Today I fixed the audio for the footsteps and fine tuned the cuts in the final edit for the pilot. The only problem I had was with the voiceover of my character saying that he is going to England to look for Cherry, the girl Joseph knew when he was younger. I could not get the sound loud enough and sounds very different to the rest of the audio. To fix this, I will record another voiceover, possibly using a boom mic, rather than the R-09 so that the audio comes from the same source and will sound the same.
Here is the finished pilot:
Friday, 17 April 2009
Editing Day 3 (19.3.09)
Today I finally finished the first scene and got the length of the pilot down to a minute.
I took out a lot of the dialogue and cut it down to a lot of smaller statements in order to achieve a faster tempo. Fortunately, this time there were no technical errors or other problems. The only thing left to do is to fine tune the audio. There is a slight difference in the volume of the voices of the two characters. Also, at the end during the shot of the characters' feet, I did not record audio for Joseph's footsteps and so will either need to record the sound of footsteps using an Edirol-R-09 recorder or to use the sound from Paul's character's footsteps.
I took out a lot of the dialogue and cut it down to a lot of smaller statements in order to achieve a faster tempo. Fortunately, this time there were no technical errors or other problems. The only thing left to do is to fine tune the audio. There is a slight difference in the volume of the voices of the two characters. Also, at the end during the shot of the characters' feet, I did not record audio for Joseph's footsteps and so will either need to record the sound of footsteps using an Edirol-R-09 recorder or to use the sound from Paul's character's footsteps.
Editing Phase 2 (17.3.09)
Today I began putting all of the best takes from each character's part at the graveyard back to back.
Everything went quite well. The cuts work and the audio quality is good. The only thing is that I realized that during the shoot I never stated that I was going to Nottingham. This made it seem as though there were two people at the same graveyard, in the same country. The only clue to the fact that my character is in the US and is about to move to Nottingham is my American accent. In order to solve this I'm going to use a voiceover in a shot from over the shoulder when Joseph is looking up at his mother's necklace and my mouth isn't seen.
Another problem is that the draft edit that I created today is almost a minute and a half long. In order to fix this, I'm going to cut out the very start of the edit where the character's are walking to the tombstones.
Everything went quite well. The cuts work and the audio quality is good. The only thing is that I realized that during the shoot I never stated that I was going to Nottingham. This made it seem as though there were two people at the same graveyard, in the same country. The only clue to the fact that my character is in the US and is about to move to Nottingham is my American accent. In order to solve this I'm going to use a voiceover in a shot from over the shoulder when Joseph is looking up at his mother's necklace and my mouth isn't seen.
Another problem is that the draft edit that I created today is almost a minute and a half long. In order to fix this, I'm going to cut out the very start of the edit where the character's are walking to the tombstones.
Editing (16.3.09)
Today I began editing the final version of the pilot. The pilot has to be between 40 seconds and a minute long and has to represent what my 6-minute film is to be about. I have chosen to use the first scene at the graveyard for my pilot.
Most of today consisted of going through takes, finding the best one, and cutting up the footage to put in order. It went well despite technical errors with the computer which kept making it lock up. In the end I cut away all of the footage I wont be using and ordered the rest of the shots.
Here is a small edit I exported while playing around with the footage:
In the final edit I want to cut back and forth between Joseph and Paul's characters as they are speaking to the graves. This is to build a quick momentum with the movie and also to begin drawing parallels between the characters. With this I want to show how they seem very different to one another but are experiencing the same situation of loss and loneliness.
Most of today consisted of going through takes, finding the best one, and cutting up the footage to put in order. It went well despite technical errors with the computer which kept making it lock up. In the end I cut away all of the footage I wont be using and ordered the rest of the shots.
Here is a small edit I exported while playing around with the footage:
In the final edit I want to cut back and forth between Joseph and Paul's characters as they are speaking to the graves. This is to build a quick momentum with the movie and also to begin drawing parallels between the characters. With this I want to show how they seem very different to one another but are experiencing the same situation of loss and loneliness.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Reviewing and Capturing (16.3.09)
So, I reviewed and captured the footage and am pleased with what I saw. I was really worried about the night scene by the bench and also at forest fields. However, it didn't look as dark as I thought at first. It looks like I might be able to edit the footage in a program called After Effects, which will allow me to brighten up the shots.
The only issue seems to be that in some of the scenes the acting seems to have suffered a little bit due to the problematic nature of the filming. For instance, when we shot scene 7, when Paul is in Joseph's room, it was getting late and so we had a limited amount of takes to do and was rushed. This meant that we did a few long takes over the shoulder of both of us rather than stopping after each shot and setting it up exactly right for the next. I hoping that quick cuts in the edit will mask any flaws.
The only issue seems to be that in some of the scenes the acting seems to have suffered a little bit due to the problematic nature of the filming. For instance, when we shot scene 7, when Paul is in Joseph's room, it was getting late and so we had a limited amount of takes to do and was rushed. This meant that we did a few long takes over the shoulder of both of us rather than stopping after each shot and setting it up exactly right for the next. I hoping that quick cuts in the edit will mask any flaws.
Production Stills
Here are the production stills that were taken during the filming of "Foreign Streets":
Scene 1: Graveyard
Scene 2: Train Station
Scene 6: Forest Fields
Scene 1: Graveyard
Scene 2: Train Station
Scene 6: Forest Fields
Shoot Day 3 (11.3.09)
By far the most productive day yet, today we did the scenes at the graveyard, forest fields and the scene of the conversation between Paul and Joseph when they arrive home from the fields.
