What actually got done: FIlming Day 1

 In my previous blog, I discussed the issues my team faced during our first day. However, in this blog, I'm going to be elaborating on what went well and what my team accomplished!

Our team ended up with way more footage than we planned, which is good because it is always better to overshoot. We initially started by following our shot list (seen below), but after a while, we also started filming more creative shots. Some were unique angles of other shots, and others were new ideas we had. It's always useful to have more footage than needed, as it makes the editor's job easier and gives them more to work with.

The shot list was very useful and kept us focused on what exactly we had to be filming at every minute. While filming, we didn't notice any glaringly obvious mistakes, and our technicals seemed mostly good. However, sometimes it's hard to tell on camera, so soon we need to put our footage on a computer and see if it is okay. Thankfully I work with some editing gods who can do magic on premiere pro.

That's all for this blog, see you next time!

I'm not a Karen I promise.

We started our production process by heading to a local gas station (go to the location scouting post for more details!) While it would have made sense to call ahead and first ask if we could film inside the store, we decided to just show up and ask in person. I know you're thinking that it was a bad idea, but let me explain my reasoning! We figured that asking for permission in person would improve our chances of getting the green light to film there since they’d see we’re really just a group of kids working on a project. If we had called, they might have been concerned about the filming inside the store, but I think in person we look pretty harmless and we can better explain what exactly we're doing. The employees working were super nice, and they said it would be okay if their manager said yes. In true Karen fashion we asked if we could speak to a manager. Small problem! Their manager WASN'T THERE. We asked where he was but the employees weren't sure, and they told us there wasn’t much they could do. That left us with two choices: either find another gas station to film at or wait and try again another day, which would mean splitting the shoot across two days. While it was not ideal we still had a lot left to film, and we decided to push the indoor shots to another day. 

 Right now, we’re planning to film the rest around March 9th, which does cut into our post-production time a bit. But since most of the film opening is centered on outdoor shots, we can afford to edit the indoor shots a little later.

PS. When saying "in true Karen fashion" it is not meant to insinuate that we were mean or rude to the employees but is instead just a joke about the common phrase of asking for a manager, which is dubbed by social media users as "classic Karen behavior."

That's all for this blog! Filming day 1 didn't go as we planned, but I'm happy we at least got half of all the shots we needed. 

See you next time!

equipment: boring but necessary

 Hello Blog!

As someone who's usually in front of the camera and not behind it, I don't have much experience using various types of equipment. When I am behind the camera, I usually lean towards using a Canon T8 or T7, as they are the first cameras I learned how to use and the easiest for me. Regarding other equipment, I keep it simple with a 50 ml lens, a zoom lens, and a tripod. Hearing about different lens sizes and uses can be confusing, and learning all the settings on very advanced cameras can be overwhelming. However, with this project, I'm determined to break out of my comfort zone and learn how to work with better equipment! Since our project is a film opening and is filmed during dusk/nighttime, it is crucial that our camera settings are perfect to ensure the best quality possible! 

Through our television production class, my team is able to check out recording equipment. For our film opening we checked out a Canon Mark 4 Camera, a tripod, and a GIANT LENS. I'm not kidding; it's genuinely the biggest lens I've ever seen. In TV we call it Big Bertha, because its just... that big. 

I'm so excited to learn how to better use this equipment! I will keep you updated on how it goes.

That's all for this blog, see you next time!

THE scene (where we see the planet)

 For our last preproduction team discussion, we talked about the introduction of the rogue planet and developed the scene. This scene is crucial to our story and the most important part of the film opening as it exposes the audience to a main theme in the movie. Here is a drawing we created to represent what the scene should look like.

We decided that we wanted the scene to be a wide shot with its main focus on the giant planet. Halley would be in the frame but would be small and not the focus, so audiences will focus on the planet. She will be seen walking towards her car, wearing her headphones and carrying a tote bag with the groceries she just bought, seemingly undisturbed by the spectacle above her and the chaos around her. However, audiences will get a glimpse to the fact that she isn't in fact, indifferent because there will be a close-up on her face where she glances up to the planet with a strange look on her face. For a moment, she opens up before walking quickly into her car, where she slips back into her shell.

To create the planet and VFX we decided to use both Adobe After effects and Adobe Blender. One of our close friends created a spaceship last year using a combination of both and had an extremely successful and amazing result. I will not be making the planet, but with his experience, I have full confidence in my teammate who is!

That's all for this blog, see you next time!

