CCR's
Here are my official CCR's, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for taking the time to watch!!
CCR #1 (Host Show):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfDYAxoB1xw
CCR #2 (Autocomplete Interview):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0o2BGQ0sbI
CCR's
Here are my official CCR's, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for taking the time to watch!!
CCR #1 (Host Show):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfDYAxoB1xw
CCR #2 (Autocomplete Interview):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0o2BGQ0sbI
Reflection
We have officially reached the end of this insane project..whaaaaaaaaaaaat
It's unbelievable. I have learned a lot about myself and my talents from this great learning experience. I've been challenged from the beginning, from needing to use imagination to come up with a plot, to carrying out my ideas and fixing problems when they didn't go as planned. I did a decent job of organizing myself since I stuck to the timetable I set for myself at the beginning and we even managed to go ahead of schedule at times.
One of the highlights of the year was undoubtedly being able to use the information I learned during the projects on my own initiative. For example, I would shoot from perspectives and viewpoints that I felt would best explain my story, then I would edit to convey meaning. The mis-en-scene, however, was probably my favorite aspect by far. Having the freedom to dress and design my characters in ways that improve the narrative piqued my curiosity, and I started to pay close attention to the details involved in each choice. Ranging from makeup, clothing, hair, and way more. Just like the big blue watch we used which tied to the story really well.
Additionally, I'm rather pleased of all my partners and I's abilities to communicate and solve problems. We were honest with one other about our thoughts and beliefs, eager to listen to one another, and unafraid to express disagreement. Naturally, issues came up, but we all remained composed and cooperated to find a solution. We brainstormed together to come up with a solution when we discovered we made a mistake while shooting.
This endeavor also forced me to reconsider my boundaries. I didn't think I was particularly good at editing in any capacity until I was in charge of the sound for the opening. It took me some time to get the hang of it, but when I did, I felt certain that I had completed the task and that I was averagely competent at it. I will definitely keep this in mind for future assignments. Not only did I surpass my own expectations in this regard, but I also believe that the magnitude of the project made me question my capacity to complete it; yet, I'm happy to see that, hopefully, our efforts paid off.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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 -->
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.
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.
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.
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.
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's Here are my official CCR's, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for taking the time to watch!! CCR #1 (Host Show): https://www.you...