Lighthouse interior

My plan is to hopefully visit a lighthouse, but struggling to find one near enough. Will keep trying to find one.

So I found a video on tours of a lighthouse, to get an idea of what it looks like inside. As well as some building plans.

T.V. Research

I've watched a full episode of 'Big Cook Little Cook' 25 minutes long and 'I Can Cook' 15 minutes long. They are both very similar focusing on just one recipe for the episode. 'Big Cook Little Cook' entertains children by having a extra story book tale about the episode guest and goes off to find out how the main ingredient is made e.g a bagel. As for 'I Can Cook' it gets children to cook along in the studio. The chef entertains children by singing songs when washing hands and cleaning up, as well as identifying the special ingredients with hints and questions, and picks food from the garden.

As my episode is 5 minutes long I will add in additional stories along with the one recipe. I would also like the idea of singing and getting the children to interact to make things a little more interesting.

Kid's Recipes

I have picked a few recipes from 'My first cookbook' and found a website about kid's recipes.

http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/search?tags%5B0%5D=Kids&page=1

I want to have some of my recipes to be inventive and fun like these one, so they can appeal to children more.

lighthouses

I've found a great website that lists all the lighthouses in britain and shows pictures and information on each.

This will be useful when I need to a an ariel shot of my set and designing the scene.

http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses/lighthouse_list/index.html

futures cooking tools

For my Cooking series I have 8 cooking tools. Each with their own character. Next stage will be colouring in my characters on photoshop.

Out of all of these, I have chosen the dots with eyebrows for eyes.

Wooden Spoon

Wooden Spoon is a hard worker and constantly helping making cakes and food. He never makes a fuss and always tries his best, with a smile. His role is very important because he has to stir all the ingredients together. Wooden Spoon is very organised and likes things to go perfect and exact to the book. If things go wrong when cooking, Wooden Spoon starts to panic but thankfully reassured and on the right path again thanks to Mixing Bowl. His favourite part of the day is when the food is brought out of the oven and he gets to see the finishing piece. He loves working with all his friends and has lots of fun with them, and everyone gets along with him too. Wooden Spoon is a very caring character and happy to please.

Rolling Pin Twins

Rolling Pin Twins are Siamese twins. They are attached together by the hand by a big rolling pin. They are not very bright and have to work together to get things done. Even though they are two characters they share the same name. They like working with their friends and whenever they are confused they are always get guidance. When they walk they communicate to each other but end up moving left to right and round in circles, and walk backwards. Once in the right position they work together to roll out the mixture and very pleased with the final piece.  They some times they try to give each other a high five, but unable to reach each other because of the distance of the rolling pin. They do not realise that they are dim but everyone likes them and they get along well.

Mixing Bowl

Mixing Bowl is the head leader of the cooking tools. He is the biggest and bossiest of them all. Some times when things are going slow he some times gets too forward, but in a situation where things are going in to kayos Mixing Bowl is always the one to set things straight again. Mixing Bowl loves to be the backbone of the team and loves being in charge of holding on to the mixture. He gets along happy with everyone but gets easily irritated with the naughty Measuring Spoons, who are always up to mischief, and lazy Pastry brush. Overall he loves working with his friends and they like him too.

Measuring Spoons

Measuring Spoons are four naughty spoons. Going up in size they are called, Half Teaspoon, Teaspoon, Tablespoon and Dessertspoon. They always go around as a set, which is brilliant for them but trouble for everyone else. Out of all the cooking tools, Measuring Spoons are the ones who are always up to no good. Desert Spoon is the cleverest out of the lot being the ringleader, but Half Teaspoon is the most difficult because he can hide well and run the fastest. They get bored when everyone is cooking, so they play games and act naughty to get attention. When together they get in to all kinds of mischief. Their favourite game is hide and seek, hiding ingredients and swapping things, any way they can to makes things more fun. Measuring Spoons love to giggle and make funny faces. They never do anything too stupid though and things always go back on track again. Their favourite friend is Mixing Bowl, who always reacts the biggest out of everyone and is easy to run away from because of his big body and stubby arms and legs. Because of their size they are very fast and nimble, if anyone catches them it is Whisk. Even though they like to cause trouble they enjoy being with their friends and are forgiven in the end.

