CCR #1 !

For my first CCR I had to answer the following question:

- How does your project use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues? 

After all the filming, editing, and hard work, I’m finally ready to answer some of the big questions for my Creative Critical Reflection (CCR). I wanted to do this in a interview perspective for a few reasons, mainly because it feels more casual and gives me a chance to really explain everything I’ve been working on. and, I can easily film this from the comfort of my own home. Now that everything’s nearly done, I’m excited to break down how my film opening uses and challenges conventions, and how it touches on some deeper social issues. I mainly got inspiration from late night talking shows such as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon his interviews are always fun, laid-back, and never feel too scripted. He keeps things flowing, asks interesting questions, and makes his guests feel comfortable while still getting good answers out of them. Like when he plays games or throws in jokes to keep things engaging. I wanted that same vibe, something natural and easy to listen to, so that’s why I chose this format. Now, let’s get into how my film opening uses and challenges conventions and what it says about social is Let’s get into it!

Interview Script:

Host:

Alright, Fabiana, lets dive right in, the fans are waiting for answers. First off, how does your film opening use or challenge conventions?

Me:

Great question! My film opening challenges the usual conventions of supernatural thrillers. Instead of going for the typical ghost story where there's some obvious supernatural force, I focus on something a bit different. The protagonist, Joseph, doesn’t realize he’s dead. So, rather than jumping into a bunch of creepy stuff right away, I use small, subtle shifts in reality, like people ignoring him and strange things happening around him. It’s all about him questioning what's real. It’s not the usual “boo!” factor you’d expect in this kind of genre. I really wanted to make the audience feel the confusion and unease Joseph feels as he starts to notice these things.

Host:

That’s interesting. So you’re really focusing more on the emotional side rather than just the supernatural, right?

Me:

Exactly! It’s more about the emotional and psychological experience. Instead of just focusing on scares, it’s about how Joseph’s mind is starting to unravel. It’s almost like a mystery where the audience is piecing together the truth, just like him. So, I’d say the film challenges the conventions by shifting the focus from external spooky elements to the internal confusion and isolation he’s feeling.

Host:

Speaking of isolation, does your film represent any social groups or issues?

Me:

Yes, definitely. One of the major themes in my film is isolation. Joseph feels invisible, like no one around him sees him or acknowledges his presence. This really represents how many people feel disconnected from the world or ignored by society. It’s a theme a lot of people can relate to, whether it’s feeling overlooked in day-to-day life or feeling like you don’t belong. On top of that, it touches on identity, Joseph doesn’t even know who he really is anymore. The whole movie kind of asks the question, “Who am I, and do I matter?” It speaks to those emotional and mental struggles that a lot of people go through.

Host:

So, it’s not just about being dead...it’s about what happens in that space in between, right?

Me:

Exactly! Joseph is stuck in this weird, in-between space, he’s not alive, but he’s not fully gone either. And that’s where I think the film touches on the difficulty of accepting reality, especially when it comes to loss. It’s kind of like the struggle many people face when they’re grieving or trying to come to terms with something big. Joseph’s journey is about him coming to grips with what’s happened, and I hope it makes people think about how they cope with big changes in their own lives, too.

Host:

That sounds like a really powerful and emotional journey. I’m sure people will relate to that! Thanks for breaking it down, Fabiana. On to the next question!

Me:

No problem! Thanks for asking. I hope people can connect to the deeper themes of isolation and identity and maybe even see a bit of themselves in Joseph’s story. And bring it on!

- Thriller-genre-definition

Editing Without All the Footage: How I’m Preparing for the Next Phase

 Hi everyone.. Since I haven’t filmed the second half of my project yet, due to the lack of time such as I work on weekends and my parents throughout the week, it was very hard to find a moment we could all get together and go film. We were supposed to go this week but it has been impossible. I’ve had to get creative with my editing process. Instead of waiting until I have all the clips, I’m working with what I have, reviewing my footage, and planning ahead to make sure everything stays consistent. This approach helps me stay organized and ensures that when I do film the remaining scenes, they’ll fit smoothly into the final edit. 

Reviewing the First Set of Footage

Before moving forward, I’ve been carefully analyzing the shots I already filmed. This means checking the lighting, framing, and pacing to see what’s working well and what might need adjustments. So far, my footage looks consistent, but watching the clips together has helped me spot small details I need to keep in mind for Filming Day 2, like making sure props are positioned the same way or that my angles match to maintain a nice flow.

One thing I realized is that I have the opportunity to refilm certain scenes that don’t necessarily need Joseph in them. There were a few shots I wasn’t fully convinced by the first time, whether it was the framing or just how they fit into the overall sequence. An example is the close up shots of the espresso machine and sweet treats the cafe had to offer. Since I’m already going back to film, I can improve these moments without disrupting the rest of the film’s flow.

