FMP 'Endure' shooting day 1

This was the first day of actual shooting with all actors present and all crew attending, which included Alex as director, me as co-director and co-lighting and sound engineer, Jordan Gott as main camera operator (although we all had some time on camera) and the other co-lighting and sound engineer, while Christi was in charge of make-up and production stills. We began the day preparing the locations, we would need to shoot the bedroom, hallway, kitchen and outside scenes with the basement scenes to be filmed on Sunday. We began by dressing the bedroom with various props and items, such as empty beer cans and pizza boxes in order to better mirror the character. After doing that and as we waited for the actors and actress to arrive we split the roles up more evenly and decided amongst ourselves who would be filming which scenes, I was given the responsibility of shooting the bedroom scene, I knew this would be a challenge but was happy for the chance to improve my camera operating skills. Jordan was given the job of filming the hallway and kitchen scenes, whilst Alex would be responsible for the outside scenes.

The actors arrived and we allowed them to begin practicing the bedroom scene after Christi applied makeup to Philip in order to make look like he'd been in a fight (busted lip), whilst they were doing that I began to set up the camera, whilst I was doing this Jordan happened upon a problem with sound equipment, everything was echoing and didn't sound natural at all, we quickly rectified this with a change in positioning for the mic and the use of a boom pole to get in closer to the actors. Once I had selected an appropriate camera angle for the wide shot we began filming, initially I had feared that the drastic change in light during this scene would compromise the exposure however I switched the camera to automatic and did a test run, this looked perfectly natural in terms of how the lighting switched so I stuck to automatic. After getting the shots we needed with the tripod I wanted to switch to the fig rig as I though this would suit the scene much better, since we needed at least a small bit of instability to make it seem a bit more gritty and edgy.

The bedroom scenes took all morning, by which time Peter Quinn and George had arrived which meant we could get on with shooting the hallway scene involving the stepdad (Peter) and Tom (Philip) wherein they have an argument. Jordan was on camera for this section and it proved much more difficult than we anticipated, as after we had secured the entire conversation from multiple angles each of the actors began having laughing fits, this lasted for far longer than it should have done and even began to spread to the crew, this meant after trying for at least an extra forty minutes to get the last shots, we had to take a break in order for the actors to calm down. Securing the last shots then became much easier and we filmed them without incident, however we knew that we wouldn't have much time for the rest of the shots, thus we postponed the outside shots until Sunday. This was one of few problems we encountered that had to be rectified quickly in order for us to stay roughly on track. We had just enough time to secure the shots in the living room, wherein Tom changes the channel whilst Luke is playing on the Xbox, this whole scene was completed quickly and didn't present any problems like the last scene did.

The only other major problem we encountered which also hindered filming greatly was the fact that Christi went home much earlier than everyone else, shortly after she left Philip accidentally ate the makeup on his lip, which we tried desperately to replace but had no luck. This meant that we definitely couldn't continue filming as there was no way we could quickly produce a convincing replacement for the makeup without Christi. We also began to lose light fast which made shooting the outside scenes successfully quite impossible in the time frame we had. There was also a minor issue we spotted with continuity in the hallway scene, whilst we were having a break to try and subside all the laughing someone placed a plastic bottle on a cupboard behind where the actors stand, unfortunately we didn't realise it was in shot until it was too late and the actors were ready to leave, we can avoid this in future by being more vigilante in regards to the items around set.

FMP 'Endure' setting up lighting

Before shooting the actual film me and Alex decided that we needed to make sure that the lighting was set up properly so that when it came to the basement shoot we wouldn't be loitering around and still adjusting the equipment. After Alex had a meeting with Graham, one of our tutors, we proceeded to the main location in order to test the lighting equipment in the basement and get a firm idea of what lighting conditions would be like in the other shooting locations, such as the bedroom and hallway (see storyboards). When in the basement it was immediately apparent that we wouldn't be able to rely on the fluorescent lighting already installed down there, it was far too sterile colouring wise and the actual light socket gave off a distracting buzzing the we knew would be picked up by the sensitive audio equipment we would be using.

