NENA MEETS NATURGUT
- LUIS GERARD –
SOUPFILM
“JUST LIVING IS NOT ENOUGH... ONE MUST HAVE SUNSHINE, FREEDOM, AND A LITTLE FLOWER.”
- HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN-
It asks them to be the best they can by discovering the beauty of nature that is everywhere. If they can do this, then they will excel. They will feel good about themselves. They will live a healthy life.
This healthy life begins in the choices we make at the supermarket. The right food gives us freedom. A freedom to live a happier lifestyle.
Yet the visual nature of this idea also fills us with wonder. It presents our ordinary cities in an extraordinary way and in doing so, inspires people to connect with and respect nature. By doing this it brings us closer to healthy eating and creates an awareness of our environment.
This healthy life begins in the choices we make at the supermarket. The right food gives us freedom. A freedom to live a happier lifestyle.
Yet the visual nature of this idea also fills us with wonder. It presents our ordinary cities in an extraordinary way and in doing so, inspires people to connect with and respect nature. By doing this it brings us closer to healthy eating and creates an awareness of our environment.
THAT’S WHAT THIS IDEA DOES. IT INSPIRES PEOPLE TO SEE THAT NATURE IS ALL AROUND THEM.
For me, this quote perfectly sums up what your idea is about. Life is not just about being alive. It’s about experience. It’s about engaging with our surroundings and changing us for the better. It’s about appreciating our world.
Yet to achieve this, we need to reframe how we look at life. This takes one thing. Inspiration. If we are inspired then we act. If we act then we can change things, even ourselves.
Yet to achieve this, we need to reframe how we look at life. This takes one thing. Inspiration. If we are inspired then we act. If we act then we can change things, even ourselves.
MY IDEA - AN INTRODUCTION
Just a quick note before I explain my idea. I believe collaboration is vital in any creative journey. The following pages are ideas that I think would suit the film but I am open to all comments and criticisms.
Just a quick note before I explain my idea. I believe collaboration is vital in any creative journey. The following pages are ideas that I think would suit the film but I am open to all comments and criticisms.
LET’S KEEP WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS CONCEPT TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WILL REALLY SET PENNY APART AND CREATE SOMETHING UNIQUE, BEAUTIFUL, CINEMATIC AND ABOVE ALL INSPIRING.
MY IDEA
It’s rare that I get a chance to work closely with clients at such an early stage. This is a great opportunity for me and I want to push our visual and creative boundaries to create a piece of work that’s equal parts beautiful, inspiring and magical.
I love the concept of nature taking over a city. It represents the power and beauty of the environment in a way we can all relate to. It is this concept that our film will use to inspire people to eat well.
At the core of this idea is the theme of inspiration - nature inspiring people of all races and ethnicities to come together and build a movement. Our film will feel like the gathering of this movement, so we’ll structure the story to feel like the beginning of something bigger. A spark that builds to become a crescendo.
This movement in many ways is a character. We see how it forms, evolves and grows over the film. It’s exciting, yet also mesmerizing. It engages with the viewer and pulls them along.
I also think tonality is important. Our message is a positive one and this will be reflected in the narrative and characters. It should be an optimistic story, with a sense of hope and wonder.
By presenting nature in an awe-inspiring way, we reframe how we look at and interact with our natural surroundings. However we need to be careful that this doesn’t feel visually overwhelming, as this could dilute the message of the film. As nature appears in the city it’s a noticeable, yet subtle change that grows. It shouldn’t feel too CG or ominous. We want a pure sense of awe and wonder to carry the viewer through the city.
This means that visually we need to portray this movement in an organic and totally believable way, with our plants and animals looking totally photorealistic. I’d like to keep CGI to a minimum where possible, and carefully use it to augment real world elements.
It’s rare that I get a chance to work closely with clients at such an early stage. This is a great opportunity for me and I want to push our visual and creative boundaries to create a piece of work that’s equal parts beautiful, inspiring and magical.
I love the concept of nature taking over a city. It represents the power and beauty of the environment in a way we can all relate to. It is this concept that our film will use to inspire people to eat well.
At the core of this idea is the theme of inspiration - nature inspiring people of all races and ethnicities to come together and build a movement. Our film will feel like the gathering of this movement, so we’ll structure the story to feel like the beginning of something bigger. A spark that builds to become a crescendo.
This movement in many ways is a character. We see how it forms, evolves and grows over the film. It’s exciting, yet also mesmerizing. It engages with the viewer and pulls them along.
I also think tonality is important. Our message is a positive one and this will be reflected in the narrative and characters. It should be an optimistic story, with a sense of hope and wonder.
By presenting nature in an awe-inspiring way, we reframe how we look at and interact with our natural surroundings. However we need to be careful that this doesn’t feel visually overwhelming, as this could dilute the message of the film. As nature appears in the city it’s a noticeable, yet subtle change that grows. It shouldn’t feel too CG or ominous. We want a pure sense of awe and wonder to carry the viewer through the city.
This means that visually we need to portray this movement in an organic and totally believable way, with our plants and animals looking totally photorealistic. I’d like to keep CGI to a minimum where possible, and carefully use it to augment real world elements.
CRAFTING A STORY WHICH RESONATES WITH ALL VIEWERS
To give this film a sense of gathering pace, momentum and character, I think the structure needs to be intelligently planned and considered.
I would suggest that we structure this film not as a traditional advert, but more like a short film with three acts.
This is how I see each act serving the story.
FIRST ACT - Here we introduce the concept and our hero. We show nature taking over the city, yet not in obvious ways. This idea will flourish in the details and a considered build-up. We won’t show too much at first. The viewer must feel curious, yet not overwhelmed. In this act we introduce individuals who become inspired by nature. The movement is beginning, yet it has not formed.
SECOND ACT - In this act the people begin to come together and the movement takes shape. We increase the scale of nature within the city. Forests fill the streets, bears run wild and penguins play in a garden.
This builds on the previous act, pushing us towards a crescendo. It is beautiful, yet almost magical and a little surreal, like the landscape in the film Annihilation.
This magical happening inspires the people. We see them chase vines and creepers, head towards streams and follow the animals.
This builds on the previous act, pushing us towards a crescendo. It is beautiful, yet almost magical and a little surreal, like the landscape in the film Annihilation.
This magical happening inspires the people. We see them chase vines and creepers, head towards streams and follow the animals.
THIRD ACT -The movement forms. The people come together in the middle of the city. The visuals here in our final act need some thought. It needs to feel like a logical, yet stunning end to the film.
Could we increase the sense of wilderness? The plants and trees have grown amongst the buildings of the city. The people wonder around them in amazement.
Or do we reverse the sense of scale and surprise the viewer?
Perhaps we have a single flower or tree in a vast clearing, showing that wherever there is nature, no matter how small, there is inspiration and hope.
I feel that this ending feels a little more personal and considered. Perhaps we close the film with a character approaching an apple tree that has grown in the middle of the city, and takes one. I think this would be a nice way to integrate the product into the story.
However I’m open to either options, or to work with you to create a new ending. Let’s keep talking.
T H E S TO R Y - A N I N T R O D U C T I O N
Over the next few pages you’ll be able to read how I see the concept working with the
action, cinematography and tonality of the film.
A C O U P L E O F N O T E S
1 - For the lead I have chosen a young boy, around 12. I like the idea that this movement is
experienced first by the younger generation. Somebody who is inspiring, yet also relatable.
However we can easily change the protagonist to a different age, or to Nena if she feels that
the role would suit her.
2 - I have chosen to use the sound of nature as the ‘music’ that inspires the people, but this
can easily be adapted to a song with lyrics or a melody.
3 - For now, these scenes and actions are examples. If there are any scenes you’d like to
develop, discuss, or change, then let me know. It would be great to arrange a call and go
through the story further with you.
4 - At the moment there are too many ideas for us to film. I propose that we identify the best
scenes and then develop these so they work within production timings and the budget.
5 – I’m suggesting a variety of animals as a way to show nature take over the city. Some of the
animals I’ve suggested can’t be found in Europe, but I’ve chosen for dramatic purposes. Since
your concept is a metaphor that dances between the magical and the surreal, it allows us to be
more conceptual and less realistic when it comes to the use of animals.
