OMGOMGOMG

 Sunday, March 31, 2024

FRICK

WHY'S IT ALREADY SUNDAY??? 

Let me start off by talking about everything I've been doing. My CCR's, editing, re-shooting, and stressing. 

Yesterday I recorded my second CCR, which is the Autocomplete Interview. Everything went great..but just wait until I tell you what I just noticed not too long ago. 

So, first we went to the Dollar Tree to get a cardboard poster so we can create what we needed. This was the inspiration:

this is what we made

It looked WAY less wrinkled in the final recording but it worked our pretty well. We printed a Google logo and drew up the rest. To cover the questions I cut up strips of paper and glued the end of it to the poster. 

Kinda made a mess but this is what Carsons bed looked like after..

We used a tripod to record so the camera was steady and not shaky, we put the script against it so I can easily read off of. Carson stood behind the camera as the 'interviewer' asking the questions. 

Before filming, I made sure all the questions that we are expected to answer were incorporated. And I missed one, which was the one about technology, so I had to quickly make a paragraph for it and this is what I added. 

"As for technology, I used lavalier microphones to get the best sound, a Canon camera to get bright and clear visuals, a tripod to keep shots steady, and other props that helped make this film come together smoothly. I used iMovie to edit the opening which, since I was already heavily familiar with, it was easy for me to navigate around different settings and buttons."

BUT as I was editing this and reviewing, I completely missed a WHOLE question. I don't even know how I missed it, so I searched my cameral roll and recently deleted and only found ht bloopers to the question, but not the real one. Tomorrow, after school, I will record that last question I missed. 

Here's the blooper of the question I missed.

Now, editing!!

I used capcut to put my credits quad it turned out perfectly. 

I definitely recommend using CapCut for this since it offers MANY different effects, fonts, colors, and other settings. 

For music, it was difficult for me to choose which sounds fit perfectly. For the first scene, I used bensound, with the song 'rainy day.' 

For the first flashback scene I used purple planet which has a variety of different sound and foly effects.

For my title, I called the film 'Luna', aka the protagonists name. iMovie offers a setting to create your own title and it had one which fit nicely, so I didn't use any special website for that. 

  

For the night scene, where Luna leaves the restaurant, I used a song that was sad to establish Luna's mood. I used bensound for that too. The song is called 'tomorrow.' 

Towards the end of the opening I used bensound again with he sound 'pulseandpause,' which gave the film a heightened suspense. 

For my production logo, I was originally going to use this.

Then I thought it's too simple, and I really liked the typewriting effect, so I searched how to do it and I've been trying to edit that on Adobe Premiere Pro. It's been giving me some difficulties and I can't understand why so I will just ask a friend who knows how to navigate this app well, tomorrow at school. 

I also re-recorded the last part, where the killer shifts to Drive, but when I put it in the film it was way too light. So, tomorrow I'll be re-shooting that one part again so it looks like it's being taken at night. 

Editing is the only think on my mind right now to complete, so I will just be working on that throughout the rest of the day today and all day tomorrow. 

ccr #1... DONE

Thursday, March 28th, 2024

YAY

After practice this morning, I came straight home and got ready to go film my first CCR. I made sure Vicky was up and getting ready too. 

BIG SURPRISE: Vicky wore a very short wig, like a blonde bob cut 

The setup was absolutely PERFECT. We moved some things around, like the two comfy chairs, we put a table in between with a plant and two mugs. Well, in that picture the mugs aren't there but it was in the final. We used the TV and screen shared a picture of a nice, settling background to set the mood.. or whatever it is real hosts do. I also came up with the idea on the spot to use the TV as an engaging role, for example, when I talked about specific scenes it was shown on the screen, which kept the conversation flowing. It looked like this: 

I thought this was a cool and fun way to show media, to add live pictures, rather than just talking the whole time. It's a way the audience were also able to visually see what we were talking about exactly. 

This was the full setup:

We had to re-record so many parts over and over again because we couldn't stop laughing throughout the recordings. Vicky was stress drinking and finished two full Coke cans which was hilarious.

