Production progress

 February 28, 2025

Filming Day 2

Day 2 of filming was less hectic. We thought we had to refilm some of the shots from the bathroom scene but we ended up not have to. We took this opportunity to get some props that we needed for the graduation party. We went to party city because it was closing so everything was on sale. We spent a total of about 14 dollars which was an amazing price for everything that we purchased.

Later this day we made a script for our party and figured out the date for it. Originally it was going to be on the 23rd but do to scheduling conflicts we had to move it to the 2nd of March. This ended up working in our favor because it was also a day most of our guests could come. The script was what some of our guest had to say. For example one of the guest went up to Piper to congratulate her on her admission to her dream college. Well, that concludes day 2 see you on day 3!

Production progress

 February 26, 2025

Filming Day 1

What's up Cambridge!! Today I will be talking about my day 1 of filming for my final project. There was a lot of ups and downs to this day but we managed to find a solution and keep going.

To begin with, my camera lense broke before we could even film anything. We had to think quickly and we began asking our friends if they had a camera and if so we would ask if we can borrow it. Luckly, one of our friends had an amazing camera that we could use. It was much better quality then the one I had so it worked out in our favor.

Our luck didn't last long. We arrived to our film location (house), then realized we don't have an SD card. So we end up taking a detour to our closest walmart and we bought one from there. The trip did make us lose about 45 minutes of our filming time due to it being about 20 minutes away.

Once we made it back to the set we began to film. We got our bathroom scene done and made sure to film multiple takes so that we can see which we like best for the final cut. We were also able to film some "memories" for the reminiscing aspect of the film. But we looked back at the videos we took and we kind of looked like we were going to rob the gas station which is not what we were going for so we scheduled a day to refilm those clips. 

 February 24, 2025

Color Schemes

Hey Cambridge!! Today I will be talking about the color schemes in my film. There are multiple color schemes throughout the film due to the different scenes. 

Graduation:

For the graduation the color scheme will be light colors such as white and pastel colors. We decided to go with light colors because they create a cheerful and celebratory setting. They give off positive and joyful moods which makes the party seem more festive. The white especially gives off a calm vibe which is something we want the viewers to get at first.

Memories:

For the memories the color scheme will be dark colors like, black, dark blue, dark green, and etc. This is to give off a more rebellious vibe. It is also because the kids are doing sneaky stuff like sneaking out so they want to be in dark colors to blend in with the darkness of the night; if they were in light colors they will easily be seen and have a higher risk of being seen.  As seen in our behind the scenes footage we are all in dark clothes as were doing what we are not supposed to do.

 February 23, 2025

Audio

Hey guys!!! Today I will be talking about audio. Sound is crucial in filmmaking as it is the audience can hear in a film. Sound in films is divided into two categories: diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic sound includes all audio that originates from the film and can be heard by the characters, like footsteps and dialogue. Non-diegetic sound includes audio added to the film that the characters cannot hear, such as narration and music. Sound can also be added in post-production to add to certain actions like footsteps or knocks, which is considered diegetic sound. 

What audio will I be using in the film?

The film will begin with non-diegetic sound as Piper arrives at the party. When she enters the house, the sound will transition from non-diegetic to diegetic. The opening will remain diegetic until she starts experiencing a panic attack like state, at which point non-diegetic sound will be add like, a ringing, voices fading out, and the sound will sound like it is coming from a far. Then, it will switch back to diegetic during which Piper will be in the bathroom looking through her photo gallery. It will switch back to non-diegetic adding a a phone call ring, plus the voice of the person on the other end of the phone. After this scene, the rest of the film will feature diegetic audio.

Mise-en-scene

February 21, 2025

Props & Set

Hey Cambridge!! For this blog my group and I had to purchase some props. We went to Party City because they are closing so everything was on sale! We purchased confetti poppers, a graduation cap, balloons, and a banner. We got all of it for $ 14.62 which is such an amazing price!

Props:

Balloons & banner- Decorations to give the viewer context that a party is happening and to show what the party is for.

Food & drinks- Typical things you would find in a party.

Phone- The phone is used to look back at memories and to showcase the protagonist reminiscing/nostalgia emotions.

Graduation cap & diploma- This is used to show the protagonist has graduated. Things typical found with someone that has graduated.

Confetti poppers- This will be used for when Piper walks into the party, really giving her a shocked emotion.

Sets:

Door entry- This is where Piper is will be walking into her surprise party.

Bathroom- This is Piper's escape from the party, reminiscing on her memories.

Car- Used to show the protagonist coming back home from her graduation.

