Harvey Molesworth

29/03/2023 1

Handout – Final Major Project

I am Harvey Molesworth. I am studying Access to Media course because I am passionate

about film and cinematography; my goal is to create a Short Film that reflects this passion.
This handout will act as a guide to the ideas and concepts that will make up my Final
Major Project, and how I plan to execute them.

Planning

Before I could begin any work on the film, I needed the whole project planned from start to
the delivery of the project. As of writing this handout, I will have 9 full weeks (27/03-23/05).
Therefore I have drawn out a rough idea for how I plan to complete my film over this time.
Obviously this can be subject to change, but will act as a guide for me over the coming
weeks.

Week Activity
20/03 - Generate Ideas for the plot of the movie
- Create Production diary
- Research ideas for script (Movies, TV, Youtube Videos)
- Generate Ideas for the production of the movie
- Build library of relevant Youtube tutorials/Behind the scenes clips
- Create Pitch (handout/presentation)
- Upload all initial research to Weebly
27/03 - Present Pitch to class
- Finalise Ideas
- Complete Script
- Complete Storyboards
- Determine Equipment Requirements
- Upload Completed script and storyboards to Weebly
- Update production diary
03/04 - Follow tutorials in real time and replicate results
- Upload experimentation to Weebly
- Research shoot locations and dates
- Determine Cast and Crew requirements
- Contact cast and crew to co-ordinate available dates
- Upload Research to Weebly
- Update production diary
10/04 - Acquire all Props and Wardrobe
- Complete Risk assessment and Call sheets
- Trial equipment at shoot locations (determine focal length, camera positions,
audio setup)
- Upload all documentation to Weebly
- Update production diary
17/04 - Prepare interior location for filming
- Complete First and Second shoots
- Capture behind the scenes footage
- Sort and label footage
Harvey Molesworth
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- Upload behind the scenes

- Update production diary
24/04 - Complete Third and Fourth shoots (if applicable)
- Sort and label footage
- Update production diary
01/05 - Begin Post production
- Create Rushes Log
- Determine requirements for post production sound effects
- Source required sound effects from free libraries
- Edit Video and Audio for Scene 1
- Create Edit decision list
- Highlight editing decisions in Weebly page
- Update production diary
08/05 - Edit Video and Audio for Scene 2
- Update Edit decision list
- Highlight editing decisions in Weebly page
- Update production diary
15/05 - Edit Video and audio for Scene 3
- Edit closing titles
- Update Edit decision list
- Highlight editing decisions in Weebly page
- Complete Film project and upload to Youtube/Weebly page
- Update production diary
- Write Evaluation of project
23/05 - Complete Evaluation
- Proofread Website, Correct errors

Ideas - Plot

For my short film, I had the idea to create a home invasion thriller/horror. The basic
synopsis for the plot is as follows:

A Mute bike messenger is tasked with a final delivery for the night, but is unwittingly
dragged into a brutal home invasion, in which two intruders have broken in and murdered
the occupant. After getting boxed in, He tries to hide from the masked invaders. Upon
discovery, he manages to ambush and neutralise the first intruder. He struggles to
overcome the second, but eventually prevails. He flees the property the way he comes in,
fearing repercussions for his actions.

Overall, I wanted my movie to have minimal dialogue, with the plot being carried by subtle
cinematography and audio. My key sources of inspiration are existing home invasion
movies such as The Purge, The Strangers and Panic Room. The protagonist is
supposed to be mysterious, awkward, and difficult to read, similar to the main character in
Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive.
Harvey Molesworth
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Ideas – Production

I also needed to consider techniques to incorporate in order to make my film stand out.
One of which is the use of Snorricam shots, in which the camera is fixed to the actor’s
torso. I feel this effect can increase audience immersion and connection to the character
on screen. It will also present a creative challenge for me in rigging up the actor.
Another idea I had was of mounting a camera to a bicycle, creating a dynamic perspective
as it follows the rapid movement of the vehicle. It will serve as another way to diversify the
range of shots present in the film.

Logistical Requirements/Feasibility

In order to achieve the ideas I have laid out, I needed to consider how the film is to be
produced. With my Initial plot idea, I know I will need the following film-making equipment:

 Small form factor camera

 Wide angle Lens
 Audio recording device
 Handheld support system (e.g. Cage, Steadicam)
 Tripod
 Portable lights
 Snorricam rig (improvised)
 Camera-Bike mount

I also need to consider cast and crew. The idea demands at least 3 cast (including
myself) and a minimum 2 crew (camera operator, assistant/audio operator). I plan on using
members of the Access to media class to assist in these roles, as well as family members.

Location is also something I will need to consider before I can begin shooting. I need a
firm idea of where I will be filming, the time of day and weather I need, and how long it will
take. Overall, the scenes will take place at night. This simplifies things, as continuity with
weather and light is less of a problem. Based on my initial idea, I need the following
locations

 Starting point – where we are introduced to the protagonist

 Pickup point – the location the protagonist travels to to obtain the package
 House – Where the bulk of the film takes place, the house containing the two
antagonists

I may also want shots showing the journey the character takes, which also will demand
unique locations that obey continuity.

Overall, as I complete more research and finalise my ideas, I will be able to get a firmer
grasp on all of the requirements for the film. But this acts as an effective starting off point
for future development.
Harvey Molesworth
29/03/2023 4

What do I want to achieve?

The key consideration for the project isn’t just the completion of a film. It’s the learning
process that goes into completing a film. When I research the film, I want to expand my
knowledge of cinematography techniques. I want to learn new ways of commanding the
camera and retain the knowledge for future projects.
The same applies for audio editing. I know that audio is a crucial but also
underappreciated aspect of film-making. I hope to demonstrate that I have learned its
value and considered ways to elevate the quality of the audio. Achieving this will come
through in the final product.
I know that filming in extremely low light will be more challenging, because cameras
operate better with more light. The goal is to have a picture which isn’t blurry or noisy, but
still is visibly dark. I will need to develop my knowledge of lighting in general to achieve a
convincing result.
Editing is another challenge which presents itself as part of the film-making process. When
I edit together the film, I want action to appear seamless across the many shots I capture. I
hope that by researching existing projects, I can expand my knowledge of editing and
produce a more professional feel to my project.
Overall, I want my film to reflect a level of skill and professionalism above what I have
previously demonstrated. I will use the time I have to learn and develop skill, then use it in
a visible manner. All of which will be outlined in my production diary and Weebly write up.
There are always limitations with creating a film on a 0 budget, especially in a small
timeframe. I want to challenge myself to push against these limitations. The ideal final
product is devoid of technical errors, continuity issues, audio issues, bad writing, and bad
acting. This is what I want to achieve.