Production: At the Gymnasium

 What's up guys!

We FINALLY recorded in the gym, and it was an amazing experience! TAG USA offered a huge, open space that allowed us to capture the perfect shots for our project. For every scene, we experimented with different camera angles and setups, making sure to try out various options to get the look we wanted. Each person in the group played a role in helping execute the vision for the film, whether behind the camera or in front of it. When it came to the gymnastics stunts, Arianna, Candelaria, and Oona took charge and did an incredible job performing the tricks. They were really brought energy to the shoot and of course as always with their 110%! We rotated between filming and capturing the shots, making sure to get the best shots possible illustrating action. Below, you can see some of the photos I took during the shoot while we were all working together. It was super amusing and exciting (these photos don't show how fun this all was).

I will admit, this part of filming was SOOOOO fun! As we all used to partake in gymnastics when we were little, we all got to play around and incorporate our favorite stunts into the film opening. Plus since I used to compete in gymnastics, I got to show some skills to put into the portfolio project. 

For the stunts, Oona and Candelaria wanted to shoot these scenes as the "stunt double" however, whenever we wanted to include a face, Arianna would be recorded with her full body and face being shown. Overall, this was a collaborative process and we couldn't have filmed this without everyone present. Bye guys see you soon!!

Production Day Two

 Hello to my favorite Cambridge people!

Today I will discussing more about our film process! My group and I FaceTimed each other in order to discuss how we want to move further into our project. We focused on the sound elements of the production. As we were about to finalize our work, the group decided to split up each element. Candelaria would focus more on the foley sound effects (however we made it clear if she stumbles on anything we would be more than willing to help), and Oona, Arianna, and I will research sound effects to correlate with the scenes. Also a side note, this topic of sound effects ties in with another blog I made discussing about audio/sounds. I utilized simple terminology so I can fully understand what my job is. This is the list I have to research:

Ambient sounds: Velcro ripping, car engine, car door closing, car driving/sounds, car doors being locked, car door opening. At home scenes: papers rustling, marker writing, going upstairs, and opening door. 

This picture shows all the effects being downloaded on my computer using the website Pixabay which gives me free no copyright amazing audio sounds. For the most part, my group truly is coorperating and giving their all for the project. As we keep filming, the sound effects will have a wider range to choose from. Now, our next task to tackle will be filming in the TAG gymnasium! I'm super excited for this next step in my production process. See you soon y'all!

First Day of Production

 Hello y'all!

My group finally began shooting for our film opening! We began by shooting "Gianna" which was our group member Arianna, pulling up into her house driveway in her car (which was also Arianna's). An actual camera was brought, but due to the fact it was too dark, the group simultaneously decided to switch it to a phone. For this particular scene, the videos recorded consisted of long shots, low angles, tracking shots as well as various mid shots. The shots of the car varied and the group recorded both long shots along with tracking, to have a more expansive range to choose from when we edit. The tracking shot was utilized for when Gianna was walking up to her house. All of these shots were filmed on a legit video camera, but it was shortly after where we decided to switch gears and film on Candelaria's iPhone camera. Gianna was recorded in her bed, desk, chair, after she placed her backpack down. Also a specific shot in this scene was when we briefly illustrated how Gianna has to go to a physical therapist/doctor to emphasize her injury is serious. 

Also a side note, my group tried to not record various shots from behind (showing her back), as this was a problem that caused many points to be taken off from my midterm. Even though I wasn't there physically to help, I gave many notes on how to film more shots and inserts, as well as taking note of what I can do to help. This first day seemed to be a success and I'm really proud of my group so far!

(My wonderful group filming!) See you guys soon!

Audio

 Hey y'all!

I've been talking quite a lot about how important each visual aspect is for filmmaking. Today I want to talk about another vital element in film: audio, sound and music. 

I truly feel like the majority of people don't take into consideration how much audio helps in storytelling. In almost every piece of film, audio is involved. This can be dialogue, diegetic sound, nondiegetic sound, sound bridge, score, and foley. 

Sound is plays a part in almost every scene in a film. Literally. Almost. Every. Scene. Audio helps the audience understand what’s happening as well as setting the mood, and connect with the emotions of the characters. However, if sound removed is the point, then it fulfills its meaning. But regardless, a movie without sound feels odd and incomplete. It’s not just something extra and random, it’s a key part of how people experience a film. 

