Audience and Institution Practice Essay

Assess the importance of marketing in the media area you have studied.

During the release of Walt Disney’s Snow White, the announcement of a first full-length animated film brought a surplus of profit from paying audience members and had competitors shook with the idea. Similarly, Nintendo released a game called Animal Crossing: New Horizons which was released closely to when the pandemic outbreak took place. Both companies were able to make a success of the finished product by marketing the product through specific circumstances.

Prior to the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Walt Disney Company was trying to build a reputation for itself to become successful in the long run. At the time, no other company thought of the idea to make a full-length animated film to be shown to the public. According to Becky Pitt from the company Geek, the competitors were skeptical of the announcement of a first full-length animated film thinking that not one person would want to sit through a whole movie. However, when it came the premiere for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs many people and certain celebrities, such as Charlie Chaplin, came to support the animated film. By having Walt Disney leak the news of creating a never done before full-length animated film, the audience will be marketed a product that is new and unheard of. When the film was marketed as something that is new, the audience will give the film a chance and experience something that is different. As a result, the film became a huge success and allowed for the Walt Disney Company to remain in business. In this case, marketing the film in a different light was what made the company become successful for the future.

In another case, the Nintendo company released a game called Animal Crossing: New Horizons which, in the end, became a huge success. The company released the video game sometime in March which was close to when the pandemic outbreak hit its peak. The sales of the video games depended on word-of-mouth marketing since it was the common people who were recommending the product through social media platforms such as YouTube. As of now, The New York Times deemed Animal Crossing: New Horizons to be a game that is suitable during the time of the pandemic. Through the recommendations made by people, the game continues to make sales and profits for the Nintendo Company. The Animal Crossing game became a big hit through word-of-mouth marketing which later caused popular newspaper companies, such as The New York Times, to report a story on the game. In this case, it was vital for a word-of-mouth marketing strategy to be present and carried out to build the gradual success of the video game.

Overall, both the Walt Disney Company and the Nintendo Company relied on marketing to build the success of the finished products that would be presented to the wider audience. Marketing allowed for the Walt Disney Company to survive and remain in business, as well as have the Nintendo Company make profits off of the new game Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Practice Extract Game of Thrones

   Within the extract, the message was conveyed through the conversation that took place amongst the characters presented. The character’s actions were settle and not much action was taking place, but the conversation was the key element that carried on the moment. By the end of the extract, the main message was carried out to indicate that not everything is guaranteed, anything is possible. The dialogue, in the end, was what made the message be stated clearly so the audience could be mindful of the situation.

   First off, the overall theme was at first being build up to the moment the characters meet and have that conversation that set the tone for the rest of the scenes. In the beginning, the extract showed two guys sailing on a boat heading towards the final destination. The establishing shot sets up for what the two main guy characters will face briefly within the next couple of scenes. The establishing shot, as well, serves its purpose as to inform the audience members that the two main guy characters sailed on a long journey and is finally reaching their last destination.

   Next, when the two main male characters arrived at their destination, a bank, the building was seen not being heavily decorated with any pieces of furniture besides the long table in the center accompanied with three high chairs and right across is two small benches. The set design for the bank suggests that nothing in the room is deemed significant besides the table located in the center. The table is where the two main guys meets up with the bank officials and carry out a conversation that is vital for the scene. By having the bank be nearly empty, the audience members could solely focus on the table that will be accompanied by characters that will explain the situation further. When looking at the chairs/benches around the table, there was three high chairs to signify that the three bank officials is higher, in status, than the two male characters that arrived. The two male characters sits on the two small benches that is located right across the three high chairs; the two small benches indicate that the two males slightly have less of a title within the bank.

   Then when it came to the actual dialogue that took place, the conversation between each character builds up the idea that nothing is guaranteed in life. Between the two males and the bank officials, the conversation was solely based on the topics of history, power, and money. In the eyes of lord Stannis, one of the two males, the bank owes him money that is rightfully his because of the power he holds. Through the bank’s eyes, the money and power belongs to a different king ruling a different land. The dialogue shows the contrasting views of both sides, neither trying to comply with the other. Lord Stannis’ right hand man ended the conversation by defending his lord’s title and birthright stating that as long as lord Stannis stands the war on power is not over. The extract ends on that note creating the theme that anything is possible and that nothing is guaranteed.

   The extract displays that each character holds different values and thoughts which either create conflict or harmony. Not one idea presented by the characters is the official value, each new thought leads to a new conversation. Lord Stannis could not be guaranteed power and money by bank officials who believes a different king is entitled to that same power lord Stannis is after. In the end, the central theme of anything is possible, nothing is guaranteed is what made the scenes come together in the extract.

Our Group's Movie

This is the final version of our group's movie titled Operation T.N.T. Everyone in the group contributed to the making of the final product. Me and Melshida both played as actors in the film, while Rejoice was the camera man and the editor. Each person, as well, made sure each prop and costumes were appropriate for the film. For the final task, our group was more organized and planned out every detail referring to how we will film, where we will film, and what days. At first, our group was able to film most of our movie in one remote location with only about two or three scenes missing. Later on, when the word of the pandemic began to spread our group was lucky we were able to find a library that was still open and filmed the last remaining scenes for our film. Originally, our group planned to record our last scenes in Broward College's library, but due to the pandemic the school closed and our group had to look for a different location to film. Although a few circumstances came in the way, our group was able to overcome the obstacle and finish the last scenes of our film. Our group has come a long way from the start which was the filming of the commercial.