Building a Rough Edit Without All the Clips

Even though I don’t have all my footage, I’ve started piecing together what I can. This rough edit helps me visualize the final sequence and identify any gaps. For the missing scenes, I’m using a black screen or notes in my editing software so I know exactly where they’ll go. This also gives me a better idea of how the pacing feels, whether the transitions are smooth or if certain moments need to be adjusted once I have everything.

Even though I don’t have all my footage yet, this process has helped me stay ahead in editing. By reviewing my first round of clips, building a rough timeline, and planning for Day 2, I’m making sure the final edit will be smooth. Plus, having the opportunity to refilm certain scenes gives me the chance to make the final product even stronger. Once I have all my footage, I’ll be able to put everything together much more efficiently and finish filming and editing to focus on my CCRS!

Editing: Maintaining Visual Consistency

 So, funny thing, I realized all my shots look exactly the same. Like, I could shuffle them around, and you wouldn’t even notice. At first, I panicked. Isn’t editing supposed to make things visually interesting? But then I realized, this is actually a good problem to have. It means my shots are consistent, and that’s super important. So, let’s talk about how I’m keeping my film looking clean and cohesive (without it feeling like one long, never-ending shot).

Ensuring a Consistent Look

Maintaining consistency in lighting and color helps create a seamless viewing experience. To achieve this, I have kept my lighting the same throughout filming. Since I rely on natural light, I made sure to shoot at the same time of day to avoid drastic changes in brightness or color temperature. I decided around noon time would be the best while the sun is up being perfect. Additionally, I used consistent camera settings to prevent unwanted variations in exposure and white balance. In post-production, I made subtle adjustments to brightness and contrast to ensure that all shots match, avoiding any noticeable differences that could disrupt continuity. For example this clip was horrible, the lighting was all washed out and white I had to fix it:

Before:

After:

Walking scene 

- It does not look like a big difference but in my movie it does, I still need to add different coloring, this was just a quick draft!

Creating Visual Interest Without Changing Color

Since I’m not relying on heavy color grading, I have to make sure my shots don’t feel boring. Just because they all have the same tone doesn’t mean they should feel repetitive. One way I’m keeping things visually engaging is by using a mix of close-ups and wide shots.  Close-ups emphasize key details or emotions, while wider shots provide context and establish the setting.  Another trick is using contrast within the scene itself. If my background and subject blend together too much, it looks flat, so I try to add some visual separation, whether that’s by changing up props, backgrounds, or even making sure there’s a little depth in my shot.

Overall, I thought all my shots looking the same was a bad thing. But really, it just means I’ve got a solid, consistent style going. Now, my focus is on how I use my shots to keep things interesting. Editing isn’t just about fixing clips, it’s about making sure the visuals tell the story the way I want them to.

Font choice

Now that I'm in the process of editing all of Joseph’s scenes, I’ve shifted my focus to something just as important but often overlooked, fonts. Since my main character's life is put together and famous, I wanted fonts that reflected that. Something elegant and fitting for the kind of status he has and the story I was tying to tell. I was stuck between four or so fonts, each bringing a different vibe. Some looked too plain, some felt too dramatic, and others just didn’t match the aesthetic I was going for. So, I did what any indecisive person would do, I edited them into my film one by one to see them in action. It took some trial and error, but I finally found the one. It fit perfectly with what I envisioned and just looked right.

But of course, I needed contrast. I started by browsing in many different font websites such as Adobe.com/fonts and Fontspace.com I decided to use this when dealing with other credits needed, such as, casting and such. The story has a darker turn, so I chose another font to highlight that shift, something that felt heavier, more unsettling. The two together work exactly how I wanted, giving that visual storytelling element without needing words. 

With that done, the first part of my film is officially complete! Now, onto filming the second part, which I’m aiming to do either Thursday or over the weekend. It’s coming together, and I can already see the full vision playing out. Almost there!

Cutting Through Chaos: Premiere Pro Edition

Hi guys... I might have fallen behind schedule a little during filming, but instead of stressing about it, I decided to jump straight into editing to stay on track. It wasn’t my original plan, but sometimes you have to roll with the flow. Rather than wasting time, I opened Premiere Pro and started working on the clips from Production Day 1. I found a YouTube tutorial that helped me get a better understanding of the editing process, and honestly it’s been a bit of a challenge, but in a good way.

