Creative Critical Reflection

 

We are done!!

 Me and my group worked really hard on making this. I hope anyone that watches this enjoys it. We had so much fun making it!

Editing done!

 Hi again! I have finished with the editing. I am so happy that I have finally finished. Editing is such a tedious process. It can hours or days to complete depending on what you're editing. It was a little annoying to be honest. I kept having to change things because they didn't look good. And it would get annoying when it isn't looking how you want it to. It was hard at the beginning but it all ended working out. First I put the title of the film. The camera starts going up, then it glitches and becomes dark. Then the title pops up. I mad it red and then it kind of dissolved away. I made glitch and become dark so it came represent that the film will take a dark turn. The acting starts and while its going I put the credits such as actors names and producers etc. When I did this I used the font "lemon milk" and I added the effect "s_drop shadow" (I edit on adobe after effect 2020). I used it to add dimension to the text so it didn't look lifeless and boring. I made them each fade out and it looked good to me. While putting the music in I made it fade in and out so it came in a little more natural. Anyways I think I did a good Job with this. I tried my hardest and that is what matters most. It could obviously be better but that docent matter. I like what I did and my group members do too. 

The editing process

 Welcome back! I have successfully got over my mental block and have started editing. I just want to say Yay! I have finally got to start and Im super happy. I really have some ideas for what I am going to do. I wanted to have text the dissolved away. Kind of like how everyone faded away after Thanos snapped in avengers infinity war as an example. I think that it will fit the vibe of a Thriller. I also want to make our film seem more dark. Like a normal story getting dangerous. I think I will try and represent that with the title. I also had to find a good way to put the music. It isn't like how when we created our music video. The whole thing can't have have music playing throughout. So  I will have to place it. strategical within the film. While editing I wondered if this is a little of how it is for the professionals. Having to worry about if the music is too loud. Also if you can hear the voices properly or not. I am not done editing yet, in the coming days I plan to finish. It is going extremely well though. I really can't wait to be finish.

What should I do?

 Hello! I am now ending the film. Well... attempting to. I currently have a mental block. I have no ideas and I have no idea on what I want to do. Editing is a very creative process. So having no ideas really messing everything up. I can't believe this right now. Before editing I had so many thoughts and ideas on what to do. I was even excited to edit. Ugh I am reviewing the site art of the title for ideas. The examples on the site are all so cool. They were made by really talented people, I wish that I could make something as cool as theirs. I currently don't know what to do, it's kind of embarrassing really. I feel like I will get so ideas in a few days. Hopefully tomorrow I can start editing successfully. until then I think I will watch the opening of films that I really like. For example I recently saw the maze runner and the way they fade out the credits such as the director name and the others involved in the movie. I kind of want to do something similar somewhere when I start editing. I know it will fit the vibe of our film if I can do it. Hopefully I will be able to do it.

How it went

 I had to soon get sent the videos from our filming. It wasn't that much to work with since there were so many out takes within. While filming it was so frustrating. I was having my script be messed up by them. In all honesty they didn't even follow the strict. During filming they just made stuff up. The followed the rough direction on what the film was about, but that's about it. So they didn't even take the time to actually memorize the script, even though it was super simple. I was understandably upset because they were messing my vision. I personally have a passion for film and tv. I love acting and directing and I also have a joy for writing. So I was taking this a little more serious than they were I think. Anyways I got sent the videos from our filming and I needed to choose what we would use for the film. So basically I was choosing the final footage. Since I will be the one editing it. I personally enjoy editing and I do it in my free time. But it does get tiresome editing everything since it isn't easy. Editing can be a hard and complicated process. I just hope I can do my best to make it look good. Wish me luck!

The process

 I originally wrote the script for this project. When I was writing, I was thinking about who would play who.  Rose said she wanted to shoot, not acting, but I already had it in my mind that I would do it. I don't trust them to film since they filmed vertically once in my  absence. In other words, Rose and Luka will be  actors. Initially, I believed in my script, so I thought every thing would go well. However, after we started filming that thought left my head. They were awful actors! I had a chase scene in the script and they could barley do that right. Rose would have been chased by Luka, to have an altercation. It looked horrible every time they did it. I should have be one of the actors myself. During the rehearsal, it became clear that it wasn't going that great. I should have switch roles with one of them. But we still managed to film everything. As for the story, it progressed and the characters had to become more and more angry/aggressive. But Rose didn't seem to be able to do that and kept laughing. We had to keep redoing it. Luka was the aggressor in the film. She was better at it that Rose was. Compared to her, everyone would seem like a great actor. When the discussion started to get hot, it was more natural. I think having Luka as the aggressive one speeded up the shoot.

