Precious

I recently watched 'Precious' (Directed by Lee Daniels, 2009, an American drama focusing on the life of abused teenager, Precious, who is pregnant with her second child and has been enrolled in an alternative school to help her on with her life. It was based on the novel, 'Push' by Sapphire.

Although it isn't a British drama, I felt as though it was important to watch it and note the differences between the two. I have to say that it was a difficult but brilliant watch. Compared to other American films, it wasn't glamorised at all and kept the drama gritty and often difficult to watch. However, the story and characters were clear to differentiate from protagonist/antagonist and easy to empathise with.

Gabourey Sidibe gave a truly heart wrenching performance as Precious, and I found it easy to follow her character throughout the storyline. Where as Mo'Nique was incredibly believable as the abusive mother, sometimes un aware of the situation she has put her daughter through as a result of her poor emotional state.

Further research told me that the film was initially supposed to premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. It won Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for best drama at Sundance, and when released at cinemas, became a box office success after grossing $47 million domestically completely smashing it's $10 million budget. It then went onto receive six nominations at the 82nd Academy Awards, before winning best adapted screenplay and best supporting actress for Mo'Nique, which it really deserved.

Overall, a difficult but completely thought provoking watch. Really, a must see!

Finished Animatic

This is my finished animatic. The final step towards beginning to film my opening sequence. 

The process was quite straightforward, as I have made animatics before this one. I already had my music and vocals sorted, so all that was left to do was to make sure these fit appropriately into the sequence. 

Animatic

Currently, I am in the process of making my animatic to support my opening sequence.
So far, I have already created and altered timing and effects on iMovie, exported this onto Garage Band, and recorded voice overs for the scenes required. All that is left to do, is to make sure the voice overs fit the scenes accurately and then upload my chosen music onto my animatic.

OPENING SEQUENCE UPDATE.

So, in the end I decided that my second film idea was the best choice to go for, as it is something I really want to explore and try my best at portraying.

This film idea focused on the effects of abuse in a family situation, and what it does to a young man hoping to fit in socially and emotionally into society.

I was also lucky to find an actor I think could portray such a character.
I think i chose correctly from my choice of two actors as I could only really use one for each storyline, neither of them could really have been in each others.

Theo Evans:
Played by Michael Blundell-Lithco


17 years old, currently doing a music course at his local college,keeps to himself and is considered a 'loner' by his fellow students. A band which has formed on the college course have been trying to persuade Theo to join them as they try and make it in the music industry. However, Theo has been suffering from verbal, emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his father, who started taking his anger out on Theo after his mother left many years previously. Now Theo is trying to re build his life around the abuse and fit into the social life at college.   


MUSIC:

Thankfully, the music for the background of my opening sequence is also sorted!

I know a local band, based in my home town, and they have expressed their happiness over being asked to use their music, so that's another thing off my check list.

Here is the email, proving that I have permission from the band 'Cathedrals & Cars' to use their music. 

Production Cards

During the session 22/11/11, we explored how to make our own company production cards to support our opening sequence.
Using LiveType to test and create different effects and looks. 


I had already decided upon two names for my opening production cards, 'Gardner Pictures Presents' and 'In association with Glass House Titles', so I had a basic idea as to what I wanted and what I expected.
The programme was a little difficult to manage and I still need to keep trying new things out in order to figure it all out, so it's still a working process.   

Opening Film Sequence Synopsis

General synopsis for film:


Theo, 17, is attempting to make a new start at college and trying to turn his life around. Ever since his mum left him and his dad, due to his dad's anger problems, Theo has been abused and used by his dad as a release of anger, and has been influenced by his dad's behavior. The film follows his journey as he attempts to overcome his emotional and social issues as he tries to get away from what has happened. 


Synopsis for opening sequence:


The sequence opens with a long shot of the first location, a field, to create a sense of serenity and calm, before the film gets too dramatic. We meet Theo, but his face is not revealed in the shots used, but we can see him showing nervous traits. E.g. twisting his hands and pulling at the grass. 


We are then taken back into a flashback, showing the interior of his house at dusk, over the top of these shots we can hear his parents arguing and shouting. It is then revealed, through the mum, that his dad has anger issues. 


Back to the present day action, Theo's voice is heard over the top of the shots explaining his situation as he makes his way out of the field and into town, the next genre-establishing location. 
Right at the end of the sequence, there are shots of the band I'm using for the music, busking in the street, as a way to credit them. Theo then walks past a wall, and the actors name appears as a title. 

Scripting

These are screen shots of the finished script, until I can get it uploaded on a clearer format. I found the software challenging to start off with, but soon grasped it as the process went on!

I think my script covers all that needs to be covered and is clear and easily understood.

i will be giving out copies to each of my cast members in advance, so they can familiarise themselves with the script, characters and what is actually going on!