Initial Planning Ideas

Crime/Thriller/British Gangster 

Through research and looking into previous videos I have decided I will go down this sort of root. I feel it adds a much newer and more fresh look on a British Gangster genre (which in my opinion, is slightly too comical for what I want to try and create.) The reason I was influenced to add this element into my opening is because of my research into British dramas. For example, 'Top Boy'. This is an edgy, London based crime drama which would fit well into an element of what I am trying  to produce...



Another T.V drama with that edgy element I am looking for would be 'Luther'...

Ideas

Location

I will use both more urban and also sophisticated areas within Bristol. Some of my initial possibilities would be; Bristol Docks, Temple Meads train station, Park street or Clifton suspension Bridge. As I further look into my planning I will be able to look at more specific areas.

 Costume/props

Protagonist: Hoodie, jeans, chain, high top trainers, coat. I will mainly use dark clothing to keep a defined edgy look to the actor. In terms of props, I won't have any guns. Being set in England I feel it would be much more realistic to include a knife or something along those lines. Other props will probably include;
A phone
Keys
Wallet etc.

Music 

 There are a few options that I've considered which vary slightly, and ultimately it will be a choice when I've fully decided what root I want to go down:

• Deepest Shame (Andy C remix) - Plan B (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUPH6_I-Qsk)
• Flashing Lights - Chase and Status (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbsjY4vfbcg)
• End Credits - Chase and Status (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIHXQjbtl8)
• War Rages On (Etherwood Remix) - Alex Clare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqX4-tKdxWs)
• Run - Kill it kid ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN86htoSrpg)

To be honest, a final decision will only be possible when I have more idea into mainly who my actor will be and secondly how it will be story boarded.

 Actors (Protagonist)

Variety that would be most effective depending on what root I go
down...

Will Roberts

Rob Rowe

Ethan Miller 

Tom Maggs

Shot Types 

I will look to include a lot of close ups or even extreme close ups for intensity and drama. Long shots of the protagonist walking or running is also something I will look to utilise. Obviously to create a setting I need establishing shots, and all other necessary shots for professionalism. I think pans out and in will really change the mood and atmosphere of the scenes likewise with tracking movements. I will also try to incorperate POV shots into the intro as it creates a stronger link between how the audience will feel and the protagonist.

 

 

Sound

I aim to have my non-diegetic soundtrack in the background quite a lot of my opening. With my opening being filmed in public areas, ambient sound will inevitably be a feature (if not over-powered by the music or dialogue) and it will also add to the realism. At the moment I'm really considering the idea of having a voice-over as it is a common theme in most of the British Gangsters I have enjoyed. Asynchronous sound will add to the edginess and intensity of what I am planning, and I will look to really emphasize some of the key moments. Direct address is something I may test out, but at the moment I'm not entirely sure how well it would work.