The Soundtrack

Order of Filming

Whilst planning for my filming on Sunday I realised that due to a restricted filming period I would have to reorganise the order that I filmed so that I can film in desired time of day.

In Scene One I intend the scene to be set during the day. Sienna's character sprints away in attempt to loose Melodie who is pursuing her. She falls and is caught. Scene Two is set at dusk and starts with Sienna being tied to a tree whilst Melodie sleeps in a makeshift camp in the woods. Sienna manages to remove the gag from her mouth and they converse. Scene Three is set in the day when Melodie walks with Sienna to a formation of trees where the Woodland Queen is and hands Sienna over as a prisoner.Scene Four is set in the day. Sienna is tied against a tree, bloodied and wounded. Melodie is also tied up nearby and the half-sisters fight. Scene Five is also set in the day. Melodie stands before the Woodland Queen who breaks her nose. Scene Six is set in the afternoon. Sienna wriggles free from her bonds. She approaches Melodie who is still tied up with a broken nose and bloody lip. Sienna unties Melodie's ropes and they create a plan to overthrow the Woodland Queen. Scene Seven is set at dusk.

Therefore I would have to film the scenes in this order:

Day: Scene One, Scene Three,  Scene Four,  Scene Five
Afternoon: Scene Six
Dusk: Scene Two, Scene Seven

Risk Assessment

Hazard	Persons who may be harmed	Risk controls already in place	Risks Assessment
wet/marshy ground	actors and crew	sensible shoes	5/10
camera equipment being damaged	n/a	bags and somewhere to put it down	1/10
weather being bad/wet/snow	actors and crew	appropriate clothing	5/10
dogs/passers by	dogs/passers by	make sure we use an area where there aren’t many people	4/10
tripping on uneven ground	actors and crew	take care where we’re walking	5/10
damage to plants/wildlife	n/a	keep to the main paths	2/10
actor being ill	actors and crew	mobile phone/everyone’s contacts available	5/10
actor forgetting lines	n/a	send cast the script	7/10
Camera running out of battery	n/a	charging the battery before filming/spare?	5/10

Costume Design (Alexander McQueen)

Before speaking to director Terry Hall, I had already designed the medieval-like costume of the Woodland Queen with the help of the actress playing her character. The Woodland Queen's character was loosely based (design wise) off of Morgana in BBC's Merlin being garbed entirely in black with reckless dark hair. Her costume consists of numerous garments collected together to create a rugged, torn and weatherworn look with ragged skirts to emphasise how long she has been out in the wilderness.

During my conversation with Terry Hall, I explained the costume of the the Woodland Queen and was relieved that the design seemed to be approved by Terry Hall. He then recommended that I take a look at the costume design of Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty collection. The designer commented that he had "always loved the mechanics of nature" and this was definitely a large part of my own inspiration for the clothing of the nymphs and Sienna. McQueen also stated that his collections were inspired by the " ideal of the noble savage living in harmony with the natural world" which links to how the nymphs in my short film are presented as the other and could be interpreted as the savages living in the natural human world. This definitely added to the inspiration for the costume design of the characters in my short-film.

After having looked at the Savage Beauty collection, I decided to focus on what I want the characters to look like in order to design their costumes properly.

Eiko Ishioka

After having spoken to director Terry Hall over Skype I decided to research a Japanese costume designer and director that he suggested named Eiko Ishioka, known for Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), The Fall (2006), Immortals (2011) and Mirror Mirror (2012). I decided to look at Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and The Fall (2006).

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Firstly I looked at her work in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Her costume designs in this seem slightly abstract and I can assume having not seen the film that the different costumes of the three women are either from different time periods that they may have become vampires or different countries. However I do like this idea as it presents an abnormality in the characters and that is definitely something that is key to my film with the Woodland Queen and the nymphs being classed as "other" in the filmic universe I have created.


