Blog 17: Preparing to Film

 

Preparing to Film 

    Hey, welcome back to my blog! Today, let's talk about our Filming's supplements. 

Actors

    Since our film is title to a coming up age theme, we will be having only one character throughout our filming process. Having one character not only save up our time and portrait the isolate atmosphere but also limit unnecessarily factors that allows us maximize our details as well as time for editing. Giving an isolate environment with dynamic lighting, it's more liikely to build up a Hollywood filming quality vibe. 

Costumes

    Our main character will first put on a simple outfit but also looking nice with a vibrant color which indicating that somethings bless is going to happen. Obviously, it's her birthday. On the background when we shadowing the room will show a princess birthday dress. But our main character will not put it on as the plot twist lead to her out-mood and cancelation. 

Props

    Props will play a huge role in our movie opening. We decided to introduce our name as contributor through labeling it on each of the make up piece like brush, concealer, and eyes palette. Our character will be holding each of the items and we will do the magic using editing. As the movie progress, she will be holding up her mother's picture that they took on her birthday the previous year while mesmerize. Another prop coming up will be the birthday cake as she carry it out with mix feeling, the cake will be dark chocolate as it juxtaposition her mood. 

Locations

    Initially, we decided to film at the Spiderwoman's house. However, due to the change of mind and actor, we decided to film at Real life Barbie's house instead 

Dates and time 

    The film idea began in 2024 and the first shot will be taken on January 3rd, 2025 at 1pm 

Film equipment 

    Upon discussing, we decided to use our own filming equipment, instead of borrow them from professionals. Why? Our group have experience of working together on many filming projects, hence we will work our way up like regularly with a Iphone's camera and a phone stander to keep it stable. Overall, I believe that this will be a fun and smooth filming experience.

Blog 16: Initial Storyboard

Initial Storyboard 

    Hey guys. Welcome back! Today, we are having a special blog. This blog is definitely longer than usual since I will present to you our Storyboarding. Storyboarding is a form of visual and elements that provides us a concrete guideline to base off when filming. 

    Here are the overview components of our group's Storyboard: crafting process, story flow and contributors. There are the total of 18 scenes including a sketch, description, camera angles, audio notes, transitions and graphic/text link to each. The creation of this script was a true team effort, with everyone contributing their talents and hard work. However, the major credit for the brilliant ideas goes to our very own "Spiderwoman," the mastermind behind it all. Next up, we have our artist. 

    As I introduced in Blog 10, 'Real Life Barbie' is the superior artistic person and she is willingly to take over the sketching part. Her collaboration with me and "Mimeo" was nothing short of amazing as we worked together to refine every detail. The descriptions require much efforts and time, involving thoughtful and considerate conversations. We constantly discussed the elements of each scene and ensure that the story flowed smoothly without any illogical. Setting everything on track and divide tasks that suitable toward each individual's strength had enhanced our teamwork's quality and mark the key of communication. 

    Now that I already tell you about the Storyboard's establish, you're very welcome to take a closer look at our recent work! 

Blog 15: Mood Board

 

Mood Board 

Hey guys, this is another episode of my filming project journey. Today, I am presenting you our mood board. 

    The main idea of this mood board is create a sad atmosphere. As you already know, we are filming about a coming up age girl who are celebrating her first birthday without her mom and her dad couldn't make it in time due to his work. The mood board mostly cover with lonely pictures that convey a nostalgia mood. Additionally, there are also some flashback to childhood's memories compares to her older self next to a birthday cake. We also decided to add in some rainy window to create an dark atmosphere. A more chilly atmosphere adds on with the silence of the house would definitely emphasize the loneliness. 

    Furthermore, we decided to make a change in background color from white to dark gray because it would make the poster stood out as a darker theme. The muted tones and reflective imagery, such as a close-up of a phone screen with a message received or an incoming call from dad evokes a feelings of longing and emergence. On top of that, the party elements including a small cake, a party hat, and a "Happy Birthday" banner lights up the bittersweet nature of celebrations that may bring back one's deep down memories. Additionally, the scene where a person is applying makeup or the white flower highlight the contrast of different stage of the main character's life. This mood board overall goal is to maintain a powerful representation of life's multifaceted emotions. 

Blog 14: Final Project Idea

Final Project Idea

Welcome back guys! As I promised you before, I am coming back with our group final idea. 

    As our group huddled together, brainstorming ideas for our final project, we found ourselves drawn to the universal themes of growth, resilience, and the bittersweet moments that shape us. After much discussion, we settled on a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of these experiences. Our film will open with a poignant scene of a girl preparing for her birthday party, meticulously doing her makeup and getting ready to celebrate.

