Day 1 of production!

We were able to begin production today, and it went pretty well. But that doesn't mean we didn't encounter some struggles along the way.

We started off with the beginning scene, which is the main character, played by my partner Brady, being awoken by an alarm clock. We had the idea to do a slow zoom on the clock, and found that it was much more effective to slowly move the camera closer rather than zoom in on the phone.

One key element that was going to be a challenge in production, was finding a way to get bruises on Brady's arm. But with the help of his mom, we were able to use makeup to create very realistic bruises needed for our close up shot.

Brady's Mom helping out

The results

Moving from here, we headed upstairs to film another tough series: the mirror shots. As the camera man, it was challenging to get a good shot of Brady in the mirror, without appearing in the shot myself. But after a few attempts, I was able to fully capture Brady, without appearing myself in the frame.

Overcoming the mirror shot

It was a very successful first shoot day, that had some struggles but showed we are able to overcome them. We plan to shoot the end shots where the bully returns home next, before filming the car shots and school shots later.

Color Schemes in our Film Opening

 In all projects and films, color schemes play a very important and diverse role in establishing the tone, mood and audience perception. In out film opening, we will use color to establish the emotional depth of our protagonist and create a contrast between the different settings. By carefully utilizing a diverse pallet, we can discretely communicate themes of aggression, isolation, and vulnerability, which we hope will further expand upon the viewing experience as a whole.

For the school environment, we are going to focus on more neutral tones, such as cool blues and grays. This will emphasize the protagonists struggle with fitting into the school hierarchy. On the other hand, the house portion will feature a more dark, desaturated color pallett featuring shadows, and cold whites to fully get the depressed mood. Subtle spurts of warm, bright colors reflect the protagonist's personality with the light shining through the dark.

Example of light shining into dark room

By meticulously developing our film opening color scheme we can lead the audience viewing experience how we want, and develop the storytelling. This ensures that every frame reinforces the theme of the story as a whole.

The Role of Sound in Our Project

 Sound design is a vital yet often underestimated element that can easily help to shape the audiences connection to the project. In out film opening, sound will play a crucial piece in presenting the protagonist's internal dilemmas as well as creating the atmosphere. By carefully using both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, we can create an immersive experience that further enhances the story beyond just relying on visuals.

We hope to use a consistent variation of ambient noise, dialogue as well as emotional music, inserted throughout reflecting the struggles of our main character. At school, we will utilize distant chatter and the soft hum of the ceiling lights to create a tense demeanor surrounding the protagonist. Attached is an example of the type of background noises we are looking for.

In contrast, at the main character's home, the environment will be more eerie and quiet. Creaky floorboards or muffled conversations can create a tense, unstable environment. The music in these scenes will switch between heavy tones and softer more melancholy like melodies. 

By carefully and deliberately designing the film's soundscape, we can create additional depth to our story, ensuring that there are contributions coming from every sound we produce throughout. The sounds need to further develop and enhance the characters as well as the world around them. This can hopefully perfect the immersive qualities of the film and strengthen the impact of it as well. 

How To Incorporate Mise en Scene Part 2: Costumes

 Costume design is a very important feature that can communicate to the audience many concepts such as emotions, traits and themes. In out film opening, costume choices will be vital in creating and developing our main character. with him being framed as a high school bully, we can display that, while also hinting at his inner struggles. We can develop and contrast his rough exterior with his vulnerability that lies underneath. This adds depth to his character and the film as a whole, without having to rely heavily on dialogue.

The main characters wardrobe will mostly consist of dark clothing, specifically oversized hoodies, jeans, and darker shoes. These are designed to display a sort of dominance and intimidation given off by the character. 

Jeans:

Oversized black hoodie:

These choices align with the stereotypical bully, helping set him up initially with that role. On top of that, the clothes serve as a metaphorical type of armor, shielding him from the outside world. If possible, we would like to add signs of wear and tear to the clothes as well, reflecting the neglect our character receives at home. 

We also will aim to dress the other students at the school i brighter clothing, juxtaposing our main characters dark attire. 

By thoughtfully selecting our main character's wardrobe, we can enhance the storytelling process by offering affirming visuals in regard to the perceptions the audience initially picks up about the bully. This ensures that costume design will play a very meaningful and powerful role in shaping the audiences view on our project as well as deepening their emotional investment. 

How to Incorporate Mise en scene: Part 1- Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important devices in mise-en-scene, shaping the vibe and mood to guide audience interpretations and reinforce the theme of the project. In our film opening, we plan to utilize lighting to express the protagonist's internal struggles, as a misunderstood high school bully who is impacted by his poor home life. We can carefully design the lighting to subtly hint towards the contrasting emotions of our main character, and show off his public persona at the same time.

One way to do this, we will utilize cold and dim lighting in the scenes at his home to emphasize the antagonizing atmosphere. We plan to use lots of dark shadows, to create a sense of isolation and depression, while small bits of light seep in. This could be done through a cracked door or bright TV. This symbolizes slight moments of encouraging signs and vulnerability. 

To contrast the home scenes, the school will feature harsh, fluorescent lighting to create an impersonal, sharp environment, reinforcing our main characters struggle to continue his tough exterior. These intentional lighting contrasts can help us elevate the storytelling and further impact audience engagement.

By prioritizing lighting as a key element of mise-en-scene, we can make sure that each frame serves a key purpose in building the environment of the film to further audience understanding of the protagonist. This approach enhances the storytelling while minimizing reliance on a dialogue heavy script.

Character Creation Process

 When it comes to storytelling, character development can be a crucial and vital tool, specifically when it comes to short films (like our film opening). Every detail must help develop the audiences understanding of the world, and the participants in the world. 

Our character, who initially comes off as a prototypical high school aged bully, is framed as a one dimensional terrorizer, yet his actions stem from his own home and experiences that are caused by the abusive environment he endures. By examining him further, we can see he is a more nuanced and emotional figure than what meets the eye. He is not a villain but he is just a product of the poor hand he was dealt. This complexity can add further depth to our project by beginning to present the main character in a different light through visual storytelling.

In our opening sequence, we plan to immediately display the bully's outward appearance and image, likely by having him act aggressive towards another student. However, using careful shots, and contrasting sound and music, we can reveal small instances of his vulnerability.  A brief hesitation before attacking, feelings of remorse afterwards, and the partially hidden bruised arms can all serve as visual storytelling elements that foreshadow and hint out the deeper struggles he has. 

An idea for the characters bruised arms

These details draw in the audience, giving them an emotional attachment to the character and the film as a whole.

By carefully creating our main characters story and persona, our film opening will go beyond stereotypes and instead provide an emotionally challenging exploration of how personal struggles develop behavior. This approach ensures a more in depth, engaging experience for the audience.

 

Storyboard

 This week, we completed the storyboard for our project, we hope this will help us further envision the project. 

We don’t have a title picked yet, so that’s why it isn’t pictured in the title sequence slide.

Plan for project/ Breakdown of Opening

We have created a general plan for our project, although it has taken deep thought and deliberation to do so. The group meeting was a big help as well towards affirming our ideas. My partner Brady spearheaded the idea, so he is the one filling me in on most of the ideas.

The film would start with our character waking up in the morning, very tired of the world and generally upset. He specifically targets a hoodie with sleeves to cover the bruises on his arms, which are displayed to the audience, hinting at possibilities for them being there. While heading to school, the title is displayed through the car windshield.

Once he arrives at school, he begins to pick on and bully some of his classmates, making him feel better about himself. However, most of the recipients of the torment are not very bothered and pay our main character very little attention. This leads to him being unsure of why he does this, and what his problem is. 

The emotional conflict and reason for his being is shown once he gets home. He enters his room, and his dominant and overbearing personality is ripped from him and replaced by a cautious and fearful sort of aura. The loud sounds of his screaming parents, as well as crashing and banging on the door builds tension early in the film. The scene, and the film opening itself, ends with the door being slammed open. 

Our opening goes against the atypical high school bully trope and showcases the reasons behind his harmful persona. It displays his hidden pain to the audience, hoping to have some viewers relate to him and consider ways they have seen events like this transpire in their lives.

My partner Brady was the main thought producer behind how to attack this intro. He sent me these notes he took during the group meeting, and throughout the past week that has helped spark ideas in both of us since beginning to fully breakdown the intro. 

