Preliminary Task 1: Concept - Anna

 Concept

Title: Obsessed
Plotline: A young schoolgirl is being followed by a stalker.

The title of our film, ‘Obsessed’, stems from the stalker’s fascination with the main protagonist. It encapsulates the plot of the film and heightens the unsettling nature of the stalker’s fixation, building tension as the protagonist slowly realises the extent of his obsession.

Target Audience

PG13, as there are some dark themes that are included in the plot.

Institutional/Genre Conventions to be Included

Shadows: during the chase scene, this convention will be employed, heightening the tension.

Headphones: used to isolate the protagonist from the outside world, symbolizing ignorance and seclusion. Isolation leads to her being an easier target, foreshadowing events.

Fear of the Unknown: The audience sees glimpses of Jace, but never a clear image, amplifying suspense.

Location

• A concrete walkway

• An empty construction site.

Plot Synopsis

The scene opens with establishing shots of the situation. The protagonist, Riley, is texting her mother, providing context into the situation; Rileyis walking home. Her headphones are on, playing diegetic music (One Way or Another). As she walks down the hill, she gets an unsettling feeling that she is being watched. The music distorts and fades as she takes her headphones off and looks around, only to find that there is no one there. Unsettled, she continues walking, and the stalker comes into frame behind her. Hearing his footsteps, she breaks out into a run, darting into the construction site. Tensions peak during this chase scene, as she scrambles away to safety. Just as she thinks she’s gotten away, the stalker clamps his hand over Riley’s mouth. The scene ends with a cut to a black screen, leaving the audience in suspense.

Characters and Names

Main Protagonist: Riley
A schoolgirl, about 16 years old. With an innocent disposition, she is the stereotypical vulnerable victim that is present in most thriller movies.

Antagonist: Jace
A stereotypical stalker, wearing a dark black hoodie and shadows over his face. 

Practicalities of Filming/Content

Lighting

• Low-key lighting will be employed during the chase scene for dramatic effect.

• Mostly natural lighting will be used during the scenes outside. Blue and yellow lighting may be employed to add depth.

Camera Work

• Handheld shots during the chase scene to create urgency and realism.

• Over-the-shoulder shots from Jace’s perspective to engage the audience further.

• Close-ups of Riley’s expression to capture fear and vulnerability.

• Wide shots to establish isolation and her surroundings.

Costume

• Riley: Light-coloured, basic, feminine clothing to emphasise her innocence.

• Jace: Dark, baggy clothing, making him appear menacing and threatening.

Props

• Phone: to communicate with her mother, providing the audience context for the scenario.

• Headphones: the source of the music.

• Backpack: shows Riley’s student identity and innocence.

Shot Inspiration

This shot is perfect for our concept because it includes a stalker following behind a girl. The blurred figure behind her adds a mysterious atmosphere.

This is the inspiration for the establishing shot, which is over-the-shoulder. It proves a point-of-view shot for the audience.

This shot is an example of what we are hoping to achieve with the chase scene, with tight shots building suspense and creating a claustrophobic feeling.