Halley but not the comet

Our protagonist's name is Halley, and she is an 18-year-old girl. We knew we wanted a space themed name to fit the aesthetic of the story. Halley is named after the famous Halley’s Comet. We found the name by searching up “Space themed names for girls.”

After careful consideration we chose the name Halley, as it is also a semi common girls name and not as obscure as other space themed names. 

Character development:

Halley experienced a traumatic event in her youth, which shaped her into the person she is today and led to her diagnosis of depression. She comes across as indifferent to everything around her, acting detached and self-centered while avoiding others. However, as the film progresses, she meets someone who helps her heal and discover life’s purpose.

 Her name holds symbolic meaning, as it is often associated with strength and courage. In her case, it reflects her resilience despite her loneliness and life of emotional detachment. Through this connection, the film ultimately conveys a message of recovery from depression.

Actress: 

When thinking about who to cast as Halley my mind immediately went to one of my close friends Giovanna Sheldon. Not only is she a talented on-camera presence but she also has a “cool girl” nonchalant persona which works well for the role of Halley. After reviewing some of her previous acting experiences in short films, our group decided she would be a good fit. 

Thats' all for this blog. See you next time!

Audio

 Audio is one of the most important features in film. As my TV production teacher says “Audio is everything!” The soundscape of a film is what truly immerses the audience watching, transporting them to the setting of the story. 

In my film opening one type of sound I will definitely be including is nondiegetic sound. Non-diegetic sound refers to any sound that doesn’t belong in the narrative world, for example, background music. 

Our film opening will primarily be driven by background music. We plan to start with a slow melodic song as our main character mundanely shops for groceries. Then we plan to transition to a faster paced song that crescendos when the planet comes into view. 

Synchronous sound will also be implemented to keep a sense of place during the story. Synchronous sound refers to the sound that the viewer can hear, which is synchronized with the visuals. We will utilize it so audiences can also hear the environment and certain background noises that are relevant to the film. 

Regarding our background music we have currently sent messages to various artists for permission using their works. Here is a picture: 

Something exciting is that we have already gained permission from a few artists! Yay!!!

That's all for this blog post. See you next time!

Costume + Props: Mis-En-Scene 2

 For my second mis-en-scene blog I’m choosing to do costuming and props. This is the process my team and I went through to develop Halley as a character solely through how she’s dressed and the props she interacts with and uses.

Costuming: 

After researching and brainstorming the importance of costumes in film, I learned that they elevate the tone and mood of the character, in turn helping guide the story. 

The outfit Halley will be wearing in our film opening will be baggy jeans, a long sleeved brown shirt, a black graphic t-shirt over it, and converse high tops. This outfit is vaguely late 90’s- early 2000s and fits the grunge aesthetic. We wanted to create an outfit that is ”timeless” in a sense and could be worn in many different years and not be questioned, as our film is set in the early 2000s but never explicitly said so in the film opening. We also want Halley’s costuming to mirror her depression. Our actress will be wearing no makeup and have her hair down messily, to portray that Halley doesn’t care about anything, including her appearance. Here is a mood board with visuals of the outfit.

Om the bottom left of the mood board there is a simple neutral color scheme. This muted neutrals symbolize Halley’s life and mental health. The black and brown colors symbolize her depression and feelings of being stuck, and the beige represents her lack of motivation and her general detached personality and indifference. 

Props:

When thinking about props we decided to keep

things simple. Halley will be wearing a people of black headphones throughout the opening, which Oriana will provide the group with. The headphones will be attached to an Ipod which is playing the music. (ipod provided by me) (actually my parents)

Digging through my parents drawer trying to find the Ipod I actually stumbled upon a CANON POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERA. Crazy I know. Unfortunately It doesn’t have any battery but I’m going to try to find the charger. Fingers crossed!  I hope I find it! 

 

That’s all for costumes and props. See you next time! 

Lighting + Set: Mis-En-Scene 1

 

In an older blog I discussed location scouting and finding a perfect gas station for my film opening, here is my teams vision for our set and how we are going to light it. 

Set:

Our set is "Tom's Thumb" food store and gas station, a location I scouted a few weeks ago. Half of our film opening will take place inside the store while the other half will take place outside. To ensure that we can film we visited the store and asked the employees for permission. 