The Fall (2006)
I also looked at the film The Fall which Eiko Ishioka worked on the costume design. The film is a fantasy about a bedridden stuntman in the 1920s named Roy (played by Lee Pace) who tells a little girl, Alexandria a fantasy story about exotic heroes and far off places which reflects his state of mind. As the story continues the stuntman's health deteriorates and so does his story. This film sounds very interesting and I immediately started looking at the aesthetic of film as well as Eiko Ishioka's costume designs. The film seems very abstract and this is presented through the characters and their whole design. For instance, Lee Pace's character (see image) as the Masked Bandit is dressed in a what reminds me of some sort of Spanish style alike to that of a matador. I considered that this could be a metaphor for the bull being his sanity whilst he fights against it and his drug addiction. I definitely considered my short film's characters' natures when I came up with the concept ideas of their costumes and now having looked at Eiko Ishioka's work on this film has made me perhaps explore a more fantastical or unworldly element to the nymphs.

Edited Script

SCENE ONE:  EXT. STREET - DAY  
A girl runs down a heavily wooded street, veering towards the trees in an attempt to loose a figure pursuing her. She falls and is caught.

NARRATOR [SIENNA]

In the days before my ascension, I was a wanted criminal. But after I was taken to the Woodland Realm, my fate was sealed by my own blood.

Figure smiles wickedly down at SIENNA.

MELODIE

Well, if it isn’t the halfbreed.

INSERT TITLE: ‘HALFBREED’

SCENE TWO:  EXT. FOREST - DUSK  
SIENNA is tied to a tree whilst MELODIE sleeps in a makeshift camp in the woods. SIENNA manages to remove the gag from her mouth. MELODIE sighs.

MELODIE

I wouldn’t scream if I were you.

SIENNA

I know you’re not going to kill me.

MELODIE smirks.

MELODIE

Oh? And why is that?

SIENNA

If you were going to kill me, you would’ve done it already.

MELODIE lies back down.

MELODIE

You should rest, halfbreed.

SIENNA

If you’re not going to kill me, what do you want?

MELODIE sighs and gets up, walking towards SIENNA and crouching down in front of her.

SIENNA

Spit it out.

MELODIE places the gag back over SIENNA’s mouth.

MELODIE

You talk too much. Once we’re in the city, you’ll be at the mercy of our leader and she will not have the same mercy I have given you.

SCENE THREE:  EXT. FOREST - DAY

MELODIE walks with SIENNA to a formation of trees where the WOODLAND QUEEN stands.

MELODIE bows.

MELODIE

My lady, I bring you the daughter of the Darkened One.

The WOODLAND QUEEN turns to look at them.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Really?

The WOODLAND QUEEN steps towards SIENNA. She inclines her head and snaps her fingers. 

GUARD appears.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Take away the Lady Melodie. I will call on her when she is of more use.

GUARD takes hold of MELODIE

MELODIE

My lady? I did as you asked. I have earned my freedom.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You are a traitor to our people, as is this girl’s father. Perhaps it runs in your blood? You are - as you know - related by blood.

The WOODLAND QUEEN smiles wickedly.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You are what…cousins? Or was it half-sisters?

MELODIE

You promised me that I’d be free.

WOODLAND QUEEN

And I will decide when you have earned that freedom. For now, you still have potential and so you will obey like the prisoner and traitor that you are.

MELODIE is led away by GUARD

SIENNA looks at the WOODLAND QUEEN in fear.

SIENNA

What do you want with me?

WOODLAND QUEEN

It’s not what I want with you but what I want from you.

SIENNA

I know nothing.

WOODLAND QUEEN

We’ll see about that.

SCENE FOUR:  EXT. FOREST - DAY

SIENNA is tied against a tree, bloodied and wounded. MELODIE is also tied up nearby.

MELODIE

What did I tell you?

SIEENA looks at MELODIE

SIENNA

You’re my sister!?

MELODIE

Blood means nothing to me.

SIENNA

Blood is everything! I’m your family!

MELODIE

And what has my family ever done for me! They abandoned me to rot in the forest, framed as a traitor and spy after our father left after our father left to marry your mother. Do you really think that because we share the same blood that I should have felt something? I don’t even know you. I was unaware of your existence until the Woodland Queen spoke to me of you and issued me to track you down.

SIENNA

Why does she want me? Why does she even want you?

MELODIE

Our father defied her rule. He escaped and she doesn’t know how. She’s been trying to get me to tell for years. I have no idea what he did. He left before I could talk, leaving my mother to raise me on her own.

SIENNA

That isn’t my fault.

MELODIE turns away.

MELODIE

No, it isn’t.

GUARD enters and speaks to MELODIE.

GUARD

The Woodland Queen requires your presence

GUARD leads MELODIE away.

