I have decided on the genre I will be using for my film. I was stuck between using drama and action. I'm going to go with action. I chose action because the film as a whole will be more of an action-filled plot, despite the emotional turmoil and foundation of the story. Though I am not sure that the opening will contain much action, it will still suit the film as a whole better than drama would. My goals with making it an action film will be to keep viewers entertained and interested in the plot.
Jan 25, 2020
Genre Research: Action and Drama
Genre: Action
Common Camera Angles (CAMS):
- Low-angle, high-angle.
Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):
- The costumes are usually detailed and expressive of the character.
- The lighting usually enhances mood, often puts emphasis on dramatic scenes.
- The actors are usually portrayed in a serious manner.
- The makeup is minimal.
- The props are usually hand props, like guns and phones.
- The setting is often somewhere recognizable or famous.
Common Editing:
- Most of the editing makes the movie visually appealing and gives a more enticing/interesting appearance.
Elements:
- Some common conventions include fight scenes, two or more opposing sides (in which the protagonist comes out the winner), and a high-stakes plot or conflict.
Examples:
- Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Baby Driver.
Common Sounds:
- Sound effects added to action scenes.
- Energetic/dramatic/suspenseful music.
Elements I Like:
- The fight scenes and editing add an element of excitement and visual appeal that I enjoy about action movies.
Elements I Dislike:
- Action movies often seem all the same, as many do not have original plots and are simply knockoffs of other more popular movies.
Genre: Drama
Common Camera Angles (CAMS):
- Bird's Eye/God's Eye/Aerial shots and Eye Level shots are common.
- Pans and tilts are used often.
- Extreme close ups and medium shots.
Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):
- Costumes used to emphasize themes and personalities.
- Lighting is dark, realistic.
- Actors are emotional, serious.
- Makeup is minimal to give a sense of realism.
- Props are fewer in order to direct focus to actors.
- Setting contributes to theme or plot.
Common Editing:
- Editing mainly enhances shot and dramatizes events.
Elements:
- Clear, evident plots to make them easy to understand and follow.
- Emotional scenes and relationships between characters.
Example films:
- Jaws, Titanic, Schindler's List.
Common Sounds:
- Usually diegetic and would naturally belong in the location of the shot.
- Emotional music to add to themes.
Elements I Like:
- Plots are often engaging and easy to follow.
Elements I Dislike:
- Some dramas are overdramatic or cheesy.
Genre Research (Epic)
Jan 17, 2020
My Pitch
My two final pitches are:
1) “When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.” I chose this one because I already have a good idea of what I could do with it, and I feel very confident with this pitch. It will provide the right amount of suspense and emotion to draw viewers in. I have an idea of showing how empty and emotionless the woman's life is, without giving away how or why she ended up in this situation. Then, we would show that the missing piece is her passed son. The woman will come to the decision to take revenge on his killer, and the two minutes will leave off on a note of suspense and emotion. The hardest part would probably be making the emotions clear, at least with facial expressions, as there aren't many actual lines. The shots and music will also be a main contributing factor to this. I may use my mother or a friend, depending on when they are available for filming. I would also use my younger brother to play the woman's son.
2) "Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.”. I decided not to film this pitch for a few reasons. One of them is that I don't have the right resources or equipment to make it effectively. I don't have access to an elevator on a regular basis, and while that wouldn't be too much of an issue, I also don't have the ability to film a elevator "break down" without it seeming cheesy and badly done. If I wanted to make this into a good film, I would need more than two minutes to properly express it.
My final decision is the first pitch. I chose this one becauseI think that a lot of people will choose the horror genre, and while mine is somewhat similar (being more of a thriller/action movie), I'm not sure it will be as easy to pull off a film that leaves viewers at the edges of their seats. I also think that this will be much easier, needing only two actors and very few actual lines. Another reason I chose it is because I see myself having a lot of fun making it, and already am enjoying the storyboarding process and coming up with ideas for it.
1) “When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.” I chose this one because I already have a good idea of what I could do with it, and I feel very confident with this pitch. It will provide the right amount of suspense and emotion to draw viewers in. I have an idea of showing how empty and emotionless the woman's life is, without giving away how or why she ended up in this situation. Then, we would show that the missing piece is her passed son. The woman will come to the decision to take revenge on his killer, and the two minutes will leave off on a note of suspense and emotion. The hardest part would probably be making the emotions clear, at least with facial expressions, as there aren't many actual lines. The shots and music will also be a main contributing factor to this. I may use my mother or a friend, depending on when they are available for filming. I would also use my younger brother to play the woman's son.
2) "Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.”. I decided not to film this pitch for a few reasons. One of them is that I don't have the right resources or equipment to make it effectively. I don't have access to an elevator on a regular basis, and while that wouldn't be too much of an issue, I also don't have the ability to film a elevator "break down" without it seeming cheesy and badly done. If I wanted to make this into a good film, I would need more than two minutes to properly express it.
My final decision is the first pitch. I chose this one becauseI think that a lot of people will choose the horror genre, and while mine is somewhat similar (being more of a thriller/action movie), I'm not sure it will be as easy to pull off a film that leaves viewers at the edges of their seats. I also think that this will be much easier, needing only two actors and very few actual lines. Another reason I chose it is because I see myself having a lot of fun making it, and already am enjoying the storyboarding process and coming up with ideas for it.
Starting Our Final Task
On Wednesday, our teacher announced the beginning of our final project. This one will be the opening two minutes of a film. The film will be a completely original one that I will have to come up with. I'm working by myself. This means that there will be more work for me to do on my own. However, it will also be easier for me to coordinate and plan out the different aspects of the project. This project will be more difficult than our previous ones. It will also be more important. This is because we have to come up with an entire movie, not just the two minutes we will be filming. This project will also be worth far more than anything else we've done, and will be part of our final Cambridge grade.
This year, I have grown and learned from both our teachers' lectures and hands-on experience. When we had our commercial project, the first project of the year, I was lost and unfamiliar with the filming and editing processes. Despite the difficulties I encountered, I would say that the tasks we have been given have helped me improve drastically. I've become better at choosing shots and angles, as well as filing in general. I have also gotten better at editing film. Although I absolutely still have plenty of room for improvement, as everyone does, I am proud of myself for how far I've come in just a few months.
For this project, we come up with 3-6 pitch ideas for a movie before planning what will be the opener (the part we shoot). I had a couple of ideas as soon as our teacher explained what we had to do, but after researching I realized that many of them were too similar to preexisting films or concepts, even if I had never heard of them before. Despite this, I managed to think of a few different ideas that I believe could work:
1) When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.
This would be good for the project because it would include grief and conflict that would definitely be possible to show within the first two minutes of the film.
2) A serial killer who uses victim's axes to kill leaves a note calling himself a demon, and warns that only jazz music could protect them.
(Based on the true story of the Axeman of New Orleans.)
This is a good option because it has the horror aspect that engages viewers and makes it easy to create a compelling introduction.
3) Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.
This could be good because it has the right combination of tension and slight thriller that could make for a food opener.
This year, I have grown and learned from both our teachers' lectures and hands-on experience. When we had our commercial project, the first project of the year, I was lost and unfamiliar with the filming and editing processes. Despite the difficulties I encountered, I would say that the tasks we have been given have helped me improve drastically. I've become better at choosing shots and angles, as well as filing in general. I have also gotten better at editing film. Although I absolutely still have plenty of room for improvement, as everyone does, I am proud of myself for how far I've come in just a few months.
For this project, we come up with 3-6 pitch ideas for a movie before planning what will be the opener (the part we shoot). I had a couple of ideas as soon as our teacher explained what we had to do, but after researching I realized that many of them were too similar to preexisting films or concepts, even if I had never heard of them before. Despite this, I managed to think of a few different ideas that I believe could work:
1) When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.
This would be good for the project because it would include grief and conflict that would definitely be possible to show within the first two minutes of the film.
2) A serial killer who uses victim's axes to kill leaves a note calling himself a demon, and warns that only jazz music could protect them.
(Based on the true story of the Axeman of New Orleans.)
This is a good option because it has the horror aspect that engages viewers and makes it easy to create a compelling introduction.
3) Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.
This could be good because it has the right combination of tension and slight thriller that could make for a food opener.
Nov 20, 2019
Intro To New Project
We finished working on our commercial projects. I emailed mine to my teacher. Now, we're starting a new project. It's a Music Video project. We have to choose a song to use, and form a story and use. I will be filming at TY park, as well as in my house and in one of our parents' cars. These are good locations because I will be able to film even in case of bad weather, and they are all close to our houses. This will be helpful because it'll make it easier to travel back and forth if needed.
For my music video I chose the song Memories, by Maroon 5. The plot will revolve around a subject (played by my friend Jaya), drinking (we will not be using alcohol, just red solo cups filled with water) with a group friends. One spot is empty, and through flashbacks one of her old friends (played by another friend, Isabella) will be introduced. It will be a mix of sadness and missing her old friend, and happiness because she has many fond memories of her.
My songs genre is modern pop. There are many different possibilities in terms of conventions and standards, including bright colors, heavy lighting, lots of make up and fashion accessories, tints and filters to boost colors, photo-shopped artists so they look perfect, many close ups of artists faces, and long shots of dancing/partying scenes. (Conventions of a Pop Music Video, SlideShare)
1.Costumes: The costumes used will just be casual outfits; e.g., shirts, hoodies, and jeans.
2.Lighting: The lighting will all be either natural or from overhead lights, depending on the scene. The scenes around the table will be dimly lit, so as to give a slightly depressed/down mood. The other scenes will be in black and white or a filter like sepia, to give flashback vibes. They will bright and happy in the cheerful ones, and slightly darker in the less optimistic memories.
