Iconic Historic Film Posters

As part of my coursework I also have to create a film poster for my film. Therefore I decided to look at iconic film posters from the fantasy genre. Firstly I decided to look at a selection of posters based off medieval legends due to the medieval themes in my short film. I decided to firstly look at the posters from the television series Vikings. I like the simplicity of the poster of the Vikings symbol as it is the series symbol submerged under water which links to the key themes of the vikings setting sail to discover the world. The design of the symbol being entirely made out of blood is also very interesting and follows the continuous theme of battle and war throughout the series. I also like the design of the symbol as the runes combined in the symbol mean family life, growth and life, brotherhood, technology and ship building, violence and the marks of conflict . This subtle collaboration of themes throughout the series is very clever and I like this idea. I decided to look at a different poster from the same season of Vikings to compare. I chose one of the singular character posters which is often a stereotypical idea of both television shows and films to produce a collection of posters with singular characters portrayed on them. The poster I chose to look at continues the theme of blood and conflict with the character of Bjorn striding through bloodstained tides carrying a spear and shield. 

I then looked at the poster to the Ridley Scott film 'Robin Hood' starring Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe. Unlike television series a film poster seems to portray just the main character and therefore makes the audience focus solely on that character. Something that I noticed with both the 'Robin Hood' poster and the 'Vikings' poster of the characters is that the colour scheme is very cold as it is full of greys and blues. Noticeably both posters also have the character breaking the fourth wall and looking directly into the camera. The character of Robin Hood is shown looking directly into the camera as though he is aiming to shoot the audience with the arrow knocked onto the bow whilst the poster of Bjorn from Vikings has him looking directly into the camera as he emerges from crimson water. Therefore it is recognisable that both films seem to focus on the conflict within the film/television show.

Magazine Article Planning

For my A2 coursework I have to make a magazine article on my short film so I recently decided to start looking at film articles. I have been subscribed to EMPIRE magazine for just over a year now and decided to leaf through my massive stack of magazines last night. I looked at articles that are linked to the fantasy genre but I also looked at some of the articles written for a few of my favourite films.

Firstly I looked at the article EMPIRE wrote on the film 'Pride + Prejudice + Zombies'. Although this film is classified as a thriller I liked the aesthetic of the article. After reading the book two years ago the film soon became one of my favourites with a impressive cast including Lily James, Sam Riley, Lena Headey, Charles Dance, Bella Heathcote and Douglas Booth. The article is ultimately six pages long (including a two page poster) and is sectioned into five. The poster of Mr Bingley fighting off a hoard of zombies is the first part of the article titled 'Dead Posh' and then goes onto the sections of 'The Scrappy Couple' introducing the main characters portrayed by Sam Riley (Darcy) and Lily James (Elizabeth Bennet), 'Lena and Meaner' giving the reader a brief bit of context before introducing Lena Headey's adaptation of Mr Darcy's aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The articles continue with 'Further Afield In England' which talks about the filming locations, 'Steers At The Helm' where the director is mentioned and briefly interviewed, and the final article is called 'Fun With Bingley and Jane' which talks about the other romance aside from Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. I like how the article is structured with some of the text being written over the images - both from photoshoots and the film itself - whilst one article is written on a plain background with a picture next to it.

I then flicked through the article of fantasy-horror film 'Crimson Peak'. Although I'm not a fan of horror films 'Crimson Peak' is still one of my favourite films, exploring the life of a young woman named Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) in 1887 who believes she can see ghosts before being whisked away after her father's sudden death to marry English baronet Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). I decided to look at the article in EMPIRE because it is closer to my chosen genre of fantasy than 'Pride + Prejudice + Zombies' is, although both share certain horror elements. Similar to the previous article I studied, EMPIRE's article starts with a two page poster of the film with a simple shot of Sir Thomas Sharpe and his sister Lucille Sharpe in the gothic mansion where the film is set. The article then goes on to review the film with a collage of four pictures in the centre of the four page article with quotes from the director on the images. For example, actress Mia Wasikowska who plays Edith quotes that "For Edith, it's [the film] about learning to fear the living, not the dead".

