Developing the AV Script

Over the last few weeks I've been developing my script and charactersand now I am working on my AV script.

I started off by trying to jump straight into the AV script from my synopsis.  Turns out that writing just what is seen and heard in a single shot is kinda hard, especially without the full scipt having been written.

It probably doesn't help that AV script isn't standard practice for trailers as these would often be edited together after the fact, but I can see the benefit for managing the filming of things like B-roll footage.    

Developing an AV Script

Anyway, so, instead I decided on a few scenes and wrote them in screenplay format.  Then I chose moments out of these to put into the trailer.

I found myself questioning whether some scenes should have a place in the trailer or not, especially ones containing backstory.  However I felt in the end that if I wasn't to show any of this in the trailer then the general idea for the project wouldn't come across as easily.   

I think if I were writing the full story that there are definitely areas I would want to develop differently in a future edit.  I would probably alter the how and why backstory and allow it to be gradually pieced together through Alex's memories.  As it is though I'm not sure that these are developed enough in my own head to work into the story.

Besides, since time is short, VFX is intensive and these scenes would never make it into the trailer (too spoiler filled) I will put that aside as potential development for this as a future project.       

Virtual Reality: Character Concepts

Some character concepts I have been working on for Don's film Virtual Reality which I am Art Directing.   

Destruction Tutorials

Some Tutorials to check out later:





http://www.digitaltutors.com/tutorial/2104-Simulating-a-Disintegration-Effect-in-Maya

VFX in Castle of Glass

I just happened to be listening to music on a Youtube Playlist while doing some writing and this song came on.  When I clicked my browser to see what song it was I was just in time to see the house destruction (1:07 in the above video) which was similar to what I want to achieve in one of the scenes in my trailer.  What are the chances.

So here's a snazzy VFX breakdown.  Of course all that tracking of camera movements and that massive greenscreen studio are a bit beyond my means.   

Making Monsters: Silhouettes

Just working on some ideas for the 'nightmares' for my project.  Just basic silhouettes still. 

The Inbetween: Developing a World

The Inbetween is set inside a network of minds, the world and its contents plucked from the minds of its inhabitants.  What exists in this world are things that are grounded in reality but warped in the same way that dreams or nightmares are.  The nature of this world creates a large diversity across different areas.  

Carrying on from this point the designs of this world need to be grounded in reality, but slightly confused.  Because the majority of the film plays out inside a giant mind network this gives me a lot of freedom in my designs but also presents the problem of how to keep different areas of the world connected.

For the main centre or hub of the world I’ve been looking at interesting old architecture, such as subway tunnels, train stations and churches. Busy, twisted, enclosed.  It should have a rich but broken look.  The area will have a warm colour palette and lighting but without being vibrant.  This is the area where people gather, where they feel safest, and the tone will reflect this.

Unfortunately this is difficult location-wise so will require a greenscreen shoot or compromise should a near suitable location be found. 

Here's a collection of images which give an idea of what I'm thinking for this area:

An important point in the concept is the idea that the majority of the film takes place in the minds of the characters.  What physically exists in this world is directly related what knowledge each character has.  An area I intend to use in the trailer is the treehouse.  It is a space within the world that reflects one of the characters, and their way of thinking.  It is more fantastical and warm than the other areas. Think greens, yellows and sunlight.  Currently this is only a minor area so I might considered looking for an actual location to film in, perhaps even a park or playground alternatively.

Last, but certainly not least I have the Void, an emptiness surrounding the maze-like Inbetween.  The Void will be shot completely on greenscreen.  It is cool, cold and dark with glimpses of bright coloured light.  The Void ripples like water.

 

Developing a Story: Initial Concept

What following is the initial concept with I am working on developing further.  The story takes place in The Inbetween and follows a small group of the inhabitants. 

Synopsis:

The Inbetween.  The inhabitants aren’t sure what this place actually is, or how they got there.   Each faction holds a different opinion.  Perhaps they are really dead, or dreaming.  Or perhaps the conspiracy theorists are right and they are subjects of a psychological experiment.  

 

Opinions remain divided.  But, they do know that this world isn’t real.  Not in the sense that the physical world is.  This world is shaped by the inhabitants’ thoughts and memories.  For some it is like a prison, for others a paradise.  But The Inbetween is also haunted by nightmares and the terrifying creatures known as Reapers.  

When a young woman wakes up in The Inbetween with no memories of her former life it isn’t long before she encounters the inhabitants of The Inbetween and tries to piece together both her own fragmented memories and the secrets of this strange world.

However, when her new friend is taken by a Reaper she decides to join in the ill-advised rescue mission which will see the group venturing into the void where travellers either disappear for good or find themselves drawn back to where they started.    

The Inbetween is a fantasy, drama, action film with a primary target audience of 15-25 year olds.   

The film will contain a combination of Visual Effects (VFX) and live action and utilise the Greenscreen where necessary. 

For this project a 2 minute trailer will be created to showcase the feature film concept.