Over the next few pages you’ll be able to read how I see the concept working with the
action, cinematography and tonality of the film.
A C O U P L E O F N O T E S
1 - For the lead I have chosen a young boy, around 12. I like the idea that this movement is
experienced first by the younger generation. Somebody who is inspiring, yet also relatable.
However we can easily change the protagonist to a different age, or to Nena if she feels that
the role would suit her.
2 - I have chosen to use the sound of nature as the ‘music’ that inspires the people, but this
can easily be adapted to a song with lyrics or a melody.
3 - For now, these scenes and actions are examples. If there are any scenes you’d like to
develop, discuss, or change, then let me know. It would be great to arrange a call and go
through the story further with you.
4 - At the moment there are too many ideas for us to film. I propose that we identify the best
scenes and then develop these so they work within production timings and the budget.
5 – I’m suggesting a variety of animals as a way to show nature take over the city. Some of the
animals I’ve suggested can’t be found in Europe, but I’ve chosen for dramatic purposes. Since
your concept is a metaphor that dances between the magical and the surreal, it allows us to be
more conceptual and less realistic when it comes to the use of animals.
THE STORY
FIRST ACT
The suburbs of a German city. The first light of dawn warms a house. We cut to the bedroom of a boy, Mikael (12), just as his morning alarm sounds. Mikael wakes, rubs the sleep from his eyes and gets up.
Now dressed, he goes to the bathroom and brushes his teeth. He glances up and his eyes widen. We see a bird watching him through the window. Its plumage is bright. The feathers shimmer in the sun. Mikael stops brushing his teeth. As he moves closer to take a better look, the bird flies off.
Now dressed, he goes to the bathroom and brushes his teeth. He glances up and his eyes widen. We see a bird watching him through the window. Its plumage is bright. The feathers shimmer in the sun. Mikael stops brushing his teeth. As he moves closer to take a better look, the bird flies off.
CURIOS, MIKAEL GOES OUTSIDE. HE STANDS IN HIS GARDEN.
THE BIRD SWOOPS DOWN, THEN LANDS ON THE FENCE.
IT SINGS A MELODY BRIEFLY, THEN FLIES AWAY.
By the fence Mikael discovers a bright blue flower has grown in the middle of the pavement. As Mikael stands, his eyes widen in wonder. A larger flower has broken through the asphalt of the road. Next to it is another. He walks towards the plants, looking at them curiously.
Mikael now looks further down his street to see a tree has also grown; its branches sway slowly in the breeze.
AMAZED, MIKAEL GRABS HIS BIKE AND BEGINS TO CYCLE TOWARDS THE DISTANT FOLIAGE. AS HE CYCLES WE HEAR A FLOCK OF BIRDS, THEIR CALLS ECHO AROUND THE BUILDINGS OF THE CITY.
Mikael now looks further down his street to see a tree has also grown; its branches sway slowly in the breeze.
AMAZED, MIKAEL GRABS HIS BIKE AND BEGINS TO CYCLE TOWARDS THE DISTANT FOLIAGE. AS HE CYCLES WE HEAR A FLOCK OF BIRDS, THEIR CALLS ECHO AROUND THE BUILDINGS OF THE CITY.
Mikael cycles past a woman waiting at a bus stop. We move on to her now.
AS SHE READS HER NEWSPAPER A SINGLE BUTTERFLY FLIES PAST HER THEN LANDS ON THE PAGE. SHE LOOKS UP TO SEE AN AMAZING SIGHT.
Grass grows up from the pavement.
THE CAMERA MOVES ON. UP AHEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, A GROUP OF PEOPLE LOOKS UP IN WONDER. WE SEE A SINGLE, GIANT REDWOOD TREE BLOCKING THE STREET; ITS ROOTS HAVE CRACKED THE CONCRETE WIDE OPEN.
A young girl points excitedly as a squirrel runs around the trunk. We hear the branches rustle in the wind and the distant call of an animal.
A quiet house. We cut to a study and find Nena sitting at her desk, composing a song (perhaps with a fruit bowl or a Naturgut juice on her desk). Against the silence of the room we hear the sound of water.
Curious, she walks to her hallway to see a waterfall as it tumbles down her steps. She follows the flow of water to her front door, which she opens to be greeted by flowers blooming around the doorway.