For someone like me who’s used to more basic tools, Premiere Pro feels like a whole new world. There are so many options I’ve never seen before, and it’s exciting to think about all the creative possibilities I can explore.  I started by selecting all the clips I wanted to use and cutting them down to the specific parts I needed. It’s been a little work so far, but it’s still progress. Every step counts. I’m planning to finish filming the other scenes by the end of next week because I really need to wrap up the filming process. Once that’s done, I’ll be able to focus all my energy on editing and bringing everything together.

It’s a little overwhelming, but I know if I stick to this pace and keep learning, I’ll get there. The tools are in my hands, and now it’s just about making the most of them. Here’s to making this film come together, one clip at a time.

A New Beginning

 So, remember how I said Day 1 went well? It did, but that doesn’t mean it was perfect. Behind the cool shots and cinematic luck, there were problems. And I mean problems.

Issue #1: My Actor Was Giving AI Energy

Look, my guy Joseph? Great person. Acting skills? Questionable. His voice was so flat during some lines I genuinely thought I would get a random to act as my main character, I'm just kidding I love my uncle. But since this is a thriller, I needed emotion, depth, maybe even a little pain in his voice, but what I got was the energy of someone reading a cereal box. Not ideal. I realized quickly that the script sounded too forced, so I decided to loosen it up and allow for some improvisation. Instead of forcing every word to be said exactly as written, I encouraged my actor to make the lines feel natural. This immediately helped, making the conversation more realistic and less robotic. Moving forward, I’ll continue to adjust the script as needed and guide my actors to bring more expression into their performances.

Here is an example: Blooper

Issue #2: Communication? Never Heard of It.

A major obstacle was miscommunication. I would give direction, assume my actor understood, and then realize mid-scene that we weren’t on the same page. This led to wasted time and unnecessary retakes. I realized I need to be clearer and more specific with my instructions. Instead of general guidance like "Act frustrated," I’ll explain how I want the frustration to come across, whether it’s through facial expressions, body language, or pacing. I’ll also take a moment before each scene to make sure everyone knows exactly what we’re doing to avoid confusion.

Issue #3: The Time Crunch Was Real

I only got the shots with Joseph because time flew by way faster than expected. Some scenes didn’t get filmed, and now I have to pray that the same barista is there when I go back. To work around this, I decided to include two baristas in the storyline rather than relying on just one. That way, if the original barista isn’t available, it won’t affect the film’s consistency. Moving forward, I’ll also make a more structured shot list, prioritizing the most essential scenes first so I don’t run into the same issue again.

Day 1 looked good on the outside, but the inside? A bit of a mess. The good news? I know what went wrong, and I know how to fix it. The solutions I’m implementing: improvising dialogue, improving communication, and managing time better, will not only help me complete this project but also prepare me for future productions. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve.

Production Day 1

 The first day of filming is always unpredictable, but thankfully, things went better than expected. The cafe setting was perfect, I ended up picking option 3: Rose's Coffee Bar better than I even hoped for. It had just the right amount of life, with a steady flow of customers and natural background noise that made the scenes feel real. The management was also incredibly open to letting me film, which made everything a lot easier. Since time was limited, I focused on capturing all the shots with my lead actor, Joseph. We didn’t get through everything I originally planned, but the key moments were covered, which was my main priority. The space worked well for framing the shots, and the lighting was ideal for the tone I wanted to create.

This was everything I filmed for today:

After I called it a day, something completely unexpected happened, a real life emergency unfolded on my way home. An ambulance sped past, and moments later, a car was on fire in the highway. Of course, my first thought was hoping everyone involved was okay, sending prayers with my family, but from a filmmaking perspective, it was an incredible moment to capture. That kind of raw, unplanned intensity is something I never could have staged, and it adds a sense of urgency to my film that I needed when showcasing Joseph's car accident, 

Car on fire

Overall, Day 1 was productive, but there were still challenges. Communication issues, some stiff acting, and time constraints made the process more difficult than I had hoped for. There’s still a lot to refine, but now I know what to do for the next steps. Now, it’s about fixing what didn’t work and making sure the next filming session runs even smoother. Stay tuned for next blog on how to do that! 

Camera Equipment

 Hi everyone!! In today's blog, I want to discuss all the camera equipment I am going to be using in order to bring my film together. 

1. My iPhone 14 

Some people have fancy cameras. I have an iPhone 14. And honestly It’s all I need. The camera quality is sharp, it adjusts to lighting and surroundings settings so well, and with the right angles, it’s going to make this film look cinematic. I’ll be using it for everything, wide shots, close-ups, and any other shot I need. I know with the right settings my final product is going to look very professional. 

 2. The Tripod

Ever tried holding a phone steady for more than 10 seconds? Yeah, not happening. I think this is a universal problem we all have had. That’s where my tripod comes in. It's going to help me keep shots stable while I direct, act, and not drop my phone. The length itself was perfect, It was able to stand on its own and shrink down to me being able to hold it. Plus, it’ll help me get those perfectly framed shots instead of the accidental shaky scenes. 

