After we had constructed the basic narrative that we would have in the film, we then worked on characters that would help to shape the story we wanted to show. We thought about the people we had available and willing to film. We used ourselves as the main characters mainly due to the fact that we knew we would always be available for filming and we also had a clear idea of what we wanted our characters to be like.
Main Cast & Characters:
Michael Lockwood-
We wanted each group to have two leader figures, a male and female leader. We chose Daniel to be the 'hero' figure of the film and the leader of the good group. Due to his septum piercing he is an unlikely hero (based off aesthetics). There was some debate as to whether myself or Daniel should play the villain/bad-leader. But, we decided to opt for a more clean-cut/sophisticated psychopath villain. Which left us with Daniel as the leader of the Good group. We liked the idea of breaking convention in terms of the hero archetype- in Tomorrow When the War Began (one of our trailer influences), the rebellious boy steps up to become the leader. We used the name Michael, due to the symbolic links to the arch-angel Michelangelo. Who defeated a dragon with a flaming sword (symbolic of good overcoming evil). Lockwood is a combination of security and nature, this makes for a positive sounding name. 
Eve Formstone-
We chose Lizzie to play the Matriarch figure of the good group. This is due to her angelic appearance: blonde hair and blue eyes. Being a similar height to Daniel also meant that they would match each other very well (particularly in two-shots). Lizzie came up with the idea that the characters Eve and Michael could have hints of romance, so we made the character of Eve more dependent on Michael and also have her trust him more. We used the name Eve (also biblical) due to the links with the first woman. But, also we had the idea of Eve betraying Michael to save her brother, thus incorporating the ideas of original sin. This also links in with our production company: Eden Pictures.
Haden Godfrey-
I was chosen as the villain and leader of the bad group. My features are angular which can be useful for making myself look particularly cruel and aggressive. I am also slightly taller than Daniel which makes me look more threatening- which is needed to be taken seriously as a villain. I felt that I was more suited to play the sophisticated and dangerous villain. Due to being from the South my accent is also slightly more well-spoken and adds to the archetype of the British villain. We used the name Haden as it is reminiscent of Hades, God of the Underworld in Greek mythology. This links to the ideas that Hayden brings about the death of the character of Fiona. The surname Godfrey would seemingly contradict the malevolence of the character but it portrays the power of the villain or rather the thirst for power.
Selene Blanchett-
Clare has the dark hair and pale skin that a conventional Hollywood villainess has. She is also nearly as tall as me, which means we match well in shots where we are together. Clare is taller than Daniel and this would mean we would have to frame shots with him higher than her (if she were to be the heroine, or he the villain). In The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, actor Josh Hutcherson is shorter than Jennifer Lawrence- so they usually find ways of filming that make him look taller or at least the same height. But, we felt that Clare and I both suited the civilised villain-role well. The name Selene is symbolic of the Goddess of the Moon in Roman mythology (linking to ideas of darkness). Blanchett is a French name in origin and is symbolic of the aristocracy that was there.
Supporting Characters:
Matthew - Alfie Formstone
We wanted to give the good group something they needed to protect, so we came up with the idea of Eve having a younger brother who needs protecting. We cast Lizzie's real brother Matthew. This meant he bore a resemblance to Lizzie and in the trailer could easily be identified as her brother.
Fiona- Fiona Grey
We knew we wanted to include the death of a good character. This was to symbolise the innocence lost. We cast Fiona in this role, due to her height and appearance she looks sweet and vulnerable. We decided to keep her real name (only changing the surname) because Fiona means "fair" and so we agreed that this fitted her character rather well.
Hannah- Lana Moore
We needed other group members to fill out the "good" group. So we came up with the character of Lana who would replace Fiona in terms of the film's plot. So she would be present at the climax of the film. Even though Hannah does not go to our college she was still available to attend filming shoots. She also has mousy-brown hair and blue eyes- these features are commonly associated with purity and goodness.
Sam- Luke Goldwyn
We needed to balance out the genders somewhat between the good and bad groups and so we came up with the character of Luke- who would serve as Michael's right hand man.
Dan- Jake Fletcher
We knew that Haden would need some henchmen to do his bidding so we asked around for people available for filming. Dan was available to film and he is also very tall and this adds to the intimidation and henchmen-like quality.
Another of Haden's henchmen, Kieran fits the bill for bad guy in terms of his dark hair and blue eyes, these features are often sought after when casting evil characters.
Alex- Evan Campbell
Alex was to be the third henchmen of Haden. Like Dan, Alex is also very tall and this adds to the idea of strength and threat. Alex also did not go to our college but he was available for filming.
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