Casting

Although through watching a number of AS thriller openings which have been uploaded onto YouTube, I came to the conclusion that using myself and others in my group may look very unprofessional; I understand that it would be difficult to use adults such as teachers because I would have to work around their schedule to ensure I can finish the production process of the opening. Therefore I have decided to use sixth form students, a number of which I have previously worked with in music videos for media diploma so I know they possess some acting ability. Using students means I have to ensure that I do not plan any filming for any time they will be busy with other commitments such as schoolwork and 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 through his height however will also appear a bold figure when playing Hudson. Through using Adam I can also make him look older and as if he has been physically worn down by the case. Through making him look older, once again supported by his height, 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 clothes required for the scenes apart from a trench coat which will be supplied by myself. Adam will wear a black suit and glasses similar 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

Jack also offers the height advantages of Adam and will also appear to be older than he actually is 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 and Hudson becomes hostile showing the detective as weaker than Hudson despite the physical advantage he has. This will show Hudson as fearless and willing to take on anyone, perhaps because of how he has been broken by this murder case. Also similar to Adam, Jack is supplying his own costume.

Blonde Woman - Shornie Britton

Through working with Shornie on previous media projects, I am aware of her acting ability which is greater than any other girl in my sixth form making her a favoured choice. Her hair colour and appearance also fit with what I desire the blonde victim to look like meaning I do not have to provide a wig for the scene to work how I want it to. There is not much acting required for this role however she will need to scream once and present good facial expressions for when she is stabbed which I am 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 already stated in the script apart from the fingerless gloves which I will supply for the day of shooting.

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. They have agreed to supply their own costume as well as propositions such as pens and notepads.

Police Detectives - Daniel Comley 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.