3. The Mics 

Nothing ruins a scene faster than bad audio. And there's no way I'm going to let that happen to me. My teacher was kind enough to lend me some mics, and I’m going to use them wisely, placing them close to my actors to hear the dialogue perfectly. It's going to turn my scenes from sounding like inside a fish tank to nice crisp sounds. 

Script

 Hello once again!  I was fully prepared to struggle with this whole script thing, but turns out it was actually super easy. I used Studiobinder.com customizable script template, and when I say it did all the hard work for me, I mean it. The formatting? Already set. Scene headings? Just type and it auto formats. No stressing over margins or figuring out how to space dialogue, it’s all built in. Their tutorial on how to use it was also a lifesaver. I watched it once, and boom, I was scripting like a pro (or at least feeling like one). I thought I’d spend hours trying to make everything look right, but no. The script was coming together so fast that I actually had fun with it.

And honestly? I’m really proud of how it turned out. The story flows exactly how I pictured it in my head, and seeing it laid out in a legit script format just makes it feel real. Now that the writing part is done, I can focus on filming, which is where things are really going to get interesting. This is the template that helped me figure it out all, and in the bottom my Final Script.

The Great Music Struggle: Why Is This So Hard?!

Honestly, I was not looking forward to this part of the project. I’m super picky when it comes to music, so choosing the right one was a struggle. I started my search by watching the openings of different movies on Netflix to see what kind of music they used. A lot of them had this warm instrumental jazz, like the first episode of Monsters. The music there is soft but lively, with a cozy, almost nostalgic feel. It makes everything seem calm but still interesting, which I really liked. 

After that, I tried looking for tracks on Pixabay, YouTube Audio Library, and a few other websites. I didn’t find much at first, but there were a few on Pixabay that stood out. They had a nice vibe, but I’m still not sure if I’ll use them. I definitely want to keep looking to make sure I find the perfect one. (I’ll include a picture of the ones I liked!)

Even though picking the music was tough, I know that foley sounds are going to be the most important part of my audio. They’re what really bring the film to life. I found a super helpful YouTube video and it gave me a lot of ideas on how to make my sounds more realistic and natural. I’ll be focusing a lot on those little details, like footsteps, coffee cups clinking, and background noises to make everything feel more real. The video also told me where to find pre recorded foley sounds which I found very convenient in case I needed any! So yeah, this part took some effort, but I’m excited to see how it all comes together!

Sources:

1. Pixabay.com

2. Studio.youtube.com

Mise-en-scène elements pt.2

 Hi everyone!! the blog we have been waiting for, even me, prop design and costuming!! I think this is one of the coolest parts of the process, being able to bring my project to life. 

Designing the Magazine Cover-

To make Joseph’s death feel as real as possible, I needed a convincing magazine cover, one that looked came straight from a grocery store checkout line. In order to do that I started researching well known magazine publishers, such as Time, New York Magazine, People and so on. I specifically focused on covers featuring celebrity deaths. (I'm not going to lie this was very creepy) After getting a feel for the dramatic headlines and layouts, I hopped on Canva and started designing. I played around with fonts, colors, and images until I had something that looked very similar to my inspiration pictures. This prop is the biggest part of the opening where Joseph confirms something is terribly wrong.

Here is my final product, I am very proud of how it looks, the man in the cover is my uncle who decided to help me play out the role of Joseph so shoutout to him!

The Mirror Scene: A Final Twist-

Originally, the film ended with Joseph backing away from the magazine in shock, but I wanted something stronger. So, I added a mirror. After grabbing the magazine, Joseph starts trembling, with all the thoughts running through his head. But when he looks up at a nearby mirror his reflection is gone. Just an empty space where he should be. I'm already looking into editing softwares I can use to achieve this. This moment confirms Joseph is not here anymore, no matter how real everything feels to him. I'm planning to incorporate this mirror by using one already in the coffee shop.

Costume Design: Dressing Joseph Like a Star

To make Joseph feel like a believable 35-40 year old actor, I needed to dress him like one. I researched famous actors in that age range: Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, and Oscar Isaac, to see how they dressed in everyday life. I analyzed paparazzi photos, red carpet looks, and casual streetwear styles to get a sense of how a celebrity really dresses when they’re not on camera. From there, I built Joseph’s wardrobe. His day to day looks are put together but effortless, think neutral tones, well-fitted jackets, casual button-ups, and nice pair of sneakers. The idea was to make him look just famous enough to be believable as a Hollywood star, but not so flashy that it felt unrealistic.