Lighting: 

For our film opening, our team plans to use cool coloring to establish the tone, mood, and setting. Our primary color will be a washed-out blue, as it symbolizes sadness and depression. However, for the outdoor scene set during dusk or sunset, the color palette will shift to warmer tones. It will incorporate pinks, violets, and oranges. This shift in coloring will represent the contrast between the character’s feelings of depression and her sense of awe for the planet above her.

The lighting will complement these colors, enhancing the overall development of the film’s opening.

Ataraxia story

 Here is a brief synopsis of our film opening. Hope you enjoy!

A teenage girl (Halley) is seen mundanely getting groceries. She is wearing headphones and listening to music, seemingly lost in her own world, a stark contrast to the background of the shot where people are panicked and stocking up on food. Halley notices the chaos ensuing but pays no mind to it

When she finishes up, she leaves the grocery store, and as she walks out the doors a large planet is revealed in the sky. (This is where the title card will be). The planet is making its way towards Earth, explaining the panic in the store. The planet is big and beautiful, the kind of beauty that is hard to tear one's eyes away from. Halley clearly sees the planet, but her face is strained, and it is visible to the audience that she is forcing herself not to care.

She then gets in her car, and when she turns it on the radio automatically does too, giving the audience a brief exposition: a rogue planet will crash onto Earth in 5 months, spreading panic all throughout the world. Before a deeper explanation, she switches the radio station to blasting music. Right before she begins driving away the film opening ends.

Our inspiration for the planet came from the movie Melancholia (2011). Here is a still from the film:

Contrary to Melancholia we plan for our planet to be brighter and more colorful (Think oranges, reds, and pinks).

Script!!

 Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you all had a great day.

Developing an idea for our film opening was tough, and we considered many ideas. After countless hours of collaboration here is our script:

(officially written by the groups primary writer: Santiago Salguero)

I hope you guys like it! Our storyboard is currently in the works so stay tuned for it next week. XOXO

Media theory integration

 I have learned many theories in class but have not been able to use them in my work yet. But that stops today! Now in my film opening, I will be able to use any of the theories that I will choose to apply to it. It is as wide as the range from representation theories to narrative theories. In my case, narrative theories are of interest to me, and some of them are Todorov’s Narrative Theory of Equilibrium, Binary Opposition Theory, Character Theory, and Narratives codes.

For the purpose of my group and my film opening, we have discussed and explored the concepts of each theory. The two that we found most helpful for our film were Todorov’s Narrative Theory of Equilibrium concerning disequilibrium and the narrative code concerning the semantic code. Before explaining why this one might be the best fit, I will explain a bit about what each of these entails. The Disequilibrium part of Todorov’s Theory refers to the “initial disruption”, something that disrupts the protagonist’s life, as well as other actions before the climax. The plot starts with the protagonist in a normal world, and their life is disrupted by an event. The protagonist then has to work to resolve the situation. The semantic code is signed within a production that represents more than just the literal object.

Here is a picture of notes on media theories I got in class:

In our film opening, we are planning on applying the disequilibrium theory. The rogue planet disrupts Earth which matches the "initial disruption" in this theory. Regarding semantic code, certain items in our film will hold deeper meaning in our protagonist’s life as the film goes on. One way we could include this is to include the purpose behind the items the character will pick out from the shelf at the grocery store

This is just a brief inkling of my ideas, stay tuned for a deeper dive on the story!

Group Meeting 1!

Yesterday our class conducted our first group meetings. The group meetings consisted of our class splitting into assigned groups of six to gain knowledge and get constructive feedback from peers. We started out by each sharing our film opening idea. Then we each shared ideas, tips, help, and feedback. Here's a quick summary.

Group member 1 (Alejandro): His film opening is going to be a psychological horror about a hardcore drug user who is hitting rock bottom. After he explained his story, the rest of the group gave him some tips. We all agreed that the story needed to be more fleshed out, as it was a bit underdeveloped. Additionally, Alejandro voiced his concerns about set designs, as he was going to have to move furniture around his room to get the effect he wanted. I spoke up and suggested he try rearranging his room ahead of time to test how it looks on camera before his shooting days. He also spoke about props and how he was going to create the "drugs" used in his film, saying he was going to use flour. Another group member suggested he use powdered sugar.

Group member 2 (Sienna): Sienna's film will be a coming-of-age film about seniors about to graduate from high school. Her opening will focus on different members of a friend group looking back at all the memories they created throughout high school and deciding they need to hang out as a group together one last time to commemorate the end of their H.S. experience. The group told Sienna that the opening needed to hint that they were about to graduate to tell the audience the significance of their last hangout. We told her to show it through environmental factors rather than in dialogue, I suggested a shot of a Calander that has a date circled and says "graduation." 

