Aiman's Blog

  The project will be shot on 2 different locations, as the scenes include 2 locations. One of the scenes is supposed to be shot in a park, the other one in a house/bedroom. We have found the location for the park. It is a local public park situated in I-8, Islamabad.  We all agreed on this and considered it suitable because it is a public park, it is similar to what we envisioned, and it is easily accessible for all the team members.  (Photo Credits: Zuha Imman) The second location, we have not yet finalized.  

 Our teacher told us to attempt focus pull and reverse zoom. This put the entire class in a frenzy because despite our many attempts, we all did a terrible job. Then our teacher told us to have this as our homework and use these techniques well.  Here are my attempts of the dolly zoom, and of focus pull.  For this, I had to lie face front (upside down) on a skateboard and rolled myself backwards, while zooming in (using Filmic Pro) This is my attempt of focus pull. I used Filmic Pro for this one as well. 

 Research on the Genre, Codes and Conventions. There are several typical conventions that determine a genre. Mise En Scene: the lighting is usually and preferably low key lighting in psychological thriller. this creates a sense of tension, suffocation, and might represent the inner darkness of the character.  The costumes are supposed to be normal informal attire to blend in with normal people and their victims, but it would be conventionally interesting if the character wears black or dark shades,  as it would reflect the darkness of the character. Location is also important, and conventionally, psychological thrillers are set in urban areas. Another code or convention could be narrow spaces, as this creates a sense of disturbance, suffocation and tension.  Sound: Conventionally, psychological thriller consists of eerie, tense, suspenseful music that creates a sense of mysterious build up. They also have sound effects such as jump scares that will further add to the...

  After class, we all gathered to decide and assign roles.  I (Aiman Khattak) took up the role of producer and assistant director because that suited me. Planning, coordination and management is predominantly my responsibility as the producer. I took Zuha's idea and arranged it in the form of a narrative, and am now working on creating a script out of it. Moreover, I am supposed to cast the actors that will work in our project. I'm also responsible for arranging the props and costumes.  As the Assistant Director,   I will assess and track progress and schedules, prepare and gather everyone for meetings and guide the director when there is need. I am supposed to ensure everyone's safety and well being, and maintain order on set. Moreover, my attention to minute, overlooked details makes me suitable for this role.  Zuha is the story writer and the director. She introduced the idea of the film opening and will visualize it and share it with us in a way that we all ...

 Genre We selected a fascinating genre that suits our narrative and creates enigma and satisfies what we want to create. The genre can be considered thriller, or more specifically, psychological thriller. A series of camera conventions, mise en scene, sound, and editing can help us establishing and conveying the genre. 

 25 Word Pitch or Synopsis.  A DID patient intends to murder the girl after she leaves him, as commanded by his controlling, evil personality, and confronts her with a weapon.  (Word count; 25)

  After class, my group members and I gathered and discussed the idea further and assigned roles.  We also talked about the potential angles we should use and the location. These are the pictures of us having a group discussion. (Pictures were taken by my friend Mahnoor Aleem.)  

  Stranger things extract analyzed by me.