Kage's AICE Media Studies Project

 

 

 

 

  Throughout the process of creating the film, I have definitely learned new skills when it comes to editing. This can be evident even in the film itself, as I use different techniques towards the end that I haven't considered adding in the beginning or even knew to add. In general, this made me comfortable and familiar with using the editing software.   One example of how my skills progressed was by adding background audio. There were many sounds that I needed to include that I was not able to while just filming. I learned how to make audio fade in and out. I achieved this by using the fade-in slider, and I would continue to use this for background sounds.    Another example is the use of cuts and trimming clips. During the film, it can be seen that there are transitions between one scene to the next, which are action cuts. I used these many times as there was usually always something going on.

   To give a film opening its "Cherry on Top", there must be a phenomenal title sequence. In cinema, fans than just introducing the title. There is also the build-up, which showcases a background, along with opening credits.   For my film, I chose to include the title in the end, as it will allow the audience to see who the characters will be and the story that is created before the main part of the film. I also added this in with music so that it wouldn't seem boring. The music I chose was the theme of the film, 'The Loser Wins'.    Another thing that was fun about this was adding the font. Although the font wasn't super special or complex, it was a small element that added detail to the film. One thing I also included with the font was a text shadow.    Lastly, after the title sequence was the transition. This was when I let the music play out after the water bottle was caught. At the very end, the frame where Tim caught the water bottle had a comic ...

  For my finalized script, I completed much more of what was left of the first draft. This included things such as camera shots, music chimes, and sections for each part. With this complete, I can now finish filming and have everything organized.         Scripting was the most intricate, but necessary part. This is because it took a lot of time to put together and actually create from scratch. Not only did I have to write the lines for all of my characters, but also the way it would be shown through the camera shots. In my opinion, this is the hardest part of preparation. 

   I decided to keep some of the old shots for the final storyboard and remove some. I also added a few to help create a more complete and organized visual. This first scene details the chase, where Sammy is on the move and pursues Tim. As Tim catches on, he tries to run away and finds himself face planted in the ground by Sammy. In the second part, Sammy is struck by a random person from out of nowhere. He is knocked down and is yelled at by the guy. Sammy's ride shows up and he makes the escape. Miguel, the mysterious guy who saved Tim, helps him up and brings him into his garage. In the last part, Miguel throws a water bottle at Tim and Tim is able to catch it right over his shoulder, which creates the connection and bond between the two.

  The opening scene is meant to make way for or set up the entire film. For the final project, we are meant to leave the viewers with something to expect next or to create anticipation, and excitement. There were multiple ways that I have done this to ensure that the viewer will be engaged in wanting to find out more.      One way I did this was by introducing the main villain first. This would in turn show who the protagonist will be going up against in the resolution arc of his story. It will also engage the viewer to want to know about the villain's character arc and past, which they may learn about them later in the film.   Another way I have created a cliffhanger was by showing the bond/friendship created by Tim and Miguel. This may be seen as the "student and mentor" relationship, in which the audience may want to see how far this helps the student progress. The final part of the opening in and of itself is entertaining, as it shows Tim on his way out and ...

  Having the 'Perfect filming day' is difficult, to say the least. Some factors that contribute to this may be external, and out of one's control. What made scheduling days for filming a burden was the weather.   An ideal filming day may consist of good weather, everyone is available to help act, or you are feeling particularly good that day. A mix of all of those things would be ideal for me, but it hasn't been that way for the most part. The best and only day I've had to film was the 17th of February, and even then not everybody has been available that day.    The film is meant to be somewhat clear outside and right before sunset. This was hindered by cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon, which canceled my plans multiple times to film. As you can probably tell, this was frustrating, but I still had to push through and try my best to complete the final project.    

  While filming for the project, there were several times when we all had to stop and just enjoy the moment and have fun. This did not exceed too much of our time filming, which was the most important part so that we didn't have to film on more than two separate days. Along with shooting each part, we were also able to work together quickly to get it right at least once.   The funniest part of filming for me was the dialogue parts because whenever either Victor or Kyle looked at the camera, they had a big smile on their face, which caused me, the director, to laugh out loud. Another thing when shooting these parts was when Victor or Kyle forgot their lines, which filled the room with an awkward silence.    As well as shooting each shot, I reviewed them with my actors to get their critique or see if we should reshoot again. One shot in particular that had us laughing uncontrollably was when Tim (the protagonist) lies on the ground in pain and makes groaning noises. Af...

