I wanted Heaven to be all white and pure.
When the elevator doors open to reveal the angel and a little bit of Heaven, I have had an idea for the background.
If I film Tom (My angel) on a green screen and add the image of a tree (which I have edited to look more 'other-worldly') behind him, then Heaven will be more 'Heavenly' than if it were just a white background.
I could also use a filter to increase brightness and a backlight behind Tom to really enforce the pure whiteness of Heaven.
This will really contrast well against Purgatory, which is fairly dark and grungy, so Heaven will have more of an effect on the audience.
I have edited this in photoshop from this original picture (one of the locations which I had originally photographed):
The edited picture I could use:
As you can see I have really turned up the brightness on this picture, and the use of the dodge tool gave the tree and grass that almost flourescent colour. I have gotten rid of the background, using the spot healing tool, to make it seem as if it stretches on forever, the removal of the background also gives the picture a very white background, which enhances the pureness of the piece.
I thought of the tree as being a sort of 'tree of life' or perhaps the 'tree of knowledge'. Either way I feel that a tree would be relevent here as it gives a natural,serene feel to the picture, although it is in other-worldly colours.
Overall I feel that this picture really gives a peaceful feel. I think that this is important for the opening of the lift doors onto Heaven, as the first impression that the audience will get will be of this: serene and natural.
I need to make a front cover for a magazine, representing the film. Here are some examples of them:
Empire magazine is a magazine based entirely on films, and the actors, directors and various other people involed. It tends to have interviews with them on their most recent films, with a big picture of the main character on the front cover, as shown above.
The character is in front of the title, being the main feature of this edition, (This is not a problem, as, being a well known magazine people know what they're getting) and is in a pose and costume well suited to Captain Jack Sparrow (Pistol up, arm to the side, drunken posture).
The background of the magazine links to its front cover picture, being a character from 'The Pirates of the Carribean' they have used a carribean beach. This, together with the character picture, is quite effective as it really sets the scene for the audience and informs them of the film's setting.
The title has used a font similar to EF Kaffeesatz Schwarz which looks quite old-media style. And the writing sticks to the colour scheme of red (for the title, which stands out), black (used for headings), yellow (used to highlight some bits in headings, and for some descriptions) and white (for descriptions).
The rest of the magazine has some bold writing (For headings 'MOVIES' BIGGEST YEAR EVER!' which are written in capitals, supposedly to make them more exciting) and italics (For smaller, less important headings 'Plus', 'Starring') This is really effective as it draws attention to the important headings and less attention to the non-important ones.
The circle next to Jack's hand holding the pistol says 'First look! PIRATES 4 The On-Set Exclusive' so is clearly linked to the featured article. I like this as it separates the article from the rest of them on the front page, making the featured article more important.
The barcode is at the bottom right hand corner, which is a good place to have it. However, it is not centred in its white box and it doesn't look proffesional. It would look better if there was no white box.
The placing of the article descriptions, at the sides of the cover is very neat, and they don't overlap the picture much, giving more attention to it. This is effective as, if the audience like 'Pirates of the Carribean' then they will be more likely to buy the magazine, wanting to know what it's about.
This is a front cover from 'Total Film' Magazine. Like 'Empire' magazine the featured picture overlaps the title and is in the centre of the page. (Again not a problem as it is a well-known magazine) The actor is in character as 'Sherlock Holmes' and a large heading 'SHERLOCK HOLMES' is written over it in blue and white.
The background links to the character, being of foggy London, where Sherlock operates. This really sets the scene of the film and so is effective. This, along with the picture of the main character, seems to be a recurring feature so I may use it when it comes to creating my own magazine.
The font used for the title is similar to Eagle Bold, which really stands out. The colour scheme sticks to White (For the title and some descriptions), black (for some descriptions), and blue (for headings).
The writing in the descriptions is quite scrawly, almost indie-like, and the 'Sherlock Holmes' font is very olde-English, linking to the film.
The rest of the writing isn't bold, like the title, but is thin and scrawly, even the headings, apart from the one above the title, and the Sherlock Holmes one. This means that they are quite difficult to read and the change of fonts make the cover inconsistent.
The barcode on this, like Empire magazine, is in the bottom right hand corner, in a white box. However, unlike the Empire one this has a box which actually fits the barcode, and it is small, so doesn't draw any attention to it. As it is a barcode, this is really good, as it is unimportant to the magazine (Apart from paying for it of course).
I like the polaroid style pictures at the top of the page, as it gives an insight in to the rest of the magazine (not just what is linked to the big picture).
Things which I will take for inspiration:
The big picture, with the head(s) of the character(s) overlapping the main title.
The article descriptions at the sides.
The barcode small and in the bottom right hand corner.
A quote/article title above the main title.
A mix of bold and italic headings.
The circle thing.
I want my film to be called 'Heaven & Earth', for obvious reasons (She's from Earth, he's from Heaven). However, I need to look at ways to style this on my trailer and poster, so here you go:
The 'Heaven' should be above the 'Earth' and there should be an '&' inbetween them.