Gas station- The friend group goes here when they sneak out.

Park- This is where Piper in her friends go to have fun.

Bedroom- This is a "homey" place where the girls get ready to go out.

Living room: This is where the party will be held.

Mise-en-scene

 February 19, 2025

Costume

Party:

For the graduation party Piper will be in a white dress which is typically what girls wear when graduating; she will also have a cap that adds to the outfit signifying that she was graduating. The female guests will be in heels and light colored dress while the males will be in dress pants and shorts plus nice shoes. NO sneakers at all it is too casual for this setting.

Sneaking out:

For them friends sneaking out they will be in baggy clothes. Sweatpants and hoodies is what they will be wearing this outfit gives a trashy/ comfy look which is what we are going for. The hoodie is so that they can hide their faces if needed because they are not wear they are supposed to be.

Park:

This scene the actors will be in workout or outdoor attire. They are just casually going on a walk having fun so that would be best for this type of activite

 February 22, 2025

Character Development

The protagonist in my film is named Piper. She is 17 year old graduating high school. She is in the car ride home from her graduation just thinking about everything that she has done in her life. She gets home and is startled by people yelling "SURPRISE", she realizes her family and some friends are there throwing her a surprise party. She feels grateful that she is loved by so many people but then it hits her that everything will change. She begins to feel overwhelmed and goes to her bathroom. She feels a wave of sadness thinking about leaving, she starts to scroll on her phone reminiscing on her memories throughout the years. With a determined attitude she calls her best friend to tell their group to go out one last time before everything changes. 

Group meeting #1

 February 16, 2025

Group Meeting!

Hi blog!! In class my teacher set us up in groups to have group meetings. In these meetings i was put in a group with 5 other students but one person wasn't there so there was only 4 other students for this group meeting. The point of the group meetings is to share our film opening ideas with one another and learn from each other and give each other helpful advice/feedback. My group included Alejandro, Aneesa, Max, and Julio.

1. Alejandro

The story centers on a hardcore drug user who has hit rock bottom. He wakes up to find a note revealing that he has just broken up with his girlfriend. There will be some ambient barking from a dog nearby, and he will be visited by a friend offering condolences. The protagonist will suggest doing some drugs, but the friend will respond that he needs to get his life together. The genre will be drama/horror, and the consensus of the group was that the story should be more developed. We also discussed set design ideas, such as leaving some powder on his desk to reflect his drug use. The project falls under the psychological horror category.

2. Aneesa

The project's opening will show a girl leaving a grocery store and noticing a planet in the sky, seemingly about to crash into Earth. People are panicking all around, but our protagonist remains unfazed. She then enters her car and drives away, which will reveal the title: Rogue. The group suggested adding a scene where she enters the car, and a radio broadcast comes on, explaining what's happening. The genre is sci-fi with a coming-of-age theme.

3. Max

This project is a time loop. A girl is stuck in a therapy session, and when she leaves, she gets into her car. Then she gets a call and finds herself back in the therapist's chair. To establish the time loop, the group will incorporate different events that happen during the meeting. The suggestion is to let the audience discover the loop alongside the protagonist.

4. Julio

This project's genre is horror. A man walks out of a theatre after watching a movie and tells his friend that he parked in the back. He heads into the alley, where he is cut up, with a POV shot showing someone watching him. A concern is maintaining quality in the dark. It will end with the friend getting a phone call and being told that he has a nice watch, hinting at a robbery. The people who murder him are a couple. The idea is for the blood to transition into a newspaper with wanted killers, and the blood pool will have the title in it.

Advice

The group gave me advice which was to incorporate environmental hints at why they are hanging out for the last time. To maybe include something that signifies that they are graduating.

Overall, the meeting was extremely helpful and I will implement their tips in my plot/script.

The Script

 February 15, 2025

Storyboard

We are now on to the storyboard! The storyboard helps me stay organized and visualize my idea. They help get my scenes and thoughts in order. When I start to film, I can look at my storyboard as a reference to keep me on track. It can be used as a guide. The storyboard shows the purpose of why you choose those shots to make the story.

So, here is the storyboard that I have made:

 February 14, 2025

Media Theory

There are many media theories to incorporate in my entry, but the one that speaks out to me the most and seems to be best fitting is the, Uses and Gratification Theory. There are 5 steps 1) the psychological needs that help shape 2) why people use the media and that motivate the people 3) engage in media use behavior 4) derive gratifications 5) fulfill those intrinsic, needs within the confines of a particular socio-cultural environment.

