1.  What is the story of this scene in two or three sentences? In other words, what happens in the scene?

In this scene, a character (we’ll call it a her for now) is taking a walk around good-sized lake.  She hears some leaves rustling, and becomes afraid.  Noises escalate, and suddenly, she is running from some unseen, invisible force.  Just when she thinks she is safe and won’t be harmed, something descends upon her.

2.     What is purpose of this scene in the larger story? (Or, if there is not a larger story, invent the purpose of this scene.)

This scene serves the purpose of creating a psychologically engaging dialogue about fear.  This woman in my film is running from something she cannot see and the audience can’t see.  The purpose is to show a woman—crazy or not—who is running from something she cannot see but is clearly threatened by.  This unsure and irrational fear is universal: we all fear what we cannot comprehend.

3.     What is the emotion I want to communicate?

The main emotions I want to communicate are fear and insecurity.

4.     Why is this scene personal to me? What previous personal experiences does it remind me of? Why do I need to make this scene?

This idea of fearing the unknown and things without a face is something I’ve experienced a lot in my life. When you are alone, all you have to do is think, “what if this happened to me right now,” and it is enough to make your pulse pick up.  I want to make this scene because I think this is a valid experience that everyone can relate to.

5.     What, specifically, must the audience understand narratively and feel at the end of this scene? How do you intend to make sure this will happen?

The audience must understand the idea of feeling mentally unstable and how that insecurity can make you feel—whether the threat is real or not.  I intend to do this by never showing the “bad guy” and using sounds to emphasize a “big bad.”

6.     What two visual elements (line, shape, space, tone, color, rhythm, movement) will you use to help communicate the emotion of the scene?

Movement and space will be really important here.  Flat space can be used to minimize the drama and make the audience feel at peace, whereas deep space will be used to amp up the drama and fear aspect.  Movement will be important to convey urgency.

7.     What are some potential obstacles to creating a successful scene? How can you be prepared to overcome these?

Obstacles include visual limitations with the location—the area is pretty but there’s not much you can do with it.  I fear running into a dead-end.  I think if I have enough varied shots, it will make up for that.