From the beginning of the school year, our group filmed a commercial that talked about the programs Fort Lauderdale High School offers. In the commercial, our group was new to how the camera works and our group didn't know how to be natural in front of the camera. As of now, when the making of the movie began our group was able to plan out the camera movements, angles, and the transitions we wanted to incorporate. Additionally, our group was more familiar with the features of the camera and how to properly use it. The actors for the film were more relaxed and natural in front of the camera, nobody was too shy to do anything. It is safe to say, the group did improve on certain areas when looking at the finished product of our movie. From the making of the commercial to the final task, our group did show some form of improvement over the past months that has passed by. As the finishing touches are made for the final task, I looked back from the beginning and realized that it has been one long journey our group has experienced. In the beginning, I originally wanted to conduct all the projects by myself, but now I was glad I was able to be a part of a group. Being a part of the group helped me grow and develop, not as a filmmaker, but as a student in general.

The CCR For Our Movie

The CCR was recorded in the same library the last scenes of the film took place. With that in mind, the CCR was recorded first before the last scenes of the movie was recorded. Our group was able to book a study room so that no other person would be distracted or that no ruckus would be made by us recording. While recording the CCR, there were a few times we had to retake the shot since we were thrown off a bit and we didn't extend our responses to the fullest for each question asked. By the end, we made sure that the CCR was at least fifteen minutes long and that each question asked was responded with the most fullest answer possible. How we set up the CCR made it appear as if an interview was taking place. Rejoice was behind the camera recording the CCR taking place, and both Melshida and I were the respondents of the questions being asked. Melshida and I alternated between each question to make it as fair as possible. Once when the CCR was finished, our group went straight to recording the last few scenes our movie was missing. Overall, our group was able to finish everything we needed for the final task and the CCR in one day.

While recording the CCR, I was able to respond to the questions that was directed towards me with a lengthy response. As the questions were being directed, I sometimes had to think ahead on how to respond and when it came to me then my response would flow out of my mouth. At first I was a bit nervous on how I will handle answering the questions, but once when I got the hang of it my response then came naturally to me. For certain questions, I had to stop and think about the answer I wanted to give; once when I know for certain how to respond the words come together naturally. While I was responding I try to make eye contact with the interviewer, the cameraman, and the other respondent that was sitting next to me. I wanted my appearance to seem as natural as possible. When it came the time for Melshida to answer some questions, I was respectful and didn't interrupt her train of thought, I let her speak until she was finished. When the interviewer would then go back and ask for my intake of the same question I would acknowledge Melshida's response and then give my insight of the questions. All in all, the recording of the CCR was an interesting experience; the experience allowed me to become more comfortable in front of the camera and to know how to formulate a response as the question is being given. The CCR was an excellent method of developing social skills for any event that would occur in real life where interviews would be given.

Our Group's Commercial

This is our group's very first project we did for the AICE Media Studies class. The commercial was shot at our school at Fort Lauderdale High School. Conducting the commercial was our group's very first attempt at knowing how to act and handle the equipment. The making of our commercial allowed for our group to get familiar with how to operate a camera and edit the raw footage. As a group, we decided to base the commercial on Fort Lauderdale High School and its programs offered. We decided to use only one actress within the commercial and have a voice over be the narrator. For the attire, we decided for the actress to wear the Fort Lauderdale High's spirit shirt to match the theme of the commercial. Because the commercial was our group's very first project, everyone was still getting used to being in front of the camera and knowing how to operate the camera itself. After conducting the commercial, our group's experience will only get better when more projects are dealt with hands on. By the time the music video comes along, our group should slightly get better and show some improvements.

By being able to improve within the music video, it goes to show that everything that was taught in class is being grasped and put into motion. By showing improvement after improvement, not only would our group know the material, but they would know how to apply it to any project. This is the exact reason why the commercial was conducted in the first place, it is to show where you stand in terms knowing the materials given. Setting a foundation will allow for the individual to know exactly their strengths and weaknesses and how to combat them. Each assignment's main goal is for the group or person to prosper and grasp the knowledge that was handed over. Looking back at the commercial, there were parts that could have been better. But our group will take the experience we built during the production of our commercial and imply it to the music video and the final task. Between each project, our group's knowledge and experience will grow slowly overtime and combat those weaknesses established during the first project. Overall for a first project, our group was able to deliver a decent commercial talking about our school and its programs. For the music video, our group will learn from the commercial and make room for improvements during the production of our second project.

Our Group's Music Video

This was the final product of our group's music video; this was the second project our group conducted, the first being the commercial. This project helped our group, as a whole, perform better for the final task and enhance the visuals of the movie. Since the music video came right after the commercial, our group was able to adjust to knowing how the camera works and how to be comfortable in front of the camera. For the music video, originally, everyone was supposed to meet up with each other to have the scenes recorded. However, plans kept popping up and interfering with our scheduling, so I decided to record most of the scenes and Melshida recorded the scenes where a movie and popcorn started to appear. Rejoice took the job of editing the music video together to make the final product. It was a relief every team member could pitch in on their own to make the music video happen. Everyone brought in something different to the table and, in the end, our music video still pulled through. Although our music video could have been altered in a different light, we were still able to deliver the assignment on time and actually provide a music video in hand. The music video taught our group to manage time more efficiently for the final task and to plan out every detail as to where, when, how and why each element is the way it is.

