Link to 'Slade' Ten Page Script.

Link to script on Google Drive:

https://drive.google.com/a/pca.ac.uk/file/d/0B-Lq22sE1yYweUdYdnBLMUthZFE/view?usp=sharing

Moving Narrative - Evaluation

The Moving Narrative module was one of my most preferred modules. With the other modules, I would have to shoot a film which would always lead to a problem that is beyond my experience and therefore proves much more difficult while Moving Narrative taps into what I very much prefer doing. We were given free rein to come up with a film idea and, since we didn’t have to shoot it, it could be anything. I had my idea for years, specifically the characters and the general direction that their story would go, prior to this course however I was only recently able to ground it into a manageable format. My original plan for my ‘Slade’ universe was as a TV show however I whittled it down and managed to fit it into a number of different films as a franchise.

For the project, we had to show our research into our desired film idea with both written work and a mood reel/poster that capture the tone or inspiration. My biggest inspiration was the ‘Lupin III’ franchise, specifically the second film ‘The Castle of Cagliostro’. My characters and scenarios were inspired by said film so a spend time looking into the history of the franchise and what it entails overall. My most interesting discovery was the live action version of ‘Lupin III’ that was released last year as it is close to what I was envisioning based on iconography and aesthetic.

The area that I was most proud of was my mood reel. I feel that it came together really well. It began a bit hard as I had to pinpoint which footage to use and whether I could actually find it or not. However, once I did, it was a fun process of putting everything together. I knew from the very beginning that I would use a song from the score of ‘The Castle of Caglisotro’ which is why the mood reel began and ended with the song so that it could start and end naturally. The clips were also timed perfectly with the music which especially stuck out to me.

I found the biggest difficulty with making a poster. My Photoshop skills are very limited and, while I did incorporate some aspects I picked up from complementary studies, there were still some things that didn’t work so well. The good things include meshing together two separate people to create Slade’s silhouette while Drake’s was the perfect look by default. I had to splice the 10^th Doctor’s head from ‘Doctor Who’ onto a model’s body for Slade. As it was in silhouette, the detail didn’t matter so I could get away with not cleaning up the neckline. The background is also very generic and couldn’t find anything else more fitting. I do like the font however and I believe that my use of institutional information is strong. The actors listed wouldn’t be my final choices but act more as a guideline for what type of character they are trying to portray.

The script writing process was very erratic. When I got around to starting the piece, I got so enthralled in it that I managed to turn out a seven page draft after one writing session. I believe that my experience with these characters that I’ve had in my mind for so long as well as finding films and shows trying to hit my desired tone, such as ‘The Lone Ranger’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. However I found difficulty trying to convey what I wanted while also making it believable as the first ten pages of a feature length film. For example, I wanted to show off my characters but I feel that the pacing suffered as a result. Within the first ten pages, five of the main characters are introduced including the villain. This seems a bit rushed. Luckily, I spread it out a bit in later drafts and gave more time to chill, evident by Slade and Drake’s conversation in the hotel room and a look at Amos’ personal life.   

Overall, I enjoyed this module. It allowed me to focus solely on the idea stage of film and create our own characters and narratives without the limitation of having to make the film ourselves. I appreciated that I could finally ground my ideas that I’ve had brewing in my brain for years and work them into a thought out narrative. It also gave me an opportunity to use my favourite film in my research as it acted as my biggest inspiration. I’m proud of my mood reel and feel it’s one of my strongest pieces of editing through both visual and audio however my poster needs a lot of adjustments.

Moving Narrative - 'Slade' Poster

Moving Narrative - Development of Idea

While I had my idea for the film for many years now, I was only recently able to ground it for this project. I originally had the idea of making it a TV show as I had a lot of plots for the characters to embark on. Instead, I cut the filler content and simply focused on at least three narratives.

My idea for the 'Slade' universe was to combine a number of genres together starting with the base group. Slade represents gangsters, Drake represents westerns, Scarlett represents spy flicks, Norman represents crime and thriller and two characters not featured in the first ten pages, Lee and his AI ALPHA, represent sci-fi. As the project only required ten pages, I focused on the four to keep it with some level of realism before the film slowly developed into incorporating sci-fi with Lee's introduction. 

