Group meeting #1 reflection :)

 Today I was able to get into groups and collaborate my ideas and help people develop theirs. This was a great opportunity to get some feedback about my idea and get encouraged to try new ideas that my group members shared with me. We all helped each other in significant ways and shared ideas to everyone's project to help them out a little to steer them in a good direction. Everyone's ideas were so different and creative and I can't wait for when they finish!

    

    Layla's story is a CoA film. She developed her character and she wanted to make it about social media insecurity and that her credits were going to be the character scrolling on social media. I think this idea was so cool and it would be so fun to see when it comes together. we gave her some great tips that would help to establish her plot and credit sequence. For example, Nicole gave a good idea to put the credits within the scrolling of social media. This idea was so good and everyone agreed!! This CoA film has a such a good plot to it and I am so glad we got to help Layla in her process.

    Nicole's film is going to be a romantic comedy about two girls that go from not really knowing/liking each other, to lovers. Nicole wanted to start the scene with something that would catch the viewers attention like a car crash. Me and my group incorporated many ways to help this seem very realistic. Our ideas were to make it a car crash on the first day of school and then they have classes together. This would mean the two "enemies" are forced to like each other. I think these ideas were so good along with the credits. Nicole said she wanted to do the credits inside the car like in the rearview mirror. This would tie so good into her overall film and I loved that idea!

    Isa's film is also going to be a CoA film. She developed her characters because she said that after the characters are planned out then everything falls right into place. I like this idea and agree because developing the character is one of the hardest parts. Isa's idea for her credit sequence is to be incorporated onto objects. She showed us a few examples and said that they could also show more information about the actual characters. I like her idea and I'm excited for her to develop her plot more. All of us really liked her idea since she knew what she wanted straight away for her film.

    For Andres film, he wanted to do an action thriller film. He said he has always liked action thriller growing up so he knew a lot about how they are filmed. He wanted to make a movie about a group of people sitting at a poker table doing illegal things but each person is their own character, meaning they are all dressed very differently. Andre pointed out that one could be a cowboy so this helped us to understand how vastly different he is going to make each character. He wanted to do so many things and had so many ideas but we explained that there will have to be editing on top of editing for the types of credits he wants to add. He wanted the camera to pan to each character then blur the background and add little aspects of each individual character. Everyone thought this idea was so cool and I am so excited to see this come together.

Diego wanted to go for a Horror film. He wanted his film to start off in the everglades with a person trapped there stuck in some sort of loop. We helped him develop his plot more since the ending of his idea seemed like it wouldn't leave on on a cliffhanger. We showed him an example trailer of a horror movie that did kind of the same thing he wants to do to explain that our idea was for him to make the end the beginning if that makes sense, meaning that he could record the ending then when the film is done he could write something like "one month before.." We all thought that this would add great suspense to his overall film.

    In the end my group members helped me to think of more ideas to make my film more realistic. I said that I wanted my story based on an FBI agent going through the stuff at a new crime scene and that glasses from the crime scene would allow the FBI agent to see dead people and they told me different ways to edit and to incorporate good lighting into my film. They gave me the ideas for instead of the glasses where the character can see dead people, it could be anytime the character would touch something. Another idea that was given to me was about how to get a good flashback. One idea was that every time the character touches an object from the crime scene, the camera would zoom into the characters eye and make some sort of tunnel to the flashback. These ideas add so much more suspense overall and I really enjoyed hearing everyone's input to my idea. I really liked group meeting one and I hope to see everyone's final project looking amazing!

Location, Lighting and color scouting 🤭

 Introduction:

   Hello Cambridge! So, I have been trying to figure out where I want to film my opening and I've thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that I want to record in my moms office. My mom owns her building (she's a surgeon) So there are many long hallways within the building that could create a lot of suspense. For the film I'm trying to create, I researched some locations used in mystery thriller movies to help me.

Film example:

     The Shining (1980) is the only film among many I researched that really stood out to me. This movie is about a writer that goes crazy from being so solitary. He took a job as a winter caretaker at a closed hotel. This job included isolation which he thought would help him to finish writing his book however it made everything worse. Jack needed to support his wife and child and he thought that the source of income would be his future book. Jack is originally the "good" guy in the film however turns into the antagonist soon after going mental. Jacks son Danny was a psychic that saw many horrifying things from both previous time and the coming times in the film. 

