Behind the Name

'The Grifters'.

Our reasoning for this title is basically just a play on the word 'grafters'.
Grafting suggests someone working for something, but as the crime caper genre has a comedy label attached to it, the 'misspelling' of the word adds that comedy element.

Films of this genre usually have a short, punchy (and sometimes humorous title - getting straight to the point as well as sometimes slightly humorous. We feel that this title has the punchy effect, without giving too much away and maintaining that comedy factor.

Location Troubles

We had some trouble regarding locations. We had decided early on in the planning stage that we'd try to film inside the fitzwilliam museum to add realism to the props and locations. We emailed the Fitzwilliam regarding policy on filming on their premises. Unfortunately they never returned an email. On the day of the shoot we decided that we wouldn't go to the Fitzwilliam to avoid disappointment.

This led to some trouble as therefore we did not have a location in which to shoot the painting scene. Luckily the F block on college grounds had a couple of good quality paintings. We chose one (appropriate to the storyline) and got the scene.

--ROUGH CUT--

This is the rough cut for our film opening to 'The Grifters'.
From recording data, we uploaded the footage then edited it into the correct sequence order. We have also incorporated a few effects; black and white in some scenes (which we have recognized as a convention in many crime caper films), and slow-motion editing in appropriate places.

We are aware that there is much work to be done in order to make it a successful presentation; this includes titles that are required, and other editing to be done will make it appear to be a more professional sequence.

When watching our rough cut back, it appears we have a couple of scenes which have been duplicated. In the final cut we will correct this, maintaining continuity. There is also mild swearing, which we will withdraw.

Rough Cut Analysis

We have successfully completed filming our rough cut, though we faced some problems which we did our best to resolve. Firstly we originally planned to film in the Fitzwillam Musuem in Cambridge and so we sent an email to the museum asking for their permission to film there. However they didn't reply. So we decided to film on college grounds in the F Block, where we found a large painting which would do the job.

We also decided that as we only filmed in two different locations we had to increase the variation of shots and camera angles, examples ranging from 'POV' to 'over-the-shoulder' shots to provide plenty of match on action. With some clever editing by Ali, Matt and Rob we managed to overcome this problem.

For each scene, we took about three shots, even if we felt the first take was adequate enough. This made the task of editing easier as we could then have a range of angles to choose from.

Mood Board

This is our mood board. It shows our research regarding inspirations an locations for our sequence. Click to play and read our mood board.

Mood Board

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Shot Schedule

1.Shot Framing: Ews(extreme wide shot) This is the establishing shot where it slowly pans forward towards the characters. Action:The three characters Domingo, Alan and Johan. Info: Painting, Costume

2.Shot framing: POV of painting(wide shot). Action: 3 characters looking at painting.Info: Costume. Painting

3.Shot framing: Close up of Domingo. Action: Domingo looks across at Johan with camera tracking across Johan looks happy at painting. Still tracking across to alan whoe's glaring at Alan. Info:costume.

4.Shot framing: Fade out on Johan.Action: Johan still looks happy. Info: costume.

5.Shot framing: Black back ground title name. Action: Title The grifters

6.Shot framing: Black background Bold white writing saying "3 weeks earlier"

7.Shot Framing: Establishing long shot. Action:3 charcthers around a computer

8.Shot framing: Track and zoom into ransom note

9.Shot framing:Low angle medium close up. Action: How are we going to get 3 000 000 pounds in 25 days. Info costume 2 costume ransom note

Location Ideas

Location 1

We are hoping to film in a genuine gallery as to make the sequence as realistic as possible. We are of course aware that we may run into some implications with these locations as many are worried about copyright and other issues, and so understandably do not allow cameras and other media equipment inside. We have emailed the Fitz William Museum in Cambridge asking for permission to film this sequence. If we are denied access, we are aware that trying to replicate this desired location ourselves is very difficult and, most of all, time consuming; which would then have a knock on effect on our editing schedules.

Below is a sketch I have done capturing the main features we hope to include in the 'painting' sequence.
I have explained what my notes as they are unclear in the image I have taken.