Group member 3 (Julio): Julio's film will be a horror focused on serial killers who are a couple. It will open with the two murdering a guy. As a group, we brainstormed creative title cards. One group member suggested writing the title in (fake) blood, and another suggested having it as the title in a newspaper. 

Group member 4 (Max): Max's film will be a drama focusing on a girl stuck in a time loop. The girl is in a therapy session, when she leaves, she gets into her car and then she gets a call, and she's back in the therapist's chair. The group's suggestion was to make the audience find out about the loop alongside the protagonist.

Group member 5 (Me!): I explained my idea to the group. They all liked it and gave me helpful ideas, for example, in the scene where my protagonist drives away from the store they suggested when she turns on the radio the announcer should be in the middle of their sentence to make it seem more realistic and not planned. 

All in all, this was a very successful group meeting and I'm glad I could help out my group members. 

Finding the perfect gas station: Location Scouting

 As I gear up to film my portfolio project it's a good time to scout possible filming locations. As the brunt of my film opening takes place inside a gas station store that is what I focused on looking for. I began with simply searching up gas stations near me.

Then I thoroughly looked through pictures and reviews of each. I had a very specific vision in mind which significantly narrowed my options. My first option for filming is a food market connected to a gas station called Toms Thumb. I liked this place as it is more of a grocery store than a traditional gas station convenience store, which works better for my film opening idea. Additionally, this gas station is located in a more secluded area, matching more which my story.

However, in the case that they don't let us film I have also made a list of three other potential options. 

Chevron – 17990 W State Road 84, Weston, FL 33326 | Phone: (954) 389-0780

Shell – 276 Indian Trace, Weston, FL 33326 | Phone: (954) 384-8994

Mobil – 1108 Weston Rd, Weston, FL 33326 | Phone: (954) 384-0107

Scheduling with the four busiest people on the planet

As a group of four with vastly different schedules, agreeing on certain times to work on our portfolio was tough, but between juggling a varsity sport, board positions, and jobs we somehow came up with a coherent schedule that we could all use. 

Here it is: 

Week 1 (1/29-2/2):Research

• Genre 

• Brainstorm/Idea

Week 2 (2/3-2/9):Planning

• Storyboard (done by 2/7) 

• Script (done by 2/7)

• Location scouting (done by 2/10)

• ShotList (done by 2/9)

• Casting (done 2/9) 

Week 3 (2/10-2/16):Filming

• Get props/costumes (2/10-2/12)

• Begin filming (2/15)

• Create Foley

• Find sound effects/music

Week 4 (2/17-2/23): Wrapping up filming/Editing  

• Wrap up (2/18)

• Start editing- line edit (2/23)

• Start graphics/VFX

Week 5 (2/24-3/2): Editing

• Final edit (3/2)

• Revisions: make changes needed 

Week 6 (3/3-3/9): CCR 

• Creative Critical Reflection

• Research information relating to the reflection.

• Create the reflection.

• Edit and review CCR.

Week 7 (3/10-3/16):CCR

Week 8 (3/17-3/25): Quick Fixes

• In case any fixes are needed

Credit sequence analysis

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

After a quick dialogue scene, the film jumps into a high-energy band rehearsal, where credits appear in bold text and a constantly changing bright-colored patterned background. This film takes an unconventional approach to opening credits by not integrating them into the scene but instead cutting away from the film to a graphic. 

Donnie Darko (2001)

The film begins with the protagonist waking up on a road in the mountains at dawn, staring out in confusion as music plays in the background. He rides his bike home through an idyllic suburban neighborhood, creating the film’s eerie contrast between normalcy and impending doom. The credits roll slowly over a calm morning, establishing the film’s surreal tone.

Turbo Kid (2015)

The film begins with the protagonist biking across a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland, collecting random junk. As he gets back to his house, the credits roll in a small yellow font and always stay in the left/right lower/upper thirds, to not take away from what's happening in the film.

Conclusion:

• Credit sequences don't have specific rules and can be stylized to the aesthetic of the film. 
• Fonts are important!

References:

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Opening Credits

Donnie Darko Opening Scene Killing Moon

Turbo kid intro

The world ending can be funny

To gain inspiration for my opening scene I researched films in the same genre I was going for. To start out my film is a blend of science fiction and coming of age and will follow a teenage girl. The premise of my film is a rogue planet is making its way towards Earth causing mass panic as people try to live the last few months of their lives, interestingly the protagonist doesn't care and continues to live life normally. 