SCENE FIVE:  EXT. FOREST - DAY

MELODIE is stood before the WOODLAND QUEEN.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You have failed me, Melodie. I had such high hopes for you…you’ll get your freedom when you die, traitor.

WOODLAND QUEEN snaps her finger and GUARD comes to her side.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Hold her still.

MELODIE struggles against GUARD’s grasp.

WOODLAND QUEEN

For now, I’ll send a message to all rebels out there…with the death of my traitor brother’s precious daughters. Starting with you.

WOODLAND QUEEN breaks MELODIE’s nose.

SCENE SIX:  EXT. FOREST - AFTERNOON

SIENNA wriggles free from her bonds. She approaches MELODIE who is still tied up with a broken nose and bloody lip. SIENNA unties MELODIE’s ropes.

MELODIE looks up.

MELODIE

What are you doing? You’ll get yourself killed if you try and escape.

SIENNA

Come with me!

MELODIE shakes her head.

MELODIE

My mother attempted to follow our father when I was young. The Woodland Queen found out and killed my mother on sight. If she sees you, she’ll have your head too.

MELODIE looks back down

MELODIE

No one defies her rule.

SIENNA

You don’t understand, Melodie.

MELODIE tenses as SIENNA says her name.

SIENNA

I want you to become the Woodland Queen.

MELODIE

Why would you want that?

SIENNA

Because you want revenge…just as I do.

MELODIE sighs

MELODIE

I’ll deal with the Woodland Queen

SIENNA

But—

MELODIE

Run!

SCENE SEVEN:  EXT. FOREST - DUSK

MELODIE stands behind the WOODLAND QUEEN

MELODIE

My lady…

WOODLAND QUEEN turns to look at MELODIE.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Melodie?

MELODIE attacks WOODLAND QUEEN. She falls to the floor and looks up at MELODIE.

MELODIE

No one can cast a queen from her kingdom. They can only remove opposition. Does that sound familiar, my lady? You said that to me the day you took the life of my mother.

END.

© Story by CP Media15

Slight Change

Recently I have been indecisive about my final idea for my coursework. I originally completely scrapped the whole idea and wrote a new idea however I came to the conclusion that the idea was just as ambitious as my previous one as well as discovering that I was unsure how to finish the idea. I decided to revert back to my original idea but have removed the whole of the fight sequence and have scrapped the idea of it being set in the modern world.

'Halfbreed' Storyboard

The storyboarding process for my short film has taken a lot longer than I expected. I started it over the summer break and have now only just finished converting it into video form. Although it has been a long process I wanted to make sure that the piece was perfect due to the issues I had last year after I did not stick to my storyboard as I had not put in enough detail about the shots

I have finally finished storyboarding! Yikes, it's taken me ages and I'm not even going to start on how many pieces of paper I have used overall. Anyway it is finished and this is it:

'Halfbreed' or 'Anachronism'?

Currently I am debating between two names for my short film. I originally named my short film 'Halfbreed' due to the nickname given to one of the protagonists, Sienna as well as the fact that it portrays the story of the two protagonists: Melodie, a nymph in the modern world and Sienna, a half nymph half human who causes bedlam in the forest kingdom of the nymphs. An example that explains the word 'halfbreed' in a modern film is the word 'mudblood' from J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series. A 'mudblood' is a wizard/witch born to normal parents and this has similarities to Sienna as only one of her parents was a nymph.

However, the other title I am considering is 'Anachronism'. The word anachronism means a thing a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned. This fits the idea of the nymphs perfectly as they are from a time long forgotten (all information about this can be found on my blog post here) but are still part of modern culture. This would be very apt for my film because it could either represent how the nymphs are out of place in the modern world or that Sienna is out of place in the Woodland Realm.

Questions Regarding My Film Treatment

What is your main challenge?
I think my main challenge would be getting my whole cast and crew together. During my production of my short film opening 'Black Sands' last year, I found that getting my cast together was exceptionally difficult. I am hoping this time I will be more prepared both in getting my whole team together as well as directing, having had no experience of directing whilst filming 'Black Sands'.

Who is your audience?
I think my film will appeal to a teenagers and young adults. A lot of my inspiration has come from productions such as 'The Shannara Chronicles', 'Merlin' and 'Lord of the Rings' whose ratings range from 12-15 which is an ideal age range for me.

