shimaeel

[shimaeel]

Final Cut, Bal De Promo -  Movie Opening Title Sequence.

This is the final version of my project, Bal De Promo (french, transl. Prom). I’m reposting the video so that it comes up on top.

[shimaeel]

Creative Critical Reflection 4.

Wanting to have, and integrate a wide variety of instruments to shoot my project with, I ended up using a ton of props and hardware during the pre-production, planning and filming stages. 

Multiple software's and online programs were used during both, filming and in post-production. 

The more practical aspects of this project were the technologies I used on location, for filming. 

I used a singular camera –Nikon D7200- with a 50mm prime lens for the medium/close ups, and a 18-140mm zoom lens for the one take ”drone like” shot. 

In order to add to remove shakiness, I used a tripod, that doubled as a stabilizer. 

I also had an abundance of props too; some I already had with me at home, like the furniture, the pillows, etc. For added detail, I went to the store with my friends and got the nail polishes and stuffed toys. 

After shooting the clips, I shifted all of the raw data onto my laptop -a MacBook, which is also later on used for editing the project- for easy access.

The software programs and online platforms I used also played a huge part in the creation of this project. 

Firstly, I began by using my blog to monitor my overall progress. Onto it, I uploaded text, images and links. 

To put up videos I had to first upload them on YouTube, which I did as unlisted content, to keep it private. All the videos on my blog are embedded in this way, including the final version of Bal De Promo, this was an easy and safe way of sharing my work. 

For the initial opinions, I made small polls on Instagram, that were answered by my friends and followers. 

For the target audience questionnaire I used Google Forms, and social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to distribute it and get as many responses as possible. 

This was probably the most interesting part of the overall development, second to the planning. It also encompassed the most online platforms.

Furthermore, I also searched several sites for fonts to use for the credits, -settling on DaFont.com which allows you to use any font for free for personal use- and YouTube to look for music by small artists, which was monetizable and suited the overall theme of the sequence. 

The last site I used was Mega Cloud Storage for sharing the finalized version with my teacher, and those whom I wished to get feedback from. 

Whilst editing the project, I made use of Final Cut Pro X and Motion. Steering clear of problems and hassles, I had no difficulties in working with it, due to ample past experiences. 

The program had all the features I needed: sound level editing, color correction and grading tools, texts and images, along with various transitions both for video and sound. An example would be that of a cross dissolve, both for sounds and video clips. 

I also adjusted the level of specific segments of the soundtrack, according to what was needed, and used fade in and out effects for most sounds to have a clear and continuous overall effect. 

To sum up, I used many different technologies, online and offline, whilst working on Bal De Promo. Throughout the whole process. I managed to integrate one with the other to reach certain goals, like using online sites and editing software to get the best, informed result.

[shimaeel]

Creative Critical Reflection 3.

I have noticed improvements in many areas of my filmmaking and organizational skills over the past few months. 

I’ve had some previous experience planning projects, filming and editing. This passion of films and storytelling started very early, I’ve always wanted to write and direct films and my love for the this art form has only grown over time, morphing into determination over time, to make them. 

Watching and analyzing tons of movies, always with a critical mind, I tried to find their minor flaws here and there, jotting down how they could be improved. 

I also wrote stories, some inspired by films that fascinated me, others upon my own ideas. Last year I decided to turn one of those ideas, which started when I heard a song, When I Was Young, by MØ, into a film. 

Having realized quickly that this is a big, time taking project, I worked slowly, giving everything all of my attention. Moreover, the work I did on that has introduced me to the practical aspects of what it takes to make a film: the planning, filming, editing, and everything in between.

Even though I was only a beginner whilst working on Bal De Promo, I noticed several improvements in my work ethic as well as my overall knowledge regarding filmmaking. 

On a more practical and personal level, I learned how to plan all the steps, and take necessary actions when needed. The detailed lists and plans I posted on my blog made the actual filming process a lot easier and efficient. 

Writing parts of the script clarified my ideas in a way that could be understood by everyone, making the storyboard helped the creative process, and creating a target audience questionnaire also brought some new ideas about what might be appealing and intriguing to audiences. 

There are also many technical skills that I acquired and developed, while editing. 

The actual work was time consuming but certainly worth it. More precisely, I learned how to work with color correction, which was fairly new to me, it took a few trial and errors but I managed to give Bal De Promo the desired look I was going for.

Finding a song that would fit the overall vibe of Bal De Promo was also challenging. I wanted a specific sound for the sequence, but also one that was by a small artist for various reasons, one being exposure for them. 

To conclude, I would also like to mention the last important lesson I learned from working on this project: getting feedback from the right people. This is vital. 

I noticed a few benefits of showing a wide variety of people my work. 

Firstly, there are my peers, who either understand and admire my work, or come up with relevant criticism, helping me improve my film, resulting in making it even more appealing. 

Also, praise from people I admire, such as teachers, parents and older students can be also be very motivating, especially if one’s hit a stop sign or has some sort of block. 

[shimaeel]

Creative Critical Reflection 2.  