Evaluation
Today is the same story of taking longer than expected, but was still a successful day of shooting. One of the problems which occurred was during the night shot at the fields. I visited the location to check the lighting a few days ago and it looked bright enough because there was a large street light right next to where Joseph finds Paul. It was however, slightly too dark and again took more effort to find the angle with the best light. Another problem was that while we were there I realised that I had forgotten to bring tomato sauce to use as blood on the ground. This greatly affected the realism of the shot.
So, as of yet I haven't finished filming all of the shots and as the last day Dennix is available to shoot before Easter, I won't be able to film more until April.
Evaluation
Today is the same story of taking longer than expected, but was still a successful day of shooting. One of the problems which occurred was during the night shot at the fields. I visited the location to check the lighting a few days ago and it looked bright enough because there was a large street light right next to where Joseph finds Paul. It was however, slightly too dark and again took more effort to find the angle with the best light. Another problem was that while we were there I realised that I had forgotten to bring tomato sauce to use as blood on the ground. This greatly affected the realism of the shot.
So, as of yet I haven't finished filming all of the shots and as the last day Dennix is available to shoot before Easter, I won't be able to film more until April.
Shoot Day 2 (6.3.09)
Today we shot the daytime scenes at the train station, phone booth, and some more shots at my house.
Evaluation
Overall, it went well and was a productive day with less problems as the previous shoot. However, again it took much longer than expected. This is because I only had Dennix and one other crew member to help with the camera and mic. To get around this, we only took shots where it was either only Dennix or myself in the shot.
Evaluation
Overall, it went well and was a productive day with less problems as the previous shoot. However, again it took much longer than expected. This is because I only had Dennix and one other crew member to help with the camera and mic. To get around this, we only took shots where it was either only Dennix or myself in the shot.
Shoot Day 1 (5.3.09)
Today we took some night shots from the scenes at my house and also the scene where Joseph is robbed by Jonesy, Paul's friend.
Evaluation
The shoot went well except for when we were shooting by the bench. I had planned for the shots to be shot at 5:00pm and set in twilight, where it would be getting dark but would still have enough light to film without lighting equipment. Dennix could not make it until 6:00pm by which it was already almost completely dark. Anyways, we did the shots by my house first, which went smoothly, and then made our way up to the bench location. By the time we had arrived, it was completely dark. This meant that I could not get the angle I had orinally planned because I had to try and get the best visual quality possible. This meant setting up the camera facing the lights in the background so that the profiles of the actors could be seen. Also, I had problems with the microphone, in that the lead was almost broken where it connects to the mic and caused a loud fuzzing sound when moved. This made it very difficult to get good quality sound and again added to the slow pace of shooting the scene. Overall, the scene took much longer than expected to shoot and might have to be reshot due to the lack of visual clarity in the shots.
Another problem is that due to the complications and late start, I was not able to shoot nearly as much as I had planned for the first day of shooting and will probably need a third day of shooting to obtain all of the footage necessary.
Evaluation
The shoot went well except for when we were shooting by the bench. I had planned for the shots to be shot at 5:00pm and set in twilight, where it would be getting dark but would still have enough light to film without lighting equipment. Dennix could not make it until 6:00pm by which it was already almost completely dark. Anyways, we did the shots by my house first, which went smoothly, and then made our way up to the bench location. By the time we had arrived, it was completely dark. This meant that I could not get the angle I had orinally planned because I had to try and get the best visual quality possible. This meant setting up the camera facing the lights in the background so that the profiles of the actors could be seen. Also, I had problems with the microphone, in that the lead was almost broken where it connects to the mic and caused a loud fuzzing sound when moved. This made it very difficult to get good quality sound and again added to the slow pace of shooting the scene. Overall, the scene took much longer than expected to shoot and might have to be reshot due to the lack of visual clarity in the shots.
Another problem is that due to the complications and late start, I was not able to shoot nearly as much as I had planned for the first day of shooting and will probably need a third day of shooting to obtain all of the footage necessary.
Risk Assessment Forms (2.3.09)
Below are copies of the risk assessment forms I have to complete and have signed by one of my lecturers before I can shoot my film. The risk assessment forms outline possible dangers for the cast, crew and equipment, how the dangers will be prevented, and what to do in case of the described dangerous event:
Graveyard
274 Alfreton Road(Joseph and Paul's Residences)
Nottingham Streets (Bench, Forest Fields, Train Station, etc)
Graveyard
274 Alfreton Road(Joseph and Paul's Residences)
Nottingham Streets (Bench, Forest Fields, Train Station, etc)
Frameforge Visualisation and Feedback
Here is the visualisation I created for "Foreign Streets" using a 3D program called Frameforge. This program allows the user to create characters and sets using preset templates which can be manipulated. First the set is created using the type of landscape or size of room you wish to have, then you can create and use different cameras that you can move around to take various shots. The shots are put onto a timeline which is then exported as a movie so that a "model" of the film can be viewed. This provides a good way for the actual sequence and shot proportions to be seen before the actual shoot.