So this is my first font idea. It uses the Futura font, which I think is clear and has a clean look to it. The blue (for heaven) and the orangy-brown (for earth) have clear connotations to their words.
My second idea (Click to enlarge it). The font is quite earthy and a bit messy, and gives the film a bit of an indie feel. I have stuck with the blue and orange words like in the first idea as I feel that it works quite well.
Out of my two ideas I prefer the second as it promotes the indie-produced feel of the film. However, I will see how they look on the actual poster for the film before I completely decide.
So here, as the title suggests, I am going to post my storyboard ideas for the trailer to my movie (Heaven & Earth). These will tell the story in my trailer, step-by-step, and help me as I can refer back to them to see character placings, speech (although this will come from the script), costume, setting, movement (and direction), camera angle/shots etc. which will aid me greatly when it comes to actually filming the trailer. (Click to enlarge the pictures so you can see them)
My first storyboard:
This storyboard shows my initial ideas for the trailer. It has no annotations or timings but it gives a good idea as to what I will be doing.
My second storyboard:
This is my finished storyboard to accompany my script. It has annotaions regarding camera angles and shots etc. , and timings to show how long each clip will be.
Here is my proposed dates and times for filming, including location and people.
January 21 - Room 77, Window - Kristi & Abby - P1
January 22 - Common Room - Kristi & Abby - P3/P5
January 23 - Residential Area - Abby, Kristi, Olivia - P1/P2
January 27 - Common Room - Abby, Sam, extras - After School
January 30 - Room 77, Board - Kristi & Olivia - P4/P5
February 13 - Park - Abby, Tom - P4/P5
February 13 - South Block Hall - Abby, Kristi, Extras - After School
February 14 - Drama Room Bed - Abby - P3
The music is an essential part of my trailer, I will need various types for different parts and it will mainly be just in the background.
Ideas for songs:
- White Nights - Oh Land
I really like this song as it is light and cheery and talks about dreams. Which could relate to Heaven in the trailer. I think it would be a good song to play throughout the trailer. Starting with no music and ending with this.
This is a cover so will be copyright free.
- Work B***h - Britney Spears
This would be good for the beginning of the trailer, as it suits Eva's personality prior to her death well. However, I'm not sure how well it would transition into another, calmer song. Also the language isn't a great choice, especially if the trailer is PG
- Florence + the Machine - Cosmic Love
This is quite a calm song, and it talks about the stars and sky, which has connotations of Heaven. However, I think it's possibly too slow for a romcom trailer. I think I need something more upbeat for it.
- Coldplay - Paradise
Paradise links to Heaven, so the lyrics fit really well. Also the song isn't too sad or slow.
-She and Him - In the Sun
This is quite upbeat and I think it would be suitable for the whole trailer as it isn't sad or too upbeat, and would work as background music well.
- Foster the People - Pumped up Kicks
I think this song would be good for the part before Eva gets run over. Only the background music though.
This is a cover, so will be copyright free. I will only be using the first few seconds.
[Camera slowly zooms in to group sat round in a circle on chairs in a 'church hall'. There is a refreshments table behind them. Everyone looks at leader of group.]
Leader: [Enthusiastically] We've got a new member with us here today [Camera moves to medium close up of group leader] Let's welcome her to the group
[Leader and group looks at Eva, camera cuts to medium close up of her] Eva: Hi, I'm Eva Group: [Enthusiastically] Hi Eva Eva: [Smiles] And I was recently dead
[Camera zooms fast forward round streets (as if her thoughts are taking her there) to aclose up of Eva's face (Normal speed), she winks at the camera (shiny ding sound), then camera quickly zooms out to an establishing shot of Eva walking along the street. There are houses behind her. She is talking on her phone as she walks] Voice over (Eva): Let me start at the beginning. I was a big shot. Really big, you know? The office; suits; phones; cars: lots of money, that sort of thing Eva: [On phone, annoyed] I need it by Monday. No, no excuses. It's my head on the line so make sure you... [Voice continues quietly] Voice over (Eva): I was just on my way to work, a normal day, pretty much
[Cut back to AA group. Medium close up of Eva] Eva: And I was run over
[Cut to Eva on phone. Then to car. Car beeps frantically. Cut to Eva walking on to road, she sees car, looks terrified]
[Black screen, squeal of brakes, scream, thud/crash]
[All quiet. Extreme close up of Eva's face with eyes shut. She opens them]
[Establishing shot. White background, bright. Eva stands up - she is dressed in white] Voice over (Eva): When I woke up I was dead. But this isn't the story of how I died, this is the story of how my life began
[Eva is dazed and confused]
[Cut to Purgatory, establishing shot. It is like a doctor's waiting room. On seats sit dead people how they died, e.g. with an arrow through their head etc. There is a desk with a poorly made welcome sign attached and a lift with heaven and hell signs on the top and bottom of it. Saint Peter is sat lazily at the desk with his feet up. Eva walks in and up to Saint Peter] Voice over (Eva): I'm not gonna lie to you. The afterlife is...weird. Especially purgatory
[Cut to medium close up of Eva, she is standing at St Peter's desk] Eva: Where am I?
