The script is now complete and has been through the first round of comments and feedback. The script has then been adjusted accordingly. Both Lindsay and I are happy that we have a good story now and that it should make sense to the viewers, so we're now on to the next phase, pre-production.
We have already had a planning session and worked out how long we think each scene will take to film, and from there how many days it will take to film in total and thats about it until April 22nd, our auditions.
We have sent lots of letters/emails to various contacts around the county so hope we will pick up some talented actors and actresses. Without them of course we can not move to our next phase and the danger will be that this is where the film stops! The response so far has been next to zero.
We can only hope!
After another marathon evening of script writing, the end is now in sight. We've now introduced all our characters and have written approximately 30 pages. There are various stages so far in the script where we could have ended our story and a lot of discussion was had about where to do it. If we had all the time in the world, we could have easily extended our story to a 90 minute film, which is in some way disappointing as it now feels a bit like we're ending the story early.
So next week all we have to do now is tie up all the loose ends and then we'll be ready for the next stage. Review and planning!
As of late some of our films have focused on the negative aspects of life, but both Lindsay and I are really pleased that this story has gone in a completely different direction this time.
Another successful session which started even earlier to try and get more done! Despite the pension and childcare debates we remained fairly on task and completed another 5 scenes. One of these was what we call a music video where we fill in gaps using significant music and a number of scenes flowing together.
The voiceover really ends Act 1 which sets the scene and occurs at a turnng point in the story. I would guess we're about two thirds of the way through the actual script so would hope 2/3 more weeks should have it ready. Then it's to auditions and the read-through which changes some lines to work better with the characters/cast.
After another 2 hours script writing (although an hour of that was probably chatting), we have 4 more scenes complete, with approximately 15 more to go, making the film around 20-25 minutes long.
The script is flowing well and apart from the odd difference of opinion both Lindsay and I seem to be on the 'same page'. We are trying to put as much direction in the script as we can and lots of discussion was had about how to describe a particular expression and also how our main character should walk out of a room, stomping/crying/laughing... Just a subtle thing like leaving a room with the wrong expression could give a different meaning to the whole scene.
We also spent a little bit of time discussing our lead actors/actresses. Auditions for these roles will probably take place after the Easter Break with the majority of filming taking place in mid to late August. So if you or anyone else you know might be suitable for a part, sign up on our casting page and we'll contact you with audition details nearer the time. Our main characters are 11-12. So any who looks that age may apply.
http://www.channel-7.org.uk/involved.php