Links to CCR's and Film Opening

 

Obsessed Film Opening

 

CCR Video 1: Questions 1 & 2

CCR 2: Questions 3 & 4

Reflection

Hello to my blog!

 I can hardly believe it, but my film opening is finally done! After weeks of intense work, long nights, and way too much caffeine, I’m proud to say that it’s all come together. Looking back, it’s been a wild ride, and while it wasn’t all easy, I’ve learned so much throughout the process.

The Creative Critical Reflection (CCR) was a big part of this journey. For instance, I had to explain many aspects in my film and it was a lot. Answering those questions made me realize how intentional every little choice has to be when making a film. These two videos allowed me to demonstrate my creative thinking in new, interesting ways. Plus, it wasn’t just about getting a great shot or making things look nice; it was about making sure every detail served the bigger picture, which really helped me understand the filmmaking process on a deeper level.

Post-production was where everything truly started to shine. Editing the footage, tweaking the visuals, and adding final touches was all about making sure the opening had the right flow and emotional impact. I’m really proud of the final result. It feels like everything clicked into place, and the film’s tone really shines through. There’s a sense of accomplishment seeing it all come together after all the hard work. Seeing how the post-production has been getting better and better over the months, made me feel as if I grew from an amateur filmmaker, to an experienced one.

Looking back, I haven't realized how much I’ve grown so much as a filmmaker, learning from each step of the process—from brainstorming ideas to perfecting the edit. It’s been a challenge, but it’s definitely pushed me to improve and expand my skills. I can’t wait for the next film project. It’s time to take everything I’ve learned and dive into something new!

Post-Production of CCRs

 Hey blog!

I worked on my second CCR today and it went smoothly!

Since the "actors" I used have no experience whatsoever with these elements, it surprisingly went amazing. After filming my CCR scene, I jumped into post-production, where the real magic began. The first step was organizing the footage, going through all the takes to find the best ones. Since the conversation was pretty on the spot, I realized there were a lotttttt of moments to trim—like when we laughed, fumbled over words, or had awkward pauses—to keep the flow natural and fast-paced. And trust me, I had a bunch of these bloopers (but they were hilarious!).

Here you can see the various takes we had to make for one scene.

Once I had the best clips, I pieced everything together. I focused on cutting unnecessary pauses and ensuring that reactions lined up correctly to keep the conversation engaging. Since there were no sound effects or background noise, I relied on visuals to complement the discussion. I added images, short clips from the movie, and text overlays to emphasize key points. For the final touches, I polished the visuals, making sure everything was clear and sharp. Post-production turned my simple idea into a polished, engaging video, and I’m proud of how it all came together. By adding visuals and trimming the footage, I was able to create a fun and dynamic CCR video that truly reflected my creative thought process. 

Production of CCRs

 Hey guys! Happy Tuesday!

    I gave you guys a sneak-peek into my potential CCR videos. Instead of going with something generic, I decided to make my CCR interesting and fun to make. I truly think this can reflect my creative thought process and illustrate what went through my head as I made this film. For my first CCR, I decided to not yap awkwardly while staring at a camera, but instead I will be answering questions... after I crashed my car.

So, as a way to insure everything goes smoothly, I made a script which I will present to you guys!

CCR #4

Hey blog, happy Friday!!

The last CCR is the main focus of today's blog. The question, "How did your production skills develop throughout this project?" can be broken down into two main parts: 

Production skills – This covers all the components involved in making a film, such as filming, editing, sound design, set design, and problem-solving. 

Development – This focuses on how my skills improved throughout the process and what new things I learned that I didn’t know before. 

At the beginning of this project, I had some experience from previous filmmaking and television production classes, but it had been a while since I had worked on a film project. I had mainly followed assignments before, but now, I was given the freedom to create something entirely from scratch. This meant I had to not only revisit old techniques but also develop new ones to align with my vision for this specific story. 

