Recommendation and a Question

[SmokescreenProdsGirl]

I don't know how many of you have read a book by Robert McKee called Story, but if you haven't, you should. It isn't so much a manual for writing a screenplay as it is explaining how a screenplay works and the elements of story. I haven't been able to put it down.

Ok, now here's my question:

I'm currently filming a short about how a lawyer goes insane after witnessing a murder. Anywho, I don't have the expenses or connections to get an office for this guy to "work" in, so I've thought of one alternative: do it kind of like Hitchcock did the courtroom scene In Dial M for Murder: just a spotlight on my actor who sits at a desk in the middle of a dark room. Any other suggestions?

Thanks a bunch,
Paige

[GrizzlyAdams]

Have you tried blagging ?

Many offices are managed, and a number have empty space ( due to the non resession fallout )

just ask nicely, explain what you want or need, be helpfull, work when its convenient to them..... but ask. try the builidng admin manager ( ask who looks after the builidng services for them - not who does the work, but who makes sure the work gets done )

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Grizz:

I dont care who wins an Oscar until I do

[eddie]

an 'office' can really be anywhere and anything.
Is it set in present day? If so all you need is a room with a filing cabinet, a computer and a phone. So he works mostly alone....
Like the man says, just ask. You may end up filming in the evenings when its quiet. Or ask a few friends dads if they work in an office if you can use it for a few evenings.
Seriously - there are offices everywhere - in theatres, schools, factorys, garages....

The spotlight sounds good but a bit over dramatic. Perhaps you could use that later when he is going loopy, (and when you've run out of favours, and they wont let you use the office anymore!)

good luck

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