SANCTUARY PROJECT SANCTUARY PROJECT

Introduction to “Sanctuary” Task

For our first class assignment, we are working in hand with the film making students on their coursework. In this case, they are creating a  psychological thriller, short film which is approximately 9-10 minutes long called Sanctuary.

During this time, the students have created and scripted their own short film and have asked us, as Next Gen: Games, Animation and Visual Effects students to help enhance the professionalism of the film by creating life like effects as well as enticing the viewers more.

To do so, we’ve been given a nine page script which highlights certain aspects of the film including the main characters Jack’s mental and physical well being along with aspects of the environment itself, although it is vague – this leaves the board open for creative licensing.

To begin with I used the method of mind mapping to generate and expand on our ideas.

The script makes it evident from the start that some form of event has clenched the fate of the nation and relinquished all human activity bar Jack Malone. Further on throughout the script it sends mixed ideas as to what this ‘event’ is: between aliens and apocalypses it leaves open for creative licensing however in this case I want to use the method of foreshadowing to not only create tension and depth to the plot but use mind trickery to disguise the true storyline which will later be revealed.I intend on using the method of foreshadowing in regards to the setting and occurrence within the plot to highlight the idea that Jack is in a coma without necessarily making it obvious.  It is said, when in a coma it is as if time stays still – like limbo. this is a feature I wish to capture. To do so, there are various elements I wish to use. Beginning with the use of over grown trees, shrubbery and broken dilapidated buildings, the idea that time is stood still and the earth is claiming back what it once owned. This can trigger a range of thoughts and ideas within the audience: mostly pointing towards apocalypse. However  I wish for this to reference the idea of time standing still.

Moving forward, I wish to use the use of shadows to change the way in which the audience are approaching the film with a different train of thought.  The use of shadows will provide the idea something is following him, a zombie as such (an example of mind trickery). however in this case, I intend on using shadows as a method of illustrating ones guilt – like a personal demon.  Foreshadowing the idea that Jack is in all senses trapped in his own mind i.e. – the coma.In relation to Jacks character I wish to convey a certain raggedy, ‘hard’  look – not only in the sense that he has spent 289 days alone: referencing aspects like facial hair, rough clothes, unclean ect.  but in the sense that the fight for survival takes its toll on a person for example at the beginning of the script it becomes clear Jack has lost hope, i intend on reflecting this in the way Jack is portrayed I wish for him to hold a cold ethic, non motivation and lameness as such – linked to the common characteristics following suicidal thoughts and depression.

Mood boardMood board/inspiration board which highlights an array of aspects id like to include within my work. This includes images which illustrates shots I would like to use, along with colour schemes and effect ideas which I would like to include and expand upon.

To generate my concept image, I created a Photoshop CC image using photos from the internet (not my own) I then used this image as a base design for my concept image.

In general, I believe this is a fairly effective illustration of a shot in which i wish to include within my work, it illustrates the use of the motion blur and focal points greatly by using more defined markings and shading within the closer rocks to highlight the clarity of the beach pebbles closer to the camera and the blur of the pebbles further away. Along with the addition of motion blur in the legs and more distant aspects of the images. Although I feel this is a generally detailed and effective image, I don’t believe i have quite achieved the professional level i would’ve wished for, this relates to the clarity of the image and the depth of colour into the main aspects. For example I would aim to enhance the depth within the pebbles closer to the camera by learning more around the use of brushes, colour blending and other technical equipment.I also think that if I were to generate this image again or if I had more time to complete it fully I would include a walkie talkie. This would not only enhance the scene by improving the link to the script but i would also use it to illustrates Jack’s lack of importance by focusing on the voice in the walkie talkie