Editing pt 1

 Hey blog, this week we started editing, this was sort of a challenge for me because I struggle when using my laptop there are some things im not very familiar with but I was able to learn from YouTube videos on how to edit on Imovie which is the app that I will be using to edit this project. Will be telling my experience when exploring the app im using for editing of the project (iMovie).

I focused on editing techniques, some of the ones we learned in class too, for instance adjusting lighting settings, such as deepening shadows and increasing contrast, can create an unease tone, while cooler color tones add to the sense of mystery. Transitions like fade to black that would help building tension, and cross dissolves can reveal information, and jump cuts create a sense of missing time. I will be focusing on carefully refining cuts, adjusting lighting, and using transitions effectively, I picked because it was very easy to use on the last project that we did, it was accessible and easy to use, I feel that iMovie offers several features that  would enhance the editing of my film opening in this case a mystery film opening, helping to create intrigue. The color adjustment tools allow for darkening shadows, while filters like “Dramatic” or “Noir” add a cinematic mystery feel. I was playing with the tools to explore the features, also transitions such as fade to black build suspense. Split edits (J & L cuts) let sound carry over between scenes, adding tension, while slow motion can heighten suspense, and speed adjustments create urgency. Additionally, iMovie’s sound effects and music library provide drones, whispers, or echoes to amplify the mood which I find helpful but im still debating on using the sound effects from that app. By combining these features, I would be able to create a good film opening, im staying positive and active on this process of the project. 

Obstacle/Issues

 Hey blog this is the third blog of the week and I will be telling you some of the things that ive been struggling with throughout this process of creating the film opening. To begin I would like to start telling you that it was a bit hard for me to make the choice of working alone, I thought it would be somehow better/easier, because I would not be depending on another person and could adjust to their time and availability so then I decided to work by myself. In the beginning it was sort of easy, but it felt like I had to come up with more and more ideas, and a lot of creativity and I felt like I wouldn't be able to do it myself, I started getting stressed, and felt like I kept running out of ideas, and didnt have a specific one. Then started debating if I should work with someone, until the first group meeting, I was very excited for this activity and it resulted being super helpful, I really enjoyed listening to other peoples opinions and ideas, advices for my project, and also really liked being able to help them with their projects too. 

Next I had time management, I created a filming schedule, I play sports and have tournaments some of the weekend and have practice 3 times a week, after school and it ends kind of late but something I liked was that I was able to handle this by using some resources I had to help me organize my time and the tasks I assigned myself each day for this project. Some of resources used were my agenda, the schedule I made, and the blogs. The posting of blogs at first I thought it was silly and was no point on doing it but once I started doing them weekly and in different days of the week, made me more active on the activity and keep track of the project. 

Brainstorming was tough, I felt like I didnt have any idea of what I wanted to do, also I felt like I needed to handle multiple roles, like filming, writing blogs, edit, brainstorm, which was overwhelming since I felt that i lack in certain areas.  I wanted to focus on this because this was a behind the scenes thing, that I feel that some people also could've felt the same way, but when seeing the positive is that I was able to find a solution and fix any issue. The main one was using the camera I viewed a couple videos to get more familiar with it in this case the way to be able to maximize quality by lightning.

My schedule:

Productivity video (focuses on techniques to organize your time):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iONDebHX9qk

Production video (lightning, maximization of quality, etc):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGOZuyb1ZZY

shots list

The film opens with a girl in the kitchen filled with the warm glow of flickering candles, creating an intimate yet suspense atmosphere. Soft, haunting music plays in the background as we see a young girl wearing baggy clothes, her scars subtly visible on her arms as she prepares a meal. Each slice of vegetables or her baking something and stir of the pot is accompanied by flashbacks that hint at her traumatic past, weaving a mysterious narrative that keeps the audience intrigued. The camera captures her focused expressions, revealing a mix of determination and vulnerability, while the shadows in the kitchen seem to set unease feeling/tone to the film opening. As she cooks, the tension builds, leaving viewers eager to uncover the secrets behind her scars and the story that lies beneath the surface. 

We’ll use extreme close-ups to capture the girl’s hands as she chops ingredients, emphasizing her focus and the scars on her skin, which tells part of her story. White shots will establish the kitchen environment, showing the contrast between her solitude and the bustling world outside. Striking shots will highlight key moments, like the flicker of a candle or the steam rising from a pot, creating an atmosphere of mystery. Point of view shots will immerse the audience in her experience, allowing them to see the world through her eyes as she navigates her memories. High-angle shots will give a sense of vulnerability, making her appear small in her surroundings, while quick cuts to black will create tension and anticipation, leaving viewers questioning what lies ahead in her journey.

example of place where one of my scenes took place: 

shots list planned on using:

Extreme Close-Ups (to highlight key details and build suspense)

Wide Shots (to establish an tense atmosphere)

Tracking Shots (to create a sense of movement and mystery)

Point-of-View Shots (to immerse the audience in the character’s experience)

Low & High-Angle Shots (to enhance tension and vulnerability)

Insert Shots (to reveal clues)

Silhouette Shots (to emphasize mystery and fear)

Smash Cut to Black (to leave the audience in suspense)

Setting production process included!

