Changes in the Script

After giving it some thought, we have reached the conclusion as a group that the actors who play the Russian extremists would have difficulty coming up with their lines as they are less specified than Callum and Louisa's. Next to their characters, I have simply written things like they say something in Russian and laugh afterwards. We thought, as a result, that we should write what we want them to say in English so it is more exact and everything is easier for them. They will just have to translate instead of be creative in the spur of the moment. 

As I need to finish the storyboard as soon as possible and it takes a lot of time to plan the directions that I want to write next to the frames and also draw and give detail in ink once this is done, Ellis took responsibility of the task of giving some actual lines to the Russians. I still have a page and a half left of the storyboard, but it is a daunting experience, especially, if it is done by a single person like in my case. 

This is what we have now:

INT. Backpacker’s hostel room. Wooden cupboard, light parquet flooring, two big backpacks and a small one. Dark colours. Brown rug. Trunk. ELLA’s mountain shoes in one side of the bed, under. Old chair against the wall. Night.

ELLA crosses the room from the right hand side and lies in bed. DAVID is sitting on the chair, getting rid of his shoes.

DAVID

I don’t think I’ll be able to do tomorrow’s hike with the state of my feet…

Untying the shoelaces (cont’n)

ELLA

Oh come on, today’s was far easier than we expected. And definitely worth it.

DAVID

I don’t know… Have you seen my clean socks?

ELLA

For God’s sake, stop fiddling with the clothes and come here. We have plenty of time to organise later on!

DAVID

Folds his wet socks and puts them inside the bag. He jumps into the bed and starts tickling ELLA.

The bed creaks. Sounds of knocks and slams in the distance.

ELLA

I told you to come lie, not attack me! It’s gonna be a long night on the floor if you carry on like this…

(while laughing)

DAVID

The bed is only the lesser to two evils, and with your wriggling, the margin between the two is shrinking. And considering how many times you woke up last night…

ELLA

That was because it’s cold. I’m probably getting ill or something.

(pause) Shots. Furniture moving (very subtle)

Do you want to go and get more blankets? They will have loads and I am pretty sure we are the only ones here...

DAVID

Oh yes, these Siberians are known for their warm nature.(ironically, with a grin)

(He stands up and plays with ELLA’s hair,kiss. cont’n)

Anyway, anything for you. I’ll give it a try.

DAVID leaves. ELLA sighs in bed and then some seconds of silence follow, with screams and shots which are coming closer. ELLA moves nervously in bed.

ELLA

What the hell is that?

(whispering, talking to herself)

DAVID walks in, in panic. Pleonastic shots.

ELLA

What the hell are those noises?

DAVID

You need to hide, quick!

Screams become more insistent.

ELLA

But why? What’s going on?

They tussle in bed. DAVID practically forces her to get down.

DAVID

There’s no time! Ella, just hide somewhere!

ELLA looks around, shaking. The noises outside are getting closer and closer. The danger is next door now.

DAVID

Come on, get under! Everything will be alright if you hide well, trust me.

(Terrified)

DAVID grabs her and urges her to get under the bed. Her face shows extreme concern. The gunshots get louder and then stop for a few seconds. Steps come in front of the door. Someone kicks in while DAVID rushes inside of the cupboard. ELLA’s heavy breathing is heard next to the camera.

EXTREMIST 1 and EXTREMIST 2 enter the room while the cupboard’s door is still closing. They are wearing black gears and carrying guns.

EXTREMIST 2

(In Russian) I saw one! Come here, check the cupboard.

They point at the cupboard and they slowly open it.

EXTREMIST 1

Peekaboo!

EXTREMIST 2 grabs DAVID from the t-shirt and gets him out. They beat him aggressively until he is on his knees, they taunt him and continue to hit him. They keep making jokes in Russian.

EXTREMIST 1

(In Russian) I bet you he'll cry like a little baby. Aw look he's shaking!

EXTREMIST 1 caresses DAVID’s cheeks and then slaps him.

EXTREMIST 2

(In Russian) The little shit isn't even trying to fight. Pathetic.

EXTREMIST 1

(In Russian)How long will it take for him to start crying? I´m getting bored already, can we hurry this up? He's not nearly as fun as the last one.

