By Rory Giddings

Cast, Costumes and Props

The Actors/Cast:

Andrew Goldman as ‘Alex Westcott’ – Protagonist

I have decided to cast Andrew for this role as I believe that he could play a very convincing character as he studied GCSE Drama, and now studies the subject at A-Level. Not only this, but his acting capability extends to exactly what would be required for the film opening – the ability to convey an emotive appeal to the audience as he can project strong facial expressions, and deliver lines in a highly convincing manner. This would be perfect for the role required as the majority of the character’s fear and emotions need to be dramatized and effectively communicated to the audience.

Also, as he is a late teenager and looks like a young adult due to his height and physical build, he would definitely fit along the lines of a stereotypical actor/protagonist that the audience would expect to see within a typical horror film. Furthermore, the fact that he is a close friend of mine is also very convenient because it means he can provide his own input and advice, whilst allowing us to working efficiently together during the limited amount of time that we will have during the filming/production process. For these reasons, I am confident in my decision to cast Andrew for this role.

Rory Giddings as ‘The Butcher’ – Antagonist

I have decide to use myself as the antagonist in my film opening due to a number of reasons. Firstly, it is highly convenient in terms of the production schedule. I had the choice to use fellow classmates/peers within my year, but it would have been difficult to find a time when they were free as they may be needed for a long amount of time that could have a knock-on effect on their lessons and independent study. Secondly, I personally think that it’s a lot more efficient if I am to act in my film opening as I can decide exactly how I want my antagonist to appear. Therefore, I don’t need to do much positioning and blocking of the actors as I know exactly how I want the final product to look.

Furthermore, although my acting experience is fairly limited, my antagonist will be wearing a pig mask to fit the role of ‘the butcher’, so minimal acting capability will be required as my face will be concealed anyway. Also, I think that I could portray the physical aspect of the kind needed for a typical antagonist and this is essential as my character is a non-speaking role, which effectively means I will need to convey an antagonistic nature through body language alone, which I believe I am capable of doing. So weighing this up against the convenience and the planning, I believe that I am capable of playing the role required. As long as I can act in a convincing manner that supports the plot and fits the dark atmosphere of the scene, then the opening scene will be constructed in a successful manner.

Costumes:

Andrew – ‘Alex Westcott’

Andrew’s character ‘Alex’ will be seen wearing black jeans as it is simple, casual clothing that would be typically associated with older teenagers, so therefore this clothing is fitting to the character and his age. Furthermore, I think that black is a good choice of colour as it could be seen as a hint towards darkness/mystery, the uncertainty of his character’s fate. He will also be wearing a plain white t-shirt due to it’s established colour connotations – as white is typically associated with purity, goodness and innocence which will help convey that he is the innocent victim.

Furthermore, the white t-shirt is going to be stained with dirt and water to show how his innocence has somewhat deteriorated due to the situation he has awoken to. In terms of footwear, he will wear regular, worn out trainers in order to convey to the audience that he is a stereotypical teenager/young adult.

Rory – ‘The Butcher’

I have chosen an all-black costume for my character in order to communicate his dark and evil nature, whilst conveying to the audience that he will be the film’s antagonist. This will include a black hoodie, black jeans and darkly-coloured shoes. He will also be wearing a creepy pig mask to fit the role of the nickname given to him within the world of the film; ‘The Butcher’ due to his choice of mask and habit of slaughter. The pig mask is also effective as it conceals his identity which helps to create a surrounding atmosphere of mystery and fear. For these reasons, I believe that his costume is highly fitting to the dark nature of his character.

Props:

Pig Mask – used to fit the role of the nickname given to him within the world of the film; ‘The Butcher’ due to his choice of mask and habit of slaughter. The pig mask is also effective as it conceals his identity which helps to create a surrounding atmosphere of mystery and fear.

Creepy drawings & torn-out pages – these will be placed around the protagonist’s surroundings, mainly on the walls. The drawings will depict eerie subjects such as creepy faces and scrawled writings. This will reveal to the audience that the antagonist has lost all his sanity and this would go on to provide the plot basis throughout the rest of the film.

Rope – used to strap Alex to the chair so he can’t escape from his horrific situation and also used to fit the narrative/title of the film; ‘Captive’ as the victims are held prisoner and trapped like a pig for slaughter.