Direction Unit - Script Breakdown

It's All In The Planning!

At the moment I'm trying to organise exactly what I need for my shoot, so here is my Script Breakdown!

Props:

A Round Table and Three Chairs

A Walking Cane for Watson

A Deck of Playing Cards

Poker Chips

Cigarettes, Lighter and Ashtray

Watson's Mobile Phone

Whiskey Glass and Two Beer Bottles

Cash Notes for the Pot

Locations:

At the moment I am currently pursuing permission to film in either The Drakes pub, in the centre of Maidstone by the river, or a smaller pub called The Fox, on Tunbridge Road. 

Crew:

Camera: Dan 

Sound/ Camera: Lauren W

Lighting: Fran

Production Design

I want the Pub to have a grimy feel, low lighting, like an underground poker club. With low ceilings and wooden floors. I want the pub to be empty, as though this is a secret thing that is occurring. 

Costume:

All three characters will be in shirts and ties. Sherlock stands out as being very stylish, grey suit and slicked back hair. Very fitted, with shiny black shoes. 

Equipment:

I will be using the SONY PMW EX1R, Boom mic,  a three point lighting kit and a reflector.

Budget:

My budget is currently zero, but I will help with expenses and will purchase props and drinks out of my own money. 

Cast

                                                          

SHERLOCK

MIKE

WATSON

Schedule

Im going to do a night shoot, that will last approx two hours. This is so the location I use can clear of public customers. My call time will therefore be 11pm. I am awaiting to schedule an exact date.

A shot list will follow soon.

Comissions Unit - The Final Pitch

Just delivered my final pitch, here it is!!!

Don’t Call Me Chav The Pitch

This documentary is an investigation of the rise of the CHAVS the 00’s, that is 

continuing into the 21st century. Mass hysteria due to their criminal stereotype, has lead to a form of segregation between us and them, from banning their style of clothing from large shopping centre’s to humiliating references in today’s popular culture, i.e. Vicky Pollard. The labeling of the majority of Britain’s underclass as CHAVs, has become almost a form of social racism and acceptable snobbery. I want to show how these attitudes widens the class divide, in the 21st century, and how we have allowed it, focusing on the story of PHIL COLE. He has been labeled a CHAV, from a very young age, due to the clothes he wears and the music he listens to. Shop owners, nightclub bouncers and restaurants, simply because of the way he looks, refuse him entry. I will tell the story from his point of view, looking at the friends he hangs around with, what they get up to, their style and tastes, as well as the family he was raised in and societies perception of him. I will also use a presenter to help lead the investigation. The presenter will be quirky and go on a journey of self-discovery, where his ideas will be challenged. Think Louis Theroux, meets MY BIG FAT CHAV ESTATE.

 

I hope the Pitch went ok, I seemed to get positive feedback. Simon mentioned that the presenter wouldn't really work, and I totally agree, so I am going to scrap that if my documentary is commissioned. I'll let you know the decision I get this afternoon!

Direction Unit - Second Draft

Decisions, decisions, decisions
After reading my first draft, Simon has decided that Molly should be taken out of the script, as he feels that this will take me over the three minutes. Reluctantly I have agreed, and can see that it would be better to film a smaller amount, in order to give me room to experiment with performance and not be restricted in the edit. So after revisions, and a slight change to action directions here is my second draft: 

Sherlock Screenplay Draft 2

Direction Unit - The Script

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword


I have now completed my first draft of my adapted screenplay. Although the main text is four pages long, the scene I have chosen, on transmission, was only 3 minutes. I intend to shoot all of the screenplay I have drawn up, and edit it down to three minutes in post-production, as I believe this is what the orginal series has done, especially as Sherlock speaks with great speed! Anyway let me know what you think!


Sherlock - A study in pink - The scene where Sherlock first meets Watson, now set in a Pub, during a very late night poker game. 


Sherlock Screenplay First Draft

Direction Unit - The Opening title sequence

It's a wrap!!