We printed two separate copies of the script and placed it on a chair in front of us that we can read off of. I purposely made the text at a large size so it wouldn't be too difficult to read. But me, being the super blind person I am, couldn't barely read off of it so I stuttered several times, causing us to delete and record again. 

Towards the end of the 'show,' we made Vicky her own personal logo, which was shown at the end of the actual recording. 

She sort of looked like Ellen DeGeneres which was really funny.. her accent made it even better. After my practice today, which is until 6:30, I'm planning on going to the dollar store or something to get a small poster and all the things I need to create my board for the second CCR. Hopefully I can complete that tonight. The only I really have left to do for my host show is to just edit. I need to layer sound effects, such as audience clapping and relative things like that. 

As I was reviewing the script before we recorded, I noticed that I was missing a question that we had to incorporate. I checked my other script for the Autocomplete Interview and noticed it wasn't there either, so instead of adding another paragraph/part to the CCR, I will add that question to the second CCR. Oh yea, the question is about software, technology, and all that confusing stuffs.  

For costumes, I wore a green flannel and jeans, something simple and not too extravagant. As for Vicky, she wore a plain white t-shirt and a tuxedo, coming off as elegant and professional. and can't forget the WIG!

here are some BLOOOPERSSS

5 days closer to due date!!

ccr #2

 Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 

Script #2

Damn, I haven't been on here in a little while. Well, I'm back! This is basically the LAST week until everything is due. Lots to revise and lots to still do. I think I'm pretty much on task, I have been editing, and I know how much you guys want me to talk about that. But, that's still in the process and I'll talk about it soon, I swear! Now, the second CCR. I searched ways film actors answer questions about themselves and any film they were in and I came across a Autocomplete Interview which I thought was pretty fun. 

That's an example I really liked and that's what I'll be striving for, but of course with my own questions. 
Instead of 'WIRED' I will call it 'HOOKED'.

My name is Agam Gago, and I'm here for my HOOKED autocomplete interview.

[behind camera] Here are some questions about your upcoming film Luna.

Alright, let's get to it!

Who is Luna's intended audience?

Luna's target audience comprises teenagers, typically aged 15-18. More precisely, the film is aimed at teenagers struggling with abuse, as this theme forms a significant aspect of the storyline that many people relate to. Luna aims to amplify voices often marginalized in mainstream media, offering a platform for representation and empowerment.

How does Luna captivate this audience?

Through its content, the film Luna connects with its audience, as the challenges faced by Luna, the main character, resonate with many young teens navigating the complexities of life, relationships, and personal safety, offering an exploration of gender-based violence and resilience. By centering the narrative on a female character of Latina descent, Luna confronts stereotypes and amplifies underrepresented voices. The thriller genre serves as a vehicle to engage viewers with gripping suspense while delivering a powerful message of empowerment and hope.

How will Luna be distributed?

Luna will be exclusively available for streaming on YouTube, ensuring accessibility to a global audience. As an amateur filmmaker, it's unrealistic to expect my films to be featured on paid streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, etc. Instead, I'll be sharing my work on YouTube to garner attention and kickstart my career in filmmaking.

What research and planning went into Luna's opening?

Before delving into plot details, my initial step was thorough genre research. During this process, I stumbled upon the thriller/mystery genre and became captivated. The blend of thriller and mystery is marked by its gripping, suspenseful ambiance and emphasis on unraveling a central enigma or crime. While my narrative doesn't necessarily revolve around a crime, I was drawn to crafting a tale about a young girl navigating life's challenges. Thus, I began delving into media representations of abuse stories, particularly those involving young teenage girls, to inform my approach.

How did you approach the production of Luna?

Following my research, I moved into the planning phase. I established a rigorous schedule to maintain timing discipline. Subsequently, I embarked on creating a script, sketching a storyboard, compiling a shot list, and integrating all necessary mise-en-scène elements. Also, since I had to get somebody to let us film in their restaurant, I had the PERFECT friend, Rasheli Daluwatta, who also played as one of the main waitresses. 

