In April we began filming for STAMP Theatre’s first teaser video, the objective was a short trailer giving details of the performance date, whilst not revealing too much about our actual performance style, thus attracting audiences to our production. We wanted our trailer to be ambiguous but simultaneously put the audience in a position of uncertainty, mirroring exactly the position of Joseph K throughout our performance.

The concept of the video was extremely simple, but we believe the outcome will be very effective. Stuart, who plays the role of Joseph K, sat on a bench reading a newspaper for fifteen minutes, nothing changed in terms of camera angles or action. We also did this in another location where Stuart stood infront of a brick wall. We wanted our teaser video to show Joseph K in the most naturalistic sense, as throughout our production the grotesque and distorted phsyicality of the chorus contrasts against this.

The main and most interesting element of our teaser videos were attained through the editing process. We will to speed up the footage of Joseph K sitting/standing to roughly 10 seconds, suggesting hours of time has passed. On the brick wall behind him in both locations the outline of the children’s game ‘hangman’ will flash on and off, with Joseph K completing the image by being the hangman. We are aiming for this image to be particularly eerie, symbolising Joseph K’s mysterious trial looming over him as he attempts to carry on with his normal life. This is inspired by the Inspector’s slightly satircial line..

“You don’t understand, being arrested won’t interfere with you going about your every day life”.

We believe that this trailer will succeed in enticing audiences into questioning the relevance and inclusion of the game hangman, resulting in them wanting to attend our performance. This is precisely why we wanted our teaser video to be ambiguous, short and concise.

Here is a still image from our editing process and the final product.

Below is the risk assessment form previously filled out when renting out the camera equipment from LPAC. Please click to enlarge.

Caitlin Clark