Mise en Scene: Drama Films

  

'In Control' Animatic

I have created an animatic for my short film using the storyboard I drew, with a voice over of the dialogue by myself. I also added some copyright free sound effects and music to make the film seem more complete - I will be doing a separate post on the sounds and music.

Update - Planning Schedule

I have decided to update my schedule as due to commitments and coursework within other subjects, I have be unable to stick to my schedule. I also wanted a more detailed schedule, so I put the most important things in the first cell of the week, making it down to the less important which I could transfer to the next week if I needed to. I will be updating this schedule weekly with the aim to stay on track.

'i'm beautiful' Short Film Response (Textual Analysis)

Target Audience Questionnaire: Responses

Overall, I got 28 responses to my target audience questionnaire. I complied the data from the responses into this blog post.

From each of the responses, the confidence in my idea has grown. I can see that the demographic of my target audience is correct - females aged 16-18 - and I can also see that many people would rather have a positive ending to a short drama film than a negative one, which supports the end scene of my screenplay. Whilst the most popular genre seems to be Sci-Fi rather than Drama, my confidence in my idea has grown due to these responses, as I feel that I am on the right track to please my targeted audience.

Credits in Short Films

After watching several short films, I have decided to only use an end credits as I do not think the film is long enough to justify having opening credits, and I believe that it will only distract from the viewing experience for the viewer.

My research into credits for short films has backed this theory up, as there is not usually enough time for opening credits. In addition to this, short films usually have a smaller crew and cast than a full length feature film. The end credits for a short film usually take a maximum of 30 seconds, with the copyright shown last.

**list found at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/where-credit-is-due-film-credits-order-hierarchy-with-free-film-credits-template/

Here is an example of short film credits that I found on Vimeo:

Short Film End Credits from August Miller on Vimeo.

Another option for short film credits is to have rolling white font on a black background with outtakes or extra's from the film playing, as demonstrated here:

After researching into similar products, I have found that Netflix tend to put warnings at the start of any films or episodes that may contain sensitive or triggering material:

These warnings could be very useful for anyone who is struggling with similar issues to that which the film portrays. This is presented in a clear white font against a black background to represent the importance of the message.

One thing that short film's do include at the start is usually a title and a institution logo. A short film's title style can depend on the genre and message of the film, as shown below. Some films, such as Nadia, place their titles over the opening scene to save time and to get a specific effect. Others, like i'm beautiful, have a similar style to the traditional end credits of a film: a clear white font over the top of a black background.

I have decided that for my own short film I will include a title and a warning at the start of the film using the more traditional clear white font over a black background, as I think that this appears very effective and the contrast in colours catches the audience's attention much better. I have decided to keep this style consistent and keep this style for the end credits of my film too.

History of Eating Disorders in Film

Films with a plot based around a character with an eating disorder have existed for a long time now. I have decided to look into some of these films to see the way in which they portray eating disorders and mental health in general, and the way in which the representation of eating disorders in film has developed. This post does include mentions of eating disorders and eating disorder behaviours - please be warned and aware that each of the films mentioned in this post may have a negative effect on those suffering with an eating disorder. 

The Best Little Girl in the World, 1981

The Best Little Girl in the World is a TV movie released in 1981, based around Casey Powell, a young girl who develops anorexia nervosa because of her troubles at home and her problems at school. The film received a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb, and a number of positive views on the representation of anorexia in the film. The reviews explain that the film is very hard to watch at certain points due to its subject matter, and the way in which it deals with the subject is in fact very realistic. Some recognise the outdated treatments that were used in the film and the way that Casey seems miraculously cured after a small amount of treatment.

The Karen Carpenter Story, 1989

The Karen Carpenter Story is a film based upon the true story of the rise and fall of Karen Carpenter, a famous singer who battled anorexia and bulimia. The film has a PG certification and received a 7/10 rating on IMDb. Some of the reviews of the film not that quite a few things involving Karen's eating disorder are glossed over, and leave the audience with a multitude of questions. An eating disorder sufferer writes a review that explains she felt as though she could connect to Karen through the numerous health conditions she developed as a result of her eating disorder.