Collaborating with a cinematographer from a minority background, Carson Broderick, [pops his head in the camera], enriched Luna's visual language and narrative depth. These preparatory measures enabled me to envision and meticulously plan the desired appearance of my opening scene. From location scouting to casting decisions, every aspect of Luna's production was guided by a dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging dominant narratives.

How has your process evolved throughout Luna's development?

At the project's outset, I found myself very uncertain about the direction for my film, prompting extensive research that proved invaluable.However, one night, I laid awake until 4 am, jotting down every idea that came to mind, ultimately clarifying the plot. While I may have gone a tad bit overboard, I at least had a concrete concept to work with. Planning consumed much of my time, though in hindsight, I recognize the need for even more thorough preparation to streamline production processes. The initial day of shooting was relatively successful, save for my oversight of forgetting to include a backpack in all the night shots—a mistake my parents amusingly pointed out upon viewing. But, one thing I didn't do, which maybe I should have, was re-shoot those shots, but it would've taken a really long time...like really long. Moving forward, I'm committed to ensuring the correct props for each shot to avoid such oversights. 

Huge thanks to HOOKED for this opportunity. Reflecting on this journey, I initially felt inadequate for such a project. Yet, previous experiences, like the Music Marketing and Film Pitch Project equipped me with valuable insights on tackling large-scale endeavors systematically. These preparatory projects throughout the school year significantly bolstered my filmmaking skills, particularly in planning and production stages, underscoring the importance of thorough brainstorming and organization alongside filming and editing.

That's my second CCR script! Tomorrow, I'll be filming the first CCR, which if you forgot, is the host show.

Here's my intended schedule for the rest of the break:

last day

 Friday, March 22nd. 2024

DONE FILMING

Yesterday, we FINALLYYYY finished filming. 

We got to the restaurant at 9:30, it started raining which complicated everything because the rest of the scenes were all outdoor settings. Some scenes were difficult to record (like a tracking shot) because it was on a bike, and Carson couldn't keep up without keeping the camera stable. We had to come up with a new idea, and since it was a medium shot, I just put one foot on the pedal and the other on the ground to push myself forward. 

We were there for a little over an hour and decided that we will start editing on Sunday. I don't quite know when I'll start the host show of the CCR because Vicky is brutally sick, so I'm waiting for that to wear down. I've also gotten sick, with a horrible sore throat, which gives me the opportunity to get more stuff done quicker, but also leaves me with barely any motivation. 

Tomorrow, I'll start working on my presentation, and creating my full script for it. 

catching up

 Wednesday, March 20th, 2024

Disasters

Last night I went to Carsons house and we finished the flashbacks scenes. I saw a cool example online where the boyfriend was a shadow and the girlfriend was in view. Like this:

We tried to recreate it, we used a tall tripod and put two different lights shining on a white wall so it would reflect well. It took us so long because Carsons hands were in view of the frame and it looked a little odd. I haven't decided if I want to use it for my film yet, but this was the best we could get:

Since I'm not yet sure if we'll be using this shot, I did an over the shoulder shot which turned out pretty accurate

The next flashback we used the setting of his room. We made the bed look messy and took alcoholic cans, poured it all out (it was already expired), crushed them, and scattered them on the bed. Then, we did different shots, mainly closeups, low angle, and behind the shoulder. The 'abusive boyfriends' face couldn't fully be in view, because then it would ruin the plot that's carried out in the end of the film. We used a really big, blue watch as the symbol and it worked perfectly. I'll show some shots that I really liked -->

I don't know if I'm fully satisfied with how the flashbacks turned out, but I think the makeup resembled an abusive relationship exactly how I imagined it. I added some green to indicate that there are some bruises 

healing, so they don't all look fresh. 

I also found another shot online that worked perfectly with the film, but I forgot to film it. 

Instead, we did an over the shoulder shot of the boyfriend about to punch Luna, but hesitates and hits the wall. It didn't turn out as realistic as I imagined it, but it worked fine. After that shot, we did a closeup of the boyfriends hand on the wall (wearing the watch). 

Around 4:45 today, we went back to the restaurant to film the part I deleted. Kyle came with the same clothes and hair from when we first filmed. It only took us around 15 minutes, so we were in and out. This is the part I deleted..

Tomorrow, Thursday, I will be completely finished filming. Carson and I will go around sundown back to the restaurant to film the parts we couldn't get to from when the camera died. 

host show - script

  Monday, March 18th, 2024

Script

I've written a draft script for the first CCR I will create, here it is: 

[Set Design: Talk Show Set with lights, mugs, plants, cozy chairs]

Host:

"Welcome to 'Luna: Behind the Scenes'! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of 'Luna' with none other than our leading lady, Luna herself! I'm your host, [Name], and I'm thrilled to have Luna, the protagonist of our film, here with us today. Let's give a warm welcome to Luna!"

[Luna enters the set with a confident smile, waving to the audience]

Luna:

"Thanks for having me, [Name]! I'm thrilled to be here and share some insights about 'Luna' with all of you."

Host:

"Luna, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, can we talk about this fabulous mug with your face on it? I must say, it's quite the conversation starter!"

Luna:

[Laughs] "Oh, well that's one way to show the weird side of me. It's all part of the 'Luna' brand, you know? Gotta keep it fun and engaging!"

Host:

"Absolutely! Now, let's get down to business. So, how does 'Luna' use or challenge conventions and represent important social groups or issues?"

Luna:

"Well, you see, 'Luna' isn't your typical film. We wanted to tell a story that goes beyond the surface and dives deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. By portraying themes like domestic abuse and resilience, we hope to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about these important issues. Additionally, 'Luna' also shines a spotlight on minority voices, as it features a diverse cast of teenagers navigating their way through life. As a young Latina girl, Luna represents a demographic that is often underrepresented in mainstream media. We wanted to challenge this norm and provide a platform for voices that are often overlooked."

Host:

"Fascinating! 'Luna' definitely pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Can you elaborate on how specific scenes or characters challenge conventions or offer new perspectives?"

Luna:

"Absolutely! Take the flashback sequences, for example. Instead of relying on linear storytelling, we use these flashbacks to provide insight into the protagonist's past traumas and how they shape her present actions. It's a non-linear approach that invites viewers to connect the dots and engage with the story on a deeper level. Luna is the heart of the story, and her character challenges many societal norms. As a young Latina girl growing up in a challenging environment, Luna faces a multitude of obstacles that are often overlooked in mainstream media. She struggles to balance her life at home, where she faces abuse from her boyfriend, with her life at work, where she puts on a brave face and maintains a facade of normalcy. Luna's journey challenges the stereotype of the perfect, happy-go-lucky teenager and sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many young women today. "

Host:

"Incredible insights, Luna! Now, let's shift gears and talk about audience engagement and distribution. How do you envision 'Luna' connecting with viewers, and where do you see it being screened?"

Luna:

"Oh, absolutely! 'Luna' is a film that resonates with audiences on a personal level. With its relatable characters and gripping storyline, we're confident that viewers will be drawn into the world of 'Luna' from the very first scene. As for distribution, we're aiming to start with a small release, including film festivals, streaming platforms, and even community screenings to reach diverse audiences."

Host:

"Sounds like 'Luna' is set to make a big splash! Before we wrap up, let's dive into the filmmaking process a bit more. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while bringing 'Luna' to life, and how did you overcome them?"

Luna:

"Ah, the challenges! Filmmaking is never easy, but it's always rewarding. One of the biggest hurdles we encountered was capturing the emotional depth of the story while maintaining authenticity. It required a lot of trust and collaboration among the cast and crew, but in the end, it was all worth it."

Host:

"Incredible insights, Luna! And finally, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring filmmakers out there who may be watching?"

Luna:

"Absolutely! To all the dreamers and storytellers out there, never underestimate the power of your voice. Your story matters, and there's no limit to what you can achieve if you believe in yourself and your vision. Keep pushing boundaries, taking risks, and never be afraid to shine your light."

Host:

"Beautifully said, Luna. And that concludes today's episode of 'Luna: Behind the Scenes'! Thank you to our amazing guest, Luna, for joining us, and thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, keep dreaming big and making magic happen. This is [Name], signing off!"

