Stranded in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, a man sets in motion an unlikely plan to protect the precious cargo; his infant daughter. The storyline is very effective as we normally don't see babies and zombies put together in films, but here it is done very well. The fathers tactics to ensure that his daughter will be safe is very clever and heartwarming. The storyline is very unusual but works really well. The plot is a simple equilibrium, then something dramatic happens (disequilibrium) and then is left to a new equilibrium at the end. This theory process was brought upon by Todorov creating a convention for short films where any potentially opposing forces are in balance. I want to try and keep this convention so it helps my short film become more recognisable making people want to watch it and to be engaged within the storyline. However, I don't want it too similar as i feel that it would make by short film too basic.
Firstly, looking at the camera work and the use of different shots and angles that we can see that it is at a very high level making it look very professional. There are several close ups used, for instance, at the very beginning there is a close up of a wound on someones arm helping establish that they have been involved in some sort of car accident. After establishing that his wife/girlfriend has turned into a zombie, we have another important close up of a bite mark on his (the fathers) arm, this is dramatic irony creating a tense and dramatic atmosphere as we know that because he has been bitten by a zombie, he will eventually turn into a zombie. These close ups are bitterly important as they help the audience discover a crucial aspect of the short film. Furthermore, there is also a meaningful shot that starts with a shot of the mans face to then slightly zoom out to reveal him holding a baby who begins crying. Here the cargo is the baby because she is so precious, this zoom out shot reveals the baby for the first time creating a big impact on the audience as babies and zombies are not typically or usually put together in the same genre/film. Also, we can see that there is a use of a shallow focus when the baby is holding the map and looks up at her father who is out of focus and blurred, but we can just about make out that he is staring into the distance. The shallow focus shot emphasises on the baby looking up at her father, which creates a sense of innocence and fear we feel for the baby. More toward the end there is a similar shot but a racking focus shot when the baby makes a noise and the father turns around, just as it focuses on him it reveals his eyes that appear to be white making it obvious that he has turned into a zombie. This shot almost makes the audience 'gasp' as it is very dramatic and sympathetic when it reveals him as a zombie with his daughter behind him on his back. Lastly, there is a wide angle shot towards the end just before he gets shot. This shots is almost like taking a last breath and the use of the wide shot revealing the scenery and the balloon he has, it brings together a sense of sadness and empathy.
On the other hand, the characters involved we can see stick with the conventions of short films, for instance, there is only two main characters, the father and baby, and then other small characters that helps establish the storyline, for example, the mother seen right at the beginning. This small cast would have helped keep the budget very low and also helps keep the plot and storyline simple and not confusing.
Secondly, both diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used within 'Cargo' helping with it's professional look. In 'Cargo' there is tense music that would have perhaps been composed to fit the short film, for instance, the music builds up and up when the man is fighting trying to escape from the car with the zombie trying to attack him. This music helps set the mood and atmosphere as without it, it would sound rather boring. The music suddenly stops when he finally escapes from the car, this is done as if to let the audience know that he is safe and free from the zombie. In this example of non-diegetic sound the music sets the mood and is very essential in order to keep any film looking professional and realistic. On the other hand, diegetic sound was also used, for example, the baby's cry, the zombie noises, and the sound of blowing up the balloon. These diegetic sounds may have been recorded separately or with a sound boom whilst filming. Diegetic sounds are a must when making any kind of films as it is just natural to hear them, unless it is a silent film. The sounds of the baby's cry and the zombie noises bring a sense of realism to the short film. Therefore, when filming and editing my short film I will ensure that I will definitely use both non-diegetic and diegetic sounds to help my short film to look professional and realistic. Furthermore, in my short film I am also going to be having a voiceover of a young girl. To ensure that it will sound professional and clear, I am going to record her voice on my iPhone 6 as to me it is the best equipment I have available.
Thirdly, although it may not be noticeable but lighting is essential when filmmaking. Through experience of filmmaking whilst being on set for a feature length film (On A Prayer) and a short film (The Marauders)I have noticed that lighting is used in almost every scene, even then when lighting is not used, the natural light is (to create shadows). it is hard to tell what lighting they have used as we are not able to see what is going on behind the scenes. However, from what I have learnt from Darron S Cook and experience from being on set, I have realised that the more light the better (unless a dark set is the aim) as it brings out the colours more, especially in peoples faces. As it being quite difficult to find the equipment to create this lighting effect I will try by best with the natural light resources I have got to ensure my short film looks as professional as can be.
When you watch a film or short film you don't realise how much effort goes into it, for instance, you don't realise that the producers, directors... etc, would have had discussions and/or meetings about the costumes, props, location...etc. The location would have been picked to suit the storyline and the costumes and props would've been allocated to them and the actors might have been asked to bring specific things. In my short film, I will have in mind of what I want my actors to wear and I will inform them with further notice of what I want them to wear/bring to help bring my thoughts and creations to life.
lastly, editing is the last stage of filmmaking. In 'Cargo' it is mainly jump cuts that are used, however, there is also uses of blurs. For instance, at the beginning when the father is waking up after the accident the blur is used to imply he is waking up and it is to show his eyes adjusting to the light. In this case, I will intend to use mostly jump cuts as it appears to be the most easiest and professional option, as I do want to do all that I can to ensure that my short film will look as professional as it can.