Set Design and Prop-Making: One of the biggest shifts in my production skills came in set design and prop-making. In previous projects, I worked with whatever props and settings were available, but for this film, I had to carefully plan and create props to match the theme of a drama/sport film. I had to pay attention to even the smallest details to ensure everything was aligned with the gymnastic world Gianna lived in. For example, I designed and arranged gym equipment and props that would help set the tone of the film and showcase the gymnast's dedication. I learned that set design isn’t just about filling space; it’s about creating an environment that tells a story and adds depth to the film. 

Filming and Cinematography: Filming itself was another area where I really pushed myself. In the past, I was mainly focused on getting the basic shots, but this time, I had to pay closer attention to framing and angles to convey the right emotions. The film required capturing intense moments of gymnastic routines, and I had to make sure the camera movements reflected the energy and determination of Gianna. For instance, I learned how to use dynamic camera angles to emphasize the gymnast’s movements and to showcase her emotional journey. I also became more aware of lighting and how it can dramatically affect the mood of a scene. 

 Editing: My main editing technique was to be focused on the pacing. The film needed to feel fast and intense during the gymnast’s training sequences, but I also wanted to slow down during her moments of contemplation and self-doubt. I experimented with how to transition between fast-paced training scenes and slower, more intimate moments. This was a challenge, but it helped me refine my editing skills. I learned how to manipulate the pace of the film to reflect the emotional highs and lows of the Gianna’s journey. 

This project allowed me to grow in so many ways, from learning new techniques to becoming more independent in my decision-making process. Even though this can be tedious at times, it truly can teach me a lot. Have an amazing weekend everyone!!

CCR #3

Hello blog!

CCR question number 3 is in progress! Since the last two questions pertained to a new video, I decided to make another storyline for the CCR. I would be taking a test in school and ask I read the questions on the paper test, in my mind I read it out loud. And I answer them... in my head! The question asked will be "How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project?". 

   This question is has various parts to it and of course I will discuss them! It’s asking how technology was used throughout the entire process of creating my film, from the pre-planning stages to the final editing. It covers everything from the physical tools I used, to the software that helped put everything together, and the online resources I relied on. Technology played a huge role in this project, and here’s how it helped me bring the project to life. 

Hardware: For the hardware, I used a combination of tools to get the best shots for my film. The majority of the filming was done using an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 13. The iPhone worked well because of its high-quality camera, especially in the gym setting where there was good natural lighting. It gave me clear, crisp footage, perfect for capturing the fast-paced moments of the Gianna’s training. However, for more specific shots, like extreme close-ups of the protagonist’s focused expressions or text message notifications, I used a Nikon d3100 camera. Although this camera is more suited for photography, it was essential for those moments when I needed ultra-clear shots. In a yellow-lit room, the d3100 helped prevent pixelation, ensuring the text message scene came out sharp and readable. Both the iPhone and the Nikon camera worked well together to capture the different types of footage required for the project. 

Software: When it came to editing, I used Adobe Premiere Pro. I took a class in television production last year, and I’ve been using it ever since (even though I swore I would never need it). It's filled with various  and fulfills each one of my needs for this project. Premiere Pro allowed me to control the pacing of the film, ensuring it stayed fast and engaging, which was important for keeping the intensity up during the gymnast’s training sequences. It also gave me the flexibility to make adjustments to the tone and structure of the film, allowing me to emphasize Gianna’s determination in the way I imagined.  

Audio: For the audio, I relied on Pixabay for background music and diegetic sounds. Pixabay was a great resource because it offered free-to-use music and sound effects that I could layer without worrying about copyright issues. I used different background tracks to match the emotional tone of the film, whether it was the intense moments during the gym training or the quieter, more reflective scenes. I also found specific sound effects to match the actions on screen, like the sound of the gymnast’s feet hitting the floor or the buzz of a text message notification. Layering the sounds carefully really helped to set the atmosphere and complement the visuals. Using a resource like Pixabay saved me time and allowed me to focus on creating the right mood without worrying about any legal issues related to copyright. 

