Editing Blog: The Beginning of the End

    Following my first weekend of filming, I decided I could edit the scenes I filmed. Because I couldn't get any shots with my co-star, I could only edit the scenes that didn't have him in them. This proved to be somewhat difficult, as a lot of my scenes either cut to him or are shot-reverse shots, etc. However, I was able to edit some minor changes to the scenes without him present. For example, I was able to cut scenes and begin the fading process or the scenes I am into the ones that will cut to him. Additionally, I was able to clean up the choppiness of a couple scenes that I filmed. Also, I filmed a couple shots that included my mom. For these, I was able to edit them so they fit more smoothly into the project. To be honest, I wasn't able to do a whole lot of editing, as, like I said before, I couldn't film too much as my supporting actor wasn't available to film over the weekend. However, I plan to get the rest of my filming down towards the end of this week, and into the weekend.

    In addition to shortening and fading a couple of my shots, I made a few other adjustments to my project. I browsed the internet for some copyright-free music to use in the background of my opening sequence. I was searching mainly for a slow-building, ominous type score to use as the opening sequence commences. This follows the standard conventions of thriller/horror movies, as I prepare the audience for a spooky feeling. Once I found a track that I believed would work well with my production, I imported it into the editing software. From there, I placed it into the corresponding track position and readied it for when I further my editing process. I will edit the music so it plays a bit louder at the beginning of the opening sequence and will become quieter as the characters speak. My goal is to make the scenes flow into each other, creating a very smooth looking opening sequence. Currently, without the scenes involving my supporting actor, the project is only about 45 seconds, so I will need to make sure I have another minute and 15 seconds of footage for my film. Once I get the final shots filmed, I will be able to import them and finish editing my project!

Filming Blog: First Weekend of Filming

    Finally, after a weekend of non-responsive weather and overtime at my job, I was able to begin filming. I checked out a camera on Friday and as soon as I got home from practice after school, I began filming. The only scenes I would be able to film over the weekend would be the ones that don't involve my co-star. This is because he is working all weekend and only gets off late at night. However, he doesn't work during the week, so my plan is to check a camera out in the middle of the week and film then. Once I got home, I set up my camera on the tripod and shot the opening scene, of my final. This scene is supposed to set the mood for the rest of the project. Therefore, I made sure to take a couple shots of this even though it was a pretty simple scene. Lighting was pretty nice, as I filmed around 4pm eastern time zone, which created a bright hue inside my room. I made sure to review the footage after they were filmed.

    After I filmed a couple preliminary shots, I decided that I would continue the next day. The following day, Saturday, I worked until 3pm, so once I clocked out, I headed straight home. Once I arrived home, I showered and changed into "costume" for my second day of filming. Again, my supporting role was not available that day, so I would continue with scenes that only included me. There were a few shots that included my mom, as she plays my mother in the film as well, so I was able to film those shots too. Considering the project can only be two minutes, I have a feeling the editing process will be difficult. I will need to make sure my film fits the given time, and if it doesn't, that is when I will need to conduct re-shoots. The storyboard has been really helpful in the filming process, as I have, on multiple occasions, looked back at it to make sure I have been following what I envisioned. All in all, I was able to get a good chunk of filming out in just this first weekend. Now, I just need to make sure I can finish gathering and filming my other scenes, with my supporting actor. 

Filming Blog- (Wasn't Able to Film)

    On Thursday, February 13th, I was finished with my storyboard and was technically ready to begin filming. My plan was to begin my filming process over the long weekend that we had. However, I ran into a few obstacles that inhibited my chances to film. My plan was to begin filming on Saturday, after work. I usually get off of work around 5 pm, therefore I could still get many opening shots filmed. So, I went to work, like normal, and planned to head straight home after work to begin filming. However, instead of clocking out of work at my normal 5 pm time, I was told that I needed to stay a couple more hours. Additionally, once I did manage to get out of work, it was raining heavily in the area near my house. This obstructed my filming plan by a day, as for one, I needed to film outside, without rain. Also, a lot of my shots do take place during the daytime, and by the time I was actually in the correct wardrobe and ready to film, it was dark outside. Therefore, I wouldn't have had optimal lighting for my scenes that needed to be filmed.

