Greed Treatment

Possessed Short Script Adaptation - Original By Shauna Cunnigham

Production Schedule

Risk Assessment

Research Texts - Silent Witness

What happened in the opening episode?
In the opening episode of Silent Witness, it begins with the introduction of Ainsley Modest proposing to his girlfriend. To celebrate their engagement they head to Modest's club were they 

Camera Techniques- Steadycam

The Commissioning Process

Single Camera Techniques

Single Camera Production
Single camera production has risen in popularity in the past decade, due to the increase in television channels some of which will be produced with a single camera. These channels are often dedicated to particular genres that work well shooting with one camera, examples include drama's and sitcoms.

In this post, we will look at a number of aspects of single camera production such as  the skills needed to film, edit, light and create settings/locations. We shall take an in depth look at each aspect making references to commissioned work.  Each role in single camera production differs to multi camera production, so I shall make sure that I point out the differences were necessary.

Camera
Single camera production in its simplest form uses one camera for the entire shoot, only in certain scenes were heavy dialogue occurs will more than one camera be used. Single camera productions are often used in dramas as the style of SCP's creates a realistic view of characters. The viewer sees a scene or shot from a single point of view creating a personal effect that helps to involve the audience and allow them to learn more about the characters.
One of the biggest pros of shooting with a single camera is that the director is able to have complete control of the shot. Directors are able to film specific scenes controlling every aspect of the shot which ultimately allows them to shoot to their exact personal preferences. Their styles of shooting become much easier to control and the outcome is often far better detailed
Using a single camera to shoot a large number of scenes can be rather time consuming. A scene in itself may need to be shot multiple times from a variety of angles and shot lengths. It's also very costly to shoot with a single camera. Having to shot for a long period of time on set and at locations will see costs increase dramatically. Shooting on film will also be expensive when shooting with single camera as the more you shoot the more rolls of film will be needed.

Single Camera Set-up:

Multiple Camera Set-up:

Lighting
Setting up the lighting for multiple cameras can be a rather difficult in comparison to setting up the lighting for a single camera. When shooting with a single camera, each shot can be specifically set to create a certain mood and feel. However when using multiple cameras, the lighting has to be set for each and every camera. This takes away some of the creative element to the scene lighting and can create a toneless and monotonous feel to the lighting.


Example: Low key lighting in the film "The Godfather".

Sound

The quality of sound when shooting in general is very important as it can often be difference between a well received piece of work and a badly received piece of work. Using the basic camera mic can give poor quality in scenes with important dialog. Using multiple high quality microphones can enhance a video effect on the audience. 

Audio should always overlay the visuals in order to avoid jumpy and cut off audio. To avoid audio issues, start the audio recording a few seconds before you start shooting the scene, then wait a few seconds after the scene has ended to stop the audio recording. The audio files can then be edited alongside the visuals in post production.

In single camera production, a single stationary or controlled microphone will be sufficient to capture the audio for the scene. Multiple camera productions will often use hidden mics that are worn by the characters in order to avoid multiple pieces of equipment being visible in shot. The audio equipment increases the chances of boom mics being visible in scenes. Single camera productions will often add another camera in scenes with a large amount of dialog, so that the scene is less monotonous. Will all productions, audio effects are often added in the post production stages.

 

Film makers will often use a higher quality audio file from a different take to the one that fits the shots visuals. The audio from the on screen visuals will be removed from the shot in post production and switched with a higher quality version captured during a different take of the same shot. In some shots, the audio will be mixed with a different visual. Shots such as narrations and cut-aways allow high quality audio to be selected.

Coverage

The term "coverage" relates to the amount footage you have. Having a substantial amount of high quality footage means that you have a good coverage. Coverage is something that has become much easier to obtain with the ever evolving technology. Digital cameras and storage devices (hard-drives, SD cards) have allowed low budget productions to obtain good coverage. Shooting with film can be expensive and so good coverage becomes harder and more costly to obtain. Having poor coverage can cause issues during the post production stages. If a particular scene has continuity errors then good coverage will often be able to solve the issue. Poor coverage will result in these errors being unsolvable and the overall scene can be ruined. 