Filming

 When I got to the park, I didn't start shooting right away. We were looking for a place to shoot. Rose eventually walked a long way around the park and we chased her. She complained because she was so hot. There were people were we wanted to film, so we went somewhere else. That place ending up being in the front of the park. Installed in the area under the overhang with metal benches. I set up my laptop and opened up the script and storyboard. We hadn't  looked at the details for a while, so we forgot a few things.  Luka/Shannon only remembered the main theme and genre. Rose in particular had to read the script again. After discussing the material and making sure everyone understood it, we had to decide which phone to use. The competition was between Lukas phone and my iPhone, Rose was quickly disqualified because her phone was worse. Luka phone looked a bit better. So we used Lukas phone. I was the person who was filming. It was also the first time I used a phone like that it it took time to figure it out. Apparently on her phone I have to click the record button twice to stop shooting. It took me a while to figure it out. The quality of the camera was ok.

Much needed music

Hello there! Just a refresher if you need it, me and my group are making an intro to a thriller film. With that of corse we will need the basics of the thriller genre. We need to add the elements that make it actually a thriller. One of the most prominent things to insure it being seen as a thriller is the music. Thats such an important factor to our project itself. However we can't just use any song we want due to copyright. We will either need to use non copyrighted music or message/contact the owners of the song and ask for permission to use the song. This is extremely important because you can be sued over copyright. We were thinking of using music that builds heavy suspense. Luckily for use, there are many free music of that type on YouTube that we can use. I will also absolutely edit the audio we choose. I will edit it because it will need to match with the vibe and sounds of the film. I also plan to add sound effects to the audio when we pick the one we want. That make it more unique and match the story we are trying to portray. I really can't wait to finally pick everything for sure. So I can finally execute all the ideas that I have and want us to do. We are family soon so there isn't any need to worry about that too much. We have finally decided on a place to film and we are heading there on our psd day. I am so ready to get this done!

We need a location!

 Hello! My group and I will begin filming for our final mission shortly. We've have finished all of the research we needed to be successful. At the moment, we're currently looking for the ideal location for our filming. This is a critical decision that we must make. Once we've begun recording, it'll be difficult to change our minds. We are taking our time because it would be a waste of time to rush this decision. We'll need a suspenseful environment for our first work because it's a thriller. We've been brainstorming some ideas for regions that will work with our story. We desperately need to choose a location to film. This is getting almost ridiculous. It is just because of us being picky when we already know what we need. The previous location that we were talking about is still a bad idea to me.The reason is the distance, I don't believe we will end up choosing the place. A 21-minute walk is excessive, and I don't believe it will be feasible. We need somewhere that is way closer. I think they still want that location even though it doesn't make sense. It is a little annoying to say the least. I will convince then to make it be closer. Hopefully venting works out for our group.

Unfortunate set backs

 Hello again. Like I was saying last time we were looking for a location. We have come up with one that seems suitable. Rose had the idea of using a park that was near her house. The park is big and spacious, she also said that it was in a quiet neighborhood so we could film around their no problem. I love this idea however there are some things that are issues. The fact that the park is near her home means that it is kind of far from school. I would think that it would be better to go somewhere we can go after school. It is a lot of extra waste to go somewhere far. It would also be easier for us all. I also had a park in mind that my bus stops near. I feel like that would be a better idea for us since we could just get on my bus and basically stop there. However with the problems with the location that rose wanted we still wanted to check it out. We were gonna go there today, but it was raining. It was extremely disappointing since we had planned to go and I had to change plans for it. Next time we make plans we will defiantly check the weather first. I think we will go there next week instead to check the location. I however don't really think we well end up choosing the location in my opinion due to the distance. A 21 minute walk is a lot and I really don't think that will work. But it never hearts to just check it out still.

Were should we film?

 Hello! Me and my group will soon start the filming process for our final task. We have completed all the research that we needed to do well. Currently we are still trying to find a perfect location for our filming to take place. This is a really important decision for us to make. It would be difficult to change once we have started filming. It would be a big waste of time, so we are taking our time with making this decision. With our filial task being a thriller we will need a setting that gives suspense. We have been thinking of some areas that will fit with our script. According to the script it will need to be a big open space. It needs to be big enough for the chase scene. So in our mind we needed a big park to film. Preferably a park that has a lot of trees that it would seem like woods. That way it would make our "film" more suspenseful. It should be somewhere that we can make feel "dark" with editing. It will fitting for our idea and will match the tone of the script well. We will need to first scope out the place to see if it is actually a good fit. It should also be somewhere that isn't too far, so we are all able to be there without any problems. We will talk about it some more to make our final decision together. I feel like everything will come together well. I believe and trust in my group members to do everything just as well as we did lat time.

