Ashif Alucin
Welcome to my blog
UAL Level 3 Creative Media
Ideas:
I was around a few people in class today discussing their ideas for their project. I had an idea, but I did not have a narrative planned out like they did. My idea of creating a film referencing my development and previous projects, most definitely, was not enough to create a film. Therefore, I decided to leech some inspiration from my peers discussion. What I gathered was the theme of drugs is still a dated interest towards young adults. I had decided to create a drug themed narrative. I did already want to gravitate towards the dark comedy genres. Luckily, there are many dark comedies linked to drugs such as the iconic "Trainspotting". These dark comedies will be excellent material to study. However, as of now, I do not have much faith in myself in writing a dark comedy, therefore I will stick with the simpler drama or comedy-drama.
Two unlikely acquaintances find themselves in a position where both their interests align: to find the ultimate strain of weed that'll provide the ultimate high. The journey slowly progresses towards a sinister path that ends with deadly consequences.
Two college students find themselves in a peculiar situation: although both are unacquainted, they both quickly form an intimate bond, almost like they already knew each other... However, due to one's weaknesses - insecurities- they find themselves in a situation that can lead be fatal.
I will stick with the first logline because there is potential for a cohesive plot.
The second logline is too safe, and there is not really story.
Decision:
Potential Log lines:
Synopsis:
Joe, an ordinary loner, wakes up to the thought of utilising his new camera. As soon as he picks up his camera, he hears a door knock. He, naturally, puts his camera to use by using them as his eyes. He opens the door to be met with a hostile stranger. This stranger takes the camera, and he assigns himself as the new user. Both young adults go to Joe's room to start a conversation.
The intentions of the stranger were clear - to get his hands on the newer strain of cannabis. However, Joe no longer had access to the drugs. Or so he thought...
After a mild epiphany, Joe realises that he still has what the stranger is looking for stashed in his sock.
However, the use of this drugs amplifies weaknesses of both individuals that in the end leads to the death of Joe, through the hands of the stranger
Genre:
The film will be, in short, a drama. This is, primarily, because I will follow the conventions of a drama for this film. However, there will be overtones of a comedy-drama. The narrative will be pretty concise. Unlike my previous film, this film should be more easily understood narrative-wise because I have a more clear direction. What I found helpful was a simple question: "what does the protagonist want?". This question came from a website that wrote some on Aaron Sorkin's writing tips, which you can find in my "Research sources" page. What is important is that we know what the intentions and obstacles are, and this is what makes drama, says Aaron.
Props:
Since drugs are a theme, we will need something that can substitute weed - something legal. I will use crushed menthol. I will link an example image and a vendor. I will use this to substitute the look of weed. Nothing illegal will be done - we will not promote substance abuse in film. The use of drugs will only be shown for satirical effect. For example, like how it is used in the show "Atlanta".
I will use fake blood that I buy from the Clapham joke shop. I will, also, use a hammer from Joe's house.
Target Audience
The age group, to me, is pretty clear: I will be targeting teens and young adults. The narrative concept, and the entire idea of the project, had naturally catered to young adults. Mainly because, my intention with this project was to have fun with it and integrate things that I find entertaining. I am my target audience. Although, I added things that I did not care much about, such as cannabis usage, I know I would find this entertaining to watch in film, also I this does help me stay true to my target audience.
I had thought about the psycho-graphic of this audience - "The Strugglers" - with what they would gravitate to regarding consumption of media and their general personality. I found myself to look towards interests that are more universal, even maybe stereotypical. For example, I know the taboo - drugs and violence - would be a universal interest to most individuals at the age group that I am looking at. There is a need for independency at these ages, therefore, even if there is conscious retaliation towards rebellious behaviour, some form of rebellion would be natural. This is a reason why the taboo is attractive to my audience. The truth of this statement should drop the older the audience is. However, the more rebellious lifestyle the individual has, the more they suit my targeted audience. Because, I'd imagine they would be more lenient to more "fun" movies, such as "Kill Bill", compared to a more stubborn older individual. However, my film will not include the excess of violence like in Kill Bill, nor include the drug abuse from one of my research sources, "Trainspotting". This is because I want to work with the time and budget I have. Therefore, my short film will be more bland. If I am to use media terminology, I will be targeting "The Strugglers" for the reasons I stated.