Production and Editing Schedule for this Week !

Hey y'all it's Soph! This blog is a quick update on what my plan is for the week!

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE!

1. Film Scene 2 on Monday, start editing once completed

2. Tuesday-Wednesday: Continue editing, finish by Wednesday

*Do research on how to have color and black and white coexist (I'm planning to have Val in color, while Valarie's reality, and her with it, are in black and white)

3. Polish opening and finish by Thursday! Start CCR!

Producton + Editing Pt. 1

 Hey y'all it's Soph!

I wanted to share how my production and editing process has been going so far! As of right now, I have only filmed and edited the first section of the opening, and I plan on recording the second part Monday. 

Production! 

    Filming, to my surprise, when as smooth as it possibly could! It especially helped to have Shania and Nicole give me advice on how to film the scene, and what they as actors wanted to add to the script to make the relationship between Val and Valarie more realistic. 

  Along with the smooth process that came with the first day of filming, I was able to incorporate different shots that illustrated the close dynamic that the two characters have. 

I decided to go with a long shot in the beginning of the opening, specifically showing Val and Valarie together because I wanted to illustrate two things: (1) I wanted to show their difference in personalities, with Val laying on the grass, it demonstrates that she's carefree and a happy spirit. Next to her is Valarie, who unlike Val, is leaning on a tree, further inferring that she keeps to herself, and represents the shyer half of their friendship. (2) I wanted to use this shot as a visual introduction to the characters, as well as the setting. 

 

Many of the shots directed towards Val are over the shoulder or close up, and the reason for this was because this memory is mainly from Valarie's perspective, so most of Val's reactions and moments on screen are meant to allude to her being apart of Valarie's dream. 

Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro

While I was careful in choosing the shots I wanted to include in the opening, my main focus was on how the shots would look artistically. My main goal was to make the scene look as fictional and dream-like as possible. Therefore, I decided I wanted the scene to have warm-toned colors: orange, red, yellow, etc. By having warm colors, it allowed me to illustrate that this was a simpler and happier time for Valarie, as well as that this specific scene is a past memory of Valarie's that eventually turns into a nightmare. As a bonus, I thought the warm colors would compliment the setting, and costuming of the characters, specifically Val. 

A side by side comparison of the original shot and the edited version. While it is difficult to see in the photo, I also added the "Fast Blur" effect on Premiere that further adds to making the scene look like a dream/memory. 

These are the settings I used for the "Fast Blur" effect (right image) . Before punching in the numbers, I pressed the square that is under the "Fast Blur" title in order to create a specific spot in which I wanted it to be clear, and where I wanted the blur to occur (left image). In order to find "Fast Blur", press the "Effect" tab located in the top bar, and type "Fast Blur" in the search bar. The effect can also be found in the "Obsolete" folder under "Video Effects"

SETTINGS FOR FAST BLUR: 

Mask Feather: 1654%

Mask Opacity: 86%

Bluriness: 89% (can be adjusted if needed, but I used this as a starting point for each clip)

The settings I used to change the color of each clip. This can be found under the "Color" tab in Premiere Pro. 

SETTINGS FOR COLOR

Temperature: 22.1

Exposure: -0.8

Saturation: 124.2 

OPTIONAL (I only did this for clips that needed extra warmth) 

Shadow Tint: Orange

Tint Balance: -55.8

Black and White

When Valarie is waking up from the dream, I wanted to visually demonstrate her happiness also being stripped away, as well as her leaving her dream and entering reality, therefore I used the "Color Balance (HLS)" effect, which slowly decreases the saturation until it is black and white. Below are photos that document the de-coloring process.  

       COLOR BALANCE (HLS) SETTINGS

                                                                                

       Saturation: -36.3 ---- -40

-Press the blue timer so that the decrease of color can start and appear on screen

-Starting at -40, I decided to decrease each clip by the 40's, until it was black and white

Music

    Towards the end of the first section, I decided to add horror/sad music in order to demonstrate Valarie's dream turning into a nightmare, as well as her fear of losing Val. The musical track I used is called Apocalypse, and I found it on Chosic. Along with the music, I decided to have echoes of Val's laugh playing in the background, symbolizing the end of the dream, as well as Valarie missing Val's presence. Plus, I thought the laughs would add an eeriness to the dream. In order to make the laughs sound creepy and unpleasant, I used the "Analog Delay" effect. 

