Brainstorming Continues

Hi, so my group and I have had time to regroup, and we were able to think of a few new ideas. This came as a relief to me because I was sort of freaking out since I could not think of anything. I think the pressure of thinking of a great idea and not falling behind in the schedule is what is getting to me. But anyway thankfully we were able to think of something.

So our first idea was actually inspired by the way my parents met. The scene would open with a montage of a group of girls having fun at the beach, and the atmosphere would sunset. My vision of this opening is sort of like in movies where people are running in the water and splashing each other while laughing and the lighting is dim; giving it a nostalgic/feel-good mood. When Chloe, the main character turns around though, the majority of her friends are not there any longer, except her friend Sarah. I know what your thinking, this came out of nowhere. But i hope that through the specifc shots and editing, I could make it seem as though time passed and Chloe and Sarah lost sight of the other friends and lost them. Maybe I could even include a short shot of the other girls walking off to get something and allow the audience to assume that they could not find their way back. 

Thee image below is essentially the lighting we are hoping to be in when we start filming. I realize that this may be difficult to get multiple shots of as the time frame of the sun setting is so short. I go this picture from a website here.

Clearly, this would cause a shift in the mood of the film. The lighting is now darker, leaning towards nighttime and the girls have no way home and no cell phone. I would make sure to not make the station too drastic, so to not fall into a thriller/horror category. I would do this by making the girls seem annoyed and a little worried, but not to the point of being scared since this is still a romantic comedy. 

Luckily, Sarah sees a group of people in the distance and recognizes one of them. This causes her to run towards them and Chloe is completely confused as to where they are going. I hope that by showing these small aspects of Chloe's personality, I could subtly develop character. The audience would be able to tell that while Sarah is headstrong, Chloe is more of a follower. The point of this is to hint at the film developing a plot in which Chloe comes out of her shell and becomes a leader herself. 

When they get to the group of people, Sarah immediately begins speaking with the person she recognizes, hoping to get a ride home from the beach and resolve their situation. However, Chloe expresses her worry for being around people he does not know. This is interrupted by the male lead. He does this by grabbing the hat off her head and putting it on himself. When Chloe realizes that a complete stranger just removed her hat she is very confused. Noah, the male lead, then says a corny line along the lines of 'Your eyes are too pretty to be covering them'. Chloe then makes an annoyed expression and is clearly unimpressed by his cliche compliment. 

This is most of what my group has put together, after using my own parents' story and twisting some parts a bit. Our hope is to show the girls getting a ride home, and then that the two leads meet again two weeks later at a party. My vision is to have the opening end abruptly as Chloe opens the door for him and their two eyes meet again. I realize that we might be adding too many clips for such a short time frame. This is one of the biggest issues I am worried about if we continue with this idea. Another part that I dislike is sort of how there was no approach at the beginning. I felt as though we did not get a chance to establish character at all. I mean we could try to establish the setting of the beach through shots along with the montage, but I just feel like the meeting of the two characters was rather quick. 

So, my group and I hope to discuss this idea more and maybe change a few things so we feel more confident about it. After all, the last thing we want is to spend weeks on something that we don't truly have our hearts set on. Also, we are going to a group meeting soon in which we could get the feedback from fellow students. I am confident that that experience would help us greatly and inspire us to change a few things for the better. I will be posting another blog specifically dedicated to that group meeting, so stay tuned. Other than that, this beach scene was the first idea we came up with, and I will be going into my second idea in another blog. 

Enemies to Lovers film opening

 Hi, so now that I have backtracked my plan/idea, I was thinking that the best way to think of a new one was to get inspiration from a film that is using the same trope as I am. So, that is why I have decided to take a look at the film: The Hating Game. This film is a perfect example of enemies to lovers. The two characters are executive assistants of the co-directors of their company and have completely different personalities. This was shown through mise-en-scène elements, such as the female lead's side of the office having bright colors and her red lipstick. While the male's side of the office is completely monotone and void of color. This stark contrast was made apparent the second the film started and the characters were on camera. My group and I were looking to do a similar approach in our previous beach idea in which we established that the two characters were opposites through their clothing and dialogue. However, looking back at my past idea's outline, there was not enough of a stark contrast. This is yet again another reason why my group and I have decided to revise our outline. In this next brainstorming process with my group, I am going to show them how well The Hating Game created such contrast between the character's personas, and let them know that it is something I would like to do as well in our film opening. 

