Q4 Week 1: First Cut

Q3 Week 8: Editing

This week we edited the last three videos we have filmed in an attempt to create the scene we have collectively envisioned. We are not all entirely content with the finished product, as the group believes more filming may be required to create a more polished scene. No major changes are going to be made as of right now, but we are not entirely sure if the scene will alter a great deal in the future, as we are content with our idea just not entirely with the scenes we edited. The last three scenes were edited a little more heavily than the first scene, as we believe it was necessary in order to keep the audience engaged. However, because each person took a turn with the responsibility of editing, we are beginning to wonder if the last three videos are overedited. There were no real editing issues with the last few videos as we all practiced editing on the first video, thus there were no real barriers to slow our progress. Editing for these videos took approximately three periods.

Q3 Week 7: Editing

My group and I have designated this to be the introduction of our introduction scene. We decided that out of all scenes this would be the best to grab the attention of the audience. Our editing on this scene will most likely be very simple as the scene is meant to speak for itself. We ultimately decided that suspenseful music and a simple fading transition would be best as to not overedit the scene, as we believe that would defeat the purpose. The only real trouble we encountered was inserting the transition as we had never inserted the transition that we were using before. The music was fairly easy to edit in as we had edited in music or a voiceover of some sort in a previous assignment. The editing for this scene took about a period and a half (around an hour) as there was a lot of playing around with the system before finally figuring out what we thought was going to be the finished product. Editing was done by Kaelyn, Whitney, and myself collectively, as we all wanted to learn how to use the program. We will be discussing after spring break whether the finished product of this edit will fit best in our overall scene.

Q3 Week 5: Filming

The video above is just a brief excerpt from a draft shoot that my group and I held throughout the week. This was meant mainly for the actors to get comfortable with the camera and their roles in the opening scene. We also used the draft film to determine if the props and people/actors we mentioned in last week's post were actually going to work when trying to create something presentable for Cambridge. We are glad we practiced our opening scene to determine any issues with the film. One issue that stood out to me was the fact that a real cleaver was used to film the portion of, which could result in a safety hazard. We also tried out some music that we may use in the future, as well as the editing effect of zooming in on the victim's face when she realizes the killer is above her. 

Q3 Week 4: Preparing to Film

Actors: 
Protagonist-son (Andrew)
Antagonist- mother (Annie)
Others- father (Richard)

Costumes: 
Our costumes will more so be normal apparel. Nothing extravagant. The only thing that will be different will be when Annie is in her terrorized state, where she will be dressed in ripped clothing and added special effects.

Props: 
No props will be needed except for the special effects scenes. We will then dim the light and add spooky elements.

Locations: 
Whitney house/ neighborhood.

Dates and times: 
Both daylight and nighttime.

Scripts: 
the intro will have no script or speaking parts.

Film equipment: 
All will be filmed on my phone.

Q3 Week 3: Storyboard

1. The first shot is shot at a long shot in an alley. You can see two people walking in opposite directions, so you only see the back of the (soon to be) killer's head.
2. This shot is shot at the same angle as the previous shot and is when the killer attacks the victim onto the ground. You can see and hear the victim struggle on the ground until she lays completely still.
3. This shot is a close-up shot of the victim's dead face after the killer gets up. You can hear the killer's footsteps fading as she walks out of the alley.
4. This shot is an over the shoulder shot that turns into a medium close-up shot as the killer walks out of the alley and back onto the street.
5. The title slowly appears on the screen and then fades out.
6. This shot is a medium long shot in which you can see a family sitting at a dinner table. It is a father and two children, but there is a space for the mother.

Q3 Week 2: Brainstorming

Notes:
Rise:

Main focus on a young boy who plays soccer. Reminded me of a Beats commercial because of the audio. You can also foreshadow that an altercation between two boys will occur because of how they left the ending scene.

Offline:

Very poor quality film. Almost hard to follow as well. Very confusing as to why she is in a dog cage. 

Dear Lover:

The shots of nature, in the beginning, do not signify relevance. The audio in the background clarifies that this is a romance film. The film is shot in first-person as well which is different.

Dare to Thrill:

The font goes along with the film. Appropriate upbeat music fits the scene well. The opening scene leaves with a cliffhanger, that doesn’t make sense.

Always Watching:

Red font could possibly signify a horror movie. Angry tone and “spooky” music appear when a certain character is in the shot. Extremely cheesy and not appealing to watch.

Summary:
After watching these film openings, I hope to set a certain standard for our storyline and plot more so than the examples provided as each skit had its own issue pertaining to the two factors. My group believes that the proper mix of both graphics/animation and cooperation with each other is key to developing a story worthy to produce.

