FINAL PROJECT

[Cailin L]

OPEN: Guy putting an “X” on a large map of Shanghai. Three circles are “unexplored”. Reveal to room, with “luck charms” throughout – rabbits feet, numbers, cereal boxes, etc. There is a radio on a desk in the corner. He goes to it and turns it on – radio is a connection to the real world. There’s a Post-It that says “ONE WEEK” prominently. On his 18th birthday – in one week – he will no longer have the chance to escape this dystopian society. They will mark/track him.
When he goes out of the room, somehow it’s revealed that he is living in aforementioned dystopia.
He heads out to explore final three areas where “escape” could be – must be representative of dystopian China
(MAYBE HIS BROTHER COMES BACK FROM “REAL WORLD”)
Two places challenge him, attempt to bring him “back” to dystopian mindset
The final holds the door. End shot: he walks towards the door and puts his hand on it

[Cailin L]

Here's the general outline we did in class - Megin and Eugene feel free to elaborate.

Exposition: knock – Noah’s brother gives him a map (nametags) – then is taken away – fade – radio playing
Rising Action: clues that he’s being followed as he searches for the door
Climax: his room is taken apart, a warning
Falling action: takes map out, knows he’s being followed, last chance (3 places) – takes something lucky
Denouement: goes to the field, thinks it’s the wrong choice, gets to the middle and sees the door. His hand reaches for it as it fades out

[David]

Group -
Right now the idea is too complex and the story arc is too vague. You ask too many questions and answer none of them. What is dystopian about the society? How is that representative of China? How can you represent this dystopia? What are some ways directors have represented dystopias? What is the significance of turning 18? How does he know that's the end? How do we know it?

Story arc: how is this boy evading an entire society? If they can take apart his room, why can't they just haul him off?

Regarding his receiving of the map:
How can you build more tension? Create mystery.
If we know immediately where the map comes from and what its significance is, we won't care as much about it.

Think of objects that take on a life of their own in film:
The "one true ring" in lord of the rings- we don't even know that it does anything more than turn people invisible until after "The Hobbit", and then we learn more about its power over the course of three books.

Harvey Dent's Coin, or Rachel's unread letter in "The Dark Knight".

Mysterious boxes in "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive" ( I can explain these to you later).

The unexplainable photos of the same man that Amelie finds under photo booths.

These objects often stand for something greater than what they are- they are often the 'boon' spoken about in "The Hero's Journey", or they are a harbinger of doom.

A key is an interesting object if we don't know what it opens.
A stopped clock is an interesting object because it refers to a specific point in time in the past.
A map is an interesting object because it refers to an unexplored new possibility.

[David]

IBY2- don't forget to edit this discussion or create a new one. You have ALOT due this week and I don't want you to fall behind! I can't give you an extension because I need to know you are SET TO GO with your work before I leave!

[Cailin L]

Is our idea finalized?

[David]

That's your call, not mine! ;)

[Cailin L]

OKAY now that we have a NEW IDEA, with the boy vs. man thing - WE REALLY NEED TO SOLIDIFY IT AND ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS TOGETHER!

[Cailin L]

Inciting incident: BOY puts the last figure in his collection “worshipping” – has purchased it from MAN

Rising Action:
• MAN realizes value of the toy and asks the BOY for it back – BOY refuses
• DAD lurking in playground (in a non-pedo way) and sees the BOY – tells GIRL to go ask the BOY for a playdate
• GIRL and BOY hang out – she ends up getting the figure back for her dad
• BOY uses GIRL to manipulate MAN’s collection
• (Montage of back and forth)

Climax: BOY calls DAD

Falling Action:
• Showdown – intercut with GIRL playing/dressing up the toy
• MAN is very childish/BOY mature/factual
• THEY realize neither one of them has it


Resolution/denouement:
Girl locks it away

[megin peake]

i like this final idea.

[Eugene]

Sounds like an awesome idea. Am I helping with cinematography again?

[David]

The whole class will help Eugene- we'll discuss roles soon! :)

[Cailin L]

If you want to!

[David]

This is a big improvement. Can we up the stakes a little bit more?