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| From L to R: Davidson (Lee Davidson), Stretzel (James Richardson), Yung (Richard Young), Caprivi (Me), Zubasu (Zubin Parekh), Thug #1 (Nicholas Ashurst) |
In crafting the characters that would populate our opening sequence, we drew inspiration from several sources, predominantly in the action thriller genre. The central character of Agent Davidson was based on similar characters in films and televsion shows such as James Bond and 24, while the supporting characters had several influences in the world of cinema.
The way in which the characters were introduced in our opening sequence was fundamental in the success of it. Each of them has a deliberate entrance that is evocative of that character's nature and either conforms to or subverts the audience's expectations of said character. The first characters to be introduced are Stretzel, who emerges from the train in the background before quickly dissapearing, followed by Davidson, who steps into view in the foreground to show his importance in the sequence. This distinctive entrance, all in one shot, presents the 'cat and mouse' chase that is to follow. The following shot, however, is our first proper look at the protagonist, with his face fully visible in what we have dubbed 'the escalator shot'. This static shot is rather conventional, showing Davidson in a somewhat casual state, despite the nature of his objective, while the shot of Davidson emerging from the subway, showing his confusion as to the location of his target, is what can be deemed as his final introductory shot, as the audience is now provided all the necessary information about him.
In contrast, Stretzel, throughout most of the sequence, is depicted in quick flashes that tease the audience about his character. He is only on screen for mere moments at a time, and the shot where he snatches the mysterious bag from the floor is an example of our intention to make the audience query what his intentions are. The initial shot of Yung is strictly shown from behind, with the Trafalgar Square in the background, fully establishing the location, and the subsequent POV shot of Stretzel emerging from the crowd, gives Yung an almost omniscient status as he watches from above. The remaining characters in the sequence are given rather fleeting introductions, in keeping with the rapid pace of the sequence. Both Caprivi, and his stalker in the shadows are given mere moments on screen, while the thug at the end of the opening appears with little preparation for the audience or the character of Agent Davidson. Overall, we have crafted a wonderful cast of characters for our opening, each fulfilling their own role and being distinguishable from one another.
In contrast, Stretzel, throughout most of the sequence, is depicted in quick flashes that tease the audience about his character. He is only on screen for mere moments at a time, and the shot where he snatches the mysterious bag from the floor is an example of our intention to make the audience query what his intentions are. The initial shot of Yung is strictly shown from behind, with the Trafalgar Square in the background, fully establishing the location, and the subsequent POV shot of Stretzel emerging from the crowd, gives Yung an almost omniscient status as he watches from above. The remaining characters in the sequence are given rather fleeting introductions, in keeping with the rapid pace of the sequence. Both Caprivi, and his stalker in the shadows are given mere moments on screen, while the thug at the end of the opening appears with little preparation for the audience or the character of Agent Davidson. Overall, we have crafted a wonderful cast of characters for our opening, each fulfilling their own role and being distinguishable from one another.