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: