Here is a small 5 minuet long clip from the film. This clip is from the first 10 minuets of the film where Mick and Simon are at a party. Mick attempts to 'chat up' a girl but before he can he i swept away by Ringo who has just got his hands on a new type of LSD. The two go into a bathroom and take the drug before tripping so hard that your left wondering if Mick is alive or dead...
Again the main purpose of this film is not to advocate drugs. Its also not to glamorise them. The purpose of the film is to show what rally happens when you take drugs. Yes, it can give you extreme highs and make you fell awesome and make you popular amougst young people, yet equally its as addictive as it is harmful to your body. Like one of the films I researched for this, "The Wolf of Wall Street" it is not biased in terms of advocating or shunning drug use, it simply is a character driven story with drugs being a stimulous for their rise/ downfall.
Here it is: https://youtu.be/8zrEmG3XqAY
Friday, 24 February 2017
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Bibliography
Drug Culture in film- Realism or Glamour?
Wolf of Wall Street- Scorsese, 2013, Paramount Pictures
Sid and Nancy- Cox, 1986, Palace Pictures
Pineapple Express- Green, 2008, Colombia Pictures
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas- Gilliam, 1998, Universal
Syd Barrett- Case Study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syd_Barrett
Music of 1973
http://www.retrowaste.com/1970s/music-in-the-1970s/
Films of 1973
http://www.imdb.com/search/title/?release_date=1970,1979&title_type=feature
Hunter S. Thompson- Case Study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson
Fashion of the 70's
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/1970s-fashion-moments-that-defined-seventies-style-96107
Prop Drugs
http://www.looper.com/16677/actors-really-use-taking-drugs-movies/
Effects of Drugs
The Doors of Perception- Aldous Huxley
Wolf of Wall Street- Scorsese, 2013, Paramount Pictures
Sid and Nancy- Cox, 1986, Palace Pictures
Pineapple Express- Green, 2008, Colombia Pictures
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas- Gilliam, 1998, Universal
Syd Barrett- Case Study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syd_Barrett
Music of 1973
http://www.retrowaste.com/1970s/music-in-the-1970s/
Films of 1973
http://www.imdb.com/search/title/?release_date=1970,1979&title_type=feature
Hunter S. Thompson- Case Study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson
Fashion of the 70's
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/1970s-fashion-moments-that-defined-seventies-style-96107
Prop Drugs
http://www.looper.com/16677/actors-really-use-taking-drugs-movies/
Effects of Drugs
The Doors of Perception- Aldous Huxley
Monday, 20 February 2017
Off the Record: Posters
Some of the covers however hold very subtle references to drugs. Such as; "The Beatles", "Pink Floyd", "The Doors" and "The Velvet Underground". These are all bands heavily associated with heavy drug use throughout the period of time when they were prominent in pop culture.
For the three versions you see on the left I experimented with different colored light to see if it gave some kind of trip effect. However I don't think any of the three are particularly impressive. The final poster I do like is the one at the bottom. It uses white light and is angled better. the expression on the face is more neutral yet at the same time shows an adequate amount of expression. One of the only things I don't like about it though is the font used for the tittle. In my opinion its not decade defining and quite generic. Having said that it does do the job, and anything more elaborate could make the poster look messy. Its use of natural light also keeps the poster in a neutral state; as with the three colored posters each color has various connotations of different things that might not have anything to do with what the film is about, so keeping the natural light helps keeps the poster simple and not over complicated
.Also as a side note, there is a vague reference to Hunter S. Thompson in the poster. As he was someone I did a lot of research on for this project and was one of the main inspirations for the film, I pay homage to him by wearing the same yellow tinted sunglasses that his is normally associated with wearing.
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Off the Record: Theories and Practices
For creating "Off the Record", I used a theory I developed, called The Frankenstein's Monster Theory. This involves a number of various aspects of a diverse selection of films being spliced together to create an new and unique story. This can include subtle referencing in the dialogue to its source/inspiration, or sequences taken directly from other films but adapted to fit the new story. In terms of "Off the Record", its inspiration came from:
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
- The Inbetweeners (2008-2010)
- This is the End (2013)
- Pineapple Express (2008)
- Trainspotting (1996)
Some of the things that you will see in "Off the Record" will/might remind you of some scenes of these films listed above.
Off the record also uses Todorovs 'Equilibrium' theory to establish a well balanced and linear plot. The drugs being the source of the disequilibrium and Ringo's death restoring the equilibrium. This theory helps us to make the plot easy to follow and understand for the spectator.
Props character theory will also be applied to the film but not so much in the tradition sense. Mick would not be the hero but the Heroine as he needs help to get out of the drug addiction. This makes Simon the hero whos journey is to rescue Mick from Ringos (The Villain) bad influence. Again this a tradition story telling technique which conveys a simple understanding of the films premise and gets across the message of the film to an audience.
Off the record also uses Todorovs 'Equilibrium' theory to establish a well balanced and linear plot. The drugs being the source of the disequilibrium and Ringo's death restoring the equilibrium. This theory helps us to make the plot easy to follow and understand for the spectator.
