Story Telling Unit- Project Evaluation

On balance I am very pleased with the final outcome of this unit. I certainly feel my knowledge has improved. I have worked independently with both my idea development, research and filming of my two minute film trailer. This unit was an interesting experience for me because I had never actually written a proper screenplay before. I enjoyed everything from coming up with the idea for my short film to actually producing a trailer for it with locations and crew. Although it wasn't the most enjoyable aspect, I even found it useful filling out a detailed risk assessment. In industry, I realise how valuable and highly regarded they are; most productions are unable to go ahead without a completed risk assessment to ensure the safety of the public, cast and crew.

Unfortunately, after filming my trailer and editing it beyond the rough cut, one of my peers accidentally replaced my footage when importing a file to my hard drive. This resulted in the majority of my footage being deleted. I had filmed more than what I needed for my final project, as I always feel its better to do so; its always better to have too much footage than too little. I attempted to overcome this my dilemma by using that spare footage. However, I wasn't completely satisfied with the footage, hence why I didn't use the originally. It also left my trailer with clips and no substance, so it was difficult for the story to come across. I was then retired to make a professional decision. Do I use what footage I do have and have a below average trailer, or do I travel back to Worcester, get more location permission and ask my actors if they would be willing to film again, in order to produce a film trailer I am completely satisfied with. If I was working in industry, there would be an even bigger problem; my films low budget so I haven't really lost much money, time has been the biggest sacrifice. In industry, it would’ve been a wasted cost for actors, locations, crew, props and equipment. The budget and expenses would probably decide wether to re-shoot or not. However, I have learned some valuable lessons from this eventuality, the first being what would happen in industry and to always keep several backups. Though it was demotivation at first, I had to overcome what had already happened and do my best to overcome it.  Luckily , my actors were willing enough to film again, otherwise I would've been lost.

The actors I used for this project were from the local theatre group. I initially had application interest from CastCalling Pro which was a ver useful website. However, after speaking to the Kent Film Office it became apparent tat I would have to pay for locations to use the inside of a house and church and the outside of a care home. This became nearly impossible to orchestrate in Kent on such a low budget so I tried enquiring in Worcestershire, where I live. I knew the people who ran the theatre company, so asked them if they knew anyone who would be interested, and lucky found Wayne Antony and Jamie David came forward. I had my actors, now all I needed was the locations. The majority of scenes I planned to film at the church so this was the biggest priority. After getting in touch with a local church, I found I was able to film there on the Saturday. I also knew the owner of the Mill House Care Home, and asked if it was possible to film some shots just outside, not inside as I wouldn’t want to disturb any residents or their families; they very kindly agreed.

The goal with this unit was to be able to learn and develop our creative skills in the art of screenwriting, and to learn how to develop a proper script with an interesting story. I chose to write my story the way I did as I wanted the audience to follow William on his journey, and gradually have his past life and present life puzzle together. At first it would appear to being this elderly vicar who lives a relatively normal life, but they soon find his traumatic past, and that he is not as mentally stable as it would first appear. I also wanted to portray some genuine messages regarding Alzheimer's and how drastically it can effect someone. William isn't the same man he once was. I also wanted to show my audience the vulnerability of the elderly in our society, as I feel they are neglected in comparison to other charities like children's, which are still important, but it would be nice to put them on a similar level. Most doctors and nurses looking after an elderly patient would just see them and think its just another old person, and perhaps wouldn’t be as willing to give them the care and attention they need. But the shouldn't be the case; they are still human being’s with families who don't see just an old person, they see a friend, mentor, father, husband, role model, someone they love beyond measure.

I also didn't want to make the film predictable if I could; which can be common with scripts that puzzle together. However, this wasn't easy and I felt my first draft was a little to predictable. After speaking to Steve Coombs, he recommended that I don't make him an average old man at the start as I had initially intended. He said to actually have him put his vicar clothes on as though he is an average old vicar instead. People wouldn’t necessarily predict that he is no longer a vicar and that he suffers dementia.

I have found this storytelling unit both engaging and challenging; before I started I had no idea on the formula to writing a good script. I came to the realisation that screenwriters don't get as much credit as they deserve; theres a lot more to it than I initially thought. Most scripts I had read previously were for stage plays. They both share a lot of similar features, but I found a screenplay to being much more structured. You write exactly what the audience can see on screen, and there is usually little need to explain the reasoning behind the way things are being done. I was particularly pleased in this unit with the amount of time we were allocated to film and edit. I was able to travel to Worcestershire to film, which is quite a distance from Kent. I used all of my time constructively, when researching, learning, essay writing, finding actors, finding locations, shooting and editing. It was just as well I did start organising actors and locations early because as it turned out I was unable to film in Kent.

In conclusion I am very satisfied with my final project. I came across several obstacles along the way, but did eventually manage to overcome them. I did enjoy screenwriting, but mainly the element of developing an original idea from my imagination, and writing about something that has meaning to me. However, I have learnt that screenwriting isn't my forte, and a career path I would chose. Thats not to say that I haven't found it beneficial or insightful; its been a great experience for me. I am satisfied my script, film trailer, blogger, research and essays.