(replace image with decent quality version)

The features I have included in the sketch are typical of infamous galleries; red carpet leading up to the most famous or expensive print, ceiling-to-floor pillars (in the Fitz Williams for example), uncluttered appearance, lighting focused on the prints, and curtains pulled aside to reveal prints (may be included in our sequence, depending on if this feature is included in the location available to us).

All this may change or not be possible depending on the location available.



Location 2

The other location we need to use is one that will play a part in the less formal scenes; characters will not be portrayed in smart clothes etc. However, this sequence will give the audience a great insight into the build up of the production.

For the planning stages of the production we will concentrate filming around a desk with a computer. Damingo, the character shown in this scene, will be browsing the London Tate Gallery web page, researching and plotting the 'job'.

Below is an drawing I have done of what the desired location would look like.

This drawing is not representative of the shot types that will be used in the rough cut, but gives a general idea of the location in which we need to film. We have already established that the main shot we will be using for this location is an over-the-shoulder shot; this is an appropriate angle as it is almost a point of view shot, giving an impression of what the character can see and gives the audience yet again another insight into the plot. This also means that a certain amount of the character will be shown, either introducing him or allowing us to explore him more as a con man.

In my opinion, this simplistic and almost stylish environment will give an idea of professionalism which is the look we hope to achieve.

Props

Here is a list of props in which we'll need in order to film our opening sequence.;

1. Ransom note containing magazine cut outs of letters (see below).
This one of the main props in the sequence, as it helps develop the narrative as well .


2. Computer and desk on college site.
3. Character's dressed in informal wear (to emphasize professionalism in more formal scenes).

Costume Design

We researched costumes used in existing crime caper movies, auch as 'Ocean's Twelve'. We noticed that they dress very smartly, mostly wearing suits, in an attempt to appear wealthy and more respectable. Their casual dress is still fairly smart, apart from if they are on a job and have to get into character, someeimes they have to dress down.

We are going to attempt to replicate this by wearing smart clothes for our production, for the same reasons as mentioned before. As we may not all be able to locate suits, we will wear white shirts underneath dark (preferably blue or black) jackets.

Below is an image of the notes I made reguarding costuming for our production.
I will explain what the image says as it may be hard to read.

A suit is the sort of formal look we are going for; suave and presentable. They would be worn in the scenes in which the characters are standing in the gallery looking at the painting, as they would need to have a good appearance to be taken seriously in this environment.

In my opinion the smart look can be achieved if just the collar and cuffs on the sleeves are visble, and the rest under a dark overcoat or jacket. Dark trousers / jeans would be best.

Hoodies or other casual clothes will be worn in the scenes showing the planning of the 'job'.

For practical reasons these would be worn under shirts that we will wear for the heist scenes, saving time by not having to do costume changes every time we want to shoot another part of the sequence. It would also provide a contrast between the formal dress code, and also give an insight to the characteristics of each individual; when in suits they are all in the same situation, whereas if they are shown in their own clothes it gives us a chance to show their different personalities.

The same trousers can also be worn in these scenes, for practical reasons.

Possible Shot Locations

Here are some possible shot locations for our opening sequence;

Fitzwillam Museum, Cambridge.

Long Road Sixth Form, Cambridge.

Shot List

The following is a list of shots we will take when making our opening sequence;

1. (After opening credits- Production logo, credits etc.)

2. Long shot, of 3 males (Matt, Ali, Jon) staring at a (covered) painting.

3. Over the shoulder shot of the boys. (literally closer shot of 2.)

4. Point of view shot of the painting on the wall.

5. Close up of the boys reaction as the cover comes off the painting.

6. Panning shot across the boys reaction, from right to left.

7. (Title of the film appears)

8. (3 weeks before appears)

9. Zooming over the shoulder of Damingo (Matt) at piece of paper.

10. Close up of paper, revealing that it is a ransom note.

11. Long shot of two of the lads (Ali and Jon) arriving at the computer that Damingo is sitting at.

12. Over the shoulder shot of the computer, revealing that the computer shows the London Tate web page. (If the shot does not reveal such information to the audience this shot will follow 12; Screen shot of London Tate museum).

13. Close up of Damingo as he gets an idea.

14. Close up of Alan as he gets the idea.

15. Return to close up of Damingo as he says 'I have an idea boys'.

16. Close.