Bal De Promo begins by bringing the audiences in the story, as the camera moves around, showing them one of the character’s room, her dis/likes, what she does, etc. 

I tried to offer a personal image of what is happening, and get the audience engaged from the very first shot, thus the first person perspective, point of view shot tour. 

Throughout the film opening, there are also other, more technical aspects that keep the audience’s attention on the action presented. 

The various close ups are a subtle way of focusing on shots that might otherwise be too long. Using this editing technique, I was able to emphasize key moments of the story, indirectly telling the audience to pay attention to them, eg., the storyboard built by the character, the lists on the doors, etc. 

I tried to use a wide variety of shots, camera movements and angles, including pans and zooms. This helped in preventing the audience from becoming uninterested. However, I did not go all out in order to confuse the audience more than might be expected from a film of this hybrid genre. 

Overall, the shots, angles and cuts are short, direct and related to the storyline in one way or other. 

The sound editing is also a big part of the experience I created for the people that might want to watch Bal De Promo. The Indie Pop, R&B music differentiates my film from the others, especially those with an Upbeat, Pop song. One that compliments the bright colors of such movies. 

There is also another way my film tries to reach its audience, differentiating itself from others, and this is the way the audience relates to it. 

Mainly, the character presented is highly relatable to many young people around the world. The way her room is set up shows that she is a neat freak, one who likes to know what it going on at all times. The way she turns off her alarm might also speak to many people who watch the film. 

Moreover, Movies and TV series usually cast older actors, usually above the age of twenty, to play young teenagers. I tried to avoid this as much as possible, and assembled the cast as precisely to their character’s age that I could.

The way she dresses, and the things that she owns are also generic, mainly owned by the people in my target audience for the film.

There are various ways of relating the issues raised in my film –anxiety and depression faced by teenager, homophobia, mental and physical abuse, bullying, to name a few- to the audience and thus promoting it. 

Having an online site with quizzes, vlogs by the cast, special talks, and behind the scene footage would be fun and interactive for the viewers, On the other hand, I can have actual information from help centers for young people, written support and suggestions regarding how to get better from problems that the audience might be feeling. This can be extended to parenting advice and support as well. 

The film will also have official Tumblr, Instagram and Snapchat accounts, with regular cast takeovers. 

On the other hand, I would also like to rely on marketing strategies, like billboards, trailers and advertisements. This would ensure that the film reaches as many people as possible, all around the globe.

If I were to consider my film opening would be an actual full feature film, there are several things I would consider when distributing it. 

The most suitable way of sharing it would be in theater’s, with special offers like, “Buy 3 tickets, Get 1 free”. This would motivate groups of friends to come and see the film, together, 

The film could also be premiered in different countries, followed by meet and greets with the cast and crew, and Q&A sessions. 

Being a Netflix production, the film would be readily available for people all around the globe, or specifically more than 190+ countries, wherever Netflix is present, for the audience to watch at the comfort of their own home, allowing them to watch it with whomever they want, whenever they want. 

I do not intend to make a ton of profit from the film for myself or the producers, and it has never been my main goal, but only to educate our youth, reassuring them that whatever they are going through is valid, in merely an artistic way.

[shimaeel]

Creative Critical Reflection 1.

Conventions are things the audience expects to see in a media product. In other words, the codes and conventions are the familiar and predictable forms and techniques used by the media to communicate certain ideas or to convey a desired impression.

No matter the genre, all films have a set of forms and conventions to follow.

This is primarily done with the audience in mind as when conventions have been established for a genre, those elements are easy to identify and so the audience can pick and choose their favorite genres. 

These forms and conventions don't stay the same forever, however, as they are constantly developing at least according to Christian Metz who developed the genre characteristics theory. 

His studies have shown that there are four phases to the development of a genre, starting with classical, followed by thriller, parody, and finally, the deconstruction phase; the genre is, at this point, contains mainly hybrid genres, such as sci-fi thriller films, romantic comedies, etc.

Bal De Promo is a film opening that combines several genres, creating a hybrid between romance, comedy, drama, and teenage non-fiction.

There are many conventions related to all of these genres, and my film opening both challenges some of them, and respects others. 

One convention that exists in all dramas is the lack of serious representation of real life situations or stories based on real life events. Curios to see how the audience would deal with the characters, I did just that. 

In dramas, events and emotions are the center of the media text. In my case, the film opening shows parts of the daily habits of the main character. 

Conventions such as the overall dull look, with the cold hue, pink undertones and faded look help create an appropriate Mise–en-scéne, which is further complimented by the Indie Pop, R&B, music in the back.

One aspect of my film opening that can be seen both as using, and breaking conventions, is the main character’s room. Her walls are blue, which is not seen as a “feminine” color by society in many parts of the world. 

However, it is only a part of her personality, as she also owns stuffed toys, jewelry, necklaces and other items that may be deemed traditionally as “objects for girls”. 

Bal De Promo breaks several other conventions both artistically and technically. For instance, all the names of the opening credits are written rather small, and in a cursive font. This is meant to bring as little attention to the names and keep the audience focused on following and understanding what is happening on screen. 

