Scouting, Actors, and other Technicalities

As time passes the due date for the project becomes even closer so have my plans for the actual filming of this movie opening. While in the process of mapping out the storyboard and actual shot composition for the shoot, I’ve decided to discuss other technicalities that set limitations. 

First of all the environment needs to be controllable, legal, and flexible for what’s going to occur in the shot. Because of Covid-19 options are limited and for the safety of myself and everyone involved. The perfect spot for a mundane scene would be my own backyard: not only can I control the influx of people but filming with my lack of hu-manpower.

The way that the majority of filming will have to take place is by setting up my camera beforehand. This is because I don’t have anyone else to work with; I do have access to my family group. Although I have my family-group I’d prefer to use them if a dynamic shot that requires movement is absolutely necessary, each member has their own stipulations, habits, and features that may hinder my productivity. 

To backflip off that, I will probably star as Marlyn, who is the only person that will be seen in the movie opening. This is what I originally planned and I mentioned not using the members of my family-group but there is one member who could be of aid. In retrospect, it would probably be easier to just employ her but like me, she has her own schedule; she will be kept in mind as a candidate. 

Props. This is one of the main concerns in developing mise-en-scene and the tone for the rest of the story. A theme I will discuss and elaborate on is life and its vibrancy, easily a fruit came to mind of the perfect tool to explain this. I won’t go in-depth in this post but I will in a later post. Another prop is a notebook that will be used to show Marlyn’s escape through the simplicity of drawing or writing; writing, because I have no talent in the former. Another would be a knife and possibly a syringe; the syringe will be argued about in a later post as it may provide more on the themes I want to portray. And finally, a cutting board that can provide the bridging sound that can create a tempo for the audience to hang onto similar to a clock ticking.  

See you in the next post!

Character and Costume

     In the short time span that I am given, I have to convey the unstable mentality that makes the foundation for the eventual-off-the-deep-end-serial-killer. Because the first shot will probably be something simple, showing a mundane or simple task that is slightly off the costume of the main character. First thing first, as great as it is to type out-main character-and-soon-to-be-serial-killer a name is needed to make it easier to identify; I’ve decided on Marlyn. 

So the bane of Marlyn’s mind will be her teetering will to dominate over others and do things simply because she can. These thoughts are the staple through which she has had to live by for the past fifteen years, courtesy of her father: an abusive man who found pleasure in tormenting his kids. Having recently been taken into custody by Child Protective Services she battles with her own trauma and what’s left of her family begins to crumble. 

From her story, the use of simple but alluring hobbies, concepts, and style that became her escape is something that can be capitalized on in the opening. But today I’ll focus on costume design; which needs to convey her mental state. Through a costume design with colors yellow and gray which represent insanity and uncertainty.  Another color that may prove useful is the color that may symbolize life and death; red. Which would further help select the props needed to reiterate the theme.

Techniques

 The techniques I plan to use for the opening with this idea are inspired by different traits found during my research. One of these traits that I will be taking inspiration from the opening of Gone Girl; in my research, I spoke of the eerie feel the editing, music, and voiceover makes. I want to create a similar concept with the credits appearing on screen, voiceover, and shots. The other opening trait that I plan to take traits from is 13 Reason’s Why where the story itself, in a way, is the beginning of the end; to elaborate the story itself picks up from the ended life of Hannah Baker with a voiceover that we later learn is a recording she made before she passed and the story begins with the reactions of the people she has left behind. 

The techniques used in both of these openings are worth replicating, to an extent, in hopes of giving my project the best possible outcome. For the credits which will come first if I did a black screen for each major name before moving the other names to be in the upper and lower thirds. The use of synchronous sound in both openings may be something to replicate depending on where I decide to shoot the main character living life before their serial killer days.

Final Idea

     If you’ve read the title you can probably guess what this post will be about: my final idea. After wresting with all the different ideas I had, the victor is going to be a psychological thriller featuring a ‘normal girl’ turn into a renowned serial killer. 