How are you going to deal with the costumes and makeup to create your filmic world?
Costumes and makeup are a major part of my filmic world in my short film. Costume wise, it is proving very interesting to capture the personality and stereotypes of the characters that will be portrayed in the film. Even though some of the costumes have a gothic/medieval sort of theme, I will be using modern clothing in order to create medieval styled costumes. Regarding the makeup of the film, I have always visioned the two protagonists (Sienna and Melodie) as having neutral makeup which didn't make them stand out in society but still somehow highlights their characters.

How long will this film be?
I'm hoping my film with be no more than five minutes long. Although I have a lot of shots planned, the film is quite fast sequenced so it should be ok.

How are you going to film the fight scene?
If you've been reading my blog then you will know that I have recently been studying fight scenes in films and did a whole post on it called: Studying Fight/Action Sequences. I have figured that I will most likely have to film my fight scenes more than once, probably at least three times from different angles, and that it would be useful for my actors to practice the choreography of the sequence before actually filming. This will ensure a better quality fight scene as the actors will then be aware of what they should be doing as well as being in the best interests of the actors so that they do not harm themselves.

My film was well received by the rest of my media group and we are all eager to see how the film develops into my finished product.

Film Treatment

Writing A Film Treatment

As I am currently doing my film treatment for my coursework I decided to actually do some research into film treatments e.g. what a film treatment actually is, what to include etc.

A film treatment is an outline of the original product that is desired to be created.

What to include in a film treatment:
- a short logline
- introduction to protagonists and key characters
- who, what, when, where and why
- Act One in one to three paragraphs (set scene, dramatise main conflicts)
- Act Two in two to six paragraphs (show how conflicts in Act One lead to final crisis)
- Act Three in one to three paragraphs (final conflict and resolution)

Short Film Potential Soundtrack

This is my current potential soundtrack for my final piece. I am slightly concerned that this may be too dark for my original piece, however I have noticed that many fantasy films (especially those set in the modern day) are quite dark or have many gothic-like elements such as the soundtrack to 'The Mortal Instruments'.

I will be asking my class and potential audience as to what they think of this soundtrack to determine what the final product will be like.

'Halfbreed' Official Script

SCENE ONE: EXT. STREET - DAY  
A girl runs down a heavily wooded street, veering towards the trees in an attempt to loose a figure pursuing her. She falls and is caught.

NARRATOR [SIENNA]

In the days before my ascension, I was a wanted criminal. But after I was taken to the Woodland City, my fate was sealed by my own blood.

Figure smiles wickedly down at SIENNA.

MELODIE

Well, if it isn’t the halfbreed.

INSERT TITLE: ‘HALFBREED’

MELODIE leads SIENNA through the trees with SIENNA gagged and her hands bound. Two people approach and MELODIE and SIENNA hide. 

MELODIE lifts her finger to her lips.

MELODIE

Quiet.

SIENNA looks at MELODIE and screams against her gag.

MELODIE

Their deaths are on you.

MELODIE leaves SIENNA and fights the two people. One approaches SIENNA, attempting to free her before MELODIE returns and fights them too. MELODIE looks down at SIENNA.

MELODIE: 

Get up.

MELODIE hauls SIENNA to her feet.

SCENE TWO: EXT. FOREST - DUSK  
SIENNA is tied to a tree whilst MELODIE sleeps in a makeshift camp in the woods. SIENNA manages to remove the gag from her mouth. MELODIE sighs.

MELODIE

I wouldn’t scream if I were you.

SIENNA

I know you’re not going to kill me.

MELODIE smirks.

MELODIE

Oh? And why is that?

SIENNA

If you were going to kill me, you would’ve done it already.

MELODIE lies back down.

MELODIE

You should rest, halfbreed.

SIENNA

If you’re not going to kill me, what do you want?

MELODIE sighs and gets up, walking towards SIENNA and crouching down in front of her.

SIENNA

Spit it out.

MELODIE places the gag back over SIENNA’s mouth.

MELODIE

You talk too much. Once we’re in the city, you’ll be at the mercy of our leader and she will not have the same mercy I have given you.

SCENE THREE: EXT. FOREST - DAY

MELODIE walks with SIENNA to a formation of trees where the WOODLAND QUEEN stands.

MELODIE bows.

