Rationale:

I have chosen to make this piece as it is falls into the action genre; a genre I am extremely interested in. I believe that this genre gives opportunities for me to reach out to my target audience which is through visual entertainment and an interesting story line. It is these films which inspire me to want to tell my own stories and so, in making this film, I hope to not only entertain my audience but also inspire them to want to achieve the same positive reaction that they hopefully will have towards my product. This relates back to the argument that films do not have to stay entirely true to reality to be accessible, often it is the separation between the possible and impossible which is entertaining for audiences. Having gained more experience working with this genre, I believe that choosing it as my final major project will prove less of a challenge. I will be more informed of what to do when complications arise and be able to use methods of directing, choreographing and even writing to better the standard of the finished product.

Also, taking on such a project is more experience in of itself as I aspire to eventually direct and write my own films. Having any experience with these roles, at all, is a place to start and I am confident that it will build on prior knowledge. I intend to condense the codes and conventions of certain action thrillers into a that of a short film criteria where the running time demands more content in less time. I intend for the colour palette to be very vivid and bright as my inspiration lays with films adapted from graphic novels. The vivid colour palette is to create a surreal environment for the characters to be placed in. Once the subtle separation from reality is established, audiences can begin to take note of the content such as the story line or the characters. To contribute to the escapism, there will be stunts in this film which are not considered possible in reality.

Project Concept:

Richie’s Lost & Found follows three friends and their secondary school teacher as they put into motion a plan to retrieve a stolen museum exhibit and collect the reward money. For this project, the aim is to display a vivid and comic book approach to the thriller genre. To do this, colour will be accentuated, humour will be injected wherever there are opportunities. Throughout production, all shots, listed, will be accounted for and as many takes as necessary will be carried out until they meet expectations. However, an aim would be to make sure no one feels uncomfortable whilst on set and, as with previous projects, make sure light is made of complicated situations.

In terms of research, there will be analysis of different films of the chosen genre(s) and recognition of reoccurring themes which appear in all of these films. From there, the script and the events which take place will be adapted, according to research. Access to the Weston Park museum gardens will be needed for a small number of scenes and actors, recruited from Starnow, present. Permission to use the Workstation car park for the final scenes of the film will also be required. A representative of the South Yorkshire police will be contacted to notify the authorities prop guns will be in-use, during filming.  Peer feedback will be recorded and all comments analysed. If the critiques are relevant enough, necessary changes will be made.

Evaluation:

Throughout working on this project, progress will be evaluated through a reflective journal. At the end of every working week, I will update it by adding entries. These will concern challenges I may have faced, during production work, and even moments where I felt productive and work was produced. If changes are made to the project, these will be recorded in the reflective journal and screenshots will be used, if necessary.

For the evaluation at the end of the unit, I will reflect on what I aimed to achieve, complications along the way, my progression and then the success or failure of the overall product. After this, I will discuss ways I could have avoided problems and whether or not the product would be better with certain changes. Of course, referencing will be consistent, throughout this unit as there will be resources which have influenced decisions which will be assessed in the evaluation. For this, APA referencing will be put into practice.

I believe that working with others on this project will have more advantages to disadvantages; whilst there may be creative differences within the crew, I will aim to distance everyone from any disagreements. With more people helping, it will be easier for me to achieve my vision as I will have people taking care of certain roles and I will not need to multi-task.

Proposed Research Sources:

Being that this project is largely encouraged by films such as Edgar Wright’s ‘Hot Fuzz’ and Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ I will revisit scenes from these films and analyze them in greater depth. I will compile aspects which could be carried forward into my final project. I will look closely at camera angles, camera movements, colour grading, effects and even the use of music and sound.

I will also look at several different online articles, centered around editing and incorporate the methods they discuss into my final project. Being that Eddie Hamilton is responsible for editing a number of Vaughn’s films, I will look into interviews with him. I will even email him, personally to gain first hand advice on how best I could edit an action film. I have been in contact with Eddie Hamilton before through email so the chances of a response are much higher than I previously imagined.

I intend to also pick out two to three books from the library, centered around editing, for my specialist study. Through doing this, I hope to learn of new perspectives on constructing scenes for a film of the action genre and perhaps find areas which I am already confident in. I will then be able to build on the knowledge I already have to ensure the final product is one I am satisfied with.