For the Love of Nancy, 1994

For the Love of Nancy focuses on the attempts of the protagonists parents attempting to help her daughter into treatment and into recovery for her eating disorder. The narrative focuses on Nancy who has just graduated from high school and is attending college, becoming obsessed with her weight. Nancy's father eventually takes her to court to seek guardianship of Nancy in an attempt to force her into treatment. The reviews of the film praise its realism with dealing with the illness, and the portrayal of Nancy by Tracy Gold, a recovered anorexic. A regular notation within the reviews is the way in which the film represents the way Nancy's friends and family are affected by her illness.

A Secret Between Friends: A Moment of Truth Movie, 1996

A Secret Between Friends, also known as When Friendship Kills, is a film that focuses on best friends - Lexi and Jennifer - who attempt to help each other 'get in shape' through purging. The film is based upon bulimia, and received a 6.6/10 on IMDb. The reviews of this film acknowledge the realism in the fact that the sufferers do not immediately get better or recover from their eating disorder - there is recognition of relapse within this film, which is know to be a key milestone in the recovery process. The reviews also recognise the way in which the film does not glamourise eating disorders for the audience's entertainment, but rather shows the real truth of the illness.

Perfect Body, 1997

Perfect Body focuses on a gymnast, Andie Bradley, who is scrutinised by her coach about her weight and eventually breaks from the pressure to lose weight. The film has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and is noted for its ability to educate young girls and their parents on the reality of eating disorders. This film is said to contain very compelling scenes of anorexic and bulimic behaviours and therefore may be very triggering to those suffering. The film is also acknowledge for its recognition of the pressure that is placed upon young athletes.

Dying to Dance, 2001

This film focuses once again on the effect that the professional industry of dancing and athletics may have upon a performer, but demonstrating how a young girl is pushed to lose weight in order to be a professional dancer. The film has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and its noted for it truthful and shocking revelation on what can go on for those aspiring to be dancers and the lengths that they may go to to achieve their goal.

To The Bone, 2017

To The Bone follows Ellen, a 20-year-old woman struggling with anorexia, who meets an unconventional doctor that leads her on a path of self discovery and embracing life. The film has a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb, and the film is praised for its accuracy with the day-to-day routine of someone suffering with an eating disorder. The film is notably hard to watch at points due to the concern the audience feel for the sufferers. Other reviews claim that the unconventional methods of Dr Beckham are unrealistic and would never happen in real life.

Even though each of these films are full feature lengths, they deal with very similar themes and issues in a similar structure to my own idea. I will be drawing inspiration from the way in which each of these films deal with the topic of eating disorders in my own short film.

Short Film Institutions: BFI

The British Film Institute is a UK based charity that works to preserve the history of film and television culture. The BFI awards lottery funding to filmmakers, aiding them in funding film production, distribution, education and audience development. BFI offer a range of educational courses, including the BFI Film Academy.

The BFI Film Academy offers the opportunity to young filmmakers to produce and release their film. The BFI Film Academy have released many 'shorts' online, ranging across a large variety of genre's and styles', from documentaries to horrors. 

BFI have also created the BFI Film Fund which uses lottery funds to develop and support original UK filmmakers and films, which can be used across the production and development of a film. The BFI website also includes a list of film festivals that are ongoing - allowing young, inexperienced filmmakers to submit a product with the chance of earning more funding to develop and advance on their product to bring it up to a much more professional standard.

Here is a film that was funded, and produced, by the BFI Film Academy: 

Editing Techniques: Drama Films

Drama film editors usually reference a storyboard and a script when editing the film. Each scene usually has a purpose or message that the editing style and technique cannot distract from, hence the editing must be purposeful. During the filming of a drama film, most directors would have caught many different angles of the same conversation, and the editor would have to comb through the footage and find the reactions or expressions that best convey the message or purpose of the scene. 

Shot-reverse-shot is a technique often used in the editing of a drama film to contribution to the development of tension within a conversation or a particular scene.



Flash Cutting (or Short Cuts) are used in sequences to make the duration of the clips shown very short and compact.



Seamless Editing is often used within drama films to achieve a sense of realism for the audience as they would not notice the individual cuts.



