CYNIC
Film name: CYNIC
For our film we considered different storylines that could be used. At first we explored using the concept of a 'stalker.' We then decided to explore more of the aspect of the paranormal and spirits. We adapted our idea, to still fit our theme of horror.
Our film will be based around a young girl, Mary, and her experiences with paranormal activity.
Her sister died a few years previously, her death was unclear but just before she died the two girls had an argument. Emilia did not seem herself; this frightened Mary. A few days later, Emilia’s body was found in the local woods.
Mary attempts to contact her sister, Emilia, who died, through the use of a Ouija board. However, she uses the board on her own and it breaks. She thinks she was unable to contact her sister and is now aware of the fact that she has contacted a spirit.
Mary hears voices constantly; they do not leave her alone. Eventually she realises that the spirit is her sister, except the sister is evil; corruptive and wants to take her sister’s soul in order to live again. The spirit visits Mary by her bedside, where she awaits her fate.
The history of the Ouija board
The ouija board was first advertised in 1891. It was originally a toy created in Pittsburg and the adverts appeared in local newspapers. It was advertised as a 'Ouija, the wonderful talking board.' It was described as being able to answer questions about the 'past, present and future with marvellous accuracy.' It even had a novelty shop for the magical toy and it supposedly promised 'never-failing amusement and recreation for all the classes.' The board is similar to what is sold in stores today. The board is flat and letters of the alphabet are arranged in two semi-circle shapes. Above the letters; 9 and 0, the words 'NO' and 'YES' are displayed. 'GOODBYE' is written at the bottom of the board and the board also contains a planchette. A planchette is a tear-drop shaped device which can be used to manoeuvre around the board. To play the game two people are meant to sit at opposite ends of the board. They would then propose a question to the board and with their hands on the planchette they would look dumbfound as it appears to move across the board, letter by letter, as if by magic. It is supposedly dangerous to play a Ouija board on your own.
CONSTRUCTION: PLANNING THE SCRIPT
- home footage - dialogue over the top/ eerie music
- LOCATION 1: fade out
- flash-forward to graveyard; girl standing at grave
- flash backs - two girls arguing - sisters
- voice over - "My sister Emilia died a year ago today. No one knows how or why, all I know is that something weird happened. Something that can't be described, paranormal perhaps. Yet it is all so inexplicable. I would do anything to see her again."
- LOCATION 2: conversation with friend - I know a way you can contact your sister .... but don't do it alone ... she hands Mary a Ouija board ... she doesn't believe it but she takes it anyways
- LOCATION 3: Mary goes to the woods running, listening to music but then finds the Ouija board on a bench/ground and decides to do it despite refusing beforehand.
- there is silence. her face looks disappointed/confused. audience may expect something to happen here but it doesn't.
- LOCATION 4: at home - the door opens which wakes her up and the cat is standing in the doorway. "oh its just the cat" (relief).
- when she turns around the Ouija board is lying on her bed. (music gets louder and louder)
- split screen - friend: "Mary its so late why are you calling". Mary: "This isn't funny why did you put this in my bed". Phone hangs up.
- she tries to turn the light on but it doesn't turn on. she hides under her bed (sounds of doors slamming, cat screaming)
- when she comes out of covers Emilia is standing over her bed.
INHIBITION Thriller / horror hybrid genre? This sounds very dramatic and you convey clearly both the plot and how you would build suspense. I can imagine it hooking the audience in a film opening. How Do you plan to manage the business of a car in motion with the passenger?
ReplyDeleteYou have changed your film treatment after consideration and the film is now entitled CYNIC. You have done your own research into film treatments, when you developed your initial ideas (your post in November) and you also learned from the advice on a FutureLearn course by Frank Ash, creative consultant to the BBC, about how to devise a film opening that will engage audiences (your post October 22nd). In these posts, you give a clear account of this research. Your film treatment offers the audience pleasures relevant to ghost stories and thriller films, of supernatural threat and suspense, and promises to function as an interesting opening, ensuring continued viewing. Ideally, you will update the rather stereotypical plot line, to offer a USP (unique selling point) that will make your film narrative distinctive.
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