Possible Title Fonts

Liam - Costume

Here is the character clothing for character 'Liam'. After establishing where 'New Term'  is due to be filmed (Castle Community College and Walmer Science College) my group and I realised that to make the narrative and character's seem more believable, the clothing worn had to fit in with the surroundings of the narrative and reflect the persona of each protagonist; the theme of 'Sixth Form environment' had to apply to what the character would be wearing as well as their stereotype.

For example, my group and I chose this particular character to wear a formal suit. This consists of a long sleeved white shirt, black tie, black suit jacket, black fitted office trousers and black brogues.The reason we have chosen to have 'Liam' wearing this is because within the short film, there are subtle elements of stereotyping. The use of the formal suit being worn by someone in their adolescents implies that, Liam has had a wealthy upbringing and finds it perfectly necessary to present himself like this regularly.

Moreover, the use of juxtaposing colours within the suit (white and black) are a visual metaphor for how juxtaposing the personalities the three protagonists possess are. Furthermore, props such as a simple black bag gives the spectator a better understanding into the idea of my character being organised.

George - Costume

Here is the character clothing for character 'George'. After establishing where 'New Term'  is due to be filmed (Castle Community College and Walmer Science College) my group and I realised that to make the narrative and character's seem more believable, the clothing worn had to fit in with the surroundings of the narrative and reflect the persona of each protagonist; the theme of 'Sixth Form environment' had to apply to what the character would be wearing as well as their stereotype.

For example, my group and I chose this particular character to wear clothing that was loosely based upon where he originates from; George's outfit is based upon German Laderhousens. This consists of a long sleeved checked shirt, brown braces, brown above-the-knee shorts and brown work boots .The reason we have chosen to have 'George' wearing this is because, within the short film there are subtle elements of stereotyping. 

The use of the laderhousens being worn by someone in their adolescents implies that George is proud of his German heritage and allows it to influence his clothing chose. Moreover, the character's outfit is noticeably different to the other protagonists similarly to his accent which is noticeably German.

Dean - Costume

Here is the character clothing for character 'Dean'. After establishing where 'New Term'  is due to be filmed (Castle Community College and Walmer Science College) my group and I realised that to make the narrative and character's seem more believable, the clothing worn had to fit in with the surroundings of the narrative and reflect the persona of each protagonist; the theme of 'Sixth Form environment' had to apply to what the character would be wearing as well as their stereotype.

For example, my group and I chose this particular character to wear clothing that was loosely based upon where he originates from. 'Dean' outfit is based upon Scottish tartan print. This consists of a long sleeved tartan checked shirt, black trousers, black shoes and black coat .The reason we have chosen to have 'Dean' wearing this is because, within the short film there are subtle elements of stereotyping. 

 

The use of the tartan print being worn by someone in their adolescents implies that Dean is proud of his Scottish heritage and allows it to influence his clothing chose. Moreover, the character's outfit is noticeably different to the other protagonists similarly to his accent which is noticeably Scottish.

Script Treatment Overview

Narrative Overview

The narrative follows three young boys all wanting to receive a place at a very prestigious Sixth Form. Each individual character is entirely based upon the heavy stereotyping of the country they originate from.

Yet the boys are immediately regarded as outcasts in their new and unfamiliar school environment due to their physical and verbal differences. Due to this, the bond between each of the three boys unintentionally becomes stronger.

Setting

Because the narrative revolves around three new students receiving a placement at Sixth Form, all filming will take place within a school environment. This gives the audience a better understanding and greater knowledge into the plot and the journey of each protagonist.

Cast

‘Liam’
Played by Liam Cador

‘George’
Played by Georg Fritz

‘Dean’
Played by Dean Fisher

‘Head of Sixth Form’
Played by Dan Pennington

Character Summaries

Liam

- English

- Upper Class

- Thinks he is more superior to those around him

- Finds it hard to make friends

- Drinks Earl Grey tea

- Wears suits and carries a briefcase

- Automatically thinks he is going to be given a place at Castle Walmer Sixth Form

- Intends on pursuing a career in finance.

Georg

- German

- Middle Class

- Finds it hard to make friends due to the language barrier he is trying to overcome

- His parents want him to receive a placement at Castle Walmer Sixth Form in order to have the best start in life

- Misunderstood by those around him

- Intends on going to university to study English Literature.

Dean

- Scottish

- Lower to Middle Class

- Confident

- likeable

- Has a temper

- Steers off track in conversation

- Wants to go to Castle Walmer Sixth Form to be the first in the family to study A-Levels

- Intends to own his own business when older.

Head of Sixth Form

- English

- Middle to upper class

- Holds authority within the school especially over sixth form students

- Has the right intentions on making the school and it’s pupils excel

- Stern

- Neatly organised office

- Intends to retire within the next year or so.

Costume

Liam

- Upper class formal suit

- Long sleeved white shirt

- Black long tie

- Black suit jacket

- Black fitted office trousers

- Black brogues

- Black office bag

George

- Georg’s outfit is loosely based upon German Laderhousen

- Long sleeved red checked shirt

- Brown above-the-knee shorts

- Brown leather work boots

- Brown braces

- Brown Rucksack

Dean

- Dean’s outfit is loosely based upon Scottish tartan print

- Long sleeve tartan print

- Black or dark blue jeans

- kilt

- Dark shoes

Head of Sixth form

- Upper class formal suit

- Long sleeved white shirt

- Black long tie

- Black suit jacket

- Black fitted office trousers

- Black brogues

Location

Throughout the narrative, the short film will be filmed within Castle Community College and Walmer Science College.

http://www.castle.kent.sch.uk/

Walmer Science College

Salisbury Road
Walmer
Deal
Kent
CT147QJ

Castle Community College
Mill Road,
Deal,
Kent,
CT14 9BD

All filming will be on Castle Community College and Walmer College sites. All interviewing scenes will be filmed in the same office either at Castle or Walmer. The audience is introduced to each protagonist outside the front entrance of the school whereas, the audience are introduced to the head of Sixth Form in his office.

Short Film Script - First Draft

[180 degree angle will apply throughout the short film allowing the audience to establish the school office setting as well as the three protagonists]

[Voiceover - non-diagetic sound of the Head of sixth Form introducing himself]
[medium shot of the three hopeful students sat waiting patiently outside the Head's office]

Head – 'Good morning; I am Mr.Graham.' [Shakes hands with student]'…What is your name?'

[Continuous medium shots of each individual student]

Liam - ‘Liam’

Dean - ‘Dean’

George - ‘George’

[Possible comedic discussion between George and Head of Sixth Form over the pronunciation of George’s name]

Head - 'Please take a seat young man. [Points to the chair in front of his desk and waits for the student to sit before speaking again]

Head - [Medium close-up of the Head of Sixth Form directly addressing the spectator] 'so […] what do you think Castle Walmer Sixth Form can offer you?'

[continuous medium shots of each individual student]

Liam - 'No, no, I think it is more about what the student has to offer the school' [ Looks confident with his answer]

Dean - 'Well...hopefully an education!' [Starts laughing-out-loud]

George - [Reading] 'Hello my name is George. I am 16 years old and I am from Germany...'

Head - [Looking puzzled] 'Sorry...' [looks away to his right] 'what... do... you... think... Castle... Walmer... can... offer... you?''

George - [Continues to answer in German unaware what language he is answering in]
[subtitles will appear at the bottom of the screen]

Head - 'Ok urm...

George - [Continues to answer in German]

Head - '...Anyway.' [Starts to write down in his notepad which suggests that it is about George]

[Back to the conversation between Head of Sixth Form and Liam]

Head - 'What A-Levels do you plan to study here Liam?'

Liam - 'Well, I am keen to become an accountant within the near future so, I plan to study
Mathematics, Business and Law.[Liam starts to lick his lips and swallowing]

Head - 'Is something wrong there, Liam?'

Liam - 'Yes, indeed...I'm puzzled just as to what letter comes after 'S''

Head - 'urm... 'T'?'

Liam - 'Yes please, I would love one thank you. Two sugars please...actually make it one. [Whilst talking, Liam wipes his index finger across the desk and tuts (this implies that the office isn't to his superior standard of cleanliness)]

[Head of Sixth Form is gob smacked]

Head - So Dean, why should Castle Walmer Sixth Form take you on?

Dean - Well, I'm confident, charming, comical but serious at times, good team leader [starts to get carried away with his answer]

[Fades out]
[Fades in]

Storyboard

Here is the link to 'New Term' storyboard.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkXPpFOwZgGZzVFeUVpOEJZZlU/edit?usp=sharing

Media A-Level Questionnaire

Audience research is a major part within the development of a media project. Research can come in many forms but I have chosen to find out the necessary information through a questionnaire.

