This palette evokes a feeling of organic realism, following our poem, these colours are rooted in naturalism. The idea of 'death' is a natural thing, and the deep browns signify a connection to the earth. Juxtaposed with deep greens, there is a subtle sense of mystery and an evoked feelings of growth and renewal.

These colours will allow us to enhance the emotional depth of our poem, creating a mysterious backdrop for our protagonist's journey.

The first stanza of this poem follows the writer as he realises he is on the brink of death. There is a sense of acceptance as he explains that this happens to everyone.

Wide shot of the protagonist waking up and looking at their surroundings, close ups of what they find - trees, moss, flowers & other foliage.

The protagonist begins to explore the area they find themselves in - close ups of their confusion, wide shots to show their isolation. Camera pans follow them as they move through the forest.

Establishing shots of the forest itself, zoom out as the protagonist walks further away.

The protagonist begins to panic as they realise there's no way out - more close ups, quick cuts to show their frustration and create an overwhelming atmosphere.

More movement within shots, possibly handheld, to add to the chaos - the protagonist has lost control.

• Rigid and lightweight

• Magnesium frame

• Shoulder mount without the use of rigs, therefore it saves money. Easy to switch to handheld and can be used comfortably for long periods of time

• α mount lens system

• 180 fps High frame rates, allows for slow-motion without any loss in bit depth or angle of view

• XQD cards are reliable and affordable

Sony 28-135mm E lens

• Three control rings for optimal manual control

• Quiet powered zoom

• Constant F4 maximum aperture throughout zoom range

• Dust and moisture resistant design, ideal for shooting by the ocean

T3.1 14mm ED AS IF UMC II

T1.5 24mm ED AS IF UMC II

T1.5 35mm AS UMC II

T1.5 50mm AS UMC II

T1.5 85mm AS IF UMC II

• Semi-telephoto manual focus cine lens

• Change the aperture quietly and smoothly with the uncoupled aperture gear ring

• High-strength aluminum

• T numbers are marked on both sides of the lens for convenience

• Detachable petal-shaped lens hood minimizes flare and ghost by sheltering lens from unnecessary lights

• Required to mount prime lenses onto Sony FS7

• Interfaces between lens and camera

CamRade Wetsuit Rain Cover & Case

• Form-fitted

• Tailor-made of water-resistant near silent fabric

• Protection against bad weather conditions

• Good to have on hand, in the case of rain and no suitable places to shelter in the woods

• Easy and quick to apply and remove

Vinten Pro 5 Tripod

• PH5 pan & tilt head

• Made from aluminium

• Adjustable leg locks and floor spreader, ideal for shooting in the woods

• Standard leveling bubble

IDX Battery Charger

• Essential in order to charge camera batteries and light batteries

• Needs to be plugged into mains, not ideal in the woods but batteries can be charged at home if needed

Arri 7g Sandbag

• For use with lighting stands (C-stands)

• Allows extra protection from lights knocking over, whether that be from people tripping, weather conditions or uneven terrain.

• Can be used to secure tripod if needed

• A dense woods with a multitude of pathways, open spaces and water

• Works well as the primary location for our poem as it contains a winding path (which is mentioned), trees and a lot of space to work with

Logistical Concerns

• Lack of power: must ensure batteries are fully charged before leaving to shoot

• Popular dog-walking spot: must be mindful of dogs around equipment, potential aggression and dogs being in frame

• Terrain is uneven: must ensure tripod is secure when shooting, be mindful of tripping hazards and carrying equipment up and down hills

• Lack of shelter in case of bad weather conditions: must ensure we have a rain cover on hand for the camera and umbrellas and bin bags to cover other equipment

• Public area: must ensure no kit is left unattended due to potential theft

• Next to main road: may cause potential issues with any sound recording on location

Logistical Benefits

• Natural setting provides a visually stunning backdrop that enhances production value without the need for extensive set design or construction

• Natural light and organic scenery can contribute to a more authentic and immersive atmosphere

• Easily accessible car park, nearby to the woods which allows for easy transport of kit

• Toilet facilities nearby

• Food and drink available nearby

Her growing anxiety leads her to realize something is terribly amiss. The forest seems endless, with paths that loop back to the beginning, and it becomes clear that the forest does not want her to leave.

This forest represents her purgatory, a limbo in which she is trapped with no apparent way out, damned to wander down the ever winding path to her afterlife.