Dan has VERY kindly edited together our title sequence, and it looks great! I love the oceans 13 theme track, and all the voiceover which gets the audience in the mood so to speak! If you haven't seen it yet, here it is:

Comission Unit - The Pitch

Chavs: Segregation in the noughties

Pitch

This documentary is an investigation of rise and segregation of CHAVS during the 00’s, that is continuing into the 21st century. The labeling of the majority of Britain’s underclass as CHAVs, has become almost a form of social racism and acceptable snobbery. I want to show how this segregation widens the class divide, in the 21st century, and how we have allowed it. Focusing on the story of PHIL COLE, who is labeled a chav by the society around him, due to the clothes he wears and the music he listens to, and is consequently refused entry by shop owners, nightclub bouncers and restaurants, simply because of the way he looks. I will tell the story from his point of view, following him in the style of cinema verite, looking at the friends he hangs around with, the family he was raised in and societies perception of him. 

Chavs: Segregation in the noughties

Pitch Script

Yesterday is part of the UKTV brand, a forward thinking media group, that appeals to ALL THINGS BRITISH, with channels such as Blighty, Dave and Gold. I think the idea of CHAV, is typically British, especially prominent in the last ten years, and would therefore be well placed on Yesterday, which has commissioned, in the past, programmes such as Pornography – The Secret History and Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll in the 60’s.

The word Chav, is thought to have originated from Chatham, in particular the appearance of Chatham girls. However some argue it’s a extended use of the word Chavvy in the Romani Gypsy language, meaning youth.

The word Chav, has with out doubt turned into one of the most popular words of the Noughties. Susie Dent’s Larpers and Chroomers: The Language Report, published by The Oxford University Press, named it „The Word of the Year“, in 2004. I want to investigate where the word came from, Chav hysteria, the persecution of the hoodies and the point of view of those that are labeled with this now infamous stereotype.

Chavs: Segregation in the Noughties, will be an investigative documentary, exploring whether the term Chav is a justified label, or whether it is a loose term, thrown around in order to categories the under classes in society and is therefore used as a form of Social Racisms. I will also use cinema virite for elements of the documentary, when falling my central characters, letting their attitudes, opinions and actions tell the story.

I want to introduce the story through well known „chavs“ so people can immediately visualize the stereotype. I will therefore use clips from Little Britain’s Vicky Pollard, and The Catherine Tate’s Show’s Lauren.

The tension will come from the people who class these youths as Chavs, including industry giants and the media, and those that embrace the stereotype or oppose it.

Burberry suffered an identity crisis during the Rise of the Chavs. Their trade mark checkered tartan design became hugely popular with the Chavs in the early 00’s, mainly through counterfeit goods. I want to speak to someone from Burberry, and find out how this association affected their brand. Stacey Cartwright CEO of Burberry said „it was mainly counterfeit and Britain accounts for less than 10% of our sales“

My main character is Phil Cole, a boy that was brought up in a Christian Home, in Vinters park. Due to the music he listens to, the friends he hangs out with, the car he drives, the tattoos and the clothes he wears, he is often labeled a CHAV. During the Noughties, he was often drinking heavily, meddling with drugs, going to drum and base raves, and getting in trouble with the Law. Yet at the core, he is a sweet boy, with a steady girlfriend and now has a secure job. I want to see his friends, where they hang out and what they get up to.  I want them to show that although they fall into the stereotype, they are individuals, and resent the word CHAV, because they feel it is a term given to all those that come from Britain’s underclass.

Segregation is key to this documentary. By visually showing it’s existence, through sequences of the public staring at a group of Chavs, to shops displaying signs „NO ENTRY TO HOODIES or YOUTH WEARING CAPS. I would like to interview a shop owner that has this in their window, as well as Bluewater, who put a strict NO HOODIE policy throughout their shopping centre.

One sequence I would also like to use, would be to take a photo of Phil Cole to the high street, one in Maidstone and one in Chatham, and ask the public to tell me the label they would give him, just by looking at his photo. 

Throughout the documentary I want to use music from Goldie Looking Chain, as they are often seen as “taking the mick” out of Chavs‘ As well as Lasy Soveriegn and her song “hoodie”

This film should be commissioned, as there hasn’t been an insightful documentary into the word Chav, and how it affects society in terms of those who do the labeling and those that are branded with this derogative term.

Commision Unit - Research

Research for my documentary:
The Rise of the Chavs

Since speaking with Helen, I have decided that I will investigate the rise of Chavs, during the noughties, how they came about, who they are, the impact they have on society and the way they are represented in the media. 


