We have a final narrative idea for Prague! The script and concept was coined by our director Ryan Potter, it is a life afirming comedy of around that tells the story of a man who rediscovers Prague through the finding of a can and string. This everyday man lives his life repetitively and monotonously, but when he finds the can he decides to take a chance and follow the mysterious voices commands. Following the voice’s promptings, he learns to live life spontaneously and how to take be a yes man rather than confiding himself to his normal cell of a life.
This film will require multiple locations that easily identify the city of Prague making use of its beautiful architecture, intriguing sculptures and beautiful people. It shouldn’t be such a problem finding these locations in a city that has been given such nicknames as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ and ‘the golden city’. The film calls for one male lead actor and a handful of supporting actors for our lead to encounter on his travels. Below is a copy of the crowd-funding script which is currently undergoing revision but delivers a general feel for the narrative and a video compilation of visual influences for the films aesthetic.
Man and Can Crowdfunding Pitch by Grant Snaith, Film Script by Ryan Potter
As a creative mind, I find this narrative to be very intriguing and immediately I find myself thinking of a number of music styles connected to other ‘happy’ films such as; We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow by Soko, Under Your Stairs by Jack in Water. Films like Hector and the Search for Happiness and (500) Days of Summer also spring to mind in terms of the audio and feel that I get when listening to Ryan talk about his concept. I see a use of colour slowly creeping into the film as our character slowly learns how to live life to its fullest potential suggesting a happier mood.
To help further flesh out the script for Ryan, we were each asked to draft a scene or idea for a scenario our character could find himself in as he travels through Prague. I am very wary of putting the emphasis too strongly on the city itself in my scene as I feel everyone will do this. Instead, I wanted to take a look at what aspects of life are really classed as life-affirming. I began to research and came across this article by Arianna Rebolini and was immediately awash with possible ideas. The article suggests things like; telling friends and family why they are appreciated, to concede that the idea of a dream job/home/relationship will make you endlessly happy and perhaps most importantly the acceptance of the negative aspects of life. I then came across this article by Brittany Lyte that suggests more physical experiences that are life-affirming, some of which I can from personal experience fully appreciate such as; climbing a mountain, finding your passion or shower in a waterfall.
From the idea of ‘climbing a mountain’ I formed what I feel would be a stronger end than the cemetery scene offered the script. I felt that the films strong positive vibe was somewhat diminished by having a negative finish. Perhaps, if our lead was to follow the string up to the top of some high vantage point such as a tower or bridge that gives an over all view of Prague. If we shot at night I think it would be nice to have the warm glow of sunrise over the cityscape similar to this image.
Dreaming of Escape 