Evaluation
I found the program quite easy to use and liked using it. The only thing I had difficulty with was the movement and positions of the characters. The movement is manipulated through a set of rotation motions that can be changed for each joint in the body to create the desired pose. This did, however, get better towards the end of the visualisation, after I had a chance to get used to the program. Also, there were some minor setbacks such as there not being a necklace or a blank picture frame in the items list of the program so I had to use a ring in the place of the necklace and the Mona Lisa as a representation of a picture of Paul's little brother, Johnny.
Feedback
I receieved positive feedback from one of my tutors that it looked good, but that I could have spent more time on the textures of the the shots. For instance, the walls and floors are not a materail, but rather just the default grid of the frameforge software. I would have done this had I been more familiar with the software, but will definitely do so in the future.
Evaluation
I found the program quite easy to use and liked using it. The only thing I had difficulty with was the movement and positions of the characters. The movement is manipulated through a set of rotation motions that can be changed for each joint in the body to create the desired pose. This did, however, get better towards the end of the visualisation, after I had a chance to get used to the program. Also, there were some minor setbacks such as there not being a necklace or a blank picture frame in the items list of the program so I had to use a ring in the place of the necklace and the Mona Lisa as a representation of a picture of Paul's little brother, Johnny.
Feedback
I receieved positive feedback from one of my tutors that it looked good, but that I could have spent more time on the textures of the the shots. For instance, the walls and floors are not a materail, but rather just the default grid of the frameforge software. I would have done this had I been more familiar with the software, but will definitely do so in the future.
Shooting Script (28.2.09)
This is the final copy of the script for "Foreign Streets":
FOREIGN STREETS
SHOOTING SCRIPT
BY: CHASE MARTINI
Scene 1
EXT – GRAVEYARD 1 – MORNING
Joseph walks along a path through a graveyard. He reaches his parents’ tombstones, kneels, and begins speaking.
JOSEPH
When the accident happened it ruined me. I’m sorry I haven’t come back to see you until now, but it was just so hard.
Joseph reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gold necklace with a medallion. He holds it up and looks at it as it dangles from his fingers.
JOSEPH
Mom, I’ve got your necklace. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. I want to give it to my daughter if I’m so lucky to find someone and start a family. Father you have taught me true strength and that is the only reason I am here today. I will not let you down…
Joseph kisses the necklace and places it back in his pocket.
JOSEPH
I love you.
EXT – GRAVEYARD – NOTTINGHAM - MORNING
Paul walks along a path through a graveyard. He reaches his brother’s tombstone, kneels, and begins speaking.
PAUL
Johnny, bruv I feel so messed up about what happened. When you went to the hospital I just played it cool and kept telling you it would
be ok…
PAUL
I’m sorry I was wrong. Things have been so different since you’ve been gone. Nothing feels the same. I just don’t know what to do..
Paul kisses his hand and places it on his brother’s tombstone.
PAUL
I love you.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 2
EXT. NOTTINGHAM – CITY CENTER – DAY
Joseph steps off of a train at Nottingham train station carrying a large duffel bag.
As he walks through the busy streets he is bumped by a passerby and drops his bag.
He walks past a shop with a “room for let” sign. He notices the sign and walks up to them to get a closer look.
After reading the sign he writes down the address of the location.
Joseph walks through the streets and arrives at a house. Next door to the house there are two people outside speaking and smoking cigarettes, Paul and a local hood.
Joseph opens the door to his room and turns on the light.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 3
INT. NOTTINGHAM – PAUL’S BATHROOM – NIGHT
Paul is catching water in his hands. He leans over the sink, splashes the water on his face, and looks up at himself in the mirror.
He dries off his face, pulls his hood over his head and exits.
Paul walks to his front door. With his hand on the doorknob, he looks to the left at a photograph of his brother smiling on the wall. He turns the handle and walks out.
EXT. NOTTINGHAM STREETS – NIGHT
Paul walks up to a group of hoods and they exchange greetings. The group is drinking, smoking, and selling drugs while Paul is on the side in thought.
After a few hours Paul gets up and leaves.
Back in his room, Paul is lying in bed with his hood still up. He has his hands on his chest and a the picture of his brother underneath them… his eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 4
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – MORNING
Paul is lying in bed and is woken up by yelling.
LANDLORD (voice)
HEY! HEY! Don’t you walk away!
Paul sits up and looks out of his window. He sees Joseph walking away from the house next door.
LANDLORD (voice)
If you don’t have my fucking rent by next week I’m going to kick you out! You hear me!
EXT – PHONE BOOTH - DAY
Joseph is walking aimlessly through the streets of Nottingham.
EXT – NOTTINGHAM STREETS - NIGHT
As he is walking home he takes out his mother’s necklace and looks down at it.
JOSEPH
Mother, I’m so lost. It’s just so hard and I don’t have anyone to understand me…
Joseph walks by Paul and his crew who are standing and sitting at a bench, holding the necklace.
JONESY
Yo blad check out this fool.
Hood 1 taps Paul and nods towards Joseph. He rises off the bench and walks up behind Joseph.
JONESY
That’s a nice necklace kid. I think my girl would like that a lot.
The hood knocks Joseph to the ground and punches him several times in the face. After this he rips the necklace from Joseph’s hands and holds it up in the air smiling at Paul and the crew.
Paul gets up and walks away.
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is looking out the window. He sees Joseph returning.
He walks over to the wall and places his ear against it. He hears Joseph crying and looks down at the floor.