Realizing how much effort goes into a music video, the final task will require each of us to give it our best shot. The music video has prepared my team members and I to do more better when recording and editing the final task. Our group will schedule days in which recording could take place and the backup days in case anything were to come up. Our group will also plan out how the dress attire will be for each subject in the film and the props that will be used during production. Finally, the locations will be determined for the final task according to distance and time. By the end of our journey, our group should see improvements between each piece of film going from the commercial and ending with the movie. Each project should show a slight difference between one another and showcase a glimmer of improvements. By the time the final task will be published, the movie should show an immense amount of improvements within each specific area. Camera techniques should be met, props and costumes should be used, a script should be made, and an idea should be the portrayal. Overall, the music video will set us up for improvements to be made while in the making of our final task.

We Overcame The Obstacle And Recorded

As mentioned before, our group was at a temporary halt for meeting up with each other due to the outbreak that occurred. However, we found a library that was open and met up with each other. Our group's plans paused temporarily until one of our group members, Rejoice, found a library that was not only open but as well had a study room where we could record freely. Our group met up with each other on Tuesday, March 17th at Sistrunk Boulevard within the African American Research Library. Our group was able to rent a study room in order to record first the CCR and then the last remaining scenes of our movie. First, our group recorded the CCR which was supposed to stand between twelve to fifteen minutes long. Rejoice, one of the group members, recorded the whole segment while me and Melshida answered the questions in length. The whole CCR was orchestrated in an interview style where my sister asked me and the group members the questions that goes with the CCR. The video recorded for the CCR had to be done twice since there were moments where we were sidetracked and had to redo it to make it seem like it was a serious interview session. Right after our group finished recording the CCR we began to film the last remaining scenes of our movie.

To start off, the very first scene our group recorded was the part where it shows two phones on the table and one of the devices receives a message from the kidnappers. This particular scene had to be done twice since Rejoice recorded the scene sideways with her phone and everyone later agreed that the scene should have been recorded with the phone straight up. Afterwards came the scene where my character, Brooklyn, runs inside the study room to warn the other friends about the kidnappers and their missing friend. This particular scene was recorded twice since everyone was caught off guard during the first take. Next was the scene where one of the friends was researching where their missing friend could be. This particular scene was supposed to fulfill our missing eye match and low angle. For the last few scenes we did not use as much props as we did for the first filming session. The only props we used for the last few scenes were the books provided within the library and our cellphones for the shot with our phones in it. As for the costumes/attire, I wore the same exact sweatpants I wore for the first filming session and I brought with me the matching sweater. In the end, our plans were temporarily at a halt but we were able to find a public library that was open and record the very few scenes we needed along with the CCR to accommodate.

Our Filming Schedule Has Met a Large Obstacle

As the weekend of March 14th-15th came by our group did not film any new content during the weekend. But originally, our group settled on recording the last two/three scenes of our movie in Central Broward College's library. We even agreed to meet up with each other around 2-2:30 p.m to start filming. Our main goal was to finish recording and editing the movie before the due date, but a big obstacle came in the way. Before the spread of the Coronavirus, our group had everything planned out and we were just waiting for the upcoming date of our filming. But over the weekend, most schools and colleges closed down due to the rapid outbreak of the Coronavirus. Because everything closed down our group had to cancel, as of now, the day of our filming. In the beginning, Central Broward College stated that they were gonna start closing on March 23rd due to the outbreak. But, plans changed and the closure of the school came much earlier than expected. Now, our group is trying to find other locations that we could use to film the last scenes of our movie.

The closure of all Broward schools and colleges pushed us back a bit and now we are at a halt for answers. Our group had everything planned out for the upcoming day of filming, but now is canceled.  Our group tried to look for other locations that are currently opened so that we all could meet up and finish our film. However, most of the locations we found were either closed or were not sufficient enough for us to film in. One of our group members, Rejoice, is still searching for locations but as of now our group has no immediate backup plan. With no backup plan, our group is stuck on waiting for the next available day of filming and for any location to open up. So in the end, our group did not film any new content for the movie. Additionally, we still have the remaining two/three scenes that are missing from the final project that still needs to be recorded. Plans have changed and the outbreak has placed us at a temporary halt for now. Hopefully, the outbreak would clear up and things would get back to normal so that everyone could resume their normal schedule. 

*Camera is ready but plans got changed

Re editing Our Movie

After the whole class went through a peer review session, each student was given back feedback regarding the movie. As of our movie, only a few changes had to be made to make the film more appealing. For starters, our group still have at least two or three scenes left to record in order for our entire project to be finished. The last couple of scenes will take place in BC, Broward College, Central Library. Our group still needs to add at least one action match, one eye line match, a shot-reverse shot and a low angle. The day our group plans to shoot the remaining scenes left is on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020. On that day, our group will try to finish up recording the missing scenes of the movie in order for the final task to be completed. The feedback will help guide us as to what necessary angles, movements, and sound are missing from the movie that needs to be incorporated. After receiving feedback from peer review day, our group noticed what scenes needs to be recorded in order for the movie to be edited further making the final task close to being completed. Once when the final missing scenes our added, our group will continue to edit in order for the scenes to flow together smoothly.

Next, after our group discussed about the scenes that needs to be added we tried to fix the audio from our movie. Based on the feedback we received, our movie needed to adjust its audio in order to better hear the dialogue in the movie. For a couple of times, our group watched over the movie in order to fully understand where the audio needs fixing the most. At first it was quite difficult to make out where the problem was since the classroom was a bit noisy and it was quite difficult to hear the audio. So, our group tried placing the volume higher to hear the audio better but as it turns out the movie became too loud. When our group turns the volume down slightly it can be quite difficult to make out the dialogue, but when the volume slightly goes up the movie becomes too loud. In order to hear the audio better, our group came up with a plan to watch the movie in a place that contains little to no noise. If the audio is still out of place even with the change of location, we will try to do a voice over for the scenes that contains any form of dialogue. If the voice over is recorded then we will incorporate the recording within the movie to fix the audio portion of our movie. All in all, our group is currently trying to see how the audio can be adjusted to better make sense of the dialogue deriving from the movie.

No Reshoots But New Improvements

As previously mentioned from the blog, our group recorded the majority of our movie within a parking lot that was located in Lauderdale Lakes. Then flash forward two weeks later, our group engaged in a peer review session. Last Thursday on March 5th, our group received back the peer review papers a fellow student conducted for our group's film. As it turns out, the only concern that our group must look into was the audio for the film. Other than that, our group still has only about three more scenes left to record before finally finishing the entire movie. For the weekend that came, our group did not conduct any reshoots for the movie. The major reason being that our movie did not contain that much criticism only regarding to the audio of the film. Our group did not reshoot any of the previous scenes because no comment made by another student suggested for our group to redo certain scenes. Additionally on that day our group first started filming, with each take the director made our group made sure to look over to see if the scene needed to be redone. Most of our scenes were double checked on that same day we first started to film our movie.

Although our group did not partake in reshoots, our group did however looked back at everything we have done for the movie so far. The one thing our group stumbled upon was our old pitch idea which was "betrayal is like a bed of thorns... it leaves you bloody." When our whole group looked back at the pitch and compared it to the scenes of the movie so far it did not quite match up. The original pitch involved the term bloody signifying that the movie will have hints of blood. However, now that our group recorded the majority of our scenes it did not contain any elements that relates to the pitch what so ever. So Rejoice, a fellow group member, thought to replace the old pitch idea that would match up with the movie we currently obtain. The pitch ended up being a small description, in less than twenty five words, about what the movie is about without giving any spoilers. It was for the best that our group updated the pitch since the old pitch idea was not matching up with the elements of the current movie. Our group had not realized that our pitch was a bit outdated until we all looked back in our notes and saw all of our ideas written down. All in all, our group did not conduct any reshoots for the reason being that our team did not receive any criticism regarding the scenes shown to other students, but our group was able to at least spruce up the old pitch idea and make it closer to matching the elements of the current movie.

Time for a Peer Review!

On March 3rd, 2020, the whole class of AICE Media Studies took part in peer reviewing. Each person drew a random number which dictated who we would peer review. As of our group, we were able to peer review another person's work and give helpful advice. For the most part, our group gave advice that either stated what needed to be fixed or what could remain the same based on the film our group watched. Based on the film our group watched, there were certain elements that could have stayed the same and there certainly were elements that needed to be added as well. Overall, the film that our group peer reviewed was unfinished, so the film couldn't display an exact storyline our group could follow through. The film, for the most part, just showed an actress on screen undergoing a regular morning routine but didn't show the exact motive of the film's entirety. The fact that the film lacked a storyline was one of the major downfall of the person's final project we were peer reviewing. Although the film did not have an exact storyline, the creator of the film was able to keep natural lighting and sound that makes the scenes seem more realistic. Keeping the natural lighting and sound all the way was the main element that sparked my liking to the film.

To go in greater details, the main thing that I would suggest for the student to fix is there storyline.  Overall, the movie our group peer reviewed had a duration of twenty four seconds in total which suggested that the person didn't finish entirely. However based on what our group was given, the student only showed the actress on screen conducting a morning routine of some sort. In order for the film to flow together smoothly, a storyline must be present in order to know what is going on and what will happen within the following scenes. By establishing a storyline, the audience will know how the sequence of events will go together. To look at the positive aspect, the student did deliver natural lighting and sound which managed to be maintained throughout the duration of the film. The natural lighting was used to highlight the brightness of the main bedroom the actress was first seen in. Then natural lighting was slightly used when the bathroom was shown in the film. Additionally, natural sounds were used to convey the realism of the scenes shown on the screen. All in all, our group was able to provide useful tips and advice for the student as to what advancements the film needs and what elements were able to stay.

Starting the Editing Process

As previously mentioned, our group first started filming during the weekend of February 22nd, 2020. When the group got together again in class we officially started the editing process of the final project. Our group did start the editing process but we weren't able to do much just yet. The main task our group was able to fulfill was dump the videos onto the laptop of one of our group members. Our group couldn't do as much editing since the group member whose laptop contained the videos dumped was leaving early for a school trip. Everyone agreed to fully edit starting on Friday, February 28th. As a group, we will try to rearrange the videos in chronological order starting from scene 1 and ending with the last scene. Then, we will try to incorporate titles into the beginning of the film. The scenes our group will edit were the scenes that mainly took place in the parking lot. Our group will try to make the scenes flow together so that it does not end up being too choppy. For the transitions, we plan on using jump cuts for the most part. On Friday, everyone plans on coming together to finally make extra changes to the final project. Our group is making sure most of our movie is ready by the time our class starts peer review. On the day of peer review each student will have the opportunity to critique other students film and suggest changes that needs to be made. Although our group technically didn't begin editing in greater details, we did manage to transfer the raw footages to the group member's personal laptop. It may not be a big step, however we are slowly beginning to transfer to the editing process. The ultimate end goal will be for each scene to be fully edited and ready to be displayed. It was for the best to dump all the raw footages onto the laptop so that no footage gets accidentally deleted. Overall, the full on editing process will begin on Friday, February 28th when most of our group members will be present. For now, the only thing our group did was dump the videos onto the laptop since one group member had to leave early for a school trip. 

Filming Blog: We Finally Filmed!

On February 22nd, 2020, our group met up at the designated location to start filming for the final project. Everyone met up at a local McDonald's, a fast food chain, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Each actor was able to show up on the day of filming except for Jakari who encountered traffic and called ahead of time that he was not gonna make it. First, everyone reviewed the props that was brought and the script that was printed out for each person to have. While everyone was reviewing each item one by one, food was provided in the beginning to prevent anyone from going too hungry later on during the day. As originally planned, most of our film's parking lot scenes were covered on that day of filming, but we did not film in chronological order. The first scene recorded was the part where both of the kidnappers are creating a video to send stating the victim will be released in exchange for cash. The first scene recorded was more in an open area within the parking lot. Then, for the rest of the scenes we moved to a small sort of alleyway in order to not draw too much attention and to not get in the way of cars coming by. The next scene shot was when my character, Brooklyn, receives a message from the kidnappers and runs to warn the rest of the group members. For that particular scene, our group had to rerecord at least four different times since I kept smiling on camera while my character was supposed to be serious at the moment. Next up we recorded the scene where the kidnappers successfully captures the victim, named Rachel, and is dragging her away. For that particular scene, no one got hurt and we made sure that the person playing as the victim was not tugged too hard, rather softly. At least two rerecords were done for that particular scene stated. After, we filmed the scene where kidnapper #1 is shown tying up the victim to a small chair, while kidnapper #2 is setting up the laptop for the ransom video that was previously recorded in the very first scene. Our group made sure that the rope was loosely tied around the person playing the victim to avoid rope burns and any other injuries. Then Rejoice, a fellow group member, recorded the establishing shot in a form of a tilt to show the location right before the scene where both kidnappers are gonna drag the victim comes to play. At least two rerecords was done for the establishing shot since the names of local stores kept coming to the camera's view and we wanted to avoid capturing any names on screen. Finally, the last scene recorded was a small comedy relief where two of the victim's friends are having a conversation while on the mission to search for clues. In the end, our group was able to capture most of our movie scenes and plan to have another recording someday where every scene will be fully captured and ready for editing.

 This was the setting for most of our scenes; this was the scene where my character, Brooklyn, receives a text message from the kidnappers.

As shown from the picture, I am smiling on camera where my character is meant to be serious which called for a retake afterwards.

Before the camera stopped rolling, I couldn't contain my laughter any longer and all the giggles just came out.

Filming Blog: Why We Didn't Film

Starting on the weekend from February 15 and 16, our group had the opportunity to record most of our scenes for the film. More specifically, our group planned on recording the scenes of our film that took place in a parking lot. But, a few minor setbacks came to the surface as the weekend slowly approached. For the upcoming weekend, our school had a Monday off since it was a national holiday and our group wanted to take advantage of the extra long weekend. However when the weekend finally arrived, most of our cast members were too busy to come and start recording. My sister and I both play a major role in the film along with another actor whose friends with Rejoice, a fellow group member. So, it was vital for both me, my sister and the actor named Jakari to be in the location of the time of filming. However, no one could make it to film during the extra long weekend. Me and my sister both didn't have anyone to drop us off at the ideal location and couldn't come to start filming. Additionally, the day of our group's original filming session came way too soon for any of us to be fully prepared. Instead, our group rescheduled to start filming on Saturday, February 22nd. By slightly postponing the day of filming, it would allow for each group member to prepare everything that will be needed. For instance, all the props that will be used for the film will be organized, the costumes for the film will be set up, and the script will be written down for each actor to have. Since our group will have a whole week to prepare, all the materials will be gathered that is necessary for the film. Each actor that plays a role in the film will be provided with a script that would be rewritten neatly. Each prop used for the film will be brought for the movie. Overall, originally our group was set on filming the scenes of our movie during the weekend of February 15. Our group wanted to first record the scenes that took place in a parking lot since the majority of our movie takes place in that particular area. But, life took a different approach and not a single person could make it to film.  Hopefully this weekend coming up, every group member and actor could meet up at the exact location and start the filming process.

Planning Storyboard

Today, my group members and I are constructing the storyboard that will present the scenes of the movies in details. Each box is drawn out to emphasize the particular scene in greater details. The scenes are stretched out to capture each set of movement, angle, and action that will be displayed on screen. In total, there was ten sheets of storyboard paper that was used to capture each moment within the film in great details. For each box the drawings display the setting of the scene that is particularly being filmed. Additionally, the storyboard will contain details as to what is currently happening in the scene. The storyboard will also address the type of transition each scene will undergo, as well as, state visually where the title will be positioned. Overall, the storyboard will present each scenes that will be played out in the movie but in the form of a sketch. Visually seeing how each scene will be portrayed allows the group to see if any rearrangements needs to be made or any tweaks to the scenes. Creating the storyboard will, not only display how each scene will play out, but also allow for mistakes to be handled early and for readjustments.

Planning Blog The Basics of our Movie: Location, Actors, Schedule and Safety Precautions

Today our group created a Google slide presentation that displays the basic information that is needed for our final project. Specifically, we included information that would show who is being recorded on screen, where the movie will take place, the schedule for filming and safety procedures on set. By including this type of information, not only does it organize how our group will operate, but it allows potential actors to know that our group is serious about the filming. Writing down the setting of the film and the actors who'll partake in the film organizes the filming process to be smoother. By including the schedule within the presentation, it allows for our group to set aside days that will be used solely just for filming. Additionally, scheduling allows for our group to set aside days for gathering up props, costumes, and to edit footages that is already obtained. By adding the health and safety precautions, it allows for our group to be well prepared in case any accident were to occur during the filming process. With having a full plan ahead, the filming and editing process will be a bit easier and smoother compared to if someone were to film a movie without a full set of plans. If, in the end, changes needs to be made then our group could easily go back to the Google slide presentation and tweak the old plan with the new. In general, the Google slide presentation will allow every group member, including actors for filming, be fully prepared for any obstacle to come in the way and to be fully prepared for the filming our final project.

