Chase Scene Statement of Intent

NAME: Jase Van Meeteren

DATE: September 13, 2016

DP: Spencer Plewe

FILM 2: THE CHASE OR SUSPENSE SCENE

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This statement of intent is designed to train your mind, eye and heart to shoot purposefully. You should prepare it well before shooting. After reading the assignment on the last page, briefly—but thoughtfully and specifically—answer the following questions.

1.     What is the story--the beginning, middle, and end--of this film in three or four sentences? In other words, what happens in this scene as it starts, as it progresses, and as it ends?

The scene starts with Rene, a spunky young woman, watching Murdock, a classy businessman, walk along the road. Rene begins to walk towards him, and Murdock runs away. Murdock eventually outruns Rene and gets to his home. We reveal that Rene has gotten ahead of Murdock and is already in the room. Turns out Rene just wanted to give Murdock some flowers, but Murdock is already married.

2.     What is the backstory of this scene? Why is this happening to these characters? What does each person want? Why do they want it?

Rene has been following Murdock for a while. She really likes him and decides this will be the day she confesses her love. Murdock has seen Rene following him for a while now and is frightened when she begins to run after him. Rene want’s Murdock to love her. Murdock wants to lose Rene so he can get home safe to his wife.

3.     What, specifically, must the audience understand to engage in the story? How do you intend to communicate that narrative (not emotional) information?

They must understand Rene is after Murdock for some reason. This will be communicated by her waiting for him on a street corner. They must also understand that Murdock is afraid of Rene. This will be communicated by him running away from her. At the end of the film. They need to understand that Rene loves him, and that he is married. These bits of information will be communicated through dialog and a wedding ring that Murdock wears. Also, Rene will have flowers for him.

4.     In mainstream media, some scenes are simply chase scenes or scenes of suspense. However, for the goals of this class, there should be more going on than that. Assume that this scene is from a larger film. Explain the narrative, emotional and thematic purpose of this scene in the larger story:

Rene has had a really hard time just trying to find someone to love. I think it expresses the difficulty of expressing one’s emotions in a way that most would seem “normal.” Rene has a hard time expressing these feelings and just wants to find that special someone. The audience should feel a little bad for Rene, but it should also be a little funny. We all have a hard time finding love.

5.     What emotions do you want the audience to experience as they watch this scene? How do you intend make this happen?

At first, I want them to question why Rene is after Murdock. A level of confusion I think will add to the suspense. I think it will also make the end emotion stronger when we reveal her true intent. I want the audience to feel a little bad for Rene by the end. But again, I hope it will be on the lighter funny side, because I want it to be relatable in a funny way.

6.     What is the first image of the scene? What is the final image of the scene? Why are you choosing these specific images?

The first image will be Rene standing on the side walk. This will hopefully establish a connection with her right at the beginning. She will be partially shadowed so it will hopefully make her seem mysterious.

The final image will be Rene outside Murdock’s door. Her demeanor will be looser, goofier, this will hopefully show a progression in who she is as a person.

7.     Why is this scene personal to you? (Please don’t answer, “Because I’ve always wanted to make a chase scene!”) What personal experience(s) does it remind you of? Ask yourself, “Why do I need to make this scene?”

I want to make this scene because it shows the difficulty I personally have with making connections with people. I feel like it reminds me of times when I want to express feelings I have about another person, but I’m too weird or awkward to do it. There was also once when I was chasing after someone for a long time before I realized she had a boyfriend. She thought I was crazy and I felt dumb.

8.     Review the 11 subcomponents of space. What are the overall rules for how you will use space in your film? (For example, will one character exist primarily in flat space while the other exists in deep space?) How will use contrast and affinity within shots and from shot to shot? For each rule, articulate why will you use space in this way.  Be specific.

I am planning on shooting this in black and white. Because of that, tonal separation will be incredibly important. I need to make sure textures, lights, and other objects are in the frame to establish the proportions and depth in space. Most shots during the chase will be deep space to show the tension of the situation I plan to use vanishing points in a lot of them along with some light texture to really show how deep the space is. Less intense moments will be flatter to show a little more stability.

9.     What focal lengths will you use? Why?

I will use wider lenses. That way, the chase will seem like the characters are moving faster in the frame. If I used longer lenses it would compress the space and the characters wouldn’t look like they were moving as fast.

10.  In a bulleted list, articulate two or three potential obstacles to creating a successful film. How can you be prepared to overcome these? Be specific!

-       Locations could be a nightmare.

o   I’m going to start now to find good ally ways or other places to run through. I’ll check on campus first since it’s a good place to find buildings everywhere. Then I’ll go to center street to see what else I can find.

-       Lighting could be an issue.

o   If I shoot outside at night, it will be hard to find areas well-lit enough to shoot in. To ensure everything goes well, I’ll go to different locations at night to see what type of light I can get. Harsh light will be a good thing here so that might help the situation. Street lamps will be very helpful.