Media Research

Idea one: Butterfly Manor.

For my first idea would be the introduction to a detective mystery style of film.
Aimed to be no longer then 120 seconds long, working with the brief.

The main body of the piece would be an eccentric
Billionaire, who has just inherited a large sum of money. However in his jubilation he is murdered, by poison. How ever the murderer is unknown leaving three likely suspects for the audience to suspect.

I would like the millionaire would to be lordishly sitting out side his family estate, in which he just inherited. Ideally he would be sitting in a leather bound winged chair, adding to the conventions of his wealth and self centred nature. Beside his chair I would place a small side table, with a cigar and whisky’s placed, highlighting his lifestyle. Correlating with the other conventions of wealth, he shall be dressed in suit.

I have two ideas for where the location could be. First of which is Marston house (a near by county estate), I know a member of staff who works at the location and could assist in acquiring it for me. The second Is Orchairdleigh house (another privately owned estate) this is local and would be easily assessable Frome where I live, however I would need to acquire permission, which may cost in doing so.

There would be four characters with in the piece, theses would be:

The Billionaire- He would be a portly man, shown to have had a life of luxury and comfort. I would like him to be some acting experience would be preferred; I have a few ideas who this could be.

The Butler- The Butler would be a clean-cut man, either wearing a tailcoat or waist coated, portraying a stereotypical butler. However he will show signs of fatigue and stress.

The Maid- I would like the maid to look, ‘dolled up’ and wearing a tightly dressed uniform. On demand of the Billionaire, I want to give the impression she was haired for looks rather then professional qualification.  

The Body Guard- The bodyguard would be a well-built man, with stern facial expressions, showing menace and a threatening posture.  He to will be suited but it will be well worn and ‘tatty’.

I would like to use a total of four characters in the cast; this would allow me to use varied angles showing their position and status with in the piece. For example I would be able to show the Billionaire as arrogant and powerful though a mixture of low angled shots.  In contrast I could show the belittled butler through the basic high angle. 

Idea two

Genre: Drama

My second idea is set on the coasts of Cornwall at the break of down; a solitary surfer is walking down the beach towards the surf. The sunrise would be rising over the land behind him lighting the shot. I would want the mood to be natural and peaceful to watch.

The surfer would be a young male adult and holding his surfboard. When he enters the water there would be many points of view shots highlighting his skill.

There would be a voice over saying how the character had always been a surfer and how the ocean was his natural home. However he later goes on to say this was the day his life changed. The end of the two minutes would be the beginnings of what looks like a horrific accident.

Pros:

• I would be able to take a range of shot types along with editorial skill I could make the into flow nicely.

• The location and props would show good detail to mis-en-scene.

• I would be the only one acting and doing the voice over, as well as this I own the props. Meaning I would only need to relay on my self and a camera, plus a competent cameraman.

Cons:

• The location is a long way away and it would be hard to get there, with all equipment and crew.

• It would heavily depend on the weather, if per chance it rained whilst I were there or there weren’t any waves the trip would be pointless.

• It would as be at a high cost, as I would need to find accommodation for my self and a cameraman as well as transportation.

I have decided to go with my first idea as practically It would be achievable and at minimal cost. Yet I would still be able to hit the right criteria to achieve the highest grade.