Final Update

Final Update

Hey everyone! I'm here for my final update about this project! I ended up completely changing my mind about doing the voiceover since I couldn't come up with any ideas. Nonetheless, I FINISHED EDITING MY FILM OPENING!!! I decided that background music suited it well and I am so glad with the outcome. For the background music, I used a website called Uppbeat to find a huge selection of copyright free music. I ended up choosing a song called "Love and Sorrow" by AK, as I think it really contributes to the tone of my film opening.

As for my Creative Critical Reflection (CCR), I have finished editing the first one, and still have to complete the second one. I ended up using iMovie to edit my first CCR since I am experienced with using it in comparison to Premiere Pro. There's many parts where I have to edit text and pictures in and it is just so much simpler with iMovie.

For my second CCR I plan to do a presentation with a voiceover, so that is all I have left to do! 

Stay tuned!!!

Planning Week 8

Planning for the LAST WEEK

It is absolutely INSANE to me that we are coming up on the last week of the project. I am stressed about everything that I have to do, but I know I will feel so relieved after April 3. When this project was first assigned, it felt like April 3 was so far in the future, but these 7 weeks have gone by SO fast. I have never done a long term project like this so it was very different to learn how to manage my time.

When it feels like you have forever to complete the project, you don't feel a sense of urgency to get things done which is why planning has been so important. I definitely could have managed my time better since it would have been nice if I gave myself 2 weeks to complete my Creative Critical Reflection (CCR), but I can still get it done. 

Throughout this upcoming week, I need to plan, film, and edit my CCR. Between Monday and Wednesday I will plan which media formats I will use, as well as my responses to all the questions. Then during the rest of the week I will film and edit it all together. I am so nervous about how close the due date is creeping up...but I couldn't be more excited about finally getting everything done!

Finalizing the Film Opening

Finishing Editing

While doing the finishing touches on my film opening, I decided that I wanted to add a voiceover. I want to do this to add a more engaging aspect as well as give more context to the scene. I began looking at different openings which include voiceovers to get some inspiration.

Clueless (1995)

For this film opening, the voiceover provides insight into the character's personality and thoughts which is definitely my main goal. I love how this film opening combines the voiceover with music as well as dialogue within the actual scenes. Although mine won't include any dialogue, there will be diegetic sounds like keyboard typing that will be heard in combination with voiceover.

Twilight (2008)

In this opening I really enjoyed how it incorporated dialogue as well as the voiceover for context. I liked how simple it was yet effective at showing the state of mind of the character. I love how the first line of the voiceover was super impactful as it states, "I'd never given much thought to how I would die. But dying in the place of someone I love seems like a good way to go." This hits the viewer with a deep and thought provoking line which is something I would like to do. 

My Thoughts

Both of these voiceovers helped me a lot with gaining inspiration on what I want to include in mine, so I am very glad that I researched them. I want my voiceover to be simple yet deep and effective. Since I am currently on a cruise, I will probably have to wait till Friday which is a sea day until I have time to write the script for the voiceover. Once I get back on Sunday I will film it so I can be in a quiet space.

Editing Process

More Editing

Hey guys! So I have been working A LOT on editing and I am exhausted. I am so happy with the progress I am making though!

Canva has been a huge help for me while editing the credits. Once I combined all the clips and cut them down in Premiere Pro, I used Canva to edit the credits. Canva offers a variety of fonts and animations that are so simple to use. I knew I wanted a typewriter effect for the credits to relate to the social media and technology aspect of the film opening, but figuring out how to do it was a struggle. I looked up many videos on YouTube explaining how to create that effect on Premiere Pro, but after many failed attempts I gave up. It wasn't until I was looking at a past student's blogs where I saw her mention that Canva has the typewriter effect. This was a huge help to me and allowed me to quickly do the credits. The only thing is that I wish the effect was slower but you can only change that if you pay...and I wasn't going to do that.

While looking at projects from past years, I saw that any students opened with the logo of a production company, so I decided to do that. I named it Forg Productions, which is just a shortened version of my last name. Once again, Canva came to my rescue by having simple resources to allow me to create my logo. Just by selecting a design I was able to create this...

I am getting so close to the finish line with this project and I could not be more excited!!! Stay tuned for more updates!

Beginning Editing

Editing

YAY it is officially spring break!!! Despite going on vacation, there is still a lot of work to be done. I finished selecting and editing all of my clips together...which was the easy part. I am definitely not the best with working in Premiere Pro, and compared to my other classmates who have experience from working with it in other classes, I know very little.

When it came to editing the credits and the title, I needed to go to YouTube to find out how to edit many different things.