 Today I started with the first day filming, I had 2 of my friends as my characters for the initiation of the film opening, in order to begin I started setting everything up for the production of the first two scenes, 1st scene was the girl baking, everything at the kitchen, along with other scenes that also will take place here, got 2 bowls and some kitchen utensils (baking) that people usually use when cooking/baking and decorated the area and customized it for each scene, I used my camera and played with the lightning to find the perfect lightning that would match with the scene, in this case im using low key lightning, creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue by using deep high contrast to dark details and enhance tension. I decided to use makeup to draw the scars, and also markers, I used cake mix to make the setting look more realistic and this took me about 30 mins, drew the scars and bought the cake mix and started putting everything in each bowl, etc.

Here are some pictures of the process for the scene, I looked up how to get a better dark lightning on my iPhone camera, some resources that I used for my phone to film better quality videos will be linked down below, they were useful because before it was kind of hard to show the details of each scene

 in a more explicit way, I feel that without good quality filming then it might look incomplete, also lightning is very important, I feel like so far ive done a good job researching and getting more familiar with the use of my iPhone camera for the rest of the scenes to be easier and not struggle with that and it wouldn't be a challenge for me.

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rLdQWDjg2A

Filming Schedule!!

 Hey blog, were getting closer to the end of this important project, and something that is crucial whenever I need to organize myself is have an agenda or stuff that will help me stay more organized in my day to day life, another thing is a schedule, I set a schedule myself for when im filming, im gonna start filming this week, I already have the setting, and my friends will be the ones helping me through out this process, im going to be the one filming they are just going to appear as my characters in this project. 

Creating a schedule for my filming days play an important role when enhancing my project's success by ensuring better organization and time management. Im a person who distracts and forgets things very easily this would help me stay on track, increase productivity of me working on the project, and reduces stress, I get very stressed even if its something that isn't a big deal I tend to get very nervous and stressed and by breaking down the work into manageable tasks would be easier. Ive done this before and it helps me with deadlines they are more efficiently and  when allocating resources like locations, actors, and equipment effectively. Overall, I find this smart and beneficial for me.

This is very useful for me, and will be using it during the process of the project!

Focusing on costume and setting

For today the last blog of the week ill be focusing on costume design, in general terms costume design in a film opening is crucial, in establishing character,  tone, background and setting before any dialogue or action unfolds. The way a character dresses can communicate a lot of things such as personality, emotional state, social status and even hidden backstory to the audience. In genres like in this case mystery costume choices can also foreshadow key plot elements, making the audience more engaged in uncovering the character’s journey.

my protagonist’s costume is essential in visually showing her trauma, insecurities, and desire to stay hidden without a dialogue needed. I would want her to wear an oversized hoodie or jacket in dark,  warm color tones, symbolizing emotional retreat and protection, paired with baggy jeans or cargo pants or sweats something chill. Her high-neck, long-sleeve shirt conceals  her scars, and to reinforce her self-consciousness, while worn-out sneakers or combat boots to show she is constantly on the move. Accessories like a beanie, gloves, or a sentimental item subtly hint at her past and emotional ties. The messy hair and lack of makeup reflect the lack of importance from self-image due to past trauma. This costume design helps foreshadow her backstory and mental state, making her development more engaging as the audience unravels her hidden struggles.

Focusing on lightning and props

Today im doing on the blogs planning that focuses on the mise-en-scène elements of my project like costume, set, props, and lighting,  but I will be mainly focusing on lightning and props, they are essential in creating my film openings atmosphere in this case I would like to focus on creating intrigue, tension, and suspense.  The types of lightning techniques I would like to incorporate would be low-key lighting, it is a good technique that enhances shadows and contrast, obscuring certain details to make the audience question what is lurking in the darkness. Selective lighting can also be used to direct the audience’s focus, such as illuminating a hand reaching for a door handle while the rest of the frame remains in shadow. To add an unsettling feel, flickering or moving light sources like swinging bulbs, or flashlights can create an unstable, unpredictable effect. Additionally, colored lighting plays a psychological role—cool tones such as blue and green evoke mystery and unease. Using practical light sources, such as candles, desk lamps, or headlights, helps create a natural environment.

Props in my opinion are as important as lighning, especially when setting up the mystery and  hinting at key elements of the plot. Mainly adding personal objects with a meaning behind such as a diary, or an old family picture showing an unresolved past or a secret yet to be discovered when watching the rest of the film but it adds the feeling of anxiety to know what will happen and also creating interest on the story of the main character, also im debating on using coded messages, or missing pages from a book, add layers of intrigue and encourage the audience to piece together clues to create curiosity and foreshadow a larger mystery. additionally I could use elements, such as a blinking red recording light, a ringing phone with no answer, or a forgotten camera still filming, contribute to the feeling that someone is watching or uncovering secrets.