Here are links to my target audience survey created through 'SurveyMonkey'. 'SurveyMonkey' is an online website that allows you to create and publish a survey that can be seen by anyone you desire.The reason I have chosen 'SurveyMonkey' is because, it is an easily accessible website that is quick and simple to use. Moreover, 'SurveyMonkey' allows me to record what answers are most popular among individuals, which allows me to have a greater understanding into what my target audience buy into and look for within a product. In this case, my product is a comedy genre film about three adolescent protagonist all trying to receive a place at a very prestigious Sixth Form.

My questionnaire is divided into three separate parts and all three parts have to be completed in order to have a precise audience profile.


Media A-Level Questionnaire - Part 1
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GYM27JF

Media A-Level Questionnaire - Part 2
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GX327C9

Media A-Level Questionnaire - Part 3
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GNFGQMG

'The Full Monty' Summary

The Full Monty

Audience Appeals

The tourist video intro allow the audience to see what once was and the transition to 20 years later. The tourist video prides itself on the new and likeable within Sheffield; the city centre is showcased as a bustling and economically strong place that shows no sign of unemployment. But, when the audience are taken 20 years forwards, this idyllic, modern lifestyle is juxtaposed within the deprived after effect of political change.

The audience are then presented with an abandoned and disused factory which implies that unemployment is high. This appeals to certain individuals as provoking subjects such as unemployment are being recognised rather than being frowned upon. Moreover, the transition from the positive to the negative gets the audience wanting to know more as to why this happened.

Titles

The titles within the film are straight to the point. The use of a white industrial font against a black background is simplistic yet effective. No cast and crew are mentioned at the beginning therefore, the audience feel as though what their about to see is an insight into real people’s lives and has not been made for entertainment purposes.

Genre Conventions

Genre conventions within ‘The Full Monty’ include comical banter between the stereotypical males who are regarded as irresponsible and unreliable. This allows the audience to relate either because they are similar to the characters or know individuals who are like the protagonists themselves.

After the film titles fade, the audience are presented to the protagonists; two middle-aged men and a young boy. The stealing of the steel girders from the abandoned factory is significant within this film, as it shows what extent the two men are willing to go to make money and make ends meet. Even though the two men have the right intentions, they have the wrong way of approaching them.

The comedy element within this scene is the scenario itself. The two men on top of a sunken car situated in the river are comical to see. Moreover, after all the efforts of not being caught in the act of stealing and trespassing, they end up losing both steel girders in the river anyway. Although what the two individuals are doing is illegal, the audience feel sympathetic towards them.

Themes

Subjects and issues such as unemployment and politics that are provoking are being highlighted within ‘The Full Monty’. As well as this, Margret Thatcher’s ruling as Prime Minister and the aftermath of her ruling gives heavy influence to the films narrative. Even though this particular film is funny and its main objective is to make the audience laugh, there are many satirical and political undertones involved which are serious.

Issues of representation

Issues of representation within ‘The Full Monty’ is stereotyping. Some individuals may not like the fact that lower class individuals are being regarded as trouble making and law breaking.

'Napoleon Dynamite' Summary

Napoleon Dynamite

Audience Appeals
One audience appeal is the transition of stereotypical and unorthodox outcast nerd to popular and liked individual. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ takes on a satirical approach to the sincerity of individuals within the school environment and how what is popular isn’t necessarily best.

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is comical to audiences as the film journeys through a chapter of the protagonist’s life as he stumbles across friendship, love, acceptance and problems faced in adolescence.

The use of low angle medium shot allows the audience to see Napoleon standing outside his home. The use of low angle implies that Napoleon has authority not only because he is the dominant aspect but because the spectator feels as though Napoleon is looking down on them. Although, it could be argued that, Napoleon is made to look vulnerable through the use of low angle.
The use of non-diegetic sound adds emphasise onto Napoleon's loneliness; the only sounds to be heard are crickets and birds. The lighting within 'Napoleon Dynamite' is not artificial as it uses natural, sunlight therefore, this makes the film seem as though the characters, setting and narrative is realistic. Due to the low angle medium shot, the spectator is also able to see the clear, blue sky above Napoleon. Through pathetic fallacy coming from the clearness of the sky, the narrative is foreshadowed with a joyful and positive approach.

