The document discusses ideas that were considered and discarded for a student thriller film project about identity fraud. Originally, the group wanted to do a psychological thriller but found it too complex given their limited resources. They considered doing an action thriller but felt it would not fit the thriller genre conventions well. They ultimately chose to do a crime thriller, as crime is a broad subject that appeals to many audiences, especially their target teenage audience. Some example crime thriller films are discussed, and some initial crime ideas that were discarded are outlined.

1. IDEAS WE CHOSE &
DISCARDED
After choosing to a thriller with the
theme resolving around identity fraud
there were many old ideas we analysed
to why we didn’t want them.

2. Originally we were going to pick the sub-genre of
PSYCHOLOGICAL. However, after analysing an opening and
looking into the narratives- we found it was just too difficult to create
with what we had. In order to make a psychological thriller work
there has to be many complex conventions which we wouldn’t have
been able to create and still be a successful opening. As we had
no/little money to produce with, limited locations, props and
actors/actresses. Yet, we were still interested in making a
psychological thriller, but after more research we found it wouldn’t
be as effective. For our target audience, which is teenagers – they
generally enjoy other sub-genres more. Also, the actors/actresses in
psychological are more older adults and we were limited to using our
own age group, so another sub-genre will appeal more to our target
audience.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
SUB-GENRES WE
CONSIDERED

3. ACTION
Action films are very popular amongst our chosen target
audience, mainly due to the dominating super-hero
franchises. Therefore, we considered adding this into our
production. However, after thinking about ideas and
conventions it was evident it was too difficult. Our genre
was thriller, but if we added a sub-genre of action it may
have swerved off of the thriller genre, abandoning it. When
creating a opening of a thriller action, the main event is
typically the action side. This is because that is what
attracts the audience. By doing an action opening we
wouldn’t have many of the conventions we had learn about
during research, so audiences wouldn’t be able to relate it
easily to a thriller.

4. WHY WE CHOSE CRIME
We decided to chose crime as our sub-genre. We did this
because crime is a very wide subject and appeals to most
audiences- specifically ours. So, by picking this our plot we
could resolve it around many scenarios. Due to our target
audience mainly watching action films, by having crime as the
sub-genre that would be involved in the rest of the film.
Although we couldn’t have action as the main sub-genre as it
doesn’t work as the opening for a thriller, it can be in the rest
of the film if crime is the sub-genre. Such as chase sequences
for money or running away from authority figures.

5. EXAMPLES OF CRIME
THRILLERS
Pulp Fiction – 1994
“ The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of
violence and redemption.” ( 1 Oscar )
The Departed – 2006
“ An undercover state cop who has infiltrated an Irish gang and a mole in the police force working for the same mob
race to track down and identify each other before being exposed to the enemy, after both sides realize their outfit has
a rat.” ( 4 Oscars )
Prisoners – 2013
“When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue
multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?” ( 1
Oscar)
The Usual Suspects – 1995
“A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat, which begin when five
criminals meet at a seemingly random police line-up.” ( 2 Oscars )

6. DISCARDED CRIME IDEAS
1. Crime Chase – Running away from antagonist
( E.g. Silence of the Lambs )
- This was our original ideas which was influenced by our preliminary task, but with an added flashback.
- We decided against this idea as after a discussion it would be too stereotypical and too hard to highlight a
main narrative out of.
- However, this opening would be easily recognised by being a thriller, so a chase of some sort may be used in
our final production.
2. Finding Antagonist’s Clues – Main character being in danger
- Too weak to build tension – Dialogue is not valued in a thriller
- Would give too much of the narrative away at the start, as the audience would know who was the antagonist is
from the start and there plans
3. Point of View From Dead Person – Describing their death
- Would be interesting, but more psychological
- Hard to add thriller conventions
- More of a horror genre
- Better for older audiences