EXTREMIST 2 laughs loudly. He jabs him and shoves the barrel of the gun in his mouth.

EXTREMIST 2

How does that taste?

EXTREMIST 1

(In Russian) Come on, stop.

EXTREMIST 1 makes EXTREMIST 2 withdraw the gun. They start to walk out and we see how DAVID is trembling. He looks anxiously at them. DAVID exhales and looks in ELLA’S direction, relieved. They start opening the door and then they suddenly close it. EXTREMIST 1 pulls him by the hair and shoots him in the mouth.

EXTREMIST 2

(In Russian) Nice shot, messy, but nice. Maybe let me do it next time.

EXTREMIST 1

(In Russian) After what I've seen, you couldn't hit someone even from point blank.

EXTREMIST 2

(In Russian) Piss off, that's not true.

They are still joking while DAVID falls to the floor. He dies in front of ELLA, looking at her (and the camera) directly. ELLA gasps and the EXTREMISTS suddenly stop talking.

EXTREMIST 1

(Slowly, in Russian) Stop, did you hear that?

They approach the bed. Their shoes are in the centre of the frame. The sheets which were partly hanging get lifted.

THE END

Script: First Draft

Taking into account that our group is prepared for the final stages of the process towards the final Thriller shoot, Katie insisted on the fact that we should take a quicker path than the rest of the students in our class and start developing further details such as a list of props and costumes, obtaining them, visiting the possible locations and mainly working on a rough script to be used as a guidance, alongside with a storyboard. 

In order to make everyone in the group participate in the creation of the script, I decided that we should create a Google Document so we could all alter and develop each other's approach. We had some difficulty with getting started as we have never written a professional script, but after learning that having one is a valuable option rather than a requirement, we managed to unwind and start working. Mike was very helpful as this stage. He came up to us and gave us a practical, quick outline of the characteristics of a script. Following his guidance, I started working on it properly, including details like the time of the day in which the scene occurs, the lines of the characters and the action that take place meanwhile.

For the past two weeks, I have been working on the script for our thriller sequence because, as our scene is going to be very coreography-based, it is quite recommendable for everyone inside and outside of the team to know what they are doing in each moment: how they move, where, what they say, the gestures and sounds they make. Emma and Ellis have helped me with my English, especially idioms and expressions. This is the first draft:

INT. Backpacker’s hostel room. Wooden cupboard, light parquet flooring, two big backpacks and a small one. Dark colours. Brown rug. Trunk. ELLA’s mountain shoes in one side of the bed, under. Old chair against the wall. Night.

ELLA crosses the room from the right hand side and lies in bed. DAVID is sitting on the chair, getting rid of his shoes.

DAVID

I don’t think I’ll be able to do tomorrow’s hike with the state of my feet…

Untying the shoelaces (cont’n)

ELLA

Oh come on, today’s was far easier than we expected. And definitely worth it.

DAVID

I don’t know… Have you seen my clean socks?

ELLA

For God’s sake, stop fiddling with the clothes and come here. We have plenty of time to organise later on!

DAVID

Folds his wet socks and puts them inside the bag. He jumps into the bed and starts tickling ELLA.

The bed creaks. Sounds of knocks and slams in the distance.

ELLA

I told you to come lie, not attack me! It’s gonna be a long night on the floor if you carry on like this…

(while laughing)

DAVID

The bed is only the lesser to two evils, and with your wriggling the margin between the two is shrinking. And considering how many times you woke up last night…

ELLA

That was because it’s cold. I’m probably getting ill or something.

(pause) Shots. Furniture moving (very subtle)

Do you want to go and get more blankets? They will have loads and I am pretty sure we are the only ones here...

DAVID

Oh yes, these Siberians are known for their warm nature.(ironically, with a grin)

(He stands up and plays with ELLA’s hair,kiss. cont’n)

Anyway, anything for you. I’ll give it a try.

DAVID leaves. ELLA sighs in bed and then some seconds of silence follow, with screams and shots which are coming closer. ELLA moves nervously in bed.

ELLA

What the hell is that?

(whispering, talking to herself)

DAVID walks in, in panic. Pleonastic shots.

ELLA

What the hell are those noises?

DAVID

You need to hide, quick!

Screams become more insistent.

ELLA

But why? What’s going on?

