Initial Ideas

Initial ideas for the group had a relatively large scope. As a group our initial idea was a zombie film but this was before any production meetings or a proper brief had been given. When we were then handed the task we decided we would each come up with an idea to present to the groups at the first production meeting (period 1 21st January). Here were the ideas brought to the table and what we thought about them:

Adams idea: A zombie comedy film with inspiration from films like Snatch and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Zombie films in general (28 Days Later, Dawn of The Dead etc.) The idea was to have a Vinnie Jones/ Jason Statham like hero and the story of his life through a Zombie apocalypse with his cockney wife (like that of Eastenders). The comedy would come from the fulfilment of cockney stereotypes and the main characters major concern being his wife and not the zombie problem.
The opening sequence would consist of a chase sequence of the main character down a street to his home killing zombies as he went in an unorthodox style with freeze frames and witty comments.

Good:

• Developed idea and synopsis
• Unique and original idea to some extent
• Lots of inspiration behind and potential film references

Bad:

• Many actors needed
• Specialised actor needed for main character 
• Outdoor shoot prone to weather change 
• Permission to shoot on street 
• Interruptions of shoot by cars and pedestrians

Daniels idea: A thriller film, inspired by spy films, with 'Splinter Cell' type characters. The idea was very vague, but the opening sequence would involve various shots of people being kidnapped by figures coming out of the dark. This would create immediate disequilibrium and mystery as to why this was happening.

Good:

• Potential for good film idea
• Good opening sequence idea   

Bad: 

• Many actors needed
• Several locations required
• No actual idea, just shots for an opening sequence.

Michaels idea: A horror/thriller/crime film inspired by a film preview we were invited to called 'The Holding', a youtube clip and the film State of Play. The film would follow a police detective in London, trying to find the murderer to a case he’s just been assigned. The film opens with a young woman suffering from some sort of mental problems who murders her boyfriend, and the neighbour that comes to check on them. It would have a gritty and graphic style with a range of shots in a house. The camera would focus on her actions and contain some particularly graphic and dramatic scenes.


Good:

• Simple idea 
• Potential for a good plot
• Few actors needed
• Shot indoors, constant setting 
• Potential for interesting shots
• Easier shooting

Bad: 

• Availibilty of good actors
• Realism of graphic scenes possible?

At the meeting we decided to go with Michaels idea due to ease and practicality as well as a good narrative and further discussed it to develop the idea more. The next step will be to discuss the idea with our teacher to make sure we are going in the right direction.