Sieve

Sieve is a shy character. Her job is to sieve things like flour in to Mixing Bowl. Because of her oversized head she is quite self-conscious and tends to stay quiet and in the background. But thanks to her friends who support and encourage her, Sieve shows her true personality, a nice happy character. Sieve loves to see everyone happy and is very happy when everyone tells her she has done a good job. She doesn’t like it when Mixing Bowl comes across too strong when giving instructions. Sieve can easily be upset. One of the things that help this is a big hug off one of her friends. 

Pastry Brush

Pastry Brush does not come out of the draw that often, because of this he has become lazy. When he can he will just sit down or try and get some sleep. Once he gets in to the swing of things he starts to smile and enjoy him self. He loves to sit back and watch everybody do all the work and enjoys when the food is all finished. Everybody does like Pastry Brush, and Whisk tries to make him more enthusiastic and lively. Pastry Brush hates Mixing Bowl telling him what to do, he only wants to do what he likes. He prefers to spend most of his days asleep in the kitchen draw.

Measuring Jug

Measuring Jug is the big brains of the group, being very good with numbers. Her main role is to measure out liquid, but is happy to help when numbers are involved with the weighing scales or counting. To help her read these numbers she wears little round glasses. She is very patient unlike Mixing Bowl, and is caring and understanding with everyone. If anyone gets upset she is always there to bring a smile back on their face. Nothing seems to faze Measuring Jug and she always has a warming smile on her face, everyone gets along really well with her.

Whisk

Whisk is very energetic and raring to go. He has lots of energy and gets excited when it is nearly his turn to whisk the mixture. With his long legs his is very fast and gets the job done quickly. He loves to do tasks and works very hard, mind focused on the goal. If he is not doing anything at the time, he will spend it doing star jumps or run on the spot. Some times he gets so fidgety that he knocks over stuff or when running will slip on spilt mixture. When this happens he is very sorry, as he never meant to do it. Everyone understands and forgives him. He goes around with a big smile on his face and thinks everyone is brilliant. He always has fun and loves cooking.

beach photos

I recently went to Fornby beach, and took some photos of the sea and sand dunes. I also had a go at making a rough Sand Troll to see how difficult this may be to animate.

Script draft 1

This is my first draft of my Sand Troll script. It is too long at the moment, but I will be cutting it down soon.

scene 1. ext - Lighthouse - night

There is a tall red and white lighthouse, over looking the sea.

There is a stone path leading towards a wooden door.

The light at the top shines brightly across the dark sea and sky.

Along the beach is a stretch of golden sand and calm blue sea. As well as sand dunes and patches of grass.

sfx. sea.

Scene 2. int - top of lighthouse - night

At the top is a big glass dome, with red metal framing.

In the middle of this dome is a big light encased in a lenses, which turns slowly on the spot.

Outside the dome is a balcony and railing running round the edge.

A lighthouse keeper and his 6 year old daughter, SOPHIE, are working at the top of the lighthouse.

Sophie looks out across the shore, with her head and arms resting on the railing.

Her DAD is working in the background, making sure the light is working.

As Sophie is looking out, she sees something move in the shadows out from the sand dunes.

Sophie

(confused)

"Dad?...Dad?!"

She runs over and tugs at his coat.

SOPHIE

"There's something weird moving out there."

Sophie points out the window. Her Dad keeps working.

dad

"What did it look like?"

SOPHIE

"Nothing I've ever seen before, it almost looked like it was made from sand. And it was very big... bigger than you."

The Dad stops what he's doing and looks down on Sophie.

