Story Development
12/10/19 - In this session, we learnt about script-writing techniques, structure, treatments and short films, watching several as examples. These were 'Mouse-X', 'Connecting...' and 'Clanker Man'.
We talked about the differences between a script and a treatment, a script being an outlined narrative that both people in front and behind the screen can use and a treatment being a synopsis of the story, including character bios, market, audience, log-line and is used by the producer to sell the story. We also briefly looked at the differences in story-making in varied mediums and how key aspects of each can effect how the story is written e.g. film is all visual, leaving little to the imagination, being given the task to create a power point on the question.
Concerning, story structure and the short films, we looked in detail at the three act structure. How a lot of films are based upon beginning, middle then the end. I learnt a lot about how you can make these transitions effective through the short films shown. One way was to make a reversal in genre or misleading the audience. Craig's explanation of this really helped as it gave me a good idea about how I could incorporate this into my own short film, and use it to gain most acclaim.
Throughout the day we furthered our knowledge of treatments, what to include, why they are used etc. We were provided with several examples and layouts which I found very helpful. Before the session, I had a very limited knowledge of treatments, therefore, I learnt a great deal about how to set them out and to include market, audience, a log line, and influences. This also helped me develop my story ideas, helping me to think about what influences I have for my story and how I can fit in the three act structure into the set 3 minutes.
I wrote notes on paper as I felt it enabled me to take in the information better by having a physical thing in front of me. In in the session we also had time to discuss ideas with our table. In response to this we created a shared document, allowing us to write our ideas down, present them easily and criticise each others. Dean helped me a lot with this as he explained what a good story should include and how to come up with a effective story line.
general idea doc - Google Docs.pdfJake Metcalf - Treatment - Google Docs.pdfVideo Log
MVI_2086.MOV
19/10/19 - In the next session, we continued our story development, particularly the pitching side.
We began by pitching to a partner, taking turns to go through then criticise our treatments. This really helped as it prepared me for the pitch with Craig and Dean while also enabling us to assess our own ideas.
We then did a pitch to both Craig and Dean at which they gave me feedback on how I could improve my treatment and my pitch abilities.
Both Dean and Craig really helped, suggesting I mention my influences before I outlined the story. Dean helped me to narrow down my cast, making me realise how one character wasn't necessary and could be just as effective without. This would also help me to bring across a stronger theme of mental instability.
They also included helpful re-assurance when I handed my treatment, saying that it is an effective idea and would be easy to transition to a short film.
Jake Metcalf.mp4