Filming Blog: Just when I thought things couldn't get worse

So Monday was a good filming day because I filmed a lot of footage. However, when I went to transfer my files to a flash drive, I was running into all sorts of problems. The videos were too large to send on an email, or I would have to save the videos to my files on my phone then transfer them on to the drive. Then my next problem would be that I run out of storage and the couple videos I got on the drive wouldn't play so there was no way for me to edit.  Basically, all the footage I filmed couldn't be used. Our next filming day was on Wednesday. We filmed the scene of him being in the back of the ambulance and that worked out great. We got all the shots we needed in record time too. Moving the equipment was definitely difficult but we got it done. The next time we were supposed to film was today. But of course, the universe was against me.
So we were set to film after school today and we're on a timed schedule, to begin with, because I had an award ceremony to attend. This meant that I had to be back at the school by 6 p.m. So we first had to run errands, such as getting some props and waiting for one of our actors to reach our first location, the hospital. Then once we finished running our errands, we were on our way to the hospital when a car in front of us swerved into our lane and ran into the side of our car. None of us were injured but the back of the car was pulled off when the person kept driving on the side of the car, so we had to wait till the police showed up. Once they showed up we had to call the insurance company and discuss who was gonna pay for the damages. Once that was figured out it was time for me to leave, which meant the car we were going to use is now totaled and I got no filming done today. I would film over the weekend but I will be out of town. So my plan to edit my film a bit more in terms of the plot.

This is the state of the car.

Filming blog: The pressure is on

From my last blog, things got a little hectic. So while talking to Jeffrey he explained that with his schedule he would not be able to help me with the project, this meant that I was stuck stranded. I had to find a new lead actor and actress, change up a couple things in the movie, and change up my schedule. The biggest issue was the schedule. Once I found new people to play my parts, we had to come up with a schedule together. The lead male actor has practice and work, while the female lead had work. I also realized how jam-packed my schedule was, I had work during the week, an awards ceremony, and I will be going to Orlando, Florida for my State competition for Debate. We all got together to discuss our schedule and we said we would film Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I won't lie at the moment I am feeling a bit overwhelmed because of how much I have to do in such little time, but I have faith.
The good thing is, we are sticking to the schedule so far. After we got out of school, I shot the last couple of scenes in my film after we got out of school. Since my storyboard was not up to date on the new changes made, it was a little difficult to film. However, we got it done. It was super fun to film though. Since all of us are friends, the atmosphere was really light and fun. We definitely laughed a lot and had to take many shots, but I think we got some good footage. I remember the lead female actresses, messing up the scene and then saying "How to real actors do this without laughing so much"  We shot the movie on a phone, and the quality was better. Because we didn't use the actual camera, I put the footage on a flash drive, and I have to dump it on the computer I am going to edit on. As of right now, I am on track with my new schedule and I hope this works out for the rest of the week.

My lead male and female actor/actress smiling at finishing the first day of shooting 

Filming and editing: A Rocky Start

So from my last blog, you heard me talk about how excited I was to start filming. Funny story actually, I am behind on my project. Now before you think I'm lazy, it technically wasn't my fault. So one thing to know about me is that my immune system is very weak if there is a chance for me to get sick, I will. It just so happens that I got sick again, however, this wasn't the normal cold that I was used to. I ended up in the emergency on the 12th of February. The Doctor said I tested positive for the flu. I must admit it was not my finest moment, I ended up being admitted for 3 days. It sucked having to spend Valentine's Day in the hospital. Anyways because I was in the hospital for those days, I was not able to start my storyboarding process which put me behind. I came back to school on the 18th and immediately went to work.
I just finished my storyboard today so I checked out my camera equipment. As I was checking out the camera I realized that I didn't really know what to do because in the group I didn't really handle the equipment. Now that I am by myself I am learning the process as I go. To help refresh my memory,  I went back to my first couple of blogs. The ones where we were learning how the camera works and how to use the tripod. I was supposed to start filming my first scene today but it was raining most of the evening, so I stayed inside. I did put my camera on the charger though that way I shouldn't have a battery issue during filming. Over the next couple of days, I will be filming nonstop so I have plenty of time for editing and reshoots.

This is me finally having my equipment so I can start filming 

Planning: Storyboard of a lifetime

 Doing the storyboard was definitely a challenge. Even though I am now working by myself, Jeffrey still helped me out. Since I knew the script the most, I filled in the writing part of the script and drew a couple pictures. Jeffrey drew the last couple of photos. Now I do have a secret, I didn't draw all of the photos myself. I took the story board home and while I wrote the story line, my sister aided in drawing the pictures. I'm sure you could tell the drawings were done by three different people. Even though I am by myself I felt as though I wasn't overwhelmed. I had help to help make the work easier. Now that my planning is done, I can finally start filming.

