have it; and how they can overcome it given enough power to themselves: we show the pain that this disorder can bring. We’re hoping that because of this representation we’ll show a unique perspective of a widely used setting; while also conveying that some mental issues can affect, and hurt, anyone.
We’ve avoided stereotyping; the use of costume is well planned- as well as hair and makeup- to avoid the typical ‘girly-girl’ you might see in films. This is a positive portrayal, in our opinion, showing that instead of caring for her appearance she cares more on her journey back home. This is a representation similar, though not identical, to the one in the short film ‘believe’- where we have a determined feminine character breaking the traditional gender roles.
This modern outlook on both gender and of mental issues will make this short film much more realistic and, in turn, more thrilling for the audience.
Audience:
We have aimed our audience at 15 to 21 year olds; this is due to the themes that we have constructed and how they may not be suitable for a young child to watch. Additionally, these ages are now frequently attacked by mental disorders- an increasing problem- so the film will likely hit them on a personal level: making the ‘happy’ ending much more sweet.
Furthermore, the gender of our film is ambiguous; it’s aimed at both males and females- with themes suiting either. Such as the strong female protagonist suiting the female audience; as well as the journey to find home again (This is reflective to the Hunger games; a film oriented at both male and female audiences, featuring a strong female lead- who’s struggling emotionally- while there’s also a thriller element: her survival in a future land, attracting the male audience.)
The best place for our short film to broadcast would be on Youtube, instead of in a cinema such as Duke of Yorks in Brighton- which would draw in an older audience. Youtube would offer the opportunity for our film to be seen worldwide; whilst we’ll also earn a small revenue if we wished. Our target demographic would be more likely to watch the film online; where they spend most of their time anyway.
Narrative:
Our film will follow a rather strict linear narrative; with restricted narration throughout the short film designed to keep the thrilling mood intact. An example of this would be from the short film “alone”- where we’re left in the dark about the situation and the world surrounding the main protagonist. The audience also don’t know where the story will take us; we see from the costume that our character is on a journey home; Chris Vogler’s ‘Hero’s journey’ applies to most of the film. The ‘ordinary’ world is the ‘world of tomorrow’- an apocalyptic event has occurred and we’re shown the soul survivor. This is the equilibrium of the story. The character is already on their ‘call to adventure’; their journey home.
The film centers on a heroine, in Voglers terms. The protagonist is obviously on a journey- seeking something. There is a break in the linear narrative as we enter the heroine’s dream world: though this still remains in chronological order in the narrative.
The disruption of the film occurs when we meet the binary opposition of our protagonist; good and evil, real and not-real. This binary opposition allows the plot to be focused on someone not willingly attacking someone; but constantly tormenting them: a plot that isn’t often featured in thriller films, making it a new variation in terms of Steve Neale.
Our narrative then shows the continued conflict between real and hallucination (the only company our protagonist has), and we end with a resolution when the protagonist arrives home to her family- the new equilibrium being her life before the world collapsed; with her family.
Media Language:
Our film is not designed to be a film that dives head first into what we do wrong in society- its primary focus is on entertainment for the viewer; the themes that we delve into: the problems that occur with mental issues, is a secondary goal. We contain the entertainment value by using a variety of shots; extreme long shots will show the locations that we’ll use- a socially realistic vibe will be set though it’ll be obvious that the world is a much more empty place. We’ll also use close ups so we can clearly see our protagonists’ facial expression; more so when we are also delving into the issues that arise with schizophrenia. The details in facial expression will help convey the trauma that our protagonist is going through.
Editing will also play a vital part in our film; having to mirror shots together in order to show both the hallucination and our protagonist in the same shot. We’ll also use post production after-effects to emphasise the dream sequence, making a tranquil, calm, scene- showing the disturbing difference between the post apocalyptic world.
The use of sound is further explored in its own blog post; but needless to say that it’s of great importance to use to convey a thriller feel.
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