Pre-Production: Shergar Idea
When researching into project ideas I decided to watch television programmes to see if I could be inspired by anything. The best research is to watch what the professionals have done (and I don't mean Bodie and Doyle). I came across the fairly new television show White Gold. I was instantly captivated by its plot, setting and the uniqueness of the way its delivered. It would break the fourth wall and speak to the audience as the protagonist Vincent Swan, as he goes along explaining his thought process. This is something that has been typically used in theatre and in sitcom Maranda. However, the way it is done is not cheesy, it actually comes across swerve and is very effective. The era in which it is set (early 1980's) is challenging today as you need to stay accurate to the time, with the exception of an artistic licence). Although some of the music used isn't all of the era since they merge in some 90s hiphop instrumental occasionally it still works really well. Other shows set in an era will usually try and replicate the exact music like with BBC Drama 'Life on Mars' where its music is a running theme.
After watching this I knew I wanted to set myself the challenge of basing it in a similar era (70s/80s). So I decided to research into significant events and even not so significant events of the time. This was a very broad spectrum and I found myself caught up in specific events that are very well documented. However, I dint want to use something that everyone knew about as it wouldn't allow me to through in my own plot (I would probably find myself having to making it historically accurate). White Gold uses an industry PVC Window salesmen which is something that was wide spread at the time, fairly simple and accurate of a working class job prominent in the 80's. It's not something as generic of just being about music and fashion (stuff the 80s is typically remembered for). Conspiracy theories would allow me to create my own interpretation through research, to produce a short film or TV Pilot on that subject. I then researched different conspiracy theories of the time. Something that really stood out to me was the kidnapping of Shergar, the race horse. This was a fairly small story that isn't very well documented today, although it was big news at the time. The more I looked into the story the more intrigued I became, and the more ideas I came up with to carry my story.
"It was believed Shergar - valued at £10m - was taken by the IRA, which was short of money and looking for new sources of funding." (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44383969)
This story had a fantastic mixture of drama, historical interest, intrigue, conspiracy and violence. And to top it off it's an original plot (the closest thing I can compare it to is War Horse).
Immediately I messaged Jack with the news to see what he thought of the idea and if he had any ideas. This was an idea that really led me to be inspired my story today,
After watching this I knew I wanted to set myself the challenge of basing it in a similar era (70s/80s). So I decided to research into significant events and even not so significant events of the time. This was a very broad spectrum and I found myself caught up in specific events that are very well documented. However, I dint want to use something that everyone knew about as it wouldn't allow me to through in my own plot (I would probably find myself having to making it historically accurate). White Gold uses an industry PVC Window salesmen which is something that was wide spread at the time, fairly simple and accurate of a working class job prominent in the 80's. It's not something as generic of just being about music and fashion (stuff the 80s is typically remembered for). Conspiracy theories would allow me to create my own interpretation through research, to produce a short film or TV Pilot on that subject. I then researched different conspiracy theories of the time. Something that really stood out to me was the kidnapping of Shergar, the race horse. This was a fairly small story that isn't very well documented today, although it was big news at the time. The more I looked into the story the more intrigued I became, and the more ideas I came up with to carry my story.
"It was believed Shergar - valued at £10m - was taken by the IRA, which was short of money and looking for new sources of funding." (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44383969)
This story had a fantastic mixture of drama, historical interest, intrigue, conspiracy and violence. And to top it off it's an original plot (the closest thing I can compare it to is War Horse).
Immediately I messaged Jack with the news to see what he thought of the idea and if he had any ideas. This was an idea that really led me to be inspired my story today,
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