Influences
In my short film I am taking influences from La Jettee, as I will replicate the still shot types to introduce mise en scene and setting. Another element I enjoyed in La Jettee that I will replicate is its unsolved narrative creating enigma around my films ending.
I am also taking inspiration from the short film Bombita, I found the downwards spiral like narrative effective and I would like to incorporate a similar element into my short film.
Working title and logline
My short film, just an old friend will follow two best friends and how the trajectory of their friendship is changed through different life choices, capturing how relationships realistically fizzle out without a rekindling through the Lense of one of the friends when they are older with the use of a non-Linear narrative structure and flashbacks to convey this.
On the last night of their final summer together, two inseparable friends confront the secrets within their bond when one receives unexpected lifechanging news, threatening the friendships future.
Elements of nostalgia will be a key focus in my film to encapsulate the idea of bittersweet memories. It will be filmed with mostly handheld camera work to add a sense of realism and closeness to the film.
Using the X meets Y formula
Aftersun (2022) meets Booksmart (2019)
Casting, location and equipment
Casting
As the film is told through the Lense of one of the friends all grown up, I will use an older woman to tell the story throughout the non-linear narrative, for the flashbacks I will use two teenage girls between the ages of 17-18 as this is a common age for life changing opportunities to arise e.g. University offers etc.
Location
The location for the older characters part of the film will be a simple homely like setting in places like a living room or kitchen. The flashbacks to the younger friends will be in places such as the beach to convey happy memories and in a party like setting to get the image of youth and enjoyment across.
Equipment
As I want to use handheld shots to communicate realism and closeness, I will use a gimble to steady my hand-held shots.