MI - Malac

On the day of the shoot we ran into a number of problems throughout the process. Although it all came together in the end these issues definately set us back, lowering the standard of our production.

These problems were as follows:

Incomplete shot list - Completely my fault as the director, I was unprepared in regards to the shot schedule and shot list. As I struggled making my mind up on my individual ideas, I wrongly assumed that the group would be able to discuss and decide as to what shots are best on the day, admittingly blagging it. I realise I shouldve approached the team and asked for help, or to swap roles.
Obviously the situation quickly turned into a problem as each shot was being discussed HEAVILY before being taken, which meant each shot took about 25-30mins to get right, even longer in certain aspects.

Loss of Control at times - I have learnt that I shouldve took control in certain situations as well. This also relates to the above point as moments were stressful, resulting in crew members not knowing what to do while others were in needless debate. Again I'll accept responsibility due to the shot list being incomplete.

Sound flawed - A pure mishap, the boom wasn't configured properly. This meant the sound that was recorded was from the panasonic mic. This might be the reason the female actress Ellie was quiet.

We did however manage to capture some really good shots, especially for the title sequence. Tom P did a fantastic job to help create some of the shots that wernt planned also... While Ben, Tash & Leigh covered up the flaws really well within the final edit.

Ill upload the final edit soon!

MI - Malac - Treatment

Benjamin King compiled our films treatment, which is as follows:

Treatment

Malac is a story of depth and one in which the set unravels. Heartbreak and emotions run wild and spillover. The mental torture of ones past relationship becomes another ones physical torture. A dark twisted encounter, set in a unforgiving, picture perfect basement reveals a hidden story.

I personally think this treatment sums our groups ideas up really well. Our plot is focused on a serial killer who kills to cleanse herself from a painful past relationship that went sour. The twist to our plot is her next victim is actually her assisstant's partner.
Although the treatment doesnt do justice to the depth and complexity of our narrative, i believe it really shows off the methophorical feeling of our story. We want to convey dark and twisted characters, who are all in pain, one way or another. Whether it be mental, physical or memory based, Malac is a tale of pain and suffering.

While I feel confident on our selected narrative, I can also see potential flaws and setbacks. The biggest potential problem is the complex plot itself. As we have only about 1.30-2mins to convey this plot, I personally fear that we will not be able to show our characters background story well enough in the given time.
This is only a potential problem however, so aslong as we keep that in our minds while we develop the plot and screenplay, hopefully, we can get past it.

Screenplay + Shotlist Concepts

While my main role within the production is direction, it also falls into my role to compile a shot list with the cinematographer. Here are my current ideas for shots and shot types:

- Quick, 'flash' shots of object/character closeups within the room, to build tension within the title sequence. Also revealing plot clues?
- Extreme closeups. Tight shots angled to hide certain unwanted aspects regarding the location.
- Med/Closeup shot of the briefcase, opening, contents unrevealed.
- Panning shot of turtore objects and visual plot clues.
- Over HER shoulder shot. Tracking HIS movements (writhing in pain)?
- Extreme Closeups of hands + HER face, to add tension and contrast between drawn out shots.
- Vertical panning shot revealing photos and end plot twist at end CREDITS.#

Expect the full shotlist and shoot schedule soon!

New year, New Project.

So back again. Fun times.

We have been given a 2 week project to get our teeth in and refresh our minds before the real first assessed piece of work.
The script we are adapting and filming is MALAC... A story which hints at torture, dominating behaviour, physical and mental anguish.

The full script is:

MALac
Fade in from black: white text on black background:
Courage is the belief that there is
something more important than personal safety
Fade to black
Int.Day.Room
HE is sweating. Hard.
SHE stands impassive. Unconcerned.
HE rubs his wrist and we see HE is chained to the chair.
SHE
(Bright. Breezy)
Are you sure you wouldn’t like a drink?
(smiles)
Never too late to change your mind.
HE
(Afraid)
I swear, I swear. Please. Stop. Please?
SHE
(placing a briefcase in front of the chair)
Shush. Be quite quiet. It will no longer be necessary to
lie.
HE
I swear…
HER
Shush, shush.
(popping open the case)
I have here a malac. God it’s beautiful.
Could you hold him please?
MAN steps out of the shadows and forces HE’s hand
horizontal.
HE
Don’t. Don’t. I swear.
SHE
(pleased)
MALacs. Now no more shall we part on this path of truth we
find ourselves on.
Playing with the MALac in the case, its metallic sheen
plays on SHE’s face.
SHE
Pain, enlightening truth. This is what MALac brings.
Shall we continue?
SHE removes the MALac and shutting the case she steps
forward.
HE screams.
THE END

Initally we were put into groups, within which we decided on the roles that we wanted to play for the film project. here is our group and each persons roles:

TOM PIERREPONT : Camerawork + Art direction
BEN KING : Producer + Sound Manager
LEIGH HARRISON : Location Manager + Runner
NATASHA GAYNOR : Editor + Camera Assistant
ERIC YUAN : Wardrobe Manager + Lighting Manager
TOM FRECKNALL : Direction + Screenplay