INNOVATION & INTERFERENCE // task002

 PRODUCTION PACK

TITLE : SPOTLIGHT

DIRECTED BY : SABOOR AKRAM

MOTIVATION / IDEATION

"Spotlight" was born from a deeply personal reflection on fear, self-doubt, and the overwhelming noise of social judgment. Drawing from my own experience of battling internalized shame and isolation, the film centers on the idea of reclaiming the imaginary spotlight we all long for—but are too afraid to step into. I used movement as a form of catharsis, inspired by a self-authored poem, and shot the entire piece in the intimate space of my bathroom. The minimalism and vulnerability of that space became symbolic of inner confrontation. The idea draws on the freedom and chaos of Joaquin Phoenix's Joker bathroom scene, interpreted here through an introspective, humanistic lens.

POEM

Shrouded in fear,

Fingers pointed,

Words thrown as knives,

But i chose to close my eyes,

Hum to the melody,

And move, move freely.

A world of hate,

So befriended myself before it wasn’t late.

Black and white is the reality,

But it’s my dreams and visions, that bring the colors, slow, and happily.

RESEARCH

My approach was informed by studies on contemporary and experimental dance, specifically how improvisation can embody emotional states. Key references include the improvisational styles of Pina Bausch and the emotional narratives in Maya Deren’s experimental film work. I also explored psychological literature on body-memory and trauma, noting how movement can serve as a language when words fail. The influence of the Joker bathroom scene gave cinematic guidance: a personal breakdown becoming a ritual of rebirth. Sound-wise, The Lumineers’ song Ophelia provided lyrical inspiration, conveying themes of emotional chaos and freedom.

ABSTRACT

Spotlight is an experimental video dance composition that expresses the journey from fear and external judgment to inner liberation through movement. Created in a confined, domestic space, the film juxtaposes fragility and strength, darkness and light, silence and song, culminating in a visual and emotional crescendo that encourages the viewer to embrace vulnerability as power.

LOGLINE

A young soul confronts fear and self-doubt through solitary dance beneath an imagined spotlight, finding catharsis in movement.

SYNOPSIS

Set entirely within the small confines of a bathroom, Spotlight follows a solitary figure navigating a personal emotional landscape. What begins in stillness—echoing fear and judgment—slowly evolves into liberating movement. The subject closes their eyes, tunes into the music, and allows their body to respond. The viewer is taken on a visceral journey of trembling fingers, sharp glances, and ultimately, expressive, fluid gestures. This isn’t performance—it’s healing. Through dynamic motion and abstract narration, the film concludes with the figure embracing themselves, both literally and metaphorically, under a spotlight that only they can see.

TREATMENT

Visuals:

• Shot in a single location: a small bathroom with a mirror.

• Color Palette: Warm but moody, with flickers of shadow.

• Composition: Center-framing, close-ups on hands, mirror reflections, medium body shots.

Movement & Choreography:

• Improvised contemporary movement.

• Expressive gestures (e.g., covering face, collapsing to floor, swaying rhythmically).

• Non-linear transitions to mirror emotional shifts.

Audio:

• Music: Ophelia by The Lumineers.

Editing:

• DaVinci Resolve for color grading and montage structure.

• Cross-dissolves to signify transitions from restraint to release.

• Cuts timed with emotional spikes in music.

• Transitions from monochrome to colored symbolising catharsis.

DIRECTOR’S MOTIVATION

This film is a reflection of a universal feeling: the fear of being seen, truly seen, with all our flaws. I made Spotlight Because I wanted to confront my own discomforts and transform them into art. The bathroom is the one place we’re completely alone. It’s also where many of us look in the mirror and battle shame. By dancing in that space, I reclaimed it. This project isn’t about dance. It’s about choosing to exist loudly—even in silence.

SELECTION OF THEME

The central theme is individual catharsis in an overbearing world. The bathroom setting contrasts with the imagined public spotlight—highlighting the duality between the inner world and the external gaze. I wanted to explore how dance can serve not as performance, but as ritual—a tool for reclaiming the body and voice. The rationale for using an abstract poem as a foundation was to encourage emotional rather than logical interpretation.

PRODUCTION PLAN

Pre-Production:

• Write poem, design movement improvisation.

• Choose lighting setup and camera angles.

• Prepare audio track and record narration.

Production:

• Shoot at night time to avoid natural light.

• Shot on SONY a6400 with Sigma 30mm F1.4

• Use tripod.

Post-Production:

• Edit and color in DaVinci Resolve.

• Sync sound and create transitions.

• Final export in HD.