Camera fades to black.
Scene 5
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is sitting on his bed smoking a cigarette and listening to music. His phone rings.
PAUL (On the phone)
Hello. What? They’re makin’ the move tonight? Yea, Yea. I’m on my way.
Paul puts out his cigarette, pulls up his hood, picks up his keys, and exits.
Camera fades to black.
Scene 6
EXT – FORREST FIELDS – NIGHT
Joseph is sitting on a bench holding his mother’s necklace. He picks up a bottle of vodka and takes a drink then he looks up to the moon and begins speaking.
JOSEPH
Every day I imagine what it would be like if I stayed with you. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t left…
Joseph takes another sip of the vodka.
JOSEPH
It seems so hopeless. What do I have? Where is my destiny?
Joseph pours some vodka onto the ground.
JOSEPH
Here’s to you Mother… Father…
His head sways and falls onto his chest. He drops the
bottle of vodka on the ground and falls asleep.
Camera cuts to dream.
EXT – NOTTINGHAM STREETS – NIGHT
Joseph sees people fighting. He sees the flash of a knife and hears yelling. He wakes up startled and looks down at the bottle of vodka. He gets up and starts walking down the path.
As Joseph is walking home he notices a figure lying on the ground and stops.
JOSEPH
Are you ok?
He moves closer to the figure and recognizes Paul.
JOSEPH
Hey, do you need some help?
Paul groans.
JOSEPH
Your bleeding… Can you walk?
Paul tries to stand up and groans in pain.
JOSEPH
Easy now, be careful…
Joseph helps Paul stand up.
JOSEPH
I know you. I am your neighbor. I can help you home and we can get you seen to.
PAUL
Go away. I can’t go home and I don’t need lookin’ at. I just need to get out of here.
Paul looks at his watch and begins to limp away.
JOSEPH
Look at you. You are in no state to be going anywhere.
PAUL
Leave me alone kid, there’s gonna be people looking for me. It’s not safe for you.
JOSEPH
Quick then, lets go back together.
Paul looks at Joseph with uncertainty.
JOSEPH
When you are being chased and you go where you are known it is always more dangerous. You will be safe hiding at mine.
Paul nods and moves towards Joseph. Joseph walks over to Paul and helps him walk.
JOSEPH
My name’s Joseph.
PAUL
I’m Dennix… Come on, I know some alleyways we can take.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 7
INT – JOSEPH’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is tying a bandana around his arm. Blood drips down.
Joseph walks in holding a tray with two mugs.
JOSEPH
Sorry, all I had was coffee and I don’t have any milk. Hope you don’t mind.
Joseph sets the tray on the table.
PAUL
It’s fine. Thanks.
PAUL
So, Joseph what are you doing in Nottingham?
JOSEPH
Well, you see, my parents died about a year ago. My father was a businessman and my mother was a housewife. We moved around a lot and I never made any lasting friendships, except for this one girl a long time ago. She moved to Nottingham when I was 15… I’m here looking for her. …How about you? What’s your story?
PAUL
It’s a long story man. My parents were smack heads and left me and my little brother, Johnny. Grew up with grandma down the road. So now I do what I can to pay rent and keep eatin’.
JOSEPH
Where is your brother now?
PAUL
He passed away last year… leukemia.
JOSEPH
What’s that?
PAUL
To tell you the truth, I don’t even know. All I know, it took the
last thing I had in my life.
JOSEPH
I’m so sorry…
PAUL
I’ve always wanted to leave Nottingham though.
JOSEPH
Really? Leave and go where?
PAUL
The Bahamas… become a scuba diving instructor…
JOSEPH
Oh? Why that?
PAUL
My little brother, it was kind of his dream…
JOSEPH
So what’s stopping you?
A car pulls up outside of Paul’s house. Two people in hoods get out and go over to the house.
PAUL
Shit! Turn off the light!
Joseph runs over and turns off the bedroom light.
Paul and Joseph hear glass shatter followed by banging around in Paul’s house.
PAUL
You see Joseph, when you grow up in a rough area, there are always people trying to take advantage of you… Sometimes you get forced into things that you don’t really want to do… Sometimes there’s no way out…
Joseph lights a candle with a match.
JOSEPH
That is what I thought too Paul… however, I’ve realized that you must create life, do not let it create you, or else it will destroy you.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 8
INT. NOTTINGHAM – JOSEPH’S ROOM – MORNING
Joseph is laying on a cot on the floor and begins to wake up. He looks around for Paul. The sun gleams on a note left on the bed, as Joseph opens it, money begins to fall out. Joseph opens it fully and starts to read the note out loud.
“Joseph, This is the reason why those guys were after me last night. I could never thank you enough for your kind words and for saving me. I’m sorry that you got involved. No one else would have done that for me and I won’t forget it. I’m going straight to the Bahamas with the other half of the money. I hope this holds you over while you find your girl. I’ll send you a postcard…
Paul”
Joseph runs to the door and looks out to see if Paul is still there. He then runs to the window and looks outside. As he looks out, a girl walks past, Joseph notices Cherry and runs outside and throws his arms around her. They embrace and smile.
(Roll Credits)
FOREIGN STREETS
SHOOTING SCRIPT
BY: CHASE MARTINI
Scene 1
EXT – GRAVEYARD 1 – MORNING
Joseph walks along a path through a graveyard. He reaches his parents’ tombstones, kneels, and begins speaking.
