CCR

Below is the my recording of my film reflection.

https://youtu.be/E5z3aTTGwfs

Final Cut

https://youtu.be/K_DsCiDRFtI

We used peer reviews to edit our original cut to finish our final cut. One main suggestion was to make a better ending so that the plot was portrayed. We added ambulance sirens to symbolize that something bad had happened, leaving the viewers wondering what would happen next. We also made small adjustmetns such as sounds and trimming clips.

First Cut Link

https://youtu.be/IghNMcKDbyE

Editing Week 2

After we uploaded all of the files from the flash drive, we edited all of the clips and cut and trimmed them so that we only wanted a certain part of each clip. All we have left is to rearrange the clips and add music to the film.

Editing Week 1

In our first week of editing, my partner and I uploaded all of the video files to Adobe Premiere Pro. We decided what clips to use and what clips to dispose of. We kept about 75% of the original clips.

Filming Week 2

This week was the big filming week! My partner and I went to the YMCA to shoot different shots of myself playing basketball. These shots included different camera angles and different types of shots and layups. Below are some clips from the filming.

Filming Week 1

This week, my partner and I did a lot of preparations for filming. We laid out different costumes and established different settings for where the filming is going to take place. We have established different color schemes for costumes and laid out different props that we're going to use in each shot. Below are some images of the costumes, settings, and props.

Preparing to Film

Actors - The main actor in this film is going to be myself, Ryan Witthoff playing as the basketball player. There may be background characters that won't play a big role in the opening.

Costumes - The main character will be wearing 2 different costumes. The first costume is going to be a shirt and tie outfit while the character is signing to the school. The other costume is going to be workout clothes while practicing basketball.

Props - For props, we are going to need a basketball, a pen/paper, and hats for different schools.

Locations - The only two locations are going to be the basketball gym and the lobby of the gym where the signing will occur.

Dates and Times - Most basketball players sign to their desired school in the Winter or Spring and this would occur during the night and day.

Scripts - There won't be any dialogue while playing basketball, possibly just background music. The opening all together will be silent even when the main character chooses a school. All he will do is express his emotion through actions.

Film Equipment - We will use a tripod and a camera to film this opening. Only natural and ceiling light will be used.

AICE Media Film Opening Storyboard

To summarize, the planning process took a while to think of many ideas for a genre and what to base the opening around. Ultimately, as a partnership, Cori and I decided to do a sports story. We eventually agreed that doing a basketball story would be much easier based on location and the ability to get better quality shots. Together we brainstormed ideas in which the opening ended with a serious injury that could prevent the main character from ever playing again. We also needed a backstory so we decided to have the main character sign his letter of intent. 

Film Opening Brainstorming

Film Opening Brainstorming Notes

- Mix of close ups and long shots

- Possibly include background music

- Show titles of important roles and movie title

- Establish a plot

- Use multiple different camera angles

- Include different editing techniques or mise en scene

        There are various elements to include in a film opening; many of which were shown in the given examples that I listed. One of the most important features to me is to include some way of introducing the important roles in making the film, such as stating the director and lead actors. I felt myself interacting more with the openings that had background music to set the mood. Another feature to set the mood is by using different camera angles and perspectives that the audience can interact with. For instance when a subject is walking you can have an angle in front, behind, up close, to the side, etc. In most examples the plot was shown throughout the introduction, but some did not introduce the plot until the last few seconds of the opening. For example, the "Dare to Thrill" opening introduced some teenagers taking a car on a ride and in the last 2-3 seconds they found something surprising in the trunk. Using these different techniques can enhance a film opening and draw the audience in. 

Week 1, Quarter 3: What Inspired Me

What Inspired Me to Create a Film From This Genre

       The genre of drama in film is expanded into so many other genres. Drama could be involved in an action film, a horror film, or even a sci-fi film as well. This wide variety of different genres involved with drama is a main reason why my partner and I decided to do this genre. Drama is intended to be less humorous of a movie and more serious in the plot. While their may be humor in drama films, the primary purpose is to tell a serious situation or story. There are three films that I would like to use as examples of drama films that helped inspired my partner and I in choosing this genre.

