Group Meeting

 Heyyyyyy! So today we had group discussions about our projects so far. We broke into small groups and looked at each other's blogs. The persons whose blog we were looking asked for feedback about a specific post or ideas for their story, or their overall project so far. I really enjoyed this activity and I think I learned a lot and got a lot of great feedback for my project. Here is some of the things I learned and some of the feedback I got.

I had asked my group to look at my script and plot for my opening. They all said that they loved the idea but they had a few questions like how we were going to show the main character, Lily, puking. I explained to them that we are not going to actually ever show Lily throwing up, but instead have a shot of the whole bathroom where u can only see the legs of Lily in the stall and hear the noises. They all loved the idea and said that they think it's going to be really cool. 

I have been struggling with my research so I also asked them to look at my most recent research blog post to make sure I was looking at the right things and analyzing it enough. They all said that it was really good and had plenty of analysis. 

During the group discussion I learned a few things. One of the things that really stuck out to me was that having good music in your opening that fits the video that you are going is really important because music keeps the viewers attention. 

Me and my partner were put into separate groups so we were able to get double the amount of feedback. Her group gave her a bunch of ideas that we can incorporate into our film opening having Lily and Jessica slam the stall door when they are walking out. The sound of the stall slamming closed can have a significant and loud noise and hen have our title appear on the wall. Here is an example that my partner made of what it would somewhat look like:

Another idea someone in her group had was for our flashback to start with a close-up of Lily's face zoning out. Also during the flashback to have quiet white noise in the background and change the lighting to make it seem more of like a flashback. 

Overall I think both of our groups gave us great feedback and I can't wait to start filming to see how our project is going to come out!

Coming-Of-Age Characteristics in More Depth

 Welcome back! I realized that I needed to be more analytical in my blog posts. So today I will be going into more depth on what the characteristics of a Coming-Of-Age film. 

In a coming of age film, themes like youth and growing up are at the heart, which also places a lot of emphasis on the main character story. In these films a single lead character is shown as they "grow up," or enter a new phase of their lives. Usually young a main character is dealing with their first serious crisis, experience, or realization. The genre frequently revolves around significant turning points or life events that occur to characters as they mature. Here are some film openings that caught my eye. 

Clueless

The film opening of "Clueless" introduces the audience to the main character and her lifestyle. Fast-paced cuts are used in the beginning of the opening to highlight the film's high school vibe. The cuts provide some back story behind the main character and what her life is all about. There is upbeat music playing in the background, but then the volume becomes low and then a voice over of the main character begins. The film creates a tone of desire and humor with bright images, an energetic soundtrack, and the voice over. The main characters playful chat with her best friend, foreshadows the lightheartedness and detailed talks of teenage relationships to come. The scene also subtly brings attention to the main characters lack of self-awareness, setting the base for her future growth as a character. Overall, it does a good job of setting the tone, characters, and themes of the movie.

13 Going on 30

In the “13 Going on 30” film opening the characters were established immediately. As soon as the opening begun the girl who seems to be the main character is illustrated as weird kid by showing that her school picture didn’t turn out good unlike the popular girl who’s picture turned out perfect. You are able to see the relationship between the two characters just by the way they interact. The use of the over the shoulder shot between the main character and the “popular” girl with all of her friends behind her shows the power the “popular” girl holds over the main character. 

 I like how in the opening of “Clueless” the music faded into a voiceover but still was playing slightly in the background. I think it would be cool to incorporate something similar into my opening but getting permission to use copyrighted music might be hard, and I don't think any not copyrighted music would fit the vibe me and my partner are going for in our film opening.  

In the opening of “13 Going on 30,” I love how the use of different shots show the relationship between 2 different characters, and I think I will definitely be using this technique in my film opening.

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-coming-of-age-movie-definition/#:~:text=A%20coming%20of%20age%20movie%20is%20centered%20around%20the%20themes,next%20stage%20of%20their%20life.

Script

 Hi! So today me and my partner wrote our script for the film opening. Here it is:

Story Outline

 Welcome Back! Today my partner and I officially decided what we wanted to do for out film opening. We decided that we wanted to base our opening to based on a teen pregnancy. Between the two of us we came up with a basic idea of what we wanted to do in our opening. 

We want our film opening to start with our main character walking through school. She doesn't know that she is pregnant yet. There will be music playing as she walks through the halls saying hi to her friends. I want to film this sequence in school but I don't know that we will be able to because of how crowded our hallways are, but I think it would really cool to incorporate what walking through a high school hallway is actually like. While walking through the hallway the main character is going to see the guy who got her pregnant. As they walk past each other there is going to be a sense of tension and awkwardness. We will be able to create this feeling by using different shots and angles.

Next, the music abruptly stops and cuts to the main character throwing up in the bathroom with her friend holding her hair in the bathroom. Our actor won't actually be throwing up but by the use of different shots and angles. To create the throw up we will mix together a bunch if different foods. To get the sound of the girl throwing up we are going to foley me or my partner making throw up sounds into a bowl to get the echo sound effect. I thinks will be really cool to add because it will create a sense of conflict.