The waterfall pours out of the front door onto the road. She sidesteps the water and steps out onto the street.
Curious, she walks to her hallway to see a waterfall as it tumbles down her steps. She follows the flow of water to her front door, which she opens to be greeted by flowers blooming around the doorway.
The waterfall pours out of the front door onto the road. She sidesteps the water and steps out onto the street.
A SUBURBAN STREET. A CAR PULLS UP AND THE DRIVER GETS OUT, HIS FACE IN AWE. A ONCE DULL CONCRETE BUILDING IS NOW COVERED IN LARGE, VIBRANTLY COLORED FLOWERS. AN AWE-INSPIRING SIGHT.
We cut to a bedroom inside the building. A woman sleepily checks the clock next to her. Suddenly, she is wide-awake as she realizes the room is full of creepers and vivid, blooming flowers. The noise of crickets fills the room.
A postman delivers a letter as an approaching sound grabs his attention. As he turns he sees a group of wild horses run down the street. He watches, his mouth open in amazement.
A woman makes a stop at a red light; her young daughter sits by her side on the passenger seat. As they wait for the light to change, a pack of wolves cross the street. The woman can’t believe her eyes while her daughter points at the wolves with a big smile.
A young girl skateboards through the city. Down a side alley she sees a stream now flows. A heron grabs a fish.
WE MOVE ON TO A WAREHOUSE JUST AS A DELIVERY VAN BACKS UP. A WORKER OPENS THE DOORS AND SUDDENLY A DEER SPRINGS OUT OF THE BACK AND RUNS AWAY.
Inside a tattoo parlour a woman is having a rose inked on her arm. The tattooist pauses a moment. He turns to see vines and flowers cover the window. Bees fly back and forth and land on the flowers.
IN HER KITCHEN, AN OLD LADY POURS HERSELF A COFFEE (WE COULD SHOW NATURGUT SOYA MILK HERE?). SUDDENLY SHE PUTS THE CUP DOWN IN AMAZEMENT. HER SINK IS FILLED WITH WATER LILIES. WE HEAR THE BUBBLE OF DISTANT WATER.
A young girl pauses in the street. She sees that carrots have grown and broken through the concrete. As she pulls one up from the soil her sister joins in.
An empty department store. A security guard hears a noise and turns. In the store a Zebra walks between the rails of clothes.
WE MOVE ON. A WOMAN ON HER MORNING RUN TURNS DOWN AN ALLEY. SHE SUDDENLY SEES A BEAR WALK PAST HER. PEERING OUT FROM THE ALLEY SHE SEES A FAMILY OF BEARS AS THEY FISH IN A NEARBY FOUNTAIN. WE HEAR THE SOUND OF A FOREST FILL THE AIR.
An empty department store. A security guard hears a noise and turns. In the store a Zebra walks between the rails of clothes.
WE MOVE ON. A WOMAN ON HER MORNING RUN TURNS DOWN AN ALLEY. SHE SUDDENLY SEES A BEAR WALK PAST HER. PEERING OUT FROM THE ALLEY SHE SEES A FAMILY OF BEARS AS THEY FISH IN A NEARBY FOUNTAIN. WE HEAR THE SOUND OF A FOREST FILL THE AIR.
A man hangs his laundry up in a garden. His face changes to a look of amazement. We see two penguins wondering down the road.
A third follows behind them, struggling to keep up.
A third follows behind them, struggling to keep up.
A CAR STOPS AT SOME TRAFFIC LIGHTS ENCASED IN A GLACIER. THE RED LIGHT FLICKERS TO LIFE, WARMING THE ICE. THE DRIVER STEPS OUT AND SLIPS A LITTLE ON THE ICE UNDERNEATH HIM. HE GAINS HIS BALANCE JUST AS A HERD OF WILD BOAR WALK PAST HIM.
SECOND ACT
BRIGHT PINK CHERRY BLOSSOM FLOATS THROUGH THE AIR.
PEOPLE WALK DOWN THE ROAD, FOLLOWING THE TRAIL.
THE SOUNDS OF NATURE FILL THE CITY NOW. BIRDS SING, ANIMALS ROAR, WIND RUSTLES TREE LEAVES.