Props character theory will also be applied to the film but not so much in the tradition sense. Mick would not be the hero but the Heroine as he needs help to get out of the drug addiction. This makes Simon the hero whos journey is to rescue Mick from Ringos (The Villain) bad influence. Again this a tradition story telling technique which conveys a simple understanding of the films premise and gets across the message of the film to an audience.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Soundtrack
Any good film has an amazing soundtrack to go with it, take 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy; the soundtrack went to Platinum and continues to be sold in shops today. So, the soundtrack should capture the essence of the time period its representing but also have some more recent song to remind the audience of the time its set.
Re-Make/ Re Model -Roxy Music (1971)
This will be used during the tripping scene. Its fast pace fits perfectly to the tempo of the footage and has electrifying riffs that add a psychedelic aspect to the scene. In fact this was the song that sparked the whole film as its was the song that gave me the idea for the trip scene and then the rest of the film was made around that one pivotal moment.
Nights in White Satin- The Moody Blues (1967)
This is the song Simon plays when Mick tries to talk to a girl he likes but fails miserably. It is a classic 60's love song that is very nostalgic for some people as it was commonly played at school discos in the 70's. The lyrics that play are: "I love you, yes I love you, woah I love you" which really don't hide what this scene is about.
My Eyes Have Seen You -The Doors (1967)
The guitar solo of this song by the Doors will be played later on in the film when Simon is running down streets to get to Mick before he does Heroin. Like the song by Roxy Music it is faced paced and builds up to a great climax, it suits this moment of fear Simon has as he doesn't want to loose his friend to this drug that will take over his life.
White Rabbit- Jefferson Airplane (1967)
This song is played in the background of the party scene. Its a classic song of the 60's and sets the atmosphere of the film. in fact you could say the track is much like this film in terms of it builds up and up to a peak.
In Another Land- The Rolling Stones (1967)
This will be played when Mick and Ringo are experimenting with a whole magnitude of psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs. its enchanting and hypnotizing sound go hand in hand with the fact the two kids are experimenting with drugs. The lyrics "In another land" are somewhat a a metaphor for being taken to another place through excessive drug use.
Time- Pink Floyd (1973)
This will be bridge the final shot to the credits. 'Time's quiet and relaxing opening is fitting for the somber atmosphere left with the audience at the end. The sudden change in pace in the song will begin as the final shot cuts to the beginning of the credits.
Money- Pink Floyd (1973)
This song is off the album that is stolen from Mick. This plays at the moment Simon is at a party without Mick and Ringo and is played on a record player, he finds out it was bought off Ringo for £20 to buy Heroin. The song fits as the scene is about greed and money.
Be Together -Major Lazer (2015)
This plays just before 'Money'. This really is to emphasize that we are in the present day as opposed to actually being in the 60's.
Little Wing- The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
Plays when Mick is making the decision to either carry on taking drugs or go straight. However he chooses to continue the drug life. The guitar solo of the song is empowering and in context with the scene is enlightening for Mick as he starts to go down the wrong path.The song itself is about Jimi's Drug habits and how he cant escape them.
A Day in the Life - The Beatles (1967)
This plays after Mick has discovered that his dead dads record has been stolen. The genuinely sad and down tone of the song perfectly suit this emotional experience Mick is going through. It will be the only thing playing as Mick wallows in self pity.
Re-Make/ Re Model -Roxy Music (1971)
This will be used during the tripping scene. Its fast pace fits perfectly to the tempo of the footage and has electrifying riffs that add a psychedelic aspect to the scene. In fact this was the song that sparked the whole film as its was the song that gave me the idea for the trip scene and then the rest of the film was made around that one pivotal moment.
Nights in White Satin- The Moody Blues (1967)
This is the song Simon plays when Mick tries to talk to a girl he likes but fails miserably. It is a classic 60's love song that is very nostalgic for some people as it was commonly played at school discos in the 70's. The lyrics that play are: "I love you, yes I love you, woah I love you" which really don't hide what this scene is about.
My Eyes Have Seen You -The Doors (1967)
The guitar solo of this song by the Doors will be played later on in the film when Simon is running down streets to get to Mick before he does Heroin. Like the song by Roxy Music it is faced paced and builds up to a great climax, it suits this moment of fear Simon has as he doesn't want to loose his friend to this drug that will take over his life.
White Rabbit- Jefferson Airplane (1967)
This song is played in the background of the party scene. Its a classic song of the 60's and sets the atmosphere of the film. in fact you could say the track is much like this film in terms of it builds up and up to a peak.
In Another Land- The Rolling Stones (1967)
This will be played when Mick and Ringo are experimenting with a whole magnitude of psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs. its enchanting and hypnotizing sound go hand in hand with the fact the two kids are experimenting with drugs. The lyrics "In another land" are somewhat a a metaphor for being taken to another place through excessive drug use.
Time- Pink Floyd (1973)
This will be bridge the final shot to the credits. 'Time's quiet and relaxing opening is fitting for the somber atmosphere left with the audience at the end. The sudden change in pace in the song will begin as the final shot cuts to the beginning of the credits.