After, the opening is going to cut to the main character in the classroom. The main character happes to have this class with the guy who got her pregnant, so if we have enough time we will show the two making awkward eye contact. Then it will show the main character zoning out thinking about the night she got pregnant, but in the opening it is never actually said she is pregnant there are just hints. We choose to not outright say she is pregnant because we thought that the information of her being pregnant would be to  much information for our film opening. It will cut to the main character in a bed sleeping and then waking up to see that the guy that she is with is no longer there. By showing this flashback I think that it give the viewers a subtle hint of what is happening and why the main character is sick. When the main character is shown realizing that that guy she had just spent the night with is gone, a voice over will start playing of someone calling her name. The film will then cut back to the main character back in the classroom and the teacher is shown calling her name and then going back to the lesson and that is where the opening will end.

Me and my partner still need to decided some little things out, like when the title is going to appear, the other actors, and where we are going to film. But overall I think we are making great progress and I can't wait to start doing our story board so I can have a real sense of what our opening is going to look like! 

Film Opening Approach

 Hi welcome back! So today my partner and I decided for our film opening we wanted to use the approach of developing a character. Here are some characteristics that make a good development of a character film opening. 

Visual impact is an important characteristic when developing a character in a film opening. Start with a striking opening shot that pulls the viewer into the character's world right away. Make the visual selection appealing and thoughtful, whether it's a close-up of an important object or a broad landscape. For example in “Jaws”, during the film opening, in the first few minutes a woman is pulled under water by something unknown.

By using distinctive behavior the main character is able to showcase a unique behavior or habit that leaves an impression for a long time. Whether it is something quirky, a specific way of interacting with other people or other things, or a unique skill, it adds more personality to the main character. In the movie “Forest Gump” the opening begins with the main character sitting at a bus stop starting a conversation with strangers by telling his life story. His distinctive behavior is the way he speaks. His unique way of talking and his straightforward approach, instantly captures the viewers attention.

Including a brief backstory gives hints about the character's past through visual signals or subtle flashbacks. These should be short but powerful, giving just enough details to satisfy  the audience's interest without going into unnecessary detail. For example in the film “The Social Network” opens with a scene in a crowded bar where the main character is having a conversation with his girlfriend at the time. The dialogue in the scene is used to set the stage for the events that are to follow in the rest of the film.

Symbolic imagery gives hints about the character's past through visual signals or subtle flashbacks. These should be short but powerful, giving just enough details to satisfy  the audience's interest without going into unnecessary detail. In “Pan’s Labyrinth” The film opens with a fairy tail book, introducing the world of the main character. The symbolic imagery reflects on the internal struggles of the main character. 

Overall I think that by combining all of these elements into my film opening it will create good character development. By including visual impact, achieved by carefully chosen shots and composition, I can create an inside look into the characters world. Distinctive behavior provides access into the characters personality, emotions, and unique traits. Including Brief flashbacks of backstory adds depth to the character, creating a sense of history that interests the audience. Symbolic imagery in a coming-of-age film opening allows the audience to figure out hidden meanings behind themed messages.

https://jerryjenkins.com/character-development/

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/character-development-for-writers-76109/#:~:text=To%20develop%20a%20character%2C%20you%20must%20identify%20their%20type%3B%20create,to%20determine%20a%20character%20arc.

https://postpace.io/blog/how-to-develop-and-create-character-for-film/

Portfolio Project Schedule

Week One (2/8-2/11)

-start brainstorming

 

Week Two (2/12-2/18)

-choose project genre

-research film openings

-develop project schedule

 

Week Three (2/19-2/25)

-choose film opening approach

-develop story outline

-develop script

 

Week Four (2/26-3/3)

-create shot list

-create storyboard

-research possible filming locations

-develop filming/editing schedule

 

Week Five (3/4-3/10)

-continue to research project components (if necessary)

-develop mise-en-scene elements

-begin filming

Week Six (3/11-3/17)

-continue to research project components (if necessary)

-continue production of film opening

-begin editing of film opening

-begin developing responses to CCR questions (script)

 

Week Seven (3/18-3/24)

-research information relating to creative critical reflection

-finish editing of film opening

-get peer feedback on final edit

 

Week Eight (3/25-3/31)

-research information relating to CCR questions

-create Creative Critical Reflection projects (at least two different approaches)

Week Nine (4/1-4/2)

-create final, overall project reflection

-post project and CCR to blog

  

Coming-Of-Age Film Openings

Welcome back! So today me and my partner researched what are some specific elements of Coming-Of-Age film openings. Here is what we learned:

    In a coming of age film, a lot of times, the main character is first introduced in the opening credits, giving the audience a look into their daily problems or routine. Usually, a main problem or challenge is shown, which allows for personal growth. There could be an internal, external, or mixed conflict here.

    The films opening tone is important since it often foreshadows the emotional journey that will follow. Directors can express the mood and themes through visuals, music, or narration. The friendships and connections are highlighted as well because they are important for the growth of the characters. The beginning of the protagonist's development of their personality and the challenges they face is often established by these early relationships. 

