Preliminary Task 2 - Treatment
A TREATMENT FOR
90 SECONDS
Prepared by Scale Productions, Rejoice Manyere
It is proposed that the film will be of 1.5 to 2.00 minutes duration, and will be filmed at Awaruku Creek at Long Bay Regional Park because the outdoor setting in the evening will help to show time passing as it gets darker but also emphasizes his isolation because there is no one else around.
This film will include the following convention of thriller films
TIME: The concept of having a strict 90-second window for the main character to hide is a way to intensify the tension. The continuous counting in the background serves as a constant reminder of the limited time, pushing both the character and the audience into a state of urgency. As the seconds tick away, the growing sense of pressure mirrors the main character’s escalating fear, as they don’t know whether they’ll be discovered or if the danger will pass. The suspense is heightened by the uncertainty surrounding what will happen when the timer reaches zero. Since both the character and the audience are unaware of the exact consequences.
LIGHTING: By setting the scene after work, when natural light is fading, you create an inherently unsettling atmosphere. The audience is left uncertain about what they can and cannot see, heightening the tension as their imagination fills in the gaps. Low lighting will make the setting feel more claustrophobic, as Schulk is trapped in a space where danger could be lurking just out of sight. Additionally, the low lighting will help mask the presence of the antagonist, who might move unseen, making the threat feel closer and more immediate. The audience will sense that danger is near, but they won’t know where exactly it’s coming from, creating a constant tension that builds with every second. 
SOUND: Incorporating sounds like a ticking clock and the phone ringing or going to voicemail will effectively intensify the sense of urgency and heighten the tension. The ticking clock could subtly increase in volume, almost as if it’s closing in on Schulk, mimicking the passing of time and his growing frustration. The phone's ringing, especially if it’s followed by the ominous sound of it going to voicemail, could further amplify Schulk's sense of helplessness and anxiety. The brief moments of silence as the voicemail picks up could feel like an eternity to him, heightening the emotional stakes. The kidnapper's voice on the other side of the phone is another crucial element. Their voice could be cold and detached, adding a chilling dimension to the situation. The kidnapper’s words could be cryptic or threatening, leaving Schulk grasping for information while feeling increasingly powerless. The interaction between Schulk and the kidnapper might also be laced with manipulation or mind games, which would increase the emotional strain on Schulk, and the audience. The use of intense ambient music in the background would tie all these elements together. The music could start off subtly, building gradually in intensity, paralleling Schulk’s escalating anxiety. The constant undertone of music combined with these sound effects would ensure the audience is constantly on edge, feeling the pressure of time ticking away while also pulling them deeper into the emotional experience of Schulk’s race against time.
cellular
(Ryan receives a call on his cellular phone from Jessica Martin saying she has been kidnapped and is going to be killed soon. However, she does not know where she is and his cellphone's battery is low.)drawing inspiration from Cellular, our film intensifies the stakes by making the phone call even more personal to the main character. The girlfriend's voice on the line creates an immediate emotional connection, heightening the drama. Schulk's desperation to protect someone he loves contrasts with his helplessness, as he has no clue where she is, who the threat is, or what exactly is happening to her. This disorienting, uncertain dynamic makes the audience immediately empathize with Schulk’s situation, knowing that his emotional attachment to the girlfriend adds a layer of pressure that transcends just finding her—he’s racing against time to save someone integral to his life
Scream VI
(Four survivors of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage.)Our opening scene draws inspiration from the intense and suspenseful opening of Scream VI, where a character is unknowingly being watched while speaking to someone on the phone—someone who is secretly planning to kill her. This concept of an unseen threat lurking nearby and manipulating the situation through conversation adds a chilling sense of dread, which we aim to incorporate into our own film. However, unlike Scream VI, our scene will not include explicit violence. Instead, we will intentionally cut the scene before anything truly bad happens, leaving the audience on edge and maintaining the suspense. By withholding the resolution, we allow tension to build and linger, forcing the audience to question what will happen next. This approach plays into the psychological elements of our film, making the unseen danger feel even more ominous.
Problems Encountered
Filming outside Will be a bit difficult as there are no power point to plug in lights, so we will need to bring extra extension chords so that we can properly light the set.
Were filming in a public space so there could be people walking around that might take away the effect of isolation, and make it less scary.
We also had some complications with our talent and filming times but that has now been resolved.
This film will include the following details
Characters
Schulk - Schulk is a young tradie, exhausted after a long and physically demanding day at work. As he makes his way home, all he wants is to talk to his girlfriend, Jess, whom he hasn’t been able to reach all day. His concern grows with each unanswered call, hinting at an underlying tension even before he realizes the full extent of the situation. Schulk will be dressed in typical tradie workwear—worn-out boots, a high-vis shirt, and possibly traces of dirt or dust on his clothes. This not only signals to the audience that he has been working all day but also emphasizes the strenuous nature of his job, reinforcing his exhaustion. This portrayal challenges conventional character stereotypes, as physically strong, hardworking men like Schulk are rarely depicted as vulnerable in thriller narratives. Typically, such characters are expected to be resilient and in control, yet in this case, Schulk finds himself caught off guard, emotionally distressed, and ultimately powerless in the face of an unknown threat.