DAD

"That to me sounds like the Sand Troll"

SOPHIE

(Confused)

"Sand Troll?"

DAD

"Yes..."

Scene 3. int - child's imagination

Everything turns in to a silhouette, dark shadows on bright background.

A dark sandy beach on a faded lit backdrop.

DAD

"...Legends say that along these beaches lives a huge sand-like monster, who wanders the beaches mysteriously. Its hair is sharp and its eyes are small and black. It is very rarely seen but when people have seen it they say it looks like it is collecting things that have been washed up."

SOPHIE

"What for?"

DAD

"Nobody knows. People who have tried to find out have disappeared along with the treasures."

Scene 4. int - top of lighthouse- night

Back in the room Sophie looks out to the beach, thinking about the Sand Troll.

DAD

"Now off to bed"

The Dad goes back to his work.

DAD

"It's late enough as it is."

Sophie sighs and makes her way to the door.

SOPHIE

"Night"

Scene 5. ext - On the beach - day

Night turns to day.

Even though its sunny there is a cold Autumn breeze coming from the sea.

The front door of the lighthouse opens and Sophie steps out in her wellies and duffel coat.

SOPHIE

"Time to find that Sand Troll!"

She looks around the beach and spots a green glass bottle.

She goes over and picks it up, Sophie inspects it with great interests and notices the bottle is empty, and smiles.

She reaches round her neck and takes off her shell necklace and places it in the glass bottle.

She then looks around for a good spot where she can set the bottle and hide nearby.

A couple of hundred feet she sees two grassy mounds of sand and runs towards them. 

She walks on top of the larger mound and places the bottle on the sand.

She hastily gets up and rushes to the nearby mound, and lies down behind some long grass and waits.

Sophie waits so long that she falls asleep.

sfx. sea

She wakes up startled, and jumps up to her feet and panics as the water surrounds the mound. 

Sophie searches to find a  way off the mound, but the current of the water is violent.

She starts to panic and cries for help, but knows there is no one nearby.

A shape starts to rise out of the sand.

Sophie is fixated, slightly afraid of what's forming.

The mound begins to morph in to the SAND TROLL.

A big stature of a man, with a fat head. Long spiky grass starts to grow from his head. Eyes appear, like shiny black pebbles.

Sophie sees this huge creature and starts to panic even more.

The Sand Troll slowly makes its way towards her and wades through the sea.

Sophie, scared, places her hands over her face and crouches down.

When the Sand Troll reaches her he picks her up with care, in to his arms.

The Sand Troll carries her back to the shore and places her down softly on the ground.

Sophie stares back amazed and speechless, as her fear starts to disappear.

Montage of music starts.

The Sand Troll casually pokes Sophie in the shoulder, and look away.

Sophie is shocked and then smiles and reaches out to poke him.

The Sand Troll dodges out of the way.

Sophie laughs and tries again, running at him.

They begin to chase each other, running up and down the beach.

The Sand Troll chases after her, catches her and picks her up swinging her in the air while she laughs.

The Sand Troll and Sophie crouch down and look into a rock pool.

The Sand Troll points out a fish at the bottom.

The fish swims and twirls, and waves his tail at Sophie.

Sophie gasps and points at the fish, and grins at the Sand Troll.

The Sand Troll and Sophie are strolling down the beach.

Sophie spots a pretty shell and picks it.

She runs back with it in her hands and gives it to the Sand Troll.

In his hand, he begins to stroke it and it starts to move.

Sophie amazed, watches the shell form legs and two beady eyes, resembling a crab.

The Sand Troll passes the crab back to Sophie, who carefully holds it in her palm.

She turns around and notices some of the shells on the beach start to move.

Sophie begins to make a sand castle, with a little help from the Sand Troll.

The crab shuffles along at the side.

Sophie adds the last detail of a twig stuck on top.

The Sand Castle has a drift wood door and pebbles for windows.

The roof has a sand wall running all the way around the top.

