Crystal Bukenya -AS Film Screen Test with Notes For my AS Level Film Studies portfolio, I have developed

my planning further following my textual analysis of two contemporary films, Attack the Block(2011US) and Super 8(2011-UK). Using the themes of Hero VS Villain, which I found in the central ideas of the two films, I will plan a creative artifact where by my characters can also be represented this way through the micro elements, using one protagonist and antagonist. I intend to create 9 key frames, where the most important moments will be annotated and explained, using the idea similar in Attack the Block, where in the ending sequence our main character Moses is represented to be brave and heroic. A reflection of this is seen through my protagonist Jessie, who in her entire life has never been able to speak up and fight for what she wants. Part of this character is inspired by the character of Alice(Super 8), who is frightened of her father and often wants to avoid arguments with him. However, there is a glimpse of true bravery reflective of Moses, when Jessie finds it in herself to protect her loved ones when they are threatened, and takes matters into her own hands. For the character of Jessie, it was key she did not dress by the stereo type of a black street girl, so that she could be seen as different out of all the characters, suited for the role of a girl that did not want to appear threatening,( as Moses is portrayed with a hooded jumper). She needed to have dark hair, and be either mixed race/black. Her height from 5 4- 57, weight ranging from 9 - 11 stone. She also needed to be able to command attention on camera, to fit the role of a protagonist. She would need to be photogenic in this sense, and be able to quickly get into the mind set of the characters emotions when action is called, when the photos are taken of each frame. There was high consideration of her chemistry with the antagonist, as they would have to really oppose each other, and show tension through each picture. Character 2 is Amber, a girl that is often in trouble because she has a loud mouth. This was a combination of the boys in Attack the Block, especially Pest . In the film there are numerous scenes where he is the main provoke, and brings forth the portrayal of impressing his gang, often excited by the action and danger of the situation. Similarly, Amber needed to be forward and demanding, but also hold a charm in her spirit. Her height of around 53- 56 and weight ranging from 8- 10 stone. She often wears dark hooded jumpers and trainers, fitting the stereotype of urban teenagers. Character 3 is the antagonist, Lenz. Lenz is the most talked about boy in the neighborhood, but not for good reasons. He is threatening and manipulative, and dangerous if you get on the bad side of him. The most intriguing thing about this character is that he does not seem that way through his slim physique. This character would need to weigh from 8- 11 stone and have a height from 55- 59. He would need to be black skinned with trimmed black hair. The costume for Lenz would be a black bummer jacket, dark jeans and black shoes. We were looking for someone that could portray themselves as threatening and over confident on camera, so that he could reflect the danger in the themes of the film.

Once I had my character profiles completed and a script written, I had an idea of who would fit the part of Jessie , Lenz and Amber, however I still wanted to hold auditions. I borrowed a camera from the media department, and picked an extract from my script with dialogue for them each to deliver. The auditions were held in a drama room, where dark curtains covered the door windows, to enhance privacy and a better environment for the actors. My friend, Samantha Green, was present in the room and judging with me. The following extract was chosen for the auditions of the character, Jessie. In the screen test, we were particularly looking for someone that appeared to be very easy going, but had a strong presence to her. ---------LENZ forms a fist with his hand and attempts to get up, but JESSIE reacts quickly and steps forward, pushing the gun closer to his temple so his head jolts back. LENZ holds back and puts his hands up. JESSIE Never mess with a girl that aint got nothing to do with you. If you try and pull that sh*t again, you best hope I dont knock you the f out. I dont care, cos you wont be seeing me again anyway, I can guarantee it. And bruv if you doubt how serious Im being right now, just think of where you are now, and how your good-for-nothing life is right in my hands. -----------Screen Test notes on Jessie- Actor 1: Esther Odejimi When Ester entered the room, she gave a warm smile, which seemed soft and portrayed the likeable character of Jessie. She confidently placed herself center of the camera, into a mid- shot where we could see her profile clearly. When she began to deliver lines, there was a sense of nerves and trembling, but she quickly found her flow when she added meaning to the lines, and showed emotion. She was able to present her lines with confidence and a strong attitude that the character would have found by the end of the sequence, and understood how to mark the moment of a new Jessie . She did not however come across as someone who would have been shy and lenient in the past, which made the history of Jessie unbelievable. As she reached the ending of her lines, she became less aggressive in her speech, yet she was squinting her eyes and pointing her fingers at the camera lens. This was not believable, and we also highlighted that she was also not considering that her character would be holding a gun in her hand, and forgot about the positioning in the scene. Sam and I took into account that she was also far too tall for the part of Jessie, reaching around 511. For these reasons she was not casted.

