CCR

Down below is my CCR. I hope you enjoy watching it because I know I did. It was an interesting process throughout.

It is Finally Here

It has been completed. This is the film my group and I have completed for this project. It was an interesting and fun experience to work with them all. I am excited for you to see it. 

Concluding Thoughts

It has been done. My group and I have finished the final task. It has been a very long and fun experience throughout everything. I am proud of what Sabrina and Michael accomplished with their editing skills. They were an incredibly huge help for this group. I am also very pleased with Ashley. She provided the location for the film, drove  places, gave many props and so much more. She also gave great advice and listened thoroughly to everyone. I am also delighted with myself. I gave great recommendations and advice. My group even told me that I had good ideas throughout filming. My group and I accomplished a lot and I am proud of each and every one of us. After Ashley, Michael, Sabrina and I was happy with the results, it was decided to watch the film again. I would say I watched the film more than ten times to make sure everything was okay. The other members in my group probably also watched it more than ten times. Especially the editors. I cannot wait to post the film and let others see it. It would be more interesting to get more thoughts on it and opinions. This experience was one I will never forget and I am happy with the people I chose for my group. I cannot thank them enough.

    

                                                                

                                                    

Changes Must be Made

 Today is the day my group and I made changes to the film. Specifically, suggestions and recommendations from the film review. I looked back to my last blog, which was the film review to see what had to be fixed. The scenes that were too long and had to be shortened was completed. Sabrina was the one who did this. She took the long scenes and cut them all by four to five seconds. The scenes that were too short, was left alone. In order to fix them my group and I would have had to redo scenes. After all that was done, there was some changes to the audio. The audio had to increase  for the audience to hear the film properly. My friends said it was too quiet. In order to do this, Sabrina went to the app iMovie to edit film. She chose each individual scene that needed to be fixed, and chose the audio option. Then she moved the volume bar up. Then, Sabrina, Michael, Ashley and I took a quick break to rewatch the movie together. The goal was to make sure everything was right that needed to be fixed. After that, the editing process continued. I am glad that the message / story of the film was clear. So, changes were not needed. Another piece of constructive criticism was that the sound effects were hard to listen to, so Michael raised the volume. In addition to that, Ashley and I noticed the effects were a bit out of order and out of place. This was fixed by dragging the audio clip to the desired part of the film. All in all, everything that had to fixed was fixed and nothing had to be reshot. 

Reviewing

 Before my group and I completed the editing process, I wanted to make sure it made sense with the story that was planned. To achieve this, I talked to other students and peers of mine.This will give me opinions and thoughts about the film. From gathering these ideas, thoughts and opinions, more changes can be made. I tried to get people who I knew are very honest and gives constructive criticism. Majority of my fellow peers said that specific scenes were a bit longer than they should have been. If I am going to be honest, I totally agree with them. While I was reviewing the film multiple times, I did catch some scenes that were extended. Even though some scenes were too long, there was also some scenes that were too short. They were so fast that the audience I showed couldn't clearly understand what was happening. I also agreed with the people who said this. In addition, something else they said was that it was a pretty good film for a two minute opening. Some even said that they wished there was more they could see. I am a bit disappointed though because my expectations was super high for this film. But I prefer honesty so I don't think I should be too upset. Another issue was the sound. They said the dialogue was a bit too quiet and could have been better. This actually surprised me because I thought the audio was good. Even though there was quite a few errors, I am happy that the main thing I wanted the audience to understand was clear.  This was the storyline. This is the biggest point I wanted the viewers to get. If they didn't get the storyline, that would mean my group and I would have to redo scenes. It could've also meant starting over completely. That would have been way too difficult and stressful. All in all, every piece of criticism was extremely helpful to me and my group. I am happy that I received it so now I am aware for future reference.

