So I've decided to change the premise of my project. It is a decision that I did not make lightly especially considering the time left before the due date. I ultimately decided that my original concept was not original enough in addition to not being fully thought out. As a result, I knew that the end product would not be up to my standards and thus, it would be in my best interest to move onto a new idea. However, I knew that if I wanted to change my idea that it would need to be soon. The "aha" moment came to me during a meeting with other people in which we discussed our projects. Talking with other people about their concepts and processes just got my creative juices flowing and out came an idea I plan to stick by.
The film is about a teenager named Neal. Neal, after suffering a childhood trauma, has developed a condition in which he lacks a distinct personality. Instead, he almost "imprints" on others and mimics their personalities. The teenager often has to move due to his father's work and as a result, his various personalities are showcased. In one town, he may depict himself as a confident jock, while in another school he may be perceived as a shy nerd. His parents become desensitized to the concept and tell themselves that is it harmless. However, this becomes untrue. Problems arise as the family move to the town of Talpa . The town is home to a recent string of murders. The culprit is caught soon after the family arrive in town. The small town is not used to such violent and gruesome acts and as a result, it starts a media craze in the area. One product of this is that an interview with the murderer is showcased across almost all local news stations. Neal, is at his new home watching TV when the interview starts playing. It soon becomes clear that Neal has found a new personality.
The meaning behind the name of the town is that in Latin it means "chameleon". This represents how Neal's forced ability to change with his surroundings. In addition, his name is a play on the Latin word "nihil" which means nothing. Neal embodies this as he lacks his own personality.
I have already thought of various aspects of the opening scene such as certain shots I want to use. I plan on making a storyboard of the opening scene soon.