Crystal Bukenya -AS Film Screen Test notes on Jessie- Actor 2- Cindy Luta When Cindy entered the room, it was clear that she was very serious about the audition and aware of her positioning in the camera, asking if she was centered enough. She waited for our cue to start, which she promptly followed by taking a deep sigh. This worked because it showed us a Jessie that was fed up with being too gentle, and had a change of attitude. Her eye line was also promising, as she directly spoke to the camera as if it were the character Lenz, which made Sam and I feel we could become familiar with this type of Jessie on the call of Action, on set. Cindy understood the importance of clear dialogue, and made sure that each line was delivered clearly and with aggression. She did not use her arms in gesture, but her hands were fisted to present the anger in Jessie, and presented her to be strongest in her facial expression, which would work smoothly for camera shots such as close ups. She had a suitable height of 56 and weighing 10 stone. Sam and I felt that we found the Jessie we were hoping for. For these reasons, Cindy was casted for the character of Jessie.

The following extract was chosen for the auditions of the character, Amber. In the screen test, we were particularly looking for someone that appeared bubbly and confident, however also able to deliver her lines with true fear. -------JESSIE approaches AMBER(17), who is sitting on the grass by the hedge, with her head in her knees and her arms wrapped around her legs. Her hair is scruffy, and her hooded jumper is dirty. Her mascara is running down her cheeks from crying. She looks up at JESSIE as she hears her approaching. AMBER (hopeful) Is it done? Is he gone?... (relieved) Oh my God, youre sick. Im sorry this happened. ----------Screen Test notes on Amber- Actor 1- Leticia Yeboah When Leticia entered the room she was keen on starting and began to deliver her lines quickly. She positioned herself fairly closer to the camera, so we could focus on her face. She occasionally looked down to show that she was in fear and

vulnerable, which portrayed a more gentle side to Amber. Leticia emphasized the sigh of relief, which Sam and I thought gave a likeable presence to Amber, and showed that she was a character of natural spirit. When delivering the final line, Leticia added a genuine smile which showed that she was really considering the characters bubbly personality, and had a good interpretation of someone that was not familiar with that much threat. Leticia had a suitable height of 53, and weight of 9 stone. For these reasons she was casted for the part of Amber. Screen Test notes on Amber- Actor 2- Vanessa Annabelle Vanessa had a good understanding of the nature of the film, and emphasised her dialogue when talking in the slang. She added a gritty attitude when delivering her lines, however we did not realistically feel that she was best for the part of a distressed Amber. She had charisma and was most confident with highlighting the humour, however we were strongly looking for a glimpse of fear, which she didnt not show in her emotions. There were indecisive opinions between Sam and I, but overall we felt that she would not be able to make the most of her character. For these reasons, she was not casted.

The following extract was chosen for the auditions of the character, Lenz. In the screen test, we were particularly looking for someone that appeared to be threatening, and full of pride when on camera. It was key that they were able to build tension when on set with Jessie. ---------

LENZ (interrupting) Or else what? You gonna shoot me? Hahaha I think if you were, you would of done it by now. LENZ gradually rises up onto his knees, and JESSIE steps back, but is still pointing her gun at his head. LENZ You know what, youre all talk, but youve got a brave mouth der... use dat on your mum? ----------

Crystal Bukenya -AS Film Screen Test notes on Lenz- Actor 1- Warren Siwale Warren had a good energy level in the room, and was very prepared in the audition. He gave a clear representation of someone who had a big reputation, and delivered his lines with threat by extending his chest. He continued by talking directly to the camera and moving forward, demanding our attention in his performance. He was able to portray the anger in the character by raising his voice. Sam and I found this impressive as it is often hard to present a believable meaning behind liens that are shouted, however he did this successfully. We felt that he was most suitable for the character of Lenz, with dark hair and skin, and a height and weight of 58 and 11 stone. For these reasons, Warren was casted for the part of Lenz. Cast Jessie- Cindy Luta

Amber- Leticia Yeboah

Lenz- Warren Siwale