Synopsis and Treatment

Synopsis

A theatrical short film looking into the idea that people can try to control your mind, subconsciously, though the use of certain imagery or sounds. Subliminal messages like these have been used for years and can be as subtle as product placement. This technique is known to be done in 5 different ways through themes of sex, drugs, violence, food and fear. In our film we are planning to address this technique in a dramatised way by putting one character through five scenarios based on these themes. The film will show the character watching a montage of images that symbolise each of the themes and show the effects the images had on her.

Treatment

Working title: 'Obedience' Duration: 5:00 minutes  Genre: Short Experimental Film Crew: Connor Albinson, Nicole Harman Smith, Rufaro Muambe

Outline Production:  A theatrical short film looking into the idea that people can try to control your mind, subconsciously, though the use of certain imagery or sounds.The film will show the character watching a montage of images that symbolises each of the main themes associated with subliminal imaging (sex, violence, fear, food and drugs) and show the effects the images had on her.  Target Audience: Young adults +, The themes in the film may be too mature or difficult to understand for anyone younger. Visual Elements: Lighting – Dark environment with a single light source (supposedly from the television in the corner of the room). Low key lighting for eerie hard shadow effect. Camera Movement – Variety of movements. Starting from slow paced panning to eventual rapid/jolting movements. Editing – Television montages very fast paced as if the watcher is taking in a lot of information quickly. Real life starts slow in the beginning and fast paced during the effects scene Setting – Preferably, a derelict dark setting that we can make a mess of. Hopefully with electricity for lighting and TV. Actors – Previously 5 actors were needed, one for each theme, but now only one and that character will show the effects herself. Props – Television, makeup, coloured spray, fake blood, scissors, weapon,  Costume – Very simple, white top with plain bottoms. The character with mess with the outfit throughout the film. Audio Elements:  Effects - Certain effects within the montages, screams, diegetic sounds. Music  - If any music is used, likely a song in reverse. Requirements and Resources: Camera, backup camera, tripod, microphone, lighting and diffusers, electricity, production paperwork. Constraints and Contingency: Setting could cause problems, for last resort we can use my house with covered walls and flooring. Legal and Ethical considerations: Not allowing our actor/actress to do anything they may feel uncomfortable with. No use of offensive imagery, this could be the character harming themselves in a triggering way.