[Luna waves goodbye as the audience applauds, and the camera fades to black]

[Luna shakes hands with host?]

I will try to create a script for the second CCR, the presentation, by the end of the week, I just don't know what I want to say or include specifically.

filming.. way annoying than I thought

 Sunday, March 17th, 2024

So many complications

Yesterday, Saturday, we got to the restaurant at 9 am sharp. We hadn't started filming until 10 because Rasheli, the girl who owns the restaurant, ran behind, which pushed things a little bit behind. 

Note: We had to work on the restaurants timing

Everything started off perfectly fine, things were arranged great, and there were no 'real' customers yet so there wasn't any need to feel awkward or shy (yet). We filmed at the restaurant between 10 and 1:30. We tried utilizing a Lavalier mic, but it didn't work well since it needed to be wired to something, so we ended up using Carson's father's camera, which was a Canon DSLR with incredible camera quality. During this procedure, I was able to learn how to shoot with a camera and was one of the film's cinematographers (barely). This was enjoyable since I was able to learn something new, which is an important aspect of filmmaking and entertainment in general. We had a great day shooting and got a lot of shots that I feel were very fun and helped communicate our story the way we intended it from the start.  We didn't finish shooting, there were some unanticipated obstacles, and we just have a few sequences remaining. 

When we first started filming we couldn't stop laughing and it took us a good 8 tries to get it just right for the FIRST shot. I feel so dumb because as I was going through all the clips, I deleted the ones that weren't going to be in the official film, so now I can't show the bloopers. DAMN IT. 

We didn't end up using a tripod which we thought we would, but one of the drawbacks we had throughout the film was lighting. In most areas, it was too dark and you couldn't see the characters face, so it took us several tries to maneuver around different corners. Eventually we got that part down. 

Towards the end of the "day" shooting part, customers started coming to dine in, and I felt awkward since we were being stared at, somewhat feeling judged. What made this more annoying was that we had to speak at a pretty high pitched voice so the audio would catch smoothly through the camera. At one point, we had to shatter glass plates for one of the shots, which Kyle and Carson cleaned up (Kyle is the customer). 

When we finished filming the day time part, we planned to come back at 10 to start and for what we hoped, to finish, the night scenes (yea, that didn't happen). Well before I start with the process of that, something really annoying happened which now gave us an extra day needed to film. As I was going through the clips on the camera, I ACCIDENTALLY deleted one of the shots. I was in disbelief and it wasn't like we had other of the same shots we could have worked with, I deleted those too. On the bright side, that shot was just of Kyle, and it was only like 4 seconds. We should only be there for 10 minutes, so we're going after school this Wednesday at 4. 

Moving on to the night scene, we got there around 10:30. It was only myself, Carson, and Rasheli. We filmed the last restaurant scene, and then Rasheli left. Which meant we had to start the whole biking part. Coincidentally, there was a bike rack RIGHT beside the restaurant which was literally PERFECT. We had to squish the bike in the back seat, which is what also pushed us a little bit back on filming time (since it was already really late). 

There was no light whatsoever in the area where the bike rack was set, so we had to improvise and use the car headlights to shine on it. 

Now that we had that fixed, we ran into another problems with one of the shots. It was a medium shot, but Carsons shadow was visible, which also meant the camera and another figure was in view.

This meant we had to reposition the car from another angle so it wasn't too light but also not too dark. 

From here on out, things went by smoothly. Time went by REALLy quick, when we were halfway filming, it was already 12:00 am, so we knew we had to be quicker, but that also put pressure which would ruin the "perfect" quality we were striving for. Twenty minutes later, It's now 12:20, what lucky notification popped up on the camera? "Low Battery." This worried me even more because we had maybe just a few minutes left to film, which forced us to try to get as many shots taken possible. Eventually, the camera completely died and we have yet to complete the night part. We will fully finish that on Thursday. This was the best day to choose for the week since we basically are already on spring break because its a half day, and there's no school Friday, which means we don't have to worry about waking up early. 

