The cyberpunk movie project

With friends we have explored an abandoned school in my neighborhood. This place, with its specific atmosphere, has inspired us to create micro stories.

You can see some of our photos (photographers: Stef, Willy & Janek): 

This cybepunk movie will be a means to criticize some aspects of our society and suggest a different vision of the future.

Sucker Punch is an American action-fantasy film. Costumes have caught my attention because they are made in a mix of different styles and ages. I really appreciate this creative touch.

It’s inspiring for my movie because I would like to create new styles and, to my opinion, these ones are particularly aesthetics.

I also like the mix between old and new weapons. For example, we can see a character with a blade and a gun, it’s dynamic.  

But I keep in mind that costumes have to be linked with the environment where action takes place.  Characters’ way of clothing derives from their history, culture, environment, enemies...

In The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien illustrated very well how the context can impact on clothing and accessories specificities.
For example, Orcs are living in a kind of industrial world, so their weapons and clothes are predominantly made out of steel. Elves come from the woods, so their clothes and weapons are more made with natural materials. Tolkien has adapted each detail as regards to each tribes features.

So, to create my own style, I have to keep in mind that aesthetics are important but the key point is to preserve characters credibility maintaining a link between their costumes / accessories and their environment.

 Official website : http://suckerpunchmovie.warnerbros.com/

To find inspiration, I have started urban exploration in my neighborhood. It can be a way of experimenting an immersion into a world I will use in the movie.

Part of it will take place in a decay and grunge environment, perhaps even post-apocalyptic.

The main problem comes from the fact that such places are temporary and will no longer exist during the filming of the movie. Moreover, they can be dangerous for actors and equipment.
Nevertheless, through urban exploration, I can feel a specific atmosphere and see which details could be interesting for the decors' creation. It’s weird because in those environments you are very close to civilization, but when you are inside, you are disconnected of it and danger can be everywhere. All your senses are awoken. You can feel your instinct.

It’s a very interesting experience and some places are very esthetics although they are destroyed. In this post you can see some of photos we made.

Some interesting links:
- In this website, you can find safety tips for your own explorations and a list of recommended equipment: http://urbanexplorers.net/
- My cousin gave me this interesting link, advices from a photographer: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/an-introduction-to-urban-exploration
- If you live near Paris, you can find some spots and photos here: http://www.urban-exploration.com/

A reflexion about soundtrack have to be made. It's a key piece to support creation of a specific and singular atmosphere.

My objective, but I don't know if I will achieve it, is to create a specific style of music for this movie.

When I think about it I see these words :  
- Underground 
- Industrial 
- Electronic
- Loud bass.

To start my inspiration quest, I typed 'cyberpunk' 'industrial' on Youtube but results don't satisfy me. I didn't found really inspiring songs. I found more inspirational stuff discovering a kind of music I didn't know: Futurepop.

Song that inspired me the most is Dead enough for life of Icon of Coil. It's not very original but, I don't know why, it approaches of what I search. Border (club edit) of Pride and Fall is cool too.

Don't hesitate to share music you deem appropriate ! ;)

My key books are :
- Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
- 1984 - George Orwell
- We - Ievgueni Zamiatine  (in french : Nous autres)
- This perfect day - Ira Levin (Un bonheur insoutenable)
- Brave New World - Aldous Huxley (Le meilleur des mondes)

The graphic style and thematics related to technology will be inspired by Cyberpunk.

My key books in this domain are :
- Neuromancer - William Gibson (Neuromancien)
- Count Zero - William Gibson (Comte Zéro)
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner)

It's the base. In specific topics, I will talk about some less famous books like Soft Goulag - Yves Velan and La Zone du Dehors - Alain Damasio.

Other books that inspired me : 
- The World Inside - Robert Silveberg (Les Monades urbaines)
- The Robot series - Isaac Asimov (Le Cycle des Robots)
- Mockingbird - Walter Tevis (L'Oiseau d'Amérique)
- The Wave - Todd Strasser (La Vague)
- Ravage - René Barjavel

Don't hesitate to suggest me some key books ! Thanks ! :)

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Photo by Janek. These books inspire me for this project.

It's will be the challenge : innovate and be different, with resourcefulness ! 

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For french readers : books mentionned are Nous Autres (Eugène Zamiatine) and Neuromancien (William Gibson).
Photo by Willy, retouched by Janek