    The twist in our story comes when her phone rings, and it's her dad on the other end. He regretfully informs her that he won't be able to make it home early tonight, leaving her to spend her birthday alone. This news hits hard, but it's compounded by the absence of her mom, who recently passed away. It's her first birthday without her mom, and the weight of this realization sinks in as she looks at herself in the mirror, missing the comforting presence that once filled her special day with joy. Our project aims to convey the deep emotional landscape of this moment. Through careful cinematography and heartfelt performances, we hope to explore the protagonist's journey of coming to terms with loss and finding strength within herself. The setting, props, and costumes were all thoughtfully chosen to create an authentic and relatable atmosphere. Thanks to Little Miss Barbie's generous offer to use her house, we have the perfect backdrop for our story.

    In this narrative, we emphasize the internal struggles and resilience of our protagonist, capturing the raw and relatable aspects of growing up. While this storyline is more complex, it provides us with a rich opportunity to create a film that resonates on a deeper emotional level. By focusing on a personal milestone, our film stands out in the coming-of-age genre, offering a unique and touching perspective on the journey to adulthood.

Blog 13: Title sequencing

 

Title sequencing 

    Welcome to my new series!

    From now on, I will mostly blog as I record my filming journey. 

Let me tell you something, I am very picky when it comes to picking a movie. The opening or the first episode always have to fascinate enough for me to bind on them. Similarly, a movie's extract or a trailer could also play a role here. When it comes down to a good movie, professionally edit is a surplus point to visualize the efforts as well as storyline one can bring. Naturally, title sequencing also come up as the master of art's last piece. If it places in the beginning, it has to be a clever showcase that naturally blend in with open scene. If it places towards the end, it close up an art work that linger inside the audience's heart with the recap as each name goes on-credit their contributes. In this blog, i will show you 3 examples that further illustrate an up to mark title sequencing. 

Shogun 

    The title sequence of "Shogun" is a master in setting the scene for a historical set in feudal Japan. It begins with aerial shots that reveal the intricate sand patterns, which is resemble the traditional Japanese Zen gardens. Furthermore, we see lush landscapes that highlight the natural beauty of Japan, which contrasted with the imposing architecture of Japanese castles. These elements, together serve to create the view of historical and geographical setting of the story. Additionally, the use of traditional Japanese music, with its distinct instruments and tones would further capture the audience and convey a sense of classical Japan artificial. 

    One of the most stood out visual is the title card itself. The title "shogun" appears over a blurred background that features a samurai hemet, symbolizes the martial and political power. The movie's choice font and the way the title fades in and out is also very sufficient. It gave out a set of mind to prepares the viewer for the intricate and dramatic tale of martial art and personal motive that is going to be reveal within the movie. Overall, the Shogun's title sequence did a great job of blending the title sequence into establishing scene. 

                                                                                  Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

 

    The title sequence of "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," based on the beloved book by Judy Blume. The skillfully sets the stage of the story as nostalgic and heartfelt narrative. It begins with a scenic view of a forest, setting a serene and reflective theme for the movie. Additionally, the earthy tones through the sense of the 1970s also build up a historical context. Key images like the road with a bus driving though a forest and a person looking out of the bus window, symbolize the journey and self-discovery that Margaret experiences. 

    The typography used for the title "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" is simple yet elegant. The title pops out and seamlessly blend with the visuals. Placing the text over a lively backgrounds enhances the nostalgic feel and ensure it to remain the focal point without overshadowing the image. The title sequence hints at the themes of the movie, such as growing up, exploring new environments and forming connections through freedom. The movie essence around Margaret's journey and the questions she surround with trying to find an answer. Overall, the combination of visual elements and score conveyed a mood of reflective and hopeful, which set the stage for the audience to connect with Margaret on a higher level. 

Out Of Her Mind 

    The title sequence "Out of Her Mind", created by Sara Pascoe, effectively sets the series with a playful and colorful tones of colors. While this creating an engaging atmosphere, its choice of color also signal that the show will be fun and vibrant. For examples, the imagery of broken eggshells an floral designs hint at themes of fragility, growth and a new beginning; while the modern urban setting of a subway train suggest a focus on a contemporary life and personal experiences in the city. 

    As we can see throughout the title sequence, a playful style of typography was presented. It features different fonts and background visuals, which reinforces the light-hearted yet thoughtful tone of the show. Phrases like "My Life Is Ova" paired with a person standing inside a subway train also showcasing her free, yet also sloppy lifestyle. Overall, the concept of "Out Of Her mind" is a very catchy/vibrant movie, suitable for modern audience who are also follow an entertaining way of life or movie through the present of Sara Pascoe' vision.