With the two-minute slot for this ‘film,’ I’m going to pull a Shakespeare and somewhat start with the end. By this, I mean to have something that clues the audience as to where the story ends up; with the main character choosing to be a serial killer. Realistically speaking the only reason why I wouldn’t choose to end the story with the main character being caught is that it would be impossible for me to do this with a budget of $0.

A way I can begin with the end without being too pricey would be by having the now-serial-killer-main character in a voiceover that displays the mentality that will be given to them later on. This would engage the viewers as they try to correlate the visual stimulus to what they are hearing. 

Speaking of visuals I want to eventually show the before-the-ending-main character that would be followed throughout the movie but it would probably be safer to put this at the ending. Before that, though I would like to incorporate an eerie and symbolic sequence that will give foreshadowing and thought-inducing reactions from the audience. Maybe slicing fruit or the eating of an apple all the way to its core or the eating of a flower. All of these can symbolize the life that would be snuffed out (like a candle being blown out) throughout the character’s journey.

Before I prepare for actual filming I want to document my strategy for the storyboard and the ‘how and why’ I will make specific creative decisions.

Brainstorming Genre and Ideas for a story Pt IV

    So after the long wait here are some new ideas! These are after reviewing the research I did on the drama and thriller genre as well as taking the advice from the sources offered to me by my school.

    Idea #1 is the evolution of a ‘normal’ girl to a famed serial killer; a good way to start this idea would be a 13 Reason’s Why situation. Start from the ending of something else, it might be problematic in the future to create a scene where the main character would be interrogated but the possibility of an allusion to killing through shadows and lighting techniques there can be a ‘these are the logs of (this character’s name) aka the karma killer.’ 

    Idea #2 would be more of a comedy/ coming of age genre where a germaphobe has to take care of a dog in hopes of managing their germaphobia. Considering the time period we are in it would be somewhat relatable and be a funny premise that shouldn’t be too hard to film. 

    So far these ideas are being added as possibilities until I’m approved by my teacher. Both offer their own challenges but I’m hoping that these ideas are still plausible. If these ideas do end up being in the running then I may go in depth to study more about comedy and drama hybrids. Until next time!

Brainstorming Genre and Ideas for a story Pt llI

    I’ve been brainstorming more on different ideas that are easier to convey. To explain, in class we had to watch a TED talk of one of the cofounders of Pixar. There were many useful tips that he brought up but the ones that made me want to rethink my options were these: “Make me care” and “Show wonder.” I’ve thought that with the ideas that I have the ‘wonder’ may not be displayed enough to ‘make people care.’        

     To combat this I was thinking for the “The dying protagonist” there could be a scene of all the reasons why they didn’t want to die; if I added quick cuts of peaceful and happy moments with a voice-over by the protagonist as they are dying. I’d hope to tap into the audience’s feeling of desperation and the will to live; to make it more interesting maybe the reason why they want to live that may not be simply wanting to survive.

     For the “Grieving protagonist with an imaginary friend” I could maybe spice it up by once again using the flashback method to display happier times but I worry this may be too cheesy. And although this may not be the best solution, a possibility could be the use of a voice-over that gives the audience an insight into what the character is thinking.     

    Finally for the “Cookie Cutter Coming of Age,” this idea probably won’t change much but a voice-over once again pertaining to the idea of connecting with the audience that way. Another idea could be just a simple interaction with another person(actor) just demonstrating playful banter. 

         Not only was the video helpful but the research on different openings with similar genres to the ideas mentioned have also been a big help but I’ll probably have to express my new ideas in the next post. Looking forward to it!!

Research on the Openings Pt 2

Continuation from my last post; on the samples for the genres I was looking for.

