GENRE AND CONVENTIONOur short film uses a generic narrative for a Romantic Drama as the

audience is introduced to a troubled main protagonist whose problems cease when he finds a companion.

However a quirky enigma is created as the two characters never physically meet, setting up an atmospheric climax, the conclusion of which is left to the audience’s

own interpretation. This apeture ending effect creates a significant element of mystery that will ‘get people talking’ so to say. As we believe the best, most

entertaining films are those which generate discussions of interest long after the final credits have rolled.Our film can be described as using an experimental narrative as it

doesn’t fit with conventional narrative codes such as that of Todorov. The ambiguous nature means it would fit well as an Art House film to appeal to the typical middleclass 30+ audience of specialised films,

however it was our aim to introduce a younger audience to specialised films and we feel we have achieved this through the films promotion,

simplistic arty narrative and use of teenage actors.

M ISE

EN

SCENE

We feel the lighting is successful in giving the film a more organic feel as we have relied

completely on natural light reflecting upon the relationship of the characters as more authentic

and pure.We filmed on a gloomy day to signify the dreary

tone in the scene when the boy discovers the tide is in, this shifts significantly at the end when the

prominent light of the sun returns to highlight the climatic final meeting between our

protagonists – a symbol of hope.The music is also cohesive to the changing tones – with soft slow melodies to illustrate the solitary

mood of Boy whilst upbeat acoustic rhythms compliment the free spirited nature of Girl and

the optimism as the story progresses.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

We used a range of camera angles to build up a more visually interesting

narrative, including impressive establishing shots of the seaside scenery, close ups to illustrate the emotions of the

characters as well as low angles in the sequences when they draw in the sand. We edited the shots carefully with cross

dissolves to ensure smooth fluid transitions as well as a fading out effect

to symbolise the passing of time.We also used two sequences of stop-

frame animation to move the narrative along in a unique and artistic way, which

we feel, will appeal to our audience of young people, as it is a familiar technique with film students and aspiring directors.

CHARACTERS

We have followed the generic conventions of short films by only

using two main protagonists so the narrative is focused and cohesive in it’s

small space of time.  We have challenged

the character functions of Propp by reversing the gender roles, it could be said

that Girl plays the role of the hero as

she saves boy from his sullen Lifestyle –

this will appeal to modern audiences.

TIME AND TECHNOLOGYWe incorporated the element of digital

technology in simplistic yet effective instances through the use of an i-pod and close-up of a mobile phone, small details which establish the modern-day setting and importance of technology to

the teenage protagonists which adds realism. 

The theme of time is also central to our narrative as the characters had to be ‘in

the right place at the right time’ to be aware of each other and communicate.  The timing of the tide coming in at the ending of the film is also significant to this theme as it suggests things don’t always last – time will always run out.

Ancillary Tasks.

 The ancillary tasks I created were a film poster and a double page spread film article/interview. The film poster has a largely simple design, which is something I believe works well with the actual film itself. The two share a sense of simplicity and both the film and the poster enhance and encourage the beautiful coastline. The poster is bare of any accolades as it states in the article/interview that the film is actually in the process of being shown at film festivals. The design is simple enough that it could be presented around film festivals in the form of both posters and flyers. The poster pays no heed to the cast or content as it is not a mainstream film, I felt this highlighted the ambiguous nature of the film. I feel it is much like the film poster for the short film version of Across The Hall, where only scenery or environment is depicted. The way the poster is designed is not overly feminine which prevents it from being gender biased as it then appeals more to a specialized audience.

Double Page Spread Magazine Article.

Most of the publicity for the film is within the article. The article is featured in an online independent film magazine/journal called Vertigo.

The magazine has been around for less than 20 years, which I felt, might lead to it having a younger reading base. The magazine also is the type that would feature specialized films, i.e. short films. There is a possibility

that the article I created could also be found in numerous mainstream film magazines too such as Total Film, an international film magazine that handles several high profile interviews as well as relatively unknown films

and actors. Total Film also has coverage of short film festivals which would be beneficial in getting the film some exposure. I feel my article would be suitable for independent sites and magazines to target the

typical art house audience, as well as more mainstream magazines to target the younger generation that the film is trying to reach.