To pitch an elevator pitch.

James Heywood / s3721053

 

Idea

2 to 3 people who are about to commit a robbery are disguised as janitors stand idly in an elevator, waiting to reach their floor, and random, somewhat comedic things happen, like a fake moustache starts to fall off, or they drop their weapon etc. Others enter the elevator, make small talk etc. A tense atmosphere though.

Characters

Typical criminal character types, a more serious and focused one contrasted with a slightly clumsy one, maybe a nervous one if we have three.

Dialogue / Scenario Ideas

I like the idea of one of the robbers growing a conscience and getting nervous as they ride the elevator, talking to a passenger and feel for them, sweating etc. Some physical humour of disguises falling off or contents being dropped. This is still a workshopping process.

Location

I want most of it to be set in the elevator, however, there will be some shots to establish the crime such as preparation taking place in office/garage style spaces.

Sound and Music

I want there to be lots of diegetic sound effects, such as buttons pressed on the elevator, doors opening, people walking in and out, fidgeting of clothes and bags, sniffles. Really highlight the silence that comes with an elevator.

The faint background music of a tacky elevator tune will probably be the only music used, maybe some intense action preparation music at the start to comedically transition to the boppy music of the elevator.

Lighting

Pretty standard industrial blue lights, if a set is constructed, the lights could flutter and flux, if not, still lighting is all that is needed.

Props

I hope to have a small props list, maybe a matching jumpsuit and nametag, some fake moustaches and sunglasses, hats, maybe nurse masks. Incognito clothing. A couple of duffle bags and maybe some strange prop weapons like a bat or stick.

Inspiration / Framing Examples

Baby Driver – Edgar Wright – 2017

 

Drive – Nicholas Winding Refn – 2011

 

While tonally, these films are quite different to each other and what I have an idea of making, the framing, way they used tight spaces and in the case of Baby Driver specifically, the way they use dark humour are all things I want to experiment with this idea.

Feedback

Please feel free to make comments in the blog comment section below for any changes or things I could add, this is very much a work in progress.