Shoot Day Reflection

Shoot day was on thw 21st January 2017, upon reaching the media block it was concluded by everyone involved that our thriller idea needed to change but nobody was sure exactly what to. My group and I and also Matt were keen on the sniper story originally, however one of our actors (Ezra) could not make it to the shoot so we were left with only Mike which we found out the day previous. On shoot-day we had a look through the costume bag and decided to see what there was, there was a blue prison like jumpsuit a pair of large trousers, a large green jacket and a camo jacket with a pair of boots. We used these items of clothing to re-think the idea as quickly as possible. One of the boys in my media class (Vova) voulenteered to be our second actor.

We began to think of sniper movies that we knew, movies such as: American Sniper, Jack Reacher and Leon, and tried to decide if there were any ideas we could grab from something we have seen before. I have always thought that Leon is an intriguing film with an amazing plot. We had a discussion and took away the idea of having a young protegee and turned it into a recruitment. We decided the plot would follow this:

A highly trained sniper takes the decision that he wants somebody to work with so he can kill more people faster, a young boy is taken out with the sniper to have a trial and see if he can do the job. He will then be faced with the task of killing a civillian but hesitates to go through with it. After the job is done they flea the scene, a short conversation takes place between the two men and in a shock plot twist the sniper shoots his recruit for hesitating, and we will end it there on a cliff-hanger.

We took the mini bus to our inital location for our other thriller (Cornhill) and began to set up close to the woods to make the location look as secrative and rural as posssible. We did many different angles and things when shooting each part of the thriller we used, mid-shot, wide shot, close up and hand held. We used a micro-phone that we hand held and pointed at the source of the noise to make it audible and to drown out any unwanted background noise. We made sure we had plenty of shots on every little scene we did and in the end had an amazing selection of footage.

Although our idea changed on the day we still used our shoot schedule to give ourselves a rough idea of how to handle this thriller and it went really well. The whole morning ran completely smoothly and we are really pleased with what we did and we are now ready for editing!

Shot List

Finalised Script

Sniper 1 - Mike
Sniper 2 - Ezra
Target - Charlie
Female - Stacy

Sniper 1 walks in to the view of the camera and places the the sniper case onto the floor, getting into position gets interrupted by a phone call

Sniper 1: Babe? Yeah i'm at work is something up? No i'm not busy just yanoe... taking care of business with an old friend

The camera changes to view the Target inside of the house, sat in a chair with a file on the table, cigar in one hand and a drink in the other

Targets phone rings

Target: Yep?...*pause*  WHAT?!

Target rises when hearing of shocking news, the camera cuts back to Sniper 1 and Sniper 2 enters


Sniper 1: Yeah that's fine, yes i miss you too, yes of course we can do that, my treat, yep i'll drive

(Sniper 2 enter)

Sniper 1: Look i really gotta go! Love you bye!

Sniper 2: Are you seriously taking a personal call?! We're on a job!

(Dialogue continues but the on camera shot is changed to Target walking through the house looking through a file desperately)

Sniper 1: You don't think i know that? I'm here aren't I? 

Sniper 2: This is important, what are we doing here?... go on, say it!

The camera goes back to Sniper 1 and Sniper 2 being on camera having the conversation

Sniper 1: We're here to kill, we're professionals!

Sniper 2: Me, yes, you... we'll lets get this done!

Camera shot Turns to Target looking through the file, as he looks through the file he reads the one of an ex college that says "assasinated" and he pauses at the window

Sniper 1: Target in position?

Sniper 2: Confirmed

Sniper 1: Permission to shoot?

Target approaches the window after hearing a noise, he opens both (Slow Mo)

Sniper 2: Confirmed 

Target: is shot, Sniper 1 and Sniper 2 exchange a look, get up having completed the job and go to leave

(Sniper 1 drops his phone onto the floor as he stands)

*Phone Rings*

Female hand reaches into the shot and picks up the phone, swipes to answer.

END

Costume Finalisation

We have fially as a group come to a final decision as to the costumes we want each of the characters to wear for our thriller.

Firstly the man who gets assasinated we have decided we would like him to wear an official looking suit and tie, preferably a black suit, white shirt and a red tie. The red tie is to be significant to the colour of danger and an indication that he is not aware of what he is about to face. The reason behind this costume is that we want the man to look overally official to give the impression that he is a serious man much like his costume which may indicate that he is a villan and not the man we favour as he is not as important to the thiller as the sniper yet his death is crutial. We wanted him to have a mobile in one hand to take his call, the phone is going to be a nokia flip phone so that it is a phone he is likely to be able to bin after so that all information is hidden. Another asset to his image is him holding a file to indicatied highly confidential papers that gives a cause for his assasination.

We next wanted the watcher (Ezra) to be dressed completely in black so that he is not easily spotted and comoflages better so that him and his partner do not risk easily being spotted. The breakdown of the costume is a black turtle neck, black beanie, black jeans and black shoes. He will also have the binoculars prop aswell to complete the look. The reason behind this costume is because we want to imediately show the audience using mise en scene that this man is experienced and he has clearly done this before, shwoing professionalism which gives insight into this character and makes him interesting.

The last character, the sniper (mike) to be in an over exaggerated costume, we wanted him to wear a outfit that consists of entirely camoflage clothing. We wanted this to give diversity between the two characters and show a contrast in terms of status in the company, we also wanted to show that although he tries to do all the best and he is good at sniping he is not fully aware of the way he is acting at work leading to other issues between them. The watcher is shocked and dissaproves of this as he cannot take his work seriously.

Sequence Breakdown

1. Mike walks in and we do the shot of his feet as he walks.
2. After we film his feet for a few seconds we change to the shot of the drone circling the house to establish the setting in a birds eye view.
3. Mike places the case onto the floor and lays in position and goes to open the case and gets interrupted by a phone call from his wife which begins.
4. When Mike says "just some business with an old friend" we cut over to Charlie who is sat in a chair being filmed from behind with a drink in his left hand and cigarette in the other.
5. Charlie receives a phone call and so stubs out the cigarette he rises and says "what?!" and looks up then walks off the cameras sight and to the corridor.
6. It cuts back to Mike and Ezra enters and so their argument begins.
7. As the argument goes on shots of Charlie are seen going up the stairs and a corner shot.
8. After Mike and Ezra say "we already got one of them we just need to him and then its over", Charlie stops at the window and says "assassinated?"
9. There is a tap at the window and Charlie turns his head and says "I'll call you back".
10. Ezra and Mike say the following:
"Target in position?"
"Confirmed"
"Permission to shoot?"
11. Charlie approaches and peers at the window, he opens the windows (slow-mo).
12. Ezra says "Confirmed".
13. Charlie is shot.
14. Ezra and Mike exchange looks and stand up to exit.
15. They both leave but Mike dropped his phone and his wife begins to call him again but the phone is on the floor.
16. A female hand picks up the phone and swipes to answer then the film ends.

Script

(The camera shows the target through binoculars. We see the point of view of the sniper, aiming for a window.)
Sniper 1 is crouched down on a roof, A phone rings and Sniper 1 answers.

 Sniper 1: Hello… Oh, hey Hun! wait, um wai- can you hear me now? Hun? Yeah now I can, can you still not hear me? Hun..? ….? Oh- you’re back, yeah.
(conversation continues.)

Sniper 1: No, no, you can talk, I’m not doing anything … Haha yeah, yeah! Is Lilly back? ohh shi- not again Hun! oh… but she worked so hard on it! Those Fu- I swear to God that Ill tell that bitch teacher to go back and shove that golden star up her- Put Lilly on the phone!… Lilly, hey sweetie, Mummy just told Daddy what happened in school today… Yes baby… No, I want to hear all about that when I get back okay. haha yeah yeah, haha, ahh no! Okay sweetie, alright now, can you give the phone to mummy now. Okay baby, lov- hun? I think I’m losing connection!

Sniper 2 walks in and crouches next to Sniper 1 Sniper 2 shakes head in disapproval of Sniper 1.

Sniper 1: Oh! Yep, you’re back! uhum! You were saying?… Uhum, okay but I did not say that- no.. no! What I said was completely true!…. (sighs)… come on… Okay then just tell Karina she can fuck right off and leave us the fuck alone! No I didn’t call her that!… Okay she’s your sister, but I don’t need her to- Alright!…She just takes you for granted sometimes…I know, yeah… I just miss you Honey, thats all… you are always so busy with the clinic and… driving Lilly around everywhere… No I know, I get it, I’m not complaining! Yeah! I know, I know, no.. yeah! You’re amazing! Yeah, yeah… wai- you have!? haha… and what colour are they? Oh! you what?! oh! Oh Honey I can’t wait to-

The conversation is interrupted by Sniper 2, as he shuffles and bumps into Sniper 1

Sniper 1: haha… um… hey hun, can we finish this when I get home? Yeah, work calls, I’m walking into that meeting I told you yesterday about, with the guys from germany? Yeah that one!

Sniper 2 signifies sniper 1 to end the phone call

Sniper 1: All right Hun, yep, you’re the best! Love you too baby. Bye-bye, give Lilly a kiss from me. Yeah, okay, bye!

Both Snipers exchange looks

Sniper 1: What?

Sniper 2: You should consider a different job ya know.

Sniper 1: Yeah, whatever. Is the target in position?
Sniper 2: In position. Requesting permission… Permission granted.

Sniper 1 takes the shot Shows person getting shot Both Snipers exchange looks again, then nod.

Sniper 1: Job done
Sniper 2: 0-800 hours tomorrow, and don't bring your phone to work.

Sniper 1 leaves Sniper 2 checks the area for a second time then leaves.
END

Prop Receipt

However, there has appeared to be a slight issue with regards to the gun, as when it arrived it turned out to be a poster, as Kris did not read what the product was properly before purchasing. Due to this we have spoken to members of staff at the school and they have agreed to allow us to use the prop sniper riffle used last year.

Research 2 - Spotter

Once the shot is taken, the spotter watches the shot to help the sniper readjust his aim or his position in the unlikely event that he misses his target. The way that the spotter watches the shot is fascinating. High velocity, long-range rounds like the kind used in a sniper rifle actually leave a vapor trail as they fly through the air. The spotter can track the shot by watching for that vapor trail. Army Ranger Sniper says, "It just looks like mixed up air. You can see through it, but you see the distortion."

In observation missions, the two can take turns using the spotter scope to spy on the enemy. This helps to avoid eye fatigue and allows one team member to rest while the other watches. This is important, since in many cases they can be out there observing for days at a time. The shooter fires the shot while the spotter assists in observation of targets, atmospheric conditions and handles ancillary tasks as immediate security of their location, communication with other parties; including directing artillery fire and close air support. The flanker's task is to have observed areas not immediately visible to the sniper or spotter and assist with the team's perimeter and rear security therefore they are usually armed with an assault rifle or battle rifle. Both spotter and flanker carries additional ammunition and associated equipment.

The spotter detects, observes, and assigns targets and watches for the results of the shot. Using their spotting scope and/or rangefinder, they will also read the wind by using physical indicators and the mirage caused by the heat on the ground. Also, in conjunction with the shooter, they will accurately make calculations for distance, angle shooting, mil dot related calculations, correction for atmospheric conditions and leads for moving targets. It is not unusual for the spotter to be equipped with a notepad and a laptop computer specifically for performing these calculations.