They tussle in bed. DAVID practically forces her to get down.

DAVID

There’s no time! Ella, just hide somewhere!

ELLA looks around, shaking. The noises outside are getting closer and closer. The danger is next door now.

DAVID

Come on, get under! Everything will be alright if you hide well, trust me.

(Terrified). DAVID grabs her and urges her to get under the bed. Her face shows extreme concern. The gunshots get louder and then stop for a few seconds. Steps come in front of the door. Someone kicks in while DAVID rushes inside of the cupboard. ELLA’s heavy breathing is heard next to the camera.

EXTREMIST 1 and EXTREMIST 2 enter the room while the cupboard’s door is still closing. They are wearing black gears and carrying guns. They exchange a few words in Russian and laugh wholeheartedly. They point at the cupboard and they slowly open it.

EXTREMIST 1

Peekaboo!

EXTREMIST 2 grabs DAVID from the t-shirt and gets him out. They beat him aggressively until he is on his knees, they taunt him and continue to hit him. They keep making jokes in Russian.

EXTREMIST 1 caresses DAVID’s cheeks and then slaps him.

EXTREMIST 2 laughs loudly. He jabs him and shoves the barrel of the gun in his mouth.

EXTREMIST 2

How does that taste?

EXTREMIST 1 mumbles something in Russian and makes EXTREMIST 2 withdraw the gun. They start to walk out and we see how DAVID is trembling. He looks anxiously at them. DAVID exhales and looks in ELLA’S direction, relieved. They start opening the door and then they suddenly close it. EXTREMIST 1 pulls him by the hair and shoots him in the mouth. They are still joking while DAVID falls to the floor. He dies in front of ELLA, looking at her (and the camera) directly. ELLA gasps and the EXTREMISTS suddenly stop talking. EXTREMIST 1 says something slowly. They approach the bed. Their shoes are in the centre of the frame. The sheets which were partly hanging get lifted.

THE END

Make-up

In one point of our sequence, the male protagonist —David— gets shot in the head by the extremists. This means that we need a make-up artist with enough practice to render the impression of a real, fresh wound made by a gun. Laura Smith is the first name that has come to mind. She is well-known all around Hurtwood for her mastery of make-up, not so much for beauty purposes but actually for theatre and film. To make sure that she was the right person, Myles took a look on her Instagram, and we were certain that we needed her after a few seconds of looking at examples like the one on the right.           Our actor, Callum, would need to get a bullet wound in his forehead towards the end of the sequence. This causes a problem, because we intend to show his face in the beginning when he's searching for clean socks inside of a suitcase which appears in the frame. We would need to make a subtle cut somewhere in order to add the make-up for the last bit of the scene. I have thought of a different option: shooting the sequence both with and without make-up on and edit it afterwards. We will ask for guidance soon concerning this aspect.                                                    Anyway, Myles has sent Laura an email. We are aware of the fact that she is going to be wanted by many people like us, but we still hope that she has time to help us in the shoot day.

Prop and Costume definite list

Prop list

Mountaineering backpacks- Ellis, Emma

Guns- Theatre Department

Wardrobe- Adam/ Mike

Map of Siberian region- Myles

Boots- Bring their own, (Theatre Department)

S.W.A.T gear- Bring their own, (Theatre Department)

Camping/ hiking gear- Ellis, Emma

Carpet- Emma

Props and Costume

Emails (Costumes and Screen Test)

We have contacted our cast various time throughout this week. Our first email was aimed to inform them about the kind of clothes that they are supposed to be wearing the day of the shoot, and see if they had the things needed themselves before we make the effort to search for them or buy them. 

The second email was to ask if they are going to be available next Monday for a test shoot, so they become familiar with the choreography and with the dramatic approach. 

Preparing our Screen Test

Today, Emma and Ellis have gone to search Paul, one of the most experienced collaborators in the Media department, to ask him about the availability of the Studio next week. As we have our actors confirmed, we are searching for a date to call everyone together and start shaping a choreography with them. We have to keep in mind that we won't get that much time the shoot day! 

Paul was very contributing and said that the Studio would be open for us and, if he is around on Monday —we have planned to do the screen test during Activities time—, he will be more than happy to lend us a hand.

Now it is down to us to contact all our cast and pray for them to be available as well when we require them. Otherwise, we will have to think of alternative solutions.

