Obsessed Film Opening
Obsessed Film Opening
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!
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!).
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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).
Hey blog!
Today we had our second group discussion with my class today for AICE Media Studies. My group consisted of 5 (including me) and we really went into depth about our projects and how we plan to execute each and every idea. I'll be going through each group member individually and dissecting their planning/project as well as the blog. Here's my group!!
Samia had a beautiful and very creative blog, which I commented she had a unique feature of bullet points. Although, as she talked about her project, David told her to watch out when recording on her phone. Suggesting to try and download all video footage beforehand (on a computer) later when using the editing tools, it's easier to cut.I shared a (pretty crazy) CCR Idea. 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. Butttt, the questions are over the film and I'm super confused but I answer them either way (in order to stay conscious). It will be a little tricky to illustrate a car crash, especially considering the fact I don't have a car... Nonetheless, my creativity will be shown, so I must do whatever I can. Plus, I showed what I have for the project and I'm so happy to sayed they really liked it. Vicente claimed that the editing was really good. David said everything was amazing, but the font for the title didn't really match what was going on.
Unfortunately, Vicente and Gabriel have not edited their projects although, they have filmed some videos. Me, Samia, and David didn't have much to discuss for their blogs as they also haven't posted anything whatsoever. The entire group unanimously warned them to make sure to film and edit before there isn't enough time. I also directed them to start posting more blogs and to make sure to let the progress be shown.
David has almost everything done and is now going through the post production phase. His project consists of a serial killer that opens a death bag however, when the detective inspects the body, a note is in his hand. When the detective opens the note it says, "Don't trust him". He has no idea as to what his CCR will be, but he's thinking about doing a cooking show and answering questions as he cooks. Overall, I really like the project that he has in mind.
These group discussions with people other than the individuals I'm working with, allow me to view everything in a new lights. See you all soon!
Hey everyone!
Since I am dissecting mostly over the post-production for right now, I will be doing the CCR individually for my Cambridge portfolio. CCR stands for Creative Critical Reflection. This consists of reflection over the entire production and of course the film opening itself. There are four questions that this video should display. But of course, I will be breaking it into smaller chunks to grow and expand the consideration into this.
The first question for my CCR is: How does my film use or challenge conventions, and how does it represent social groups or issues?
Well, this question is crucial for reflection, because it makes me consider how we used or went against the typical rules of the genre we’re working in. It also makes me reflect on how our film opening represents different social groups or important issues. For the conventions, we stuck to some traditional aspects of the genre but also added our own twist. For instance, we chose to start our opening jumping straight into action. We see Gianna doing her tricks in the gymnasium, to display and illustrate her lifestyle. However, to defy the norm that gymnasts are usually super organized, my group demonstrated her to struggle with school and her life at home.
What's up blog!
As much as I'm oozing with good things about this project, I'll let you guys in on the less exciting details. I will be real with you guys and give you a debrief on how our progress is going (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
Even though I try to stay positive, often times it's also good to show how I overcame obstacles with my group. To start with the not as bad complaints, for the group discussion I had with my group, Candelaria wasn't able to attend school since she wasn't feeling well and so we didn't know how she felt over the topics we discussed. Also in that class, the WiFi was off the first hour of class, so we couldn't interact with our editing tools, but the other 30 minutes we were free.
Now, onto some of the bigger hurdles. One major challenge my group was syncing our footage with the diegetic sound we chose. On the other hand, the foley we had to recreate once again to match up correctly with the clips. I started searching up videos on what foley is (again) to see what I could perfect. I stumbled upon this video, and for the most part it really helped. Here's the link!
https://youtu.be/XixUWuvvYKM
Although with the diegetic sound, we still are having issues with that, but with each group discussion, we tackle the obstacle little by little! For the most part, it makes it easier to know that this is a common issue and it's not just our group dealing with this. Although I will admit it is a pain in the butt.
Also, with the multiple takes on different angles, and getting everything to line up correctly was a headache. At first, it felt like we were stuck in a loop of mistakes. It took some time, but it made the whole editing process flow a lot smoother.I've been noticing that with a little creativity and some persistence, you can always find a way around the obstacles. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and can’t wait to see where we end up!
Hello to my wonderful blog!
Since the last blog I made, I decided to get started with editing. Although, spoiler alert I need to get used to Premiere Pro. On my last project I used iMovie, so this is a drastic change. I started watching some YouTube videos and asking some friends from the production class in my school over tips for this technology soooo for the most part (hopefully) I understand it.
Another technology I've been playing around with is fonts! Since font is another simple way to illustrate a story, last class, I had a group discussion to pick out the perfect font. And after 30 minutes we decided upon Shockwave for the title (that's the font name, not our title name) and for the credits credits, Ragelo Demo. For now these are just random words that sound weird. But I promise this will all fall into place after the editing but it's still worth mentioning how even the smallest details take a lot of consideration.
Anyways, back to the technology, Premiere Pro is definitely a step up from the tools I usually use. It’s a bit confusing, but also really cool to learn.
Right now, I’m focusing on picking out the clips I want and cutting them down to the parts I need. It’s a bit of work, but progress is progress. I’m planning to finish the rest of filming by next week so I can really dive into editing.
It feels like a lot, but I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m excited to keep learning and make this film come together!
Hey blog! I hope you had an amazing day so far!
As you all know, I filmed at TAG USA with my group! Now, we get to the most vital part of the project: editing. Even though this is super important, I dread editing so much.
Editing has literally always been the part of filmmaking I struggle with the most. Even though this falls between the post-production line, as I said, it's super crucial to the film. While I understand its importance, it's hard for me to get fully into it and enjoy it. I don’t have the patience to experiment with different techniques, and I sometimes find it difficult to manage all the systems involved. However, I know that taking the time to edit properly will make the final product much better.
For our group, we’ve all decided started editing by working backward. Instead of beginning with the gym scenes, we started with the ones in Candelaria's/Arianna/Gianna's room. This lets us focus on small details that will matter more later in the film. While we haven’t gotten too far yet, we’ve already coordinated and organized all our clips while adjusting the lengths to avoid keeping scenes on screen for too long. We want to engage the audience, not bore them, as this is super vital in a film. In my midterm project, I got (sadly a lot of) feedback about lingering too long on some clips, so we as a group are making sure to keep things moving.
One challenge we’re facing is staying under the 2-minute time limit. Since we shot a lot of extra footage, it’s tough to fit everything in without cutting out important parts. Although I will admit, it's such much easier to "overfilm", and in the long run it helps SOOOO much. But of course we’re working through it!
For editing techniques, we’re focusing on jump cuts and inserts. Jump cuts help speed up time in a scene and are great for the gym parts, where we’ll be switching between shots of landings, floor, bar, and beam. This will show the passage of time and emphasize the character’s hard work and dedication. Below I'll be showing notes I took on each of the editing techniques with simple terminology to help me understand:
Inserts are another editing technique that my group is utilizing to illustrate different angles of the same scene. This helps emphasizes the important details and makes the action clearer. It also can adds visual interest and gives us the chance to focus on things that might be missed.
Overall, editing can be frustrating, but I’m excited to see how everything comes together. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, it will be worth it.
Obsessed Film Opening CCR Video 1: Questions 1 & 2 CCR 2: Questions 3 & 4