Chavs are said to be aggressive, arrogant teenagers, and young adults. They tend to be of underclass background, who repeatedly engage in anti-social behaviour. 


The Oxford University press has said that the word is "Generally thought to come from Chatham girls" . Although etymologist Michael Quinion, says the  term may come from the Romani word "Chavo" meaning boy and "Chavvy" meaning youth.


Chavs tend to live in a strong gang culture, with daily activities including smoking, drinking, petty theft, vandalism and violence. 


"Chavs" are also known for their own aggressive language i.e "Mush", "Yeah Boi", "Chavy is loud boi, "Am i bovered", "Bruv", "Don't be dissing me"


Chavs are typically unemployed, living in council house accommodation, and relying on benefits. They are highly sexed, promiscuous, and fall into the high teenage pregnancy category. Parkwood in Maidstone is a typical "Chav Central", which also has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe.


"Pimped" up cars are also popular amongst the Chav boys, these are usually Ford Fiestas, Escorts, Vauxhall Novas and Corsas.


Their style is trademarked with the tracksuits and "hoodies".  Known for owning large amounts of sports clothing and counterfiet designer brands, such a Buberry. Girls are seen wearing lots of "Bling" i.e. big hoop earings and soverign rings, and the popular "baby pink" clothes.


Burberry and their trademark tartan design became hugely popular amongst Chavs in the early 00's, mainly through counterfeit outlets. Stacey Cartwright CEO of Burberry said " It was mainly counterfeit and Britain accounts for less than 10% our sales anyway". The company have taken a number of steps to move away from this image, byy stopping the sale of their own iconic cap in 2001, and scaling back the use of the tartan material, so that it only appears in the iinside lining of a fraction of their clothes.


Asda have chosen to embrace Chav culture, possibly because a number of their shops are located in less affluent towns and boroughs. Asda have attempted to trademark the word "Chav", and have produced their own version of the popular sweet, lovehearts, using the words, "as if", "respect", "bovered", "chav", "minger" and "whatever". Asda sweet buyer James Davies explained " We thought it was time to update this old favourite, with sayings from characters in shows such as Little Britain, and The Catherine Tate Show, proving us with more and more contemporary slang, we thought we needed to reflect this."


Some argue the use of the word amounts to a "Simple snobbery and elitism." Some critics have called users of the word "neo -snobs", and it's increasing use raises questions about how British society deals with social mobility and class.


In February 2005 an article in The Times by Julie Burchill, argued that the use of the word is a form of "social racism" and that such "sneering" reveals more about the "Chav - Haters" than those of their supposed victims. 


By 2004 the word was used in national newspapers. Susie Dent's Larpers and Shroomers: The Language Report, published by The Oxford University Press, named it "The word of the year 2004".


 Things I want to include and look at

1. The word, where is came from.
2. A tour of Chatham
3. Interviews with local "Chavs" and how they feel as being classed as such by their piers. What they do from day to day, their hobbies and tastes.
4. Interview with professionals. Youth Worker? 
5. Clothing, it's impact, interview with Burberry?
6. Use Goldie Lookin Chain music through out, as they are described as a mockery of chavs by some, and a representation of them by others, as well as Lady Sovereign and her song "Hoodie"
7. A section about Asda, and it's sweets.
8. Famous Chavs, Kerry Katona, Jordan, Wayne Rooney, Tim Westwood, Vicky Pollard.
9. Interviews with people who critisise them, i.e. the middle and upper classes
10. Why were "hoodies" targeted. Speak to Bluewater about banning them?
11. What is being done to help these youngsters break out of the sterotypes, youth centres? Better sexual education?

DIRECTION UNIT - MOOD BOARD

"You should only result to dialog, when it's impossible to do otherwise" Alfred Hitchcock


So far I have my Tv drama, Sherlock, my scene and my script. Now I am going to start looking at my style. I want it to be gritty, plenty of shadows, atmospheric lightening, possibly with green hues, lots of smoke and expressive. I want a film noir feel, but with modern costume and props.  I would like Sherlock to be very dapper, wearing a sharp (possibly silver) suit, with his hair slicked back. Watson, I want to be slightly muddled, shirt sleeves rolled up, creased shirt. I am also toying with the idea of Sherlock wearing a "spy" mac as he exits the room. Molly, I can see pulling off the slight femme fatale look, with her red lipstick, but she is very unsure of herself, she loves Sherlock, and wants to impress him, and is almost childishly innocent,  yet she is in this dark underground world.