Our plans

 

When it comes to having a back up plan, we had a few ideas if something stops us and how we as a group can prevent things like it. Let's say we couldn't film due to the rain or any other weather problems. We can try our best to reschedule and get everyone back together again to film. Or maybe change the location to make everything easier for us. Backups and archiving, disaster recovery, and business continuity are the three components of an effective backup plan. Backups and archiving on a regular basis should be your first line of defense. When data is created or modified, it should be backed up on a regular basis. And we will keep this in mind if we have to consider one. Despite the fact that we might not need one it won't hurt to be safe than sorry. When it comes to the safety of our team, that is what we will focus on the most. As we are going to be filming a horror film, a horror film in public. A lot of action can be taken out of context. This would be the last thing we wish to happen so we will keep it as PG as we can get. To stay away from any unwanted attention. location has yet to be officially decided and will be soon but I'm sure some will be taken in the park. What does health and safety mean in movies? Each organization has a legal obligation to have a "competent" health and safety person accessible to provide information to management as needed to guarantee a safe and healthy workplace. It is also a legal requirement to conduct risk assessments and safe work systems to ensure that filming takes place in a safe environment. So it's important to keep your actors and crewmates in a safe location and guarantee their safety. But that will be the last of this as I'm sure we were able to get the point across.

Drawing it out!

 Within the opening scene of the film is an establishing shot. This establishing shot pans to the right and then tilts up to reveal the 2 characters. Both characters are seen in a medium shot to be in a conservation. As the scene continues the conservation becomes more heated and turns into an argument. The argument is shown through reverse shots which break once the MC runs off.

As the MC is running we get an over the shoulder scene and a reveal of the SC chasing after her. As the chase is revealed suspenseful music begins to play softly. The MC begins to move faster in an eye level angle. As she runs the music gets louder and more intense. Then we get an angle of her hip and down to her foot that transitions into a low angel of her running. As she runs the camera tilts and close up on her face. The sound of her out of breath breathing begins to over power the music. 

The music stops and we can only hear her breathing. This allows the sound of a tree branch breaking to be singled out as the camera is set on a low angle to reveal the SC shoes. Then we get an extreme close up of a worried expression on the main character's face. Afterwards we get a long shot of her picking up pace and sprinting as the music returns. 

After a while we get the view of the back of her head as she looks out at the scenery. The camera pans around her as we get a shot of her face where her eyes are seen to be looking around her surroundings. Then within a wide shot we see her turn messily. This turn ends up with her falling on the ground. We get a high angle of her sitting sadly on the ground then a close up of her injured hand. After the close up the music stops and only wind can be heard as she stares at her hand. We then receive a POV shot of the area. 

Then the back of the SC legs is shown where the watcher is able to see the different shoe. The MC turns their head to the SC as they confront her in a high angle. The MC ends up pushing the SC and dashing away. The film ends with the SC on the ground with an annoyed face. 

How should our title be?

 Now when entering the stage of creating a title design we have discussed the way we wished for things to be like. We did research on how title screens are made and best equipment would be needed to do so. I'm positive we can be able to do good with it, I do believe in Vanessa sills in editing. When doing research I found great advice on how a title screen should be made and I'll like to share some with you. With the advent of streaming technologies, skipping the title sequence and getting straight to the plot is now easier than ever. On Netflix, for example, all you have to do is hit the "Skip Intro" button and you're done. This might be discouraging for creators on the production side of things. After all, you devote a significant amount of effort in post-production to mixing audio, adding motion graphics, and polishing intro sequences. You want the audience to be engrossed and hooked right away, thinking to themselves, "Wow, that was a wonderful title sequence."It helps to know how other filmmakers have experimented with visual design and editing methods throughout cinema to produce title sequences that are too excellent to skip. This is what a title screen is need for, and to create something like this is what we need. As I believe this is what we should focus on when brainstorming a title screen. However, as software and editing capabilities improved, directors began looking for new ways to elevate their title sequences and provide a more engaging viewing experience. If a film has a scary and unpleasant storyline (like Psycho), the visual design and music can predict this in the opening sequence. The same criteria apply to any other TV or film genre. The fact that an opening sequence has a thematic purpose and sets the tone for the rest of the production is what counts most these days, especially because title sequences are skippable on streaming services. Harry Potter is a well-known film series in modern cinema, particularly when it comes to title sequences. The opening scene for each of the eight films is distinct, starting with the one shown above. The Warner Bros. Pictures logo and the movie title were incorporated in all of the films' title sequences. The visual design and presentation of these components, on the other hand, are always unique. The title card for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is vividly lit with metallic letters. However, as the series goes, the Warner Bros. logo and title card get rusty or darkened. These design modifications are significant because they set a clear tone and theme for each picture.