Titles For Our Movie Planning Blog

Today our group is constructing a Google slide presentation that displays the organization of the titles. The presentation includes key information regarding how the title will look and function. For instance, the information on the slideshow will include the color, size and spacing of the font. Additionally, the presentation will also include information regarding how long the title will be presented for and how the title will first enter and exit on screen. By creating the Google slide, the group will obtain the format of the movie titles in an organized manner. The Google slide will neatly show everything that our team wants to include as the movie title for the final project. Therefore, minimal mistakes would be made since the format of each movie title is presented clearly and chronologically within the presentation. If any kind of error were to occur, our group could easily go back to the presentation and review the original format of the movie titles. To add on, if any group member were to come up with a better visual representation of how the movie title should be we could easily go back to the presentation and make quick adjustments. Overall, creating Google slides showcasing all of our ideas and plans for the movie title will, in the end, be more beneficial.

Planning Blog Sound and Dialogue Script

Our group organized a Google slide presentation that will present the dialogue, that goes with the movie, along with the different implementation of sounds. Each slide consists of different scenes that will be played out within our group's movie. Along the scenes of the movie, variety of sounds and dialogues will be used to make the movie seem more natural and fitting. Each slide presented will show the breakdown analysis of what sound will be heard in each scene. Additionally, the breakdown analysis will also show what each character will express in word form. By creating the Google slide presentation, each hired actor will know what each character is supposed to say and do. The Google slide presentation will help lower the chances of any mistakes from occurring during the filming process. Additionally, the Google slide presentation will enhance the production to go smoothly. If a mistake were to occur, changes in the dialogue could be tweaked to make the scene seem more fitted. Overall, the Google slide presentation will show a breakdown of all the sounds and dialogues each scene will contain that will make the filming process more efficient.

Planning Blog Shooting Script

Today our group is creating a Google slides presentation showcasing all of the camera movements, angles and shots. Each slide shows the different scenes of the movie broken down. As of now, there are a total of 10 scenes that are broken down specifically. Each scene is planned out to closely match the final product of the project. Creating the Google slide presentation will allow each group member to understand what is going to happen within the following scenes. The Google slides shows what each scene contains and what will be implemented. To add on, the Google slide presentation will allow for minimal mistakes to occur when the time of filming arrives. If there comes a time when a scene doesn't flow with another, changes could be made easily by going back to the breakdown analysis. Overall, creating the Google slides will organize all of the scenes to make it easier to comprehend. Lastly, the presentation will show in details all of the camera movements, angles and shots each scene is supposed to be made up of.

Title Research: Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

 The film had 26  title sequences.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

A ball and cartoon people figures were prioritized. 

What connotations do the images carry?

The images carry confusion, haphazardness, and instability.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outside?

Multiple conundrums are flashed throughout the titles leaving viewers wondering what exactly is going on and why are these images important to the movie. It also leaves them questioning what to expect in the movie.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The movie starts with a cartoon man holding a huge giant ball and the title sequence ends with him being trampled by other cartoon people. This strategy has viewers focusing on two objects and having them recognize those things throughout, making them important to the movie. Viewers will then now be looking for the ball and cartoon man throughout the movie, keeping them engaged. 

How has technology been used effectively?

Lots of jumpcuts and incidental music. The incidental is an amusement park theme, but with the number of times it's used viewers will be thinking of this movie when heard anywhere else. 

Title Research: US

-How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

One of the movies we chose to research was US. There are 25 titles in the opening sequence of the film. Some of these include actors, the director, and producers.

-What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Throughout the opening sequence, there is a tv screen of the news and a program. The family is at a fair or carnival. There are fair games and rides, people walking, the beach, and people having fun. The sky is thundering and it is raining. There is this game that says find yourself with a lot of mirrors. In one clip the girl is wearing a shirt that says Micheal Jackson's thriller shirt.

-What connotations do the images carry?

The images give a sense of what the movie will be about at first it seems fun, but then it take a turn. This tells me that the movie will most likely be scary because of the shot before the credits begin. The little girl opens her mouth widely and shockingly like she just saw something. The scenes are also dark which makes it scarier. To get to the credits there is an eyline match to some bunnies. In one clip the girl is wearing a shirt that says Micheal Jackson's thriller this shows the time period it is and it kind of sets a chilling tone.

-How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outside?

The clips of the building that says fine yourself reinforce the genre through symbolic codes. It is dark and there is no one in there besides the little girl. The shirt she wins also reinforces the genre, it implies that the family went to the fair around October.

-How does the film establish an enigma for the outset?

It establishes enigma by cutting to the titles right when the girl gets to the mirror. The audience is left wondering what exactly she saw, but they have to watch the rest of the movie if they want to find out.

-What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

To appeal to its target audience the film starts off with and endings with the girls looking scared. This suggests that the rest of the movie is going to be scary which leaves people wanting more. All the darkness, when she is on the beach, sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

-How has technology been used effectively? 

There are a lot of different angles and transitions like tracking shots, jump-cuts, and close-ups. The score when she is in the building turns from calming to silence to just whistling. This makes it a lot more terrifying and makes it more suspenseful. Nothing too gory has happened yet, but it keeps you on your toes. The editing is good and there are a lot of eyeline matches in the opening.