So initially we both agreed to try using a lantern hung from the ceiling in order to provide a light source, however upon trying it something occurred to us both; the lantern looked a bit too modern and as such wasn't very reflective of the tone and feel of the basement scene, which is one of loneliness and desperation. Instead we opted for candle lights, which would be enhanced by the use of the redhead lights with orange filters and diffusion, aimed at the ceiling to create the illusion of a small light source, but still give us enough light to get a good image when filming. It was also suggested to us that we should use the box lights in conjunction with the red head lighting, however the box lights would have blue filters in them instead in order to add a cold desolate feeling the location. When we tried this though we soon realised that it simply detracted from the tone and really didn't look natural, we persisted and tried making the blue dimmer by adding more blue filters and a layer of diffusion, but it still caused problems at the other side of the room where it would bounce off the adjacent wall and become to prevalent, so we quickly scrapped that idea.

 

However when we properly analysed the room, with only the redhead lights active we came up against another problem, I was used as a stand in on either side of the room where the actual characters would be sat and we noticed the lighting wasn't completely even on both sides of the room and putting the redhead light equidistantly from either side meant that each side was a little under lit. So we once again looked to the box lights, we changed the blue filter to the same orange filter as the redhead and put it on the other side of the room whilst focusing the main light on the entrance, this worked perfectly and in conjunction with the small amount of light given off by the candles looked suitably dark. After filming some test footage to get a good sense of how the scenes would look we moved onto the bedroom. This spot was a lot easier to light as it didn't need any extra external lighting equipment, the scene starts with the curtains slightly ajar which provided more than enough light and then later during the scene the curtains are opened which floods the bedroom with light which was ideal. The lighting in the kitchen also wasn't an issue as we would again be relying on natural light.

FMP 'Endure' gas mask shoot

For the final shot of the film we decided that we needed something foreboding, something that suggests there's much more to this disaster than what meets the eye in the film. It also needed to suggest that there's more that world that is yet to be explored, and since we plan on expanding this film into a series we felt it was necessary to include this after credits scene. As such we discussed the idea of having a figure in large hazardous material suit, who walks out amongst various bits of rubble and wreckage, within the destruction he finds a blade, the same blade that we the character of Tom pickup and use earlier in the film.



Fortunately we had a location full of rubble already prepared; Alex's backyard which was undergoing some minor renovation, however before we went to the location we needed to prepare the costume. For the gas mask we borrowed an old mask from one of our tutors Jo Conlon and initially we wanted to borrow an overall from the construction areas of college, but they didn't have any available at the time, we instead decided to go to a local hardware store and buy a suit from there along with some latex gloves to suit the look.



When we arrived at the location there was an immediate problem in that all the rubble had already been packed away into bags, this meant that we had to unpack all the rubble and arrange it in a way that was suitable to the tone we needed, after that Jordan Gott donned the costume and we began filming. Alex was on camera whilst I operated the sound equipment, we shot five takes before I realised upon watching them back that we really needed to use a tripod in order to get the required stability and framing, takes six and seven were much more representative of what we had in mind so we wrapped up filming and moved on to taking some pictures for the exhibition catalogue.

 

We took a range of pictures for the catalogue but these two were the ones we liked the most, we eventually decided on the second image and that is the one we submitted.

 

 

FMP 'Endure' meeting actors, actress and rehearsal

Using the website 'starnow' which allows access to a wide database of established and up and coming actors we managed to locate an actor (Philip Stapleton) who we thought would be suitable for the role of Tom; the delinquent. After contacting him we organised a meeting in Blackburn in order to get a better sense of how he'd fit into the film, when we saw him and after talking to him me, Alex and Jordan agreed that he would fit perfectly.



We also had a good idea of the person who we wanted to play our female character of the mother, since Alex had worked with her before we decided to ask local artist Heather Ashton if she was interested. Luckily for us she was more than willing to star in the film and immediately agreed to attend a rehearsal with Philip, which went very well and allowed us to practice the more difficult scenes where Tom and his mother argue.