In the poem, Thomas uses nature imagery as a metaphor for the inevitable cycle of life, comparing it to a 'winding' path and a forest where 'all must lose their way'. The phrases 'unfathomable deep' and 'forest' in the poem serve as metaphors for the mysterious nature of death, depicting it as a realm where paths merge and travelers become disoriented, symbolizing the conclusion of life's journey.

The poem's mood can be seen as reflective and tranquil, rather than anxious, portraying a peaceful acknowledgment of death. The quietude and immobility of the woods create a feeling of tranquility instead of dread. Alternatively, it could be perceived as considerably more ominous, as the phrase 'they cannot choose' leaves room for interpretation. The concept of a 'deep forest' might instill dread, suggesting a fear of the unfamiliar, trapped without choice or control.

The poem employs imagery associated with sleep, contemplating the certainty of death and likening it to tranquility. The phrase 'the borders of sleep' could signify the transitional state between life and death within the natural cycle of life. Using vivid language and imagery, Thomas encourages readers to ponder the interconnection of existence, mortality, and the subconscious world of sleep.

• In Christian theology, it refers to a state or place for souls not assigned to Heaven or Hell.

• Additionally, limbo denotes a transitional phase where an individual is caught between two stages, signifying a period of uncertainty, suspension, or waiting without progress.

Most of our film will remain a mystery to our viewer and left open-ended and up to interpretation, as does the poem. Our protagonist will walk through the woods, visually capturing the poem's introspective themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. As time goes on, our film will grow increasingly tense and frantic as our protagonist comes to the realization that there is no escape. She will pass by trees that return her to her starting point, and no matter how far she travels, the winding path will never end.

The widespread use of natural light emphasizes the vastness and solitude of the wilderness. The expansive, untouched landscapes, illuminated by natural light, highlight the insignificance of humans against the backdrop of nature's might.

We will incorporate this approach into our film, using natural lighting on location to enhance our storytelling. The stark, unfiltered light will create harsh shadows on our protagonist, reflecting her dangerous physical and spiritual journey. Additionally, it will showcase the natural beauty of our setting, emphasizing the idea of the environment as an ever-present, living entity observing her.

'The Borders of Sleep'

Lucy Chapman & Amaia Power-Razkin

up2052561 & up2103005

Log-line

'A woman wakes up in the forest with no memory of how she got there. As she explores, she realises she in trapped in limbo, walking through the lands between life and death.'

Introduction

'The Borders of Sleep' is a short film based upon the poem 'Lights Out' by Edward Thomas. It explores themes of the inevitability of death, the subconscious world of sleep and what may lie in between.

Structure

• Opening Scene

  Our protagonist finds herself waking up in a forest, with no memory of when or how she got there. She looks around, confused, and begins to traverse the mysterious woods in search of any answers.

  
  

• Climax

  As she explores, she begins to get progressively more panicked. There is no way out. No matter where she goes or what route she takes, it's almost as though the trees keep taking her back to where she started.

  
  

• Resolution

  The short film finishes on our protagonist walking down the path, with no end in sight. She walks, accepting her fate.

Characters

• Unnamed Protagonist: A girl in her early 20s, wearing standard clothing. Determined, resourceful, and growing increasingly desperate. Her journey encompasses both physical and psychological challenges.

Setting

A dense, eerily empty forest. It's natural beauty creates a false sense of hope, with an endless winding dirt path through the middle, it lures in the disoriented souls that walk amongst the trees.

Visual Style

The film utilizes a dark color palette with desaturated, deep greens and browns, evoking a sense of mystery and an eerie, uneasy atmosphere, while also highlighting the natural beauty of the environment. Many shots will be wide and angled, immersing the viewer in the forest alongside the protagonist.

The film includes expansive shots of vast forests, mountains, and rivers. These meticulously detailed landscapes highlight the lush, vibrant beauty of nature. Utilizing natural light, like sunlight filtering through trees, enhances the emotional connection to the forest, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. The color palette of vibrant deep greens and earthy tones adds to the sense of mystery.

From this film, we will take inspiration from the detailed landscapes in order to build our own world. We will utilise the peaceful nature of the forest, using the sunlight to create a 'dreamy' atmosphere whilst also amplifying the mystery of the forest.

In our film, we have chosen to portray the forest as its own 'limbo', in which our subject has found herself trapped inside. This could be interpreted that she has died, and is travelling to the afterlife, or perhaps she has yet to be judged.