Power & Way
The tone of Power & Way is introspective, melancholic, yet warm and tinged with dry humor, capturing the bittersweet essence of small-town life and the quiet struggles of its characters. Set against the backdrop of a forgotten train town, the film's mood reflects Frank's internal battles—past mistakes, strained family ties, and an unresolved relationship with his son Kevin. I hope to bring warmth to the story, balancing the film's various themes, while taking the audience for a ride filled with intrigue and mystery, I will create a tone that is both realistic and hopeful, showcasing life’s imperfections with empathy and subtle optimism, qualities which will further be elevated by a vulnerable and charismatic portrayal of Frank. |
THE TOWN
In Power & Way, the town, functions as much more than a backdrop; it is a character in its own right, shaping the lives, relationships, and mindsets of those who live there. Small, rundown, the town has a gritty charm and stubborn resilience that mirrors the life of Frank. The town’s aging infrastructure—dilapidated buildings, creaky old homes, and worn-out establishments like the diner and local coffee bar—reflects the lives of its inhabitants, who are tough, quirky, and a bit broken.
The town's character is woven into the story through its physical presence and its influence on the characters’ routines, relationships, and sense of identity. It's is a place where everyone knows each other’s business, for better or worse, creating a communal sense of family that’s comforting yet confining. For Frank, the town represents both stagnation and home—a place where he grapples with past regrets, complex relationships, and small, everyday interactions that provide moments of humor, warmth, and friction. In this way, it's not just a setting but a living, breathing presence that shapes the story’s mood and tone, reflecting the film’s themes of resilience, nostalgia, and finding meaning in the seemingly ordinary.
Moments That will remain with the audience...
THE CHARACTERS
(Images for reference only)
Characters rooted in reality and deeply relatable often carry a unique authenticity that makes audiences see reflections of themselves. These characters are typically flawed, resilient, and shaped by real-life challenges, whether they’re dealing with family struggles, financial hardships, or inner doubts. Their relatability comes from their ordinary desires and quiet struggles: they seek love, acceptance, purpose, or stability, but they do so with imperfect judgment, facing setbacks, disappointments, and small triumphs along the way. Frank, Kevin, Tom and even Hollis have nuanced personalities, balancing moments of vulnerability with humor, frustration, and even stubbornness, which feels true to human nature. Their lives may not be glamorous, but their depth, resilience, and capacity for growth resonate, allowing audiences to form a personal connection and root for them as if they were real people rather than fictional creations.
THE TRAIN DERAILMENT...
The train derailment is symbolic and the catalyst for so much that unfolds in the story. It will be a powerful, visceral moment that uses dynamic camera angles, sound design, and pacing to create suspense and intensity. The moment Kevin gives the go-ahead, to have the passenger train continue down the tracks, He locks eyes with a young boy, looking at him from a passenger compartment up above, he watches the boy as the train gains momentum and moves away..,unaware what is about to be unleashed.
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MY APPROACH TO CREATING A POWERFUL
TRAIN DERAILMENT ON SCREEN
I plan to use a blend of miniatures, visual effects, and practical shots to create a scene that feels both real and heightened, adding layers of detail and authenticity that fully immerse the viewer.
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THE LIGHTING
The lighting is understated and naturalistic, reinforcing the film’s grounded, realistic tone. By using soft, diffused lighting to enhance the atmosphere of the small-town setting, we often will bathe scenes in muted grays and blues to reflect the melancholy of Frank’s life.