The 180 Degree Rule is often used within drama films to prevent any confusion or misunderstanding within the audience. The rule states that the camera must remain on one side of an imaginary line that is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint. Breaking this rule would confuse the audience and distract them from the narrative and plot of the film.



Match-on-Action is an editing technique used for continuity editing in which a shot is cut to another angle of the same action to create a 'visual bridge' for the audience between the two different shots. This shot cannot be confused with a graphic match, as it is portraying a continuous sense of an action.

Depth of Field is the area in front of the camera that is in sharp focus. This if often important in drama films, as a manipulation in focus can be used to achieve a desired effect, for example: drawing the audience to a specific point within the scene. The Depth of Field can be either shallow or deep depending on the directors intentions. Shallow focus is the area of the frame that is out of focus or softer. Deep Depth of Field is when the entire frame - from the foreground to the background - is much sharper.

Copyright

As a student completing my coursework, I have decided to research into the rules and regulations of copyright. This is important as I am not a musician, meaning I will probably not be able to create an original soundtrack for my film, meaning I will have to find some else's music to use and therefore I will need to know what I can and can't do under copyright. I have used copyrightuser.org to research the rules of copyright in the UK.

Copyright works by protecting works - such as books, films, games and music. Copyright does not protection the idea itself, but the expression of the idea. Therefore, a creator may take inspiration from another's work but must express their idea in an individual and unique way.

Copyright is a set of rights that grants writers, visual artists, filmmakers, musicians and other creators the ability to control the use of their own work and the amount they are paid for it. It also grants the creator ownership over the work, giving them the ability to copy, adapt and show their work. In order to adapt another person's work, you would need to get permission from the works creator to enable your work to be protected under copyright.

The main purpose of copyright is to reward the original curator whilst allow the public to access and use their work - enabling the creators to make a living from their work by selling or licencing their own material. Therefore, copyright encourages new and individual ideas.

In general, to use any footage or works made by another creator, I would need to seek permission from said creator. There are exceptions to this - for example, quotations, educational purposes or archives. These are examples of when the original creator of the work is unknown or cannot be found. Copyright only lasts 70 years after a creators death, before it is open to public use.

If I am to use copyrighted products within my film/work, I will need to credit the original creators. I can do this in the credits at the end of my short film. When I eventually make my film review, I can use the product as long as I credit the original owner.

'In Control' Digital Storyboard

This is my digital storyboard for In Control. It is much shorter and less detailed than the hand drawn storyboard as I found it much more difficult to create the composition of the shots as I saw them in my head with the software used (Storyboard This).

Genre Research: Drama

Traditionally, drama films include some recognisable features:

- a serious/accurate representation of real life stories/events

- representation of emotions at their true 'height' -- but can be dramatised

- a journey that the character goes on (can be emotional or physical)

- occasionally plot twists

- emotional peaks

The protagonist of a drama film may be:

- slightly unstable

- **having to make a hard decision

- easy to sympathise with

- is relatable to the target audience

Drama films can:

- challenge stereotypes

- **connect to their audience on a personal level

- **be therapeutic - show how to protagonist faces a problem

There are several sub-genres within drama:

- Social Dramas

- **Mental Illness

- Alcoholism

- Youth Rebellion

- Race Rights

- Civil Rights

- Courtroom Drama

- War Drama

- Sports Drama

- Religious Drama

- Literature Drama

Well known examples of Drama films:

Fight Club

Titanic

The Help

12 Years A Slave

**I have put stars next to the codes and conventions that apply to my short film.

Camera Angles used within Drama films

Close Up

Used to emphasise the expression on a persons face and therefore the emotions they are feeling. Can be of an object to demonstrate its importance.

Long Shot

Used to show a person or scene and its surroundings. The surroundings are usual in peripheral vision whilst the main character/scene is in the centre.

High Angle Shots

Used to gain a perspective on the scene or to imply that the characters or scene show is of less importance/is less powerful than something else.

Over the Shoulder Shots

Used in conversations, shows the point of view of a character whilst keeping them in the frame of the shot -- maintain the continuity of the scene. 

Mid-Shot

Used to help demonstrate the body language and/or intent of the character. Keep the setting/scene in the background of the shot - gives the audience a sense of the atmosphere and location.

