Chess Film: Brainstorm

 

    During our first class period working on our chess films, we got into groups and began the brain storming process. Rolls were chosen as to what our jobs would be during production, and I chose cinematographer. I thought this would be an interesting roll to be, especially since I find camera angles and meanings behind different clips very cool to learn about. My group had a common genre in mind, that being horror. We started by taking some notes on things we wanted to include in our film as we discussed and landed on the idea of a killing spree with the murderer leaving chess pieces behind as evidence. As the murders are happening, the shots will continue to cut back to a piece getting knocked down by the girl on the chess board- signifying a death. This will happen continuously throughout the film as each person dies. Although we haven't decided all the details of the film like how people will die without it being too graphic, or how the killer will be portrayed in the film. One idea was to include a comedy aspect and have the killer try to investigate the murders pretending to be innocent, or to keep the killers identity a complete secret until the last few seconds of the film. 

Opening shot idea: OTS shot to connect main character (murderer) to the chess board 

    To open the film, I want to begin with an over the shoulder tracking shot. My idea was to have the murders back turned away from the camera, leaving the chess board to be seen over her shoulder. The purpose of this scene will show the connection that the murderer has with the chess board which helps set up the plot between the girl and board. By having the camera track closer to the girl, it gives viewers time to process what is happening and to leave them wondering why both the girl and board are relevant to the shot. 

Closing shot idea: Close up- Tableau

   

     Trying to figure out a way to close the film which will leave a lasting impression was hard. Going through my notes, I landed upon a tableau shot and the idea sounded perfect. After the deaths of all the characters (which represent pieces) I wanted to show the board after all the pieces were knocked down.  Closing the film with a shot that is completely still is the best way to not only show the amount of deaths in this quick film, but also leaves the viewers with a lasting impact that only one person stands- which is the murderer.