Location Research ('Reccies')

This part of the research entails that our group should research possible filming locations that would suit the group and be in accordance with the criteria of both the short film and the outline of the coursework. As a whole, we decided that it would be best to shoot our film in an apartment building or something similar to that, which is what we had in mind when we drew up the storyboard. This is because this type of setting is typically enclosed, cutoff and dim in terms of lighting which are elements of the thriller genre that we wanted to incorporate - making it a practical and accurate setting.

An example of such a place could be the picture below (left) as it mimics that of a maze, since there are so many flats and therefore residents implying that if murder were to be committed, it would be hard to realise this or find a body. Moreover, it looks tattered and grungy which can reflect the representational view of the character as a murderer - his lifestyle and home.  

 

Exemplar Locations - Apartment Buildings

Exemplar Location - Stairs which will be
used in a few shots as portrayed in the
storyboard.

However, in terms of accessibility, we would need to ask permission if we could film in a building like this from the landlord and/or the residents, plus we need to film in a room for one scene meaning that there might be complications. After deliberating this, the group decided that it would be best to film at Thomas' home because he lives in an apartment building which fits the criteria. 

 

Charlie's house will be used for the first location as the home of the murderer where we can make it suit our needs as dictated by the storyboard, e.g. we can turn off all the lights to make the room darker. It may not be an apartment/flat, but only the interior will be portrayed to the audience so in terms of practicality it doesn't make much of a difference.

        

 

Thomas' building  will be the interior set for the film because the rooms and corridor can be made to look small which give the sense of confinement - this is the ideal environment to place a victim in a thriller film (i.e. the woman in the shower scene for 'Psycho'). Also, it is the only possible location with an intercom system which is what we need (as shown in the final draft of the script) since it is an enigma that we inserted.