Research and Pre-production

Today I have finished my written proposal, my moodboard, my questionnaires and now I'm starting my camera script. When I get the chance I will print off my questionnaires and incorporate them into my powerpoint pitch which is almost finished.

Script, Storyboards, Camera Scipt and Location Scouting

On Friday I managed to finish the first draft of my script. As it's a short film, I didn't want to make it long as B-movies are usually shorter in length anyway. I've printed a hard copy of my script and I'll be sure to print off a copy for each individual actor/actress who has sufficient dialogue. I'm starting the storyboards today and I'll get a camera script done straight after it. Even though I know what my locations should look like, and I have a good location in mind for most of the scenes, I will go looking for suitable locations anyway and fill in any necessary paperwork such as locations recce's, risk assessments etc.

Research & Development

Last night I did some research for my B-movie by watching The Blob and taking note of it's characteristics. I have looked at other B-movies and their tropes as well.

I have now discovered that: B-movies often display a high degree of craft and aesthetic ingenuity. They are almost always shorter than their high-budgeted, top-billed counterparts, usually 70 minutes or less. Science fiction, horror, and western were staple genres of the late 1950's. The lower budget often led to the general consensus that B-movies were inferior to the more handsomely budgeted headliners. Often ignored by critics.

B-movies of the sci-fi/horror genre are often heavily trope laden and a successful one can be a 'trope maker' for future high budget films.

B-movies are, essentially, well made films albeit with a low or very low budget therefore yielding cheap special effects. For further research I will experiment on Final Cut Pro to find the right effects to make the footage appear '50's' black and white, I'll also consult Chris Summerill about creating or emulating the sound quality of dialogue from that period and also that period's sound effects and music.

My idea

For my final major project, I have had several ideas. The first was a live action/green-screen adaption of Dumb Ways To Die, the second was a 1966 Batman adaption of some sort. These ideas seemed very large for the time I have to do it in and they weren't exactly original.

After several days of brainstorming, taking into consideration what is doable, and whether or not I'll have the resources to achieve it, I have decided to make a 1950's/1960's sci-fi/horror B-movie for my final major project.

I have tried numerous titles and ideas for it, the most promising one is 'It came from the Valley!' A South Wales oriented, black and white sci-fi horror film with comedic elements.

First, I will have to pitch my idea and do research into B-movies, the era of B-movie I'm attempting to emulate, it's styles and it's common themes, characters, plots etc.