Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1109293
Imagine this is happening outside your window. This is the premise Rupert would put to every department head as they joined the project. He would go on to describe the storytelling style as a hyper-narrative, a term used to describe works with a branching structure where the viewer makes choices between multiple characters and sequential plot paths that ultimately form one story. Not your typical story structure. Not an outright science fiction film. An action-driven script layered with sociological depths on par with more political dramas. Rupert was determined to keep the story and the characters moving throughout. Employing handheld cameras and quick cutting, everything would play out on street level. The camera would either be leading or following the heroes through this desperate world. The texture of actual locations was wanted. No sets were to be built on stage. A. THE CLOSED ZONE SIGNAGE. GRAPHICS LAYOUT BY KAREN SORI. B. THE PHOENIX ICON GRAFFITI. SYMBOL OF FREEDOM. GRAPHICS LAYOUT BY KAREN SORI. C. DISCARDED VEHICLES IN ABANDONED LAKESHORE LOT. CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION BY JOANNA BUSH. D. WICKER PARK AFTERMATH. CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION BY KATE EMERY. E. THE CLOSED ZONE. CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION BY JOANNA BUSH. F. PIRATE RADIO STATION. SET LOCATION PHOTO BY DOUGLAS MOWAT. B I highlighted words and phrases from the script: moving, running, clamoring, chasing, tracking, he weaves thru a maze, he runs on, hidden, underground, trains, cars, stairwells, hallways, elevators, tunnels, shortcuts, alleys, streets, fire escapes and rooftops. The characters rarely pause in one place. The linear footage of locations was to be extensive. Rupert and intrepid producer David Crockett set out to pitch the project to various studios. Within days, Participant Media had championed the endeavor. And with that news, I packed my bags and headed for the Windy City. A Future Stripped of the Present It was the fall of 2016 when I arrived in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois, to start scouting. The leaves on the trees were turning and there was a frosty chill in the air. Early forecasts were predicting a harsh winter. Temperatures were to drop below freezing and a heavy snowfall could be expected. It's exactly the look needed for the film! C A