                                        

Continue Editing

The last time my group and I edited, a lot was completed. The task was to cut things out to save time and get rid of unnecessary things. The film has to be two minutes or under, the video without any edits had around two minutes and thirty seconds. Sabrina did majority of cutting out the clips. Ashley and I told her what had to be cut out. After Sabrina cut out all the clips thats weren't necessary, Michael revised the video. I was a bit disappointed to see some scenes get cut out because I liked them. But I was also surprised because it still turned out good even with all the cuts. Michael caught a lot of errors along the way. He noticed the blurry parts, issues with the lighting, sound, specific shots, etc. I had a bit of fun playing around with different types of transitions. For example, fade-ins and fade-outs. Transitions are my favorite part of editing because it adds something cool to the film. Towards the end of the film, I remembered to add in the sound. Ashley played piano for the sound at the end of the video. I think it sounded really good and helped with the vibe my group and I were going for. I also tried many filters to put over the video but I did not find any that I liked. My group and I wanted it to seem more real and using a filter would make it seem a bit fake. When the editing process was finally finished, the film ended at exactly two minutes. I am very grateful for Sabrina's editing skills as well as Michael because without them the film wouldn't be how it is now. I am also very thankful for Ashley to give great advice and recommendations. 

             

                                    

Ready to Edit!

 Since my group and I had finished filming everything that was needed for the opening, I believed that it was finally time to edit. The  editors was Sabrina and Michael. I believe that they are the most skilled with technology. I have worked with Sabrina in the past and I know how good of an editor she is. So I was certain she was going to be the best editor. She is very familiar with using editing apps and digital things. Michael is very good with computers. Combining both of their abilities together will make this group's film the best it can be. The editing app that was used is iMovie. The application iMovie can change the video in many ways. For example, you can add color filters, crop clips, help shaky transitions, and change the speed of clips. There are many other features of this app but I believe these features are crucial to create a film worth watching. I believed it was best if the editing should start the day right after filming was complete. Sabrina has edited in a few transitions for the first half of the video in between scenes. This will help for dramatic effect. She also made the volume louder for some small parts. This gives a bigger impact to viewers to surprise them. Michael helped her with the transitions and gave tips for the very beginning of the video. Ashley and I recommended things along the way and said what should be fixed in order for it to be better. So far for editing I believe it is going pretty good. If the process goes along like this, then  Sabrina, Michael, Ashley and I should have a great film opening. 

                                        

Resume the Film

My group and I have finally finished filming for this project. On the twenty-seventh everything that needed to be filmed was completed. My group and I all went to Ashley’s house to film the other half of the opening.I was shocked at how fast the process took. There was less scenes that had to be filmed.There was only three scenes left. My group and I finished them all in under two hours. After my group and I finished filming at Ashley’s house, Ashley drove us to the park. When Michael,Sabrina,Ashley and I went to the park the last filming day, a scene was filmed. But yesterday, my group and I went back to that park to redo that scene. The weather was great unlike last time. It was warm outside but not too warm. The scene was filmed extremely quick. Ashley and I wore the same outfits as last time because our role was investigators and the costumes had to be the same. Michaels makeup had to be done the same as well.He also wore the same thing as the last filming day. The makeup process only took around fifteen minutes. Sabrina did not have to wear the same outfit because all the scenes that she was in was completed in the first filming day. I am surprised that my group and I finished filming. I thought it would have taken another day or two to complete, but two days of filming was planned in the very beginning. I am proud of the results and what was completed in the time. 

             

Dress Up

Before my group and I filmed, makeup and outfits had to be involved. As investigators, Ashley and I had to dress a little bit professional and formal. I ended up wearing a button down that was tucked in with jeans. Ashley also wore a button down with baggier jeans. Both of us tried to have a similar concept and match since we were both investigators in the film. Ashley’s character had to look very exhausted and a bit rough. To accomplish this look, I helped her add a bit of makeup to her face. She did majority of it but to make it look better I gave her recommendations and helped. When the makeup was done, she had darker under eyes and looked more pale. This was the idea I wanted. The character I played had to look more put together so I didn’t add any makeup. Sabrina didn’t use any makeup as well. Michael on the other hand had to use lots of makeup. He wore a white shirt and black pants. Then Sabrina and Ashley used fake blood and splattered it over his shirt. The character Michael plays had “murdered” his wife so he had to look dramatic. Fake blood was used on his shirt and face. Ashley used her makeup to make it look like he had bruises and dark eyes. He looked very tired and stressed. I also made his knuckles look more red to make it even more dramatic. Sabrina didn’t have to dress formal she dressed more basic for the film. The idea of “dressing up” and adding make up was one of my favorite  parts so far in this project.

