The Pre-production Design
Portfolio of Owain Hollett
TRAFFIC JAM:
BOARDS
Precise Viewing:
Background:
For my school internship, I got the opportunity to work with Sheridan professors, Jason Groh and Rob Risek in making a storyboard sequence for their script. Students were split into two groups- I worked under Jason's supervision and was responsible for the assignment:
“Character fights rush hour while trying to get home - Conflict ensues.” The scene takes place after a terrible day at the office, even on his way home he cannot catch a break.
Synopsis:
Despite being trapped in a highway gridlock, the protagonist grooves to sensual music as he thinks about his romantic date planned. His dreaming gets interrupted by his faulty stereo and is tormented by a series of inconsiderate drivers: a smelly trucker, a rowdy school bus, and obnoxious low-riders. He continues on the road with both his car and mood ruined.
Beat Board:
Animatic / Storyreel:
Rough Thumbnails:
OTHER PROJECTS:
CREATIVE PROCESS
Music Diversity
My creative instinct for this narrative was heavily inspired by music. I put myself within the context of that moment- a bad day (job), something to look forward to (date). I personally like to use music to mentally reset and lighten my mood, so when that attempt gets interrupted by competing noise is when things begin to spiral out of control. I like music so this was a perfect opportunity to use a variety of contrasting songs from the drivers to create that sense of being dominated by the world.
It's a funny but painfully relatable dynamic. Humble politeness is trampled by those who are bigger and louder than you- not only in work-style, but lifestyle too.
REFLECTION
The Project that Sparked my Passion
This project sparked my passion for storyboarding, before this I had no clear intentions on pursuing it. I owe most of that to Jason Groh, who greatly acknowledged my ability and encouraged me to exceed. He went on to mentor my thesis film ‘A Crunch Out of Bullying,’ and displayed this piece as an example for future interns.