Genre	Case Studies
Drama/Coming of age	Moonlight (2016) By Barry Jenkins Observations: Rather than a piece from a score there is a radio quality sound:” Every N*gger is a Star,” appearing before the first shot is taken and within the first 2 min there are no opening credits Shot Composition: The scene starts with the shot of a car where a man steps out follows him as he walks to two other men. This is a master shot that doesn’t stop until he sees some kids run through the street; then it cuts to a handheld-tracking shot of a boy being chased. Analysis: The very beginning of the film starts with a black screen where there is some asynchronous beach water sounds that slowly overlap with the song with radio quality sets the scene. The master shot with the sporadic movements not only keeps the audience focused on who’s in front of the camera. Through the scene, we are shown the community as well as the conditions of their neighborhood that set the scene for the story. I think the lack of credits, in the beginning, makes this artistic decision force the audience to focus on what is being shown.
Drama series	13 Reasons Why (2017) By Brian Yorkey Observation: Music with vocals, and close-ups on characters to catch emotion; no opening credits Shot Composition: Starts with a close-up of a picture of Hannah Baker that zooms out to an out-of-focus shot to focus on a boy. Cut to a shot of Hannah Baker before transition that shows that she's not there. Over the shoulder shot of him looking at people’s reactions to Hannah Baker’s memorial. Medium to another over the shoulder of him looking at the memorial as he moves closer. Then we have multiple medium shots that follow the conversation between the two boys, before ending on a close-up on the first boy’s face. Analysis: This is different from a movie but the way that they go about preparing the story for the viewer. The use of slow-motion for everyone else but the first boy calls attention to him and the difference in attitude between the normal students and him. As well as starting the story from the end in a sense; the ending of something else. As well as the interactions that can’t be deduced by context clues and force the viewer to keep watching.
Drama	Akeelah and the Bee (2006) By Doug Atchison Observation: There are a lot of panning shots that usually go in the order of left consequentially and then right. The title screen coincides with the beat of the music. Shot Composition: A pan to the right, a pan to the left, then two still shots, followed by more left and right pans of the suburbs and the environment. Cut to a closeup of Akeelah, fade into more pans to the right showing the school before going to an over-the-shoulder shot of the teacher handing out tests. Before beginning a shot to shot featuring different angles during the conversation between Akeelah and her teacher. Analysis: The editing of the title to match up with the music makes for an engaging and fun introduction. The voiceover done by Akeelah helps set the stage for her goals and her situation.

Research on the Openings Pt 1

I mentioned some of these thriller movies in my last post; I watched them and compiled a quick observation analysis and focus on technique.

Genre	Case Studies
Thriller/horror	Psycho (1960)  by Alfred Hitchcock Observations: The score for the opening is intense and suspenseful, the opening credits the stand-alone majority of them having transitions that have to do with lines before the following shot composition begins Shot composition: There is an establishing shot of a city that eventually cuts to a shot that zooms into an open window then panning to the right to reveal a laying woman on a bed being stood over by a man. Cut to a nightstand that shows an unfinished lunch cut to a medium shot of the man standing straight up and the woman lifting her shoulders and face to fit into the lower bars of the shot followed by the shot tilting to follow the man who sits down on the bed to face the weapon. Analysis: The majority of the opening is done without footage from any characters but is carried by the fantastic score that not only foreshadows the suspense later on in the film. I also noticed that the linear transitions for the credits and the title are fast-paced matching the heightened tone of the score. Additionally once the credits have rolled and actual footage is played there are also easier texts that establish time, date, and where the story is taking place (that's over the establishing shot). There is an awkward cut during the attempt to zoom into the window where it becomes a different window.
Thriller/Horror	The silence of the Lambs (1990) By Jonathan Demme Observations: The score begins before the first shot which is soon followed by the asynchronous sound of the panting of a woman coming up on the horizon; when the title/credits start to roll they are a bold font  Shot Composition: Begins with a medium shot on a tree before panning/tilting  down towards the trail and the horizon of a woman climbing up Shots follow her with close-ups and medium shots at different angles Analysis: The score is ominous but more subtle than Psycho. The text placement, at a first glance, is odd but inherently forces viewers to be more engaged in what the character is doing because of the limited view.
Thriller/ mystery	Gone Girl (2014) By David Fincher Observations: The score beginning before the credits are accompanied by a voice-over; meanwhile the quick fade-ins/outs of the title and credits contribute to the ominous feeling that the music is giving.  Shot Composition: The first shot consists of a closeup of a woman with a hand brushing over her head black screen showing white texts fades into a long shot of a beach long shot of a house. A shot from a lower angle of a sign. More long shots of this town some at a lower angle a pan of a large backyard a long shot of a house that is reduced in price another long shot of the house at a different angle a shot of a sewer grate shot of an alleyway more shots of miscellaneous objects in the suburbs medium shot of a man standing by a trash can from a different angle the shot of him looking a different way medium shot to a long shot of him turning around and then heading into the house Analysis: If the voice-over wasn’t enough to make an eerie tone but the seemingly random shots that set the scene for the story along with this similar strategy with the credits.

