2. Pitch Feedback
When we pitched our product to our class/audience, we asked for some feedback into ways in
which we could improve our idea and make it approachable for our target audience while also
being able to draw in other audience’s. After pitching our idea, the general feedback was very
positive as many of our class thought that it was a good idea with a solid base to which we
could expand on and add to. One of the points that the class particularly liked was our detail in
our characters as we had come up with most aspects of our characters lives. Another positive
that came back was that the class was very pleased with our general plot as we they felt that
we have a plot that will be able to convey the Comedy Horror genre. The institutions that we
chose were also well received as they both linked in with our task in the sense that we needed
studios that produced low budget films and we have achieved that by having our own studio in
Above Average Productions and having a low budget distributor like Film 4.
Although we had almost overall positive feedback there were a few clear points that the class
felt that we needed to clarify. One of these, was the similarity to Shawn of the Dead. We
clarified this as our idea is a homage to SOTD rather than a mirror image of this, also our
characters are have a different perspective on the narrative and are different personality types.
Another issue was the location and extras within in the film as the class thought we needed an
authentic location which we believe we have found by using a suburban area. For extras, the
class thought it would be good to have a couple of zombies displayed to show the extent of the
outbreak, we have now taken this into account and added to our product. Overall our pitch was
a success.
3. Synopsis
After due consideration from the feedback here is our final synopsis:
The basic plot of our film revolves around an infectious outbreak that
causes people to lose control of their mind and attack others. The
outbreak has been caused by a never before seen case of rabies
which started with infected dogs around the UK. The plot will pick up
just after the outbreak has now become to infect humans. The plot
will follow and focus on two main characters ,who are housemates in
the story, Owen and Richard. The two will have to battle the outbreak
while battling there differences. The two characters will also be the
source of comedy for the audience while also being a chance to
connect with them. These two characters will have to battle
everything they come across during the course of the film and there
are a lot of ups and downs for these characters which will test just
how much there friendship can within stand.
4. Actors & Characters
After taking feedback from our pitch we have come up with our final
characters and our final actors for our product. Our characters will still be
Owen Hollingberry and Richard Painns as we still feel and from the
feedback they felt that these characters had strong enough personality’s
to create the comedic elements in the film while still being able to get the
audience to connect with these characters.
For Actors, Matt and Brad will portray Richard and Owen like before as
they came up with the characters and so we feel that they are the best
placed to act out there mannerisms and they characteristics. In order to
convey the horror element we will also be showing one of the infected
beings which will be portrayed by Josh.
5. Locations
As mentioned in the feedback, the locations of
are film needed to be more authentic and
correspond with the film’s narrative, we wanted a
suburban, yet town-like filming area. So we have
finalised the idea of setting the scenes around
the area of Burntwood.
We will be using the Chase Terrace College site
for the first scene as it can be represented as a
workplace for the character of Owen. This is also
link with his personality of a workaholic and bland
lifestyle. Also, when showing the location of the
character’s home, we have permission of an
associate of Above Average Products for us to
use their house for filming, which is ideal as it is
set in a close, suburban area.
6. Props
Props are a fundamental aspect in all films, and it a
feature that we, as a group, have took some time to
think about. The props that we are going to use have to
relate to how the character acts/ behaves. For Owen we
are going to show him with large spreadsheet
documents and business documents, this is show the
audience can clearly see his obsession with being in
control of everything (even his work), as well we will be
using a car for when the title sequence is showing on
screen because it will show the transaction of location
and time. As for Richard we are going to use props such
as half-eaten/ empty pizza boxes, old magazines and
newspaper, empty alcohol bottles which will be shown in
the front room, where he spend most his day on his
game console. We will be using props as effects when
he show the infected as there are most likely to be
covered in blood and their skin tone will be much darker
then usual.
7. Soundtrack/ Music
From feedback and copyright restrictions, we have chosen a
copyright free soundtrack of Bad Moon Rising as the backing-
track which will be play during the title sequence, we chose this
track because it have been used in comedy films such as An
American Werewolf in London; My Fellow Americans, My Girl,
Man of the House, The Big Chill & Shaun of the Dead. We think
the use of this soundtrack will suit well with the films genre and it
may interest some audiences with the link to other comedy horror
films.
8. The Opening Sequence Pt.1
The opening sequence is our main focus of this project, and we
have spend several hours planning out the opening to our film.
Acting on the feedback we have finalised the opening sequence.
It will start with a short scene of a dog with foam around the
mouth drinking the tea of a unknown man, this is to indicate the
source of the infection and add the comedy element of it all
starting from a dog. We will then jump a few days ahead where
we shown Owen leaving work, whilst leaving the audience will be
able to see his personality by showing him in smart clothes and
with a lot of work in his car. Here we will have a radio broadcast
that tells about the infection outbreak, this is to link the narrative
with the shown character. Owen will then dismiss the idea of an
outbreak in his small suburban town and drive home. Whilst
driving home the film’s title sequence will start which will show
the institutions involve along with actors and benefactors.
9. The Opening Sequence Pt.2
The car will then reach the destination of Owen's home, where
the time is set at late afternoon. Owen will then start sorting
through his work when a womanly scream will be heard, this is to
scare the audience and add horror suspense to the film. As
Owen runs to enter the house, the suspense will be stopped as
his trips off the screen and then hops back up in a comical aspect
of the genre. Owen then bursts through the house, leaving the
front door open which the camera will focus on, and in entering
the lounge the audience will be shown Richard, the source of the
womanly scream. We will then have a conversation between the
2 of them, using shot-reverse-shot, in-order to show how the 2
character contrast and allow for the audience to connect with
them. Owen will then leave the room so he can do common
house work and leave Richard to his gaming, at this point a
unknown, discoloured hand will pry the door open.
10. The Opening Sequence Pt.3
In the last scenes of the opening, we will see the infected person
entre the house will neither of the character’s noticing and enter
the lounge and sit next to Richard. The camera will be focusing
on Richard until he leans back and reveals the infected, in which
Richard will respond by screaming, alerting Owen to rush in and
also scream. The character will run out of the house and proceed
towards the top of the driveway until Owen stops them both
demanding he goes back and saves his spreadsheets, this is to
add comedy to the film. When he returns, the 2 will continue to
runaway but is stop by a group of infected that are blocking the
drive. At this moment the 2 character will converse on how to
proceed in which they retreat to the car where the screen will
fade ending our opening scene and completing our project.