The video above is an example of how one of the ones I watched in order to try to learn how to edit my film's title on. Without having easy access to these resources, I don't know what I would have done as these helped SO much. I don't love the outcome of my editing for the title, so I am going to keep looking for other options.

Although I have a good start with the editing, I still have to add music. I plan to complete this all tomorrow since I must begin working on the Creative Critical Reflection as the project is due so soon.

Planning For Spring Break

Spring Break

As Spring break is approaching next week, the project's due date is getting closer and closer. After we get back, I must prioritize the creation of the Creative Critical Reflection (CCR) since I will only have one week until everything is due. In order to get everything completed, I must thoroughly plan out what I want to get done each day.

During the break, I'll be going on a cruise for the whole week. Although I am excited for a break, the editing process for my project has not even begun so I am worried about getting everything done. I have just finished the production process for my project and I am very relieved. I was able to complete filming over the course of two days. One of those days was an early release day so I had extra time after school to get it done.

Now the editing must begin. Between today and tomorrow, I will try to get a majority of my editing done. This is a very busy and stressful time since I still have to get what seems like a million things done before I leave for the cruise. Overall I am relieved that the production process is over, but now the next step of post production has just begun. I know once I finish editing I will feel much more prepared about being on track for this project.

Tomorrow I also want to begin to plan for my CCR since there won't be much time to complete it once break is over. I need to choose what two media types I will produce since they will probably require the help of my friends and family. This is another factor that plays into the time I need to complete the CCR as I will need to adapt to the schedules of others.

Although the remaining time of this project will be very stressful, I think the finished product will be very worth it. I have never done a long term project like this where time management plays such a major role. This has been a great learning experience so far and has really showed me the effect of my actions as procrastination has set me behind.

Second Day of Filming

 Day 2 of Filming

Since today was an early release day at school, we had a lot of time to film! Although we didn't need much time, it was nice to not have to rush and just enjoy the process. We were able to collaborate with different ideas based on my storyboard and Isabelle did a great job as being my actress. I had so much fun getting to try various angles to see which I liked best and just to have so much freedom. 

In a majority of our past projects, I have worked with other people, and whether it was with a partner or a group, getting to bounce ideas off each other and brainstorm is so different than working alone. I was nervous to work individually since I can be very indecisive, so I've always liked working with others for more support. This has been such a good learning experience for me to see how much I can grow to be independent with my choices and know what I want to do. 

Despite how much fun the filming process was, I am so relieved that it is over. It was a huge step of this project so I am glad that it is done. Now it is time for editing everything together!!! Here are some sneak peeks of the scenes we filmed today...

First Day of Filming

Day 1 of Filming

After school today was my first day of filming! After many scheduling issues due to extracurricular activities, we can finally got started. Since Spring break is next week, I won't be home to film and edit my film opening. This is why between today and tomorrow I need to get all of the filming done. I am so glad that tomorrow is an early release day which means that I will have extra time after school to complete the filming process.

When my friend Isabelle arrived at my house to be the actress for my film opening, I shared with her the details of my idea as well as the storyboard so she understands my vision for it. Despite previously explaining to her what she would have to do, she was definitely very nervous about it. She is a pretty outgoing person but it was very out of her comfort zone to do acting. I had to take a lot of time to reassure her that no matter what her acting abilities were like, it would've been ok (especially because she was my only option since everyone else refused to be in it). 

Storyboard

So during filming, we followed my storyboard but also added some scenes as well. I was definitely really nervous throughout filming that I wouldn't have enough scenes to meet the two minutes, but I ended up having much more. We filmed for about two hours today and we get a lot done. It was super fun to get to bring my ideas to life and we shared a lot of laughs while filming. I am super happy with where the film opening is going and I am excited to finish the production process tomorrow! Here's some sneak peeks of the scenes we filmed today...

Planning for Week 6

 Week 6 Is Approaching...

As week 6 is approaching, the due date is much closer than I expected. This is the last week before spring break and I am excited to continue working. My goal is to film everything between Wednesday and Thursday and then begin with editing, On Wednesday and Thursday I'll be filming after school and we are having daylight savings time this weekend so I'll be getting more light later in the day which gives me more time to film.

I am super excited to bring my project to life and begin the filming process. After having many conflicts with finding an actress and scheduling the right time, we finally figured it out so I am very relieved. As spring break is approaching, I am beginning to worry about how close the project is due as well as how soon the exam is.