The main types of sound you'll hear in films would be dialogue, diegetic sound, nondiegetic sound, sound bridge, score, and foley. Dialogue is when characters speak to each other or just having a conversation in general (like a monologue). The way characters express what they say (loud, soft, fast, or slow) can tell us about the emotions they feel in that particular scene and the meaning behind it. 

Diegetic sound consists of sounds that come from narrative world of the actual film. For instance, footsteps, water dripping, or a door opening. They make the film feel more real as if it's actually taking place. This goes hand in hand with foley. Foley is the sound of everyday things, like footsteps or objects being picked up however, they are used with objects after a film is made. To illustrate the movie, A Quiet Place (2018), used celery to make the monster-alien sound effect to hear humans. These sounds are added in after filming to make the movie feel more realistic, even though celery has NOTHING to do with that movie.

 Nondiegetic sound is audio that comes from outside the narrative world, such as background music. Music can help aid in setting the mood, even though the characters inside the film can’t hear it. 

In my film opening, I will be using diegtic sounds for when Gianna is well, everywhere. The gymnasium, home, school, walking, drinking water. Whatever it may be. This can be footsteps, sweat dripping, and maybe heavy breathing as she works out. Foley for when her gymnastics bag is placed on the floor, putting her hair up, and even getting into her bed to sleep. For the music, I used this website that me and my group found called Pixabay. This website gives music for when Gianna is working out in TAG. The sound we all chose was one that consists of upbeat drums and claps. 

 This goes to show how audio is just as important as the visuals in filmmaking. It helps tell the story, creates emotion, and makes the world of the film feel real. Next time you watch a film, I will suggest to pay attention to the sound. Anyways, see you all soon for more updates for my film!

Setting

 Hello Cambridge people!

For the blog, I will be diving into the important role of filming: setting. This is such a crucial part in telling a story, as well as keeping the context relevant. 

Setting for my film opening will have a more profound meaning, considering this is a drama/sport genre.  Setting in this case can sort of reflect the mood and help tell the audience more about the inside story of the Gianna's lonely life. 

This film opening's setting will take place in TAG USA Gymnasium and Gianna's house (which is my friend Cande's house). TAG is the perfect setting for an opening scene where Gianna's determination and "dedication" take place. It shows her character pushing herself to succeed for her to get into college. On the other hand, Gianna's house could reveal a more personal/relatable side of the Gianna, with the home representing the absence of warmth and tension and conflict with her low grades. Then, there’s Gianna Diaz’s dream college, where Gianna imagines herself succeeding in gymnastics. This setting is now a symbol of hope and ambition, where her dreams could become a reality in the future. All these settings together create a narrative world where we visually see Gianna's struggles, ambitions, and realities come to life, drawing the audience deeper into the story.

I think setting goes hand in hand with props. For instance, with the display of Gianna's bad grades, it illustrates how the context of the gymnasium, she wants to get into a good college by her sport. This truly goes to show how every element in filming is vital in storytelling. Done right, the story can go well! See you guys soon!

Props

 Hello blog!

In my previous blog posts, I’ve shared that this project will focus on using props to help tell my film's story. Before I describe the props I’m using, I want to briefly talk about what props actually are. 

Props are objects that actors use in plays or movies to make the story feel real. These objects can be anything from something small, like an earring, to something big like a couch. I learned that props have been around for a long time, even in ancient Greece, the Renaissance (think Shakespeare), and the Middle Ages. Back then, props were often related to things like war, swords, guns, and masks. As television and theater progressed and grew, props continued to develop, helping to illustrate stories in a more exciting way. In my film opening, props will be a tool to bring the story to life. 

For instance, in one scene set in a gym, I’ll use tiger paws, grips, a handbag, chalk, headphones, and a headband. This gym will look something like this.

These props will show that Gianna Diaz, the character, is training and practicing gymnastics moves like on the floor, bars, or vault. Even the gym mats will be considered props! The best part is that many of these props are already in my house. I have my AirPods and JBL headphones for sound, the grips and tiger paws from when I did gymnastics, and I can easily steal a headband from my little sister. The more props I find, the more excited I get because it makes this story feel real. I’m really looking forward to using props for this project and can’t wait to research more!

Meet Gianna- Our Main

 Hello to my blog!

As we moved into Week 4 of our project, my group decided to focus on developing our main character.

 We quickly realized that creating a strong main character was the most important part of the process (if not we literally wouldn't have a story to go with). After doing some research, we all agreed that the surname Diaz was perfect for our character. We noticed that it was a common surname for people of Venezuelan descent, and it felt like the perfect match. Choosing her first name was a bit more complicated. We considered names like Camila, Victoria, and even Arianna (which was one of our group member’s name!). But after researching names from all over Latin America, we all really liked Gianna, and it felt like the best choice. So, we had Gianna Diaz. 

The title of our film is Obsessed, and it really fits Gianna’s personality. She’s stubborn, dedicated, and very disciplined, but mainly only when it comes to gymnastics. However, she doesn’t care at all about school and has straight F’s. Ironically, she dreams of going to college, but the only way she can get there is through gymnastics. She trains constantly and doesn’t have any friends or a social life. Gymnastics is her world, and nothing else matters to her. 

As my group started to create the storyboard, we had to create elements to prove she only cares about gymnastics. Displaying her F's, but she puts her gym bag on top to illustrate how gymnastics goes over school. There is a saying in spanish that says "Escuela arriba de todo" which translates to "School above everything". And in this case, gymnastics is literally above everything. For props, my group wants to incorporate grips, tiger paws, and head bands to highlight how she is an actual gymnasts. 

As time progresses, I hope I can find more and more elements that make Gianna, Gianna. See you all soon!

Storyboard

 Hello to my blog!

I'm ecstatic to share that my team and I have completed our storyboard, bringing us closer to the actual film production. This marks a significant step in organizing our film opening and having a concrete project's outline. I'm super proud of how my group truly puts their 110% and collaborates in this project. Everyone has contributed wholeheartedly to making the storyboard suitable for all of us individually. To give you an insight into our planning process (and not leave you guys clueless), here's the completed storyboard:

Since we all put in our part, this helps all of us to truly grasp the concept of what we want to do. I can't wait to film and further develop my thoughts onto this portfolio project!

Project Idea!

 Hello Cambridge people!

For my project, my group and I have decided on a simple yet effective opening. It will begin in a gymnasium and we see the main female character named Gianna with an unknown injury, leaving the audience wondering what happened. Then, we’ll cut to the same main female character, a gymnast, training hard. 

As the scene changes, credits will appear in the lower corners of the screen in a clean, thin font. The title will be bold and fill the screen to match the drama/sport genre.  

As the story continues, we see the Gianna’s determination grow. She focuses more on gymnastics than on school, and her grades start to slip, mostly F’s. Her room is filled with posters of famous gymnasts, showing just how obsessed she’s become.  

As this is just for the opening, the actual film itself will be a little more profound with actual meaning. Now that I have the basic idea in place, the next step is to focus on developing the character. If I do it right, I’m confident I can bring this project to life successfully. A way I can continue to show progression in this project is with mood boards. For instance, I found while going through Pinterest was actually a prior example, Black Swan (2010).

 

If I want to develop a certain mood for the main character, the best way would be to execute the idea correctly. I have many ideas to incorporate into this project, but I'm so glad to say that for the most part, it's set in stone!

Media Theory

 Hello all!

Lately, I’ve been exploring different theories to add more color to my portfolio project, and one that really stands out for me was Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory. It’s an interesting way to think about the roles characters play in stories and how they can help shape the narrative. I will be asking myself questions for reflection, sort of a way to help me to help you to help us.

Before anything it's important to know: who is Vladimir Propp? Vladimir Propp was a Russian scholar who studied fairy tales and noticed a sort of pattern. He realized that in almost every story, characters are usually grouped into specific roles that stay the same across different stories. These roles help structure the plot we recognize in stories. 

What is Propp’s Character Theory? I will be illustrating this theory, with an actual film. For this, I'll be using Tangled (2010) as a demonstration. Propp identified a few key character roles that often appear in stories: The Hero: The main character, often on a quest or journey.

The Villain: The antagonist who opposes the hero. For Tangled, it would be Mother Gothal, as she constantly wants to keep Rapunzel for her own benefit.

The Donor: A character who helps the hero, often with advice or magical aid. (Super random but this picture of Eugene will always be funny to me). Rapunzel's love interest, as well as opening her eyes to a whole new world.

The Helper: Someone who assists the hero along the way. Pascal is always there helping, even if he is just a chameleon. With his eyes alone, he gives various messages to Rapunzel and helps whenever.

The Princess: A character the hero seeks, usually representing a goal or desire. Ever since Rapunzel was born, she always wanted to visit the "floating lights", knowing it was meant for her in some way. 