The opening also included very tight close-ups of the character's features such as eyes, hands, and their small movements. They did this because as soon as the female lead would do something, the male lead sitting across from her would mimic her movements. These actions, paired with the expression on the female lead's face make it clear to the audience from the very beginning that she does not like him. This is assumed as most people do not enjoy when others copy their every move, and for him to do that means that he must enjoy getting on her nerves. Unlike my outline, which involved the male lead acting rude to the female, this film needs no dialogue between the two characters- the conflict between them is inferred. I feel like this is a more professional approach to establishing conflict. However, for me to alter my idea and go a similar route to that of The Hating Game, I would have to establish to the audience that the two characters already know each other. In my original outline, my character had just met. But as I know that I struggled in writing dialogue, a simpler way might be to skip over the part of the meeting and jump into the part of them not liking each other. I will talk about this with my group and get their opinion on the matter. I know that my group does not want to scratch out the original idea completely, but I personally think we should start fresh since I see the beach idea going nowhere. 

Another thing that this film's opening incorporated was sounds such as music and voiceovers. I particularly enjoyed the music because I felt like the beat of it matched that of the conflicting shots between the two characters. The voiceover was also interesting as it gave context to the very different people present in that office building. Since the voiceover was from the perspective of the female lead, the audience was able to get a sense of who she was and her personality. In a way, not only did this film's opening establish a conflict between the two leads, but the character as well through the way that she spoke of her dislike towards some of the people from the company. This made me realize how completely looked over sound when brainstorming. I feel like adding a song would be a great way to make it a little light-hearted or silly, as it is a romantic comedy. This is another thing I would like to bring forward to my group when we see each other again, as we could essentially plan a scene surrounding a song that would convey what we would like to show. 

Lastly, the quality of the film opening was amazing. In each close-up of the characters' faces, I felt as though I was seeing them in real life instead of through the scene. I know that we are not judged on camera quality during our film opening, but I truly believe that it plays a factor in how it turns out in the end. If the video is poor quality, it may take away from what I want my audience to focus on. This is why I have been researching some high-quality cameras that are not too expensive. The camera below is one I found on Amazon, and is currently the one I am thinking of purchasing.

Scrpit Writing

 Okay, so I have basically just used my outline to write the script. I have never written a script before, or seen what one looks like. So, I searched for some sample scripts and found some that are pretty straightforward to follow the format. The image below was the formatting that I used when writing the script. I found this on a website online here.

To be honest, when I started writing the script I cringed at the dialogue. For instance, there were some scenes that I feel like no one my age would realistically say with a straight face. I think that is a sign that I should change some things. I know I have to keep in mind that part of a rom-com is that cliché/cringy aspect, but I just am not sure if I am happy with how my script turned out. Furthermore, when I showed my group members, they were on the same page as me. We are planning on just scratching our outline and starting over fresh since the one we have right now is not working out. This is a little frustrating, but I think I just have to be confident and organize myself well so we get a lot done next week when we regroup. I am planning on researching more scriptwriting since my first attempt made me realize that I am not the best at writing dialogue that is realistic. Hopefully, when I start researching, I can practice more and be able to develop a well-written script for the new outline we have in mind. I also think I am going to watch a couple rom-coms over the weekend to get my creative juices flowing and think of a new outline for our film opening. Anyway, I attached by first attempt at the script below. Remember it is not the best as it was my first try, and we are not using it. (I could not emphasize this enough)

Beginning of the brainstorming...

 Hi, so I know I have mostly been posting my research and my thought processes of what I want to use/do not want to use. But today I actually have an outline to show you. Last week I was unable to meet with my group members as they were absent. This is mainly why I was posting so much research. However now that we got together I feel like we made a lot of progress. 

I am sure the planning document I provided below makes little sense, as we just wrote down whatever was at the top of our heads. So, I will explain it to you so you can better see our vision. We are still unsure of how the film will start concerning the credits, so for now I will skip over that. The first official scene we were thinking of using some establishing shots of the beach to make it obvious where they are. We would have a medium shot of two girls sitting by the shore: one tanning and another one reading a book. After a few sounds of birds chirping, we would include dialogue between the two girls. We have chosen our lead actors already, and luckily they seem excited to do it. So I will refer to my female lead as Chloe. We wanted the film to start off with Chloe being upset due to a past break-up. We chose this because we had a hard time deciding what the conflict of the movie would be. So, we thought we should give her a conflict that happened prior to the time of the movie to make it simpler for us to film. So, the shot of the two girls' dialogue would mention how Chloe is feeling following the few months she has had on her own. Chloe is going to be an uptight girl and secluded, because of her lack of trust following her last relationship. Her friend, on the other hand, we were thinking should be more carefree, and the crazier version of the two. We hope to not only do this through their dialogue/actions but also from the get-go with mise-en-scène. For instance, Chloe would wear simple, bland colors, while her friend is more abstract and fun.

