SEASONS
I am fascinated with the way sound puts so much energy into a moment. Emphasising the emotions that drive each storyline. Music is one of my favourite ways of connecting with a character, to sing along with them, join them in their emotions, and become part of their experience.
As with most things I admire, I wanted to learn how to do this within my own storytelling. I wanted my protagonist to have the audience singing with her, so my character development methods were crucial in creating that connection.
Applying a strategy I learnt during my course, now one of my chosen methods in refining my character and story plot.
Applying a strategy I learnt during my course, now one of my chosen methods in refining my character and story plot.
"An Introduction to Screenwriting"
During August 2020, I studied an online Screenwriting course - "An Introduction to Screenwriting" - on FutureLearn. As an avid reader and creative writer, I wanted to gain insight into writing for screen, and develop my storytelling methods, as well as my understanding of screenplay craft and structure.
This project was my opportunity to put my learning into practice, and further my knowledge of screenplay conventions across various genres.
Research and Inspiration
One of my favourite stages of this project was my self-directed study of the Musical genre. Exploring the key codes and conventions, as well as gaining inspiration from industry professionals, helped me refine my storytelling, and decide on my narrative and technical approaches.
Although I was tempted to produce a Jukebox Musical, I was determined to produce my own original song, so I decided a Book Musical would be the best approach, incorporating script and story.
Masking cuts with a whip-pan & moving the camera "like an instrument" - Cinematographer Linus Sandgren and his practice had a key influence on my cinematography.
Although I was tempted to produce a Jukebox Musical, I was determined to produce my own original song, so I decided a Book Musical would be the best approach, incorporating script and story.
Script Conventions
I originally planned to feature two protagonists within my scene, with the romantic sub-plot serving as the catalyst for my musical song. Due to unexpected circumstances, my actor wasn't available on the day of filming, so I relied on modern day technology to hold their conversation. I enjoyed how this decision put soul focus on my leading character, enhancing her performance.
Concept
The seasonal colours in each musical scene I studied became one of the central focuses of my short film. I loved how natural surroundings set the mood for each scene, and enhanced the realism of each moment. I decided to choose a feminine and earthy colour palette, illustrating the grounded and romantic emotions of my protagonist.
Storyboard
Discovering how the key colours in my scene interacted was my favourite part of illustrating this storyboard. It helped me establish where to position my camera, and what shots I would need to record in order to show perspectives on screen.
Location Assessments
As well as filming with national restrictions in place, my first shoot in an outdoor location needed to be thoroughly planned and assessed, in order to ensure my production would be well-informed and successful.
My first Risk Assessment for filming in an outdoor location. I enjoyed evaluating the different kinds of risks involved and calculating measures of prevention.
My first Risk Assessment for filming in an outdoor location. I enjoyed evaluating the different kinds of risks involved and calculating measures of prevention.
With nature being central to my storyline, I needed to evaluate the natural features of my chosen location, and ensure that it would be effective in creating my envisioned mood.
My first Risk Assessment for filming in an outdoor location. I enjoyed evaluating the different kinds of risks involved and calculating measures of prevention.
Collaboration
My first experience of working collaboratively within my productions. Dominic helped me to understand the emotional impacts of musical choices, and I made changes to my storyline to ensure my song was purposefully placed and drove the narrative forward.
My first experience of working collaboratively within my productions. Dominic helped me to understand the emotional impacts of musical choices, and I made changes to my storyline to ensure my song was purposefully placed and drove the narrative forward.
"When offered the role of composing the music for this production, I was immediately drawn to the story and the vision that the producer had for the film.... the song, of course, was based around the theme of love, so I decided to write in the 3/4 time signature (Waltz time) because this can sound very romantic when done well...
The producer and vocalist communicated excellently with me throughout the day; this song wouldn't have been so beautiful if it wasn't for their help and support"
-Dominic Dawnay, Composer
"Over the course of the day, creating music, lyrics and balancing the message in the storyline of Lauren's piece was such a beautiful task to be a part of. As the vocalist, I wanted to deliver a strong portrayal that fits with the genre of the piece... which required me to go out of my comfort zone to sing in a low key to match the excitement, anxiety and passion the character was feeling...
Lauren and Dom gave incredible direction, support and influence throughout the practice takes... so I believe breaking my wall of timidity was majorly down to the sustainability and commitment given by the two of them."
-Sophia Dawkins, Vocalist and Actress