JOSEPH
When the accident happened it ruined me. I’m sorry I haven’t come back to see you until now, but it was just so hard.
Joseph reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gold necklace with a medallion. He holds it up and looks at it as it dangles from his fingers.
JOSEPH
Mom, I’ve got your necklace. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. I want to give it to my daughter if I’m so lucky to find someone and start a family. Father you have taught me true strength and that is the only reason I am here today. I will not let you down…
Joseph kisses the necklace and places it back in his pocket.
JOSEPH
I love you.
EXT – GRAVEYARD – NOTTINGHAM - MORNING
Paul walks along a path through a graveyard. He reaches his brother’s tombstone, kneels, and begins speaking.
PAUL
Johnny, bruv I feel so messed up about what happened. When you went to the hospital I just played it cool and kept telling you it would
be ok…
PAUL
I’m sorry I was wrong. Things have been so different since you’ve been gone. Nothing feels the same. I just don’t know what to do..
Paul kisses his hand and places it on his brother’s tombstone.
PAUL
I love you.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 2
EXT. NOTTINGHAM – CITY CENTER – DAY
Joseph steps off of a train at Nottingham train station carrying a large duffel bag.
As he walks through the busy streets he is bumped by a passerby and drops his bag.
He walks past a shop with a “room for let” sign. He notices the sign and walks up to them to get a closer look.
After reading the sign he writes down the address of the location.
Joseph walks through the streets and arrives at a house. Next door to the house there are two people outside speaking and smoking cigarettes, Paul and a local hood.
Joseph opens the door to his room and turns on the light.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 3
INT. NOTTINGHAM – PAUL’S BATHROOM – NIGHT
Paul is catching water in his hands. He leans over the sink, splashes the water on his face, and looks up at himself in the mirror.
He dries off his face, pulls his hood over his head and exits.
Paul walks to his front door. With his hand on the doorknob, he looks to the left at a photograph of his brother smiling on the wall. He turns the handle and walks out.
EXT. NOTTINGHAM STREETS – NIGHT
Paul walks up to a group of hoods and they exchange greetings. The group is drinking, smoking, and selling drugs while Paul is on the side in thought.
After a few hours Paul gets up and leaves.
Back in his room, Paul is lying in bed with his hood still up. He has his hands on his chest and a the picture of his brother underneath them… his eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 4
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – MORNING
Paul is lying in bed and is woken up by yelling.
LANDLORD (voice)
HEY! HEY! Don’t you walk away!
Paul sits up and looks out of his window. He sees Joseph walking away from the house next door.
LANDLORD (voice)
If you don’t have my fucking rent by next week I’m going to kick you out! You hear me!
EXT – PHONE BOOTH - DAY
Joseph is walking aimlessly through the streets of Nottingham.
EXT – NOTTINGHAM STREETS - NIGHT
As he is walking home he takes out his mother’s necklace and looks down at it.
JOSEPH
Mother, I’m so lost. It’s just so hard and I don’t have anyone to understand me…
Joseph walks by Paul and his crew who are standing and sitting at a bench, holding the necklace.
JONESY
Yo blad check out this fool.
Hood 1 taps Paul and nods towards Joseph. He rises off the bench and walks up behind Joseph.
JONESY
That’s a nice necklace kid. I think my girl would like that a lot.
The hood knocks Joseph to the ground and punches him several times in the face. After this he rips the necklace from Joseph’s hands and holds it up in the air smiling at Paul and the crew.
Paul gets up and walks away.
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is looking out the window. He sees Joseph returning.
He walks over to the wall and places his ear against it. He hears Joseph crying and looks down at the floor.
Camera fades to black.
Scene 5
INT – PAUL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is sitting on his bed smoking a cigarette and listening to music. His phone rings.
PAUL (On the phone)
Hello. What? They’re makin’ the move tonight? Yea, Yea. I’m on my way.
Paul puts out his cigarette, pulls up his hood, picks up his keys, and exits.
Camera fades to black.
Scene 6
EXT – FORREST FIELDS – NIGHT
Joseph is sitting on a bench holding his mother’s necklace. He picks up a bottle of vodka and takes a drink then he looks up to the moon and begins speaking.
JOSEPH
Every day I imagine what it would be like if I stayed with you. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t left…
Joseph takes another sip of the vodka.
JOSEPH
It seems so hopeless. What do I have? Where is my destiny?
Joseph pours some vodka onto the ground.
JOSEPH
Here’s to you Mother… Father…
His head sways and falls onto his chest. He drops the
bottle of vodka on the ground and falls asleep.
Camera cuts to dream.
EXT – NOTTINGHAM STREETS – NIGHT
Joseph sees people fighting. He sees the flash of a knife and hears yelling. He wakes up startled and looks down at the bottle of vodka. He gets up and starts walking down the path.
As Joseph is walking home he notices a figure lying on the ground and stops.
JOSEPH
Are you ok?
He moves closer to the figure and recognizes Paul.
JOSEPH
Hey, do you need some help?
Paul groans.
JOSEPH
Your bleeding… Can you walk?
Paul tries to stand up and groans in pain.
JOSEPH
Easy now, be careful…
Joseph helps Paul stand up.
JOSEPH
I know you. I am your neighbor. I can help you home and we can get you seen to.