TEXT

I decided that for the credit text, I wanted it to be serious and eerie, but also represent something about the characters. I decided to use the "Film Present" text, and specifically make it red because of Val's bandana. i have not decided what text the title will be in, but I want it to be slightly different from the regular credits.  

Changing the Script...Again!

 Hey y'all it's Soph!

Good news! I was able to film the first part of my opening this spring break. Although, once I finished and began to edit (will be discussed in next block post ;)), I realized that my script was too long, and so I had to make some changes. 

For example, in the original script had a moment in which Val was trying to convince Valarie to show her what was inside her journal, and she used bribery as a form of persuasion. The entire scene was shot and edited, but once I finished it and put the other clips together, I was running out of time, which left me little room to fit the second scene. Therefore, I cut out the entire scene, and skipped to the section of the script in which Val brings up Valarie's crush, Josh. I was a little upset that I had to cut that scene out because I thought Nicole and Shania provided a heartwarming performance, but I realized that the specific part wasn't necessary for the overall sense of mystery and engagement I was trying to create.

This is the scene filmed (and somewhat edited) before it was cut from the opening

Along with this cut, I decided to rewrite the ENTIRE second scene. The main reason for this was due to time, but this forced change also allowed me to realize that I can illustrate Val's grief visually, rather than demonstrating it vaguely through dialogue. My original idea for the second scene was that Val was aware of Valarie's imaginative presence, but instead I decided that it would be more entertaining and interesting if Val was unaware of how serious her sadness was, and so when she sees Valarie reappear, it's a surprise rather than a reoccurring event. 

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e720c18a-85c5-463c-8376-5a745e62d3cb

- Linked is the full script, including the cut bribery scene :)

Spring Break Schedule!

 Hey y'all it's Soph!

I created a group chat with Nicole and Shania to discuss a filming schedule! We decided to film Thursday and Friday, since those are the only days Nicole is available. I am then going to take the weekend, along with the extra time I have between Thursday and Friday to begin editing. Throughout this week, I will be deciding the font I want to use for the title, along with other editing techniques! I'll keep y'all updated with behind the scenes pics and vids! 

FULL SCHEDULE (PRODUCTION)

THURSDAY: FILM (Outside field)

FRIDAY: FILM (House)

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: EDIT

Casting + Script Updates

 Hey y'all it's Soph!

    This week, I'm taking advantage of my spring break to film the opening and hopefully edit it. As of right now, I asked two people I know from the Drama Club to be a part of my opening, and they said yes! Their names are Shania and Nicole, and I decided to go with them because I felt that their personalities fit the descriptions of Valarie and Val, and they also have great chemistry together. Now that I have a cast, I also wanted to make small changes to the script, specifically changes that allow their chemistry to take the wheel and drive these characters. 

I decided to make it more clear that Val is a coping mechanism/memory in the second scene. I took out the use of "we" when Val references Valarie's current situation because I wanted to take away the original concept that Val was a part of her conscience. Instead, I want Valarie to treat Val as if she is actually there, and forget that she had passed. By showing this dynamic, it would create a sense of mystery for the audience, and allow them to wonder what happened to Val and whether she is truly real. I will hint with visuals throughout the opening that she has passed, but it will be extremely specific, so it will be more of a game for the audience. 

Group Meeting Pt 2!

 Hey y'all it's Soph! Today's post is a little short than usual, I just wanted to summarize the main points of the group meeting :)

Last class, I was able to meet in a group with some of my classmates to discuss our project and how it was going. I was able to get encouragement about my project, as well as discuss the new directions I planned to take with the characters/production process. It was reassuring to hear that many people were in the same position I am, and we were able to support each other as many of us were still behind in some stages of our projects. Along with the reassurance, I was also able to get advice on the different ways I can go about editing my opening, specifically from distinguishing reality from the dream. Luis told me it would be better if I filmed during the day, because it would be easier to manipulate the colors and distinguish the two settings rather than at night.  