MELODIE

My lady, I bring you the daughter of the Darkened One.

The WOODLAND QUEEN turns to look at them.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Really?

The WOODLAND QUEEN steps towards SIENNA. She inclines her head and snaps her fingers. 

GUARD appears.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Take away the Lady Melodie. I will call on her when she is of more use.

GUARD takes hold of MELODIE

MELODIE

My lady? I did as you asked. I have earned my freedom.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You are a traitor to our people, as is this girl’s father. Perhaps it runs in your blood? You are - as you know - related by blood.

The WOODLAND QUEEN smiles wickedly.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You are what…cousins? Or was it half-sisters?

MELODIE

You promised me that I’d be free.

WOODLAND QUEEN

And I will decide when you have earned that freedom. For now, you still have potential and so you will obey like the prisoner and traitor that you are.

MELODIE is led away by GUARD

SIENNA looks at the WOODLAND QUEEN in fear.

SIENNA

What do you want with me?

WOODLAND QUEEN

It’s not what I want with you but what I want from you.

SIENNA

I know nothing.

WOODLAND QUEEN

We’ll see about that.

SCENE FOUR: EXT. FOREST - DAY

SIENNA is tied against a tree, bloodied and wounded. MELODIE is also tied up nearby.

MELODIE

What did I tell you?

SIEENA looks at MELODIE

SIENNA

You’re my sister!?

MELODIE

Blood means nothing to me.

SIENNA

Blood is everything! I’m your family!

MELODIE

And what has my family ever done for me! They abandoned me to rot in the forest, framed as a traitor and spy after our father left for the modern world. Do you really think that because we share the same blood that I should have felt something? I don’t even know you. I was unaware of your existence until the Woodland Queen spoke to me of you and issued me to track you down.

SIENNA

Why does she want me? Why does she even want you?

MELODIE

Our father defied her rule. He escaped and she doesn’t know how. She’s been trying to get me to tell for years. I have no idea what he did. He left before I could talk, leaving my mother to raise me on her own.

SIENNA

That isn’t my fault.

MELODIE turns away.

MELODIE

No, it isn’t.

GUARD enters and speaks to MELODIE.

GUARD

The Woodland Queen requires your presence

GUARD leads MELODIE away.

SCENE FIVE: EXT. FOREST - DAY

MELODIE is stood before the WOODLAND QUEEN.

WOODLAND QUEEN

You have failed me, Melodie. I had such high hopes for you…you’ll get your freedom when you die, traitor.

WOODLAND QUEEN snaps her finger and GUARD comes to her side.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Hold her still.

MELODIE struggles against GUARD’s grasp.

WOODLAND QUEEN

For now, I’ll send a message to all rebels out there…with the death of my traitor brother’s precious daughters. Starting with you.

WOODLAND QUEEN breaks MELODIE’s nose.

SCENE SIX: EXT. FOREST - AFTERNOON

SIENNA wriggles free from her bonds. She approaches MELODIE who is still tied up with a broken nose and bloody lip. SIENNA unties MELODIE’s ropes.

MELODIE looks up.

MELODIE

What are you doing? You’ll get yourself killed if you try and escape.

SIENNA

Come with me!

MELODIE shakes her head.

MELODIE

My mother attempted to follow our father to the modern world when I was seven. The Woodland Queen found out and killed my mother on sight. If she sees you, she’ll have your head too.

MELODIE looks back down

MELODIE

No one defies her rule.

SIENNA

You don’t understand, Melodie.

MELODIE tenses as SIENNA says her name.

SIENNA

I want you to become the Woodland Queen.

MELODIE

Why would you want that?

SIENNA

Because you want revenge…just as I do.

MELODIE sighs

MELODIE

I’ll deal with the Woodland Queen

SIENNA

But—

MELODIE

Run!

SCENE SEVEN: EXT. FOREST - DUSK

MELODIE stands behind the WOODLAND QUEEN

MELODIE

My lady…

WOODLAND QUEEN turns to look at MELODIE.

WOODLAND QUEEN

Melodie?

MELODIE attacks WOODLAND QUEEN. She falls to the floor and looks up at MELODIE.

MELODIE

No one can cast a queen from her kingdom. They can only remove opposition. Does that sound familiar, my lady? You said that to me the day you took the life of my mother.

END.

© Story by CP Media15