Unit 8

Planning and Pre-Production

Contents

- Production Schedule -
- Script -
- Storyboard -
- Props List -
- Crew List -
- Location Recces -
- Clearances and Confirmations -
- Contingency Plan -

Bristol
Film
Festival
Production Schedule

Date: 26/4/21 – 2/5/21

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Pre- Pre- production
Pre- Pre- Filming Filming Film/Edit
production production
production

Storyboards Location Auditions Booklet and Help Fight scene Film

recces confirmations others film beginning

11AM - 4PM 11AM-1PM 11AM-1PM 10AM - 9PM 11AM-4PM 12PM – 4PM 12PM –
3PM

Date: 3/5/21 – 9/5/21

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Filming Help Help filming Edit Help Filming/ Edit
filming filming editing

Scenes Act in others Act in others Footage I Act/film Flashbacks Whole

after fight productions productions have now + other and ADR production
a trailer people’s + Add ADR

10AM – 11AM – 3PM 9AM – 4PM 10 AM – 11AM- 12PM – 3PM 10AM –

3PM 10PM 4PM 10PM

Date: 10/5/21 – 16/5/21

Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Edit/helping Edit Final touches to edit -
film export

Whole Add music - export if not already –

production watch through upload to YouTube
and export

10AM –10PM 10AM –10PM 10AM –10PM

Bristol
Film
Festival
Script

Final Contingency
By
Matthew Simpson

Deanfield Ave, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1UH

EXT. FOREST – DAY
Open on a black screen. Radio crackle. Faint sounds of a
helicopter. Patches of audio coming from radio can be heard.
Have some credits and title screen during this.

MAN ON RADIO
(radio effect – patchy - -between static – hard to hear)
We are clear for landing. Positioning asset now. Clear for
extraction.
The radio stops and we hear birds. Close up of man’s face as
he is lying on the forest floor (shot from towards top of
head). His eyes are closed. He begins to stir. We see a shot a
bit higher up, facing the trees. They are out of focus. The
man sits up into centre frame (he sits up into focus). Shots
from further away as he begins looking around. These wider
shots show that he is alone. He wears a black T-Shirt,
camouflage trousers and a jacket. He looks around with a look
of confusion, which then turns to panic.

MAN
(Calling out to forest)
Hello?
Closer shots, from slightly above. He is disorientated.

MAN
Hello?
The camera spins around him as he yells out.

MAN
Anyone?
The man starts walking, looking around. There is the distant
sound of creatures (wolf howls etc.) When these happen his
head snaps up.
LATER
EXT. FOREST – EVENING
Man sits in the dark, huddled by a tree. He looks around
before closing his eyes. We see snippets of memories, surgical
equipment, POV of the man. We see him strapped down to a bed
and glimpses of needles. Maybe him screaming? Or maybe he did
it voluntarily? The memories get worse and louder. Flashing
lights?
EXT. FOREST – MORNING
The man’s eyes shoot open, he is breathing heavily. He sits up
and looks around but there is no one else there. As he stands
up to start walking there is a rustle in the leaves. He whips
around, wary. There is a panning shot around his face as he
looks around warily. Suddenly something tackles him out of
frame. They roll around on the ground so we can’t see who the
new arrival is. The man manages to stand up. The other figure
also gets up (it is Man #2). He lunges at Man #1 who without
meaning to, blocks the attack. They both look surprised and
pause for a second, looking at each other. Then a fight
ensues.
Man #1 swipes #2’s left hand away with his right, then brings
his arms up in an ‘x’ to block a downward strike from #2. #1
then aims a knee at #2’s stomach which forces him back. #1
then throws a chop at #2 using his right arm across his body
so it comes at #2 from #2’s right. #2 blocks this and #1 goes
for the same strike but lower. #2 grabs #1’s arms and spins it
high in the air, leaving #1 open. #2 seizes the chance and
elbows #1 in the stomach, which causes him to stumble back. #2
then comes at #1 with a barrage of attacks. First a right hook
then a left hook, which #1 swipes away with his right then
left hands, as he is forced to move backwards. #1 then elbows
#2 in the face with his left arm then throws a high right
hook, which sweeps downwards and misses. #2 takes this
opportunity to land a body shot on #1. #2 then aims a high
right attack which #1 blocks with his left arm. Then #2 goes
for a low body shot with his left hand, which #1 catches with
his right. They struggle for a few moments in this position.
#1 then forces them around so he can jump up and bounce off a
tree. This results in both of them losing their grip and #1
lands a punch on #2 as he lands. As #2 stumbles back #1 runs
at him and throws a right hook, which #2 swipes away. #2 then
sends a right hook which #1 blocks with his arm on his head,
creating a side block similar to the first block). This is
quickly followed by a left hook from #2 which #1 leans back to
avoid. #1 kicks with his right foot which #2 uses both hands
to bat away. #2 then lands a right hook on #1’s face, causing
#1 to stumble back. #2 kicks him, forcing him back into a
tree. #2 advances on him, throwing a left hook which #1 ducks
under. With him now crouched low he tackles #2 at the waist.
The camera rotates and follows them down to the ground. They
grapple on the ground. #1 holds his fist high in the air,
ready to punch. When he goes to punch #2 catches his fist.
They struggle in his position for a few moments. Then #2
twists #1’s arm around into a lock and we hear a crunch. He
has broken his arm. #1 rolls onto the ground in pain. This
allows #2 to get above him and raise his fist, though he does
not strike. He looks angry but also lost and scared.

MAN #2
(There is terror in his eyes and voice that he is trying to
hide)
Who the hell are you?!

MAN #1
(Pauses for a second)
I have no idea. Who the hell are you?!

MAN #2
(Loosening his grip)
I-I can’t remember
They both stare at each other for a second. As Man #2’s grip
loosens Man #1 takes the chance to quickly stand up. He is
clutching his broken arm.

MAN #1
Look I don’t know what the hell’s going on here. I’m tired,
scared and I think you broke my arm, so if this is some kind
of sick joke-

MAN #2
(Cutting him off)
It’s not a joke.

MAN #1
How do you know?

MAN #2
What we just did. How can that be. I don’t remember learning
anything like that.

MAN #1
Yeah, well I don’t remember anything past yesterday morning.

MAN #2
Wait, you’ve been here since yesterday?

MAN #1
(Nods)
How long have you been here?

MAN #2
I woke up this morning. I – I started panicking – didn’t know
what was going on. It was when I started looking around that I
saw you. You were writhing around and sweating. At first, I
couldn’t even tell you were asleep.

MAN #1
Why did you attack me?

MAN #2
(Pauses for a moment – in thought - shrugs)
Instinct I suppose? I didn’t know what was going on and I
thought you might have some answers. But I was scared that you
might be crazy or something, being out here in the middle of
the woods alone. Thought I’d subdue you before asking you any
questions.
(He looks at his hands – slightly ashamed)

MAN #1
Believe me, I wish I had some answers to give you.
(considers for a moment)
Come on, let’s get moving.
(Man #2 nods in agreement)

EXT. FOREST – AFTERNOON

The two are walking in the forest, a little way apart. MAN #1
walks into frame and stops. He looks around, resting his hand
on a tree, then continues. Cut to a medium shot on MAN #2. He
slows down, rubbing his head. He staggers and places his hand
on a tree. Extreme close up of his eye. As he blinks it cuts
to the memory with the same shot. We see flashes of his past,
similar to MAN #1’s. Surgical equipment. Leaving his family.
He yells out, which plays over the end of the flashbacks and
back to the forest. Shot of MAN #1 whipping around at the
sound and running back to him. He reaches MAN #2 and shushes
him, holding his shoulder, his injured arm hanging at his
side. MAN #2 is still in shock, eyes glazed over.

