Scouting Locations

One of the most important factors into creating a powerful film opening is the setting. The location needs  to be chosen very carefully due to the impact it creates: setting the tone, motive, and character. Since my project will be about a runner and their mental health, I want to incorporate a space that's naturalistic and can visually tell the story of their livelihood and the journey they take on.

Ive been analyzing different films about running, mental health struggles, and more to see how the setting impacts and help shape the outcome of the story. For example, movies like 4 Minute Mile and Chariots of Fire who use the gym, outdoor tracks, and streets in a city to show both their discipline and personal life struggles. The background and environment both typically act like a character themselves.

Edelstein, B. (2014, August 4). Film review: “4 minute mile.” Variety. https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/4-minute-mile-film-review-1201273615/

In chariots they ran. (n.d.-c). https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a21566047/in-chariots-of-fire-they-ran/

Potential Location for my opening:

- City streets: Utilizing this setting while the character is going on a early morning run or training alone can emphasize the loneliness that this runner will face. I could also film toward the sunset making the scene feel personal.

- Stadium: The Panthers stadium is a great place that could show their later on goals, pressure, and determination while being in a formal setting. Long shots would be great here.

- Bedroom- Small, claustrophobic spaces can show how the loneliness gets to them or could also persuade setbacks and preparation.

Choosing the perfect location will easily guide me to tell the story visually which is one of my main goals. I want the audience to sense the hostilities the characters fighting and motivation without inserting any dialogue immediately. For my opening, I'm thinking about starting it off with a silent, calm reflective scenario on a trail in the Everglades, showing the runner's dedication and inner head space before any dispute. 

Next Steps:

I plan on visiting parks and streets that are local to see how they would look on camera at different times of the day. Also, I'll be taking pictures to contrast all the locations to choose which feel the most cinematic and fit emotionally connected to the story. From that point on, I'll start my storyboard and thinking about how the costume design and props will suit the environment.