1. Have needs/ expectations been met for the client brief and target audience?
I was asked to create a short fictional film script that has the ability to be used as a shooting script. I created a script called Cocaine Red. My target audience is male, any ethnicity, aged 18- 35 and of demographic A,B,C1. They would most likely be a fan of both critically acclaimed films and Tarantino films. My script relates to my target audience in a verity of ways. The language choices throughout the script particularly relate to the age of my target audience. The relationship and partner dynamics with the two main characters relates to the Tarantino film fans as this is a common factor in Pulp Fiction. The character Don specifically has an issue with how much he gets paid and how he has to do extra work to just live in Miami, this could relate to those of the target audience who are within the lower bands of the demographics as they have a lot less disposable income and can relate to Dons struggle. My script appeals to any target audience as it has a fictional idealistic view on 80s Miami which is iconic in most cultures, which could make the film appeal to many different ethnicities and cultures.
2. What were the clients likes and dislikes?
The Writers Group really liked my script overall. However they specifically emphasised that the shots are very descriptive and make it easy to visualise exactly what is happening within the story. Another key feature is the dialogue, the Writers Group liked this as the dialogue reflects the characters very well and makes the characters seem more interesting as a whole. They also thought that the use of dialogue was a thought through choice as it reflects to the target audience. The Writers Group also expressed some features that I should improve upon. For instance I should include more description in the locations and mise-en-scene of the characters. Another improvement could be that I should include more shots and a larger variety of over the shoulder shots so as to cement a shot reverse shot dynamic. An improvement for dialogue could be to include more americanisms so as to develop the american nature of the characters.
b) These improvements are important as they show a clear path for my script to follow so as to make it as professional and narratively interesting as possible. To be more specific the feedback gives me the opportunity to make my scripts scene introductions precise and consistent throughout in terms of description. The feedback is also important as it highlights the key issues with the dialogue in my script and how I can improve it.
3. What are the relevant changes that need to made to the script?
a) To recap on the feedback and the features that should be improved. The Writers Group stated that although my script fits the format of shooting script I should include more depth in my scene and character introductions. My terminology was correct and the technicals in my shots were good I should include more variety in the shots and that I should try to establish a shot reverse shot structure. I should include americanisms to add to the idiom of the characters. Maybe try to elaborate on the use of diegetic sound.
b) To improve my script I shall implement and address all of the improvements that the Writers Group suggested. To address the descriptive features within my narrative I will include more in-depth setting of the scene so as to assist the production team with the visualisation of the locations to crate verisimilitude for the audience.
To improve the dialogue within my script I will use more Americanisms for example instead of “posse” I will use “crew”.
4. Is the content of the product correct?
The script meets the needs of a short film in a plethora of ways . The language in the script is very informal during dialogue so as to create the realism within the characters this often took the appearance as profanity as this is a very effective way of portraying informality in speech. This is seen a lot within Don's dialogue, for example "Who else in this god damn room wants to die.". Fredrics dialogue is still informal however when hes talking business his dialogue turns formal. "Don shut up. In our arrangement we help your business, you help ours right?". During technical aspects of the script formal language was used so as to show the professionalism and clarity that a shooting script should have.
The house style of the script fits all major conventions in screenwriting. The font chosen for the script was Courier New. This is the industry standard for script writing. The script is formatted in a shooting script format so as to include all information that would be essential to the production of the film. These are all conventions that were seen within the scripts I analysed, Pulp Fiction and Hoop Dreams showed these conventions more prominently than others.
The layout conventions of the script include most of the conventions that would be seen as industry standard. Before the start of scene there is camera info to state how the scene starts which is composed to the right of the script. At the start of every scene there is information included that states the location, whether its interior or exterior and what time of day the scene takes place. This is composed to the left of the script. After this there is a scene introduction which sets the scene for the audience, making it easier for them to see what the author does. This is also composed to the left hand side of the script. Then comes dialogue; the characters name which is then followed by the speech. This is always composed in the centre of the script. More camera work is often placed at intervals within the dialogue, this camera work includes whether a cut is required, the shot type and the shots angle. This is always composed to the right hand side of the script. Descriptions that display occurring scenarios will be included to guide the audience as though they are reading a book. This is always composed to the left of the script.
The mode of address for this script is peer to peer as the script is telling a story to the audience. Not informing or teaching. However there is guiding so that I can help the audience understand the complex structure.
5. Does it meet legal and ethical requirements?
a). Although at first the film would be aired at cinemas and theatres. The film would be classified by the BBFC as an 18 rated film. If it were to be aired on television Ofcoms broadcasting codes dictate that the film would be after watershed content. This means it isn't suitable for the viewing of children and any person or persons under the age of 18. The rating of my film would be BBFC rated 18. For instance the main characters Don and Fredrics use of constant profanity and the violence in the warehouse scene would make it a film that should only be viewed by its target audience of people 18 and above.
b). This film would be aired after the watershed as it contains strong adult themes and could influence younger people in a negative way. These themes contain profanity, violence, drug and substance abuse. All of these themes make it impossible for the film to be aired pre watershed. If this film were to be aired pre watershed the could be a lot of fallout and legal actions would be pursued against the broadcasters.
c). Copyright is a major legal issue that could possibly arise from the creation of a film. This could mean that other film companies or individuals could claim the product as there own and or pursue legal actions. So to avoid this I would have to get permission for any soundtracks from the record labels and permissions for graphics used, copyright any original content and copyright the film as my intellectual property. For example I decided that a 1980s soundtrack would fit the film best because its era specific. I decided upon Micheal Jacksons- Beat It for a soundtrack. To get permission for this I would have to get permission from Epic record label. Another legal issue could be accidental brand infringement. For example I use a 1967 Chevrolet impala as the featured car thought my film, so to avoid any clashes with the brand Chevrolet I would have to call it a “Chevvy Impala”. The clashes could be anything from discrimination to defamation of their reputation. Another way to avoid any infringement incidents could be to get permission from Chevrolet. It is important to adhere to these rules as any number of bad circumstances could arise from copyright infringement.
