Preliminary video: Mystigen

Soul : soundtrack choices

Stand as one (ost) :

we decided to use this song in order to build tension at the end of the opening to when Grace finally breaks free from Demi's hold over her in the interrogation room. It also has this mystic feel to the soundtrack as it represents the supernatural side to Grace and her relationship to the Xaviour.

Furthermore when Grace is disconnected for Demi for the first time the atmosphere changes as the music also changes, giving the audience a completely different outlook on Grace and what her feelings truly are. The shift of tone also plays a part in the pace of the opening as the sequence of questions and flash backs are fast paced along with the music the sudden change in the soundtrack slows everything down and gives the audience a chance to feel somewhat safe and at ease as they are now in the same mind set as Grace.

Dragon Whisper:

With this soundtrack, while playing in through the interrogation it creates a very intense and unsettling atmosphere. As the soundtrack begins with Grace half way through her voice over, the 5 syllable lyric starts with a sinister back beat which creates a mood of suspicion as well as seriousness. When the drumming sound comes into play the situation then intensifies as it is at the same position as Demi enters the Mac room in order to start interrogating Grace. This hints to the audience that Demi carries this sense of authority as the sound of the music changes so does the atmosphere of the sequence playing on screen. This only creates more tension for the audience to take in as they continue to feel on the edge of their seats as the song goes on the situation builds until the CCTV camera goes off, then highlighting the change in mood.  

Soul : Shot List

Type of shot	Length	Why?	What effect?
Mid shot	3 seconds(from 00:12)	So we are introduced the protagonist of the story straight away, being introduced to her current predicament	Causes the audience to wonder why she is there and what happened before this point of the story.
Close up	3 seconds(from 00:15)	As the audio is playing and Grace is looking around from this angle it gives the illusion that the speech is in her head but being broadcast to the audience, almost like a soliloquy	This makes the first connection with Grace and the audience as well as continuing to peak the audience’s curiosity over why she is there, what she is talking about and who it is aimed at.
Mid shot	5 seconds (from 00:18)	So that the video sequence can further back up and illuminate what Grace is saying.	As the audio ends the audience is left on a cliff hanger as to what Grace may have been referring to. (which is then concluded at the end of the film)
Over Head	3 seconds (from 00:23)	We had the camera in this position so that we could give off the illusion of it being a CCTV camera which is supposed to be monitoring Graces behaviour.	This then makes the audience even more aware of what is happening as if Grace is in trouble for something she has done however the audience soon realise she is in danger instead. Also the position of the camera could represent a power struggle where grace is on a much lower status than the people who appear to be monitoring her.
Establishing shot	4 seconds (from 00:26)	We used this in order to clearly show that Grace was on one of the screens of the computers showing that the CCTV footage is being broadcast there; indicating that these are the people responsible for Graces imprisonment as well as an extreme difference in scenery	This creates an uneasy feeling towards the audience as to what these people are up to and what they want with Grace as well as if they are good or bad which becomes debated through the whole film.
Over shoulder	3 seconds (from 00:30)	We wanted it to seem as though the over the shoulder shot was directed towards Grace where they are having an indirect conversation. This links to the conversations they have throughout the film where they are never face to face until Grace decides to assault Demi herself.	This was to create the effect that both characters are still linked together as well as hint to the audience that Demi never intentionally meant to help Grace to the full extent she was saying considering she would never see her face to face.  Furthermore the fact that Demi feels the need to morph her voice so that Grace could not determine who is talking to her.
Point of view	2 seconds (from 00:33	We wanted to have this shot for the question paper to further emphasize its importance and hint to the audience why Grace is in the institution as well as focusing on the writing on the paper, showing an inside to the character. Also the fact that the paper was written shows how last minute Grace was to be accepted into the institution.	This would give further depth to the character as well as let the audience have a brief idea as to why she is there
Extreme Close up	2 seconds (from 00:43)	We wanted to use an extreme close up on the hand moving towards the button so then when we cut to the next scene and the speech was herd we then know that the microphone has been enabled.	The slow moving towards the button would then build up tension for the audience as to what the button Demi was reaching towards might do especially since we saw in the previous shot that Grace was on the computer monitor.
Over the shoulder	5 seconds (from 1:11)	In this shot we wanted the camera to capture the home environment around grace with her still being in the shot. Also so that, on top of seeing Grace, we could also see clearly when the TV is turned off on its own and then see the reaction out of Grace.	This sudden change of setting as well as lighting to show that this place is supposed be a place of comfort and serenity where Grace should be safe however with the paranormal activity occurring it then makes the audience on edge. Creating an unnatural and eerie feeling, causing the audience to further understand why she is there and that she needs help to this predicament; not from Demi though
Close up	1 second (from 1:16)	We wanted to clearly show that the remote was out of Graces reach so there was no way for it to turn off if she accidently touched or pushed a button.	This further plays on the audiences curiosity as if things seem to perfect to carry on, considering we saw the end result of where Grace ends up.
Point of view	4 seconds (from 1:18)	We felt that using a point of view shot to illuminate the paranormal activity in the room was the only option to use. Also it can show the panic within the shaking of the camera.	This makes the audience be put in the same position as she is by mirroring her fear and panic with the event unfolding around her. Also by seeing what she sees we are able to experience how violent the paranormal activity is, elaborating how vulnerable Grace seems at this point.
Close up	2 seconds (from 1:36)	At this point we wanted to have the Camera directly closed up on Demi’s face looking towards the screen so that it seems as though both characters are having a confrontation.	This makes the audience feel on edge considering two characters that are supposed to be helping each other are now almost challenging one another.
Close up	4 seconds (from 1:36)	This was the same angle as before however we wanted demi this time to look directly into the camera lens.	By doing this it makes Demi seem more intimidating and putting the audience in the same position as Grace where it seems as though Demi is looking straight at Grace. This almost patronizes the audience as well as Grace which is further supported through the question. It also gives the audience the first impression that Demi could be the antagonist.
Mid shot	4 seconds (from 1:52)	As the CCTV camera breaks and fizzles to static it also stops with the close up camera angles showing that while Demi is not watching over her she is free, as we see more of the room she is in as well as when she walks out of the room.	As the audience sees the change in camera tangles it then makes them feel as though Grace must escape quickly out of Demi’s reach. Furthermore we are introduced to the Xaviour and in the end fully questions where he is trying to help Grace or not.