Using this rehearsal session we were able to identify which lines of the script the actors had trouble with and whether they felt more comfortable adding in their own lines rather than sticking rigidly to the script, which is always good for actors. On such line called for Philip to say to his mum, 'Oh..what the fuck man', this sounded wrong to me since it's meant to be a British character so I brought up it during rehearsal, as a result we let Philip say what he felt more comfortable with and the scene flowed much better.

Rehearsal video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HfzU87HKkCg

 

 

 

 

We also decided that Peter Quinn who I mentioned in a prior post would be ideal to play the stepdad role, he was happy to take part and commented about how he enjoyed the script which was encouraging. We also managed to secure a young actor to play Luke, George Conlon, Jo Conlon's (one of our tutors) son, he was enthusiastic about the role and was very promising during rehearsal.

FMP new project with Alex Brand (Concept, script and storyboard)

The main idea is a short film drama based around two male protagonist, they are brothers and due to a sudden meteor shower they are trapped in the basement. The drama comes from the relationship before the incident and the situation they are in, it forces them to deal with each other.  This concept gives me multiple options to develop through filming to highlight particular situations and character backgrounds. The genre would be described as a post apocalyptic drama. The final product will last roughly fifteen minutes so there is a lot of planning and preparation work to consider, the main objective is to get a cast of real actors and suitable locations.

Below is Alex's finished script for the piece;

INT. Basement – Night

Tom and Luke are both lying uncomfortably across from each other. Tom's lips are dried up; he licks his lips then coughs. Tom is breathing heavily due to tiredness. Luke has tears running down his face. Tom takes a deep breath and slowly stares over at Luke.

Luke

Tom?

Tom

Yeah?

Luke

Did you find her?

Tom

No...

(Turns back away)

I didn't see her anywhere.

Luke

(Pauses)

What does that mean?

Tom

(Slightly impatient)

What does what mean?

Luke

Is she okay?

Tom

Yeah, she'll be fine.

Luke

How you know?

Tom

Because I do

Luke

But how?

Tom

(Shouts aggressively, launches towards Luke)

Because I just fucking do alright, she....she will be turning up anytime now, with some help. We'll leave and this...this shit...will be dealt with by someone else. Until then...

(Moves forward and points in Luke face)

Shut the fuck up, alright?

Tom sits back into place and huffs heavily, Tom then pulls out a rolled up cigarette and lights it up. A series of large bangs from above. Both Luke and Tom look up. Luke afraid crawls over to Tom and tries snuggles up to him. Tom pushes him off violently.

Tom

(Shouts)

Get off me!

Tom looks back down and carries on smoking, Luke begins to cry and cower in the corner.

 

CLOSE UP: Tom blows out the smoke, large screech from upstairs. Tom slightly tilts his head to be looking up.

ZOOM IN: Into Tom's eyes, sound starts to get drowned out by noise from above.

 

INT. Tom bedroom - Morning, Past

CLOSE UP: Tom blinks as he is awake. He is woken by the sound of the vacuum.

Tom is barely awake. He is by the edge of his bed with a spilt bottle of vodka in the tips of his hand. The vacuum stops and Mum walks in and opens the curtains. The sun shines into Tom's eyes; Tom flinches and covers his eyes with his hand.

Tom

Oh what the fuck man?!

Mum stands in front of him, Tom sits up and leans against the wall. Mum is standing, looking very unhappy towards him.

Tom

What's with the face?

Mum

You were meant to watch your brother last night.

Tom pulls out a cigarette and starts smoking.

Tom

Yeah and?

Mum

And?! Tom it was my anniversary last night.

 Tom

(Sarcastically)

Oh, and I care!

Mum

Well you should care, if you want to keep living here, then you'll do what we say.

Tom

Piss off; I ain’t doing what he says.

Mum

Well if you don't then you can (mocking) Piss off.

Mum walks round to the side of the bed and picks up some empty cans. She pulls the cigarette out of his mouth and drops it into a can.

Mum

Stop smoking in the house.

Tom watches his mum walk out the room.

Tom

A brew would be nice

Mum

Well you know where the kettle is.