We thought we would introduce the male lead by having him accidentally throw a football at her. Clearly, we are trying to add some of the comedy within our opening to truly make it a rom-com. After the ball is thrown at her, Chloe is made to be completely surprised through a series of close-ups. An over-the-shoulder shot of Chloe's body will reveal the shadow of the boy standing over her, holding out his hand. When Chloe opens her eyes to see who stands before her with their hand stretched out, I would like to include close-up shots of both character's initial reactions to meeting each other. A slight pause between the two of them is all I want to include to hint to the audience that they find each other interesting. But only SLIGHTLY so as to not make it painfully obvious from the beginning. Chloe will then get up and begin arguing with the boy, who for now we will call Justin. I think them arguing so early in the film will make it clear to the audience that this is an enemy-to-lovers type of film. 

Just like we will use mise-en-scène for Chloe, we will do the same with Justin. We were thinking of showing him in a reckless light by having him have messy hair, and wear black/dark-colored swim trunks. In addition, when Chloe yells at him for hitting her with the ball, Justin makes a snarky comment to establish that he is unsympathetic and rude. When Justin begins to walk away, Chloe's friend will make a comment about how he is attractive, and Chloe will deny it instantly. This is to further the perception that she is closed off from wanting to meet other people. However, a close-up shot of Chloe looking back to see Justin walking away will reveal that she agrees with her friend that he is attractive. 

The following scenes will show that time has passed and now Chloe and her friend are leaving. As they are exiting the beach, Justin and his friends stop them and ask them if they want to go to a party their friends are having. While Chloe's friend is elated by the possibility of going to a party, Chloe immediately disses the idea and says she will wait for her in the car. As she is walking away, a medium shot/countershot of Justin looking at Chloe shows him having a curious expression. Then a shot of Chloe entering the car passenger door will reveal Justin's hand coming above Chloe's shoulders as he slams the door shut. This aggressive and unexpected act will be enhanced through the sound when editing. I think this is where I want to include the title as it is the most dramatic part yet. I don't plan on ending the film there with the title, that is just what my group and I have thought of so far. 

Keep in mind that this outline is not set in stone, and we might change our minds and go a completely different route as this is a fresh idea. But, so far I like it because it has a teenage feel to it, which is something that caters to people of my age, and so easier for me to film.

Rom-Com Script Writing Research

 Hi, so I thought that the best way to continue my research is by researching scripts, and the most important parts of them. I started off by looking through a website that described the 5 step recipe for writing a rom-com. 

One aspect the website mentioned from the get-go was chemistry. I agree that this is something I have to strive to recreate within my film opening, because if the audience can not tell that the two characters are love interests, then it won't be a rom-com. I wanted to take my research further by seeing an example of the chemistry captured on camera. So, I have decided to look back at the film, The Wedding Planner. When Steve saves Mary from the trashcan, he is shown falling on top of her. The shot of them on the floor together establishes intimacy as well as chemistry. The close-up shots of their faces staring at one another also show the audience that there is a spark between the characters. The audience can clearly tell that they find each other attractive. This unspoken chemistry is something I would like to incorporate in the scene where my two stars meet. However, my goal is to make it subtle, so to not make it seem too cliche or corny. I want the film opening to be realistic in a way, so avoiding the over-the-top love at first sight is something I want to do.

This is a clip of when Steve saved Mary and they met for the first time. I found this clip on YouTube.

In addition, my group members and I are looking to establish a sort of opposites attract within our film opening. We were thinking of using mise-en-scene elements such as clothing to establish the female lead as up-tight and reclusive, while the male lead would be established as reckless and unapproachable. We hope these contrasting elements will make it obvious to the audience that the trope for our specific film is enemies to lovers in a way. On the chemistry matter, we would still like to have their first interaction to establish that they find each other attractive, but not necessarily like each other yet. One prime example of our take on the initial chemistry is the film The Ugly Truth. When the two characters meet, the male lead, Mike, makes it apparent from the start that he finds Abby attractive. This was done through his blatant facial expressions of interest. However, the dialogue between the characters makes it obvious to the audience that the two do not get along. This is similar to the approach we would like to make within our script. Establishing interest through eye contact and small glances, but using dialogue to create a conflict between them. I believe this is the best approach given that our actors are not professionals and so, pretending to be in love at first glance might be too difficult for them.

This is a clip of the two characters arguing, but it is clear that Mike is interested in Abby. I found it on YouTube.

