Research: Assistant Director and Writer: Nicholas Hopkins

In order to gain information and tips regarding the planning and creation of our thriller introduction, I contacted Nicholas Hopkins; and experienced Assistant director/writer.  I interviewed him, asking questions about his time in the film industry, how we should go about creating our thriller opening and what he is working on now.  I also gained very useful information on the subject of filming/ lighting to create suspense, and to how to go about writing scripts/storylines, shot lists and storyboards and maintaining continuity.  Nick Hopkins has worked on films and shows like: Doctor Who, Band Of Brothers, Lost In Space, Mission Impossible 1, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, New Tricks, Oliver Twist and Waterloo Road to name but a few.  Also, working with big names like: Christopher Lee, Tom Hardy, Christopher Eccleston, Gary Oldman, Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry, Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg and many more!

From this interview I learnt the difference between scripts and storylines, the importance of having shot lists and plans for every scene and how continuity is maintained.  As a group, we will use this knowledge in order to create a successful thriller introduction.  Nick talked particularly about the importance of every single element which is involved in creating a suspenseful atmosphere.  We will take this into account whilst filming and ensure that all elements are looked at.  We won't just rely on eerie music, but we'll try to use lighting for effect, maybe with the use of shadows, use of shot angles; for example: super close ups and wide angle shots, editing will also help to bring all these elements together, but also add it's own element of suspense; such as the use of focus effects to distort the audience's view of an enigmatic character (to add an extra element of mystery.)