Title Research: XXX: State of the Union

Based on the movie sequence shown for a minute and twenty-nine seconds, in total there was 20 titles. In the very beginning, it showed an inmate walking down a jailhouse accompanied by two police officers. Then, it shifts the focus from the main inmate to the scenery of the current establishment. As the opening comes to an end, the last image shown is of the White House to reinforce the idea that the next scene will take place at the state capital building. Overall, the opening sequence creates a feeling of action or suspense, specifically indicating that within the next couple of scenes something will occur. When it showed in the beginning the inmate and at the end the White House, those two short scenes indicates that the main character will play a significant role starting at the first location which is the state capital building. Throughout the opening sequence, the main connotation depicted by the images was that the movie will involve government interference along with the military. The images and scenes displayed was to guide the audience members on who will be involved within the movie. For the main portion of the opening, three bullets shot guides the audience members through the scenery of the beginning indicating that the movie will contain action with some mystery behind certain aspects. Additionally, by showing the logo of the government the opening allows audience members to understand that the following movie will contain government interference and military action.

The opening segment allowed for the audience members to raise questions as to who the inmate is, why is the inmate being placed in a cell, and what significance will be of the inmate. To appeal to the audience members, the opening sequence did start off using real actors, but then drifts off into showing an animated segment where the bullets guide the viewer's eyes throughout the next couple of scenes. By mixing the use of animation and real life, it calls the attention of audience members. Throughout the opening sequence, a mix of score and incidental music was played to indicate that the beginning of the scene will be fast and full of energy. By the end of the opening sequence, an establishing shot was presented when the White House came to view. The inclusion of the White House was to inform the audience members that the very next scene will take place within the capital building. In between the opening sequence, graphic match were used constantly to not only provide smooth transitions, but to establish the setting of the parts that was animated. The graphic match was used in parts that were animated and made it easier for the viewers to guide their eyes to follow through with the next scene. 

Title Research: Godzilla Final Wars

During the openings of the movie Godzilla Final Wars, there was a total of eighteen opening titles within the first minute of the film. Throughout the opening sequence, the main sets of images that came across the screen were of civilians fleeing away from Godzilla as the creature destroys the buildings in its way. The images presented within the opening sequence was shown in a fast-paced manner. In general, the pictures of the creature destroying the tall buildings and the civilians screaming were all used to create an eerie feeling from the audience. The main goal of the opening sequence was to send shivers running down the audience's spines. In total, the duration of the opening sequence for the movie Godzilla Final Wars is exactly a minute and forty seconds. Within the first minute, the openings shows various clips of Godzilla roaming the city, destroying each building while people are running for their lives. To the viewer's eyes, the opening displays a segment of clips depicting the horror of the massive creature; the scenes can be depicted as a thriller which can be identified by the showing of a massive creature with helpless people running to save themselves. By the end of the opening segment, the audience members are more likely to raise questions as to how the giant beast gets destroyed, where did Godzilla originate, and does the city live in harmony by the very end.

To ensure the film appeals to its audience members, the opening sequence starts off by going in chronological order based on the timeline starting from 1958 and ending with 2004. The timeline shows how long Godzilla has been alive trying to destroy society. Then, the opening sequence displays rapid images and scenes of destruction and fear. When an audience member watches this opening title, the amount of action and destruction displayed gets the people interested in the upcoming story. Throughout the whole segment, the main use of transition were fast-paced jump cuts; those jump cuts were used to create an uneasy feeling from the audience members. Then, the opening used inserts to show various moments and images of people running away and screaming while Godzilla is hovering over the civilians destroying the buildings. Finally, the opening sequence used instrumental music or score when displaying the images of destruction and chaos. The score used was to indicate how serious the matter of the issue was and is still currently.

Title Research: Art of the Title

Today we researched more titles for our movie. We looked at a website called Art of the Title to look out how titles are made and samples of what we should have in our movie title. We watched openings form movies and picked our top movie openings we want to recreate.  Since my group chose thiller as the genre we want our movie to be, we looked at some thiller movies. There was a good amount of thillers to pick which opening we wanted to use. The movies helped us figure out what to include in our title and where to place them. This lets us think more creatively about our movie. We were able to see the differences and similarities of thiller sequences. A thriller title sequence always gets viewers scared and anticipating the start of the movie.  Thrillers have to come up with unique ways to scare a viewer into watching with their title sequence. They can't continue using the same title sequence or viewers will be disinterested in the movie from start. We will come back to this website in case we need more inspiration or a reference on how a title sequence was done. This website helped us learn more about the movie/film making process. Our movie can now look more professional because we learned how to make title sequences by this website. This website is very helpful to teach anyone who needs to learn how to make title sequences or even give experts some ideas on what their title sequence should look like. 

Title Research: Watch the Titles

Today we researched titles for our final task. The website homepage includes a lot of movies, tv shows, and animations. We were able to find free movies and watch openings for research. The genre my group had was thriller, there were a lot of thriller movies on the site. We are researching titles because we need to know how to set them up correctly for our movie. By looking them up we are able to see how it is supposed to look. We also see where they need to be placed. This makes us think about what could go into our movie and what would look the best. I was able to see the differences in all the movies and what we would like the most. It showed me what typical thriller movie openings and tiles look like. This will come in handy when making the movie. We will be able to come back to this if we need to see how to do it correctly. This was a helpful website and gave us the opportunity to make our movie look good. I have now learned more about titles. I cannot wait to start the filing process for our movie.