The False Hero: A character who pretends to be the hero but is later revealed as an imposter. 

Why is This Important for My Film? Even though Propp’s theory comes from fairy tales, it can still be really useful in film today. By using these character roles in my project, I can create a story that feels familiar to viewers. These roles help make a clear structure for my characters, making the story easier to follow and more engaging. For instance, in my project, I might start by introducing the Hero (the female gymnast), a character who’s dealing with a personal challenge. Then, I can bring in a Villain who represents the outer viewable conflict. As the story progresses, the Donor or Helper could offer the hero support, whether it’s through advice or a tool to help them overcome the challenges they face. 

How Does It Help Me? Using Propp’s theory gives me a way to think about my characters more clearly and helps me organize the story. While I’ll still make my characters unique, these roles give me a structure and sort of foundation to build from. I can also play with these roles, maybe the False Hero is someone who seems like an ally but is secretly working against the hero. In the end, Propp’s theory is a device that helps me create more meaningful, relatable characters, while also keeping the story interesting for the audience. I’ll keep you posted on how it all turns out! See you soonnn!

Group Meeting #1

Hellooooo everyone! 

Today my teacher put everyone in randomized group to discuss our project as well as share our ideas for the portfolio project. And safe to say, the group meetings were amazing. Each person participated and chimed in with helpful suggestions and tips for each singular project. 

 One girl in a group is working with the genre of horror. Her project consists of a woman making a dinner, setting the table. Her face is not visible and as she moves, a mysterious figure is displayed as she walks past the camera. However, the woman is anonymous at first, later we see her face when the audience sees her putting "Our 2nd anniversary" with red hearts. This group is making sure foley included, as well as  foreshadowing and red lights. For this group, she seemed very confident with no extra help needed, but I suggested the "Our 2nd anniversary", so there is a motive, illustrating uncertainty so the audience is hooked. She also gave a website that helped her with the film opening inspiration called "no film school". Her inspiration was Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)!

The second person who shared his vision included a robbery scene with various different lighting techniques. Laser beams!! And would (try to) make the eyes close up so we can see what the robber is seeing. Action music to set the tone, few foley sound effects, but the main sound would be a score. This group is between thriller and action. I gave very few suggestions for this because nothing really occurred to me, but a fellow group member offered the advice to make the lighting a main part of it, because a lot of times for thriller or action, lighting is depended on heavily. 

Another guy did something that I haven't really heard before: a culinary drama. He would display a good side of the story by using a good looking dish, but as time progresses, there is foreshadowing of a bad dish. The bad dish would be the good dish all burnt, rotten, just plain ugly. The colors of the light will vary from very bright and dark. He wants to depend solely on mise-en-scene. The first girl who shared her gorror genre of a film, recommended that he does the same in not show the face of the character. Highlighting, "focus more on the dish than the actually character so it's kind of anonymous, this way the audience won't know who the cook is." His inspiration was the movie "The Menu" (2022).

Then, everyone's favorite part... my project! I "briefly" shared my project, plus I demonstrated the films I used for inspirations. Full Out (2015) and they recommended 20 films that were sport and drama films. My suggestions were to be careful not to have anyone in the background for film consent rights, to guarantee no mistakes in jump cuts, and make her a lonely character by being alone in every shot. Various closeups so no mistakes are made. Basically, be careful in every aspect of the film. 

This group meeting truly was eye-opening, and truly help me so much in getting a different view for my portfolio project. 

(Best group by far just to let you all know!) See you all in a few!

Color Schemes

Hello Cambridge people! 

For today's post I will be discussing as well as researching the impact of color schemes in films.

Before I start to yap about this topic, it is vital to understanding color schemes and their meaning. Colors in films are more than just for the visual aesthetic, they have a deep meaning and can help develop a story. Producers and folmmakers use colors to set the mood, reflect emotions, and even hint at what is coming. 

In films, each color can signify something. 

Red: Passion, anger, love, and danger. So it's used various times to represent intense emotions, like rage or excitement. 

Pink: Innocence, love, and playfulness. It’s  used basically for romantic or light-hearted moments. 

Yellow: Happiness, optimism, but also contradicts with jealousy and cowardice. 

Orange: Energy, warmth, and enthusiasm. It’s a vibrant color that adds excitement and balance. 

Green: Healing, nature, but also jealousy and envy. It can represent growth or negative emotions like envy. 

Blue: Calm, trust, and peace. It often represents stability, but it can also suggest sadness or coldness. 