Plan for This Week!

 Hey y'all it's Soph! 

Here is the plan for this week :)

1. Finish the storyboard!!!

2. Do research on certain editing techniques (mainly to differentiate Val from Valarie / depict dream sequence)

3. Start casting/finalize locations

4. Start planning a filming schedule for spring break and how I will document the process!

I also want to start looking for props that represent Val, specifically for the shot that is going to emphasize that she passed away. Once I finalize casting, I think I might ask the actress if she could bring personal belongings with her, that way she has a tie to the character. 

Storyboard....So Far!

 

Hey y'all it's Soph!

I decided when doing my storyboard, I would focus on the important moments throughout the opening, which includes the dream sequence, and the moment she wakes up. I'm still doing research on how I can film the second scene with Valarie and imaginary Val, but I will be completing that part of the storyboard this week. 

This is a portion of the dream sequence that illustrates dialogue between Valarie and Val. I wanted the shots to mainly demonstrate their relationship, and visually show how close they are. The close up shots used are meant to emphasize on their happiness and make the audience feel a part of their relationship. 

PSA: I am truly sorry for the TERRIBLE drawing skills

This is a rough draft of what the credits would look like. I thought that they should start appearing once Val goes missing, and the dream comes to an end, because it creates a sense of drama. It also establishes the fact that the story is about to begin, and that the dream acted as context for the characters. 

Since this storyboard is a draft, I'm still debating between some shots. I had an idea while drawing it that the entire dream would be shot as a POV, specifically from Valarie since it's her dream. However, I'm still on the fence about it because I feel like that will be too cheesy, and it may be difficult to recreate. 

First Draft!

    Hey y'all it's Soph!

I finally finished the first draft of my script! I did change a few things about the characters, and the story behind their relationship, which is what I will go over in today's blog. 

What Was Changed?

Originally, I mentioned in a past blog how I wanted "Val" to be somebody that Valarie truly embodied, almost like a hidden persona. However, I realized this would be difficult to achieve because I'm only given a limited amount of time in my opening, and I wanted to demonstrate the dynamic between Val and Valarie as clear as possible, so I decided to make Val an old and special friend to Valarie. While in the script I don't explicitly say what happened to Val, or why Valarie is dreaming about her, I decided I would portray those questions visually, rather than explicitly say it in the dialogue. The second scene in which Valarie wakes up from her sleep, I wanted to have shot that displays pictures of Val and Valarie together, as well as memorabilia that Valarie kept that belonged to Val. Through this shot, I want to make it clear that Val is dead, and this imaginary figure that Valarie created is her way of coping with her loss. This specific change was inspired by Wandavision, as Wanda creates an alternate, yet extremely similar version of Vision in order to cope with his loss. 

What Stayed the Same?

I decided to keep the dream sequence within the opening because I felt that it was the perfect way to establish Val and Valarie's relationship through Valarie's perspective. The dream reminds Valarie of a simpler and happier times with her friend, and when she wakes up from the dream, it represents how much she misses her. This will further be illustrated through color scheme, as the present will be in neutral toned colors (or black and white, I haven't decided) and the dream to be more saturated and bright.  I also decided to keep the names Valarie and Val for the characters, because I thought it would make their connection seem tighter if that small detail of having similar names stayed. 

Why is the Film Called Val?

I wanted this story to allude towards Valarie's journey in being comfortable with her grief, and how that will impact her present circumstances. The title, "Val", seemed to be a perfect fit because Valarie's view of the world and her surroundings is inspired by her friend, hence why Val has become Valarie's imaginary friend, or conscience. 

What's on the Agenda for This Week?

 Hey y'all its Soph!