  For an opening scene to be complete, it should include music. In my final project, I will include one song and several sound effects. This will hopefully aid in the 'professional' feel of the film.   The song I chose to include is 'The Loser Wins'. As I have stated before in an earlier post, I chose this song because it was in a video game I played, which both Kyle and I thought would be a good idea. This song matches the overall vibe well and has fitting lyrics too.   Some sounds that were too difficult to create myself that I decided to use were from YouTube, and these included suspenseful sounds and the sound effect of ears ringing. I wanted the very beginning part to encompass suspense as Sammy is about to track down Tim and begin to chase him. For the ringing ears sound, I wanted to include that for when Tim is knocked down on the ground and dazed.

   Having all of the actors helping me film, they each had their own favorite and least favorite scenes. The protagonist Tim, who was played by Kyle, had the majority of showings. This meant that he would be included in most of the shots.   For Kyle, he felt that the better shots to film were the ones that could be completed quicker. He thought that the ones that would be quicker to film were the action shots. This is because he wouldn't be required to focus on acting, but rather following what is happening.   On the contrary, the shots that he favored the least were of course the ones where he had to act, more specifically the ones with dialogue. This is because he finds it hard to stay serious while talking to another character. An additional shot that he didn't like was the one where Tim was lying in the dirt after being knocked down by Sammy. This was because it took several takes and he had to lay in the grass while being bit up by bugs.

   All films have their easiest to hardest shots to take. Mine, however, would not consist of many shots, but rather longer quality ones of a higher difficulty. I found the dialogue shots to be the easiest, and the action, or moving shots to be the hardest.   One example of a shot of dialogue was between Tim and Miguel. This was when Tim would first talk to Miguel after calming down. The reason this shot was so easy was that the main priority was acting. Acting is not difficult, as long as both of the parties involved take it seriously and don't glance at the camera.   One example of a more difficult shot was the getaway. Since this required the movement of a motorized vehicle, it would be harder to move back and forth, as well as make sure traffic and pedestrians were clear of the space that we needed. Along with this, it did take several times to shoot, which meant we had to drive the car back and forth around the neighborhood circle.   Even with these shots, ...

   For this opening scene, I only wanted to make two areas the focus. One was the sidewalk, and the other was Miguel's house. Both of which can be found in a neighborhood. I found it ideal, as it was close to where I live and we wouldn't have to go anywhere far to film it.   The sidewalk would be used for the chase section, where Sammy would hunt down Tim. This setting will be the least significant, and shortest but it will be included in the very beginning. Miguel's house is the most important setting as it is where he and Tim will develop their friendship. This in turn will set up the story for the entire film.   What was most interesting about filming at these places was the lighting. The sun gave really good natural lighting, which was important to these scenes. I was able to film what I wanted to since it was pretty much clear on both filming days. I also liked how the sunset looked at the end where Tim was about to walk out.

   Once we finally started filming the project, we were able to get the ball rolling. However, that didn't mean that everything would come along as quickly or as easily as we thought. We realized that we would need several days to film due to the little time we had for each part.   At first, I was only able to film the second half of the opening since I was only able to get Victor and Kyle to shoot. What I would soon find out was how silly things would get. The first part that we filmed was when Miguel discovered Tim on the floor battered and bruised. Since Kyle needed to lay in the dirt for this part he was finding it difficult to act seriously.    We would end up getting the shot that we needed, but it wasn't without laughter or some cringe. In the part where Miguel discovers Tim lying in pain on the floor, Tim is to make groaning or agonizing noises to show that he did get somewhat hurt. We shot several times to make sure that it sounded right, but we ended u...