Purple/Violet: Royalty, mystery, and wisdom. This color is often used for spiritual or powerful moments. Brown: Earth, reliability, and comfort. It brings warmth and stability to a scene. 

Black: Power, sophistication, and fear. It can represent mystery or sadness. 

White: Purity, peace, and new beginnings. It’s a color of innocence, but can also be seen as sterile or cold. (Also when brides are in white, it symbolizes purity for their husband).

These colors are displayed in Black Swan (2010) and are illustrated to develop meaning in each scene.

With all these colors and symbols, it is also important to understand the different color schemes used in films. In order to illustrate a specific mood or tone, these color schemes are important for emphasizing key themes. 

Some that I've research so far are: Analogous Color Scheme. This scheme uses colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. It’s often made up of a dominant color with two supportive colors, creating a balanced and also harmonious look. It’s great for creating a calm atmosphere. Complementary Color Scheme: Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green or blue and orange. These colors create contrast, usually used to represent conflict in the story. Monochromatic Color Scheme: A monochromatic color scheme uses a variety of a single color, creating a fusion and almost unified look. This can give the film a clean, consistent vibe, often used to focus the audience's attention on one theme or emotion. Triadic Color Scheme: This scheme uses three evenly spaced colors on the color wheel. It’s a vibrant, balanced look, often used in superhero films or other high-energy scenes to create a dynamic atmosphere. 

This research was super entertaining as well as eye-opening! I never truly realized how much of a role color plays in the role of filmmaking. I will most definitely use color schemes and color for my portfolio project. See you all later!

Schedule for Portfolio

Creating a Timeline for My Drama/Sport Portfolio Project 

When it comes to long-term projects, I've come to learn that the hack to not distract myself, is creating a clear schedule and sticking to it. For this portfolio project, I’m going to break everything down into baby steps and set deadlines to make sure I complete everything on time. 

I have to make sure that I research film openings in drama and sport as well as drama/sport genres. See what makes them effective and how characters are developed. Plus, creating a storyboard to visualize the scenes and shots needed for the film. This pre-production would organize thoughts and ideas. 

Week 1 (1/27 - 2/2) This would be the transition into the portfolio project. Choose 3 genres to stick with. Research on film openings and plots in the drama/sport genre. Develop a plot idea and key moments of the opening. 

Week 2 (2/3 - 2/9) Narrow down the plot and the genre. With the genre chosen, research with continue to develop as time progresses. Create a storyboard to visualize key scenes. Begin searching for locations as well as permission from those locations. 

Week 3 (2/10 - 2/17)  Research post about one media theory that I will to integrate into your project. Summarizing your project idea. Storyboard/script ready. Begin shooting scenes. 

Week 4 (2/18 - 2/25) Start recording the footage as well as finalizing it. Record any foley or voiceovers. Edit with the remaining footage to get a first draft. 

Week 5 (2/26 - 3/5) Review the first draft and make necessary edits. Re-edit/re-shoot scenes to improve pacing or emotional impact. Finalize edits. 

Week 6 (3/6 - 3/13) Make final revisions to the film. Write and finalize the Creative Critical Reflection. Edit and review the reflection. These next two weeks will just clean up any parts that need to be fixed. Compare all versions made to decide which to stick by. Start CCR (Creative Critical Reflection) for it to be made ready for next week.

Week 7 (3/14 - 3/21) This week is set aside for catching up if any parts of the project get delayed or need additional attention. No new work will be made unless heavily needed.

I'm determined to follow this timeline and adjust it if needed. Time management has been tough for me in past projects, so sticking to this schedule will help me succeed. I know surprises will come up, but with extra time built in, I’ll be able to handle any issues smoothly. I intend to avoid procrastination at all costs for this project.

Credit Sequences

Hello Cambridge people! Today I researched for credit sequences as well as fonts. Me and my team researched various films, but I will narrow it down to three. The three films that I viewed was "Bend It Like Beckham, I, Tonya, and Black Swan". All these films have a focus on emotional connection with the characters, as well as centering their obsession with their sport. Dedication is evident in each movie, adding a unique twist in each film opening. 

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) titles roll in a lively, dynamic sequence that mirrors the film's lively mood. While the opening credits are shown in a light and joyful manner, the opening segment opens with Jess secretly practicing soccer. The font selection is contemporary, bold, which fits with the ideas of rejecting convention and going for one's own goals. An upbeat, catchy soundtrack compliments the credits, giving the movie a modern vibe. By emphasizing her youthful and the general, chill tone of the picture, the titles' design contributes to film's tone. 