How will it go?

 Mc-Main character

Sc- Side character 

Scene 1-(unclear voices can be heard)

establishing shot showing grass and the camera slowly goes upwards to view the characters.

Scene 2- (taking place on sidewalk, diegetic sound of cars driving past can be heard)

Our main character is having an argument.

Mc: I don’t even know why you are so mad?

Sc: You can’t be that dumb to not understand, you told my mom that I wasn’t at your house when I told her I would be there.

Mc: You didn’t even tell me to cover for you, you can’t blame me for you being to idiotc to give me a heads up.

Scene 3-(loud wind can be heard)

Mc:(Pushes Sc then runs)(fast pace music starts)

Sc: Oh really??? Your gonna be sorry(She starts running after Mc, her voice sounds louder here)

Scene 4-(cars can be heard, and heavy breathing by those running)

Mc:(turns to look behind her, then turns back)

Mc:(in head voice over) I know she won’t stop following me. I need to try and lose her.

Mc: (Turns corner into grassy area)

Sc: Catches up to Mc(breathing heavily)

Sc: Grabs Mc’s shirt

Mc: (light scream while falling/on the ground)

Scene 5-(Mc on the ground, zoom in on face, wind can still be heard)

Sc: I told you, you would be sorry (with a smirk)

Mc: Are you sure? because I don’t think so

Mc: (Pushes Sc and gets up and continues running while laughing)

Sc: You’ve got to be kidding me(with visually annoyed face)

Title/Opening sequence

End

Title Research: Romance

 What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? Things that were displayed in the opening sequence of the Titanic are the Ocean, Boats, names of the crew members and actors. Their names are put there in means of credit for their performance. 

 What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? Sound is crucial in a romance film because it allows the spectator to become absorbed in the many diverse circumstances depicted in horror films, as well as helping to set the mood of the picture and the environment around the characters on screen. Non-diegetic music is employed in the opening sequence of Titanic to reflect the story's original narrative events, and the song's strong but dismal presentation helps to contrast the ship's ultimate demise. The song is utilized to assist the audience associate the shot of the passengers waving goodbye to the rather sorrowful music, which helps to underline the scene shown behind it.

 What connotations do these images carry?Titanic symbolizes the hardship and suffering that many immigrants encountered during this time period as they embarked on a journey over the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life and a brighter future for themselves and their families.

 How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? Like many other couples before and after them, Jack and Rose come from two worlds, and during their hidden romance, Jack takes the initiative in overlapping and blending both worlds. He starts by dressing up to meet with Rose's peers, his seraph-sculpted visage atop a tuxedo making him look every bit the dashing gentleman. He really shines when he takes Rose to a real party, when he teaches her how to spit, and when he encourages Rose to let go of her Edwardian sense of propriety. It's exhilarating to have someone confront you like that. This was handled beautifully throughout the film, and it was able to demonstrate how this film is a romance.

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

Titanic's success was driven by the power of entertainment popularity and entertainment journalism, and its favorable critical reaction also helped to bring spectators. Although few critics hailed Titanic as a masterpiece, it received mostly positive reviews. The melodrama had scared Fox that it wouldn't find an audience, but "when one examines the critics' assessments, it becomes evident that Titanic's popularity originated [from] the enormous range of its numerous parts," according to Matthew Bernstein. Titanic was praised by critics for being more than simply an estrogen-fueled romance; it was also a romance for fans of action movies and period dramas searching for a nostalgic memory of the past.

 - How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.In order to tell a story, filmmakers link together shots with various compositions and camera angles. You can affect your audience's reaction by carefully setting your camera angle in each of those photos. As a result, you can impact how your audience interprets what's on screen.

Simply explained, this works because throughout the years, cinematographers have evolved a complicated visual vocabulary for storytelling. Simultaneously, audiences have become more aware of typical filming techniques and their implications.

Title Research: Fantasy

 What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?A title sequence (also known as an opening sequence or intro) is a means of presenting a film or television show's title, as well as important production and cast members, through the use of innovative graphics and sound (often an opening theme song with visuals, akin to a brief music video). This is often seen in fiction work like Harry Potter and is often seen in their movies and many other ones as well. 