                                                      

Time to Film!

 My group and I finally filmed on the twelfth. For only one day of filming so far, I believe a lot has been done already. My group and I were able to finish half of the film. All the props that were planned to use, was used. The outfits were really good and went well with the genre. The locations used to film was great and the weather was good at first. When my group and I got to the park, the weather seemed good enough. However in about ten minutes it got extremely windy and it started to rain. Luckily the scenes that needed the park was filmed, so the park is not needed anymore. The main place was Ashley's house, this is where majority of the film takes place. Many rooms were used like the dining room, living room, an office, etc. Sabrina and Ashley helped make props. The posters that were  made turned out really good because Ashley was able to print images and other media. She had majority of the things needed. Sabrina brought the other props that she bought online. These props could not have been made because it was plastic. I am  very pleased with what my group and I accomplished. I was very productive and had fun at the same time. I also got to learn more about my group's  acting skills. I am very proud and even more excited for the next filming day. 

                                                  

Music and Audio

 In two days my group and I will finally be filming. I am extremely excited to share what I have came up with to add to this film. Especially how my group members and I couldn't film in the past. To be prepared for filming day, my group and I decided to pick the audio for the film. At first I looked through different songs on multiple websites that could have been used. There was various songs that I found that I thought would have been useful. Sabrina did the same thing as well and found a few good ones that I listed as possible ones that would be used. But my team members and I came up with even a better idea. One person in my group (Ashley) has a piano/keyboard and used it to play a song. Personally, I thought this idea was the best. With the keyboard, you can change the effects, make the sound louder or softer, and many other things. This instrument allows you to do many things to create a dramatic effect or pretty much any effect you would like. Ashley changed a setting on the keyboard to make it sound eerie and mysterious. She played it very well and did multiple takes in order to get it just right. My group and I decided to use this at the end of the movie. This will enable the audience to view the film and hear the audio as the last thing in the film. Which makes them remember the audio more because it was at the end. As of now this is the idea and  I am hoping that it remains the same when filming. I think this is a really great idea for the audio and probably some more diegetic sound will be used during some scenes. Sound is crucial for a film, especially for an opening. 

                                           

Cancelled

For the first day of production blogs my group and I had to cancel our plans. Everyone had great ideas and opinions but it did not work out in time. There was multiple issues such as transportation, weather, location, etc. But the main issue was transportation. No one was available.  It was not thought out exactly as my group and I thought it would. The day that was supposed to be a filming day came by way quicker than I expected. My group mates and I decided to reschedule our filming day to this Saturday. The props that was  ordered did not come in time, so everything should come by Saturday. This will give me more time to prepare. My group will also have more time to prepare during the filming process. The location my group and I will be filming at on Saturday is Ashley's house. Once everyone is there and all scenes that are needed is filmed, the next location is the park. In order to reach there Ashley will most likely drive my group and I there. The main actors are me, Ashley, and Michael. So Sabrina would be filming Ashley, Michael and I. Sabrina's scenes would be filmed an another day. After approximately two days of filming, it would be time to edit. Editing is a hefty process and Sabrina will be extremely helpful with it. I am hoping that group and I get more prepared and will be able to film this Saturday as planned. Having all this extra time should enable me to come up with more ideas and plans for filming. I know my group mates will do the same. 

                         

StoryBoard

 Scene 1- Our establishing show shows investigator 1 in a medium shot at eye level. Diegetic office sounds are heard INV 1 has make up on to make them look tired. The actor is dressed in semi-professional clothing. 

Scene 2- INV 1 is then seen in an over the shoulder shot showing multiple files thrown over a desk. Acting seems like they are stressed and working hard. Diegetic Sounds can still be heard from the “office.” The lighting is very bright within the office. 

