Planning - Props

Online we ordered Police style type, which will typically be found at the scene of a crime. We are planning to film footage of tape around the park on a different day to the initial scene involving Sarah (Alissa) and Rosie (daughter), in order to show the lengthy time scale involved in the search for the child. This prop adds to the verisimilitude of the trailer, exciting audiences because it feels like reality. In my research I found that similar style tape is used in 'Gone Girl', therefore felt it would be important to include in our trailer, as it signifies danger and establishes the genre.

We are going to include close up shots of the Mother character flicking through other posters of missing children, showing the audience how she is investigating similar cases, and seeing if they have any possible link to her own daughters disappearance. This will show her intelligence, contrasting to the fact people will be questioning her irresponsibility, creating a deeper meaning to the film/trailer. It also suggests that she is taking matters into her own hands, which a detective will tell her not to - creating anxiety and suspense within the audience. 

In our trailer we are also planning to film an extreme close up, or an aerial shot a bottle of alcohol smashing, like the bottle below. This will emphasise the Mothers desperation, but again presents her as an irresponsible teenager who is relying on alcohol/drugs to fix her problems. The shot of the bottle smashing could be used as a subtle plot twist, suggesting that she is choosing to discard the alcohol, and persistently continue on her hunt. This will create an ambiguous character in which many audiences will be unsure of their opinion towards. However we felt this could be a unique selling point to our film, which would create conversation between audiences and friends/family, therefore promoting our film. Alcoholism is a common theme I found which occurred in my research into crime-thriller films, with Nick from 'Gone Girl' relying on alcohol, and in 'Before I go to Sleep'. It is also a stereotype that young adults are alcoholics, therefore could be an interesting theme in the film and trailer.





We felt that time was an important factor the include in our trailer, emphasising the long and seemingly never-ending wait for her daughter. We decided to use a clock prop, using shots both before and after when it was broken, as a symbol for the Mothers impatience and irritation. It could also be representative of her loosing track of time, again displaying her paranoia. Sound effects of clocks ticking are commonly used in crime, thriller and horror films, and is recognised by audiences as a symbol of nervousness and frustration.