For the project, it dawned on me that all of the characters hide behind a facade. For example, Amos displays a sophisticated persona yet hides his brutish dark side while Slade keeps up this idea that he's just a suave, charming thief yet he secretly is on the hunt for his estranged father as well as tracking down the biker gang who betrayed him. He keeps his vengeful side secret. 

The original draft of the script began with Slade and Drake on their latest heist, pulling it off without a hitch. As it felt a bit hectic with another car chase in the next following pages, I changed it to a flashback of their very first heist and how they got out of a tight situation. I also added a bit of a satirical edge, notable when Norman debuts as he is seen putting on sunglasses at night which is making fun of characters who wear their sunglasses all the time which Norman would ironically do. I also added some self awareness with Drake questioning why, with all the people trying to kill them, are they untouchable like many action stars. 

'Slade' Film Character Profiles - Scarlett

Scarlett Dreyfuss

Age: 28

Hair: Red, Voluptuous 

Eye Colour: Green

Height: 

Weight: 

Build: Strong

Outfit of choice: Black zipped up jacket, Red tank top, Black trousers
Occupation: Freelance Spy

Personality:
Despite her strong physique and boisterous, Scarlett is friendly to those who have earned her trust. While she does take her work seriously, she still has a sense of humour and isn't above joining in with Drake and Slade's snarky comments.

Inspiration:
Black Widow (Marvel Cinematic Universe) - Clothes | Hair style (Iron Man 2) | Snarky personality

Fujiko Mine (The Castle of Cagliostro) - Banter with protagonist | Stealthy | Spy | Uses disguises

'Slade' Film Character Profiles - Norman

Norman Anderson

Age: 34

Hair: Blonde

Eye Colour: Blue

Facial Hair: Blonde goatee

Height: 

Weight: 

Build: Average.

Outfit of choice: Black suit with tie, Black slacks, Sunglasses

Personality:
Norman is a workaholic. After being tasked with tracking down Slade and Drake, he stops at nothing to keep on their trail. He is serious, if a bit egotistical as evident with his constant badge showing, and has is solely dedicated to his job.

Inspiration:
Agent Smith (The Matrix) - Sunglasses | Suit | Dedication to job

Norman Jayden (Heavy Rain) - Role in police work | Sunglasses for actual purpose | Detective role

Inspector Zenigata (Lupin III) - International Police Officer | Hounding one specific person

'Slade' Film Character Profiles - Amos

Amos Mills

Age: Late 40s

Hair: Shaved

Eyes: Brown

Height: 6’ 6”

Weight: 268

Build: Tall, Muscular

Outfit of Choice: Green Camouflage Tank Top, Camouflage Cargo Trousers, Black Boots, Brown Flak Jacket.
Occupation: Private Army General

Personality:
On the surface, acts as a sophisticated and charismatic leader however he restrains a brutish and power hungry side. Serves as a big threat for both his strength and intellect. Spends his leisure time listening to classical music and reading.

Backstory:

After spending many years in the military, Amos slowly developed a power complex and began to become ruthless and unpredictable. After a horrific incident, he was discharged and left festering. He spent more time preparing himself to create his own private army by forcing his way to financial gain. Recruiting Grant Everett as his second in command, Amos used his money to set up a base and recruited soldiers and scientists to help create weaponry to become unstoppable. 

Inspiration:

Bane (The Dark Knight Rises) – Strong build | Outfit | Imposing

The Governor (The Walking Dead) – Commanding person | Loses eye by end of the film | Army leader

Sideshow Bob (The Simpsons) – Sophisticated | Psychopath | Revenge Driven

'Slade' Film Character Profiles - Drake

Drake Phillips

Age: 27

Hair: Black, straight hair down to neck.

Eyes: Brown

Facial Hair: Stubble

Height: 5’ 7”

Weight: 160

Build: Fit, Buff.

Outfit of Choice: Brown Duster Coat, Black Stetson, Black Vest, Dark Grey Cargo Trousers, Black Boots, Red Neckerchief.
Occupation: Thief/Mercenary

Personality:
Drake is a boisterous, wacky, and unpredictable sharp shooter. The brawn to Slade's brain, Drake acts on impulse and often leaves enemies confused at his antics. Provides comic relief.

Backstory;

Hailing from a American town trying to capture the feeling of the old west, Drake found difficulty once a drifter named Abraham arrived and weaselled his way into becoming mayor. With the town in his control, he exiled Drake for intervening upon learning that Abe works from Amos Mills. Drake’s father is arrested as Drake can do nothing.