Mum slams the door shut, Tom throws his dirty top at the bedroom door.

Tom

Bitch!

Tom pulls out his phone and bag containing cocaine. Tom then turns on his music full blast and starts sniffing the cocaine. He throws the bag onto the side table and starts texting someone.

INT. Living Room – Evening

Luke and Sam are sat in the living room playing on the game console. Tom walks in and sits down to watch them, after a couple of moments Tom changes the channel to sports. Luke jumps up and charges at Tom.

Luke

Tooooom! We were playing

Tom

Yeah, WERE playing. Now I am watching tele.

Luke

Please Tom.

Tom stands up, hovering the remote over Luke's head whilst Luke tries to grab it. Tom starts laughing and mocking him. Stepdad walks in.

Stepdad

Tom, can I have a word?

Tom stares at him; he then drops the remote and walks out the room.

CLOSE UP: the television changes to the news, the article is about the meteor shower in Russia.

Luke turns the television back onto his game console and continues playing.

INT. Hallway - Evening

Stepdad is standing just outside the door, Tom walks out and stands in front of him.

Stepdad

You upset your mother last night

Tom

(Sarcastically)

Oh no really, shame.

Stepdad

Tom, stop being a prick for once and think of someone apart from yourself.

Tom

(Chuckles, mocking)

What, you want me to say sorry.

(Seriously)

Well I ain't.

Stepdad

No, I don't want you to say sorry. I want you to grow up.

Tom smirks and nods his head up and down.

Stepdad

So, you are going to make up for last night by baby-sitting tonight.

Tom

What?! No, I’m going out. Get someone else to do it.

Stepdad

You are staying in tonight and you are going to look after Luke because I say so.

Tom

And who are you to tell me what to do?

Tom starts walking away; stepdad turns around and puts his hand into his pocket.

STEPDAD

I am the person....

(Pulls out money)

That funds you, paying for your nights out.

Tom walks back, step dad holds out a bit of money. Tom goes to grab it but stepdad pulls it away. Stepdad puts his hand out again, Tom quickly tries to grab the money but Stepdad pulls it away again then starts to smile. Tom slowly walks forward and gets right into his face. Tom slowly grabs the money off him.

Stepdad

They'll be more of that, if Luke isn't upset when we get home.

Tom takes a couple of deep breathes then clutches his fist. Tom then smiles.

Mum

(Off screen, shouts)

TOM!

Tom

Enjoy yaself tonight.

Tom walks into the kitchen, Mum comes downstairs.

Stepdad

Oh, you look stunning tonight.

Mum

(Searching for Tom)

Yeah, thanks. Where is he?

Mum is about to walk off into kitchen but stepdad grabs hold of her and starts kissing her.

INT. Kitchen – Evening

Tom is on the phone whilst smoking by the back door.

Tom

Yeah..Yeah, yeah. Just get them to drop it off in like an hour then I'll be round later.

Mum walks into the kitchen, she throws the bag of cocaine down in front of him.

Tom

I got to go, talk later

Tom puts the phone down and carries on smoking his cigarette.

Mum

What is that?

Tom takes another drag of the cigarette then picks up the bag.

Tom

Its mine

Mum

I know it yours; I found it in your room. But what is it?

Tom

This...my dear mother, this is forty pounds towards a good night out.

Mum

What is wrong with you?

Tom places his cigarette in the ashtray; he takes a little bit of the cocaine and sniffs it.

Mum

I know this is a difficult time for you but...

Tom

(Calmly)

I don't want to hear this.

Mum

But you have to realise that we are all going through it...

Tom

(Slightly louder)

I don't want to hear this.

Mum

And even though your brother doesn't really understand I am sure he...

Tom

(Shouts)

I don't want to hear this! Alright, just leave it.

Tom picks his cigarette back up and continues smoking, the mum standing there appalled, holds in her tears.

Mum

You are gone, first thing tomorrow.

Tom strides forward then blows the smoke into Mum face.

Tom

Okay, go on then. Have a good night.