PAUL
Go away. I can’t go home and I don’t need lookin’ at. I just need to get out of here.
Paul looks at his watch and begins to limp away.
JOSEPH
Look at you. You are in no state to be going anywhere.
PAUL
Leave me alone kid, there’s gonna be people looking for me. It’s not safe for you.
JOSEPH
Quick then, lets go back together.
Paul looks at Joseph with uncertainty.
JOSEPH
When you are being chased and you go where you are known it is always more dangerous. You will be safe hiding at mine.
Paul nods and moves towards Joseph. Joseph walks over to Paul and helps him walk.
JOSEPH
My name’s Joseph.
PAUL
I’m Dennix… Come on, I know some alleyways we can take.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 7
INT – JOSEPH’S ROOM – NIGHT
Paul is tying a bandana around his arm. Blood drips down.
Joseph walks in holding a tray with two mugs.
JOSEPH
Sorry, all I had was coffee and I don’t have any milk. Hope you don’t mind.
Joseph sets the tray on the table.
PAUL
It’s fine. Thanks.
PAUL
So, Joseph what are you doing in Nottingham?
JOSEPH
Well, you see, my parents died about a year ago. My father was a businessman and my mother was a housewife. We moved around a lot and I never made any lasting friendships, except for this one girl a long time ago. She moved to Nottingham when I was 15… I’m here looking for her. …How about you? What’s your story?
PAUL
It’s a long story man. My parents were smack heads and left me and my little brother, Johnny. Grew up with grandma down the road. So now I do what I can to pay rent and keep eatin’.
JOSEPH
Where is your brother now?
PAUL
He passed away last year… leukemia.
JOSEPH
What’s that?
PAUL
To tell you the truth, I don’t even know. All I know, it took the
last thing I had in my life.
JOSEPH
I’m so sorry…
PAUL
I’ve always wanted to leave Nottingham though.
JOSEPH
Really? Leave and go where?
PAUL
The Bahamas… become a scuba diving instructor…
JOSEPH
Oh? Why that?
PAUL
My little brother, it was kind of his dream…
JOSEPH
So what’s stopping you?
A car pulls up outside of Paul’s house. Two people in hoods get out and go over to the house.
PAUL
Shit! Turn off the light!
Joseph runs over and turns off the bedroom light.
Paul and Joseph hear glass shatter followed by banging around in Paul’s house.
PAUL
You see Joseph, when you grow up in a rough area, there are always people trying to take advantage of you… Sometimes you get forced into things that you don’t really want to do… Sometimes there’s no way out…
Joseph lights a candle with a match.
JOSEPH
That is what I thought too Paul… however, I’ve realized that you must create life, do not let it create you, or else it will destroy you.
Camera dips to black.
Scene 8
INT. NOTTINGHAM – JOSEPH’S ROOM – MORNING
Joseph is laying on a cot on the floor and begins to wake up. He looks around for Paul. The sun gleams on a note left on the bed, as Joseph opens it, money begins to fall out. Joseph opens it fully and starts to read the note out loud.
“Joseph, This is the reason why those guys were after me last night. I could never thank you enough for your kind words and for saving me. I’m sorry that you got involved. No one else would have done that for me and I won’t forget it. I’m going straight to the Bahamas with the other half of the money. I hope this holds you over while you find your girl. I’ll send you a postcard…
Paul”
Joseph runs to the door and looks out to see if Paul is still there. He then runs to the window and looks outside. As he looks out, a girl walks past, Joseph notices Cherry and runs outside and throws his arms around her. They embrace and smile.
(Roll Credits)
Cutting My Losses (27.2.09)
So, after many calls and messages to John, I have not had a reply after I sent the call sheet to him. I have contacted both New College Nottingham and also a local theater and sent them a notice of what I wanted in order to try and find a back up, however have not heard anything back. Effectively I'm going to change the script and play one of the character's myself. Instead of an Eastern European, Joseph's character is going to be an American. Everything will be the same, except that his parents have now died because of a car accident and he doesn't have any friends back home so he decides to go to Nottingham to look for a girl he knew who moved there some years back.
Also, due to the delays, I have resceduled with Dennix and the crew to shoot Thursday, March 5th and Friday, March 6th.
Also, due to the delays, I have resceduled with Dennix and the crew to shoot Thursday, March 5th and Friday, March 6th.
Proposal (26.2.09)
Here is the proposal I created for my fictional film:
Overview
Foreign Streets is a six-minute urban drama about the intersecting lives of Joseph and Paul. Joseph is an immigrant who has lost his parents and moves to Nottingham in search of a better life. Paul is a local “hood” who has recently lost his brother and is second-guessing his life of crime. Joseph moves next door to Paul and has a hard time finding a job, while Paul continues to live his life of crime. One night, Paul gets a call and leaves in a hurry. Late that night, Joseph gets out of bed to get a glass of water and finds Paul stabbed in the courtyard behind the house. Joseph takes Paul inside and they have a deep conversation. In the end, Joseph wakes up to find Paul gone and finds a note with money inside. It explains how his kind ways convinced Paul to leave Nottingham and follow his dream of becoming a scuba diving instructor in the Bahamas.