Media Theory Research- Todorov's Narrative Theory

Todorovs Narrative Theory is a structural method of narrative analysis that was developed by the Bulgarian-French historian Tzvetan Todorov. According to this theory, most stories progress through five stages:

1. Equilibrium: The story begins with a stable situation where the characters are comfortable, and life is going as usual.

2. Disruption:  The stability of the of the world is disrupted by a problem or coming challenge that must be addressed by the characters.

3. Recognition: The characters become fully aware of the problem and that they must begin to work to solve it,

4. Resolution: The protagonists take steps to address and resolve the disturbance, in an effort to reestablish balance

5.  New Equilibrium: The narrative reaches its ending with a return to stability, but this new equilibrium is not the same as the original, reflecting upon the changes to the characters and the world around them

Todorov first introduced this framework in his 1969 piece titled Structural Analysis of Narrative, where he dove into the universal structure that is the backbone for all stories, suggesting that narratives hold more meaning than just as a sequence of events. He argues they reflect key human experiences. In his 1971 essay, he is able to further expand upon this emphasizing that the transition from one equilibrium to the next through disruption and resolution mirrors the challenges and developments common in real life.

Tzvetan Todorov (2012)

By applying Todorov's Narrative Theory to our project, we will be able to provide a structured foundation to our story. Even if we don't show the whole process in our creation, it is important to set up how this process will go down, in the rest of our theoretical film. This approach is able to set the stage for the narrative arc, as well as help the audience feel familiar with the film and the way it will be presented. 

Todorov, Tzvetan, and Arnold Weinstein. “Structural Analysis of Narrative.” NOVEL: A Forum on Fiction, vol. 3, no. 1, 1969, pp. 70–76, https://doi.org/10.2307/1345003 

Todor. Todorov, Tzvetan. “The 2 Principles of Narrative.” Diacritics, vol. 1, no. 1, 1971, pp. 37–44, www.davidbardschwarz.com/pdf/todorov.pdf, https://doi.org/10.2307/464558.

Group Meeting Recap

This week, we held group meetings with other groups in class. The goal was to get feedback from other groups as an outside audience. We were randomly assigned into groups of roughly 5-6 to present our projects and give feedback to others. 

I was grouped with Sara, Jano, Miguel, Emilio, and Isabella. 

As the others began to present their ideas, I was viewing their past blogs, to fully capture an idea for what it was they were planning. Many of us are still early on in the process, so we at times struggled to fully depict to the other members what our project would look like.

When it came to be my turn, I described the ideas Brady and I had so far. As I displayed our plan, my group members asked frequent questions such as how we plan to fill the scene, and where we plan to film it. 

 Helpful insights from my group helped me further develop the project. I took notes on what they told me i should aim to accomplish. They said "tricking the camera" or making it look like theres more people in the shot than there is would be a good idea, and I plan to utilize it during filming. 

Film Creation Process Research

 Today, we are reviewing vital ideas to make sure are included in the filming process. 

When filming the opening scene of a coming of age movie, we need to start by picking a location that mirrors the protagonist's emotional state, like a busy hallway or open road. We must also make use of soft, natural lighting to create a relatable real atmosphere.

Close-up shots are used to introduce characters in order to convey nuanced emotions, and natural dialogue or sparse speech is used to highlight visual storytelling. A voiceover can establish the tone of the story and offer reflection. 

Pacing and music are important. We must choose a song that sets the tone and hints at the main ideas. To captivate viewers from the beginning, we need to match the tempo to the scene's emotional rhythm, whether it be reflective or enthusiastic. 

With this information we can help develop our planning to further enhance our project.

Portfolio Project Schedule

 

As you would know based off of my previous posts, we have been assigned a Portfolio Project to complete a film opening. And with a project as extensive as this one, it is essential to break down the project into separate parts, to avoid being overwhelmed. Thankfully, I am working with Brady on this assignment, so having a partner should help shorten the workload.

Project Schedule:

I have 7 weeks left until the due date. I need to finish it as quick as possible to leave time for mistakes along the way.

Week 1 (2/13-2/19)

Finish Up Research

Plan Scenes

Come up with Dialogue

Week 2 (2/20-2/26)

Finish planning

Set filming days

Plan out filming locations

Storyboard

Week 3 (2/27-3/4)

Start Production

Continue filming

Blog the production process

Week 4 (3/5-3/11)

Begin editing

Create Foley Sounds

Week 5 (3/12-3/18)

Continue Editing process

Edit in multiple ways

Analyze both and choose one

Week 6 (3/19-3/25)

Revise Editing

Creative Critical Reflection

Research information relating to the reflection.

