Polystyrene Dreams

PolyStyrene Dreams Corp.

//Routine//Chaos//Clarity//

Polystyrene Dreams Corp. creates revolutionary workers for the modern world, made from a process of synthesising polystyrene into functional helpers known as Polly’s, regarded as the most advanced conscious-less being known to man.

This film documents the introduction of the new Polly 4.2, branded as “The most lifelike Polly yet”.

Testimony from the Forman of the Infinity Loop.co division of Polystyrene Dreams Corp.

“When Polly 4.2 was integrated into our workforce, we saw a steep decline in the factory’s productivity. she was like a weak link in a chain and all the routine we are used to with this type of helper broke down into chaos, but out of the chaos came something truly exceptional, she was far removed from the functionality of the factories intentions, but there was something there that I couldnt get out of my head." 

What is Polystyrene Dreams?

Polystyrene Dreams is a short experimental film, using dance as a device to explore a narrative. Performed by students of The London Contemporary Dance School, we hope to tell a story that demonstrates how chaos can be transformed into something truely beautiful. Essentially, Polysytrene Dreams is a love story, that demonstrates one mans fascination with his creation and the imperfections that make her unique. It demonstrates, through dance and movement, the workings of the factory creating these beings and how the introduction of this flawed poly causes things to go astray.

The film will be shot over 6 days in mid-February 2012 in and around London. 

Who is involved in the Project?

Writer/Director- Jack Exton

"The idea for the piece was inspired by an idea I had for a installation piece involving everyday objects used in unusual ways. I wanted to incorperate this idea into a film, but of course objects need charachters to interact with. This led me into thinking about people as objects. Placing these obectified people within a functional environment and giving them a task. Using repetition this task becomes their nature but to an outsider the actions seem aimless, placing this in contrast with a non-objectified person whose nature is primarily utilitarian, yet allows himself to be caught up into a futile obsurdity that represents the love between one man and his art. This is the basis of our story."

Choreographer- Anders Duckworth

"The choreography for this film requires a troupe of 12 dancers, which is a large number to work with but necessary in achieving the vision for Polystyrene Dreams. The number 12 was decided as it forms a 6x6 square which will create the visual structure of the piece. My intention is to try to set the parameters of the movement within this formation when seeing the ‘factory’. I will be working with the dance artists to create movement indicative of the machines which the dancers are essentially replacing. The movement will come from work on tasks which I will set for the dancers and will be fragmented to an extreme point to move far away from the ‘ natural’ movement of the individual dancer. I hope to contrast this by creating the reverse and breaking the rigid structure as the film progresses, into something which allows the viewer access to the individual as the narrative unfolds. This exciting project will give me an amazing opportunity to work with film as the reader of the moving body."

DOP- Dan Clay

Dan Clay likes to add a distinctive visual style using creative lighting to it’s full potential. Before being interested in photography he was and still is a keen painter and drawer. He has also worked on feature films such as Johnny English: Reborn and the upcoming Great Expectations. He got involved with the production as he felt it was a clear and creative step away from a typical short film that incorporated dance, narrative and chance to create an aesthetically interesting and different visual feel. The look allows myself and my team to use strong directional light sources which I find really exciting and getting distinguishing colours to portray a mood and feel. What we want to do is create large walls of light which would not only act as the light source but also as the set for the characters to interact with. A strong, clinical and sterile feel to the factory, an almost blank space that could be anywhere but is still powerful and striking to look at. We then want to create the opposite with purgatory using strong sodium colours too add a real acid tinge to that environment and a world that feels uncomfortable for the characters and the audience. One thing we want to do is actually have the character physically light up, where this light almost pulsates, echoing themselves and changing colour and tempo to evoke their personal struggle.

Editor- Sarah Pezeck

Sarah Peczek a dedicated filmmaker and aspiring editor whose determination and passion led her to edit her first feature film before her twentieth birthday.
She has since worked with production company Left Eye Blind editing a range of project from corporates to music videos, working with such artists as Frank Turner, Dog is Dead and Other Lives.

Credits
Editor- Finding Lara (Feature)
Editor- Live music videos, Charli XCX
Editor- Live music performance videos, Dog is Dead
Editor- Behind the scenes - If ever I stray, Frank Turner
DIT- Live music video, Pistola Kicks
Editor- Live music performance videos, Other Lives
Editor- La Resistance (Short)

How can you Help?

We currently have part of our budget but we cannot do this without your help. We aim to create a film that is completely unique, combining Dance and Physical Theatre, with traditional narrative movie-making techniques. We are hoping to raise another £2000 to help create our vision. The money will be spent on sets, costume, hiring a cinema quality camera and funding the running of the production.

Check out the rewards we have to offer. We've got some exciting opportunities for you!

Alternatively, if you cannot help us by donating money, please spread the word. The more people that know about the project, the more chance we will have to realise our dream.

Thank You so much for your help and contributions. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polystyrene-Dreams/263598780362442?sk=wall