INT. Hallway- Evening

Stepdad is waiting by the front door, Mum walks through and forces out a smile

Stepdad

You okay?

Mum

Yeah, fine. Luke, come say bye to mummy.

Luke comes rushing through and hugs Mum for an extremely long time. Tom walks through and sees them; Tom waits by the kitchen door and watches them.

Mum

My little baby boy, aren't you? Oh at least I have one good son. Right, be good tonight, go to bed early and when I get home I'll give you kisses and snuggles yeah?

Luke

(Excited)

Yeah!

MUM

Okay bye my little man.

Luke

(Jokingly)

No don't go, let me come.

Mum

Ha ha, maybe next time, now go and play on your game.

Mum and stepdad both leave out the front, Luke still standing there as they leave. Luke turns around and sees Tom. Tom looks disgusted and wonders back into the kitchen.

EXT. Front Garden - Later

Tom is sat outside the front waiting for Carl to turn up, he sniffs the last bit of cocaine he has left. Carl pulls up and honks the car horn. Tom runs towards him. Tom walks back up to the front door but first looks in and sees Luke still playing, Sam stands up and goes upstairs. Tom watches him for a minute. He turns away and heads towards the back alley.

EXT. Back Alley - Night

Tom walks a way up and stops then leans against the wall, he pulls out a key and uses it to pull out some cocaine and sniffs it. He drops to the floor and takes deeps breathes into his hand.

INT. Living Room - Evening

Luke is playing on the game console, after a couple of moments the internet connection cuts off. Luke sighs, he picks ups his phone and rings Tom.

EXT. Back Alley - Evening

Tom is playing with his face as the phone rings; he notices the phone then picks it up.

Tom

Alright, what's up?

Luke

Nothing much, you gone far?

Tom

No, why what's wrong?

Luke

It's just the game isn't working, can you come and fix it please?

Tom

No, I’m doing something. Play something else.

LUKE

Tooooom

Tom puts the phone down then lies down on the floor and stares up at the sky.

INT. Basement - Night

Tom rushes around the room trying to find something, he is making puking noises. Not being able to find anything he runs into the corner and pukes. Luke moves away to the steps and watches Tom puking. Tom stops puking; he leans up straight and takes a forced breath in and out. He looks to the side and now notices the bucket.

Tom

(Exhausted)

Pass us...pass us that man.

Luke grabs the bucket and slowly approaches Tom, he hands over the bucket to Tom. Tom nods his head then looks back at the bucket. He moves the bucket around thinking how to get the puke in the bucket.

Tom

Oh fuck it!

Tom places the bucket on top of the puke, hiding it away. Tom stands up and walks around in a little circle, unsure what to do. He stops to look at Luke back by the steps, he walks over and taps him on the head.

Tom

(Exhausted)

You okay...looking a bit pale man.

Luke

(Confused)

Uh yeah, how you doing?

Tom

I...I'll feel good

(Breathes out loudly)

Did you, have all the water?

Luke

I don't think so

Tom

What you mean, you don't think so?! You either did or you didn't

Luke

I don’t know

Tom

LUKE! Have you drunk it all, I won’t be mad?

Luke

(Worried, looks at floor)

I.....

Tom

Just, tell me will you

Luke

Yeah, but I can...

Tom

(Shouts)

YOU DRANK IT ALL!

Tom annoyed, moves away from him and sits next to the bucket. Tom reacts, noticing the smell. Screeching and sounds from above start to get louder.

Tom

(To self)

Selfish little shit.

(Throws face into hands, worriedly and gets louder)

My head...my head...I can’t think. I need a minute, what we going to do?! WHAT WE GOING TO DO?! SHUT UP SHUT UP!

(Cries and to self again but loud enough for Luke to hear)

Help me...please someone help me.

Tom lifts his head up to look at Luke

TOM

Please help me

Luke cautiously approaches Tom, he puts his arm around him to snuggle, Tom doesn't react at first but then moves in closer. Tom breathes heavily.

Tom

What I am meant to do?! Just someone help me... I'm so sorry, I wish they'd be quiet.