I just wanted to outline exactly what I wanted to complete this week: 

-Finish the first draft of the script + make edits

-Storyboard the opening + research film techniques/editing ideas

-Come up with a title + design ideas 

-Create a production schedule + casting

    My main priority is to finish writing the script that way I have a clear idea of who the characters are and how they are going to act. Having a complete visualization of the characters will then allow me to be able to properly cast who can play each of the characters.  Once I am able to complete the script, I feel that I will be able to complete the rest of the tasks I listed since I will have a clear idea of what the plot is and what it will look like. 

Possible Location Choices + Where I Stand

 Hey y'all its Soph!

    I was thinking about the different areas I wanted to shoot my opening, and one of the main areas my mind seems to be set on is Town Center. The only limitation with this area is that we would have to wear masks, and the masks may be seen within the shots, but as I continued to think about it, I realized that it would make the opening seem more natural and relatable, since it will reflect the current situation that we as a society collectively live in. Besides Town Center, I was speaking to a friend of mine who is in my media class and he told me he was thinking of filming at Markham Park. While I wouldn't be using the exact spot that he had chosen for his opening, I was thinking that I could film in a different area of the park, such as the playground or a public trail. The reason I want to film in a public location is because I want to have Valarie and Val interact within a public space and with other characters, that way the audience can see how their relationship works within in a common setting. 

    I was originally thinking of filming the opening at my house, possibly in my room, but I was afraid that it would turn into a common opening about a teen girl getting ready, which I feel is pretty dull, so I'm trying to avoid my room as the final location spot. If I were to film near my house, it would probably be around my neighborhood, such as the playground area or the clubhouse parking lot, since it is somewhat public and natural. 

    As I am still deciding on a location, I am also working on the script, which has been challenging. I find myself constantly rewriting the plot and having trouble figuring out what exact situation is perfect enough to establish their relationship, while leaving a sense of wonder for the audience. 

I'll keep y'all updated! :)

Screenwriting Time!

 Before I began writing the script to my film opening, I wanted to do research on how screenwriters within the industry tackle creating a film opening, and what steps I can take to ensure my opening properly introduces the characters and establishes their relationship. 

Whiplash 

During summer break, I remember I stumbled upon a video that talked about the Whiplash script, and how its most important feature was its  structure. The video explained how the opening of this film immediately established the protagonist and the villain, thus foreshadowing their relationship for the rest of the movie. I learned that when writing a script, you have to convey introductory info, whether that be about the characters, or the problem that will later be resolved throughout the rest of the film. With my opening specifically, I want to focus on establishing the relationship between Valarie and Val. However, in order to properly convey their relationship to be one that takes place in the conscience, I have to put Valarie in a certain situation, allowing room for Val to react and provide necessary commentary that differentiates the conscience from reality. I was thinking of introducing a third character, perhaps an antagonist, but I haven't made up my mind just yet as I am still trying to create a scenario. 

Show Don't Tell 

    I tend to go down rabbit holes when exploring on Youtube, so as I was conducting research, I came across another video that talked about different ways to approach a film opening. One example from the video I found interesting was its analysis on the Batman franchise openings, specifically how they focus on visually presenting the problem and villain, rather than constantly re-introducing Batman. The reason for this was that the main character is already known, especially since his name is in the title of the films, so instead of highlighting a relationship between Batman and the new villain, the film first introduces the problem that Batman will have to eventually face. What I took away from this example was that I shouldn't only rely on the dialogue to develop my opening, and instead incorporate both visuals and dialogue that ties to what is being shown, rather that explicitly say the problem. 

Be Purposeful 

Along with the idea of "show, don't tell", I found another video that discusses using subtext within script writing, meaning add lines that create a difference between what the character says to what they mean. The video provided a scenario where a character can say, "I'm fine", even though they aren't. While the character pretends that they feel unaffected by a certain situation, the line "I'm fine" acts as a code to actually mean that the character is in pain and is hurt. If the script were to specifically say that the character is angry or sad, then that eliminates the audience's ability to interpret the character's emotions, and how that applies to the plot of the film. Therefore, I want to make sure that my approach to writing my script does not include lines that specify the problem or the relationship that I want to create.