Create the reflection.

Edit and review CCR.

Week 7 (3/26-4/2)

Buffer Week for any issues

Finalize whole project

Analyzing Credit Sequences

 Today, I will be analyzing three opening credits sequences for the same genre I've been working on, which is a coming of age. I hope that this can help inspire me towards developing my opening.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The first film i researched was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I chose this film as well for the film openings research, and I enjoyed the cinematography and theme so I figured I would do it again. 

The sequence begins with a black screen and the film company name. Soon after, there are sounds of a typewriter as the cast names begin to pop up on screen. The typewriter has the finishing sound, and the music begins. The song "Could It Be Another Change" by The Samples begins to play. As the song picks up, the title flashes on the screen. The typology is simple and elegant, playing well with the dark screen and soft music. The cast resumes taking turns on the screen, while there is a cut to a car driving on a dark night. The soft white font contrasts the dark tone.The music continues on as other crew members and producers are mentioned. The music then fades, to begin the film.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Breakfast Club is one of the most iconic films in the coming of age genre. It opens with the creation company, (Universal) as drums begin to play in the background. More companies and the creator himself John Hughes are credited, followed by the title flash. The typology is a bold yellow, contrasting with the dark black backdrop. The song is Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds, and it picks up after the title is shown. The cast is rattled off one by one as the music continues, building more and more tension. The same is done for the crew members and producers, until we finally reach a quote from David Bowie, foreshadowing what is to come in the film. Finally, the black screen is iconically shattered as we enter the beginning of the movie.

3. Stand By Me (1986)

The final film i have chosen is very unique with it's opening credits. Once again there is a black screen, with sequences of white text appearing for the company and title flash. However during this, it is entirely silent, The music begins as we head to the country to begin the film, the cast is read off mid film, as opposed to in it's own sequence like in the pervious films I researched. The white text is a nice contrast to the way the film plays.

Analyzing these scenes has told me a lot about how unique each credits scene really is. Careful choices in music, pacing, and typology can fully develop the upcoming film. The scenes vary based off of how the scene is to being the film, and that's what makes the credit scenes so vital.

Exploring Three Iconic Coming of Age Films

 The opening sequence of a coming of age film creates the tone for the protagonist's journey, which often blends nostalgia and emotional techniques to fully evaluate the emotional struggles of youth. In preparation for my portfolio project, I researched and evaluated three well known films in the genre: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Lady Bird (2017), and the only of the films I had previously seen, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Each employs unique cinematic techniques to establish themes of self discovery, rebellion, and personal development/growth.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)- A quiet intro into the world of an outsider.

This film opens with the opening credits, as the camera moves as if in a vehicle. There is music in the background, which is then joined by a voiceover, narrated by protagonist Charlie, immediately immersing the audience in his introspective world. He is narrating a letter, depicting himself to the letters recipient, as well as the viewers. This is something I would like to captivate in my project. He continues to describe what he will do on the first day of school, while the audience is shown what actually happens on that day

The tunnel's darkness, contrasted with the glow of the city metaphorically represents Charlie's transition from isolation to acceptance. As well, the use of soft lighting and a melancholic score underscrores Charlie's loneliness, while his voiceover provides an intimate look into his thoughts. This opening effectively establishes the film's themes of mental health, friendship, and finding one's place in the world. The narration foreshadows and sets up Charlie's struggles with trauma and further develops the emotional depth that would go on to frontline the film.

Lady Bird (2017)- A sudden leap into conflict

Greta Gerwigs's Lady Bird begins with Christine (Lady Bird) and her mother laying in bed listening to an audio book. This peaceful moment is shortlived though, as they begin to argue once entering the car. The argument then culminates in Lady Bird jumping out of the moving car, leaving her with a cast.

The sequence is humorous while also being insightful, encapsulating the central focus and conflict of the film to come: Lady Bird's desperate desire for independence and freedom, contrasted with her mother's simultaneous love and criticism, which Lady Bird often voices her disgust towards. The handheld shots make the viewer feel almost as a third party observing this raw emotional encounter. Gerwig's creative use of quick, snappy dialogue immediately establishes the film's wit and emotional depth, preparing viewers for a heartfelt but still comedic exploration of the teen years.