A busy subway platform. Yet instead of rail tracks, a river flows. Salmon leaps. Butterflies dance and fly from the tunnels and move up towards the exit and the sky. We cut as the commuters emerge from the subway station, still following the butterflies out. Instead of butterflies this scene could also work with birds.
A businessman sits down at his desk. He sees a flock of flamingoes fly through the sky past his office. (Or he sees a hawk sitting on his window ledge) He calls his colleagues over to show them the amazing sight: the pink flamingoes standout against the concrete buildings as they fly by.
A businessman sits down at his desk. He sees a flock of flamingoes fly through the sky past his office. (Or he sees a hawk sitting on his window ledge) He calls his colleagues over to show them the amazing sight: the pink flamingoes standout against the concrete buildings as they fly by.
A QUEUE OF PEOPLE WAITS AT A COFFEE SHOP.
A stream begins to flow past them. Some people begin to follow the stream, which leads downtown.
A MAN STEPS OFF A BUS. HIS FOOT SLIPS ON SAND. HE LOOKS TO SEE SAND DUNES ROLLING DOWN THE ROAD AND INTO THE DISTANCE. HE SOON JOINS A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE FOLLOWING A TRAIL OF BLOSSOM AS IT DANCES THROUGH THE AIR.
A woman opens her door to pick up her morning newspaper. As she reaches down for the paper, a soft wave of seawater rolls across her garden and laps at her feet. She looks up to see people gather in the road.
THEY HAPPILY SPLASH AND PLAY IN THE WATERS. SHE PUTS DOWN HER PAPER AND GOES OUT TO JOIN THEM.
A blind man touches a vine in his home. He takes his stick and, running his hand along the vine, goes into the street. Outside, he pauses briefly to take in the sound of nature. It echoes around the city now, growing in intensity.
THE OLD MAN CONTINUES TO FOLLOW THE VINE.
THE OLD MAN CONTINUES TO FOLLOW THE VINE.
THIRD ACT
We cut to the center of the city to discover a pedestrian precinct thick with vegetation. Mikael approaches. Seeing the forest in front of him he leaves his bike behind.
Suddenly his bird flies down, singing the same melody. It hovers briefly, before plunging into the undergrowth. Mikael hears the bird sing again. Then he hears the melody again, this time it’s being whistled by somebody. Soon we hear the melody grow as people whistle and hum.
Mikael discovers a vast clearing. Here we see the city has been truly transformed.
Suddenly his bird flies down, singing the same melody. It hovers briefly, before plunging into the undergrowth. Mikael hears the bird sing again. Then he hears the melody again, this time it’s being whistled by somebody. Soon we hear the melody grow as people whistle and hum.
Mikael discovers a vast clearing. Here we see the city has been truly transformed.
WE SEE TREES AND FLOWERS FRAMED AGAINST THE SKY, STANDING AMONGST THE BUILDINGS AND HOUSES. AMONGST THIS, THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY HAVE GATHERED AROUND A SINGLE APPLE TREE. WE SEE NENA AMONGST THEM. SHE WHISTLES THE BIRD’S MELODY. THE SOUND FILLS THE CLEARING. IT’S AN INCREDIBLE MOMENT.
Mikael reaches up and takes an apple from the tree. Before taking a bite, we see Mikael’s bird swoop through the sky. Soon it is joined by another bird, then another, until the air is full. Another idea is to have Nena reach for the apple and close the film with her.
Together the birds join to form the logo of Naturgut. A shimmering, beautiful form highlighted by the morning sun. The people of the city stand below, their faces in awe at their surroundings.
Together the birds join to form the logo of Naturgut. A shimmering, beautiful form highlighted by the morning sun. The people of the city stand below, their faces in awe at their surroundings.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING
IDEA 1 - Nena joins in and sings lyrics to the song, giving words to the melody and ending the film on a crescendo.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING
IDEA 2 - In a huge clearing we discover a single flower or tree that the people gather around. This conveys that nature, no matter how big or small, is always inspiring. Above this, the birds dance and fly together to form the logo of Naturgut.