Scene 3- INV 1 is shown from a close up,  low angle shot kicking a file desk harshly and angrily.  

Scene 4- The shot cuts to a close-up of INV looking at a crime case file with a sign that appears later in scenes. Slowly zooming into it.  

Scene 5- The camera pans to a side profile of INV. A voiceover is used to say “I can't be crazy” 

Scene 6- We then use a shot-reverse-shot to display a conversation between INV 1 and 2 in their office setting. They are both dressed as semi-professional investigators.  

Scene 7- This end with an over the shoulder shot / medium long shot, where INV 2 hands INV 1 a new case file. INV 2 seems very uptight, and angry; she walks off into a room. 

Scene 8- In a long shot, INV 1 walks into the room finding INV 2 staring at a board filled with connecting dots. 

Scene 9- There's a tracking shot of the two INV following them from the chest up with short dialogue. The lighting is dark to emulate sort of mysteriousness. Ominous music is used here. 

Scene 10- A close up shot of INV 1 with a voice over simulating an inner monologue. Her face is blank, objective, no one can see what she is thinking. 

Scene 11- Camera will be a close up of Investigator 1, as they turn around and close the door of the investigation room. When she closes the door, it will look like it slams in front of the cameras ‘’face’’. 

Scene 12- The camera will dissolve into the next part where Daniel will be seen. He will be sitting at the table while investigators 1 and 2 slap a file down at the same time. He will be shown at a high angle to symbolize a power imbalance. 

Scene 13- Camera will now show the investigators as a high angle from Daniels POV. Daniel is still at the table and starts to get overwhelmed. He cries and says ‘’I did not do it!!’’ while the investigators are standing. 

Scene 14- Both investigators sit down, and investigator 2 looks through the files to search for clues and evidence. They will show titles like producer, editing, etc.

Scene 15- A close up shot between INV 2 and Daniel. INV 2 is acting sweetly. Daniel is tired and stressed makeup is used to portray this. Dialogue between the two characters ensues.  

Scene 16- Daniel is seen at eye level looking behind the camera an investigator 2. He then sobs and replies ''yes''.

Scene 17- Close up shot of INV 2 hand grabbing Daniels, then a low angle of INV 2 face; “then help me find out who killed her”.

Scene 18- POV shot of INV 1 spotting the same sign the spotted earlier.

Scene 19- Investigator 1 sees the symbol in the file multiple times, as the interview continues, and she gets very frantic, showcased in an extreme close up of their eyes 

Scene 20- Tracking shot of Investigator 1 stomps over and slams the file down on the table. She grabs Daniel’s collar and says angrily ‘’ What do they mean!’’. 

Scene 21- A tracking shot shows INV 2 standing up to pull INV 1 off Daniel. She pushes INV 1 out the door. 

Scene 22- In an over the shoulder shot, INV 2 takes INV 1 outside, and shoves coffee into her hands. INV 2 says to INV 1 “Oh my god, what is wrong with you, someone died! This is not one of your conspiracy theories. Get it together.” 

Scene 23- In a two shot, INV 2 leaves INV 1 outside. When she walks through the door, she slams the door, hard. 

Scene 24- Jump cut to INV 1 sits down on an empty bench, sipping the coffee by themself, a medium close up shot of their face. 

Scene 25- A stranger approaches and sits next to INV 1, the camera zooms out to show their figure slightly, she takes a cigarette out. 

Scene 26- INV 1 takes out her own cigarette, turns to stranger and asks, “can I get a light?” 

Scene 27- The stranger proceeds to hand over the lighter, the camera zooms in to show its engraved with the with the same modus operandi that INV 1 notices all day, the camera will become canted.  

Scene 28- The camera then shows a long shot to a tilt slowly up  

Scene 29- Slowly, the sky fades out into darkness from the bottom up. Non-diegetic sound can be heard as mystery type music from the soundtrack plays. 

Scene 30- For the end of the opening, the sky will do a fade out. The opening credits will start to show. (Directed by)