Money- Pink Floyd (1973)
This song is off the album that is stolen from Mick. This plays at the moment Simon is at a party without Mick and Ringo and is played on a record player, he finds out it was bought off Ringo for £20 to buy Heroin. The song fits as the scene is about greed and money.
Be Together -Major Lazer (2015)
This plays just before 'Money'. This really is to emphasize that we are in the present day as opposed to actually being in the 60's.
Little Wing- The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
Plays when Mick is making the decision to either carry on taking drugs or go straight. However he chooses to continue the drug life. The guitar solo of the song is empowering and in context with the scene is enlightening for Mick as he starts to go down the wrong path.The song itself is about Jimi's Drug habits and how he cant escape them.
A Day in the Life - The Beatles (1967)
This plays after Mick has discovered that his dead dads record has been stolen. The genuinely sad and down tone of the song perfectly suit this emotional experience Mick is going through. It will be the only thing playing as Mick wallows in self pity.
Off the Record: Cast
For this cast I need a group of younger people who would fit the role of young, troubled, drug addicted teenagers.
Mick Morrison- Rick White
Simon Rodgers- Oliver Jackson Cohen
Ringo "Turpin" Harrison- Stephan Merchant
Friend #1- James Buckley
Friend #2- Blake Harrison
Friend #3- Jack Whitehall
Mrs Morrison- Kristen Scott Thompson
Mr Morrison- 1st choice: Tim Roth
2nd choice: Phil Daniels
Director- Sam Osborne
Producer- Mel Crooks
Co-Producer- Richard Lemmington
Assistant Producers- Simon Petertson/ Terry Higrave
Assistant Director- Derek Tupmann
Writter- Simon Malchovich
CGI - Watercolour Pictures®
CGI Assistant- Rob Patterson
Camera Operators- Jill Down/ Doreen Green
Camera Assistant- Niamh McKeown
Distributed by- Fox Searchlight Pictures
Production Company- Palm Pictures
In terms of casting I chose these particular actors due to there unique characteristic attributes. Oliver Jackson-Cohan has suitably best friend-like mannerisms, although he's older than the character he still looks quite young so can pass as Simon. Stephan Merchant is the "funny guy" and will bring his sense of humor to the role, and due to his recent involvement in 2017's Blockbuster, 'Logan' his status is high right now so will bring more of an audience to the film. As well as that Merchant can do Pathos very well which would increase the impact of the later scenes including his death scene. As for the unnamed friends we have 2/4 of the inbetweeners which is a direct reference to one of the inspirations for our film. And also Jack Whitehall who is also a popular amougst younger spectators. All 5 of these actors are also very active on social media site, especially Twitter, so will promote the film themselves via these sites. Hopefully we can get Tim Roth involved in the project as he would have the have only a small part to play and would have the sympathetic and haunting tone to play Micks dead farther. If we cant get him we'd have Phil Daniels, slightly older but has the acting capability to create this feeling, and would cost less to have on the project. In terms of production company we will be using our own production company but will apply for a bursary or grant from the National Lottery and BFI to help produce the film, and if it gets enough credibility from critics it will be distributed by Fox Searchlight pictures.
Mick Morrison- Rick White
Simon Rodgers- Oliver Jackson Cohen
Ringo "Turpin" Harrison- Stephan Merchant
Friend #1- James Buckley
Friend #2- Blake Harrison
Friend #3- Jack Whitehall
Mrs Morrison- Kristen Scott Thompson
Mr Morrison- 1st choice: Tim Roth
2nd choice: Phil Daniels
Director- Sam Osborne
Producer- Mel Crooks
Co-Producer- Richard Lemmington
Assistant Producers- Simon Petertson/ Terry Higrave
Assistant Director- Derek Tupmann
Writter- Simon Malchovich
CGI - Watercolour Pictures®
CGI Assistant- Rob Patterson
Camera Operators- Jill Down/ Doreen Green
Camera Assistant- Niamh McKeown
Distributed by- Fox Searchlight Pictures
Production Company- Palm Pictures
In terms of casting I chose these particular actors due to there unique characteristic attributes. Oliver Jackson-Cohan has suitably best friend-like mannerisms, although he's older than the character he still looks quite young so can pass as Simon. Stephan Merchant is the "funny guy" and will bring his sense of humor to the role, and due to his recent involvement in 2017's Blockbuster, 'Logan' his status is high right now so will bring more of an audience to the film. As well as that Merchant can do Pathos very well which would increase the impact of the later scenes including his death scene. As for the unnamed friends we have 2/4 of the inbetweeners which is a direct reference to one of the inspirations for our film. And also Jack Whitehall who is also a popular amougst younger spectators. All 5 of these actors are also very active on social media site, especially Twitter, so will promote the film themselves via these sites. Hopefully we can get Tim Roth involved in the project as he would have the have only a small part to play and would have the sympathetic and haunting tone to play Micks dead farther. If we cant get him we'd have Phil Daniels, slightly older but has the acting capability to create this feeling, and would cost less to have on the project. In terms of production company we will be using our own production company but will apply for a bursary or grant from the National Lottery and BFI to help produce the film, and if it gets enough credibility from critics it will be distributed by Fox Searchlight pictures.
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