Genre Research: Glass

Camera Angles: 
Establishing shot: Old room

Close up: Old man mouth 

Long shot: Guy walking through door 

Medium shot: Guy standing 

Three shot: Three girls tied to a pole 

One shot: Old man standing in a white room with only a bed in there

Shot reverse shot: Old man standing in a white room to someone talking through a mic back to the man in the room

Common Mis-En-Scene:
Costume: Old man and a young adult man wear hospital clothes. Black old man wearing a purple suit. 

Lighting: sunlight, low key lighting, and fluorescent. 

Actors: Two old men and a young man (main characters) 

Makeup: gray dye in hair 

Props: wheel chair 

Settings: abandoned building, hospital, and outside

Common Editing: 
Jumpcut: Woman looking at the young guy and the young guy looking at the woman

Flashback: Showing the past of the young main character and what is happening in the present with his actions 

Common Element: The main characters are considered villains fighting real-life heroes. 

Common Sound: 
Digetic: talking, footsteps, door opening 

Incidnetal: creepy tick tock sound 

Elements I like: It changed the viewpoint of what a villain is supposed to look like and act

Elements I disliked:  There’s not much of a feeling that can be felt in the movie. It’s very redundant in the way one of the main characters is continuously trying to convince the other main character that he is strong and that he can help the both of them escape and take control. 

Movie poster:

Genre Research: Suicide Squad

Camera Angles: 
Establishing shot: The movie starts off at Black Site in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana 

High angle: City buildings 

Close up: Harley Quinn face upside down. 

Long shot: Harley Quinn hanging upside down in a cage. 

Medium close-up: Deadshot setting a device on a fence through his car window. 

Two shot: Deadshot talking to a guard through a small window in a door.  Deadshot walking with his daughter carrying bags/gifts. Harley Quinn talking to the Joker. 

Over the shoulder: Deadshot and his daughter talking. 

Shot reverse shot: Deadshot walking to a door, a guard talking to Floyd through the door on the other side, and Floyd talking back on his side. 

Common Mis-En-Scene:
Costume: Harley Quinn in rags. Harley Quinn in a gold short dress. Deadshot in a trench coat.  Harley Quinn wearing a white coat, glasses, and black heels. Harley Quinn wearing ripped shirt, stockings, sneakers, red jacket, chocker, leather glove, spike bracelets, Bobby pin ear rings. Deadshot in army gear ( bullet proof vest, boots, gun holsters) 

Lighting: Florescent(high and low), the moon 

Actors: Young adults- Two women and four men (main characters {villains turned into heroes[5] and a government soldier}) 
Middle Age- one woman and two men (side characters {government officials})

Makeup: Tattoos and dirt for Harley Quinn. Harley Quinn wearing red lipstick. Harley Quinn with blue and pink eye shadow, blue and pink hair dye (half way), peeling nail polish on fingers. 

Props: guns, baseball bat, robotic eye piece, samurai sword

Settings: Louisiana (inside cells/prison makeshifts, outside, inside a building 

Common Editing: 
Jumpcut: different parts of the fighting scene being shown

Flashback: Showing what happened to the villains before they were caught

Common Elements: Three big Fights between the villains turned into heroes with guards or people who work for the government, lots of weapons used, fast pace, explosions, and lots of stunts 

Common Sound: 
Digetic: talking, book dropping, grunt 

Non-Digetic: Cell opening with an electric buzz, planes flying high, gun shots, glass breaking, sword slices 

Score: upbeat Spanish music, dark music, ominous music, fast pace fighting music 

Elements I like: The fast pace of the movie and all the fighting being done. It gives pure adrenaline to the viewers and grabs their attention.  The showing of the betrayal is a plot twist viewers wouldn’t expect especially because of who betrayed them. 

Elements I disliked: You can see which characters in the villain/antihero group take charge and it seems like the group was made haphazardly based on what skills r need to achieve the main goal. The characters in the group don’t seem like they work together well. There is little to know emotional connection with majority of characters in this movie

Genre Research: A Quiet Place Movie

Genre Research: A Quiet Place

Common Camera Angles: 
-Tracking: When the family is walking around the store
-Low angle: When the deaf girl is standing over the counter looking at her mom
-High angle: When the deaf girl is laying in the sand
-Long shot: Right before the boy gets taken by the monster
-Close up: When the mom is giving birth

Common Mis-En-Scene:
-Costume: They all wear normal clothes, except they are barefoot. They do not wear shoes so they do not make noise.
-Lighting: Natural light from the outside. Low key lighting because it got dark in the house.
-Actors: A family of five. Three children and a mom and a dad.
-Makeup: The makeup is natural and light. Their hair is a little messy.
-Props: Backpacks, a gun, a toy airplane
-Setting: The setting in this movie is mostly a house that looks normal on the outside, but is weird on the inside. Everything in the house is close together to show that the family wants to keep close. It also takes place in the woods.

Common Sound:
-Diegetic: The breathing, walking, wind,  keys, and running at the beginning
-Non-Diegetic: The toy airplane, the static from the radio,  the monsters, and the animals
-Incidental: When something big is going to happen or to show things over time.
-Score: When they put on the headphones when they are dancing

Common Editing:
-Shot reverse shot: When the mother and son are having a conversation
-Jumpcut: Throughout the movie
-Fade out: At the end of the movie

Common Elements:
Common elements include running and this creates suspense. Fights between the villain and the "good guys" are also common. In this case, it would be between the monsters and the family.

Elements I liked about this genre:
What I liked about this is suspense, since there was not that much sound it made the suspense bigger. I was able to feel everything I usually would if there was sound.

Elements I did not like about this genre:
What I did not like the close up of the monster those the end of the movie.