Brainstorming Genre and Ideas for a story Pt ll

I made a chart to help plan out the props needed to create the scene; this isn’t including the tools needed to make the set, actors needed, or the costume design:

Idea	Prop(s) or Necessary equipment	Ingredients	Costs	Motivation
The dying protagonist	Fake blood 3 shirts	Corn Syrup Red, Blue, and Green dye 3 shirts for multiple takes	$5 Time to make the blood Separate plans for the different takes	This idea is enjoyable, and I’m hoping I can get the green light to do this idea.
Grieving protagonist w/ imaginary friend	Stuffed Animal Tombstone Fake Will	Stuffed Animal Styrofoam Paper	$7 Time to make the fake tombstone	I think this idea is fun and I can make artistic traits more prevalent with the grieving mind of the main character.
Cookie Cutter  Coming of Age	Book  Backpack Journal pen & paper	Book Backpack Journal pen & paper	None	I’m not as thrilled about this idea as the others but I believe I can still put my artistic spin on it.

From the chart above I’ve put down some of the ideas and repercussions to think about when making props. I’m still open to new ideas but I wanted to mark down what I might need for the future. 

I also wanted to make a note of movies, shows, and openings that might be of assistance. For the thriller genre: Pyscho, The Silence of the Lambs, and Gone Girl. I’ll be taking notes and analyzing the openings. When I do, I’ll report back to this blog so that not only will others see and but it’ll also be on record for what I feel and noticed then. 

For the coming of age genre or more accurately the drama genre, I’ve selected Akeelah and the Bee, Moonlight, and 13 Reasons Why. I realize the coming of age-genre is probably closer to the overarching genre of drama; therefore instead of “coming of age” I’ll just say drama. Until next time! 

Brainstorming Genre and Ideas for a Story Pt I

When the Portfolio project was mentioned at the beginning of the course I was enthused to create something with my own story; I still am. Although I have experience with camera techniques and writing stories to create a narrative for my TV class, I rarely get the creative freedom to write my own story; like a cinematic opening. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to create something that lets viewers into my mind.

In a previous post, I shared a case study I did on the thriller genre which talks about the importance of suspense and the capability of a piece being scary but not a horror. Because I have prior knowledge of this genre this is an excellent possibility for this opening; it also allows me to incorporate abstract or horrific elements that don’t turn into horror. Another genre in the running is the science/supernatural fiction; I haven’t done a case study on them yet but I have plenty of resources and time to explore. This can allow the techniques learned in class to create a specific tone that complements a story of adventure and/or mystery. The only exception is the backup idea with a typical teenage coming of age genre; I’m not particularly fond of this idea but I’ll consider it an option.

