Stunt Practice

Updated Shot List

After the feedback we received from Ms Blackborow, Ms Dymioti and Mr Bayliss (Chris), we changed the overall sequence of events in our opening, and changed the shot list almost entirely:

Summary:

The beginning is more drawn out, so to build suspense. This also focuses more on one character, therefore establishing that she is the protagonist, and does not overload the audience with information. Furthermore, there is more dialogue between the minor character and the protagonist. Our teachers thought that this would add some depth to the character himself as well ass emphasising the location i.e. the high security building.

Shot list- edited (with titles)

The shot list underwent several edits, but titles as part of the brief, remained constant. It is important that the titles do not distract the audience from the shots, but fit into places where they are appropriate and can be seen. We tried to consider this when we put them into the shot list.

Now that we have a basic plan for where titles will appear in the sequence, we can work around them and move them to suit any further editing of the shot list.

Storyboard

This is the storyboard for our opening sequence; each colour represents a different shot type.

Key: 

Bright blue - Medium close up

Light blue - Close up

Pink - Mid shot

Green - Long shot

Orange - Very long shot (Wide shot)

The storyboard was our main source of information making the animatic. It took multiple re-draws and shuffling to finally match it to the shot list, however we can now visualise the sequence. This will be helpful in setting up the shoots, in terms of framing and order.

Behind The Scenes - Writing The Shot List

During our group meetings, we revised and rewrote the shot list repeatedly, acting on the feedback from  our teachers as well as any mistakes we'd spotted ourselves. Here is a snap behind the scenes of one of our group sessions.

Mila and Anjana discussing the shots - Photography by Shobnam

Basic shot list

A basic shot list based on group discussions and mental note to establish the flow of events in the opening sequence.We used this shot list to create the flow chart for our presentation.

I typed and colour coded the list and we planned to go through it in a group meeting, adding to it or editting, along with teacher and peer feedback.

Costumes

A first glance at our costumes!

Mila and Anjana a.k.a Delta + Sierra

Anjana and Shobnam a.k.e Sierra + Echo

Male supporting role in 26

After receiving teacher feedback, I researched male roles generally as well as specifically in the GwG genre. We seemed to have a significant lack of masculine influence in 26, therefore we decided we would introduce a male character later on in the film.

In this way, 26 would not be seen as a Matriarchal movie, but give equality to the females and males. This would broaden the audience appeal by providing a different character to empathise or relate to, perhaps even adding an element of comedy.

Male supporting roles in action/ Girls with Guns genre

A supporting role is important in the example below. Michael is a strong positive representation, while at the same time not dominating over the protagonist. We wish to acheive this in our opening sequence, therefore the techniques used to portray Michael are useful to analyse.

Underworld

(1:50+ - intro of a male side character)

• Both Selene and male dressed in black trench coats, black boots - Dark/sinister.
• Seem to have equal footing, one does not overpower the other.
• We see through the camera - his POV - gives him importance.

On the other hand: (These are more because he is a supporting character, rather than because he is male.

• Selene nods at him - giving him order.
• Female voice-over, even when he is in shot - female dominance/ importance.
• Less screen time than Selene - lesser character or not as important as her.

• He is chained/ having nightmares -vulnerable - looks tired and confused.
• When villains arrive, he is the one unsure, and reliant on Selene - not necessarily weak, but less certain of himself and inexperienced.
• Selene - calm, and self-certain. Knows where she is going and what she wants - Binary opposites to Michael.

Michael remains strong in his own rights, though not over Selene, who retains her authority and importance throughout the clip. A future male character in our film would be similar - strong in his own way, with some strengths that the others need, however not overpowering. 

Male protagonists in espionage

Considering the teacher feedback about our lack of male representation, I followed up on some of the strong male characters in the action genre, hoping for some inspiration for our piece. I also wanted to gain insight into the conventions of these character, and identify similarities and differences.

James Bond

All the Bonds

Bond is the most obvious example that springs to mind when we think of secret agents/ spies.

• In 1962, Eon Productions released the first cinematic adaptation of James Bond.
• There have altogether been 23 movies.

Primary audience is 16-30 year old males: 

• Bond is an aspirational figure - strong, handsome, athletic, ladies man.
• The flashy cars and gadgets - "Boys toys"
• The women - "Bond Girls" - Often turn out to be the villian/ working against Bond - he doesn't have stable relationships - Bachelor who does whatever he wants.
• Guns - action and fight scenes, or speedy car chases.

Jason Bourne

Core target audience: Males aged 16-30 
Secondary audience: Females ages 16-30.

The Bourne franchise (2002/4/7) was also very successful. The protagonist was something that had never been done before. 

• Opposing to Bond, Bourne is a flawed action hero - Amnesia.
• Scarred and traumatised by the people who recruited him (government)
• Quick-thinking, smart, linear type of person who moves quickly and brutally towards his goal.
• Good fighter - fast and agile fighting style - takes down anyone in his way.
• Determined to win - very moral.
• Is not a player, but more focused on his aims, although he does have one relationship (more emotional attachment) - shows human side of him.

Mission Impossible

Mission Impossible is typically known as being a series of action, thriller and adventure films.

Core target audience: Males and females aged 12-30

• Ethan Hunt - cool, level-headed, good looking.
• Gets the job done as efficiently s possible.
• Has a few relationships - married, but doesn't work out - he puts her safety before his happiness (Female audience want a man like this)
• Action scenes - fights, chases, cars, gadgets, explosions + guns - appeal to the action/adventure fans.
• Attractive female character e.g Jane Carter played by Paula Patton. 

Male protagonists

Casino Royale

James Bond

• White male is the hero - athletic, heroic, does brave and crazy things.
• Has a cool attitude throughout - makes it look effortless.
• Light coloured clothing - appearance of good (vs. dirty/muddy villain)
• Serious facial expression throughout - never gives up, never phased.
• Uses the truck, doesn't just go by foot - innovative.

The Villain

• Black male - has something the hero wants.
• Dusty clothing - looks more worn out.
• Nervous, keeps looking back - does not have the same cool exterior.
• Very skilled + agile - parkour - tends to run about and use surrounding to his advantage.

Mission Impossible

Ethan Hunt

• Rocky setting - middle of nowhere - he is independent.
• No ropes during climb- brave.
• Very strong - muscles visible - vest.
• Clothing flattering to frame - attractive.
• Reaches the top of the mountain - victory - determined to get what he wants.
• Important - personal helicopter to deliver him a package.

For our film, it will be important not to re-create any of the above characters - our character will follow conventions in some sense, so to fit audience expectations and fulfill his role as the "strong male", however he must also fit into our movie without undermining the 3 female protagonists, rather be equal to them. Extending this, he is a supporting role, therefore an exploration into supporting male characters is required.