 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)- Breaking the Fourth Wall

John Hughes' Ferris Bueller's Day Off opens with one of the most iconic and recognizable voiceovers in film. The main protagonist Ferris, addresses the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall to explain how he is faking being sick to get out of school. His laid back demeanor, exaggerated coughing, and mischievous tone instantly establish him as a charming, conniving main character. 

This sequence sets the comedic and quick witted tone of the film, with Ferris demonstrating complete control over his situation. The colorful lighting, upbeat music, and exaggerated performance make it clear the premise of this movie is not going to be just on skipping school, but about embracing life how it is "meant to be lived". Hughes masterfully introduces Ferris as someone who defies authority with charm, and smarts leading to the audience being drawn into his antics from the beginning.

Each of these openings plays a crucial role in defining their respective protagonists and how they interact with their world.  The Perks of Being a Wallflower introduces emotional depth, Lady Bird highlights generational conflict and humor, while Ferris Bueller's Day Off establishes its fast paced, rule breaking spirit. In addition to captivating the viewer, these opening scenes set the stage for the life changing experiences that characterize the coming of age genre.

Portfolio Project Week 1: Post 2. Genre Dilemma

 Genre Research: Comedy vs. Thriller After considering several genres, I think I am going to focus my film project on either comedy or thriller. Following is my research on what makes a strong film in each genre.

Comedy Genre Characteristics

Comedy films often rely on witty dialogue, physical humor, and situational irony to entertain audiences. The mise-en-scène in comedies usually includes bright and vibrant colors, expressive character reactions, and dynamic camera movements that help achieve comedic timing.

A great example of an effective comedy film is Superbad (2007). This film uses a mix of crude humor, relatable teenage struggles, and fast-paced dialogue to create an engaging and memorable experience. Similarly, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) utilizes witty humor, visual symmetry, and eccentric characters to deliver comedy in a more stylized way.

Thriller Genre Characteristics

Thriller films are designed to elicit feelings of suspense, tension, and high-stakes conflict. Many elements of mise-en-scène in thrillers contribute to dark and moody settings through their use of dark shadows and dramatic lighting for the tone. The films also depend on cinematography, including tight close-ups and quick cuts, to create suspense.

A great example of an effective thriller is Se7en, dating from 1995, as it uses some creepy lighting and a lot of psychological tension that twists the plot to keep an audience engaged. Music and sound design also add a great dimension in thrillers; ominous tones and sudden silences heighten the feeling of unease.

A good thriller should have an engaging plot that keeps the viewers on tenterhooks. More often than not, the protagonist finds themselves in some mysterious or dangerous situation where they need to outwit the adversary. Get Out, released in 2017, merged the genres of psychological horror and social commentary in one unique blend of a thriller. If I opt for this genre, then my film opening will be sure to build suspense through strong visual storytelling and an intriguing premise.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Genre

Comedy and thriller are two genres that present different opportunities in storytelling. Comedy allows for light and character-driven narratives that entertain through humor, while the thriller genre involves the audience through suspense or tension. My next steps will involve outlining possible storylines for both genres before making a final decision on which direction to take for my film opening.

Portfolio Project Week 1: Post 1. Transition to Portfolio Project

 These past few weeks marked the school year's conclusion, so I've had an exhilarating yet bittersweet time trying to adjust what I wanted to contribute to an actual film opening for my contribution to the final portfolio project for Cambridge AICE Media Studies. I'm creating an original movie opening to two minutes of a fictional movie—or however long it takes me to adhere to the institutional conventions I've learned from the class based on commercial cinema. 

Regarding the initial concept from the incubation phase, Brady, my collaborator, and I have started brainstorming ideas in the genre of comedy and coming of age. I, in particular, will take charge of identity and growing up, with enough comedic relief to offset the tragedy. I will evaluate the narrative decisions for the facets of mise-en-scène, cinematography, and editing. The ultimate project will consist of elaborate scenes, storyboards, and then the actual screenplay.

Here is the instructions page:

Our goal is to create an opening that is visually dynamic, engaging, and aligns with industry standard