When I researched film openings, I first started by searching for movies where the world is ending/almost ended. 

Love and Monsters (2020)

 Although the premise did not match exactly, the genres were similar, and the main characters were close in age to my film.

The opening of this movie was visually interesting and made me want to continue watching, which is something I want to bring to my film opening. Love and Monsters opens with a backstory, and the main character recounts in a voiceover how the world almost ended because of an asteroid, and how it caused monsters to be created. Animation, news footage, and quick cuts were utilized to show the story engagingly. Although I do not plan on using animation, the lighthearted and almost comedic tone the main character was using was definitely something I can incorporate, as it provides a balance of comedy and drama to make the world ending more lighthearted and show how the main character is indifferent to it. 

Melancholia (2011)

The opening of this film is a stylized montage showing scenes from the end of the world set to music. The pace is slow, and the atmosphere is dreamlike. Since there is no dialogue, it leaves the scenes up to the viewers' interpretation. 

The surreal images shown in the opening scene are meant to foreshadow the depression of the main character. The film doesn't have a traditional exposition like many sci-fi movies do, instead it immerses the audiences straight into the feeling of the film. I like this idea, and while I'm not taking an artistic approach, I also plan on taking an unconventional route. The music in the scene is used to set the tone. It is slow, eerie, and almost haunting. I also plan on using mostly music for most of my film opening. 

10 things I hate about you (1999)

While this film doesn't have the sci-fi element I'm incorporating in mine, the protagonist "Kat Stratford" was a big inspiration when I was writing my protagonist. The opening uses a blend of music and voiceover to introduce the viewers to the main characters rebellious nature and disdain for societal norms. 

The light-hearted yet sarcastic tone blends romance and comedy, foreshadowing future conflicts and character growth, all while incorporating contemporary cultural references that resonate with the audience. Overall, the opening effectively lays the groundwork for the film's exploration of rebellion and conformity in teenage life. which are themes I want to incorporate in my opening.

Sources:

Love & Monster's | Opening Scene

Melancholia (2011) - Opening [HD]

Bad Reputation in 10 Things - Kat intro scene

Possible genre choices

 For my film opening, I'm interested in exploring the genres of comedy and coming of age. Here is some research I've done to help me know what makes a good film from each genre:

Characteristics of Coming of Age

• themes of maturation and growing up
• usually centered around one main protagonist (character-driven stories)
• show the protagonist's life changes/milestones
• usually, the plot is about the protagonists facing the first major problem in their lives.
• often blend with other genres such as comedy and drama
• most CoA movies also include romance (usually the protagonist's first love)
• the protagonist needs to end up evolving in some way

Example: 

In Lady Bird (2017) the protagonist is a senior in high school who longs to go to college out of state. This leads to a rocky relationship with her mother who wants her to stay close to home. Besides this, the protagonist also is navigating school, boys, and friendships. The film showcases many characteristics of a classic coming-of-age movie (character-driven, first major problem, romance, milestones).

What makes a Coming-of-Age movie good??

A good coming-of-age movie needs to show the audience how the protagonist has evolved throughout the movie.

For example, when comparing the opening scene of Booksmart to the concluding scene, the scenes are mirrored. 

Opening:

Closing:

The mirrored scenes showcase how the duo has progressed throughout the film. The character Molly starts to drive, and the two girls are ready to begin their own lives. However, the lines near the end show that they decide to get pancakes before they part ways, showing the strongness of their friendship.

Characteristics of Comedy

• aims to entertain and make viewers laugh
• comedic formats: jokes, wit, irony, satire
• can be a tool for social commentary
• writing is a big focus along with actor timing+delivery
• positive ending

Example:

Uses humor and satire to comment on real social issues. (also, just hilarious) 

What makes a comedy movie good?

• timing: the way an actor delivers their lines can make or break the joke and affect the audience response
• subverting expectations: taking the joke somewhere the audience wouldn't expect can make it funnier
• exaggeration: exaggerating situations/characters beyond a realistic point generally makes the film more humorous
• Good writing!!!

References:

Comedy: A Guide to the Genre | Backstage

What is Comedy? Definition, Techniques, and Examples

Best Comedy Movies of All Time — All the Classics Ranked

What is a Coming of Age Movie — Examples and Characteristics

Best Coming of Age Movies of All Time (And Why They’re Great)