Our Opening Scene Idea

Our group has decided to base our opening scene around the Jack the Ripper murders, this is because we believe that there is a lot of interest around this subject, and that we can be really creative and imaginative in the way we film. We decided that we will film in an alley in Rochester, as this fits in with the era Jack the Ripper killed in. There are two characters in our scene, Jack the Ripper and a prostitute who ends up being one of his victims. We decided from the beginning that we wanted our scene to be snappy and effective, in order to draw in the audience. We all agreed that our shots would be short, so that when it comes to editing, we can put them all together to create a scene with impact. We also decided that the scene would have no dialogue, this is because as a group we wanted to focus more on the titles and the actual impact the shots have, instead of what the characters are saying. As a group we decided that half the scene would be indoors and the other half outdoors. The indoor shots will be focussed around Jack the Ripper as a person, and how he fantasised and relived the killings. We will have a shot of Jack the Ripper writing one of his notorious letters and a shot of him looking through pictures and newspaper cuttings of the murders. The outdoor shots are used to build up tension for the audience, and to create an atmosphere of danger and mystery. Some of the shots we decided will include Jack the Ripper walking up a dark alley, but not actually showing his face. This is because it creates a feel if mystery, and in the real case, nobody knew the Ripper’s identity. We also decided that we will have some shots of a prostitute approaching the Ripper, and her being killed at the end of the scene. This is because it will make the audience want to watch on and find out what happens. We also decided as a group that we would get some short shots of different buildings and objects in Rochester, as this would be a good opening for our scene. We also decided that we would have appropriate costumes to fit the style and era of the film, and make our own props to make it more effective and interesting. In my opinion, I believe that our discussion went well because we all inputed really good ideas and listened to each others ideas well. Another thing that was successful is that if the group didn’t agree with someones idea, we was all able to compromise and adapt ideas, in order for everyone to be happy with the outcome. We also decided in the discussion who would have what role in the duration of the scene making, this is so that everyone is able to contribute to the making of the scene. Overall, I believed that our discussion went well because we have a strong idea on what we are going to do, and have structured how we are going to carry out our ideas, in order to get things done efficiently.