Portfolio: Analyzing Credits in Fim Openings

Hi, I'm back. I felt that I since I am creating a film opening, it is imperative for me to start researching opening credits. Therefore, I have decided to analyze the opening credits to How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.

The editing of the credits, as well as the title placed onto the Composure magazine, is not only very well-done but visually appealing. I think this form of credits catches the viewers' interest from the get-go and is a great start to the comedic aspects of the movie. Also, the use of the girly magazine headlines hints to the audience that the plot will have something to do with the magazine. This is indeed the case, as the female lead pursues the male lead because she is writing a specific expose on him. I also think that this opening scene creates a 2000s vibe, fitting with the time release of the film. Although these credits are very cool and would look great for my opening, I am new to editing, so I am not too confident about creating such a scene. However, I do think researching these types of credits is helpful as it lets me keep my options open and explore new things. I just might want to focus on something I am confident about making as this is such an important project.

The opening credits are seen here (found on YouTube):

Another film opening I thought was very well done was the one from the film, The Wedding Planner. Similar to How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, it takes place in the 2000s, so to someone today, it is seen as a classic. The credits for this scene were done in a pretty blue, cursive font. I think the purpose of the cursive choice was to make it appear almost princess like/elegant. I came to this conclusion once I saw the shots of the girl preparing the dolls to get married. It gave a sense of a fairy tale wedding, and the various props and costumes the dolls had on leads me to assume that a wedding is something the young girl dreams of. This is something that is further proved when a shot of the young girl depicts her wearing her own tiny veil while finishing the pronouncement of her dolls. This implies that she sees herself having the perfect wedding in the future. I think that I am leaning toward this form of integrating credits instead of one that requires lots of editing like in the sample I had showed earlier. I feel like it does the job equally, if not better by introducing the main character's hopes and dreams-which links to how it plays an important part in the plot of the story. I also feel like it goes along perfectly with the title The Wedding Planner, since the background clips of her setting the dolls up literally show her planning a wedding. I would like to recreate something similar- having all aspects from the font, color, and shot in the background all link to the title and plot of the film. I look forward to telling my group members how promising these types of opening credits are and how we should start planning our plot so we could match it with the credits.

The clip of the opening credits is seen below. This was found on YouTube.

The last opening scene I want to tell you about is from the film Love, Rosie. Unfortunately, I am unable to insert a link/clip as it is unavailable anywhere. Despite this, I would still like to discuss why I enjoyed this film opening so much. For one, the film starts with a shot of the main character placed in the right third part of the scene, where she is seen with her hair messy and displays an unhappy expression. This itself generates intrigue in the viewer as to why she looks upset. The setting, although not in focus, is clearly either a wedding/party, so one can assume that something occurred at the party that made her upset. The sharp focus on the character and low focus on the area around her give the shot ample space to add the credits beside her. These credits, unlike those in The Wedding Planner, are simple white letters. I think the purpose of this was to draw the audience's attention to the character and not the credits. This would be a great concept to use for my own project if I was thinking of doing a scene where the character is the priority, so the credits do not have to be special. I am also planning on using the composition of the scene as well, by placing my credits on one side of the screen while my character is on the other. Furthermore, I realize that this opening scene is not as telling and interesting as the other two I mentioned, but I really like the simplicity of it as it creates curiosity and interest within the audience. Not to mention that the following shots are full of action and movement, so clearly a simple beginning was used to contrast the next clips shown. This technique is yet again, something I want to bring up with my group. I think the use of contrast was engaging, and I would like to create something similar. For instance, I was thinking of presenting my character as having a rigid personality, but further along my opening, I want to introduce the male lead and create a contrast in the mood between the two clips. This is unlike Love, Rosie, as the film starts with a clip in the future and shifts to a clip of the past so to show how she got to that point, but similar in the way of creating contrast between the very first shot and the shots that follow.

Blogging Schedule

 Hi, so right now I am organizing my schedule for when I am to be posting my blogs. My goal is that this way I am more organized and motivated. These dates are not set in stone, as there may be unforeseen circumstances, or I might post more than the 3 I have chosen a week. But anyway, this is my general schedule for now.

- February 13, 2024

- February 15, 2024

- February 16, 2024

- February 17, 2024

- February 20, 2024

- February 21, 2024

- February 22, 2024

- February 26, 2024

- February 28, 2024

- February 29, 2024

- March 5, 2024

- March 6, 2024

- March 7, 2024

- March 12, 2024

- March 13, 2024

- March 14, 2024

- March 18, 2024

- March 20, 2024

- March 21, 2024

- March 25, 2024

- March 26, 2024

- March 27, 2024

- April 1, 2024

- April 2, 2024