Monday 17 May 2010

Lincoln... Final Project 'Escape Pod', Proposal

1.0  Brief

1.1 Unit Synopsis & Task

To enable the student to conduct all research, scripting and/or designing as well as the negotiations necessary to the planning and development of an original idea in their chosen specialism. The student will use an agreed project concept which will be realised as a programme, of between twenty and sixty minutes duration (depending on the medium used and the complexity of the concept), or a one hour drama or feature length script, or an extensive still image or design portfolio of equivalent scope, or a new media project of equivalent scope. This project concept will be realised in the following semester C as the FINAL PROJECT.

1.2 Outline Syllabus

The unit is organised so as to allow the student to apply research and development skills leading to the creation of an imaginative, well presented project proposal that includes considerations of audience, sponsorship, financial, technical and distributive planning.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate mastery, to a professional standard, of all aspects of the research and development phases of programme, script, photographic/design portfolio or new media production.

1.4 Final Project Options

Documentary/ Fiction/ Experimental Production:- twenty and sixty minutes duration (depending on the medium used and the complexity of the concept),
Scriptwriting: one hour drama or feature length script,
Photography/ Design: or an extensive still image or design portfolio or exhibition of equivalent scope,
Digital Media: new media project of equivalent substantive scope.
This project concept will be realised in the following semester as the FINAL PROJECT

1.5 Key Concepts

Unit Guide & Specifications
Production Research Strategies
Production Proposals & Pitching
Concept & Logistical Development
Programme Feasibility

2.0  Research Agenda

2.1 Research Tasks

Research will be undertaken in these key areas:
·         Concept Development
o   Genre
o   Inspiration
·         Software based
o   CGI creation in Maya
o   Green screen techniques
o   Keying techniques
o   Compositing techniques
o   Animation
o   Motion Tracking
·         Film making based
o   Make up
o   Costume
o   Cinematography
o   Lighting
o   Crew
o   Cast
o   Audio
o   Additional equipment
o   Set design
o   Set creation
·         Concept development based
o   Character research
o   Ship design
o   Critical analysis
·         Audience
o   Who?
o   Where?
·         Finance & Resources
o   Budget
·         Commissioning & Sponsorship
o   Funding
·         Rights
o   Release Forms
·         Marketing
o   Posters
o   Artwork
o   Packaging
o   Classification
·         Schedule


2.2 Research Schedule


2.3 Research Strategy

The internet will be the main source of information and research. A few books will be used for more extensive research into software. Video tutorials from the internet as well as ones purchased and delivered on DVD will be the main area of attention for all software and development planning research.
Concept designs from other films will be used as research for the development of the project.

3.0 Audience Profile

This project is intended to be viewed on websites, such as YouTube and Vimeo, as well as being viewed on televisions or big screens at film festivals. The finished project is intended to be viewed by both groups and individuals depending on how it is viewed. On the internet the audience will be individuals but with the possibility of a wide coverage due to the nature of the internet. Whereas at a film festival the audience will be a large group but the scope will be confined to the size of the attending audience.
The audience will be in a position of awareness of what they are about to watch. On line there will be a description alongside the video and at the festival there will again be some form of description in the festivals program. There will also be a description as part of the DVD box label. The finished project will also be advertised as a specific genre, science fiction. This means that the audience will already be anticipating certain conventions to appear within the film.
An audience can be found within the fantasy and Science fiction community, at film festivals and specific online groups. Also an audience can be found in short film enthusiasts, at festivals, as well as independent film enthusiasts.

4.0 Program Objectives

The informational objectives of the project are that it is a fictional film that shows how the human conscience copes with being confined for a prolonged period of time when the physical body is unable to move. It highlights the struggle between mind and body whilst both are put under extreme stress and how the mind decides to cope.
The behavioural objective of the project is for the audience to gain enjoyment from the story but to also enjoy the special effects work, for example the colourful vistas within the human mind and the futuristic setting inside the escape pod.
Finally the motivational objectives are to create a piece that advertises my skills as a director, cinematographer, special effects artist and motion graphics artist.

5.0 Content Outline

5.1 Length: 30-45mins
5.2Genre: Science Fiction Film
5.3 Theme: Human endurance, mental struggle, seduction
5.4 Settings: Space, A Humans Mind
5.5 Locations: interior of an Escape Pod, a Field or Meadow
5.6 Period: Late 22nd Century

5.7 Content Structure

(Still in development)
The film will begin with the destruction of a space station, resulting in one of the crew members escaping on an escape pod. During his time in the escape pod he becomes more and more uncomfortable in confinement, especially as he is unable to move to any great extent.
During his time onboard he is kept company by the different computers on board. One catches his attention more than others, the recently destroyed space stations AI (Artificial intelligence). As he befriends this AI, he begins to use his imagination to escape from the reality of the pod and venture in to the realm of his imagination.
His imagination is then the venue for him and the AI to meet in his created reality and eventually fall in love. As the story progresses he beings to spend more and more time in his created world, and before long, and without realising, he chooses to stay there.
When the pod drifts into an asteroid field and right into the heart of a battle his mind is dragged out of his world and back into reality. When the pod is hit all power is lost resulting in him losing his companion and love. His short attempts to bring her back are futile before long his pod is now picked up, his rescuers expecting praise and gratitude are instead met with remorse, anger and rage.

6.0 Programme Format

The finished Artefact will be presented as a Science Fiction film on a DVD. This will be accompanied by a second DVD entitled ‘Special Features’ which will contain a series of short documentaries on the making of the Project. Both discs will be finished with a DVD menu, the DVD itself finished with appropriate label and artwork. These will be presented in a standard DVD case with appropriate artwork and information. To accompany the DVDs there will be a series of poster artwork designed for promotion.

7.0 programme Style

7.1 Cinematography

The scenes inside the escape pod will be shot using macro lenses. This is to take advantage of the narrow depth of field that they offer. The use of a narrow depth of field will give the impression of tight space and little room. It will emphasise the small space that the escape pod is. In contrast to this the scenes in the field will be shot with a wide depth of field creating the sense of openness in contrast to the enclosed space of the escape pod.

7.2 Audio

An Audio director has been hired to sculpt the sounds of the film. The audio will be based around similar themed projects. The music will be slow paced, unless dictated by on screen action. There will be few sounds in space as in reality there is no sound in space. All audio in the escape pod will be closely captured again adding to the sense that there is little room. Audio on location will use reverb effects to add to its openness.

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