Project Production Pitch For Maps and Journey's Project

In a couple of weeks time l'll be pitching my idea for a Psycho Geography Maps and Journey film.

I'm incorporating concepts of maps content "visual wise" and metaphorically.

One thats both visually stimulating but also emotionally engaging, Psycho geography, incarnation of emotions and memories tied to particular locations.

Story, plot, Narrative could be portrayed through descriptive letters, emails, photo albums, virtual pictures and tracker device or audio samples.

Maps in fiction. Example of incorporating a map to a films plot or a scene.

Indiana Jones Global Map Transitions

Middle Earth Map 

In the film Freddy's Dead the Final Nightmare 6th instalment of the Nightmare on Elm Street Slasher film series a character is dreaming and as he explores the map he tries to unravel it he discovers that its too big to be fully unfolded, he discovers writing which spells out “Your fucked”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoM8UcB8tIg

In the film water world a movie set in a post apocalyptic world where the polar icecaps have melted flooding the Earth. The coordinates to the last known refuge of dry land is a tattoo marked on one of the character’s back.

A group sets off on a treasure hunt. One of them sneaks away the map from their leader only to discover that it’s a board game from a cereal box, their entire journey has been a pointless endeavour.

A group sets off on a treasure hunt. After traveling long and far they find enough clues to reveal the location of the treasure, which turns out to be the very place where they started out their journey at.

A character is set about on a journey to reach a certain location however through a set of circumstances his maps is torn in half so he has to figure out how to make his way to his destination without getting lost.

These are just few of the creative ways how maps can be a driving force for a films plot.

This following idea I have detailed about in a previous blog.

Idea #1

Someone is given a new career arrives into town. Though he’s hesitant at first he gives the place a chance and explores it, finding out that there’s more to this place than he had thought. He takes a walk into town following a paper map while marking out all the key areas that leave an indefinite impression on him as he's adjusts to his new home for example 

Idea #2

An over protective father “wanting to make sure his daughter stays out of trouble” bugs her phone so he can keep track and follow her on a virtual map detailing her every move, documenting her entire journey.

Idea #3

A young lad arrives in town to visit his Grandparents. He notices that they’re troubled that the council have decided to close their favourite local pub, he gets lost in the woods one day and uncovers a sinister scheme to awaken ancient evil mummified warlord who's tomb lies beneath the Pub, his awakening could spell down for mankind. The lad realises that since the pub is being closed down has made this possible. Seeing that no one believes him he must uncover artefacts with a map that will allow him to seal the tomb once more saving the town.

Tough these ideas have high stakes it’s kept to a minimal scale, showing a subdued upbeat character piece that utilises mapping and finding one’s way to their destination but also onto a new track in life.

After thinking it through I have decided to settle on my first idea as it was the most developed idea and personal to me.

Here is the structure for the film I’m planning.

Beginning Act

The protagonist arrives in Farnham town. Film opens on a Welcome to Farnham sign. When he’s at first introduced to the area he is unenthusiastic, unsure of this place, looking at the map he’s all lost and confused trying to find his way about town.

Middle Act

Over time his attitude changes. The local people in town are generous and welcoming to him, he gradually makes new friends. He follows the map of Farnham town discovering various places and marking the ones that mostly appeal to him e.g. the local Park, Restaurants, Pubs, Gym, Leisure centre, Theatre, Church, woodlands, countryside ect.

End Act

The Main character has fully accepted their place in their new found home. His progression attempts to convince the viewer to take a second look at their surroundings and perhaps gain a greater appreciation for it by showing that even the smaller local business can hold up, the residents are nice people and that its somewhere you’ll be wanting to come back to.