Online Resources: Throughout the whole process, I turned to YouTube as a vital online resource. From learning new editing techniques to understanding how to create the perfect sport drama, YouTube was amazing for research. I watched tutorials on everything from sound design to pacing in sports films. There were so many helpful videos that guided me through challenges I encountered while editing, and I even found tips on how to improve my cinematography. YouTube also provided insight into specific aspects of editing sport dramas, which helped me maintain the right tone throughout my film. Whether I needed help with a particular effect or just wanted to see how other filmmakers tackled similar scenes, YouTube was a go-to resource. 

Looking back at the entire production process, it’s clear how integral technology was at every stage of making my film. From the hardware I used to film the project, to the software that allowed me to edit, and the online resources that taught me along the way, technology was essential to bringing everything together. By carefully choosing the right tools and combining them effectively, I was able to create a film that captured the essence of the gymnast’s journey to achieve her dream. Technology played a key role in not only making the production process smoother but also in helping me achieve the creative vision I set out with.

CCR #2

Hey guys!

Today I will be reviewing the progress for the second CCR question. As I may have said before, there are two videos for the total of 4 questions. So per video, two questions will be asked (and answered). The last time I discussed the first CCR question, I didn't really have an idea of how I can display my creativity. Basically the main idea is me getting into a car crash and in order for me to stay conscious, the doctors and people around me ask questions. However, the questions are over the film process (pre and post production) and I'm super confused but I answer them either way (in order to stay conscious).

The second question I'll answer for this skit is: "How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?"

To answer these two aspects, I will break it down into two parts. The first part of the question in simple terms is about how my film opening connects with the audience. Since my film is a drama/sport story about a stubborn gymnast determined to enter her dream college, the opening needs to pull the audience in right away. The film opening is the most crucial part in engaging the audience. In the beginning, I want the viewers to feel the tension and the pressure the Gianna has to face, even before the story actually unfolds. The opening scene will show her at a training, where she’s pushing herself to the limit with an injured knee to guarantee a spot for her dream school. The camera will focus on her hands and the difficult tricks she has to perfect. On the other hand, the film also illustrates how gymnastics is her only way to secure a scholarship. The grades shown are all F's and D's, immediately showing the audience how high the stakes are. This will create a sense of anticipation and determination, drawing viewers in. The film engages the audience not only through the character’s determination but also through her internal struggles. We’ll see how her stubbornness and need to succeed clash with the obstacles around her, such as the disconnect from her family and social life.  This way, it's like a magnet, and the audiences can connect with the film and want to keep watching. 

How My Film Would Be Distributed is another element I must dissect. To give it the best chance for success in the real media atmosphere, I’d first submit it to film festivals, especially those that focus on drama and sports films. Festivals like Sundance and Tribeca are great for films with strong emotional arcs, like mine.

These festivals attract film enthusiasts who appreciate stories that mix personal ambition with athletic achievement. Plus this is realistic. I can't sell this product to Universal Pictures as my first film. So, gaining recognition at these events could help build a dedicated audience and catch the eye of distributors or streaming platforms. Aside from festivals, I’d also look to release my film on small movie theaters in lowkey places. These platforms are widely accessible and give independent films a global reach. Later, as the film expands, streaming companies such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and many others would be a possibility. Streaming allows viewers from all over the world to connect with the film, no matter where they live, which is key to reaching as many people as possible. The way I would market the product for distribution would be heavily through social media. Social media would play a huge role in getting the word out in an amateur way. Teasers, behind-the-scenes footage, and even clips of the gymnast pushing through tough moments in training could be shared on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These platforms can help build a fan base before and after the film’s official release. However, I will make it clear, social media will be the marketing in order to promote the distribution. 

Breaking down the question made me realize that engaging the audience starts with creating an emotional connection with the character, while distributing the film requires using a mix of traditional as well as digital methods to reach as many people as possible. By showcasing the film at festivals, releasing it on streaming platforms, and using social media to build hype, I can ensure that my film reaches the right audience and resonates deeply with them.