Sophie picks the crab up and places it on the top of the castle.

Sophie is pleased with her work.

The Sand Troll takes her hand and leads her along the beach.

Sophie is curious to where she is taken next.

At the end of the beach is a tall cliff face worn away by the tide.

Along the cliff wall is a cave.

It is cut off by the sea.

Montage of music ends.

Sophie looks up at the Sand Troll confused, but the Sand Troll smiles back.

He lets go of Sophie's hand and places his hands on the ground.

In front of them a bridge of sand forms over the sea to the cave entrance.

Sophie is shocked and amazed, looking back at the Sand Troll and back to the bridge.

The Sand Troll takes her hand and guides her across the bridge and in to the cave.

scene 6. int - cave - day

The cave is big and filled with stalactites on the floor and stalagmites on the ceiling. 

Dotted around are odd and beautiful washed up items from an old boot to a golden goblet.

As they walk in Sophie looks around amazed at the cave and the items.

SOPHIE

'Wow!'

Sophie looks back at the Sand Troll, who is smiling down at her.

Sophie looks back around, mouth open smiling.

Something catches her eye.

It is a gold compass.

Sophie runs over to it and stares at its beauty.

The Sand Troll walks over, looks at the compass and then at Sophie, who is still staring at the compass.

The Sand Troll reaches over, picks it up and hands it over to Sophie.

Sophie examines the compass, admiring it.

The compass has a golden back and needle.

The initials C.E are etched on the back

She looks up at the Sand Troll taken aback.

SOPHIE

(happy)

'Really?'

The Sand Troll nods his head.

Sophie smiles, holding the compass close.

dad

(faintly)

'Sophie?'

Sophie turns her head and waits quietly.

DAD

(faintly)

'Sooophie?'

Sophie runs outside across the bridge and looks round for her Dad.

The sky is a pinky-blue.

DAD

(worried)

'Sophie, where are you?'

Sophie turns her head and spots her Dad, runs towards and hugs him.

SOPHIE

"Dad! Today has been great!"

DAD

"I was starting to worry about you. You've been gone for a very long time... What's that you've found?"

Sophie shows him the compass, grinning.

SOPHIE

"It's a compass! The Sand Troll gave me."

DAD

"Sand Troll?"

Sophie hands the compass to her Dad, who examines it confused.

SOPHIE

"I came out to find the Sand Troll, but then I got caught by the tide and it saved me and we played together and-"

The Dad recognises the initials on the back of the compass.

He crouches down to her level and gives her back the compass.

DAD

(playing along)

'Ahh so this is one of the Sand Troll items.'

SOPHIE

(excited)

'Yeah, yeah! He has a magical cave and everything.'

Dad nodds his head.

DAD

'You are very lucky. Now it's time to go home. Say bye bye to the Sand Troll.'

Sophie quickly turns around and is dissapointed to see him not there.

The Dad picks up Sophie.

Sophie sulks, but as she looks over her Dad's shoulder as he carries her away, she sees the Sand Troll head merge out of the sand, and smiles and waves.

Sophie smiles and waves back.

Missed by Sophie, inside the cave, hanging on a stalactite is her shell necklace.

Sand Animation Research

Animating sand will be tricky, so I've had a look at some videos on how to make sand sculptures and methods of animating sand, that I may wish to use for my 3 minute.

I also found a making of this animation. In it, she looks like she uses foam to bulk out the Sand figure.

I thought about other ways of animating sand. Like doing it on a multi plane.

character research development

I want to start developing my charcaters. At the moment they are a baking tool with arms and legs. I've decided that I want them to look even more alive and likeable by giving them a face as well.

These are some kitchen utensils that I want to base my baking tools face on.

I think that the one thing I liked the most is wrigley extra characters, taking something that should be stationary and lifeless, in to something with arms and legs and face, creating a appealing character.

Inspiration

A sand video that I really like. Similar style I want for my Sand Troll.