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.