This year has gone by so fast and it is absolutely crazy that AICE exams are coming up. It feels like just yesterday I was first learning how to write a visual analysis essay. Nevertheless, I do feel pretty confident in my abilities for this exam as we do a lot of practice. I am excited to continue the progression of this project, bye! 

Filming Planning

Filming Planning

The filming location will either be my bedroom or Isabelle's. I have to ask Isabelle if she would be comfortable with us filming in her room since her house is significantly bigger so it would be much easier to film. But if she rather not it will be fine because my smaller room can help create that more claustrophobic and stuck feeling that the character is facing.

I will be using my iPhone 13 to film as I have said before. Although I wanted to rent out camera equipment like I heard some people were doing, it would have been too difficult considering our varied filming schedule that isn't completely set in stone due to our personal conflicts. Nevertheless, filming with the iPhone 13 will be more than fine.

For lighting I will be using natural light from the outside, but depending on the day's weather, I may have to use an LED lamp like this one.

Finding an Actress

Actress Issues 

Recently I have been having trouble finding who is going to be the actress for my film opening. None of my friends are into theater or acting but I still thought someone would want to be in it. After many text messages asking and many responses declining since they were too embarrassed to do it, I finally got one person.

My friend Isabelle has been the only person to accept the offer and  I am so excited! The only issue is that she is a competitive dancer and as it is competition season right now, there is many scheduling conflicts that hinder filming. Because of this we decided on filming next week during the week after school.

I am glad that Isabelle will be the actress for my film opening because as a competitive dancer, she has some acting experience. Since my film opening is in the drama genre, there will be some serious scenes so it is important that I got someone who is comfortable with exploring different emotions like that. I am super excited to begin filming with her next week!

Scheduling for Week 5

 As week 5 is approaching, I really I have to get a move on with the production of my film opening. I have been working on my storyboard and script which I will be posting on my blog between Monday and Tuesday. I have finally become set on the film opening and am feeling more confident. Although I haven't been able to have an individual meeting with my teacher due to different conflicts in class, I am looking forward to it to help reassure my idea. 

Since my friend was not available this weekend due to a dance competition, filming will begin next weekend. I am very excited to begin to bring my project to life! Throughout week 5, I will finish any research I need to complete and will thoroughly plan the production process to prepare for the weekend. This will allow me to be ready to edit during week 6 and begin preparing for the Creative Critical Reflection.

These past 4 weeks have gone by so fast and what I thought would feel like forever working on this project has become much more miniscule. As a typical high school student, procrastination is my speciality so I need to push myself to grind through this project.

Target Audience

Drama Target Audience

While beginning to discuss the Creative Critical Reflection (CCR) in class yesterday, it was brought to my attention that one of the four questions focuses on the target audience of the film. I then noticed that I failed to do research on my film's target audience, so that is what I will be doing now!

In class, my teacher mentioned that we should describe our target audiences by age range, gender, and likes/dislikes. For the drama genre, the common age range is 16-30 year olds in the female gender. These films are targeted towards people who enjoy thought provoking films that explore more serious issues.

Lady Bird (2017)

This film has a target audience of 20-35 year old females. It is targeted towards those who are more individualistic and have similar experiences to that it in the movie as it presents a relatable and real issue.

My Film's Target Audience

My target audience will will be 14-25 year old females who enjoy common teenage girl activities like makeup and gossip. It will be most appealing to those who enjoy films focused on real life issues showing true experiences. I decided on this target audience because it not only relates to the overall drama genre's target audience, but it fits my particular film best since it is focused on topics related more to teenage girls and young adults.

Thoughts on the Creative Critical Reflection

 Creative Critical Reflection (CCR) Lesson

Today in class we began discussing the CCR and it is much more complex than I expected. This year, Cambridge has added an additional type of media product that we must make to respond to the questions which just adds to the complexity and the amount of time I need to factor in for this project. Despite my concerns, I am excited for it! 

We viewed a variety of samples of past students CCRs and it was really helpful in getting an idea of how we could do this. I loved how many students showcased their personal interests and creativity. One example was a student formatting her CCR similar to Vogue's 73 Questions series. I thought this was a super unique and engaging way to respond to the given questions while not just being a talking head. 

For my CCR, I think I want to do a director commentary and a talk show as my two types of media products to respond to the four questions. I like how both of these options allow you to be having a conversation with another person rather than being alone talking to a camera. I think it will be more natural for me and less uncomfortable.

The lesson in class allowed me to notice many things that I should keep in mind like taking pictures during the production process so I could include images throughout answering the question about the technologies used for the project. Overall I was able to gain many new ideas and notice areas that I should focus on in my blogs in order to help me answer the four questions in the CCR easier at the end of the project.