Concept drawings - Gathering visual ideas

We have used concept drawings as a way to visualise the ideas we've gathered about the characters so far. They work really as they allow Jack and I to sit down, discuss and come up with how we want the characters to act, and most importantly how we want them to look.

The picture to the right is a simple silhouette. Oil pastel on black paper. This picture is of a particular shot that Jack and I have discussed and wish to include in our short film. The shot is of John, and displays him standing in front a window with the light shining behind him, creating a silhouette. This silhouette highlights his superhero-like pose (Large, broad, athletic). In doing this we aim to push the audience towards thinking that John is the Superhero/Vigilante the authorities are looking for.

When developing our ideas about how we wish to present Neville in our short film we had to consider what we want to the audience to think. Neville should be the last person the audience suspect to be the Vigilante, and therefore shouldn't have the stereotypical look of a superhero. Neville is a slim build; athletic, but not broad and muscular. We want Neville to be a figure of authority, so we decided to depict him as a businessman. He's strong minded and knows how to present himself. He gains respect from colleagues and fellow council members who recognise him as a professional who takes his job seriously. To convey some of Neville's personality into his costume I have drawn Neville in a suit with glasses and a briefcase. The tailored suit and smart shirt say a bit about his financial situation, and that he likes to look his best and professional whenever he's working. His glasses are a cover for his secret identity and his hair is neat and stylish.





This is the first drawing I did of John and clearly shows his broad muscular physique. He is seen in this drawing wearing a workman's overall. He works as a grounds and maintenance officer for the council, and is responsible for looking after council property, and in particular, the parish hall.


The drawings below are of two shots we had in our heads about the position of the council and Neville within the parish hall. They clearly show Neville as the head of the council and the voice of authority among  the council.