[Cut to medium close up of St Peter] St Peter: [Lazily, bored] Welcome to Purgatory. Name please [Sighs] [Cut to medium close up of eva] Eva: [Wary] Eva [Cut to medium close up of Saint Peter] St Peter: [Looks through papers. Sighs again. Still lazy and bored] You have been assigned to Heaven. Please stand in the lift and press up
[Eva walks to lift and presses button] Voice over (Eva): St Peter, he hates his job. A lot. He's super bored, super sarcastic and pretty shabby - for a saint
[Lift pings and doors open. Girl steps in. Doors close with her facing out. Camera on outside of lift]
[Cut to close up of St Peter] St Peter: When you arrive you will meet your angel. He will stay with you
[Cut to doors opening. Camera on inside of lift] Voice over (St Peter): Forever
[Doors fully open to reveal Heaven - it is very white and pure. Angel is standing at lift doors] Nathaniel: Eva right? I'm your angel
[Cut to Eva] Eva: Hi Voice over (Eva): It was supposed to be love at first sight
[Eva and Nathaniel walk through Heaven, Nathaniel points at things and explains what they are]
Eva: Ok, what's going on with your wings?
Nathaniel: Don't ask. Just...just don't ask [Voices continue with no sound, Eva looks annoyed by Nathaniel] Voice over (Eva): Buuutwe didn't get along
[Cut to Eva screaming in to pillow on bed in her room] Eva: [Muffled screaming] I hate him, I hate him, I hate him[Falls forward on bed in frustration]
[Cut to Eva lying on bed. Medium close up]
[Cut to close up of Eva's face]
[Cut to extreme close up of Eva's eye. Tear wells up and falls. Camera follows tear as it falls down her face] Voice over (Eva): It didn't take long for me to realise I loved him
[Establishing shot. Eva and Nathaniel are running towards each other as they both realise their love] Voice over (Eva): But by then it was too late
[Blinding white flash and high pitched ringing. White screen fades to Eva on ground surrounded by paramedics. She is dressed how she was before she went to Heaven. background sound of paramedics saying what should happen, she sits up and cries out, slow motion. Sound is all muffled] Voice over (Eva):Time is faster in Heaven. I had only been dead for 3 minutes, but there it felt like 3 days, and my whole life had been ripped away from me. Again
[Cut to medium close up of leader of AA group.] Leader: Wow. Well, you've been through a lot, hasn't she been through a lot everybody? Come on, let's make her feel better. Everybody up and hug Eva. Share your love!
[Cut to a therapist's room, establishing shot. Therapist is sat on chair making notes. Eva is lying on sofa. Cut to close up of therapist - she is drawing a cat in her notebook. Cut to medium close up of therapist] Therapist: That's a very interesting story. But how do you feel about the whole event. No one can come out of...
[Cut to medium close up of a doctor, talking to Eva] Doctor: ...an event like that and still feel normal. It's absolutely fine to still feel distant
[Cut to medium close up of Eva, she is scrutinising the doctor's face] Eva: Strange, I was told the exact same thing by someone else...
[Cut to doctor, she looks guilty] Doctor: [Nervous] Haha, that is strange...
[Cut to doctor in reception of doctor's. Receptionist is sat in chair behind desk. She looks bored] Doctor: Phew! That was a close one, I thought she recognised me then!
[Cut to medium close up of receptionist] Receptionist: [Sarcastic] Really? I would never have guessed that you would be recognised with all of your ingenious disguises
[Cut to doctor. She hasn't understood the sarcasm] Doctor: [Pleased with self] Yes, they are ingenious aren't they? [Walking back into doctor's room. Talking to self quietly] I am a genius. I really am...
[Cut to Eva walking on street, Nate is walking behind her, looking at her longingly]
[Cut to medium close up of therapist] Therapist: It's completely normal to feel detached
[Cut to closer shot of Eva walking with Nate behind her]
[Cut to medium close up of AA group leader hugging Eva with others] Leader: That's right, let it all out, all the pain, all the sorrow.
[Cut to closer shot of Eva walking with Nate behind her]
[Cut to medium close up of doctor] Doctor: Well, everything seems to be in order
[Cut to closer shot of Eva walking with Nate behind her. Eva notices something and starts to turn]
[Cut to medium close up of therapist] Therapist: Well, that's enough from me, you tell me how you're feeling
[Cut to closer shot of Eva, she turns, but there is no one there]
[Cut to shot of Nate, grey filter used here to make him seem more distant. He reaches out and touches the glass in front of him, trying to reach Eva]
[Cut to medium close up of Eva, she can't see anything]
[Cut to Eva in therapist's office] Eva: I feel as if he's still there, watching for me, waiting
[Cut to medium close up of therapist] Therapist: [Smiling] Good
[Cut to title shot of 'Heaven and Earth']
[Cut to Doctor hitting Eva's knee] Doctor: It'll work this time, no this time. Ok, how about now?
[Cut to Date and credits, sound continues] Voice over (Doctor): Nothing? We'll try something else