Yet this is juxtaposed when we see the emotion on Napoleons face; the fact that he does not show that he himself is in an upbeat mood through his facial expressions suggest that he knows something different to what the audience know leaving them intrigued and curious as to why he is like this.

Titles

The beginning film titles are made entirely from various food items seen within the film belonging to certain characters. For example, food with cast and crew names written in sauce, library books, notebooks, pencils, lip balm, sweet packets.

The titles are simplistic yet creative. The appeal is that everyday items are being used in an extraordinary way; this is eye catching for the audience making them want to see more of the film.

The idea that objects that would not be necessarily used for film titles are being used, helps to foreshadow what is to come later on in the narrative; something that is unusual yet liked is made centre of the shot, much like the character 'Napoleon' who is leading protagonist.

Genre Conventions

Genre conventions within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ include phrases and iconic clothing. For example, ‘Vote for Pedro’ is a popular phrase taken from the indie film which is printed on Napoleon’s t-shirt. Using phrases within film makes the film more memorable and allows the audience to buy into the production through synergy.

Themes

Subjects and issues such as popularity and independence are highlighted within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’. Due to film being distributed by MTV Films, its target audience is a niche audience which ranges between the ages of 16-25. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is an unconventional hero to all adolescents as he can be seen to be unorthodox yet accepted. This tells the audience to be themselves.

Issues of representation

Issues of representation within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ are stereotyping and how teenagers are perceived to be. Due to Napoleon Dynamite being a comical character, this implies that he cannot take subjects seriously therefore, teenagers cannot take anything seriously.

Directed and written by Jared Hess, Napoleon Dynamite was produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Mtv Films and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures within 2004.'Napoleon Dynamite' estimated budget to produce the film was $400,000 but by 2005, its estimated gross amount was $44,540,956. 'Napoleon Dynamite' is classed as an art house film as it is an independent film that is made to target a specific target audience; in this case, 16 - 25 year olds. Moreover, this film was showcased at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Utah.

Comedy Genre Conventions

Here is a clear collated list of genre conventions for our chosen genre, comedy. I analysed both of my chosen films 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'The full monty' as well as a variety of other comedy films such as 'Step Brothers' (Directed by Judd Apatow), 'Road Trip' (Directed by Todd Phillips) and 'The Inbetweeners Movie' (Directed by Ben Palmer). The similarities between the codes and conventions of these films are - 

Satirical humour -The mocking of individuals in a comedic yet slightly insulting way.

Stereotyping - A fixed, over exaggerated and generalised view on specific individuals in a particular group or class of people. Stereotyping within film allows the spectator to just be faced with what that character is like rather then making their own  decision about them; this could be either an advantage to some or disadvantage to others.

Advantages of stereotyping in film is that the spectator may feel as though they can relate to the individual on screen; this could be due to many elements such as cultural and political beliefs, background/setting, accent and dialect etc. Whereas, the disadvantages of stereotyping in film may include not acknowledging differences between individual people and categorising people. 

Banter - Banter is a friendly and playful approach to the exchanging of teasing remarks. Banter allows the audience to have a better understanding into the relationship and comfortability between two or more characters within the narrative.

Here are the links to trailers of the films I researched that are from the comedy genre that were used as part of my research.


The Inbetweeners Movie - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbID29CN2ww

Step Brothers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CewglxElBK0

Road Trip - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXmANh0-2Bg

The Full Monty  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZBdTCsRCY

Napoleon Dynamite - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptzUIzSFtLM
                                             
                                         
  

ABC Scale

The ABC scale is a method of classification established by the government. The scale often is often used by media companies to aim for a target audience interested in their production. The system is based on occupation, education and financial factors.

For our short film, we aim for group C2, D and E. 

C2 includes the skilled working class i.e. manual workers such as electricians, mechanics and plumbers.

D includes the working class i.e. semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers i.e. bus drivers, factory line workers and shop workers.

E includes those that are subsistence i.e pensioners, casual workers and especially students.

The reason we have chosen these specific classes, are due to what code and conventions within our comedy genre short film would appeal to these individuals.

Ranging from C2 to E includes students still within school, young people working on apprenticeships, young people working and young adults in general.