Who: Dennix Dx (Nyamai) – Paul
John Junior Steemson - Joseph
Storyline
Scene 1: The film begins with both main characters walking through a graveyard. They stop, kneel, and begin speaking. The shots cut back and forth between the two as they are speaking. Joseph explains some of how his parents died, that he found his Mother’s necklace, and that he is moving to England. Paul explains how bad he feels about his brother’s death and how he is second-guessing his lifestyle. Flashbacks will be used to as they are speaking about their struggles. In the background a violin plays.
Scene 2: Joseph gets off a train with a heavy bag and walks around Nottingham looking for somewhere to stay. The city is busy and he gets bumped into and knocked over. Quick shots will be used here. Fast music plays in the background. As he is walking, he pasts a “room for rent” sign and writes down the address. He goes to the house and rents the room.
Scene 3: Paul is getting ready to go out for the night. He splashes water on his face, looks at himself in the mirror, pulls his hood up and exits. As he is walking out of his front door, he stops and looks at a photograph of his brother on the wall. Outside by a bench, Paul meets a group wearing hoodies. Urban music plays in the background. While the others are having a good time drinking and smoking, Paul sits on the end of the bench in thought. After a few hours pass and there are beer cans surrounding the bench, Paul gets up and leaves without saying goodbye to anyone. Back in his room, Paul is on his bed holding the photograph of his brother.
Scene 4: The next day Joseph is walking in and out of shops and green grocers looking for a job. After being unsuccessful, Joseph is walking home and speaking to his mother’s necklace. As he is walking home two people mug him and they take the necklace. These shots are in slow motion and dramatic opera music plays in the background. Paul is about to walk down the alleyway where Joseph is getting robbed but when he sees what is happening he walks the other way.
Scene 5: Paul is in his room listening to music. His cell phone rings and he leaves in a hurry. Ominous music plays in the background. Later that night Joseph wakes up to get a glass of water and sees a figure collapsed on the ground in the courtyard behind the house. He goes over to it cautiously, discovers Paul, and realizes that he has been stabbed. Joseph convinces Paul to go inside with him. As they get inside, men come looking for Paul and break into his house.
Scene 6: Paul awakes from unconsciousness in Joseph’s room. Joseph is sitting in a chair and reading a book in candlelight. Paul tries to sit up but Joseph stops him and offers him some tea and biscuits. They start speaking and have a deep conversation. They tell each other of their pasts and their losses. Joseph explains how he has never had anyone to understand him. Paul tells Joseph how his brother, Johnny, wanted to be a scuba diving instructor and how he always wanted to go to the Bahamas and become one in honour of Johnny. Joseph and Paul sit in a personal distance to each other and close ups show the empathy of one for the other.
Scene 7: Joseph wakes up in the morning and sees that Paul isn’t there. He finds a note on the table, picks it up, and money falls out. A violin plays in the background. It explains that the money is the reason why people were looking for him and also that Joseph’s kind ways convinced him to leave Nottingham straight away to follow his dream of becoming a scuba diving instructor in the Bahamas. The last shot is of Joseph smiling widely with the sun in his face.
Background and Reasons for Choosing this Story
I have lived many years of my life abroad and also in an urban environment. I wanted to create a fictional piece that would reflect this and also some of the themes of my generation. The themes I wish to portray are those of foreign workers, knife crime, misunderstood youth, and the universal emotions that are parallel in all people, despite any cultural factors. My intention is that this film will be a touching and personal, “feel-good” film.
Overview
Foreign Streets is a six-minute urban drama about the intersecting lives of Joseph and Paul. Joseph is an immigrant who has lost his parents and moves to Nottingham in search of a better life. Paul is a local “hood” who has recently lost his brother and is second-guessing his life of crime. Joseph moves next door to Paul and has a hard time finding a job, while Paul continues to live his life of crime. One night, Paul gets a call and leaves in a hurry. Late that night, Joseph gets out of bed to get a glass of water and finds Paul stabbed in the courtyard behind the house. Joseph takes Paul inside and they have a deep conversation. In the end, Joseph wakes up to find Paul gone and finds a note with money inside. It explains how his kind ways convinced Paul to leave Nottingham and follow his dream of becoming a scuba diving instructor in the Bahamas.
Who: Dennix Dx (Nyamai) – Paul
John Junior Steemson - Joseph
Storyline
Scene 1: The film begins with both main characters walking through a graveyard. They stop, kneel, and begin speaking. The shots cut back and forth between the two as they are speaking. Joseph explains some of how his parents died, that he found his Mother’s necklace, and that he is moving to England. Paul explains how bad he feels about his brother’s death and how he is second-guessing his lifestyle. Flashbacks will be used to as they are speaking about their struggles. In the background a violin plays.
Scene 2: Joseph gets off a train with a heavy bag and walks around Nottingham looking for somewhere to stay. The city is busy and he gets bumped into and knocked over. Quick shots will be used here. Fast music plays in the background. As he is walking, he pasts a “room for rent” sign and writes down the address. He goes to the house and rents the room.
Scene 3: Paul is getting ready to go out for the night. He splashes water on his face, looks at himself in the mirror, pulls his hood up and exits. As he is walking out of his front door, he stops and looks at a photograph of his brother on the wall. Outside by a bench, Paul meets a group wearing hoodies. Urban music plays in the background. While the others are having a good time drinking and smoking, Paul sits on the end of the bench in thought. After a few hours pass and there are beer cans surrounding the bench, Paul gets up and leaves without saying goodbye to anyone. Back in his room, Paul is on his bed holding the photograph of his brother.