Drake arrives at the big city and he attempts to find people to fight back against Abraham. He begins by taking up mercenary jobs which he felt confident in thanks to his sharp shooting and strong fist fighting skills. He meets Slade on a botched job and the two make a strong duo with Slade’s quick witted brain and Drake’s shooting and brawn.

Inspiration:

H.M. ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock (The A-Team) – Insane personality | Light-heartedness

Otto West (A Fish Called Wanda) – Gun savvy | Bombastic | Immature | Long coat

Deadpool/Wade Wilson (X-Men) – Zany, Loud | Unpredictable | Strong physique

'Slade' Film Character Profiles - Slade

Marcus ‘Slade’ Trent

Age: 28

Hair: Black, forward pointed.

Eye Colour: Red (naturally Green)

Facial Hair: Black Soul Patch

Height: 6’ 1”

Weight: 155

Build: Tall, Slender.

Outfit of choice: Black Suit Jacket, Red Shirt, Black Slacks, Brown Loafers
Occupation: Thief/Mercenary

Personality:
Slade is a gentleman thief with a lust for thrill and money. He is the brain to Drake's brawn and often thinks quickly when caught in a tight situation. He is a suave, cunning and charming. He also makes up his plans as he goes along.

Backstory:

Born in England to Archibald Trent and an unknown mother. Archibald ignored Marcus who could only get along with this sister, Katrina. For unknown reasons, Archibald fled and left Marcus and Katrina to fend for themselves. Katrina moved away when she was old enough while Slade went to track down Archibald in America. While there, he was taken in by a biker gang. The gang leader, Roland, treated him harshly however his second command acted as Marcus’ mentor. His drifter like attitude and persona earned him the nickname ‘Slade’ which he wore with pride.

After years in the gang, Slade was betrayed by Roland and left to be arrested by up and coming cop, Norman Anderson. Slade spent a while in prison until he was met by a scientist who agreed to get Slade released if he assisted in some experiments. His mind was wiped after the experiments however the ordeal left his eye pigments mutated, changing them from green to red. After release, he found himself poor and homeless so he used his skills from his biker lifestyle to begin his career as a mercenary. On a job, he met Drake Phillips and the two collaborated with Slade’s brain and Drake’s brawn to get themselves out of a botched job.

Inspired by:

Lupin III/Wolf (Lupin III/The Castle of Cagliostro) – Gentleman thief | Quick witted | Suave womaniser 

10^th Doctor (Doctor Who) – Hair and suit | Neutral yet heroic |

10th Doctor's hair style that Slade would have

Tulio (The Road to El Dorado) – Money lust | Lanky physique | Facial Hair

Moving Narrative Mood Reel

Clips used:
'The Castle of Cagliostro' - Car chase
 - The main inspiration for my piece. I used this scene specifically because it captured the essence of the film with the over the top action, jazz soundtrack (which carries over as the music for the whole reel) and the characters showing off their skills (Lupin driving and Jigen shooting).

'Daredevil' - Hallway fight scene
 - 'Daredevil' features a mix of gritty realistic action and classic comic book fighting. The hallway scene stuck out to me as the most memorable for the great choreography, the fact that it's only a single shot and the added slapstick that I picked out specifically.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' - Star-Lord fleeing from Korath
 - Star-Lord is a thief just like my protagonist and the opening scene of the film where he pulls off his latest heist, just barely escaping from Korath the Pursuer.

'Reservoir Dogs' - Mr Pink's shoot out
 - 'Reservoir Dogs' is by definition a heist film so showing a clip of the actually event taking place would be a good thing to convey especially as it shows one man going up against a group of people and managing to take on most of them.

'The Blues Brothers' - Mall car chase
 - One of the most famous car chases in film thanks to its over the top action and jazz soundtrack, just like 'The Castle of Cagliostro'.

'Oldboy' - Hallway scene
 - This iconic scene brings about the idea of one man taking on a massive group of people and coming out victorious. It's this level of one sided action that I am trying to convey in my film.

'The Lone Ranger' - Firing Line scene
 - My character, Drake, is basically a modern day cowboy so I wanted to convey this with a western that came out very recently. 'The Lone Ranger' also features overblown action set pieces and a diverse duo as the focus.