       First off, the first film that came to mind when my partner and I thought of drama was "Forest Gump." This film is arguably one of the most well known and highest grossing drama films of all time. The film starring Tom Hanks tells a story about a boy/man with a mental illness and how he overcomes obstacles and how his life progresses. Many dramas have similar openings where there are flashbacks to the past that tell the story. The opening of the film shows the viewers a falling leaf that travels throughout the city and lands at Gump's feet at the end of its path. This is metaphorical for the movie as the leaf goes through a journey as Forest Gump does. He is shown waiting at a bus stop telling his story to strangers sitting with him on the bench. 

      Another example of a drama is a recent film that has tremendously grown in popularity over the past month. The new Netflix horror/drama film, Birdbox is a great example of a drama film. The movie begins when Sandra Bullock, the main actress is instructing two children to keep their blindfolds on and to do everything she says. From her tone, the viewers can tell how serious the situation which classifies this as a drama. The movie flips back from scenes from the present of her and the kids and the past of how everything came to be. The shots that were set in the past explain the reason for how the three got there and why they needed to always keep their blindfolds on.

      The last film that I am using as example of a drama is the Blindside, also starring Sandra Bullock. The Blindside is a film based on a true story about the struggles an NFL player, Michael Oher went through as a kid. Many dramas are based off a true story as this film is. The movie begins by showing an real football clip of when NFL star Joe Theisman was injured on a play that ended his amazing football career. With a Bullock voice-over, she explains how the quarterback is the highest paid player on the team and the second highest player is typically the left-tackle because he has to protect the quarterback. This sets up the story for Michael Oher's struggles as a student/athlete.

My Film Opening Project - Genre & Group Members

Genre: Drama
Members: Ryan and Cori

Weeks 8-9 Film Opening Research

#1 Happy Gilmore

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

The film opening displays 6 opening titles to show the name, starring actor, and various other aspects of the film. In this order the titles roll: Universal Pictures Present, A Bernie Brillstien-Brad Gray, Robert Simmonds Production, A Dennis Dugan Film, Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The opening scene is a backstory of Happy Gilmore's childhood in order to set up the movie and introduce the main character. The film is set to act like a "home movie" film to portray his childhood.

What connotations do the images carry?

The images portray a positive connotation even in difficult times. Even when it shows his dad's funeral there is still a positive sense as if nothing happened. Happy Gilmore would always say positive words in the beginning.

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

Technical Codes: During the opening scene, the music is very alternative and rock-like and it sets the stage for the rest of the comedy film. The transitions and editing techniques of the opening scene are unique in their own way and just spread a positive vibe into the main part of the film.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

As the main part of the film starts, the background music goes away. This is done to signify something that is going to happen and to make sure that the audience is paying attention to details. 

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

One key strategy that is used to appeal to the comedy audience is not only music but different scripts or actions that different character say or do. Words or actions appeal greatly to the target audience when a film is being shot.

How has technology been used effectively? 

Technology does not play a major role in the movie other than with different camera angles and shots. When the camera is following the far hit golf ball, there is a lot of editing and technology that is involved. 

#2 Black Panther

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 
There are not any main titles during the opening sequences to the film. The script does the introduction to the movie on its own.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images of the past are used to introduce the background to the movie. While the narrator explains the aspects of the film, the viewers are shown images of the past through "sand characters" to portray the backstory of Wakanda. 

What connotations do the images carry?
The images portray a dark connotation through the dark blues and purples in color. Even as the main scene occurs, the setting is in a less developed area at night. This imagery gives off a scary and negative connotation to the film.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Technical and Symbolic Codes: In addition to the colors used in the opening scenes, the editing techniques of the film are very intricate and symbolic to the film. The dark colors portray the symbolism of the Black Panther to emphasize his powers.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
In all marvel movies, there is a crescendo in the music when there is a transition between the opening scene and the main part of the movie. Marvel has their theme music and their introduction/title edit to make this transition. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
One key strategy that is used to appeal to the action/adventure audience is when the king kills his own brother after he betrayed the country of Wakanda. This sets up the movie for the violence and action that is involved with this genre. 

How has technology been used effectively? 
Technology plays a major role in the opening scene of the film. It is very difficult to describe what elements of technology are used to show the backstory of the film, but it seems as if there are sandpeople showing this.