3.Actors: The actors I will be using are my friends, Jaya and Isabella, for the majority, as the plot centers around them. For some scenes, I may ask my siblings to act as extras if I need them to.
4.Music: Only the song will be playing, the video itself will have no sound.
5.Props: The props we will be using are chairs, a table, a car, homework (papers), pens/pencils, phones, and red solo cups.
6.Setting: At my dining table, and various locations for flashbacks.
For my music video I chose the song Memories, by Maroon 5. The plot will revolve around a subject (played by my friend Jaya), drinking (we will not be using alcohol, just red solo cups filled with water) with a group friends. One spot is empty, and through flashbacks one of her old friends (played by another friend, Isabella) will be introduced. It will be a mix of sadness and missing her old friend, and happiness because she has many fond memories of her.
My songs genre is modern pop. There are many different possibilities in terms of conventions and standards, including bright colors, heavy lighting, lots of make up and fashion accessories, tints and filters to boost colors, photo-shopped artists so they look perfect, many close ups of artists faces, and long shots of dancing/partying scenes. (Conventions of a Pop Music Video, SlideShare)
1.Costumes: The costumes used will just be casual outfits; e.g., shirts, hoodies, and jeans.
2.Lighting: The lighting will all be either natural or from overhead lights, depending on the scene. The scenes around the table will be dimly lit, so as to give a slightly depressed/down mood. The other scenes will be in black and white or a filter like sepia, to give flashback vibes. They will bright and happy in the cheerful ones, and slightly darker in the less optimistic memories.
3.Actors: The actors I will be using are my friends, Jaya and Isabella, for the majority, as the plot centers around them. For some scenes, I may ask my siblings to act as extras if I need them to.
4.Music: Only the song will be playing, the video itself will have no sound.
5.Props: The props we will be using are chairs, a table, a car, homework (papers), pens/pencils, phones, and red solo cups.
6.Setting: At my dining table, and various locations for flashbacks.
Nov 5, 2019
Commercial Editing Blog
Today we planned to start editing our commercials again. Luckily, we actually could this time. Since our editing software on the desktop computers hasn't been working, we had to wait until it had been downloaded on the laptops. They had been finished, and we got to get them today. So, today was our first day of editing our commercial projects. I wasn't sure at first whether I would have enough time to finish or not. Our teacher told us that we need to be done by the end of class on Thursday, which happens to be a PSD. PSD's are very short, so I was nervous over how much time I'd need to finish editing. Fortunately, I finished almost the entire thing in class today, so I'm feeling much more prepared for turning it in.
The first laptop I had didn't work. It said it was loading, but after ten minutes I decided it would be faster to just get a different one. After I had a working computer, it was much easier to turn on and log in. I plugged in my flash drive and made sure it was working. Opening Pinnacle Studios was way more difficult for me than it probably should have been. Every time I tried to click on it to open, it would seem like it was just loading but then nothing would come up. Eventually, I managed to do it right. I could finally start importing my footage. I clicked on Import, then on the name of my flash drive. From there, I just had to upload the file ("Com") that contained all of my footage.
Beginning the actual editing process was frustrating. I kept accidentally editing the footage pieces themselves, rather than what was in the track already. That lead to confusion on my part as to whether it was actually working or not. Once I realized that that was why the footage wasn’t changing as I rewatched it, it was easy to fix. I just deleted the clips on the track that I had meant to edit. Then, I replaced them with the full clips, which were already edited. There was one part that I found a little bit tricky when editing. There is a scene in my commercial where the subject is walking down the hall, and the next shot is of him standing closer to the camera. I wanted to use one piece of audio to go over the two different shots, which at first I didn't know how to do. How I ended up completing it was by editing the first shot so that it ended right before the part in the audio that I wanted over the first shot. Then, I cut the second shot to only be as long as the audio I was putting over it. Finally, I muted the second one put the entirety of the first one into the third track, so that the audio would play from the beginning of one to the end of the other, uninterrupted.
Beginning the actual editing process was frustrating. I kept accidentally editing the footage pieces themselves, rather than what was in the track already. That lead to confusion on my part as to whether it was actually working or not. Once I realized that that was why the footage wasn’t changing as I rewatched it, it was easy to fix. I just deleted the clips on the track that I had meant to edit. Then, I replaced them with the full clips, which were already edited. There was one part that I found a little bit tricky when editing. There is a scene in my commercial where the subject is walking down the hall, and the next shot is of him standing closer to the camera. I wanted to use one piece of audio to go over the two different shots, which at first I didn't know how to do. How I ended up completing it was by editing the first shot so that it ended right before the part in the audio that I wanted over the first shot. Then, I cut the second shot to only be as long as the audio I was putting over it. Finally, I muted the second one put the entirety of the first one into the third track, so that the audio would play from the beginning of one to the end of the other, uninterrupted.
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