I, Tonya (2017) is another film I researched where her career is surrounded by her figure-skating skills. The film's opening is interviews of people that have been in Tonya's life and as each share their story, credits are displayed on the bottom left corner. The opening credits of I, Tonya are intertwined with the film’s unique narrative structure. They are presented over old footage of Tonya skating, alongside interviews with the characters. The font used is simple and straightforward, mirroring the 1980s and 1990s aesthetic, which connects to the time period of Tonya’s rise to fame in the figure skating world. The use of typewriter-style credits, combined with retro visual elements, gives a nostalgic feel to the film. This clever approach to credits sets the stage for a narrative that examines media portrayal, and different reality to each person.

 

Black Swan (2010), the credits are introduced in a dark, almost like a dream setting, establishing a psychological tension of the film. The font is sharp, thin, and stylized to evoke a sense of sophistication, fitting for a story set in the world of ballet. Possibly portraying how the character isn't as bold, just fragile obsessed with perfection. The opening credits are presented with of fusion of Nina’s rehearsals and dreams, using slow-motion and surreal visuals that evoke a sense of uneasiness. The music intensifies as each credit appear, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The use of shadowy, distorted images in the opening sequence reinforces the idea of the pressure she faces to achieve perfection in her role as the Swan Queen. The credits themselves blend into the surreal (almost haunting) visuals of the film, helping to hook and immerse the audience in the psychological world she inhabits.

The font for each of these films is in bold. With a research, I discovered that bold font is typically used to signify directness, that the filmmakers want to draw the viewer's attention to. With the character my group wants to achieve, bold seems like a perfect fit. 

   Each one of these films will help contribute to my final product for my portfolio! I feel like the more I research, the more information I absorb, the more prepared I feel to making the film opening!

Film Openings Research

Hey guys! I've been researching a lot in the genre of drama and found a variety films in the sports concentration. I've come across interesting insights that relate directly to my portfolio! A film that has a lot to do with my genre is Rocky (1976). 

This movie is a sports drama film which correlates to my portfolio project. It has raw storytelling and just tugs at your heartstrings (spoiler: my project has something to do with that). The opening of Rocky is an unforgettable classic. The film begins with a shot of Rocky’s world: wrestling. This correlates a lot with my vision in starting the film off with a gymnasium and an all girls team doing flips and such. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. In Rocky's first few minutes that I would like to portray is how much it tells you about Rocky as a character without any complicated dialogue. We see him training hard, and just preparing for any upcoming fight, which gives us insight into his determination and perseverance. The slow buildup combined with an upbeat theme song (not the main but just a good beat) creates an positive connotation and connection right from the start. For my portfolio project, I’m definitely inspired by Rocky’s understated approach. This movie shoots more for an older audience, which is what my group and I want to achieve. 

    Another movie that I took a lot of information was my favorite film when I was younger.

 Full Out (2015) is a drama/sports family film, where a gymnast who dreams of going to UCLA for a gymnast scholarship, tragically gets into a car crash and her dreams are no longer possible. The film opening starts off with Ariana, the main character, showing actual clips of her doing gymnastics at 3 years old. This introduces how long she's been doing this sport, and emphasizing how vital gymnastics is in her life. Later, the videos shift into a competition that can define whether or not she goes to UCLA or not, a lot to process but at the same time, we see what is at stake for her. In such little time, the audience is hooked, which proves the film's opening successfully executes the main purpose. 

      As a little mix, another film I researched was The Fighter (2010), appears as an interview and we see a raw view of the main character. Starting off with "Am I looking into the camera right here?", clearly to show the audience that this is an amateur film with real pure feelings. I love when a film shows actual feelings and eventually evident personal conflict, it makes me want to keep watching to see how that person with resolve that problem or struggle. 

Now with this following information, my days will be to research make these elements drama sports films. Every film opening is unique (not original but unique). The next few days of this week will be pure research as well as group discussion to see how to correctly execute our ideas onto the screen. Next week, mood boards for every character shown will most likely be made, as well as the location of the film opening. See you all soon!

Film Opening Research Sneak Peek!