Planning Script: Location,Participants,Health, and Schedule

Writing this took a little bit of work. To help me put things into perspective, the first thing I did was write everything down on paper. Once I did that all I had to do was transfer information. There are still a few kinks to figure out though. For example, for the location aspect, we still have to ask the hospital we will be filming at if it's okay to film at the entrance. Getting the actors and actresses was also a challenge. It took a while for people to respond about being in the video so it was once of the first things that I completed. The health aspect was easy to complete and I made to go into detail about safety because I wouldn't want anything happening while filming. The planning process that we have completed gives me deeper access to directors and the work that has to be done to put on a film. This is a fun project though, and I am excited to storyboard and film.

Planning: The Shooting Script

Writing this script was pretty as well easy. Once the sound script was written it was easy to just fill in on the shooting script. It felt a lot better filling in this script because we were really able to go into detail.  Just like the sound script the challenging part of this was making sure we think of all the possible things that would be heard and seen in the film. We followed the same method we did for the sound script. We decided to split the work up among us. The both of us worked together to come up with what was going to be happening in each scene. One of us wrote the script down on paper while the other one wrote the script into the google slides. It was sad when we found out that one of use was not going to be able to continue working on this project. Jeffrey had to take a step back from the class, however, he said he would still be willing to help.

Planning: The Sound and Dialogue Script

Writing this script was pretty easy. Working with each other was easy because we were able to bounce ideas off of each other and make an idea better. We both agree this has been the best part of this process so far. It was a little weird having to just write the sounds and dialogue, instead of just the regular script. The challenging part of this was making sure we think of all the possible sounds that would be heard in the film, but we go it down for the most part. We decided to split the work up among us. The both of us worked together to come up with what was going to be happening in each scene. One of us wrote the script down on paper while the other one wrote the script into the google slides. A cool trick that our teacher taught us was how to embed our google slides into this blog so it would make it easier for us to transfer information.  We can't wait to write the shooting script next.

Title Research: Wild at Heart (artofthetitle.com)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There are 26 titles during the opening sequence of the film.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The image of match progressively burning until the flames consume the screen ultimately make up the foundation of the opening sequence.

What connotations do the images carry?
The burning fire carries a connotation of danger and destruction. A fire begins small but eventually grows larger and larger as it consumes more. A fire can only thrive through the destruction of others as that is its nature. This image is ultimately conflicts with the music in the background. The songs orchestra reflects feelings of serenity, providing the audience a sense of security. The coexistence of these two elements in conjunction with the title of the film, Wild at Heart, implies a love that is ultimately chaotic in nature, potentially resulting in the demise of both parties involved in this relationship.

How does the film establish an enigma from the offset?
As stated previously, the nature of a fire ultimately contradicts the nature of the music playing in the background. The fire is a force that lives off the demise of others, yet at the same time is capable of providing life to others at the same time. For example, the ashes of a burnt forest, enriches the soil, allowing for the growth of more trees. This may be a stretch, but in a sense the music exemplifies the contradictions of the fire has within itself.


What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to the target audience?
Wild at Heart is actually a film adaption of the novel. It would be safe to assume that the producers would target those that may have read the book or perhaps may have just heard of it. The name of the author is highlighted within the first few seconds of the title sequences, which would be familiar to those that have read the book.

How has technology been used effectively?
The editors used software to insert the titles within the sequences, fading them into the screen then fading them out into the next title. They also used a graphic match to shift from the lighting of the match to a large, consuming fire. They also dissolve the image of the fire  into the opening scene, allowing for an overall smooth transition.

Title Research: Romancing The Stone (artofthetitle.com)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There are 4 titles within the opening sequence of the film.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The image of the film’s title art is prioritized in the opening as nothing else is present except for a dark  screen.

What connotations do the images carry?
The lack of anything besides the art places a major emphasis on the art itself. The briefness of the title sequence implies that the director is not trying to give too much away and is trying to cut the chase as soon possible. The vibrant colors and the dynamic font of ‘Romancing The Stone” complimented by the dramatic score that follows establishes a sense of drama and adventure to title, potentially foreshadowing what is to come as the film progresses, The limited titled sequence also gives the audience much to speculate on, allowing their imagination to rn 

How does the film establish an enigma from the offset?
The film revolves around the idea of romance however, the title sequence gives of a vibe that can be associated with that of action films.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to the target audience?
The eerie beginning to the score of the opening sequence creates a sense of suspense. This aims to play upon the emotions of the audience causing them to slowly anticipate what is to come next.

How has technology been used effectively?
The editor used editing software to align the score with what is present on the screen. The music remains low as the name of director and studio fade in and fade out in white. The score then begins to crescendo until the title of film in appears in vibrant, bold colors. The editors also used a graphic match to transition from a black screen to a man kicking open a door.