    The Shining (1980) was mostly filmed in the dark atmosphere of the hotel as there were many hallway shots with the lighting very unsettling. This helped me to further develop how I want to create my film. I want to make sure the lighting is mostly natural light and low-key lighting however that's just an idea so it may change depending on the time I am actually filming. The hotel was old as I could tell by the choosing of wallpaper and carpet. These elements gave the film the old fashioned look it has. Even though I'm not going for an old type of film, I gathered information about the colors and design I will use to make my film appear the year I want it to be. I want my film to give off recent but not too recent vibes meaning I would like to make it seem like it's set either in 2010-2015 or around 2020-2023. I am most likely going to be filming in dark long hallways or outside in the night light to give off the eeriness of the film. 

    Overall, this movie helped me come to the conclusion of what I wanted to choose for my location, lighting and coloration for my film opening. I will try to stick to this guide and look for further examples from thriller movies that can help me in the future when I start to film.

Resources: 

IMDb.com. (n.d.-b). The shining. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/plotsummary/

LitCharts. (n.d.). The shining summary. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-shining/summary

Establishing my schedule👍😁

Introduction:

    From this point I have about a little over 7 weeks to create, edit, and finalize my portfolio project. Since there is so much to do in order to complete the project fully, I need  to create a schedule  that I can refer back to so I make sure to get everything done. I broke up what I need to do and brainstormed how long I think I will take to do each task I need to do. I made sure to leave a good amount of time to create and finish my CCR (creative critical reflection) so I can finish that in time to have a week for edits.

Time based schedule:

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

• First blog post discussing initial plans for project
• Second blog post discussing possible genres
• Think of the overall storyline

Week two: (2/3-2/9)

• Pick genre
• Brainstorm who will be playing my film
• Find out location best for my chosen genre
• Figure out the times when I can go and film at the locations I need.
• 4 blog postings about different films, credit sequences, and this timeline plus a blog from my choosing.
• Develop the characters looks (clothing/makeup)
• Develop script/storyboard. (Even though its two minutes long, I need to know what I would want to do throughout the whole film).

Week three: (2/10-2/16)

• Start my production
• Watch through and make any changes to the filming process
• Use valentines day to film at my chosen place since no one else will be there (it's my mothers office)
• Four blog postings about reflection from group meeting, research of media theories to include, my project idea fully summarized, and script/storyboard.
• Try to finalize production

Week four: (2/17-2/23)

• Begin to edit film
• Utilize foley or add any non-diegetic music in the film
• Four blog posts about the character I develop, two posts about the mise-en-scene being incorporated into my film, and a post about the audio and sounds being used.

Week five: (2/24-3/2)

• Start to finalize the editing process
• Four blog postings of my choice about production process.

Week six: (3/3-3/9)

• Review film opening after all edits have been made
• Four blog postings. One of my choice, two of the production practices, and one about my research for the creative critical reflection (CCR).
• Start CCR

Week seven: (3/10-3/16)

• Work on developing the CCR
• Another four blog postings. 3 about my research for the CCR questions and one discussing the CCR production ideas.
• fix any minor/major setbacks

Week eight: (3/17-3/25)

• Finish with time left to spare during this week
• Last four blog posts for the project -My production of CCR, my post production for the CCR, a final reflection on the whole project, and post links to the CCR.
• Safety week (make sure everything is done)

Summary: So, I will try and keep up with this schedule because it took me a lot of time to figure everything out and how long most things will take me to do. I like being creative and taking my time so I took that into consideration when saying how fast things will be done because I like to take my time to make sure everything comes out great! Hopefully all goes well and this timeline becomes a success.

Also, I wrote out a schedule on paper however, it isn't as in depth as the one here but I will show it anyways.

My three credit sequences!

 Introduction:

    Hey! I have been doing some studying on different credit sequences that fit into the mystery crime thriller genre and here's how it's going! Credit sequences are used to explain who worked behind the scenes of films. Mainly, you will typically see the director, producer, and other people that helped film or create scripts. Different genres use different types of credit scenes like including different colors and fonts to fit that chosen genre. Since my genre is thriller, I have researched a few different credit sequences from different movies that I intend to utilize.

Credit Sequences:

    The first credit sequence I found was from the movie Godzilla (2014). This films opening credit sequence matched with the vibe of the video playing behind it. The text is in a dark grey color with a regular font size. The video behind the credits went so well with it because its a black and white video showing the true darkness of the film already. These credits along with the narrative behind it established the films tone and the mystery behind the historical papers and writing shown behind the credits.

    The next film I researched on is The Exorcist (1973). This film opens with the credits in large letters with a deep red color. The red color shown in the opening sequence establishes the extreme gore that is within this film. The composition of the actual story being told behind the credits was about people at a dig site and one person finds a figure that unleashes the demon inside. This relates to the credit sequences since the red coloration in the credits is establishing the thrill and what demonic things there is to come. This opening is unsettling as the music in the background created an eerie atmosphere. This already starts to build tension before the film starts.