Hey everyone! I’m currently in the brainstorming stage for an awesome assignment, and I wanted to share a sneak peek with you all. My class has been given the assignment in creating the opening sequence of a film, and while I originally found myself torn between horror and romance , after some research and group discussions, my group decided to go with drama. Even though in the last blog post I said I would focus more on romance, I chose to make a film opening that is accessible (I do not have a boyfriend so that is very unreachable at the moment). It’s the genre that will allow us to express our filmmaking skills and, most importantly, create a strong emotional connection with the audience.

Drama films, usually, focus heavily on character development. The success of a drama relies on its ability to make the audience empathize with the characters, even in a short amount of time. This is why the “connotation” (the ideas or emotions correlating with the character and situation) is so crucial. It’s not just about what the character is doing, but about how the audience feels about what they’re going through. We’re aiming to create an opening that hooks the viewer right from the start.

The story revolves around a young girl who dreams of going to the Olympics as a gymnast. Her passion for the sport is everything to her, but when a tragic accident occurs and she breaks her foot during a challenging stunt (which she has been advised not to execute various times), her dreams are suddenly shattered. This plot is based in a common storytelling structure in drama films, where the protagonist faces a huge setback but must find a way to overcome self-doubt and personal flaws to triumph. However, in some cases, these films end with a happy resolution, but other films leave the audience with loss or even death, reflecting the harsh realities of life.

From my research, I’ve found that drama films often explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and the complexity of human emotions. They tend to focus on character flaws and how these flaws shape the individual. This forms another connection with relatable content. For example, films like The Pursuit of Happyness and A Beautiful Mind showcase protagonists who face enormous challenges but manage to find hope and success, despite their struggles. Yet, some dramas, such as Requiem for a Dream or Manchester by the Sea, show how characters may not always find redemption, illustrating the more painful aspects of life.

Since our project is a group effort, and we only have a few minutes to capture the audience's attention, we’re aiming to really focus on establishing a strong emotional connection right away. The main character will be female, and the narrative will center around her journey through an all-girls gymnastics team. This choice not only gives us room to explore team dynamics but also highlights the theme of overcoming obstacles together, which is common in sports dramas.

The setting for our film is also a key part of the story. We’ve chosen TAG U.S.A., a local gym where two members of our group work, which makes it a convenient and accessible location. The gym setting is perfect because it immerses the audience in the world of gymnastics, and it will give us the chance to showcase both the physicality of the sport and the emotional intensity that accompanies the protagonist’s injury.

What’s fascinating about dramas, especially sports dramas, is that they often highlight the similarity between physical ability and mental toughness. Gymnastics is an intense sport that also requires an immense amount of mental focus and determination.

We’re still in the early stages of developing the full storyline and characters, but one thing’s for sure: the film will focus on the emotional arc of the main character. She will face self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty about her future, but as with many drama films, there will be moments of hope and personal growth. We want the audience to feel the gravity of her situation, while also being inspired by her strength and perseverance.

In terms of production, we’re working with a limited time frame, but endless support as well as editing platforms in order to successfully execute our film opening. My group needs to introduce the character, her passion for gymnastics, and the emotional weight of the injury—all while keeping the pacing tight and engaging.

Overall, I’m really excited about how this project is coming together. It’s a unique opportunity to explore character-driven storytelling and delve into a sport that’s not only physically demanding but emotionally charged as well. I’ll continue to update you all as we develop the concept further, and I can’t wait to share the final result with you! Catch you all later!!

  

Start of Portfolio Project!

Hey guys! In class we have started working on a project that is super important and amazing! It consists of a opening scene of two minutes. As I start planning for my Cambridge portfolio project, I’m considering using romance as the genre for my two-minute film introduction. Usually, romance films main focus is on emotional connections between characters, and this fits well with my approach of developing character. In this genre, I can use small details like costume design, character interactions, and dialogue to show the emotions and growth of the characters. In order to make sure this all works together, I’m going to make a mood board for every character and the mise-en-scene involved. The romance genre also allows me to use subtle elements, such as lighting and setting, to enhance a relationship between characters in just a short time.

With further research, I’ll dive deep into the fact that romance often explores themes like love, conflict, and resolution, as seen in films like La La Land and Pride and Prejudice. These films also play with time through flashbacks or non-linear storytelling, which is something I’d like to try in my project. By using these conventions, I can create an engaging and emotional introduction while adding unique touches, like an open-ended conclusion. Romance is a great fit for my film opening, and I’m excited to see how I can bring it to life. I hope i can execute my ideas in a fashionable manner! Catch you all later!