This document provides a summary of a proposed documentary about Malcolm Bates, a lifelong enthusiast of radio controlled planes. The documentary would follow Malcolm through his daily routine of maintaining and flying his collection of planes. It would explore how the hobby has progressed since Malcolm was a young boy, the various planes in his collection, and the field where he enjoys flying them. The documentary aims to capture the peaceful and calming atmosphere of Malcolm's hobby through slow-paced shots. It would also include interviews with Malcolm about what first attracted him to the hobby and what keeps him interested after so many years.
1. Flying Solo
Written By
Will Sharp
Documenting the life long hobby of Malcolm Bates, a radio
controlled plane enthusiast.
An of sorts 'day in the life'.
2. 1
PRODUCTION DRAFT
100 Glebe Road, Cambridge, CB17TA
Telephone: 07772 892754
INT. WORKSHOP -1.
FADE IN:
(Nick Cave's Red Right Hand plays)
Opening shot in Malcolm's garage, a slow pan from right to
left showing a few of the more large and impressive planes
lined up, along with work-top tools e.t.c
MALCOLM (V/O)
" I think the hobby is for ...
People now" - Malcolm discusses the
type of people who take part, as
well as what he finds so appealing.
CUTS TO:
Interview, head on medium close up of Malcolm answering the
question. Sitting on his workshop stool with the planes
behind him
CUTS TO:
Close up of the mechanics of a opened up plane being
tinkered with, as well as shots like a cup of tea steaming
to set the sloe pace to match with the feeling.
(As the opening of the music comes
to an end and the question is
answered, end the loud chime at the
end of the song)
CUTS TO:
Cut quickly to a black title screen in perfect time with the
loud chiming signalling the end of the intro. The 'Flying
Solo' in white over the plain black background.
3. 2
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT - BACK GARDEN - MORNING2.
LONG SHOT -
A long duration and slow pan backwards away from the large
wooden doors of the garage/workshop with plants growing up
and around the doors. An overall feeling of peace and
calmness is reflected.
MALCOLM (V.O.)
- MALCOLM ANSWERS ABOUT WHEN HE FIRST GOT INTO THE HOBBY -
"I started when I was a young boy
with my father and brother around
the end of the second world war..."
CUTS TO:
The propellers of one of his WW2 spitfire's are slowly
spinning; sat on the outside table shot in slow motion
CUTS TO:
Full screen photographs are on screen with slight Ken Burns
effect. A few of the best and oldest photographs which are
relevant; each lasting around 3 seconds.
INT. WORKSHOP - DAY3.
Back to a medium long shot of Malcolm talking to camera as
an interview shot. Brightly lit although in this dim
workshop.
INTERVIEWER (O.S)
"How has the hobby progressed since
you started at a young age, and
what was your first plane which you
owned?"
4. 3
MALCOLM
"The hobby has changed massively.."
~ Malcolm talks about what things
where like when he first became
interested. ~
CUT TO:
Hand-held close up of some of the planes he owns, from the
old to the new illustrating what he is saying.
INTERVIEWER (O.S)
"And how many planes do you own?"
MALCOLM
(Lists different types V/O)
CUT TO:
Quick paced, varied distance shots showing all the different
types he talks about.
INTERVIEWER (O.S)
"And where do you fly them?"
MALCOLM
Begins talking about where through
to the next scene as a bridge (V/O)
CUTS TO:
EXT. COLDHAMS COMMON FIELD - MORNING4.
Long shot from behind of Malcolm flying whilst sitting in a
chair in the centre of a empty, large grassy field bridging
his response to this scene.
CUTS TO:
5. 4
Long grass, trees swaying in slow motion. Close ups of
wildlife. The cows in the field, birds e.t.c continuing the
peaceful feel.
CUTS TO:
INTERVIEWER (O.S)
"Why do you like flying so much?"
MALCOLM
"It's making your mind work outside
it's normal comfort-zone. I like
the peacefulness..."
CUT TO:
Various long duration long shots of the plane gliding slowly
through the air
CUTS TO:
Low angle shot from the front of Malcolm in concentration,
looking up and flying. Just the bright sky in the background
CUTS TO:
EXT. COLDHAMS COMMON FIELD - MORNING5.
Malcolm's sitting on his chair, preparing to leave packing
things up. This will be the location for the remainder of
the interview shots.
INTERVIEWER (O.S)
"What is it which keeps you flying
these planes throughout your life?
How has it stayed an interest all
this time?"
6. 5
(Nick Cave's Red Right Hand begins
to play again, signalling an end)
MALCOLM
"I think the reason I continue
doing this is..." (V/O)
Long shot of a plane slowly gliding, coming in to land on
the field as Malcolm's voice over answers the question.
CUT TO:
Head on medium shot of the plane coming into frame and
landing centre frame.