Script Development

For My Name is John, I am the script editor since I pitched the film and already have a few basic ideas I can share with the main screenwriter (which is their main credit so they will be uploading each draft to the VLE). The first draft the screenwriter produced was a little dark for my liking and had some ethical issues (LO1), so I edited it to include a few more jokes (with permission from the screenwriter) and some scene reordering so the narrative was clear and made sense. We have been very collaborative and think it ran rather smoothly. We sent it to the main chat and people seemed to like the second draft, so I sent it to John as time is off the essence. 

The next step for the script that I do as director is make a shooting script. I have never made one before and is one of the requirements in the module handbook. So I did some research into the difference and this is what a shooting script should contain or be;

• Written for a director- more of a production document. 
• Camera direction
• Title shots and credits
• Scene numbers
• Props in capital letters
• Title page is more detailed- title, written by, contact, subsequent writers, producer contact info, draft or revision dates

I have used Celtx and it was hard to format the title page (I think I have done it to the best of my ability). I will upload it to the VLE group.

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FOLDEN, T. The Dialogue Architect. https://tonyfolden.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/spec-script-vs-shooting-script-whats-the-difference/ (05.01.2018)

MAYES, T. 5 Key Differences Between Spec and Shooting Scripts. http://scriptwrecked.com/2009/11/20/5-key-differences-between-spec-and-shooting-scripts/ (05.01.2018)

RILEY, C. The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style. Michael Wise Productions, 2004. p.p.131-137

Genre Research/Visual Influences

Mockumentaries, unlike documentaries, are self aware and are 'mocking' the documentary genre. Things are exaggerated like camera mistakes, acting... Some of them have narrators or interviewers to further exaggerate this. 

I have made a list of different mockumentaries to look at, but I will explore three in detail that I think fit the film best. They are all TV series' as I couldn't find any suitable films (there are a lot but don't quite fit the theme or feel of My Name is John and to get inspiration from). 

The co-director also suggested to look at Trailer Park Boys and how they accidentally get the boom in shot, the camera falls, etc. It is a good idea and we have one scene where the camera drops to the floor as the interviewer has a bowling ball dropped on their toe. 

People Like Us (1999-2001)

Originally a radio series, turned into a two series TV programme. The below clip is from the episode "The Actor". There's interviews and behind the scenes footage, and is one of the main inspirations when I pitched My Name is John. There is a narration, but I chose to go with an interviewer instead as it seemed more typical for the script and I could include more questions to hint at him being a magician. 

It's also all handheld which is kind of what I was after, but to have the interviews on a tripod so they looked more professional and 'set up'. They use cutaways particularly well too, using them but also making it seem like there's still only one camera. We are going to try to do this in the edit. Not perfect zooms in are also used to make it seem like the action is improvised. 
 



Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

The things I'm taking as inspiration from Parks and Rec is mostly the camerawork. It's exactly how I pictured the interviews (on a tripod) and also the whip pans and crash zooms of the action. However, I only want one camera, and Parks and Rec clearly uses two, if not more. 

Life's Too Short (2011-2013)

Warwick's character is very similar to John with his asides to camera, it also has the tripod for interviews. The pans are less dramatic compared to Parks and Rec but I kind of want a bit of chaotic whip pans as it's all so improv and there's a lot going on. There isn't a lot of handheld shots, with the interviews and cutaways being on tripods (which we will be doing) and the handheld is done very well (not too shaky, always in focus). However, ours will dip in and out of focus and zoom quite a bit to add to the busy improv side of the film.

Module Checklist

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and critical understanding: Your work demonstrates a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of creative film and moving image production, including theoretical, technical, ethical and professional contexts (LO1) 
• Research, problem-solving and communication: Evidence of intellectual enquiry and complex problem-solving, supported by appropriate research, analysis and communication (LO2) 
• Evaluation and personal development: Evidence of your ability to critically evaluate your progress and make independent judgements, demonstrating effective organisation, planning and time-management (LO3) 
• Professional practice and employability: Evidence of your ability to develop and sustain your individual and collaborative practice and to meet the needs of potential employers (LO4) 
• Communication and presentation: Evidence of your ability to communicate and present your ideas and solutions in a range of formats appropriate to the context of both specialist and non-specialist audiences, including potential employers in the film and moving image industries (LO5)

My Name is John

Producer

• Pre-production
• Production meetings
• Script approval
• Call sheets
• Crew casting
• Set
• Location recces
• Risk assessments 
• Budgets 
• Auditions
• Marketing 
• Rights approval 
• Fund raising 

I don't think I can upload anything for the script approval as 1) I'm the script editor and 2) there's nothing else I could possibly upload.

Director

• Script development and storyboards 
• Production Log
• Shooting script
• Shot lists
• Mood boards 
• Genre research 
• Casting
• Edit supervision
• Rehearsals

Afterlife

DoP

• Storyboards 
• Location recces 
• Lighting design plans 
• Mood boards 
• Colour grade design
• Equipment needs
• Final format development
• Research
• Production diary

Producer

• Pre-production
• Production meetings
• Script approval ? 
• Call sheets
• Crew casting 
• Set
• Location recces
• Risk assessments
• Budgets 
• Auditions (N/A)
• Marketing 
• Rights approval *
• Fund raising 

No auditions required for Afterlife as we already have a strong and reliable cast from previous productions

* - need to blog
+ - upload to VLE
? - need to research

Final Major Project - Pitch

Today we pitched for our final production module. I pitched an idea as well as job roles for if my project does not get picked. My idea was a mockumenraty 10 minute film about a person named John and his journey to giving up his addiction. It's revealed that he is a magician. I know a local magician and also comedian that I maybe able to get on board (see below for video and where the idea stemmed from).

I was very surprised my project got chosen, and also the amount of job roles I have somehow acquired. It's a challenge, but I can see why they are like this. I am producing, directing and assistant screenwriter for My Name is John, and cinematographer and co-producer for Out of the Light. Cinematography is my strongest point and will require weird camera shots which I look forward to researching and learning. Directing will be a challenge as I have no preconceptions of the role, but the project maybe more imaginative because of this. We are also a step closer to bigger crews with the addition to visual effects and second camera operator roles which should be interesting to explore.

I am very happy with my crew and I have a co producer and director. The co producer will look for locations and talk to people, and I will be doing paperwork. The co director is there as I have little experience with directing and don't feel very confident. They will also be looking at techniques and warm ups with the actors as it links to their Minor Project (as well as give opinions on shot lists, etc). I have worked well with the DoP and sound/editor before for Digital Production.

After the idea was chosen, some concerns arose such as ethics and trying not to make it derisive. I will be working with the screenwriter to try and avoid this, but it is still early days. Hoping for the script to be wrote over Christmas, secure people and locations to the project, look at camera work and possible test shots we may want to try out when we get back and also a feel for the film for post-production. 

MAHER SARAH Final Major Pitch from Sarah Maher