Over the next few days I am going to build my mood board (below) of  shots from different films I would like to try, as well as lighting styles and costume.

Direction Unit: Lighting Workshop

Do You See The Light? 


This week we have been looking at different skills and tools you can use in order to direct and make a piece of film, your own.


The lighting workshop was very useful. I learnt a lot of new terminology and the basics of 3 point lighting.
Using lights and a reflecter we we asked to film various scenes and create the atmosphere stated.

Lighting Workshop 5.9.11 from Johanna Coulson on Vimeo.


Natural Portrait
This portrait was created using the traditional three-point lighting arrangement. We had a key light pointing at Lauren, which was covered with two layers of scrim to make it softer. This light was also reflected by a white reflector so both sides of Lauren's face was lit up. Behind Lauren, we had a back light set up so it was high above her head and shining down onto her. This took some adjusting as it kept making her hair look unnaturally bright, but after experimenting with the barn doors we managed to get the best amount of light for the effect we wanted to achieve.




Expressive Portrait
We placed a sheet of blue gel over the key light and positioned Fran just to the side of it so it wasn't shining directly on her. Instead, it was shining onto a large foil reflector, which shone onto her face. As you can tell from Fran's reaction in the video, the light bouncing off the reflector was very bright!




Experimental Portrait
The effects in this portrait were achieved by positioning a light behind myself, just above my seated height. I was blocking the light in such a way that created a flare over my shoulder. We had to do two takes of this one, because the first time my chair was visible and it distracted from the effects.




The last two clips were very challenging! They had to have an entrance and exit, rather than being a still portrait. We kept making the mistake of focussing on performance rather than using lighting to explain who our characters were.




Introducing the Hero
We used a low camera angle for this one to show that the hero was in a position of power and someone to be admired. We used the back light to create a 'street light' effect, to give the illusion that Jo was walking down a street at night. The key light was positioned just to the right of the camera, and she stepped into the spotlight so that the focus was on me.




Introducing the Villain
We ended up with two different versions of this one. In the first clip, a shadow is cast over Lauren's face. We used the back light in the same way we did for the 'hero' clip. The key light was pointing straight at Lauren, and we used some scrim to make it softer. I wanted the light to look subtle, as if she was lit by candlelight. In the second clip, the light was much brighter and I moved across the floor as the key light and the camera followed me, putting me in the spotlight.

Direction Unit - Planning Stages

Directing An Existing Television Drama And Making It Your Own


I am very excited about this unit. Mainly because I really want to see, how well I can transform someone else's story in to something of my own, which I have never attempted before. In previous work, I have always had to come up with and write the story before even thinking about shooting, which with limited time, can mean your idea and script, never quite gets translated into your final piece as well as you have hoped. 


I have learnt a lot this week thanks to Simon's seminars and workshops. In particular learning how to direct people, not just the actors, but the crew. Allowing them to operate the camera, instead of yourself, actually made a really nice change, I could see the whole picture, and sense how well the shoot was going, without having to just rely on what I could see through my lens. I also found the lighting workshop incredibly useful, as it is one of the fundamental parts of telling a story through moving image, it can add, or take away from a scene, a huge amount of atmosphere and tone, as well as improving an actors performance. 


So onto my ideas!!


I have chosen Sherlock, for my TV Drama.  It was commissioned by the BBC, directed by Paul McGuigan, starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock, and the very talented Martin Freeman, as Watson. Quite simply, it is bloody brilliant! 


If you haven't had a chance to watch the first three part series (a second is due very soon), find it, rent it and watch it!


This version of Sherlock is quirky, sharp, glossy, humorous, intelligent and modern. And I would love the opportunity to work on it, so using it for my project is the next best thing!


The scene I have decided to use, is without doubt my favorite, and I think it sums up the series perfectly.  It is the first time Sherlock meets Watson, in modern day London, and the screenplay is just amazing! 


In the Paul McGuigan version, this scene takes place in a laboratory, where Sherlock is working freelance. Watson has just been sent home from Afgantistan, injured, and is looking for a place to rent. A mutual friend Mike introduces the pair, as Sherlock is also currently looking for a flat.  