    I then researched the film Psycho (1960). This film is old however it incorporated many unique designs and animations for how the credits go in and exit the frame. Usually credit sequences seem boring and not a lot of people actually read them, however, it was very interesting after they added fun movement. The grey lines appearing on screen also allows audiences to interpret what they think will happen and to stay mysterious. The colors of this sequence were black and white which may relate to the time this film was created. Another feature I wanted to mention was the non-diegetic fast pace music behind the video. This enhanced the anticipation for viewers as they view the sequence.

Resources:

BrainGlutton, JohnT, MidnightRadio, Delphica, Walloon, Number, Johnny_L.A, Thin_Ice, jk1245, Don_Draper, Scumpup, PoorYorick, & Ianzin. (2005, January 23). “The exorcist”: What was the point of the prologue? Straight Dope Message Board. https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-exorcist-what-was-the-point-of-the-prologue/286299

Landekic, L. (2023, April 24). Art of the title. Art of the Title. https://www.artofthetitle.com/

Writer Ben Radatz                                  Published        December 13, 2011. (n.d.). Psycho. Art of the Title. https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/psycho/

My three movie inspirations!!

Introduction:

    Since a lot of my friends know I am in Aice Media Studies, they know I am taking part in the portfolio project. This is relevant because they have recommended me a few different thriller themed films below that have been very inspirational!

Movies:

    The movie Parasite is movie that was released in 2019 about an unwealthy family that lives in a small basement. The sons name is Ki-woo and was offered to become a tutor for a wealthy family's (the Parks) daughter. This unwealthy family (the Kim's) decides to attempt to take over the Parks' staff so they can make money. There are many dark secrets about the Parks' home that they begin to catch sight of. These dark secrets were thrilling and suspenseful as they unfolded the real truth of the Parks house keeping the audience engaged. There are many mise-en-scene elements that I have taken into consideration for when I begin my filming process. In the opening scene I immediately noticed that the basement is filled with trash and filled with many items that have been scattered all over. This made me come to the conclusion that the Kim's were not wealthy. The film utilized many camera movements like panning which helps the viewer understand the characters movements. Many over the shoulder shots were used to create a sense of intimacy for audiences. This movie gave a lot information to me as I now know some different camera angles to create suspense. Initially, I didn't think that this film would help me in particular however, I came to the conclusion that the kinds of lighting and movements like tilts and pans will help me in the developing process.

    The next movie I wanted to talk about it called Bad Times at the El Royale and it was released in 2018. This thriller film is about a group of unknown people that all meet at the El Royale hotel. These unknown people come in a group of six with many secrets that are kept only to themselves. This film takes place in the late 1960s surrounded by a disastrous night in the hotel. The opening scene takes place in a hotel room with a man trying to hide something followed by him being offed by another man. There is a lot of nostalgia in this film including the look of the hotel room because of the 60, themed decorations. The low-key lighting created the eeriness and suspense which enhanced the overall mise-en-scene throughout the movie. The movie mainly used POV (point of view) shots showing the perspective from the main in the hotel room which allowed the viewers to stay engaged. As the man is trying to hide something, a high angle was used showing the vulnerability of the scene. There were many different scenes that enhanced the suspense which is why the movie is a thriller. There were many surprising actions building the tenseness of the audience. This movie allowed me to understand how to create a suspenseful atmosphere for the viewers so that I can accurately keep them engaged. Since I'm going to attempt murder someone by poisoning, I know the different lighting to use to establish and eerie atmosphere.

    The last film I want to share is A Quiet Place, released in 2018. This film is based on a family that has to fight to survive against alien like organisms. The movie opens with a family (Abbott family) that is searching for resources in a town that has been evacuated and empty. The youngest of the family finds a toy that makes much noise however the alien creatures have sensitive hearing. This is what causes the initial problem as later the youngest child gets killed because of the little bit of noise that was made. The mise-en-scene of the film like the pure daylight use, was made to made the atmosphere look as realistic as possible. The clothing was dirty and well worn showing the family had no time to care about looks with the tragedies happening around them. The composition of the film established the intimacy and suspense all throughout the scenes. Numerous shots were utilized like when the camera followed the family (tracking shot), or when I could sense the fear of the characters as they were scared (close up shot). Many of the scenes of this film created a tense feeling for me to watch. The random moments of pure silence made me sit on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I want to create this feeling for the audience of my film opening. I am going to use the close up shot like in this film but not to create fear, I want to show distinct details that wouldn't have been known if they were in the close up shot. I plan to use a tracking shot (unless anything changes) in the final few seconds before then end of my opening to leave the audience off on a cliffhanger.

