PRODUCTION DIARY #3

We recently got the first 22 pages of the script in which gives a good look at what will be happening as the characters are introduced and the entire story is set up.

To answer a question, yes it is normal to get the script in sections. Though it doesn't happen often, it does occur when the director has a specific style he wants to direct in. By giving the script out in chunks, the actors are not inundated with information and that makes it easier to layer a character as it develops. You get the foundation first and as each section comes out you can layer on each bit of information as you get it, resulting in a complete character style by the time shooting begins.

Though this can make memorization tough, as you can't memorize the whole thing at once, it does allow the director more creativity and room to breath, ensuring that everything is more fluid and mobile.

There are pros and cons to everything, but this is one style that is used, not frequently, but it is used, generally by directors that wish to retain more creative control in their projects, a process used by many great directors such as Hitchcock, Kubrick, Spielberg, and Kurosawa.

As we have the first bits of character script, it now comes time to break down the character and begin analysis with the clues given in the dialogue and locations. This makes in-depth research one of the most important aspects of this process.

For example, my character, Trent Tomingo, is military trained so that plays primariy into his physicality and mentality in regards to the information he receives throughout the film. Secondly, he undergoes a slight panic attack in the first few minutes due to memories from his tour(s) in Iraq (War on Terror, Iraq), thus making room for possible Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Also, the fact that Trent appears to not be on active duty, but on reserve status, possibly DOD "black ops" or "special interests" judging by his location and the details of his mission and the fact that he's alone.

These clues factor into physicality. But what of mentality (attitude, behavior, tone of voice, etc.)

Because of further clues in how he speaks to people and how people speak to him (or about him) we can derive foundations of what is going on in Trent's head. Namely, when one character, a scientist, refers to him as a "burnout", this is a basis for pre-existing behavior patterns. The possible reserve status also informs us about his behavior and attitude, most likely not enjoying or appreciating taking orders from people not directly (but appointed to be) his superiors. It conflicts with his military training, but is accepted for what it is. This probably makes Trent a difficult person around people who do not know him or his past, and those that do attempt to handle him with kid gloves.

Also, and one of the biggest clues, is given that some pre-history exists with one of the major villains and Trent. Because the villain is rather powerful and prone to meting out wholesale death and Trent is still alive, it speaks to us that Trent is an exceedingly dangerous opponent, is well trained, and often unpredictable in his judgments.

Research at this point would be done on modern day military: Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, equipment, weapons training, physical combat training, tactical maneuvers (urban/rural). Also research would be done on PTSD and its side effects.

Well I'm off to continue twisting my body into shape for the role (a daily regimen, just as real active soldiers do) and of course conversing with the director to determine some of the finer points of the character. As always, when you have a question, do not hesitate to ask the director. No question is stupid and if you don't understand, you won't be thought a fool.

The director (next to the producers) is effectively God, so communication with him/her is essential to aiding them in bringing their vision to life.

Stay tuned!

-Jarod