Extreme Close Up

Used to add tension and/or intimidation within the scene, and can demonstrate a persons emotions or personality, or inform the audience of how they should be feeling. For example, an extreme close up of a persons eye's could inform the audience that they should feel as though they are being watched.

Production Schedule

Here is the production schedule that I have planned for the next few months. I plan to add to the schedule during the next few weeks.

Short Film: Focus Group

I had some peers of the same demographic as my target audience read over my screenplay and storyboard. I then interviewed them and asked for their feedback on my ideas.

What am I going to do about finding an actor?

I have found several potential actors to portray Jess. I am aware that they may be quite sensitive about the body checking sequence and about the sensitive and very real topics within the film, and I have spoken to each of the actors about this, and they all seem okay with it.

What about the ending?

The ending of the film is open to the audience's interpretation, however, I try to direct them to believe that Jess will get better due to her actions and determination during the final scene. I want the audience to believe that Jess will have a happy and positive ending rather than a negative one.

Short Film Discussion

I decided to have a discussion between myself and my peers on our general thoughts of a short film. Here is the footage:

Short Film Preparation: Costume Design

 I decided to hand-draw my characters costumes using the '9-heads fashion figure' so that I could get an idea of what the costume I had imagined would look like on a person.

Jess

For Jess I had to design two separate costumes: her pajamas' that she wakes up in and wears through to scene three, and then her 'day-to-day' outfit that she wears to therapy and in the final scene. I decided to keep Jess' pajamas' quite simple and girly, and I wanted her other costume to be the complete opposite - dark and gloomy. Jess' day clothes represent the depression she is experiencing at this point in her life, whilst her pajamas reflect the girl that she used to be.

Dr Ford and Jess' Mum

I decided to have very similar costumes for Dr Ford and Jess' mum, as I wanted the similarities in their costumes to represent that they have the same intention - to get Jess well again. I also wanted them to both look quite smart and professional, to demonstrate that they are both quite career-driven and that they both take their jobs very seriously.

Short Film Preparation: Props I Need

I have decided to make a list of the props I will require when filming, so that I am prepared to follow the storyboard and the screenplay as exactly as I possibly can.

Scales

In the film, Jess will be shown to weigh herself during the first scene. I want the scales to be quite flat and modern looking as I want it to represent how accurate Jess likes to be with things regarding her weight and her eating.

Phone

Jess will be using her phone in the first scene to demonstrate her addiction and determination to be dangerously thin. Jess will be using her phone to look at images of dangerously thin and underweight girls, which will also help to portray how damaging social media and the internet can be for those with an eating disorder or a mental illness.

Nutritional Shake

In the second scene of the film, Jess' mum asks her to drink a nutritional shake to prove to her that she is is 'in control' of her eating disorder and isn't going backwards. In the final scene of the film, Jess is shown to be drinking the shake as she cooks her family dinner, representing that she is moving forward and fighting her eating disorder.

Memory Box

In the third scene of the film, Jess is shown in her bedroom looking into a memory box filled with her hopes and aspirations, along with some memories from before she got ill. The box is what drives Jess to recover, it subtly forebodes the things that Jess will do when she is fully recovered from her eating disorder.

Uni Prospectus

Inside the memory box is a uni prospectus/leaflet, which demonstrates Jess' determination to go university after she has recovered. This is one of her primary motivations to get better.

Concert Ticket

Inside the memory box is also a concert ticket from when Jess went to see her favourite band before she got sick. This is a reminder to her of how good life can be if she gets better and recovers from her eating disorder.

Photo's

The third and final item within the memory box is photographs of Jess and her friends. This represents the loneliness that can be caused by a mental illness, the isolation a sufferer can experience from their friends who may not understand their illness. This is another drive for Jess to recover as she wants to be reunited with her friends and be able to enjoy herself with them.

Notepad

During his session with Jess, Dr Ford will be writing notes on a clipboard or a notepad.

Saucepan

In the final scene of the film, Jess is shown to be cooking her family pasta for dinner. This is a critical plot point as it represents Jess' determination to move on from her past, and her determination to do all of the things in her memory box.

'In Control' Storyboard

Here is the storyboard for my short film that I developed from my screenplay. It includes the different shots I plan on using, and also the dialogue that will occur within each shot.