Judging by what research I have done, on the outset it seems hard to justify my initial idea. It does not feature romance, and the setting is so general and vague that conventions almost do not apply.
Can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em…
Title:
The Job Interview
Summary In 25 Words:
A student applies for a job, but during the interview the formality of the situation gets turned on its head.
My idea is based around an interview. It originated as a job interview, but then became a University interview in later stages of development, as I felt that as such a film would be script-heavy, it would be best to write about what I knew. However, initial feedback was wary that this setting would alienate non-academic audiences, which I agreed with. However, I still felt it was important to write about something I knew a little about – thus, I merged the two ideas, and created a script about a student applying for a part-time job. Having been there myself, I felt I had a better understanding of how words could be exchanged, as opposed to two middle-aged men talking.
One idea proposed was that the age difference could be swapped – in other words, an older man applied for a job where a young man interviews him. However, although this would still fit in with the script, it seems much more obvious that a grown man would disrespect a young interviewer, and turn the formality on its head. The concept is not particularly relevant, as I’m already going against conventions – that of a formal situation being smashed down by a free-spirited young man.
The narrative outline, for what it’s worth, features a young man turning up outside a room for a job interview. Upon his approach, the previous interviewee can be seen running away crying. Upon entering the room, it is immediately clear that the person doing the interview is a ‘dinosaur’ – the worst type of hard-pressing boss. The boy starts by answering a question, but due to his nerves, feels that he bundles his chances. When the reaction of the interviewer seems to confirm this, the young man then starts to go off on a tangent, under the impression he has nothing to lose. As the interview progresses, the answers become less serious and more anarchic, stripping down the formality of the confrontation. However, ultimately the humour also manages to break down the formality of the interviewer, and gets the young man the job. The final shot is of the hand shake confirming the place.
The rules of K.I.S.S are followed to an almost painful degree here. With the exception of one shot, there are two people in the entire piece. With the exception of only a few shots, the whole film is set in a room – just the order for a three minute film. The script is very heavily reliant on the dialogue featured in the interview. No narration or voice over is included. Because of this, I wanted the lead to be a student, to allow me some leeway in understanding possible responses to certain questions. Ultimately, this film will likely be shot in one day, and can be fully edited within one week. The problem is the music, but I have a few leads I wish to chase up on this matter – I will post with relevant information when these factors become concrete.
There is still a lot to be decided with the group – it is unlikely this will be an office job interview, as students only really look for part time work. These tend to take place in side-rooms, of which the university itself has many likely areas.
Character Profiles:
The Interviewee
The main character, as aforementioned, is a young man in his early twenties, looking for a job. He has a rather formal approach to the interview, but when he thinks he answers a question wrong, he drops his ‘act’ and takes everything far less seriously. It is perhaps this attitude that has prevented him from getting previous jobs. His is a joker with a wicked sense of humour, and very little time for political correctness or niceties. He is the perfect match for The Interviewer.
The Interviewer
This middle-aged man (or woman) is a stereotypical business tyrant. The interview room is practically an interrogation room in his eyes. His sole purpose is to weed out the none-hackers – and quite evidently, this person has had no joy in their life. Monotony has seen to that. This is apparent within the opening minute – when the formality is broken down, it almost frees this character from the politically correct barrier erected, and by making The Interviewer laugh, The Interviewee gets the job.
The Crying Girl
Featured in one shot alone, a crying girl runs out the interview room and past The Interviewee. She has no relevance to the plot other than to establish the character of The Interviewer, and play for laughs.
Locations:
The entire film takes place just outside and inside the interview room. The final shot is of a hand-shake, cementing the events of the film. This is a film about the interview, and nothing more.
Crew And Equipment:
This will almost certainly be filmed on JVC ProHD 700 cameras, in a side room of the university. It is likely to be shot in widescreen and HD, unless argued otherwise. Sound can be managed by use of boom mics attached to these cameras, providing we can find somewhere quiet to film. It will require a team of three at minimum, which fits my current group perfectly – I’m sure I can call up some favors if things get heavy. It will almost certainly be edited in Final Cut Pro.
Where we get our actors from is a mystery at present. I intend to use professional actors, and I know there are several in the drama studios of my university who would step in for the roles of the younger characters. This may still leave me without The Interviewer however – further research will be needed in this area.
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