'Skyfall' - Bond fighting Patrice
 - Again, reinforcing the well choreographed fist fights that my film would feature.

'Quantum of Solace' - Opening
 - 'Making strong use of car chases combined with shoot outs. The fast paced editing makes the scene even more exciting.

Moving Narrative Research - Lupin III/The Castle of Cagliostro

The biggest inspiration for my film was the 'Lupin III' franchise. The series began life as a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Monkey Punch (real name Kazuhiko Kato) back in 1967. The series focus on a group of criminals comprising of suave gentleman thief Arsene Lupin III, sharp shooting gangster Jigen, samurai Goemon and femme fatale Fujiko on the run from international police officer Inspector Zenigata. It was later added into an animated series in 1971 before finally getting a feature length film in the form of 'The Secret of Mamo' which played out as a faithful adaptation. The second film, 'The Castle of Cagliostro', was helmed by animation legend Hayao Miyazaki in 1979.

The reason that, of all forms of 'Lupin III' I could have picked, I have chosen 'The Castle of Cagliostro' is because of how different it is to the rest of the franchise. In terms of character, the cast are much deeper and more varied than in the show especially Lupin himself. In the show/manga, Lupin was little more than a snarky, perverted thief however he is made into a much more likeable rogue who only does his crimes for the thrill and adventure. The plot of the film even reflects this ideal as it boils down to saving a princess from a tower, carrying on the classic adventure story. Lupin does still show signs of his TV self however he has a much more friendly side, most notable when he confronts the princess Clarisse as well as the heart warming send off at the ending. Another character given more depth was Zenigata. As there is already a villain, Zenigata instead acts more like a friendly rival even to the point of teaming up with him in the third act.

In incorporated 'Lupin III' as inspiration for my piece by use of character, tone and action. As the gang is constantly hounded by Zenigata, there is always a chase scene on the horizon and a great sense of drifting. Rarely are episodes set in the same place. My protagonist, Slade, represents this as he can be classed as a drifter. The word Slade means valley which I used to represent that he is always between two places, just like a valley. Other characters are inspired by the cast of 'Lupin III' such as Drake who takes after Jigen for being the designated sharp shooter of the team (however I have Drake a western background as opposed to Jigen's gangster background), Norman who is based on Zenigata as he fulfils the role of pursuer and Scarlett who, while not strictly a femme fatale like Fujiko, is more boisterous and relies more on strategy.

Another element inspired would be Slade and Norman's relationship. Like Lupin and Zenigata, they would act more like rivals with Amos taking the role as primary antagonist. Slade doesn't even seen Norman as a threat and sees it more like a game of cat and mouse. Slade baits Norman only to relish in his escape. This would harken back to Slade's backstory as a member of a biker gang who was arrested by an up and coming Norman. Slade and Drake's banter would also reflect that of Lupin and Jigen, most notably at the start of the film where Lupin and Jigen play rock, paper, scissors over who has to change the burst tyre.

The look and iconography of my film is derived from 'Lupin III' too. Lupin and Slade dress in a similar manner although Lupin wears more colours than Slade and also a tie. Drake and Jigen both have distinct hats and Scarlett and Fujiko wear stealthy outfits fitting for their occupation. The use of classic guns and cars is also used. Lupin and Jigen drive a yellow Fiat 500 while Slade and Drake drive a red Triumph TR6. Lupin and Slade both use Walther P38s too while Drake weilds a Colt Python, inspired by Rick Grimes' weapon of choice from 'The Walking Dead'.

Fiat 500

Triumph TR6

Walther P38

Colt Python

In my research, I discovered that in 2014, there was a live action adaptation of 'Lupin III'. In terms of iconography, tone and action, this is how my film would look. I compared my film to being a live action version of 'The Castle of Cagliostro' and now I know that exists. There isn't much else to say, I just found it interesting that a live action film does indeed exist and I can use it for comparison sake. 

To summarise, my film takes most inspiration from 'Lupin III' based on characters, tone and iconography. Slade and Lupin share a lot of common as do other characters previously stated, they drive classic cars and wield classic guns and they both get caught up in bombastic and grand conspiracies and adventures.


Links:
Characters in Lupin III: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/LupinIII
Profile for Monkey Punch: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=41
'The Castle of Cagliostro' imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079833/