As soon as the assignment was brought up ideas spring into my head; loud, ambitious, and each on the aforementioned genres. An idea that has recently come about is an opening scene that begins with a bloody battered protagonist fleeing to a tree from an unknown assailant. The protagonist would be on the verge of death-passing out the audience would see an interaction between seemingly the main character and another version of the main character but as the dialogue would continue we’d learn that one of the people talking is another entity with less than innocent intentions. This would probably be a hybrid genre: supernatural-thriller. This idea is inspired by a Japanese animated series where the protagonist, Itadori Yuuji, has a similar confrontation. With a limited budget and equipment, this idea isn’t too costly of course with the quality and quantity of the (fake) blood which would be something to keep in mind when choosing a final idea. The next idea I had would be something with a creepier aesthetic and would have the protagonist mourning over a death they witnessed with an imaginary friend. The opening scene would establish the protagonist’s dependency on this imaginary friend as they attempt to handle the grieving process. This idea can be developed more and the only problem is the location for this type of interaction; the imaginary friend would be a stuffed animal which I have plenty of. Another idea would be a more coming of age opening scene where a teenage protagonist begins to understand themselves, how the world sees them, and how they decide to create their self-image. This idea once again shouldn’t be too costly with a lighter tone and can take an alternative version of themselves speaking their inner feelings; the con to this idea would be to invite another character and in a pandemic finding actors will be tough. 

I plan to dedicate the weekend to conducting actual research on the types of genres I’m interested in as well as the ones I’m not-mostly to gain a wider perspective and offer up the possibility to be inspired to make something else. My research will probably be watching the openings of highly-acclaimed movies of that genre specifically so that I can analyze the techniques that are possible on a budget of $0.

Final Update Music Marketing

Music Marketing Blog Post #2

The Music Marketing project was first picking our genre, country, and the other celebrities we decided to study: Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, and Dan+Shay. All these celebrities were not only updated on methods of digital distribution of their music and the marketing done on Social Media but they found ways to connect to their fans on a more personal level. Blake Shelton is in synergy with Ryman Housing properties r fo‘Ol Red’; a restaurant chain inspired by his song that features his history and his personality. The restaurants have a country-feel that complements Shelton’s aesthetic and brand. On the other hand, Kacey Musgraves, on her personal website, sends missions to her Street Team: a group of fans that complete said missions that promote her brand and encourage using creativity to help others. These were only some of the ways that the country singers marketed themselves; that encouraged me and my team to follow a similar strategy.

The goal was to market “Daisey Davis” as much as we could. We used Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and her own website. Because of her name, we built her brand around her love for flowers and created her own missions for her fans. “Find Your Bloom” inspired by Musgraves’ Street Team has challenges for her fans to promote her brand and gain influence on others. To add on her website has a trivia for fans to test their knowledge on her; it engraves the memory of her into the player’s head. The website also features links to the store, her music videos, and a newsletter that allows browsers to be notified of events and posts. 

The music video that we worked on featured the story of Daisey’s breakup and her learning to use her love for flowers to get over her ex-boyfriend. The motif of flowers and their meanings is an important aspect of her brand, as a theme for her challenges, trivia, and her posts on other social media. 

The presentation was nerve-wracking; I felt as though I was stuttering at every sentence stumbling over my words. My group denies it claiming that we all tried our best and that being able to go as early as we did was a great idea. I noticed a trend of there being accounts on TikTok and for a moment I thought we had missed out; in one regard, yes but in another, our audience is slightly more mature and isn’t as playful as the majority of the community on TikTok. Another trend I observed was the accompaniment of a business alongside the artist’s interests; like Blake Shelton. This was a better marketing tactic that could have brought more exposure. 

This project taught me how much work marketing actually is; I now understand why celebrities have marketing teams. The posts, the music videos, and their very presence in social media are all planned in immense detail. A marketing plan that not only shows off the personable aspects that make an artist more appealing but also showing off the musical talents or in some cases other parts of the artist that proves entertaining. This helps the development of my Cambridge portfolio by bringing the versatility I aimed for in the beginning; giving me experience on how to make a sphere of influence to gain the audience’s attention.