Single camera productions particularly need good coverage as you are relying on the one camera to shoot entire scenes. If you have poor coverage with a lack of shot variation and techniques then it can often lead to a flat looking film. Scenes should always be shot numerous times in order to avoid issues in the first place. Being experimental with your shots will give you multiple options during the editing stages of your production. 

Master-shots should always be obtained before you begin varying your shots.The master-shot is often shot at a wide angle in order to include all of the action and characters. The master-shot should be used as a platform when editing as it introduces the scenes location and characters to the audience. Single camera productions allow time for the talent to check their lines in between shots. This is a often overlooked by young directors but it allows new and inexperienced talent to learn their lines in a less daunting and pressured situation. In multiple camera productions, scene are often simultaneously which means that the talent has to learn large proportions of lines with little to no time to check them before shooting.

Editing 

The editing process of any production can take a long period of time to complete. Certain productions will need more time for editing than others depending on the genre and style of the production. Good coverage is a good thing to have but can be a long process to look through. Multiple camera productions will often not use a large amount of footage and so this can  be expensive if shooting with film. Multiple camera productions will spend less time shooting than single camera productions so both productions have their pros and cons. Using a single camera will generally mean that the shooting period is longer. Sets and locations are expensive to hire and will therefore effect your budget dramatically. Multiple camera productions that shoot with film will also see an effect in their budget as film is expensive. Single camera productions will often take advantage of locations and shoot entire scenes in those locations. This is very cost effective and an efficient way to shoot with a limited budget.

Using multiple cameras for live events such as the X Factor allows the producer to mix shots in real time. This would not be possible with a single camera as each shot would have to be edited together in post production. The producer will have a live feed to the individual cameras as they record the event. He/she will choose which shots the audience will see. The multiple cameras make for a more engaging experience for the viewer. The shot variation of close ups, tracking shots etc, allow the audience to view the entire event in detail.

Shooting large productions such as feature films with a single camera can leave an editor with a mountain of footage to look through. This process of post production is arguably the most tedious and least enjoyable. Particular shots could have at least three other variations from a different angle or length. The editor will have to work alongside the director in choosing which shot will be chosen. The process of simply choosing the shots to edit can be a tedious process for the post production team. Most directors will use a shot log that keeps an account of which shot variations were successful and which were not. Shot logs can save the editor a lot of time as he would usually have to search through each shot.

Genres

Many films and television programmes use single cameras. These productions are used for a number of purposes. The three most popular genres that use a single camera are listed below.

Period Dramas
Period dramas, otherwise known as Costume dramas are period pieces in which elaborate costumes and sets are designed to generate an aura of a particular era in time. Time periods including the 1920s and 1940s are particularly common with British period dramas as they focus on the effects of  both Word War I and World War II. Most period dramas include romantic elements such as Downtown Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. 

Crime

Single camera productions are often seen in crime thrillers such as Breaking Bad. The use of a single camera not only allows the actors to develop their characters roles but it also allows the director to capture the characters emotions more effectively with the use of low key lighting.

Horror

Horror films use single camera productions as a tool to create a realistic feel to the film. The best horror films utilize the single camera and use its an effective tool to create the scare factor. Horror films such as Paranormal activity use a single camera to capture that horror in a first person experience. The camera acts as viewpoint for the characters so what they are seeing, is what the audience sees.

Comedy

Single camera productions in comedy are generally less popular to multiple camera productions as the reactions to comedic elements feel more natural. Single camera productions have to shoot the reactions to jokes individually. These reactions can often seem artificial and detract from the purpose of comedic films. In my opinion, the best comedies often use improvised jokes and reactions as they feel genuine.  In the film "This is 40" there is scene including the hilarious Melissa McCarthy, who plays a furious mother who's called into a meeting with her sons headteacher to solve an issue with another students parents. In the scene, she abuses not only the headteacher but the other parents. When is was watching this scene, I noticed that it felt very improvised. In the end credits, it shows alternative variations of the same scene which also seem improvised. The improvisation in the scene is in my eyes, the main catalyst for the effectiveness of the comedy.

