Coursework preliminary exercise

 Initial tasks: planning

1) Write a 100 word statement of intent explaining what you are going to make for your preliminary exercise.

In a gym setting, a young woman, ready to begin her workout, faces a choice between Pepsi and an Innocent drink. Initially, she opts for Pepsi, hoping it will boost her energy. After drinking it, she feels no real difference in her energy levels, leaving her frustrated. She then switches to the Innocent drink and almost immediately experiences a surge of natural energy. This revitalizes her, enabling her to train harder and perform better. The advert will contrast the two drinks, highlighting the immediate and lasting positive effects of choosing the healthier Innocent option over Pepsi.

2) Write a script for your preliminary exercise on your blog. This needs to include stage directions AND dialogue. To see how a TV drama script is presented, and to look at professional examples, check out the BBC Writers' Room and click on Script Library. These will not be advert scripts but the layout will be the same.

Title: The Decision

INT. GYM - DAY

A large, modern gym. Bright lights illuminate the room. We hear the clanging of weights the whirring of treadmills, and faint pop music playing in the background. A YOUNG WOMAN (early 20s, athletic) enters, wearing workout gear, with a focused expression on her face. She walks over to her gym bag, opens it, and pulls out two drinks: a can of PEPSI and a bottle of INNOCENT SMOOTHIE. She hesitates, looking at both choices.

YOUNG WOMAN

(sighs)  

Which one?

She looks around the gym, noticing other gym-goers sipping their energy drinks and water bottles. She examines the Pepsi can with a thoughtful expression, her lips pressed into a line.

YOUNG WOMAN 

(smiling)  

Pepsi should give me a kick, right?

She opens the Pepsi can with a fizz sound and takes a big gulp. She waits a moment, eyes scanning the gym. No change. She looks at the can, confused.

YOUNG WOMAN

(disappointed)  

Hmm. Nothing.

She takes another sip, hoping for a boost, but still no difference. Her expression turns to frustration. She eyes the Innocent bottle, almost begrudgingly.

YOUNG WOMAN  

(sighs)  

Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.

She opens the Innocent drink, takes a sip. Instantly, her eyes widen with surprise. She feels an energy surge through her. She grins.

YOUNG WOMAN 

(excited)  

Whoa! That’s more like it!

She quickly puts the drink down and heads to the treadmill, where she starts running with renewed energy. Her pace increases, and she’s now full of energy, smiling as she works out.

---

EXT. CENTRAL LONDON - DAY

We’re in a busy street in Central London. People rush around, the sound of traffic and voices filling the air. A GIRL (late teens, casual outfit) is walking slowly, clearly exhausted. She stops to catch her breath, looking worn out. She sits on a bench, pulls out her phone, then searches her bag for something.

GIRL

(tired)  

I need a break...

As she rummages through her bag, she suddenly pulls out an INNOCENT SMOOTHIE with a surprised look on her face.

GIRL

(surprised)  

Oh! Forgot I had this.

She opens the bottle, takes a sip, and her eyes light up. Instantly, her mood shifts. She stands up, smiling. Her body language transforms from tired to lively, and she begins to dance subtly to the music in her headphones.

GIRL 

(happily)  

This is amazing!

The scene cuts to different locations around London as she dances her way through the city—by the London Eye, the Thames River, and even in front of a red telephone box. People notice her positive energy, some smiling and tapping their feet.

---

EXT. COVENT GARDEN - DAY

She ends up in Covent Garden, still dancing. A passer-by notices her energy and smiles.

PASSERBY

(laughing)  

Where can I get some of that?

The girl flashes him a grin, raising the bottle.

GIRL

(cheerfully)  

It’s all in the drink!

She dances away as the camera pans out, showing the vibrant energy of London, with the girl blending into the city’s lively rhythm. 

Fade out

 END.

3) Casting: Who will be in your preliminary exercise advert?

tala

dania  

rubana 

hala 

maria

4) Plan your locations: Where you will film your preliminary exercise? (You can film off-site if you wish to do this for homework - this is what we would strongly recommend). Important note: You CANNOT take any students out of any other lessons OR disturb any other lessons in the school. If you wish to film in-school then you will need to film with Mr Ray supervising or after school with a Media teacher present. 

random park , at the school gym and central London

5) Write your shot list: every shot you plan to film. This needs to be far MORE shots than you will actually use in the final edited version - plan extra angles, close-ups, long shots and more. You can find an example shot list here. This is for a narrative film but the layout will be the same. 

Over the shoulder (OTS) of Anthony hitting pads from behind trainer.