IDEA 1 - Nena joins in and sings lyrics to the song, giving words to the melody and ending the film on a crescendo.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING
IDEA 2 - In a huge clearing we discover a single flower or tree that the people gather around. This conveys that nature, no matter how big or small, is always inspiring. Above this, the birds dance and fly together to form the logo of Naturgut.
The Music
I have a couple of suggestions regarding the music. The overall approach would depend on whether we chose to use one of Nena’s songs, compose a song specifically for this film, or compose something without lyrics such as a melody.
Like I said earlier, I’d love to use the sound of nature as the ‘music’ which inspires the people, but this can easily be adapted to a song with lyrics or a melody if Nena is interested in this approach.
Ultimately this is such an important choice I think it needs further discussion.
A couple of questions; Would Nena like to compose a track?
So we see people singing a song with Nena possibly joining in or even leading the people singing?
This could build in volume and intensity as more people sing and join the movement together.
Or do we find or create a melody?
Instead of singing, the people hum (or whistle). Their hum grows with intensity as more people come together. As an idea, the melody for this hum could come from a bird at the beginning of the film, which is a subtle nod to Penny logo. This also thematically connects the first scene with a single bird to the final scene, where many birds gather together to form the logo.
Or could the melody come from the animals and birds as they call out?
Bears roar, birds sing, even the trees’ leaves rustle in the wind. The more plants and animals fill the city, the louder and more intense the melody becomes. This becomes our song, perhaps with a bird melody towards the end.
Like I said earlier, I’d love to use the sound of nature as the ‘music’ which inspires the people, but this can easily be adapted to a song with lyrics or a melody if Nena is interested in this approach.
Ultimately this is such an important choice I think it needs further discussion.
A couple of questions; Would Nena like to compose a track?
So we see people singing a song with Nena possibly joining in or even leading the people singing?
This could build in volume and intensity as more people sing and join the movement together.
Or do we find or create a melody?
Instead of singing, the people hum (or whistle). Their hum grows with intensity as more people come together. As an idea, the melody for this hum could come from a bird at the beginning of the film, which is a subtle nod to Penny logo. This also thematically connects the first scene with a single bird to the final scene, where many birds gather together to form the logo.
Or could the melody come from the animals and birds as they call out?
Bears roar, birds sing, even the trees’ leaves rustle in the wind. The more plants and animals fill the city, the louder and more intense the melody becomes. This becomes our song, perhaps with a bird melody towards the end.
NENA For me, Nena is the perfect creative partner for this film. It’s important that she feels comfortable on this project and also in her role on-screen. At the moment I have included her in two scenes, but we can easily shift the focus of the film. Could we have Nena as the protagonist? Perhaps with her writing or composing at her desk at the beginning of the film. Nena’s presence in the film is something that I’d like to discuss further with her and yourselves. |
NATURGUT WITHIN THE FILM
How we introduce and present the product is vital in sustaining the message of our film. The products will feel like a natural extension of our character’s world.
As an idea perhaps it could be a juice carton or a fruit bowl subtly placed on Nena’s desk, or a child pulls up a carrot in amazement from a cracked pavement.
We could also integrate the product into the final scene by having one of our hero’s reach up and take an apple from a tree. This could trigger the appearance of the Naturgut bird’s flying out of the tree, which would directly link the end logo to the nature within the city.
As an idea perhaps it could be a juice carton or a fruit bowl subtly placed on Nena’s desk, or a child pulls up a carrot in amazement from a cracked pavement.
We could also integrate the product into the final scene by having one of our hero’s reach up and take an apple from a tree. This could trigger the appearance of the Naturgut bird’s flying out of the tree, which would directly link the end logo to the nature within the city.
IN CONCLUSION
Also on a personal note, I’ve really enjoyed being brought on board a project at such an early part of the development. As a director it’s great to be able to work closely with clients to build the visual aesthetic of the film.
I’m looking forward to working closely with Nena and Penny. For me, this document is a first step. It is intended as an initial point of discussion for us to develop and evolve a narrative form and tell a story that will resonate with all viewers, regardless of age, sex or ethnicity.
I believe that creative work thrives on collaboration and teamwork, and I’m looking forward to moving this idea forward with you.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pitch on this.
-LUIS.