- I found the research report Questioning the sci‐fi alibi: a critique of how ‘science fiction fears’ are used to explain away public concerns about risk to be very interesting, and especially relatable in terms of how I view my own project. In summary, it discusses the ways in which the public conscience within western nations has been irreversibly altered by influential works of science fiction, namely titles such as Brave New World which deal with scientific processes that are not so farfetched as to be forever unattainable in reality, and how the average citizen’s impression of actual scientific research echoing elements of these stories may be soured by the fear of whatever negative outcome is reaped by the futuristic sciences depicted in fiction. Surveys and interviews conducted by the authors reveals that while many scientists feel as though science fiction stories containing themes of horror and disaster have subliminally discredited advancements in real sciences by instilling fear into the general public, most interview participants do not feel as though their perception of the content of science fiction media has significantly impacted how they view real-world advancements in science. While the adoption of certain terminology and imagery which was derived from science fiction media could be interpreted as dismissive of real scientific progress, it would seem as though intense concern from scientists is somewhat unfounded, which speaks to a mostly healthy balance of fact and fiction
- This piece resonated with me because my initial reason for drafting this story in early 2021 was, admittedly, fear of what I interpreted as our society’s steady march towards a dystopia akin to those portrayed in films such as Terminator or Mad Max. In response to my concerns, which I admit were largely unfounded in concrete fact, I wanted to create a story that would take my audience through the progression of a dystopian society, the fall of which would give way to a more simplistic, peaceful way of life for earth’s few survivors among the ruins of what once was. The piece of the story that I aim to tell with my script details the beginning of the end, which was most strongly influenced by how I envisioned the end of the world based on my exposure to science fiction media. Seeing how real-life scientists are distressed by the spread of misinformation and excessive negative speculation surrounding certain potential developments, I now feel somewhat guilty imagining that my work may one day contribute to the subliminal spread of misinformation surrounding science that I ultimately do not hold mastery over. Still, I feel as though I have something interesting to say and will undoubtedly pursue publication of this story, though perhaps more delicately in certain areas
- I have made progress on my project in the way of conceptualizing my story and characters through character information sheets and plot diagrams, though my persistent illness has prevented me from doing as much as I would have liked. I am feeling better now and plan to get myself back on track by the end of this week
Week 2 Make-Up Activity
- https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-pre-production-checklist/
- This website offers a free, very detailed pre-production checklist for film and television that offers valuable guidance for those who will have a hand in multiple facets of a project’s creation
- https://milanote.com/templates/filmmaking/pre-production-plan
- Similar to the first linked website, this template looks to be a very detailed organizational tool for a director or significant producer on a piece of visual media
- https://www.wrapbook.com/blog/pre-production
- This website offers more detailed advice about what pre-production actually means, with informative, hands-on videos which are no doubt useful for familiarizing oneself with the proper process/terminology of each phase of production before any creative conceptual work is solidified