Planning for Production - Grandmother's Cottage

As the scene is a flashback, I would like to give it a very different feel from the rest of the film. To change the way that the viewer interprets the scene, I have decided to do it all in one shot (following the characters). The idea is quite risky as it will need to involve a lot of rehearsal and planning in order to create something that will capture the audiences interest for long enough to keep them involved with the sequence. Until I have decided on a location, I will not be able to make a full storyboard of what I intend to capture, as the location will greatly influence the direction of the scene and the format and framing available. 

This technique has been used most recently in Taylor Swift's new music video for her hit We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, and demonstrates an idea of what I am hoping to achieve.

Here is the script for the conversation during the scene at the Grandmother's Cottage. The scene will continue (although not yet scripted) on to the following events; where the Grandmother enchants the cloak, is chased by witch hunters and forced to run away and start a new life.

CUT TO:

EXT. GRANDMOTHER’S COTTAGE – EARLY EVENING

At first the cottage appears only as a model, detached from reality. Figures emerge as silhouettes behind a blank canvas. One, a woman, stands just before a man wearing a cloak. The image could almost resemble what is seen through a window. As the camera lingers in on them, they become real.

Both are young. The woman, Lettie’s GRANDMOTHER has shocking red hair; carefully divided in to ringlets. The ancestor of the BOHUN family is dark and handsome. He appears strong-willed and glaring yet courteous. The cloak he wears is red. He dominates the scene, although the Grandmother holds with her a quiet and secure confidence.

BOHUN

They are coming for you as we speak. And I have great influence over their direction. If you were to do as I say, I could protect you.

He removes the cloak from his shoulders and hands it to her.

Turn the cloak in to an item that exceeds all value. An object that will protect me and my family. A magical artefact that people will fear.

So that they will never hope to cross us.

GRANDMOTHER

They will cast me from my home. I will do as you say, but I warn you of the consequences were you not to follow back on your word.

BOHUN (in a bored, disbelieving tone)

I would expect nothing less.

GRANDMOTHER (nonchalantly)

Then let it be at your own risk.