Stalker/kidnapper - The antagonist's identity will remain hidden for the majority of the opening scene, adding mystery and suspense. This secrecy heightens the tension, as both the audience and Schulk are left in the dark about who has kidnapped Jess and why they are being targeted. The uncertainty creates a sense of fear, keeping viewers on edge as they, along with Schulk, try to piece together the puzzle. As the scene progresses, subtle clues may hint at the antagonist’s presence and motivations, but it is only in the final moments that he is fully revealed. He will be depicted as a man in a suit, a deliberate choice to symbolize power, control, and authority over the situation. His formal and calculated appearance suggests that he is not just a random threat but someone who operates with precision and purpose. This visual cue reinforces the idea that he is a man who "means business," elevating the stakes and making Schulk’s predicament even more intense. The reveal will serve as a chilling turning point, marking the moment when Schulk—and the audience—realize just how serious and dangerous the situation truly is
Jess - despite never physically appearing on screen. Instead of seeing her, the audience will only hear her voice, which plays a crucial role in conveying her emotions and state of distress. She is a frightened young woman who has been kidnapped, and her fear will be expressed solely through her tone, breathing, and dialogue rather than through facial expressions. By relying entirely on sound, we aim to create a more immersive and suspenseful experience, allowing the audience to imagine her distress and situation. This approach not only intensifies the tension but also emphasizes the isolation and helplessness Schulk feels as he struggles to save her without being able to see her.
Mood & Tone
Our film creates a strong sense of urgency as Schulk has only 90 seconds to assess the situation and decide on his next move. This intense time constraint heightens the tension and keeps the audience on edge. To reinforce this feeling of pressure, we plan to implement specific cinematic techniques. One option is to have the kidnapper audibly counting down from 90, serving as a constant reminder of the limited time available. Alternatively, we may incorporate the sound of a ticking clock in post-production, subtly increasing in intensity as time runs out. These elements will enhance the suspense, making the audience feel the same sense of desperation and urgency as Schulk.
Ideology
Jess is a young girl who plays a supporting role in the story and is kidnapped, reinforcing the common stereotype of young girls as vulnerable and in need of rescue. However, her boyfriend challenges this stereotype, as he also finds himself in danger. Unlike Jess, his character type is typically portrayed as strong and capable rather than vulnerable, which subverts traditional gender expectations. This contrast highlights the unpredictability of danger in the story and adds depth to both characters by showing that vulnerability is not limited to one gender
Themes & Motifs
The central concept of our film revolves around Schulk having only 90 seconds to hide, creating a clear and imminent sense of time pressure. This countdown, represented by the sound of ticking or counting in the background, makes every moment feel critical. As the clock runs out, the audience experiences the same time crunch Schulk faces, amplifying the tension. The ticking clock serves as a constant reminder that time is slipping away, and every decision or action Schulk makes has high stakes.
the fact that both Schulk and the audience don't know what will happen when the timer runs out keeps the suspense high. This uncertainty adds to the pressure, as Schulk’s actions must be swift and decisive, not knowing if the intruder will find him, if the girlfriend will be safe, or if something even worse will happen. This unpredictability heightens the urgency of every second, making the countdown feel even more intense.
The use of low lighting not only creates mystery but also enhances the feeling of being watched. Since the audience can’t see the full scene, they feel like Schulk is being observed by forces outside his control. The limited lighting allows the intruder to hide, further intensifying the feeling that Schulk is being watched from the darkness, heightening the psychological tension as he becomes increasingly paranoid.
Narrative
The film opens with a young Tradie, worn out from a long day’s work, walking home through quiet streets. He tries to contact his girlfriend, whom he hasn’t been able to reach all day. The concern grows as his first call goes unanswered, he tries once more—hoping for a response. But this time, the phone rings with an incoming call from an unknown number. Thinking it’s just another wrong number or a telemarketer, he answers, only to hear an eerie voice on the other end. The voice tells him he has 90 seconds to hide, with no explanation or context. Schulk, unsure of whether it’s a prank or some kind of sick joke, hangs up immediately. However, the phone rings again—this time, with an even more chilling message. The caller reveals that they have his girlfriend and ominously warns him that something bad will happen to her unless he listens and hides within the next 90 seconds. This revelation shakes Schulk to his core. His frustration quickly turns to panic as he realizes the gravity of the situation. The time limit is now a real and pressing threat, he has no choice but to comply, and the fear of not knowing where his girlfriend is or what’s happening to her drives him into action. Just as Schulk desperately tries to find shelter from the unseen threat, the tension builds to a boiling point. With seconds left, and with no idea if he's hidden well enough, the kidnapper's voice calls out again, taunting him through the phone. Schulk holds his breath, hoping against hope that he’s safe. But just as the countdown hits its final seconds, the kidnapper appears behind him, standing in the darkness. The scene ends abruptly, leaving the audience in suspense, unsure of what will happen next
Whos doing what:
Rejoice - treatment, camera
Talia - storyboard, brainstorm, location, sound/lighting
Gino - script, director, actor
Judah - concept, moodboard, shotlist, props/costume
Brainstorm
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