Soul: Prop choice

our first prop was used for the interrogation room for grace to sit on. we decided to use a grey chair to suite as well as blend in with the rest of the room and make it seem like not a comfortable place to be in.

Our next prop was the TV remote used in the flash back to be the first vital and clear link to Grace actually being followed as well as haunted by the Xavior. We wanted to make it very clear in the scene that Grace couldn't have possibly turned the TV off and it wasn't an electrical cut out because the lights were still on; showing the remote when we did was a key point to show something was not right.

the last prop we used was the apple computer to be the link of recording and interaction with Demi and Grace. it was specifically white to embrace the pureness that Grace was emitting while she was on screen to go with the bright light it was emitting in the dark room. It also seemed like the right type of technology to use for this interaction.

Soul: Costume Choices

 Grace (Clover) ~

The protagonist of the story who, throughout the film, ages from 15 to 18 (15 in the beginning). This means she should be dressed appropriately like a teenager and not too old or to young, yet have kind of a toy boyish look to her as she will be travelling for the majority of the film. Also because of her name Grace is supposed to be seen as an angelic girl however because of the influence of the Xaviour she has turned to having a dark and sinister teenage look.

Here is the character profile for Grace, mostly dressed in blue and black are quite subtle colours as well as the blue representing the colour of the Xaviours spirit. This also represents tom boyish colours which help the audience to understand part of her personality as well as attitude without it being explained.

 

This character was also referenced to Lizbeth Salander from ‘Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ as she had an isolated look to her as she can handle herself and you wouldn't want to get in her way. This is the exact image we wanted for Grace, as she in vulnerable at the beginning of the film but slowly grows up to be an independent young adult, also showing the audience the stages of Teenage life and in the end breaking off from family to start on your own.

Demi ~

The antagonist of the Film and head of the institution who takes Grace under their wing to give her supposed support on the paranormal situations that unfold around her however is only interested in breaking the spiritual chain that connects Graces soul to the Xaviour. In the beginning of the story it seems as though Demi takes on a motherly role to looking after Grace however she is trying to deceive her which is why we wanted the characters to clash, both personalities as well as costume look. This is why Demi will be mostly in business clothes whereas Grace in more casual, scruffy teenager clothes.

The white clothes are supposed to give off a sense of purity and goodness which is the false lead we wanted to give Demi towards Grace. By being seen as a role model and wanting to help Grace. This is later on contradicted further into the film when the Xaviour reveals to Grace that Demi has evil intentions, thus she is revealed as a threat and enemy.

We decided to take Marissa Wiegler from the movie "Hanna" as inspiration for Demi's look by having her as a high status business looking and keeping a sense of power among her subordinates .









Demi's assistant ~

 

 

The antagonist's helper who was chosen by Demi to help uncover and get to the bottom of Grace's unusual supernatural case. We wanted her to be seen as a mini replica of demi but not have the same power status. Naturally we kept her dress code similar to Demi's with business attire and a mix of light and dark colouring however having more of a dark mix to symbolise that the both of them are not as good hearted towards Grace as they first seem.

Risk Assessment

What are the risks?

Actors/Crew, Props, Setting and Equipment

Actors/Crew not showing up

There may be the occasion that our Actors or Crew become unreliable or unavailable we should have others willing to substitute or take over as soon as possible. Problems with not having reliable Actors/Crew is when we have to shoot, if they are not there, this put the shoot on hold and could cause the time slots to be wasted if certain areas are booked for certain times and days. Although resolvable by having people on stand by, a contingency plan is always positive re-enforcement to the shoot itself, so if needed have a way to shoot the scene without extra crew, this could be done by using a Tri-Pod, or another stabilising device.  