    Coming-of-age films beginnings usually involve establishing the main characters  goals, hopes, or dreams in addition to creating the basis for personal development. Throughout the narrative, the viewer is given a better understanding of the characters' goals and motivations.

    Metaphors and symbolism are often used to hint at the difficulties and changes that are to come. Directors could draw attention to the main characters personal difficulties or struggles on their path to adulthood through storytelling techniques or visual signals. Since these themes are common in the research of identity and self-discovery, coming-of-age film openings often include elements of curiosity, rebellion, or a desire for independence. The main character may begin their transforming journey by expressing a desire for freedom or a search for their own voice.

My sources:

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-coming-of-age-movie-definition/

https://www.2bridges.nyc/nycblog/what-makes-a-movie-a-coming-of-age-movie/

https://prezi.com/4vnpvhxbghf2/conventions-of-coming-of-age-films/

https://princetonbuffer.princeton.edu/2014/06/12/the-coming-of-age-of-coming-of-age-films/

Genre

 Hi! So yesterday in class we choose if we were going to work with someone and what genre we are going to do. I choose to work with a partner and the category we choose is coming of age. 

    The coming-of-age genre is a film genre that focuses on the main characters mental and emotional development as they enter adulthood after being a teenager. It usually focuses on the difficulties, experiences, and realization that comes along with this life changing time. Stories about coming of age often focus on themes like freedom, love, friendship, identity, and search of meaning.

    Coming-of-age films usually revolve around the main character's journey for personal growth, dealing with complicated relationships, and developing awareness of their surroundings. Because these films take on the basic issue of trying to find one's place in the world and illustrate basic elements of human experiences, audiences are usually  moved by them.

    Some examples of coming of age films are "Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between," "No Hard Feelings," "Princess Diaries," and "American Pie" 

Transition

 Hi! I am now starting to begin my Cambridge Portfolio Project. Previously in my blog I have been writing about projects that I have been working on in class to prepare for the Portfolio Project. But, for now on I will be writing about my process throughout my actual Portfolio Project.

This week in class we learned about all of the different types of film openings. There are 2 different film opening approaches i am considering. One of the approaches is Developing a character. To develop the character I would need to include different elements like mise-en-scene, dialogue, and interactions. An idea I had for this type of film approach is something similar to the opening of “Stranger Than Fiction” where a voice over of a women is explaining how everything for the man shown on the screen needs to be the exactly the same everyday. 

Another film opening approach I am considering is Establishing Setting. To establish the setting I would include elements like relying on details, the use of costume design, incorporate iconic representations, and use many different types of angles and inserts. For my approach I would probably do something similar to the opening of “The fighter” where two character are shown walking through a town showing that they are in the nicest of areas with little details like the houses being close together, a drug deal, and everyone knowing eachother. 

Music Marketing Blog Post #2

 Hi! Now that I am done with my Music Marketing project. I wanted to reflect on went well and what didn't. 

Note chart

The process of creating our note charts turned out to be more time-consuming than we originally thought. A big portion of our time was spent deciding on which production companies to research, distracting us from the actual research tasks we has. To be honest, this phase took longer than it should have, as we had a hard time in the decision-making process. After finally selecting the two production companies, we started our research. However, because of how much time we spent on choosing the two companies to research our quality of research was impacted.

Brainstorming

The brainstorming process was pretty easy for our group. We all agreed on the same song immediately, "Need You Now" by "Lady A." We mainly struggled with coming up with ideas for the music video. We all had different ideas of what we wanted to do. So, collectively we decided to mix the three of our ideas into one. For the type of music video we choose a story telling music video. We wanted the song to go along with the lyrics of the music video, So, we decided on a story about two girl best friends who have gotten into a big argument but one girl cant stop thing about her best friend and want to make up. Additionally, we created a word document that held all of our ideas for our marketing campaign. It included information on country music as a genre, how we were going to market our artist, how we were going to distribute our artists music, and what is our artists brand.

Planning Production

Planning out what we wanted to do for our shots, angles, amd composition was easy for us. We put all of the different "scenes" into a storyboard. Because of the storyboard it was so much easier for us to film because we already knew exactly what we wanted to do, and didn't have to waste time trying to plan out what we type of shot we were going to use, or how we were going to move the camera.

Post Production

We edited the music video and it was pretty easy. We wanted to include a variety of different editing techniques. One of the techniques we used was a jump cut, so I split up a clip and shorten some of them to create the jump cuts. Here is our Music video:

The Presentation

Creating the presentation was easy because we already had all of our information on the word document, All we had to do was take the information from the word document, shorten it, and put it into the canva presentation. we wanted to make it visually appealing so kept the same color scheme and theme throughout the whole presentation The hardest part was adding the audio of us giving the presentation and making sure each audio clip lined up with the correct slide, but other than that it was incredibly easy.

Reflection

By working on this project and I learned a bunch of new things. I learned how to market things to a target audience so that it actually reaches them. I learned that it takes a lot of time and effort to create something from the ground up. I think this project is going to help me a lot with my Cambridge portfolio project. When working on my portfolio project I am going to think about all the things that could have been better in this project and make them better in my Cambridge portfolio.