From Script to Screen - Influence Maps and Plot Line Research

 Influence Maps

Before thinking about designs, it was deemed best to try and get an idea of the place, person and object first. For the bomb disposal, I looked at different types of bomb disposal gear, including chemical and some remote controlled machines.

A mix of police and force bomb gear.

Although this is a range of gear from the police and forces, the character may not use the intended garments. The character may be in civil clothing or in incognito, but having a knowledge of the equipment seemed like a good idea.  

Different types of swords

A range of swords from different cultures. The sword may not be metal, possibility of another material or symbolic.

Theatre is quite a broad term, so I decided to look at how the place could be used. This meant not only researching traditional theatres, but open-aired, auditoriums, abandoned. cinema and operating (although this one is quite obscure).

   Plotline Research

Following on from the influence maps, it time to think about a simple plot line that can be expanded on. Researching popular plot scenarios that many successful books and films use will help myself in figuring out my own.

7 Universal Story Plots

 1. Overcoming the Monster:

    The hero defeats an adversity or evil force that threatens to harm the hero's home/ family.

   Movie Examples: Star Wars, Seven Samurai, James Bond.

 2. Rags to Riches:

    The hero gains what they desire most, only to lose it and have to fight to gain it back. However, along the way they gain wisdom and personal growth.

Movie Examples:  Willy Wonka, Maid in Manhattan.

 3. Voyage and Return:

  Participating on a unfamiliar journey, the hero comes across new friends and grows as a individual, eventually returning home. 

Movie Examples:  The Hobbit, Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King.

 4. The Quest:

  Our hero goes in search of a goal or prize, coming across various challenges and temptations, learning to overcome them and succeeding in their journey.

Movie Examples: Moana, The Lord of the Rings, Labyrinth.

 5. Comedy:

  A light hearted tale, normally only having one major conflict and concluding with a happy ending.

Movie Example: The World's End, Bridesmaids, 40 Year Old Virgin.

6. Tragedy:

  A  brave but flawed hero goes off to find adventure, breaking taboos and rules by leaving society/ group. The end result can lead to the downfall of our lead, and can show them in a good or bad light.

Movie Examples:  Macbeth, Titanic, Romeo and Juliet.

 7. Rebirth:

  A villian that starts of bad, then comes across the error of their ways and searches for redemption. Eventually becoming accepted by society. Normally the hero has a love interest to help them in their change. 

Movie Examples: Terminator 2, Megamind, The Devil Wears Prada.