 What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? In harry potter, there would be clips and images of characters that will take a big role in the film. Usually these characters are the main three, Harry, Ron and hermione. These being placed in the title screen or the opening gives credit where it's due for the audience to gather their attention and the crew mates as well. 

 What connotations do these images carry? According to cultural convention, imagery can represent feelings and mood. Words, sounds, and visuals have diverse connotations depending on one's cultural and personal background. Placement of one image next to another, such as juxtaposition in film editing, creates new interpretations. As an example in Harry potter, the coloring will darken in the opening sequence as it shows how darken the story has become. It gives the audience the visual image of how much has changed and how serious things have become for the characters. 

 How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? Watching movies allows you to let go of your emotions. Even those who have difficulty expressing their feelings may find themselves laughing or crying while watching a movie. This emotional release can be cathartic, as well as making it easier for a person to become more comfortable expressing their feelings. By releasing cortisol and dopamine in the brain, movies help to alleviate anxiety and tension. When the movie is over, you can return to your problems, ready to confront them from a new viewpoint. Movies not only entertain and provide an escape, but they also have a significant impact on your health and behavior.

 What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?In fundamental ways, the demographic characteristics of specialty cinema audiences differ from those of commercial film audiences. People in education or with higher educational credentials make up a significantly higher proportion of the population. The majority of the crowd is older, however teenagers (14-20 years old) rarely come.

 How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. Other Special effects can be used to speed up, change, freeze or slow down movement and time. In order to convey movement in time and push the story along, directors have to string different shots together into scenes, and string scenes together into the full movie.

Title research: Action

 

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film? Which ones? 

Within Suicide Squad, a total of 34 titles are displayed on screen. The sequence includes the actors, directors, costume designers and producers.

2. What connotations do the images carry? (how do they make you feel)? 

The images give a sense of danger. The sequence begins with a scene that seems like things are being thrown at you immediately.Then the sequence begins to spin a multitude of objects that are associated with hazards for example, bullets, guns and bombs. Along with weapons, a showcase of skeletons and loose skulls began to show as the camera was drawn back. Another connection is the display of the actors. Along with the actors name prop are shows that refer to the character which contain weapons and fire. 

3. How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? (can you tell what genre it is)

The genre is reinforced through sound and visuals. The song “Heathens” correlates to the genre. The beat along with the gun sound effects added in adds a sense of suspense and adaptation. Along with the beat, the meaning behind the lyrics hint at action. The use of the word heathen is used as a term to call a person who lacks basic morals. This single word tells the listener that this movie will be action filled with people who have no morals. Then the visual usage of explosions to introduce the actors along with guns, bullets and syringes inform the audience of an action pack movie. 

4. What conventions are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The conventions used in suicide squad is nolstolgia. The movie is based off of a team up within DC comics,  a popular comic publishing company. They included iconic characters like Joker and Harley Quinn. The usage of these well-known characters is that fans of them will attend. Along with popular characters, the opening song includes a popular band. The band, Twenty One Pilots, has a large fan base which draws a lot of people to the movie by association.       

Title design research: Horror

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

 Which ones?

In the opening sequence of the final destination there are 25 titles that are shown. They were designer, coordinator, music by, etc. They were used to give credit to the people who worked on the film.

 

What connotations do the images carry? (how do you they make you feel)

The connotations that the images carry are a scared and uneasy feeling. Seeing as though it is a horror movie that would be the case. The imagery used in the sequence is amazing. It shows people dying in x-ray vision. It is brutal and it is supposed to make you feel scared. It also made me feel concerned for the characters and what will happen to them. The images also made me feel scared for what I may witness as a viewer.

 

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

(Can you tell what genre the film is)

The way that the genre is reinforced is by the fact that the sequence in itself is incredibly brutal. It shows people dying in a somewhat “upsetting” way. It also gives the idea of what the movie will be like. Since the movies in the final destination always show people dying in horrible ways, the opening sequence does a good job of showing the idea of the film. It also does a good job of showing what the audience would find interesting/ exciting and entertaining.

 

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

The conventions that were used that ensured that the film appeals to its target audience were imagery,Typography, editing, and camera movement. The sequence looks “edgy” which would appeal to its audience. I feel like the target audience are males age 16-28, and the fact that it shows people dying would also appeal to them. They would also like the fact that it is really cool. They also made sure to move the camera in a way that would make sure that the audience keeps full attention to the opening sequence. It is also keeping them excited to see the rest of the film.