Script for 'Derange' (my apocalyptic sci-fi film)

Derange: The Script

Research: Review of target audience feeback

Having looked at the results I have come to a decisive conclusion about how I intend to create my dystopian/ apocalyptic film. I went through each question before reaching a final conclusion and plan.

Question:

1. The majority of people decided people over 13, and particularly young adults, would enjoy sci-fi films the most. Since my target audience is more specifically young adults, I don't need to change the target audience in accordance with this. It also means that I am right in targeting this age group.
2. A lot of people seemed to say that sci-fi films are targeted at both girls and boys but then there were a few people who said boys are more likely to be targeted because of themes such as action, violence and the use of scientific equipment (props). I think they made this decision based on an archetype of boys who are stereotypically portrayed as having a preference for lots of violence in movies, as opposed to girls who might not like this. I intend to aim my film at both genres because I feel we've come a long way in the way of sci-fi films which show both male and female heroes which both genders can identify with.
3. The general consensus was that people favoured apocalyptic films and humorous sci-fi films the most. This shows me that I have made a good choice to create an apocalyptic film as my feedback shows that people are more likely to enjoy this sub-genre than many of the other sci-fi films I listed. Since it would be difficult to create a humorous sci-fi, which is more likely to need special effects, I think I've made a good choice in sub-genre.
4. To make a successful apocalyptic film, the most important point I picked from the feedback is that people felt a character's background was really important. I wholeheartedly agree with this. However, due to the fact I'm creating a short, 5 minute film it's going to be very difficult for me to implement this if I want to create a captivating plot. If I could create a longer film I would definitely do this. Although I won't be able to do this, other people gave reference to the storyline which I want to focus on as well as the type of props and setting to enhance the verisimilitude and thus create an effective film that will leave people thinking that 'this could actually happen'. 
5. On one hand, people thought a male protagonist should lead the film because of how conventional it is to use just one male protagonist. On the other hand, a female protagonist would appeal to modern viewers. However a lot of people did decide a female and male protagonist should lead the film. The issue I found with this choice though was how a lot of people didn't want the two to have a love interest because of how predictable it was. Yet one person said that it would be interesting to have a male and female protagonist who are romantically involved because of how identifiable it would be and how it would create a compelling narrative. Personally I would choose to have both genders as the protagonists. It is seen as conventional/ cliche but people also tend to watch apocalyptic/ dystopian films with the two because it shows that there is some hope in the desolation consuming society: it impresses hope on the characters and hope for the audience.
6. The most important element in an apocalyptic sci-fi film was found to be costume/ make-up so I need to ensure that I plan both of these well so my film isn't let down by poor presentation of the characters. It's vital my audience gets the right reading from the film and my characters so that's another reason as to why I have to carefully plan make-up and costume.

Research: Target Audience

My film will have a rating of 13+. As for the target audience, this will be young adults, typically interested in apocalyptic, sci-fi films. This can be both boys and girls. I conducted a survey online at SurveyMonkey where I got young adults to give their opinion on how my film should be made and what audiences would be most interested in it. This can be found below along with the results.

Create your free online

Research: Mood Board

Professional Advice Session (Director)

In between the process of this research stage, director of leading programmes such as M.I. High, and Hollyoaks (as well as many short films), Simon Hook came to visit the school late last week. Whilst visiting, he got 2 students to act out a scene which would be filmed using a multitude of shots to fundamentally create continuity when it comes to the editing stage and to allow us to later play around with a variety of shots. Lighting was also used which Hook said was important to have facing up towards the ceiling so that the light wasn't too intrusive nor would it blare on the characters' faces. Since I was one of the actors in the scene it was difficult for me to make notes however I did manage to write a few which can be found below.

• Coverage is essential- filming the whole scene every time you record with a different shot means that when it comes to the editing stage you'll have enough footage to choose which shot is the most effective for a particular moment in the scene.
• Angle- if the shot is not straight and even to the smallest degree, when it comes to panning you will soon realise that the camera will not line up with the horizon, leaving you with a canted shot which is likely to be something you will not have wanted.
• Continuous shots- it's good to have one running shot rather than having lots of shots cut together since this will help to then establish continuity and create a flow to the scene. For example, using a tilting shot to move from a close up to another close up/ medium close up shot would be much better than cutting between the two.
• Zoom- Hook recommended that zooming shouldn't be used in a film, rather you should use your actors to 'zoom' for you. Essentially he means the characters should be able to walk towards the camera and this will act as a zoom.
• Think about using a variety of shots and transitions- when the scene was being filmed, over-the-shoulder shots and two-person shots were used as a difference to the bog-standard close up or long shot shots.
• Tracking shots will help to establish a characters' environment also so it's important to consider how you might present this, whether it be a long shot or tracking shot. For interior locations, it's better if a tracking shot is used to pan around the room.

Research: 60 Second Pitch Teacher Feedback

Research: 60 Second Pitch