Scene 4: The next day Joseph is walking in and out of shops and green grocers looking for a job. After being unsuccessful, Joseph is walking home and speaking to his mother’s necklace. As he is walking home two people mug him and they take the necklace. These shots are in slow motion and dramatic opera music plays in the background. Paul is about to walk down the alleyway where Joseph is getting robbed but when he sees what is happening he walks the other way.
Scene 5: Paul is in his room listening to music. His cell phone rings and he leaves in a hurry. Ominous music plays in the background. Later that night Joseph wakes up to get a glass of water and sees a figure collapsed on the ground in the courtyard behind the house. He goes over to it cautiously, discovers Paul, and realizes that he has been stabbed. Joseph convinces Paul to go inside with him. As they get inside, men come looking for Paul and break into his house.
Scene 6: Paul awakes from unconsciousness in Joseph’s room. Joseph is sitting in a chair and reading a book in candlelight. Paul tries to sit up but Joseph stops him and offers him some tea and biscuits. They start speaking and have a deep conversation. They tell each other of their pasts and their losses. Joseph explains how he has never had anyone to understand him. Paul tells Joseph how his brother, Johnny, wanted to be a scuba diving instructor and how he always wanted to go to the Bahamas and become one in honour of Johnny. Joseph and Paul sit in a personal distance to each other and close ups show the empathy of one for the other.
Scene 7: Joseph wakes up in the morning and sees that Paul isn’t there. He finds a note on the table, picks it up, and money falls out. A violin plays in the background. It explains that the money is the reason why people were looking for him and also that Joseph’s kind ways convinced him to leave Nottingham straight away to follow his dream of becoming a scuba diving instructor in the Bahamas. The last shot is of Joseph smiling widely with the sun in his face.
Background and Reasons for Choosing this Story
I have lived many years of my life abroad and also in an urban environment. I wanted to create a fictional piece that would reflect this and also some of the themes of my generation. The themes I wish to portray are those of foreign workers, knife crime, misunderstood youth, and the universal emotions that are parallel in all people, despite any cultural factors. My intention is that this film will be a touching and personal, “feel-good” film.
Storyboards (25.2.09)
Here is the completed set of storyboards for "Foreign Streets":
I found drawing these storyboards quite difficult but am pleased with the result. It helped to picture the exact shots I want in my head and have given me a better idea of how I want to approach the shoot. On the left of each page is the shot, then in the middle is the description of the shot including action and dialogue, and on the right is a description of the sound throughout the film including music, atmospheric sound, and sound effects.
I found drawing these storyboards quite difficult but am pleased with the result. It helped to picture the exact shots I want in my head and have given me a better idea of how I want to approach the shoot. On the left of each page is the shot, then in the middle is the description of the shot including action and dialogue, and on the right is a description of the sound throughout the film including music, atmospheric sound, and sound effects.
Location Stills (24.2.09)
Below are some pictures of the locations I will use for the shooting of "Foreign Streets":
Graveyard
This graveyard will be in scene 1 for both Joseph and Paul where Joseph visits his parent's grave before he moves to England and also where Paul visits his brother's grave to tell him how hard things have been for him. It is on Waverley Street in Nottingham City Center.
Joseph and Paul's Residences
This is my house and will be the location where both Joseph's and Paul's houses will be shot. I will use two different rooms in the same house. I've had to do this because I couldn't find a house in which I could shoot that had the look I intended and so had to make due. However, the location does still has an urban look.
Bench
This is the bench where Paul hangs out with his friends and where Joseph gets robbed by one of these friends. The bench is on a busy street, next to a housing estate and has a large brick wall for the background. All of these aspects fit in with the urban style I intended.
Forest Fields
I changed the location of the scene where Joseph finds Paul wounded. I got some feedback from some of my peers that it wasn't very realistic that Paul collapses right outside of his house and Joseph sees him out the window getting a glass of water. In response to this I changed the story so that Joseph falls asleep on a bench while he's drinking alcohol and when he wakes up and makes his way home, he sees Paul and convinces him to go back to his house because he will be safer there. I thought that the fields would give some nice shots but is also secluded and would provide an eery feeling to accompany the situation.
Graveyard
This graveyard will be in scene 1 for both Joseph and Paul where Joseph visits his parent's grave before he moves to England and also where Paul visits his brother's grave to tell him how hard things have been for him. It is on Waverley Street in Nottingham City Center.
Joseph and Paul's Residences
This is my house and will be the location where both Joseph's and Paul's houses will be shot. I will use two different rooms in the same house. I've had to do this because I couldn't find a house in which I could shoot that had the look I intended and so had to make due. However, the location does still has an urban look.
Bench
This is the bench where Paul hangs out with his friends and where Joseph gets robbed by one of these friends. The bench is on a busy street, next to a housing estate and has a large brick wall for the background. All of these aspects fit in with the urban style I intended.
Forest Fields
I changed the location of the scene where Joseph finds Paul wounded. I got some feedback from some of my peers that it wasn't very realistic that Paul collapses right outside of his house and Joseph sees him out the window getting a glass of water. In response to this I changed the story so that Joseph falls asleep on a bench while he's drinking alcohol and when he wakes up and makes his way home, he sees Paul and convinces him to go back to his house because he will be safer there. I thought that the fields would give some nice shots but is also secluded and would provide an eery feeling to accompany the situation.
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