Research 1 - Sniper

The key to sniping is accuracy, which applies to both the weapon and the shooter. The weapon should be able to consistently place shots within tight tolerances. The sniper in turn must utilize the weapon to accurately place shots under varying conditions. A sniper must have the ability to accurately estimate the various factors that influence a bullet's trajectory and point of impact such as: range to the target, wind direction, wind velocity, altitude and elevation of the sniper and the target and ambient temperature. Mistakes in estimation compound over distance and can decrease lethality or cause a shot to miss completely. A sniper team consists of a sniper and a spotter. The two-man team offers many advantages over the deployment of a lone sniper in the field. The spotter carries his own special scope that is much more powerful than the scope on a sniper rifle. The spotter uses his scope to help the sniper observe objectives and set up the shot. The two soldiers work together to get to the objective safely and discreetly and then set up a position. Here's the general process:

The term "hide site" refers to a covered and concealed position from which a sniper and his team can conduct surveillance and/or fire at targets. A good hide conceals and camouflages the sniper effectively, provides cover from enemy fire and allows a wide view of the surrounding area. Many snipers use Ghillie suits to hide and stay hidden. Ghillie suits vary according to the terrain into which the sniper wishes to blend. For example, in dry, grassy wasteland the sniper will typically wear a Ghillie suit covered in dead grass. Snipers are trained for the detection, identification, and location of a targeted soldier in sufficient detail to permit the effective employment of lethal and non-lethal means. Since most kills in modern warfare are by crew-served weapons, reconnaissance is one of the most effective uses of snipers. They use their aerobic conditioning, infiltration skills and excellent long-distance observation equipment (optical scopes) and tactics to approach and observe the enemy. In this role, their rules of engagement typically let them shoot at high-value targets of opportunity, such as enemy officers.

Snipers are also utilized in support roles. These support roles can be an over-watch position or a blocking action. When a sniper is in an over-watch position, he sets himself up in a concealed place that gives him a clear view of the battlefield. There he can support the assault force by taking out enemy forces that are endangering the advancing platoon. In a blocking action, snipers set up to help secure a position that is controlled by their platoon. They may set up on a roof and help ground forces defend their position. ­Snipers don't just shoot people. They are often ord­ered to destroy material targets. A sniper may shoot generators, radios, transmitters, or fuel and water supplies.

Props

Mobile phone that belongs to sniper 1. The script shows that sniper 1 is being unprofessional on the job by taking a prolongued phone call to his wife, this giving sniper 2 the indication that perhaps this is not the job for him and that maybe he should advise sniper 1 to consider a different career prospect. The mobile phone creates the tension in the thriler, a family man who has found somebody to love and has had a child who he also loves, is capable of speaking to hs wife normally and keeping a continuous lie as to his occupation and his whereabouts while also being able to assasinate people without feeling a touch of regret or empathy, two qualities you could expect from a man like him. Two faced.

We also wanted the "extra" whose shadow is seen through the window to be holding a mobile phone most likely to be a flip phone, we wanted this to give an indication that he has some sense of importance to the following story that continues after the opening sequence, we wanted to show a possiblility that he has information that perhaps he should not have meaning that there is a motive as to why he is assasinated in the first place. The mobile phone is not essential however it will give some sense as to why he is pacing around because often on the phone people have a habit to walk and talk.

Next we wanted to use a pair of binoculars for the watcher (sniper 2 - Ezra) to use. We wanted this to indicate that sniper 2 is the most knowledgeable, this is shown by the way he is the one that gets to speak to the big boss for conformation as to being allowed to perfrom the shot and the way he is above and in charge of sniper 1 giving him authority. The watcher gives the preparation and the "ok" to sniper 1 but his importance is that he highered sniper 1 and no more needs to be said.

The most important prop is the sniper gun, there annot be a sniper, of course this is the most important prop because it shows the assasination in the most descrete way. We decided that it should be a sniper gun because upon further research we we discovered that the sniper gun in much quieter than other types of guns we were originially looking at using meaning it will make the most sense to the story line of descrete professionals that always get away without a trace.