MAN #1
(Shaking Man #2 – looking around frantically)
Hey! Hey! Keep it down! We don’t know what else may be out
here.
Man #2 takes deep breaths, wheezing as if he’s been crying. He
falls to his knees. MAN #1 crouches down beside him.

MAN #1
Ok, we’ll camp here. You just rest ok. I’ll keep watch.
MAN #2 slumps against the tree and looks exhausted and haunted
by what he’s seen. MAN #1 sits facing away from him, looking
out at the trees. There is a moment of silence between them.

MAN #2
(Faintly – squeezing out the words with effort)
I – I saw…
MAN #1 looks around at him slowly, curious and concerned.

MAN #1
(Contemplates for a moment)
What did you see?

MAN #2
(Takes a moment – almost catching his breath)
I saw… things… horrible things… they had needles and people in
masks. Blinding lights, noises and… and…

MAN #1
(looking away slightly – at floor)
Pain.

MAN #2
(Sitting up slightly – brows furrowed)
You saw it too?

MAN #1
(picks up a twig and starts fiddling with and examining it)
Last night. When you saw me writhing in my sleep…
 MAN #2
(Sitting up more now – enthused – almost excitable)
You saw the lights?! And you felt the pain?

MAN #1
(throws stick away and sits back)
Could barely focus on anything else it hurt so much.

MAN #2
(Laughing slightly)
It reminded me of when I first fell of my bike…
MAN #1 freezes. He looks around at MAN #2

MAN #1
What did you just say?

MAN #2
(looks up - confused)
I said it was like when…
(realisation dawns on him)

MAN #1
Keep going! What else do you remember?
MAN #2 screws up his eyes in concentration. After a few
seconds he stops.

MAN #2
I can’t. It’s like I’m hitting a brick wall.

MAN #1
(Looks disappointed – glances around forest – massaging arm)
Why don’t you sleep on it and see if any more comes back? I’ll
keep watch.

MAN #2
(Considers it – taking a few moments)
Alright then.
(Beat – sees #1 massaging his arm)
How’s your arm?
 MAN #1
(looking back at #2)
I think I felt the bone snap during the fight.

MAN #2
Think you’ll be alright to keep watch?

MAN #1
Yeah, I’ll be fine.

MAN #2
Just wake me up so you can get some rest too.
MAN #1 nods then Man #2 lays down against the tree and closes
his eyes.

EXT. FOREST – MORNING

MAN #1 and MAN #2 are sprawled out on the forest floor; both
are asleep. MAN #2 jerks awake and rubs his eyes as he sits
up. He looks around then leans over and nudges MAN #1. MAN #1
recoils away from MAN #2’s hand in his sleep before rubbing
his eyes and opening them. He too sits up.

MAN #1
(gathers his bearings then looks at MAN #2 – he sits back
propped by both his arms behind him)
Sleep well?

MAN #2
As good as I could’ve hoped-
(he trails off distracted by #1’s arm)
Hey! Your arm!
Man #1 stares down at his arm in amazement. He moves it
around, bending it and massaging it again.

MAN #1
How? Yesterday I could barely move it.

MAN #2
Let me see.
Man #1 shuffles over to Man #2 and presents his arm to him.
Man #2 examines it.

MAN #2
Seems pretty normal to me. Hang on.
(Man #2 flips over #1’s wrist. When he does a tattoo is
revealed reading “001”)
What’s this?
Man #1 looks down at it.

MAN #1
I have no idea. Check yours.
Man #2 rotates his own wrist and written there is “002”.

MAN #2
What could it mean?
Man #1 shrugs, staring at the numbers on #2’s wrist. He then
looks up into #2’s face, worried.

EXT. FOREST – DAY

The two are walking in the forest, once again with a little
distance between them.

MAN #1
(Slows down a bit – in thought – stops – said with realisation
in his voice)
James

MAN #2
(slows to a stop as well - turns – confused)
What?

MAN #1
That was my brother’s name. I think…

MAN #2
(laughs slightly – cocking head – starts walking again)
Hmm… James
 MAN #1
(Also continues walking – catching up)
What’s wrong with James?

MAN #2
Nothing, nothing. Just a bit posh that’s all.

MAN #1
You can’t talk! For all we know your name’s…
(tries to think of a name)
Theodore!
Pause for a moment before MAN #2 laughs. MAN #1 watches him
laugh for a few seconds, then joins in. There are a few
moments silence.

MAN #2
So, James? You really think that’s your brother?

MAN #1
I don’t know. It’s just a name that came to me while I was
trying to remember. And I think it was in my dreams last
night. I think I was screaming it.
MAN #1 has stopped without realising, staring blankly at the
ground – traces of tears in his eyes. MAN #2 has also come to
a stop and is staring at him.

MAN #1
(Snapping out of trance – shaking it off – nervous laugh)
But I never remember my dreams anyway! At least I don’t think
I do.
He starts walking again, past MAN #2. Shot of him walking out
of frame (towards camera) with MAN #2 facing away from camera,
who then turns and looks worriedly in the direction MAN #1 has
just exited.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

The two are walking in the forest again. There is a twig snap
and rustling off in the distance. MAN #1 freezes, ears
pricking up and head snapping up, holding up a hand to MAN #2,
who stops and looks around. They stand on alert looking
around, listening intently. A growling comes from the left.
Shot from behind bushes looking at them. They both exchange a
worried look. There is growling noises.

MAN #1
Run!
They both sprint off in the opposite direction to the growl.
There are shots tracking them as they run, weaving between
trees. It is implied through this camerawork that they are
incredibly fast. We can only hear growling and footsteps, but
we don’t see their pursuers. (Maybe the odd glimpse in the
background if we can do that). MAN #2 ends up slightly ahead
and runs into the barrier. There is a ripple in the air as he
is flung back and falls to the ground – low angle – slo mo?.
MAN #1 comes to a halt by him, glancing back.

MAN #2
(Disorientated – clutching head)
What the-

MAN #1
(Still glancing frantically back towards pursuers)
Are you hurt?

MAN #2
(Shaking his head but with effort)
Nothing I can’t handle.
MAN #1 helps him up then goes over to examine the barrier. He
reaches his hand out and the air ripples once again.

MAN #1
It’s some kind of barrier…
He looks up and down it, closely examining where his hand
connects with it.

MAN #2
(Pacing – running hands through hair)
So, we’re trapped. We’re screwed. That’s something we already
knew, so I say we get moving before those things
(gesturing back the way they came)
catch up to us!
 MAN #1
(He doesn’t move – still examining the barrier – stepping back
to better look – it is invisible/slight glimmer when not being
touched)
Listen.

MAN #2
Listen? Look, we need to go now-

MAN #1
(Holds a hand up and turns to face him)
Listen!
(Pauses – beat)
What do you hear?
MAN #2 listens for a moment.

MAN #2
Nothing…

MAN #1
Exactly! We outrun them! Whatever they are.

MAN #2
But how? From the sound of them they weren’t a friendly
animal. It sounded like a pack homing in on a kill.

MAN #1
That’s just it! How could we possibly outrun a creature like
that? Unless we were faster than it.

MAN #2
(confused)
What are you saying?

MAN #1
(sighing)
Watch
(He bends down and picks up a stick. He throws it. We see a
shot from over his shoulder as it lands a long way away. This
could be achieve by using a tripod and simple masking)
 MAN #2
Maybe you’re just really good at throwing? You wouldn’t
remember would you?

MAN #1
(Getting closer – piecing things together)
That can’t be it. There’s something going on.
Beat
I don’t think we’re normal.

MAN #2
What do you mean? How would you know anyway?! We can’t
remember anything!

MAN #1
Well even if I don’t, from the little I can recall people
can’t just run that fast or fight like we did without
training.

MAN #2
(Beginning to realise)
A-and your arm. It healed so fast! The tattoos! Maybe it
wasn’t a coincidence we both ended up here with no memory.
But, why?

MAN #1
I-I don’t know. Unless we’re…

MAN #2
Unless we’re what?

MAN #1
Don’t you remember? The labs, the needles. Maybe this is to
test out their handiwork.

MAN #2
Us?

MAN #1
(Slightly glazed over – in thought)
The first in a long line.
 (beat – looking at #2 now)
That’s what they said. We’re the first.

MAN #2
The first what? A new breed of sprinters?
(gesturing back to where chase happened)
Genetically enhanced athletes?

MAN #1
(Clutching head – trying to remember – then stares at the
ground, solemn – he looks up at Man #2)
Weapons.

MAN #2
(Staggering back a few paces – in shock)
Weapons?

MAN #1
I-I remember. They needed something. Something stronger than
anyone or anything we’ve seen before.

MAN #2
Why? For what?

MAN #1
In case of an invasion… an invasion Earth wouldn’t be able to
handle…

MAN #2
(Pauses for a moment)
From outside Earth?
Beat
Aliens?

MAN #1
(Looks worriedly at Man #2)
We have to get out of here…
Man #1 turns and runs at the barrier but gets flung back.

MAN #2
It’s not going to work! We can’t get through that!

MAN #1
(Standing back up and walking over to barrier – trying to
prise it open)
Maybe a normal person can’t, but I think we’ve established we
are not that.
Sounds of growling can be heard in the distance. Man #2 looks
around frantically, wishing Man #1 would stop.

MAN #2
Maybe your wrong! Maybe we just got lost and bumped our heads.

MAN #1
(Still struggling with barrier)
How do you explain the tattoos? And the fight? Did you learn
that?

MAN #2
(Frustrated – almost shouting)
I can’t remember!
The sound of growling grows louder.

MAN #1
Shhhh! Now those things will be back on our tail! Are you
gonna help me or not?
Man #2 begrudgingly trapses over to Man#1 and starts
struggling with the barrier as well. They both heave while
looking around for the creatures, who’s growls can be heard
nearer. Man #2 steps back from barrier and then runs towards
it, jumping forwards. Man #1 takes a step back to watch as Man
#2 disappears behind it. Man #1 takes a look over his shoulder
as the growling gets even closer then runs and jumps through
the same place Man#2 did. He too disappears. Cut to black.
Credits
Storyboard

Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Bristol
Film
Festival
Props List

Item Item Description Who uses it When it is used

Needle Hypodermic Doctors/ Flashbacks

scientists

Bed Camp bed Matthew Flashbacks –

subject are
Alex
strapped to it

Band to Resistance band - Matthew Flashbacks

restrain to bed purple

There are not many props in my production as the two characters wake up in the middle of a forest
with nothing. As a result, the props listed are used in the flashbacks, where there aren’t many either.

Bristol
Film
Festival
Crew List

Person Role Dates Needed

Matthew Simpson Actor 24/4/21

Director 1/5/21
8/5/21

Alex Thornton Actor 24/4/21

1/5/21
8/5/21

Tim Thornton Camera Operator 24/4/21

1/5/21
8/5/21

Bristol
Film
Festival
Location Recce
Type of room/area: Forest

Location Address: Hawthorn

Lane . Lord Mayors Drive,
Slough SL2 3TE
Sat Nav details (Post code):

SL2 3TE

Nearest Train Station:

Taplow

Nearest Bus stop:

Clare Drive

Lighting Information: Solutions:

Dependant on weather and time of Bring diffuser or have people standing

day. Earlier or later will create harsher blocking sunlight if the light makes the
shadows. image too over exposed.

Trees will cast shadows. Plan what times have the best lighting.

Sound Information: Solutions:

Leaves on the ground create a lot of Re-record/dub over sound to eliminate

rustling. excessive/distracting sound or if you
can hear the camera operator moving.
People going past on paths may create
noise Turn down audio if it is too loud

Power Information: Solutions:

No power sources available nearby Make sure batteries are fully charged.
Bring spare battery.

Hazards: Solutions:

Branches on the ground Make sure to move any branches out of

the way particularly during the fight and
Uneven ground.
chase scenes. Be careful on uneven
There are a lot of ants at Burnham ground, take extra care in chase scene.
Beeches.
Ants are everywhere so we will have to
take care when on the ground during
the fight scene and use bug spray.

Bristol
Film
Festival
Location Recce
Type of room/area: Forest

Location Address: Oxford

OX2 9TA
Sat Nav details (Post code):

OX2 9TA

Nearest Train Station:

Oxford

Nearest Bus stop:

Mayfield Road

Lighting Information: Solutions:

Dependant on weather and time of Bring diffuser or have people standing

day. Earlier or later will create harsher blocking sunlight if the light makes the
shadows. image too over exposed.

Trees will cast shadows. Plan what times have the best lighting.

Sound Information: Solutions:

Leaves on the ground create a lot of Re-record/dub over sound to eliminate

rustling. excessive/distracting sound or if you
can hear the camera operator moving.
People going past on paths may create
noise Turn down audio if it is too loud

Power Information: Solutions:

No power sources available nearby Make sure batteries are fully charged.
Bring spare battery.

Hazards: Solutions:

Branches on the ground Make sure to move any branches out of

the way particularly during the fight and
Uneven ground.
chase scenes. Be careful on uneven
ground, take extra care in chase scene.

Bristol
Film
Festival
Location Recce
Type of room/area: Gym

Location Address:
Maidenhead
Sat Nav details (Post code):

Sl6

Nearest Train Station:

Maidenhead Station

Nearest Bus stop:

Belmont

Lighting Information: Solutions:

Overhead bulb – casts a yellow-orange Use LED lights to control colour and
light. brightness

Natural light from window Close blinds on window

Sound Information: Solutions:

Not much road noise – potentially some Make sure window is closed
from back of the house
Re-dub any audio that has noise in the
background

Power Information: Solutions:

2 plugs sockets in the room – one Use extender cable and ensure
partially blocked by cabinet batteries are charged

Hazards: Solutions:

Weights and equipment around the Be sure to exercise caution and move
room weights and equipment out of the way
when shooting.

Bristol
Film
Festival
Clearances and Confirmations

Above are the emails I sent to my actor (Alex) and

my camera operator (Tim). I confirmed dates they
are able to film with both of them then also made
sure Alex was comfortable for the production to
appear on YouTube and that he was willing to
partake in a fight scene.

Bristol
Film
Festival
Contingency Plan
What are your plans for if something goes wrong? What back up actors,
locations and equipment do you have?

I have selected myself and my cousin Alex as the main actors as, due to
current restrictions it’s very difficult to arrange actors and timings. Because of
this and the relatively short time frame I have to shoot I need people I can
rely on to be available.
Both me and my cousin Alex have a pollen allergy which could complicate
shooting in a forest at this time of year. We both have medicine we can take
prior to try and counteract some of the effects. But this is not guaranteed to
work so we may have to stop if it gets too bad as it may impede our
performances. Though he seems to suffer worse from it, so we can shoot a
few of the sections with only me in the scene if he cannot continue.
I plan to shoot at the weekend to fit in with my cousins’ schedules as the
camera operator (Tim) is still on a school timetable and Alex is at college with
Fridays off. My plan if we can’t film at weekends is to film on a Friday with Alex
and use a tripod or my mum or dad to film. There is also a bank holiday on
Monday the third of May on which I could potentially film if I need to.
In terms of backup locations there are a fair number of forests around though
the best I found in my recces I felt was Burnham Beeches. But there are a lot
of ants there, as well as it potentially being a problem for our pollen allergy. If
these factors make it hard to shoot there my backup location is Wytham
Woods, which we would shoot at the next weekend.
I have my own camera and two batteries. Though if the both the batteries
die or my camera has a fault, I will get my cousins to bring their camera and
we will use that instead. I have a tripod and a monopod, both of which I will
take. If either of these fail we can shoot handheld.

Bristol
Film
Festival