CLOSE UP: Luke is watching Tom but then dazes into nothing.

Disorientated sound of phone goes off, becomes clearer and gets louder.

INT. Living Room – Evening

Luke is playing on the game console again but on a different game, he stops playing when his phone rings. Luke picks up.

LUKE

Hello?

Mum

(Breaking up)

Luuuu...hell....o...we com...

(Dial tone)

Luke puts the phone down and rings Tom back.

EXT. Back Alley - Evening

Tom picks up the phone.

Tom

(Shouts)

What?!

Luke

(Off screen, static)

Mum coming home

Tom

Okay.

INT. Tom Bedroom - Evening

Tom strolls in and collapses on his bed.

INT. Living Room - Evening

Luke is still playing on the game console but the internet breaks up again. Everything starts shaking.

INT. Tom Bedroom - Evening

Tom still led in bed feels the shaking and see's something out the window. He hobbles over and shockingly stares at the object out the window.

INT. Stairway - Evening

Tom rushes to the stairs, the meteor hits close by. Tom falls down the stairs and hurts his leg. Luke rushes out of the living room.

INT. Hallway - Evening

Luke stumbles over, Tom jumps up and grabs Luke by the collar and drags him towards the basement.

Tom

Ah, my fucking leg. Come on Luke, get up.

INT. Basement Stairs - Evening

Tom slams the door open and forces Luke down the stairs; Tom shuts the door behind him.

INT. Basement - Evening

Luke falls over objects in the room then turns around. Tom panicking sits down on the steps. Luke looks around realised they forgot Sam.

Luke

We forgot Sam, we need to get him.

Luke tries to rush up the stairs but Tom grabs hold of him and pulls him down.

Tom

No Luke, stop, stop it.

Luke

We need to get him

Another meteor hits again, sound like it just above them or very close by.

CUT TO: black screen

INT. Basement - Next Morning

Tom searches around the basement looking for anything of any use, Luke is standing out the way worried by what he is doing. Tom finds a bag which he throws towards Luke, he carries on looking around.

Tom

Right we can use that to carry stuff. Soon as we get up grab anything you can. Food, water anything. You understand.

Tom crawls around checking everywhere; he finds a crowbar around the desk. He excitingly grabs it and swings it slightly. Luke is still standing in the same place, hardly moved at all. Tom quickly passes him and heads up the steps. Noticing that Luke hasn't moved stops and faces him.

Tom

Come on, we have to go.

Luke

I don't want to.

Tom

We can’t stay here, it’s not safe.

Luke

I don't want to go out there, I want to wait for mum.

Tom grabs hold of his arm.

Tom

Come on.

Luke pulls his arm away. He walks backwards heading more into the room.

Luke

(Crying)

I don't want to go.

Tom drops everything and rushes over to Luke; Tom gets on his knees and holds his arms.

Tom

Luke, look at me. We...we can’t stay here. We're not safe. We need..to go somewhere...we find somewhere. Where they have food and safety. I know you are scared, so am I. Look at me. I know, I do. But there is nothing here for us, no one will find us here.

Luke

(Still crying)

But...but mum....

Tom

I'm sorry but mum isn't coming. I know you don't want to hear this but we can’t stay here... I can’t stay here. Look at me, I won’t last. I need to leave here.

Luke

I'm scared.

Tom

Luke, LOOK AT ME!

We are going to go out there, alright. And I'm going to look after you, I'm going to take care of anything that is out there. okay? So no more crying, no more winging, just stick together and we'll be fine. Okay?

Luke

(More calm, nods his head yes)

Yeah

Tom

Okay, come here.

Tom pulls Luke forward and hugs him. Luke calms down more. After a moment Tom pulls away and goes to grab the bag and crowbar. Tom stands by the door and puts his hand on the handle, he looks back at Luke

Tom

You ready?

Luke nods his head approval. Tom nods his head as well; he raises the crowbar then furiously opens the door and rushes out with Luke following him. The Door slowly shuts.

 Recee and storyboards

Stand In: Me as Tom, Lewis Brand as Luke, Alex Brand as stepdad.