    On Sunday, February 16th, I planned on finally filming. I did have work again, but I was sure that I would be out of work in an efficient manner and at my normal clock-out time. This did, in fact, happen, but like the previous day, it was pouring rain once I got home from work. I did film a couple of shots inside my house, which take place towards the beginning of the opening sequence. However, I was not able to film any other vital scenes over this first weekend of filming. What this has taught me is that filmmakers and producers do run into obstacles during their work, but they have to adapt and overcome. Although I wasn't able to film a lot of my shots, I did manage to knock out a couple shots. Additionally, this weekend gave me more time to plan on when and how I would shoot future scenes. I plan to film again this week and next weekend as well. Hopefully, the weather can work with me for once and I can successfully shoot a good chunk of my project.

 

Planning Blog: Storyboard

This is my slide presentation for my storyboard for the final project in AICE Media Studies. The storyboard creation process was very fun, but time-consuming at the same point. I spread out the days that I did my storyboard because it took more than a few hours to create. The storyboard is essentially a drawn version of what the shots in the movie will look like. Additionally, the text is included to describe the scenes. Moreover, I described the shots, angles, and movements that will be used for each scene in my production. Although the storyboard doesn't do great justice for what the actual film will look like, it is a good indication of where I am headed in the process of filming. Once this is submitted, I will be able to begin filming my clips. This storyboard will be useful as I will be able to go back to it and see how I broke down each scene to the single shot-by-shot. I am very excited to start filming and I hope that my project continues to run smoothly!

Planning Blog: Title Design

    In this slide presentation, I discuss everything that is needed to be known about the titles I will use in my opening sequence of my film. I hope that I can make the titles seamlessly blend with the shots in the title sequence. Audiences should be able to read who was involved in the production, so I need to make sure that the titles are clear and effective. I will be able to do this by using correct spacing, as well as fonts that go well with my film. Moreover, I decided to use "spooky" fonts, if you will, in my opening sequence to fall in line with common horror/thriller film conventions. 

    As I am limited to three various fonts for the opening sequence, I plan to use one font for the title/position of who was involved, for example, "Directed By." I will use a different font for the actual person who filled that position, like my name. And,  I will use a separate font for the title of the movie, 'Experiment 1217.' I also discuss how titles will appear on-screen once the scenes begin. Finally, I talk about how long each title will appear on the screen; I don't want them to be on-screen for too long as we are only given a two-minute slot for our project. Titles are very crucial to a film, as they give credit to everyone who was involved. Therefore, I want to make the opening sequence as effective, and informative, as it can be! 

Planning Blog: Location, Schedule, Participants, H&S

This slide presentation discusses everything outside of dialogue, shots, angles, etc. Firstly, I explain where I am going to film. For the majority of the opening sequence of my project, I am filming in or outside of two houses. These houses I will be shooting at are my house and my cousins' as he is the second character in my film. Next, I made a preview of my whole schedule, which includes the time frame for shooting and editing. This is essential as it helps me stay on track to finish my project in enough time to submit it. Additionally, I talked about the participants in my film. These were very limited, as I am basically completing this entire project on my own. Other than my cousin, who co-stars in the film, I am directing and producing the film, as well as starring in it. Finally, I reviewed the safety precautions that I will take during the shooting process. As there will most likely be adults on standby, while we are filming, I don't have any worries that anything should go wrong. Plus, I do have the resources to call anyone if needed.

Planning Blog: Sound Script

I created this slide as my "sound script" for my final project/film. Unlike the shooting script I created, this script focusses more on sounds and dialogue within the film. I discuss the diegetic and non-diegetic sounds within the film, such as background noises that will be heard throughout the opening sequence. These include, in my case, birds chirping, doors closing, and footsteps. Sound within a film is as important, if not more important than the actual shots in the film. Especially in horror/thriller movies where the sound is a character on its own, it is used to establish suspense, pace, and action. Within the last minute of my opening sequence, the audience is already catapulted straight into the action of the film. Music plays a huge role, especially towards the end of my opening sequence. Along with the final shot, the music creates a cliffhanger. This will hopefully leave viewers wanting to see the eventual fate of my characters.

Planning Blog: Shooting Script

    This is my shooting script for my final project. Within this slide presentation, I discuss everything that will take place in the film, other than dialogue and sounds. I explain shot by shot angles, movements, etc. This is essential, as this will help me copy exactly what I envision my actual film to look like. I tried to follow the conventions of horror/thriller movies as best as I could, but I wanted to make it original.

    While I created this slide presentation, I learned that the script process is actually much more involved than what I expected. I needed to learn how to break down, not only each scene but each shot as well. I did this by incorporating every angle and movement that would take place during the filming process. My project consists of 11 total scenes, which will vary in length, but I hope to fit it within the allotted 2 minute time period we are given. Unlike many thriller/horror movies, my film jumps into the action pretty quickly, as I place the characters into the main part of the film promptly.