Confirmation of the Secondary Actors

We emailed the Russians that we considered would be good to play the Extremists —Said and Andrey— and they replied quite soon, expressing their willingness. I am very pleased to say that, in the present moment, our full cast is officially taking part in the project and just waiting to hear news from us. It has been simpler process than I thought. 

Contacting potential Cast

Last week, we emailed our main actors to make sure their availability. We went for Callum Henderson and Louisa Binder in the end, as we trust their theatrical abilities and they look convincing as the characters we want them to play. At first, we were a bit doubtful thinking whether they would reply and be willing to do it —they are A2 and have lots of work to do in their daily routines—.

Nevertheless, both Louisa and Callum replied over the weekend and now it's just down to us to inform them about the project's details. We are also considering doing a test shoot with them to rehearse the choreography needed, but it is just a matter of time and practice, we are sure they are perfect for the roles.

Character List

ELLA: average young girl on holiday with her boyfriend. Eager backpacker and engaged college student. Adjectives to describe her would be innocent, feminine, witty and hesitant. Regarding her appearence, she is about 1.65 in height and has regular weight. She would be considered attractive by most. Shoulder-lenght hair and expressive eyes. 18-21 years old.

DAVID: average college student. He is responsible, mature, serious, shy and has been dragged to the backpacking holidays by Ella, though he is not regretting it. He is madly in love with her. He's not too tall, average weight and average-length hair. 18-21 years old.

EXTREMISTS 1 & 2: two Siberians who form part of a clandestine organisation. Not too bright, confident, racist and disrespectful. Their purpose is to carry out a mass murder in the backpackers hotel where Ella and David are spending the night as a protest against the Western world. 25-30 years old.

Location and Set Design

After having considered boaring houses such as Ewhurst, which has convincing rooms, or Cornhill, which used to be a hotel, the preferred location for our sequence is the Studio, an option recommended by Matt. He said that it would be perfectly feasable to recreate a hostel room with some parquet flooring that is available and some wooden strips to assemble the bed. The cupboard and chair are easy to find around, and the rest is a matter of creativity. The walls and door could also be constructed on set as it has already been done for previous works. 

To have the room —our only setting— more clear in our minds and, most importantly, to make it evident also for the people who can actually turn it into reality in the school, I drew the space with all the pertinent details and included some descriptions.

Talking to Luke

Luke and Matt have come to class to check the estate of our ideas and what is needed from them, thinking ahead about the day of the shoot after Christmas. We did an outline of the story line once more, making sure that Luke, who has never heard of us before, was aware of the technical part. As a group, we also tried to sell the idea so they would find it easier to collaborate and put more effort into it as organisers. 

In the beginning, they were a bit unsure about the attractiveness of having only one continuous shot, though they also saw its creative appeal. They suggested that we did some panning around the room from time to time. However, eventually they asked for some graphic support and I provided them with my works, this is, my setting design and what I have from the storyboard so far. Their response made me feel extremely proud because they immediately changed their mind about our project and started truly liking it: apparently, they could now picture it perfectly thanks to me. 

Once we had convinced them, we showed them a list of the details we need for a realistic setting. They have everything that we've thought about in the Studio already, except for a cupboard. Nevertheless, Katie heard that we were having trouble with that detail and went out to ask Mike and Adam, an action after which everything is sorted. We should be almost ready to shoot by now.

Second Talk to Mike

As we've been using his room as a workplace because we were in a more advanced stage than most of the other groups, he has taken an active part in some points and has witnessed most of the changes in the storyline. This is the reason why, when he heard the new approach that we were going for encouraged by Matt, he intervened. He personally defended the idea that we had before and insisted on us rephrasing it to Matt more clearly so he would embrace it. 

It is true that a sizeable part of the tension would be gone if we followed Matt's instructions. If the idea was that the murderers were specifically looking for our protagonists, they would be silent as they approached their room. As a result, the tense period of them hearing noises and wondering what they implied, as well as the sense of danger, would disappear.

Adding to this, Mike said that the result would be far more dramatic if the loving couple has accidentally come across this situation, with no clue of what is bound to happen.

As a group, we agreed fully with him and decided to make a step-by-step plan to have everything certain in our minds.