I then went on to look a fantasy article on the hit television show 'Game of Thrones'. Having watched all of the current seasons of the show, 'Game of Thrones' was probably a inspiration for my short film due to the medieval themes throughout the show. The article to 'Game of Thrones' was similar to the one for 'Crimson Peak' however the quotes were not just from actors but some were also used from the characters themselves. The article seems to focus a lot on the main characters as well as new ones as well as the locations that the show is set in e.g. the introduction of Dorne or the progress of the Daenerys and her dragons. The article also talks about casting and who may have played the character and who actually did play the character. Alternatively I could do something like this but perhaps find a character that I took inspiration from.

Alternatively, I found at least three articles on 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'! I have been a fan of J.R.R.Tolkien's books since I was eleven. In one of 'The Hobbit' articles I noticed it seemed to focus a lot on the introduction of the company of dwarves (shocker) and the elves which I think would be useful for my article to focus on the notion of the dryads in the forest. By the third selection of articles I noticed that EMPIRE tend to use the same format over and over again and either use quotes from the film, director or actors.

Another one of my favourite articles was for Marvel's film 'Dr Strange'. As a fantasy film, I enjoyed the whole aspect of fantasy in the modern day. The aesthetic of the article merges with the fantastical and magical themes throughout the film which I like and would like to use in my own article.

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.

Searching for a Location: An Unexpected Journey

Recently I have been searching for locations to film my short film. I have received numerous recommendations for sets such as Black Park or Cliveden Forest so I decided to do some research on these areas.

Black Park must be one of the most famous forests in Buckinghamshire having been used for many film productions, especially being near to Pinewood Studios. It consists of 530 acres of heathland, woodland and grassland and would be perfected for my woodland themed short film. The park has been described as one long, continuous film set and has been used for many popular films and television shows such as: Midsomer Murders, Sleep Hollow (1999), Ridley Scott's adaptation of Robin Hood (2011), Black Beauty and all of the Harry Potter films.

Cliveden is also a possibility to use as it reasonably close and I have been round the forests before. Obviously, I am not interested in using the main house nor the temples and gardens as it is not required nor would it fit with the style of my short film. However, a list of famous films and television shows have been filmed there such as Sherlock Holmes (2008), Cinderella (2015) and Mr Selfridge (Season 4, 2016).

Having looked at some of the few that were suggested that were reasonably accessible, I decided to start researching some examples which were famous in films which were still accessible but a little further than what I was hoping to use.

Experimenting With Effects

Concept Images For Characters

Although this has taken longer than expected, I have finally got a date set to film and therefore decided it would only be right to post the finalisations to my characters in 'Halfbreed'.

When designing Sienna's character I decided I wanted to present her as quite innocent and not drawing too much attention to herself, having her blend into the crowd. This made me look into different colours to add meaning. I immediately looked at the colour grey which is one of my favourite colours as well as one that is often used in costume design for bland characters. The colour light grey when used in nature is a feminine colour which I thought was very interesting and are attributed to white which presents qualities of purity and innocence which would definitely link to Sienna's character. I also decided that using a young actress who was blonde would stereotypically attribute to the audience's expectations of an innocent, young character. I would like her character to wear neutral looking makeup due to the medieval theme throughout and her hair will most likely be loose or twisted alike to the styles above in my concept images.  

Melodie's character design is alike to Sienna's however she is much more warrior-like and therefore is less feminine and more of a feminist figure than her younger half-sister who stereotypically is the damsel in distress (a typical character in fantasy films). Ultimately I imagine Melodie's character to look similarly to what the Guard would wear with boots, breeches and a tunic or shaggy dress. Her hair will either be loose or pulled into an elvish sort of natural style with plait/s underneath which can only be seen if she twists her head etc. Her makeup is supposed to be quite autumnal so that it reflects her natural element and therefore I'm considering going with a subtle eyeshadow and mascara, perhaps a little colour on the lips or some eyeliner as well.

The Woodland Queen's character is extremely dark and spends her whole time in the woodland avoiding the modern world and it's cities, wearing entirely black clothing. She could be described as being quite gothic which rather accurate to the medieval theme that I wanted. She wears boots, a collection layered ragged black clothing, darkish makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner...) and has long black hair which has a plait through it with raven feathers woven into it. 

The Guard's character design in my short film is based off of her mysterious nature. I took a lot of inspiration from the viking style of makeup and hair and intend to make the Guard a character that is just as fierce as she is feminine. Makeup wise I would like the Guard to wear a lot of dark makeup round her eyes which would probably mainly be eyeliner whilst the rest of her face remains natural.    

'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: