Picture Show Magazine

psycho killer

Student film quartet, promises to break the boundaries and clichés of student film making with their project: Playing Judas a psychological Thriller. Picture Show writer and student filmmaker Charlotte Holmes takes us behind the scenes…

I arrive on set at the same time as our lead actor Adam Harrison, to find half of the filmmaking foursome setting up for an interrogation scene. We were promised the use of an old interrogation-cum-line up room, but promises were not met, and we have to make do with the Liverpool Hope TV studio. Efforts were made to make the studio look moody and solemn, and most importantly; like an interrogation room. How to light the scene is the hot topic, something we have not educated in. In a stroke of desperation, I pull up a Wikiepedia page on three point lighting, and we make a poor attempt of setting up.

So who are the filmmaking foursome? Liverpool Hope students and friends formed this group for their final year assessment: the production of a short film. The team consists of Marieke Weijers-Mcgovern scriptwriter of Playing Judas, Tom Davies, who has took on the role of director, Sam Paton, in charge of paperwork, and sound and Picture Show’s own Charlotte Holmes, who took on the role of casting.

                The crew are quiet but there is a relaxed atmosphere, I however I am feeling particularly concerned with the impending deadline, and the constant let downs (from mainly the actors) that slow the whole process down.

                Playing Judas is primarily about the feelings guilt, and the conflicting emotions felt. The story revolves around an alternative reality created by protagonist, Dean. After witnessing a crime, he retells his account to a detective, played by Laura Harris. It is at the police station that we realise that Dean is trapped inside his own head; his guilt is too much that he willing to betray himself.  The film looks at the Dean’s relationship with himself, his self loathing and self destruction. The film also looks at Dean’s relationship with women, his damaging relationship with his mum, and the trust he obviously feels with the detective.

                The film shifts from past and present, and reality to fantasy, and with almost no budget, how are the team going to effectively show the time changes. Director Tom says “We are using a handheld camera to show Deans alternative world, using quite a lot of close ups too.” Marieke flat will be used for the 80’s flashback where we meet Dean’s mum. The flat does surprisingly look like it has been trapped in a time warp, and is perfect for the shoot.

“The story isn’t something I would normally create, or write about, but the old interrogation room we were promised seemed such a great setting, the story sort of evolved from that. It is a shame; we never got to use it.” 

                Aside from the use of the interrogation room, we have had a lot of let downs, stalling their progress. Harrison is the fourth Dean we have had lined up for the role, with lead actors dropping out last minute or just not turning up on set. Organising several people, with busy lives is something I have found very difficult and stressful.  “We had everything all set up, Laura was ready to do her lines and our actor just didn’t turn up. So we are a week behind schedule as it is” explains Sam. This is when Adam Harrison stepped in. Friend and room mate to Marieke. “I am a drama student, but I have never done a story like this before. I really enjoyed reading the script.”

                Having followed the Wikiepedia page, we now have a grasp on three point lighting, our lamps are on and we are ready to film. This is the first time Laura and Adam have met, but we are surprised at how well they work together. Laura is stern and shows true commitment to the role. Problems arise with lines, as Adam has had the script for only a short period, meaning his lines are not well rehearsed. To keep things moving we decide it will be best to feed Adam lines, although quite time consuming, does save time for the long term.  

                Katie Madden is also due to join the cast, as Deans mothers who struggles with alcoholism. “Deans need for attention and lack of remorse is down to his neglecting mother. Katie’s role, although short is quite important” says Marieke. Filming for Madden scenes will take place in Marieke student accommodation

                By the end of the day the filming draws to an end. The interrogation scene is rapped up and we begin to pack away. “We might need to come back, if we find something doesn’t look right or continuity is broken” Tom says “We can check all that when we edit.” So what is next? With a deadline under a month away, we definitely need to pick up the pace. “We need two more scenes and a few establishing shots, which should only take two days.” Marieke reassures me “Then it is just the editing, which is probably one of the hardest things.” The crew appear to have everything together, and a good plan of what’s next, whatever does happen next Picture Show are sure their film will be great.

Playing Judas will be available to watch online May 4th.