Soap Opera

Soap operas such as EastEnders use multiple cameras as they are usually produced at a frequent rate. The multiple use of cameras allows them to produce the episodes at a high rate. Single camera productions take far more time to produce due to the amount of various shots that need to be captured. Sets are usually created to house the amount of cameras needed. Single cameras are used in some Soap Operas as in some cases locations such as actual houses can not house the large quantity of equipment.

Formats

Series

"Lost "

This TV show has a main plot through each series but has sub narratives within each episode, some running over more than one episode.

Serial

A serial such as Boardwalk Empire has a continuous plot that slowly unfolds and evolves as each episode is watched. Series usually form from story arcs and transform into entire seasons. As the story evolves, knew characters are included and removed from the main story.

Single Drama

A single drama is the equivalent of a television film. In a period of a single episode which can be as long as a 90 minute film, will follow an entire story. Single dramas are usually very immersive as they follow the main character through a part of their lives.

Screenplay Assignment- Research

Research Dossier
After looking at a number of screenplay competitions, such as Scriptapalooza and Bluecat, I have decided to to enter my screenplay into the "Words On Screen" screen play competition. I chose this particular competition as the screenplays are limited to 10 minutes.  The competition has 3 sections for fictional screenplays, animated screenplays and an individual student screenplay competition. I intend to enter into both the fictional section and the student competition.

Annotated Script
On the competitions website (http://www.wordsonscreen.org/) they explain the rules and format for the competitions.
Rules
- The script is not currently under a representation, option, or purchase agreement.
- Entries in the screenwriting genre categories must be intended for a broad, studio market.
- Preference may be given to material that has not seen wide circulation.
- The material is entirely original, or you retain the rights to the work submitted and can submit proof of such.
-Screenplays  must be limited to 10 minutes long.
Each competition category costs £20 to enter. In the short fiction category, the winner is awarded a £2000 cash prize.
Their screenplay will gain:
- Future development of the  into a short film production in collaboration with Charta Productions and Colorbitor Post Production Unit.

- Direct circulation to companies in the 'Words on Screen' industry network/ media partners.

- 1-on-1 consultation sessions for agent representation.

- Distribution of the short film production into international festival circuit.

The deadline for all catergories is the 20th December 2013.

Screenplay Format example:

BBC- Ripper Street- Series 1- Episode 1

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Development of Characters

Example: Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese, US, 1976). Screenplay by Paul Schrader.

Age 26, lean, hard, the consummate loner. On the surface he appears good-looking, even handsome; he has a quiet steady look and a disarming smile which flashes from nowhere, lighting up his whole face. But behind that smile, around his dark eyes, in his gaunt cheeks, one can see the ominous stains caused by a life of private fear, emptiness and loneliness. He seems to have wandered in from a land where it is always cold, a country where the inhabitants seldom speak. The head moves, the expression changes,but the eyes remain ever-fixed,unblinking, piercing empty space.

Key: 

- Outer Presence- Red

- Inner Presence- Blue

- Context- Green

Paul Schrader  portrays Travis Bickle in an instance, a character who would seem difficult to describe is analyzed and explored in the space of a paragraph. As a reader we learn so much from the character that we begin to build a relationship almost instantly.  We learn in the first sentence, his age, that hes a "Loner", "good-looking" and has a "disarming smile".  From a readers perspective, were already beginning to try and picture this character in our heads. We then read on to unravel his history, his deep rooted issues  that have caused such sadness in his life.  Paul Schrader creates a connection with the audience that strength grows stronger as we learn more about him. What makes Travis Bickle so interesting is that as an audience more we examine Travis Bickle, the more we feel towards the character. We begin to feel remorseful and sympathetic for him. Not many films are able to create the strong connections that you have with Travis. Hes a character that you grow fond of and want him to find happiness. Its this connection between an audience and a films characters that can make a film so powerful. 

Using Dialogue effectively
Example:
Pulp Fiction - 1994 - Quentin Tarantino

 As Brett talks, Jules takes out his gun and SHOOTS Roger 
               three times in the chest, BLOWING him out of his chair.

               Vince smiles to himself. Jules has got style.

               Brett has just shit his pants. He's not crying or whimpering, 
               but he's so full of fear, it's as if his body is imploding.

                                     JULES
                              (to Brett)
                         Oh, I'm sorry. Did that break your 
                         concentration? I didn't mean to do 
                         that.  Please, continue. I believe 
                         you were saying something about "best 
                         intentions."

               Brett can't say a word.

                                     JULES
                         Whatsamatter? Oh, you were through 
                         anyway.  Well, let me retort. Would 
                         you describe for me what Marsellus 
                         Wallace looks like?

               Brett still can't speak.

               Jules SNAPS, SAVAGELY TIPPING the card table over, removing 
               the only barrier between himself and Brett. Brett now sits 
               in a lone chair before Jules like a political prisoner in 
               front of an interrogator.

                                     JULES
                         What country you from!

                                     BRETT
                              (petrified)
                         What?

                                     JULES
                         "What" ain't no country I know! Do 
                         they speak English in "What?"

                                     BRETT
                              (near heart attack)
                         What?

                                     JULES
                         English-motherfucker-can-you-speak-
                         it?

                                     BRETT
                         Yes.

                                     JULES
                         Then you understand what I'm sayin'?

                                     BRETT
                         Yes.

                                     JULES
                         Now describe what Marsellus Wallace 
                         looks like!

                                     BRETT
                              (out of fear)
                         What?

               Jules takes his .45 and PRESSES the barrel HARD in Brett's 
               cheek.

                                     JULES
                         Say "What" again! C'mon, say "What" 
                         again!  I dare ya, I double dare ya 
                         motherfucker, say "What" one more 
                         goddamn time!

               Brett is regressing on the spot.

                                     JULES
                         Now describe to me what Marsellus 
                         Wallace looks like!

               Brett does his best.

                                     BRETT
                         Well he's... he's... black –

                                     JULES
                         – go on!

                                     BRETT
                         ...and he's... he's... bald –

                                     JULES
                         – does he look like a bitch?!

                                     BRETT
                              (without thinking)
                         What?

               Jules' eyes go to Vincent, Vincent smirks, Jules rolls his 
               eyes and SHOOT Brett in the shoulder.

In this scene Vince and Jules are interrogating a young man, they have just killed his associates and he fears for his life. Vince and Joules are not acting how you would typically imagine an interrogation, they are sarcastic and seem laid back. They are both very intimidating and patronize the terrified man as he struggles to answer Vince and Joules' questions. I found this scene very interesting and superbly written.  They fear that both man are able create is incredible. The unfortunate man  is so scared he sits paralyzed unable to put together a sentence. Vince and Joules continue to pressure the man, who's in no state to answer the simplest of questions. The man struggles to even understand Joules questions, instead he just replies "what?". It gets to a point were the man has a gun to his head, yet he is still unable to respond to Joules.  The scene ultimately ends with both Joules and Vince firing a whole round into the man. The dialogue is key in the scene, we learn a lot about the characters, especially their jobs. The dialogue is also key in creating the fast, and slow pace of the scene. One minute they sit talking about "kahuna burgers" , then they are firing shots into each male. The change of pace creates  a dramatic effect that seems to stun you as you watch.

Effective use of scene direction

       INT. HENRY'S CAR - NIGHT

               Finally on their way, HENRY is driving. JIMMY, in the 
               passenger's seat, and TOMMY, in the rear seat, embracing 
               the shovel, are dozing off. The sleepy humming of the wheels 
               is suddenly interrupted by a thumping sound. At first, 
               HENRY thinks he has a flat, but the thumping is too 
               irregular. JIMMY awakens. His eyes are on HENRY. TOMMY 
               leans forward from the rear seat. Silence.  Thump Silence.

               EXT. MERRITT PARKWAY - NIGHT

               Car pulls off the road onto the grass. HENRY, JIMMY and 
               TOMMY, still holding the shovel, get out of the car.

                                     TOMMY
                         Jesus Christ! Miserable bastard!

               HENRY opens the trunk and steps back.  In the trunk light 
               WE SEE the mattress cover squirming around. We hear muffled 
               groans.

                                     TOMMY
                              (raising the shovel)
                         Can you believe this no-good fuck? 
                         The prick! He's still alive.

               TOMMY suddenly smashes the shovel into the moving, bloody 
               mattress cover.  He smashes it again and again and again. 
               Cursing BATTS with every swing.

                                     TOMMY
                         Rat bastard.
                              (he swings shovel)
                         No-good, low-life fuck.

               TOMMY swings shovel again and again.

               Soon the mattress cover stops squirming and TOMMY stops 
               swinging the shovel. He is exhausted. TOMMY and JIMMY get 
               back in the car.  HENRY is facing the open trunk.

               TILT UP and FREEZE ON HENRY'S face slamming the trunk shut.

                                     HENRY (V.O.)
                         As far back as I can remember, I 
                         always wanted to be a gangster.

I found that this extract from "Goodfellas" to be particularly good in regards to scene direction. One of the reasons I like this scene so much, is due to its simplicity in directing the scene. I've noticed that writers will often over complicate and try to direct a scene with far too much description leaving the reader confused. I found that this extract was written in a simpler, far more effective manner in which we learn a great deal from the characters in such a limited amount of time without us really knowing. The directions are methodical and organised without lacking the creativity and visual effects. 

Short Films

Simon Ellis won the International Short Filmmaking Award at Sundance and was nominated for a BAFTA in 2008 with his great short film, Soft. It is the gritty story of a son and father tormented by a gang of vicious youths, but with neither being brave enough to fight back. The short itself is very powerful to watch, it touches on a number of topical issues such as bullying that is commonly affiliated with children. This short focuses on the effects of bullying on an older generation that can be as effected by it than children. The short focuses on the torment that the youths create and the effects that it has on both the son and the father. Its very interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two generations and how they deal with the issues that they are both facing. The short is directed very well with a mixture of original and commonly used camera techniques that create a pleasing balance. The acting is equally as good for a short, which is refreshing to see. However their are moments that you would have to question such as the unusual letterbox scene. The use of alternative camera techniques is also refreshing to see; especially the camera phone shots that helped create that "yobbish" behavior.

The Black Hole, also a British short, shows the fantastical discovery of a portal that allows a typically bored office worker delve into a new and exciting possibility of riches. The office worker is quick to realize the holes potential and begins to steal from the office safe. In his hurried and over eager state, he finds himself falling and trapping himself inside the safe. The short ends focusing on the money laying outside with the office worker knocking from the inside of the safe. The short holds a number of effective elements such as its humor, style, originality and shrewdness. These elements combine to make a visually and comedic effective short. I particularly like how the office worker is portrayed and especially his zombie like behavior, which reminds of "Sean of the Dead".

Theme, Location, Character Research and Similar Existing Media

I have looked into and researched possible locations, the general theme of my short and the type of characters that will feature in the short. The genre of my short, is a story redemption. The story is based around two polar opposite characters who's personalities and connections cause one of the characters to seek revenge against the other.  In order to learn more about the type of characters that I would like to portray in my short, I have begun watching a number of films and TV programs that hold similar key aspects such as the characters personalities. One of those films, Arbitrage holds very similar elements as the main character also leads a life of crime, deceit and intimidation. The main difference is that my character Spencer begins to pay the consequences of his actions whereas Robert Miller, played by Richard Gere is able to get away with his life of crime.



Location wise, it is very easy to research as my short is located solely in Spencer office and corridor. To gain a visual understanding of what a typical New York office looks like, I began looking at  films based in NY and I also searched the internet for images of actual NY offices so that my own work is as accurate as possible. Even though I don't believe that the location is particularly important it helps to create an effective environment so that characters are more realistic and the short will overall look more professional.

The audience research that I acquired was from a questionnaire that I sent to a wider a range of people as possible. Looking at the research and comparing them to my initial intentions regarding the primary audience. The main target audience are later teens to younger adults. This due to the style and content of the short. The short us something that most teens might not find interesting, however as they get older and begin to find interests in "adult" topics, I feel that the genre will seems more appealing to the young generation of teens about to become adults.

What Remains Comparison

What Remains Script/TV show comparison

The first real noticeable difference is an INT scene that appears on the script of the episode but not in the actual pilot episode. The scene takes place in Adams room in which he and his girlfriend are about to have sex. Peri (his girlfriend),  begins rummaging through the bed side draws looking for condoms she turns to Adam and asks " Alright if we use these? Or will he notice?". This is when she realizes that Adam is distant and "thoughtful".  She continues to say " Who was that old bloke (referring to Len)?". Adam replies " No one. Just some neighborhood thing."  From this short scene, the viewer begins to question whether Adam could have an involvement in Melisa's murder. His detached and reflective state gives us the impression that he may have knowledge or an involvement in her death. The think that the writer created this scene so that the audience could begin to make judgments on whether Adam had a role in the murder.  The director may have looked at this scene and thought that it gives away to much information on Adams character. The scene is very powerful and leads the viewer to begin questioning certain factors such as Adams motive. Giving away as little information allows the viewer to piece together more subliminal clues and info. Most "Who did it" murders often give away too much information ware as What Remains holds back information until the very end. This is very effective as it draws the viewer into the story. Another reason that it was not included in the aired episode, is that it may have been too long and less important, meaning that the director had to cut it. The episode is only an hour long, so it would make sense if the scene had to be excluded so that more informative scenes were included.

Another scene that is excluded from the aired episode, is the scene in which Naresh (Vidya's dad), visits the flat.  Naresh begins by inspecting the flat and says "It’s smaller than it looked on the photos." Vidya replies "It’s perfect. Thank you. And the cot arrived this morning, so let mum know, will you?" The scene continues with the two characters talking about the flat and Vidya's pregnancy. Naresh  begins to question certain factors about her living arrangement and also mocks Micheal's 

job stating " If you’re sick then you should be at home, where we can take care of you. Vidya replies" I’m not sick, it’s just a precaution. Michael’s looking after me." Naresh replies sarcastically "Really? So where is he? Oh yes, the glittering career...". The continues with Naresh showing more signs of concern for his daughters health. Vidya is touched by his care for her and the scene ends with them both hugging. Although the scene gives the viewer new information into both characters and their intentions for the future, the scene lacks any relative information into Melisa's murder.  We do learn that Vidya's intentions are too stay in the flat after the birth. An odd choice considering the fact the murderer may be among the residents. This opens the viewers eyes into Vidya's way of thinking as any expecting mother would most likely want to leave. Vidya therefore appears rather naive or maybe stubborn as she knows that moving out would suit her fathers interests. Its addition in the script allows the viewer to make a better judgement  of Vidya, however its importance in the main story is very minimal as therefore most likely why it was excluded from the episode.

Screen Play Ideas

An arrogant stockbroker uses his good looks and manipulative attributes to path a road to success, power and riches. A newly wed couple have the honeymoon from hell as the female is killed, and the male is accused of her murder. A young teen finds himself battling with his own insanity after he falls down a well.

Dialogue & Character Development

Screenplay Format