Summary:

    

    Overall, these three films have helped me develop further into my developing process as I now know more techniques I plan to use in my opening. I have learned more about the thriller genre and more about the techniques and planning that needs to be used when creating. I will update soon about the credits and other important parts of my film so until then, Goodbye!

Resource links: 

Parasite movie review & film summary (2019). Roger Ebert. (n.d.). https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/parasite-movie-review-2019

IMDb.com. (n.d.). Bad Times at the el royale. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6628394/plotsummary/

IMDb.com. (2018, April 6). A quiet place. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6644200/

My genre and movie research!

Genre:

    As soon as the portfolio project was introduced, I knew I wanted my film to be very suspenseful so I have decided to go with the MYSTERY CRIME thriller genre. I wasn't stuck deciding between multiple genres because everything else seemed like it wouldn't be fun for me to make. I have never been super interested in watching thrillers however, I think I can be really creative with the film I want to develop. I have started my research on some thriller films to understand the genre and how to utilize it better throughout my film.

    The thriller genre typically consists of a lot of suspense with many different types of shots and mise-en-scene elements to keep the viewers at the edge of their seats and engaged. There are many different types of thriller for example, technological thriller which represents the dangers of technology like hacking, however I just want to focus on the regular thriller genre.

Thriller films composition:

    My film is going to be about baking and adding a poisonous substance in it for a special someone. I researched how thriller movies are filmed and found that out according to Slideshare, which explained various shots that create the suspenseful feeling of these types of films. A shot example is the Point Of View shot which allows the viewers to see the film through the characters eyes. I plan to utilize this so the audience can see the baking process through the characters perspective knowing each ingredient that gets added in. I have researched two movies that will help me to develop the mise-en-scene and overall structure of my film.

 Movie research:

    The movie Phantom Thread is a film about a women poisoning a fashion designer to make him vulnerable on her. The main character Alma, poisons Reynolds using highly toxic mushrooms. Reynolds does not fight this because he needs her to control him. This movie was released in 2017 as a drama, however I was only looking into some of the elements that can be considered phycological thriller. Within the trailer I enjoyed how the shots were filmed and how in the beginning there were many faster cuts with suspenseful music, enhancing the engagement for me. I want to incorporate these types of cuts into my film to ensure I will keep the audience entertained. This was good to watch as it inspired me to come up with ideas for my film along with the over mise-en-scene.

    The movie Gone Girl is also a phycological thriller that was released in 2014. The main character Amy drugged her abusive ex-boyfriend as a plan to frame him for her death and the reason she was kidnapped. Amy did this to make sure that the story she is making is believable for the police and society. I researched into a film like this one because they utilized many close ups that created a sense of intimacy which is what I would like to incorporate into my film. The lighting in this film was very low-key and created silhouettes that established the mystery and eerie atmosphere that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats wanting to know what comes next.

Resources:

 IMDb.com. (n.d.). Gone girl. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2267998/plotsummary/

IMDb.com. (n.d.-b). Phantom thread. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5776858/plotsummary/

 

My transition into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

    My transition into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

    A warm welcoming to Cambridge! As I transition into my portfolio project, my blogs from now on will be based upon my final project for Cambridge. Everything I have done previously in this class has helped me shape my perspective on what I can achieve in this project. This class has been challenging but has helped me to become more successful. My teacher presented numerous film opening examples and explained each one thoroughly to make sure us students could understand how they are made, ensuring us to be successful. Me and my classmates were introduced to these directions for the project:

 

   

    My initial plan and first approach for this project will be to first develop my genre. Without knowing my genre it will be difficult to know what I want to do and how to create a setting and characters, therefore, developing my genre is the best way for me to start. I am going to do a lot of research and watch different film openings to understand how to develop mine. For my genre, I will choose based off of what I think I can be the most creative and successful with. It takes time and dedication for the planning process which is why I have been brainstorming since the day I was introduced to the project.

My second approach to this project will be creating my storyline or plot. Even though this film opening is two minutes, I still need to have a clear idea in mind for what would happen in the whole film, so that I know where and how to leave off when those two minutes are up. This is important when developing the film to ensure that the viewers are left on a cliffhanger, wanting to know what happens next. This gives me a chance to get creative because I can choose what gets put into my film. This project is going to be difficult but fun, and a chance for me to express myself and what I have learned in class up until now.