Casting

Casting

Through researching a number of previous AS thriller openings, I came to the conclusion that using myself and others in my group within my opening sequence may look very unprofessional. Therefore I have decided to use a number of fellow sixth form students, several of which I have previously worked with throughout my media diploma. As a result I know they possess some acting ability and also that they are reliable, another key aspect I had to consider whilst casting. The only downfall of using students is that I have to ensure that I do not plan any filming for any time they will be busy with other commitments i.e. schoolwork or jobs.

I have decided to film the third and final scene of Duality first in the February half term. Using the February half term ensures that none of the actors required for that scene have to be in school for lessons meaning they should all be free to film.

Here is a breakdown of all the characters and who they will be portrayed by:

Hudson and Serial Killer - Adam Canning

Through using Adam, the killer will appear more menacing and treacherous due to his height (Adam is rather tall). This will also work so as to characterise Hudson as a bold figure. I plan for the character to look older, once again easily representable through Adam’s height, and as if he has been physically worn down by the case. Through making him look older, I will be able to ensure my target audience can relate to him as they will believe he is of a similar age to them. I have spoken to Adam who has stated that he can supply his own costume for shooting as he already owns the required outfit for the scenes apart from a trench coat which will be supplied by a member of the production crew. Whilst portraying the killer, Adam will wear a black suit and sun glasses, similar in style to those worn by John Lennon, in scene one and three. This will show the audience how he sees himself as a bit of a rock star.

Detective 1 - Jack Stiff

Similarly to Adam, Jack also offers the advantage of height and will also appear to be older than through both his appearance and voice. As Jack is taller than Adam, in the second scene he will appear to have the higher status of the two until their dialogue begins in which Hudson becomes hostile. This demonstrates that the detective has a much lower status than Hudson despite the physical advantage he has. Also similar to Adam, Jack is supplying his own costume.

Blonde Woman - Shornie Britton

Through working with Shornie on previous media projects, both Joe and Jake are aware of her acting ability which they believe to be greater than any other available girl within the sixth form which makes our favoured choice. Her hair colour and appearance also fit with how we envisage the female victim to look, meaning we do not have to provide a wig for the scene in order for it to work how we planned. There is not much acting required for this role however she will need to scream once and present good facial expressions in order for us to capture both close ups and extreme close ups as she is stabbed, which I am more than confident she will be able to complete to a very high standard.

Tramp - Tordar Tommervik

Tordar's role simply requires him to ask Adam for change in the third and final scene. His role is very similar to Shornie's as he will be required to express pain through his facial expressions when he is stabbed. The only concern I have for Tordar's scene is ensuring he falls in similar positions after he dies to ensure there are no continuity errors. A positive for casting Tordar is that he already owns a costume suitable for the role of the tramp.

Press Members - Aaron Gough, Samuel Godwin and Harry Denley

This is a very minor role in the thriller opening and Aaron and Samuel will be given one line each to ask Adam at the end of the second scene. Harry is merely there as an extra so as to make the crowd appear bigger and therefore more intimidating. All three have agreed to supply their own costume as well as propositions such as pens and notepads.

Police Detectives - Myself and Zoran Micic

These roles are essentially extras to make the case appear to be a larger operation and highlight the importance of finding this killer to the audience. The role requires no dialogue whatsoever, only simply doing work silently as the back of the scene. Both Zoran and I will supply our own costumes.