Props, Equipment and Costume

Props

The film my trailer is for, is set in a post apocalyptic period where a plague has dominated the majority of society. There are deep elements of survival engrained in the narrative and plot, so to survive and flourish in a period like this sometimes force could be considered necessary as I have already outlined in my Audience Effects post. So to really enforce this I have implemented an imitation firearm. This is as my product is a British film, and when we look at British film there is usually quite a lack of props such as firearms. This is due to the statutory gun laws in Britain, so Hollywood films often have an edge or advantage in the prop department which will draw more viewers. 

I have looked at legislation and it details that in 'Section 36 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2007' "It is an offence to manufacture, bring into or cause to be brought into Great Britain, or sell realistic imitation firearms. The act also makes it an offence to modify imitation firearms to make them realistic" However 'Section 37 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2007' States that a defense/exception may be made for the case provided that the use meets a list of mitigating circumstances, one of which being "the production of films and television programmes" This prop will only be used on times where I have discussed it's existence with my neighbours to prevent panic if used in my garden, and in my home. This is to prevent any misunderstanding. 

As well as this prop the main character will also have various other props attached to their costume. These will include items such as:

• A Tornicator
• First Aid Kit
• Gas Mask 
•  Multi Tool
• MRE Rations
• Smoke Grenade

Costume

My character is being designed with a rustic type patchwork idea in mind. He isn't initially built for survival and is slowly developing his understand as well as the gear he carries. I intend for the first shots we see him in to be in plain clothing that you'd see in day to day situations. However as the plot thickens and the story progresses he will start to gain warmer clothes and military uniforms. This fits in line with the plot as it will become progressively colder in winter months. Equally it is stated almost immediately that the military have a presence in humanitarian aid and riot control in the story. So with this plague combined with the anger and lawless society it's expected that some of these men and women would pass. let it be known I'm not stating that anyone should defface/steal from the bodies of the dead but as stated in the Audience Effects post there can be times where it is considered necessary and we wouldn't know them till we experience them first hand. 

Various items will come together to achieve a look that really reflects a survivor in my character. For example clothes that may be too big or are in poor condition, and then the pieces of military uniform they may find. By the end of the trailer I intend for my character to be wearing:

• The 'Smart Watch'
• British Multi Terrain Pattern Jacket
• Jeans
• A Beanie
• Walking Boots/Shoes
• A Military Style Patrol Bag
• A Scarf
• Gloves
• Possibly a Bullet Proof Vest

Equipment

The equipment that I use will primarily be whatever is available to me at the time. The school have just invested in a new camera and hopefully I will be able to use this in due course. likewise we already have some camera's that have the capacity to film as well as take static shots, however for the most part I will probably use my iPhone SE.

This is as "the Apple iPhone SE is powered by A9 processor. The Apple iPhone SE has a 12-Megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 1.2-Megapixel camera for front facing photo's" This means I can get very close with a considerable amount of detail. For example in shot's where the character is lead down hiding I'm able to get good quality face shots. Likewise by moving myself on a desk chair with wheels I'm allowing myself to ensure moving shots and shot with professionalism as the camera will be easy to maneuver and it will eliminate the sound and wobble of the camera technician walking. 

Although these will be my primary pieces of equipment, Sandown Bay Academy have various professional recording devices with expert sound gear that would allow me to record sound more effectively. However as most of my sound will be edited in after i wouldn't need this during the production phase but possibly during post production to get a clean and crisp sound. As well as this I have the opportunity to use a green screen in my work. If i were to use this, it would most likely be to use as a backdrop for a news report.