My Film Opening Project - Genre & Group Members

Whitney & Francisco- Horror Genre

Q2 Weeks 8 & 9: Film Opening Research #1 - "Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour"

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

"Netflix was displayed at the very beginning of the film, followed by "Taylor Swift Productions", and "Den of Thieves". "a netflix original film", "a taylor swift production", "a den of thieves production", and "a paul dugdale film" is displayed over a close-up shot of a snake's skin. The title of the film was only displayed once at the end of the sequence of pictures, videos, music, and voices.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Images prioritized in the opening sequence are pictures of Taylor Swift as a teenager, leading up to her now in her career. A snake's skin also flashes between these pictures. The pictures are also distorted and fuzzy during certain parts as the music changes. These images are prioritized as they show the "Old Taylor" and the person the media portrays her as: a sweet, naive teenager. 

What connotations do the images carry?

These images carry a nostalgic connotation as the images chronologically show a different era of Taylor Swift's career. They are also given a negative connotation as they are distorted and made to be seen from a different perspective of being false and questionable.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

Genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes by using representative pictures and objects such as the snake the opening sequence often refers back to. Taylor Swift was called a snake by fellow celebrities, as well as the media, and she made the negative situation a positive one by accepting her new reputation. She becomes the snake physically through the use of wardrobe in both the end of the opening sequence, and the performance itself. This is an example of mise en scene. She also uses snake videos on the large screens often during the performance, and even has a large snake statue. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

This film establishes an enigma from the outset by being more interesting than a normal documentary. Documentaries usually carry the stigma of being boring, but the use of music and mystery in this film opening draws in the audience.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Strategies that are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the use of nostalgia and mystery. Nostalgia is used for the viewers who are already fans of her and will be pulled into the film by Taylor Swift herself. Mystery is used for those who may not particularly like Taylor Swift, which they may begin to question as they put into perspective what she has gone through, why she is who she is today and why she makes the music that she does.

How has technology been used effectively? 

Technology has been used effectively to add effects to pictures and videos as well as contribute to the overall mood given by lighting and sound during the performance itself. 

Q2 Week 2 & 3: Film Viewing Practice Essay

Many different aspects of film are noticeable when watching the excerpt of Agent Carter. Aspects that are most prevalent would be camera angles, editing, sound, and mise en scene. Each of these aspects contribute to different components of the film.

Throughout the film, camera angles are relied upon to help better convey crucial parts of the film such as plot and setting. This film uses an over the over the shoulder camera shot during a conversation with Peggy and two men. Such a camera angle helps put the characters on a more even playing field which is significant in this film as the main character is a woman, and women are traditionally seen as being less powerful and capable than men. This camera angle helps to show the audience that Peggy is equal to the men in this film. The use of an establishing shot is also important, as it is used to show the audience the setting that is the city of New York. This helps convey a sense of action to the audience as New York is well known for its fast-paced lifestyle, cluing the audience in that the characters of the film are going to encounter some form of action.

Sound is also used during the excerpt of Agent Carter. The excerpt of the film begins with non-diegetic sound in the form of a violin. The use of the violin music helps convey the misfortune and sadness of the situation to the audience, effectively putting the audience in the same mood. A sound bridge is also used in the parallelism seem between Peggy and Steve. This helps connect the two scenes for the audience and establish that the two different situations are happening at the same time.

Editing is also a prevalent aspect of film throughout the excerpt of Agent Carter. The main use of editing in this portion of the film would be parallelism, which helps show the audience the differences and similarities between two different scenes. Some differences between Peggy's setting and Steve's setting would be the severity of the situation. With Peggy sitting in an office, it is easier for the audience to determine that she is in a safer environment. The opposite can be said for Steve; however, as it is evident to the audience that Steve is in a life-threatening situation in the aircraft. These seems are similar in the sense that both the characters present in this scene are in an obvious state of panic, helping induce similar emotions in the audience.

The last aspect of film that is most prevalent in Agent Carter would be mise en scene. The use of mise en scene in the excerpt of the film is focused mainly around Peggy. Where the use of low key lighting in the office hints to the audience that the environment is not the most ideal place for Peggy. An instance of high key lighting is also shown around Peggy when she talks about her future, showing that she is hopeful for change.

In conclusion, the film Agent Carter effectively uses camera angles, editing, sound, and mise en scene to convey meaning and emotion to the audience of the film, thus creating a thrilling experience for the audience.

Q2 Weeks 4, 5, & 6: My Favorite Genre - Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wOFJSjdStQ&feature=youtu.be