   Originally, the film was meant to have two bullies, the victim of the bullies (the protagonist) and the mentor (side character/support). However, I wanted to change the role of one of the bullies, as it would align with the story and add more depth. The character I decided to include for this was Carlos, aka Marco.   The role that he needed to play was the secondhand antagonist, but now he is going to be the getaway driver. I feel that this compliments the main antagonist as it establishes a deeper connection between the two. I decided that this would be a better decision, as I could create more depth with this character, rather than just have him complement the antagonist with dialogue or just his presence.   I plan to make this change by including his dialogue in a phone call with Sammy (Joey), which reveals that he will pick him up after finding and attacking his victim. He would then be included again- as Sammy gets apprehended by Miguel (Victor)-when he arriv...

   To add more depth to my film, I had to include props. Most of what was used can be seen in most households. This part of the production was fun for me and the cast since we picked out what would be most important and critical for the project.   For starters, we needed to decide whose car to use for the getaway part, as this would be the most fun and biggest thing that would be included. The decision got down to my and Marco's car. We both agreed to use my car since this was my film, and it looked the most sporty.   The other props that were important included all of the gym equipment. Since I already owned everything, we didn't need to look far for any items. These consisted of boxing gloves, punching bags, a power cage, and weights. These were critical since the mentor, Miguel, would be someone who trained seriously in the gym all the time.   The final prop that I thought should be added was a water bottle. This water bottle was a small, but important detail...

  People may find it hard or difficult to dress their characters for a film however, this was not the case for my project. For all the characters in the film, I wanted to keep the outfits simple. This is because wearing what they wear daily seemed more realistic to me.   For the antagonist, Sammy, I chose to give him an outfit that he usually wears, which is a t-shirt and pants, but I decided he should wear a backpack. This is because it makes him seem more mysterious, as if he were hiding something   For his partner in crime, Carlos, also known as the getaway driver, I did not put a major focus on his costume. Since he will only actually be seen on the driver's side of the car, I thought that he should wear sunglasses and a grey hoodie with the hood on. The shades would hide his eyes and the sweater would hide his body, as well as make him look like a shady person.   The protagonist would wear a normal outfit, which is comprised of shorts and a sweater. This is what...

   A good film always consists of a memorable character, but what may be the most important part about them is their name. As of pre-production, I had not decided on any names for the characters. However, I feel that I have now come up with the appropriate names of the characters which will fit their role and make them memorable.   The first name I came up with was for the protagonist, and it is 'Slim' Tim Tyler or 'Slim Tim'. The reason I came up with this was because it has a similar sound to Slim Jim, and also sounds catchy. The actor who plays this role, my friend Kyle also liked this name because he thought that it fit him well, and also relates to him in real life.   The second and third names were both ideas from actors Joey and Marco, which were Sammy James and Carlos Rodriguez, which were fit for the two perpetrators. Joey chose this name as it reminded him of his friend Samuel, and Marco chose his as it relates to his heritage and he thought that it sounded...

   Everyone knows that a great film has a great title. At the time of filming, I still had not thought of a title, let alone how to include it in the film. But I believe I found the solution to this.    To start, I needed a good title. The title I chose for the film is 'The Loser Wins'. The reason for picking this title was that both Kyle and I enjoyed this song that came on while we played this game, which was also called 'The Loser Wins'.   So for the credits I also needed to figure out a good way to help it transition into the film as well as picking a good font. With my editing software, iMovie, I was able to include the credits with ease.   After figuring out a title and how to include the credits, I then went to iMovie to put everything together. To my surprise, it looked better then expected. With this element complete, the stress of including this on top of editing was no longer an issue.

   To provide structure for a film, and to shoot scenes in an organized manner, every filmmaker should include a script. The script that I will propose is the first draft, meaning that it is not yet complete, and will probably cut out some parts if needed. I plan on creating a more detailed, longer script later, but for now, I needed a backbone to start with.   I decided to type this up on a Word document, as I would be able to edit easily and have the option to undo anything I wrote, as opposed to erasing pencil and having a messy piece of paper. I also decided to not include the type of shots, but rather make it focus on the character's lines. As you can probably tell, it is not complete and does not include everything I wanted it to. However, it did help me a lot in the process of production. I was able to film most of my scenes without much trouble since I had all of the lines for the characters that I wanted.