Now, the flashbacks. We ( Carson and I) planned on fully completing that part today, but that didn't happen either because a major argument built up. Everything was going perfectly fine and suddenly we just started disagreeing, back and forth. The setting for the flashback we established would be at his house, so we got there, and I started using makeup to make bruises on my arms and face. It turned out really realistic and I was happy with it, but we didn't even film it. It was already 2:15 when we finally made up, but it was already too late to shoot because I had to be home strictly at 2:45 since I had babysitting all the way in Sunny Isles. We just decided we'd film this Tuesday after school. 

Even though I didn't fully complete filming this weekend, I'm not as stressed since the scenes we have left aren't too long. I'm glad with the schedule/breakup I made with the days of shooting this week, each day for the different settings. 

Editing isn't a HUGE concern since Carson's dad is really good with that type of computer stuff. He will transfer all the clips to his computer and smush it altogether. One thing I am still worried about is timing. I still have no clue how long everything will be when It's all in one clip. I'm concerned that It'll exceed the 2:15 limit. 

ccr approach

 Thursday, March 14th, 2024

Approaches

Yesterday I brainstormed a few approaches and came to my final choice. A few of the options was a presentation with a voiceover, director commentary, or an enhanced product. I'll just get straight into it. 

Approach 1: Interactive Host Show

For the interactive host show, I envision creating a lively and engaging conversation between a 'famous' emcee, and myself, the protagonist of “Luna". The set will be designed to resemble a talk show set, complete with bright lights and cozy chairs, to set the stage for a fun and insightful discussion. Luna will join as a guest on the show, allowing us to delve deep into the themes, characters, and filmmaking process of “Luna.” Through interactive dialogue, we’ll explore how the film challenges conventions, represents social issues, engages audiences, and overcomes production challenges. To enhance the experience, I’ll incorporate visual aids such as clips from the film, behind-the-scenes footage, and props to bring our conversation to life. I like this approach a lot because it fits in best with the representation of my film; let me explain more. As I've said before, the representation dives deep into the complexities of human emotions and thoughts, but not only that, specifically the resilience and strength inherent in woman as they confront adversity and strive for empowerment. This would work best since there would be a large audience of women who will be able to relate to the films overall story and message. The film would reach wide recognition, it would be streamed live, and women will be able to be influenced by such a powerful advocator, Luna. 

For the host show, I will buy glass mugs, and imprint the hosts' name, "Vicky." To add a little humor, I may even glue Lunas face on a mug. 

The host show would look somewhat similar to this, but the screen would be way smaller since I'd probably record this in an office or somewhere in a house (Anything closest looking to these photos). 

Approach 2: Dynamic Presentation

In addition to the interactive host show, I’ll also create a dynamic presentation to provide a more structured analysis of the creative critical reflections of “Luna.” The presentation will feature visually appealing slides that highlight key moments from the film, along with voiceover narration to provide insights and analysis. Each slide will address specific reflection questions, such as how the film challenges conventions, represents social groups, engages audiences, and integrates technology. To make the presentation engaging and informative, I’ll incorporate multimedia elements such as video clips, animations, and images, along with personal anecdotes and reflections on the filmmaking process. Throughout the presentation I'll show the technology I used like microphones, cameras, tripods, etc. The presentation wouldn't be too long since I'm assuming the host show will take up more time than this, especially because the time limit is 10 minutes altogether. 

My plan, if it goes at a timely pace, is to make each approach a maximum of five minutes. I wanna split it evenly so everything flows through consistently, and nothing gets boring. By Sunday, I also plan to have a draft for both scripts written out. THIS Saturday we're FILMING!! 

ccr ideas

 Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

CCR

Today in class we wrote down many notes and tips on how to develop our CCR responses. One that I really enjoyed watching was one where a girl decided to produce a "hosting show," which though had just minor things wrong with it, was overall funny, engaging, but also proper in her way of speaking. Her setting was set up well, she seemed to use her dads office, where she set up mugs, a few plants, and a TV visible in the background. All these components reflect a host show, which was a unique idea she used to develop her CCR. 

I've already decided to split the questions into two per approach. It seems most logical and organized. As this week comes to an end, I'll be sure to have my ideas written out.

Here are my notes: