Brief (formative)

REDEFINE:

an exploration using modern day context and sociocultural themes to redefine a traditional fairy-tale

Introduction:

The love for stories is a universal passion; the story is everywhere and, consequently, story telling is equally universal (Yearsley, 1924). Because of this, stories have become invasive in our culture, expressed through the media, cinema and society. Fairy-tales are our first introduction to literature, these are viewed as remnants of past customs that are stored in the subconscious mind and hold an important place in the memories of childhood. Western society has removed itself from supporting biblical values to embracing morality and self-sufficiency. Even so, the wonderful and frightening worlds that fairy-tales portray evoke a sense of familiarity and recognition, reminding us of the moral truths and life lessons we would not think of questioning.

With today’s reliance on technology people have become unable to shed their media skin. Constant users are beginning to show symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions. Four common characteristics can be derived from the subject: excessive use, withdrawal, tolerance and negative repercussions, as well as an inability to function without media and social links. With the growing increase of social networking sites, students in particular are affected by the need to associate online, creating an affliction of modern life.

Aim:

Using themes and character traits taken from the fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty combined with sociocultural aspects and a modern day context, we aim to portray the increasing issue of Internet addiction (in particular social networking) in the form of a short film. This will be expressed through a fictional hyper-real world in which Internet addiction has become such a problem that rehab clinics have been set up. The two main themes of Sleeping Beauty (true love conquers all and home is where the heart is) will be incorporated into the story, expressed through the love and support of Phillip (the prince) and also metaphorically represented through Aurora’s triumph over the digital world back into the “real” world.

Intended Outcome:

Following a multi-plot structure of the two main characters Aurora and Phillip, the final short film will explore the “awakening” of Aurora as she removes herself from the “e-world” and back into the real world. Emphasis will be placed on an original script focusing on character development; this will then be used to inform the narrative structure. Art Direction will be heavily considered, in the form of colour correction, costume and set design.