I have decided to change the location entirely. Still keeping the story in present day, and not editing the script, I have come up with the idea that Sherlock is a fantastic poker player. His astounding practice of deduction, has come from the poker table, with an incrediable art for reading people. I will then set this scene at a Poker game, in a smokey, underground club room. 


So what next?  Here are the next pieces of the puzzle I need to find!


Location : Where can I film, that resembles an underground poker room/ private drawing room/ bar etc, that will allow my actors to smoke, in order to help with the creation of atmosphere?


Actors: I think I have chosen most of the people I would like to play the roles, but I still want to do a few screen tests and script readings.

Crew: I really would like at least two crew members to be on my shoot.. One to help wth lighting and holding the reflecter. The second to possible film. As I said before, I really liked the freedom of not having to film a scene, whilst directing. So if anyone is interested let me know!


Sequences: At the moment I am just planning out what I want to shoot. I have the script and I know roughly how I want it to look, so I am hoping to story board soon.


Tone/Style: The Paul Mcguigan version is very sharp and glossy. I love the idea of Sherlock being in the modern day, but I think my personal opinion is to keep some of the grittiness and charm of the original stories and films. Therefore I am going to make my scene very atmospheric, with plenty of smoke and under-lighting. I also want to make the film quite grainy, to make it more film like, than a glossy television production, as I although this drama is commissioned for TV, I think TV sometimes lacks the seriousness of film, simply because of the OVER use of HD. 


Shots: I haven't decided all the shots I want to use, but I know I want plenty of ECU, of eyes darting around the table. I also would like Close ups of the game being played, chips being flown, cards being dealt and whiskey being drunk. I would also like to have a tracking shot that circles the whole of the table, this may be a little ambitious, but I am going to have a stab at it!


Characters: There are four characters in this scene, Sherlock, Molly, Mike and Watson, and I want to make them all very unique, so that in the short three minutes, you are able to get a great sense of exactly who these people are. 


Costume/Makeup - I want the characters to still look very modern, but I would like Sherlock to look very daper and proper, I believe he would take great pride in his appearance, with slick hair.


Well that's my ideas so far, a lot to be getting on with. I'll keep you posted on any updates!


Here's a little clip to wet your taste buds

Journal Summer Update

Welcome back to everyone! Hope you had a great summer!


Over the summer I've been busy working at the studio part time, and helping my dad start up his own company, which has been very rewarding.

At the studios I have been doing a bit of everything really. I did a few twelve hour shifts on Reception for Security and the Data Centre on the weekends. I also covered the permanent Studio Runner, while she was on holiday.  Runner duties at the studio included making sure everyone in the office was looked after, teas and coffees etc, visiting the editors in the suites regularly to make sure they were well fed and watered, popping into the Meridian News Room to clean out old newspapers, covering reception, helping out in the kitchen, doing some laundry, helping out in the actual studios and generally making sure everything was clean and tidy. It was lovely to get to know all the staff, everyone is really friendly, and would welcome the chance greatly to work for them again.


My Dad's company involved setting up a website, dealing with customers, selling, accounts and management. Although not directly media related, my managerial and communication skills have greatly improved, as well as becoming more adaptable and organised. Which I hope will show in our Direction unit!


I also have to make some apologies, I did not realise my Sound Project did not upload at the end of last term so here it is!! ( As well as the first film I did at UCA, and one I shot on our first day back)




Sound, performance and image project. Combining still images with a complex 


sound mix, to tell the story of David Wood. By Lauren Howard







The first EVER film I directed at University for the Creative Arts. I shot this on my second day on the course, in one afternoon and edited in camera. It is a short, comical piece, that I used to test out the cameras and get into the swing of things!







This was a film I shot with Dan, on our first day back after the holidays. We shot and edited in about three hours. It was just to get us back into the swing of things. Myself and Dan, decided to use the task as a way of practising our way of telling a pretty boring scene in an interesting way using a variety of shots. It is by no means a completed story or film, just a "tester" if you like. It's rough essence is of a boy working in a mundane job, realising summer is over.







I have also set up my own You Tube Channel. It includes ALL of my work, from school, university and personal projects, it would be great if you could take a look and leave some feedback! Lauren Howard's Yout Tube Channel


I hope everyone enjoys their last term in the first year!! I am looking forward to seeing everyones work over the next few months!