Using small letters for the names also fits the story in a subtle way as it shows that the main character is insecure, and may not always be in control, now matter how much she hates it, and wants to be. 

The various small timed shots help to add a rush in the beginning to show that the character is running late. Some of the handheld shots help depict that the character is often times uneasy, and faces many struggles.

This also makes the social issues and groups represented in my film opening more relatable to the audiences. 

The way she makes her hair twice is a subtle hint towards how she is an anxious perfectionist, who cares about what other people think about her, and a person who feels the need to be in control. 

This also refers to youth in general and how rarely they are helped appropriately, when going through the most complex and confusing period of their lives. 

This again is what vloggers mostly talk about, they raise different personal and social issues about the young people of today’s society and the struggles they go through, most often alone and unaided. 

I did not relate to these social groups with bad connotations in my mind, but with realistic ones.

[shimaeel]

Final Cut, Bal De Promo -  Movie Opening Title Sequence.

This is the final version of my project, Bal De Promo (french, transl. Prom). 

[shimaeel]

Timeline - Movie Opening Title Sequence.

This post contains my initial planned timeline, and what I ended up with in the end. I holded off on posting this because I wanted to attach a picture of the actual end result as well. 

[shimaeel]

Feedback - Movie Opening Title Sequence.

Stuff the audience liked:

Keeps them interested throughout.

Creative, Fun and Different from mainstream media.

The moving “map” shot.

Attention to detail.

The titles due to their lack of similarity with other films.

Sets the mood for the entire film, providing an overview.

Bedroom shots give away tiny portions of the character’s life, creating a sense of familiarity.

Areas that can be improved upon:

Time, slow in the beginning, fast paced towards the end. Lack of consistency. 

Slide Transition, it’s a little wonky, but unnoticeable upon first glance.

Titles, they’re distracting, drawing attention from the title sequence.

[shimaeel]

First Cut - Movie Opening Title Sequence.

This is the first cut of my Title Sequence. So far, I’m content with the editing and audio, but unsure about the titles, and the font. 

I’ve sent this to a few friends and my teacher. After receiving their opinions and reviews, I’ll work on this some more, perfecting anything that’s been left out, 

[shimaeel]

Equipment Used.

While shooting, I primarily made use of my Nikon D7200 camera, aided by a 50mm 1.4f lens. This helped me achieve the cinematic bokeh i was chasing after. For the 30 second map shot, i used a 18-140mm lens, due to the lack of space on “set”.

In order to prevent shakiness, I used the top of my tripod, -that comes undone if needed- as a makeshift stabilizer, and it worked perfectly. Any other imperfections were sorted out post production.

I edited the sequence on my MacBook using Final Cut Pro X and Motion. The entire shooting and editing process was spread over the course of 15 days, during which I recruited the help fill in the gaps wherever need be.

[shimaeel]

Mood Board.

This little image contains items i would like to incorporate and work around with in my film.

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Credit Sequence - Opening Titles.

The image above contains the order of the titles in the movie’s opening sequence.

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Production Studio - Netflix.

Netflix is a streaming service with a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more in 190+ countries. It allows one to watch anything, anywhere as long as they’ve access to an internet connection and a device connected to one. The giant streaming service started in 1997, and has since accumulated a mere 148 million monthly subscribers.

Why Netflix?

I mainly decided to work with Netflix because most of my target audience is on this platform. Teenagers and young adults, nowadays, spend more time watching films and shows online, rather than on regular television.

[shimaeel]

Font Palette.

The image above contains all the fonts I’ve been considering to use for the titles in my final project.

[shimaeel]

Background Sound Track.

After multiple brainstorming sessions, I decided to use this song by a small artist as the background music that would be played in the beginning of my film, during the titles.

The slow, R&B sound vibes well with the overall idea of my different take on a typical Romcom.

[shimaeel]

Brain Storming Ideas For A Genre.

In the images above, I jotted down two different genres, and what I would make out of them.

[shimaeel]

Romantic Comedy - Genre for The Opening Title Sequence.

For my film, i chose to work on a Romantic Comedy, due to the vast depth that can be implemented in this hybrid genre. 

A Romantic comedy in its most general meaning includes all films that treat love, courtship, and marriage comically. Comic in this context refers more to the mood of the film and less to its plot. A film comedy need not have a happy ending, nor do all films that have happy endings qualify as comedies. Of course, the great majority of romantic comedies do have happy endings. 

The humor of these films typically derives from various obstacles to this outcome, especially miscommunication or misunderstanding between partners or prospective partners. For this reason, most romantic comedies depend heavily on dialogue. While they may also make use of physical humor and other visual gags, romantic film comedy remains close to its theatrical predecessors.

Romantic comedy in film falls into four distinct subgenres: romantic comedy proper, farce, screwball comedy, and the relationship story. Each of the subgenres is defined by the ways in which love, romance, and marriage are depicted and, especially, how they are related to each other.

Read more: http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Romantic-Comedy-Yugoslavia/Romantic-Comedy.html#ixzz5h0YqEhZC