So I have a script that has generated interest from a filmmaker with a small budget. He is asking me to brainstorm alternatives to a ceiling caving in because of an ongoing leak. This might work but I want to do the due diligence and offer some alternatives. The requirements are:
1) Cheaper effect to achieve than a ceiling caving in
2) Must be the result of some kind of neglect on the part of the person taking care of the building
3) Must render the building immediately unusable/unsafe without repair of said condition
4) Can't be too depressing (like a fire decimates the entire building)
5) Needs to be able to be something presaged by something that doesn't scream "THIS IS GOING TO BLOW UP LATER!" Any thoughts brilliant minds? Donna
Outside power box was never updated as required. Entire building is now a giant fire hazard
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So how could you show that? Sparks? A small fire that sets off an alarm and a fire guy comes and shuts down the building?
Main character sees a flash of light from outside. Lights blink off. Then back on if you want to shoot in light
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That could work... I need something that happens continually throughout, but there could still be a leak and that cuts out the power... something like that. And darkness would help with some of the other story points. Firemen could arrive in dark.... Sorry, thinking out loud, but thank you!
Mould. It is deadly and is the result of damp. It also gets into the structure.
I was going to say Mold too! That could definitely lead to an unsuable, evacuated building.
How about while cleaning up and dancing to your favorite song. In slow motion, you feel the floor come undone and you land on a couple getting busy during siesta time. Not speaking from experience but it is a LOL situation.
Like Asbestos, Lead paint, ignored inspection reports? Or mysterious electric malfunction to add the drama/comic relief, followed by smoke in three parts of the house ...? Look up yellow pages under repair contractors if still uninspired : )
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Thank you all for the suggestions! I got the producer to approve a combination of water and electricity!
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I agree with @Sandeep Asbestos is a killer that requires no big movement of props such as ceiling caving in. What about in the loft? Also there's added psychological fear in that it maybe already breathed in. Another cheap idea is rat droppings. Or maybe empty six months before you moved in so local council suddenly pounce for a compulsory order purchase and cut the services leaving you in the dark.
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It sounds like you have a clear idea of what the caved in ceiling is meant to achieve for the narrative which is good and there are some good suggestions. If the action moves out of the building after the collapse, do you need to show the full scale of the destruction? Is there a way of communicating what has happened which limits the number of practical events but uses sound to enhance what can be afforded?