The following images are of the location I will use, when it comes to making my creative artefact. This is ideal as there is fluorescent lighting which supports the hostage scenario depicted in my prequel of Source Code. It is also made up of a wide open space, to ensure the focus of the audience remains on the actors and the dialogue; but the eery atmosphere remains. Instead of being completely open, the walkway on the upper level adds a bit of character to the location e.g. a possible abandoned warehouse or condemned building.
The location is an empty warehouse in Gravesend off from Denton Wharf. It is approximately 1 mile from Gravesend town center.
The photographs taken are during the daytime, but the scene will take place at night. The room will be illuminated by a flood light. In doing this, makes for a more effective lighting scheme in relation to the scenario/situation. I will also set dress the location in several ways; through adding a plastic chair for the henchman, cables across the walkway and various strategically placed items such as barrels.
There will be no noise except for dialogue and the gunshots. In having several moments of elongated silence, helps in establishing a threatening and creepy atmosphere. Relating to health and safety and the location, we have to be careful when using the walkway above for photographs, in the event that one of us falls or if panels and railing are loose.
The following images are the nine key stills I have selected, to act as a visual aid for my screenplay. They capture the main events that occur throughout; incorporating costumes and the location to match, that are described in the screenplay. The scene is of a hostage scenario, in which the hostages are slowly killed off by a sinister henchman, until only one remains. This is Derek Frost, the terrorist in the film Source Code.
Key Still One
The first image is a close up of the henchman. It displays him in correct attire as described in the script; with the addition of brown leather gloves, to convey a more threatening character. The actor has adopted a composed powerful stance. This is reinforced by the use of a low angle. Stage directions have also been followed effectively, as he is sitting in the chair back to front, holding the gun in his right hand. In order to present the character as a man to be feared, the appropriate facial expression has been used. In dressing the henchman this way reveals the characters mind set, convey the idea that he takes pride in the way he dresses. Being very formal also tells us he takes his work seriously.
Key Still Two
This photograph captures the moment when the henchman is about to shoot the young trainee, after removing the cotton sack around his head. The hostages facial express is just after he looks up and stops crying, clinging on to some hope that he is about to be freed. This is the next death to occur after the first hostage. Being a key plot point in this scene, reinforces the idea of cause and effect; the order of events. The lighting here is effective as the flood light hits all the actors, but leaves the rest of the room in darkness. This helps to promote an eery atmosphere.
Key Still Three
In this photograph the henchman is clapping and laughing. This makes him more sinister on the basis he takes fun and joy from killing hostages, and being in a position of power over others. It also corresponds with a segment of the screenplay. Being back in the seated position means the henchman is closer to the flood light, which worked out nicely when capturing his stance and emotions.
Key Still Four
This photograph captures the moment when the henchman walks round the back of Derek Frost, before he cuts the cable tie binding his hands together. This is effective as the rest of the room fades into darkness beyond where the henchman is standing.
Key Still Five
In this photograph, it is at the same point in the screen play as Key Still Four, only taken from a different angle. I felt it was important to include this image as it captures the death and destruction that has occurred throughout the scene. The back wall has some bright features, but it is also very basic, which helps in reinforcing the selected location for the scene.
Key Still Six
Here we see the henchman on the phone to Mr Rutledge. The left hand side of the image has an effective glow of the flood light, while the rest of the room descends into darkness. Talking to Mr Rutledge reintroduces an old character from the original film. It plays on his ambition and portrays him in a new light as someone evil. This links to the narrative of Source Code by changing specific aspects of Classic Hollywood Narrative, such as the three act structure, to meet the needs of a postmodern audience.
Key Still Seven
The moment portrayed in this image is when Derek Frost has pulled out the plans, of the train and the irregular bomb, from the flask. This is required in the key stills as it strongly reinforces my macro element of narrative, explored in my textual analysis. Being the resolution of a prequel, it is important that it flows nicely into the original film Source Code. I consider this the iconic moment of the film.
Key Still Eight
This is an aerial shot looking down on the scenario. I feel it is effective as you almost work your way down the image, from focusing on the walkway, across the bodies, and finally to Derek and the henchman; who is currently emptying his gun into the armed guard. Both the barrel and the cables add character to the otherwise open and plain environment. This also reinforces the extent of character motivation through displaying so much death in such a condensed space.
Key Still Nine
In this photograph we see the henchman putting away his weapon after killing his own armed guard, to ensure there are no witnesses. In doing this develops the character of the henchman, revealing he is a merciless killer, phased by nothing. It also portray Derek Frost as very different to the Derek Frost we see in Source Code, due to the fact he bears a facial expression of fear and remains fixed on the dead body of the armed guard who has just been shot.
Slideshow
The slideshow below holds the nine key stills in addition to all the other photographs taken on location and in costume:
