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TITLE: Let Go


LOGLINE: A poetic exploration of the fine line between holding on and letting go, where a simple balloon and string become metaphors for love, loss, and freedom.


SYNOPSIS: "Let Go" delves into the bittersweet truth of human relationships and memories. Through the symbolic use of a balloon and string, it portrays the duality of joy and pain. As the protagonist navigates the burden of holding on, they discover that true strength lies in letting go. The film combines raw, visceral imagery with an abstract yet universal narrative to emphasize self-realization and freedom.



 Inspirations and Conceptual Framework


The conceptual framework for Let Go draws from an interplay of artistic, psychological, and philosophical inspirations. By blending these influences, the film communicates the universal struggle of holding on too tightly to the past and the beauty of emotional release.


  1. Symbolism of Balloons and Strings:

Reference: The Red Balloon (1956) by Albert Lamorisse uses a balloon as a metaphor for childhood innocence and joy.

Interpretation in Let Go: The balloon represents hope, joy, and attachment. The string, while fragile, carries immense weight as it ties the protagonist to their past, memories, and emotional pain.

  1. Color Psychology:

Red: Represents intensity, love, and pain. It reflects the brutality of reality and the emotional wounds of holding on too tightly.

Yellow: Symbolizes fleeting happiness and optimism but also carries an undertone of fragility.

Reference: Films like Hereditary by Ari Aster utilize high-contrast color tones to evoke unease and emotional tension.

  1. Tarkovsky’s Poetics:

Tarkovsky's films (Mirror, The Sacrifice) are known for their meditative pacing, abstract narrative, and deep emotional resonance.

Application in Let Go: The use of everyday objects (balloon, string, band) to symbolize larger emotional and philosophical concepts mirrors Tarkovsky’s approach to storytelling.

  1. Contrast and Juxtaposition:

Inspired by Wes Anderson’s playful contrasts, where upbeat music underscores tragic or poignant scenes, Let Go uses a lighthearted tune to explore darker themes, creating a sense of irony and emotional depth.


[Philosophical Inspirations.]


POEM:


If only I could reach the past,

Those gone yet remembered. 


Memories, fragile like a string, 

Sewn in the delicacy of my heart. 


Some opened gifts, 

When I opened my wrists.


 Meant to fly, Left me to cry.

 But even when I was alone, I met myself.


Rumi’s Poetry:

Rumi often explores themes of letting go, self-discovery, and spiritual liberation.

Application in Let Go: The act of releasing the balloon is akin to Rumi’s concept of freeing oneself from earthly attachments to find inner peace.


Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence:

Nietzsche's philosophy suggests embracing life’s transient nature and finding joy in impermanence.

Interpretation: The cyclical nature of letting go and rediscovering oneself is woven throughout the film’s narrative.


Impact On Audience:


The film aims to leave a lasting emotional impression on the audience by encouraging them to introspect and reevaluate their own attachments. The universal themes resonate with viewers at different stages of life, urging them to:

  • Embrace change and the beauty of impermanence.

  • Reflect on their emotional burdens and recognize the power of release.

  • Find solace in the idea that letting go is not a loss but a path to self-discovery and liberation.

The visual storytelling, combined with the poetic narrative, ensures the film engages both the heart and the mind, leaving viewers inspired and thoughtful.


Start of project and conclusion of project. Is there any hook for the audience within this project?


Start: The opening frames feature a tree obstructing the protagonist's view, symbolizing the emotional and mental barriers created by attachment. This sets the stage for a journey of self-realization.

Hook:

The film introduces the balloon as a seemingly joyful object, only to reveal its dual nature as a source of emotional pain.

The close-up of the string cutting into the hand is a poignant visual metaphor, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention and prompting them to question the nature of attachment.

Conclusion: The film ends with the balloon being released into the sky, and the protagonist sitting under an open, unobstructed sky. This visual signifies liberation and self-reliance, leaving the audience with a sense of emotional clarity and closure.



SHOT LIST


Shot 1:

Type: Wide shot.

Description: The protagonist stands under a dimly lit tree on Mall Road. The branches obscure the background lights of the street.

Lighting: Godox LC500 RGB rod in warm yellow tone to mimic natural street lighting.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, static frame.

Mood: Restrained and introspective.

Shot 2:

Type: Close-up.

Description: Focus on the protagonist’s face as they tie the red band around their eyes. Streetlights blur softly in the background (bokeh effect).

Lighting: A slight red hue from the RGB rod, casting an emotional undertone.

Camera Setup: Manual focus, tripod-mounted.

Shot 3:

Type: Medium shot.

Description: The protagonist holds a red balloon, its string tied tightly around their wrist. Streetlights and passing vehicles create a dynamic backdrop.

Lighting: A soft yellow and red mix from the Godox rod, highlighting the balloon.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, shallow depth of field for a dreamy effect.

Shot 4:

Type: Close-up.

Description: The string tightens, leaving faint marks on the protagonist’s hand.

Lighting: Focused red light from the rod to emphasize the tension in the string.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, low-angle shot to add intensity.

Shot 5:

Type: Tracking shot (manual pan).

Description: The protagonist tugs at the string, pulling the balloon closer, struggling as the string cuts into their hand.

Lighting: Pulsating red tones to symbolize emotional turmoil.

Camera Setup: RGB rod handheld for dynamic lighting shifts; the camera remains on a tripod with manual pan.

Shot 6:

Type: Medium close-up.

Description: The protagonist’s hand visibly shakes as they contemplate letting go.

Lighting: Gradual dimming of the yellow tone, leaving the scene bathed in red.

Camera Setup: Fixed tripod.

Shot 7:

Type: Wide shot.

Description: The protagonist releases the balloon. It ascends slowly, disappearing into the dark night sky over Mall Road.

Lighting: A blend of warm yellow and cool blue from the RGB rod, capturing both warmth and liberation.

Camera Setup: Static shot from a low angle to emphasize the balloon’s ascent.

Shot 8:

Type: Close-up.

Description: The protagonist’s face as they remove the blindfold. A faint smile forms, reflecting a sense of relief.

Lighting: A soft neutral light (mix of yellow and white) from the rod, symbolizing clarity.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, centered frame.

Shot 9:

Type: Wide shot.

Description: The protagonist sits on a bench, staring into the vast openness of Mall Road. Vehicles and dim streetlights create a subtle backdrop.

Lighting: Natural streetlights with a faint red highlight from the RGB rod to add warmth.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, static frame.

Shot 10:

Type: Extreme close-up.

Description: The protagonist’s hand, now free of the string, resting calmly on their lap.

Lighting: Neutral tones with soft shadows from the RGB rod.

Camera Setup: Tripod-mounted, macro focus.


EQUIPMENT USED:

  • SONY a6400 and shot on slog2 for better color grading.

  • Tripod

  • Godox LC500 RGB rod light




EDITED ON: Davinci Resolve

SOUND DESIGN: 

I sourced sounds and music from epidemic and youtube.

  • Opening Song: A playful, upbeat tune with dark undertones to juxtapose joy and pain.

  • Ambient Sounds: Subtle wind rustling, emphasizing freedom.

  • Closing Note: A single, deep piano chord to signify the protagonist’s realization.


Budget Sheet

Item

Details

Cost (PKR)

Props

Balloon, string, blindfold

500

Transportation

Fuel for crew and gear

1,500

Crew Meals/Snacks

For 3 people

500

Miscellaneous

Contingency, backup items

1,000

Total


3500




Shooting Schedule

Date

Location

Time

Scene Description

Equipment Used

2 Nov 2024

Mall Road, Lahore

9:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Entire film (symbolic balloon sequence, blindfold loops)

Sony A6400, Sigma 30mm, Godox LC500 RGB, tripod


Production Period

  • Pre-Production: 20 October – 31 October 2024

  • Production/Shoot Day: 2 November 2024

  • Post-Production: 3 – 6 November 2024

  • Final Cut Submission: 7 November 2024


Roll & Pack-Up Schedule

Time

Task

8:30 PM

Equipment setup & light test

9:00 PM

Shooting begins

10:30 PM

Final takes & backup shots

11:00 PM

Pack-up begins

11:30 PM

Complete wrap-up


THEMES:

  • The burden of clinging to the past.

  • The dual nature of joy and pain.

  • Self-discovery and emotional liberation.

  • The transformative power of letting go.


Bibliography / References

Inspiration & Aesthetic:

The Red Balloon (1956) by Albert Lamorisse

Tarkovsky’s Mirror (1975) – symbolic visual storytelling

Hereditary by Ari Aster – psychological tension via color

Sans Soleil by Chris Marker – poetic reflection on memory

Technical Tutorials:

DaVinci Resolve tutorials (Color Grading & Halation effects) – YouTube: Cinecom.net, PremiumBeat

VFX/Motion Tracking – YouTube: Surfaced Studio, Casey Faris

Soundtrack Design:

Epidemic Sound – ambient textures for emotional tone





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