1. Six minutes, one story, and a lifetime of presentation regret.
Sir Zia
surprising us :>
On the eventful day of November 5th, 2024, Sir Zia introduced us to the infamous six-minute activity. The task was simple yet challenging: each team received three slips of paper, each containing a location, an object, and a character type. Lacking a hat to mix the slips, my pouch was (reluctantly) sacrificed for the cause.
Our team consisted of four members: Aisha, Aleena, Fatima, and I. The slips we received were as follows:
Location: Psych Ward
Object: Vase
Character: Anti-hero
With only six minutes to develop a compelling storyline for our preliminary project, we had to think quickly. At the end of the time limit, we were required to present our idea to the class, outlining the plot, our usage of the assigned elements, and the types of shots we intended to use.
One might assume that brainstorming a cohesive concept under such pressure would be difficult. However, for a group of introverts who, even after three months in media class, still hesitated to speak up in front of an audience, the real challenge was the presentation itself. Ultimately, Fatima and I stepped up (not so much by choice, but by necessity), while Aleena filmed the process. That video, however, will never see the light of day; you’ll just have to take my word for it. Screenshots are the best I can offer.
favourite movie <3
The Storyline: Our preliminary concept revolved around a woman who kills her lover, convinced that she is saving him from something far worse. The vase serves as the murder weapon, making it a crucial element in the narrative.We envisioned opening the film with a wide shot of the vase on a table, adorned with roses or snapdragons. Roses symbolize love and obsession, while snapdragons represent deception. The next scene would transition to the psych ward, where the protagonist, now a patient, screams on the bed. Fast cuts between this scene and a slow zoom-in on the vase would heighten the tension.
As the girl’s screams fade, the next shot depicts the vase shattering, immediately followed by an overhead shot of the protagonist staring blankly at the camera. The shot would slowly pan down, drawing the audience into her unsettling gaze.In just six minutes, this was the idea we developed. To our delight, Sir Zia did not reject it, and in fact, he encouraged us to pursue it further for our preliminary project. However, we decided not to pursue this idea for our preliminary task, as we wanted to create something more light-hearted and manageable rather than a complex psychological thriller at this stage.
P.S.: Public speaking may be a valuable skill, but after that experience, I have one question: why do my feet look like that in the video?
2. A Narrative 180: Development of Our Idea
3. 2 Friends and a Dream: The Story Outline
The narrative follows Haseeb and Abubakar, two unemployed best friends in their twenties who are struggling with boredom, financial instability, and a lack of direction. The preliminary establishes their unchanging lifestyle through their confined living space, casual banter, and aimless daily routine, highlighting themes of economic pressure. This is further reinforced through their contrasting personalities: Abubakar is a recklessly curious and impulsive thrill seeker, while Haseeb is cautious, paranoid, and prone to overthinking.
Their ordinary routine is interrupted when a mysterious package arrives at their doorstep one evening, containing a phone, a bag, and a message inviting them to “play a game.” This moment acts as the inciting incident, with the opening sequence building sllight tension, especially through the ominous message, “You’re being watched.” Despite Haseeb’s doubts, Abubakar’s impulsive nature pushes them to follow the instructions sent to the phone.
As they complete a series of bizarre yet humorous tasks, the narrative explores themes of gullibility, deception, and the temptation of quick wealth, with much of the comedy arising from their clueless and exaggerated actions. What begins as harmless fun gradually spirals into chaotic situations, ending with the delivery of the bag to an abandoned building, unaware of its consequences.
The next morning, they discover through a news report that they have unknowingly been involved in a mafia smuggling operation. This revelation brings the narrative to a comedic climax, as their earlier actions are suddenly given a completely different meaning. The story ends with a final note left outside their apartment reading, “You’re hired,” reinforcing the humour of their accidental involvement in crime.
Play this while reading, it makes it more fun.
4. We are getting somewhere: Storyboard
Everyone say thank you to Fatima for drawing these ;)
5. Unsettling: Moodboard
Made by: Fatima Javed
6. 46 Shots to Go: Shot list
Written by: Aisha Waheed
(click on 6 to reach Shot list)
7. Final Script
Written by: Fatima Javed
8. BTS
Made By: Aleena
9. EDITING
Written by: Aisha Waheed
(click on 9 to reach Editing)
10. FINAL PRELIMINARY