Prop Safety

Depending on the Props used you have to be able to justify using them wisely and safely, if it is a prop made from paper or flimsy material then you have to be aware of weather conditions and where it is left, if paper props are used out side and it rains, then it will be ruined, if paper or flimsy props are left under something or something is placed on top of it then it will be crushed or ripped. With any glass props you must be aware at all times where it is and who has got it, if cracked or damaged in any way it can cause physical harm to you and others around you, leaving it in a box, clearly labelled with contents is the best way to stop any confusion or mishandling.

Setting

Weather

Any outside conditions, can effect shooting, if it is raining, you are unable to shoot the scene outside; this is because you could damage the equipment and the shot itself could be unclear or low quality due to the rain. If it is sunny or bright, this may not go with the scene you are trying to shoot or, the shot could be too bright and again unclear. With cloudy weather there is always the risk of rain but it could be all right to shoot as long as it is the weather required for the shot.

Setting choices

Setting is a key part of filming as it set the scene and connotes to the audience what emotions they should be feeling. If you choose the wring place for the shot it can show very easily, for instance if you are shooting in a school, but need it to look like an; institution, medical research facility, police HQ, or even an office it can be very hard to portray if there are wall posters about the subject or student work on the walls, the equipment in the room can also show the whereabouts of the filming.

Public places

When shooting in public places it can be a problem with others walking in and around the desired area, waiting for it to be empty may not happen, and a back up area may be best, somewhere that is empty most hours of the day, if you are unable to record due to lighting, during the day, then safety has to be taken, when shooting at night, always having a second person with you so that you are not alone.

Soul: Shooting Schedule

Date and time of shoot	What do you need to bring with you	Who is needed for the shot	What could go wrong	What is the contingency plan
14/1/14 (Woods scene) 11:15 – 14:45	Camera tripod – to steady the camera at the bottom of the hill. Also if we are unable to find another person to hold the camera.	Bayley – Grace (the protagonist) will be running away from the pursuers (Taryn and chloe) to the bottom of a hill in the woods and hides behind a tree. Chloe – Demi (the antagonist) will be chasing Grace however stop at the top of the Hill to go and call for back up. Taryn – (the assistant to Demi, will be accompanying Demi in the pursuit of Grace.	If any of these people fail to arrive for shooting we cannot film. If it starts to rain the equipment won’t work and the terrain will be too slippery for the scene we have in mind. This could mean that there would be a safety hazard of slipping over	Try and find another day to shoot. If the weather turns out bad then wait for the rain to stop or re schedule another date. Back up date: 15/1/14(11:10 – 12:15)
15/1/14 15:45 – 16:30 (Interrogation room)	Camera tripod – to have the camera set up to steady the shot as well as have no one else in the room with Bayley at the point where the Xavior opens the door.	Bayley – Grace will be sitting in the interrogation room as Demi and her assistant will be asking her questions about her past and why she has ended up here.	The art seminar (which is the room we will be shooting in) may already be in use.	This means we will have to perhaps find another room or will have to reschedule the shoot to another date. Back up dates: 21/1/14 (15:45 – 16:30) 22/1/14 ( quick shoot for 11:15 – 12:15 or 13:15 to 13:45 27/1/14
23/1/14 14:45 – 16:00 Control room	Camera tripod-to have the camera steadied at scenes were demi will be walking in and out of the room as well as at the side of their computer screens.	Chloe – Demi will walk into the computer room where her assistant will already be sitting awaiting her arrival. They will begin to communicate to Grace through the speakers in the computers.	The room will not be dark enough for the full effect we desire for the room as well as the characters to dwell in the darkness looking at their computer screens where Grace will be as if the protagonist is giving off light. Also the Mac suite might be in use.	This will mean that we may have to wait until the room is free or reschedule another day to record, going to one of our back up days. If there is not enough darkness for the room we may have to wait a while until the sun fully goes down before we start recording. Back up dates: 24/1/14(14:45 – 16:00) 29/1/14(13:45 – 16:00) 30/1/14(14:35-16:00) 31/1/14(14:45 _ 16:00)
19/1/14 12:00 – 14:20 Graces house (flash back)	Remote prop for the TV	Bayley – Grace will be sitting at home watching TV where suddenly Paranormal activity starts to happen. The Tv will switch off as well as the door slamming shut and the light flickering. Chloe and Sydney – stage crew to help with the paranormal effects.	We may not have enough time to shoot the whole scene. The house may be occupied or the lighting wont be as dark as we would desire it to be.	Go to one of our back up days, re schedule another day to shoot, wait until the house is free as well as wait for the right lighting to appear. Back up dates: 28/1/14(12:00 – 14:20) 30/1/14(11:00 – 12:15) 4/2/14(12:00 – 14:20)