To use this theory in my entry I would focus on how the audience engages with the characters journey to fulfill their own needs. An example is the main characters reflection on her memories from high school can help viewers understand her struggles and achievements. The viewer can see parts of themselves in story with can make it relatable and comforting.

The plot also shows moments of friendship and challenges which can help the audience feel a sense of connection with their own social group relating to the character. 

Sources:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carolyn-Lin/publication/325673264_Uses_and_GratificationsAudience_uses_and_gratifications_for_mass_media_A_theoretical_perspective/links/5b1cc2f145851587f29e5dd8/Uses-and-GratificationsAudience-uses-and-gratifications-for-mass-media-A-theoretical-perspective.pdf

Plot

 February 13, 2025

     Time for the plot!!

I have decided on what genre I want to do so, now I can start brainstorming on what I would like to come up with for the plot. My genre is coming of age as said in previous post's so I need to make sure I incorporate some of its characteristics in my plot. 

I would like to do a nostalgic type of film, reminiscing the fun times of the past and growing up.  

First, it would start off with a girl in a car with her family at night looking out the window with no feeling. She reaches her house where when she surprised with everyone she knows. She is surprised with a graduation party. She had just gotten into an ivy college and was overwhelmed with the fact that she was growing up and starting this new chapter of her laugh. Even though she felt stress she still put on a smile and greeted everyone, but the party felt more of a goodbye and she was starting to feel the pressure again. She gets asked by a relative about how she feels about this big change? She hurley said good and dashed to the bathroom...

In the bathroom she puts her hands on her face indicating her stress and slides down the door showcasing her distraught. She scrolls through her phone looking back on her memories; she has changed so much over the years and had gained some amazing friends. She will scroll through a couple of pictures and videos which will be shown...

Lastly, she calls her friends and asks for them to hangout one last time together!

The rest of the film will be a crazy night they have.

Research Post

 February 9, 2025

 Research

Creating a successful opening for a coming-of-age film involves several key elements that set the tone and engage the audience right from the start. Here's some detailed research that contain the key elements to executing the film opening: 

Establishing the setting and mood-

The opening should quickly establish the setting and mood of the film. This can be done through visual elements like location shots, color palettes, and lighting. For example, a small town setting might use a wide shot for familiar landmarks while a high setting would focus more on like a busy hallway.

Character introduction- 

 Introducing the main character/characters in a way that hints at their personality and current life situation is crucial. This can be done through actions, interactions with others, or even through voice-over narration. The goal is to make the audience care about the protagonist and become invested in their journey.

Music and Soundtrack-

The choice of music is vital in setting the emotional tone. Upbeat, nostalgic, or reflective music can produce the right emotions and complement the visuals. The soundtrack should resonate with the themes of growth, change, and self-discovery typical of coming-of-age films. 

Visual Style and Themes- 

 The opening credits often reflect the film’s unique style and themes. Creative use of animation, or imagery can enhance the storytelling. For example, a film about teens might use handwritten fonts or doodle animations to create a sense of youth and creativity. 

Foreshadowing and Symbolism- 

 Subtle hints about the film’s plot or themes can be infused into the opening sequence. This can include visual motifs or symbolic objects that will gain significance as the story unfolds. It helps in creating a flow narrative and adds depth to the viewing experience.

By carefully considering these elements, when I make the film opening I can create an opening sequence that not only captures the elements of the coming-of-age genre but also hooks the audience from the very beginning.

Credit sequence

 February 8, 2025

                            Credit Sequences

" The Breakfast Club" (1985)

The opening credits of "The Breakfast Club" are iconic. They start with a quote from David Bowie's song "Changes," which sets the tone for the film's journey of teenage identity and transformation. The sequence then transitions to shots of the high school and the students arriving for detention, accompanied by the song "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds. This combination of visuals and music immediately pulls the audience in the world of the characters and their struggles.

"Juno" (2007)

The opening credits of "Juno" are animated and feature the protagonist, Juno, walking through her town. The animation style is quirky and unique, much like Juno herself. The song "All I Want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar plays in the background, setting a playful yet reflective tone for the film. This sequence effectively shows the audience to Juno's personality and the film's offbeat style.

"Boyhood" (2014)-

The opening credits of "Boyhood" are simple yet deep. The film opens with a shot of the sky, then by the song "Yellow" by Coldplay. This calm beginning sets the film's exploration of the passage of time and the journey from childhood to adulthood. The simplicity of the credits show the film's focus on everyday moments and the good times within it.

Film Openings

 February 6, 2025

                           Film Opening Research

To better understand what to do for my film opening, I will be researching about film openings in the genre coming of age and getting a better grasp on the concept.

"The Breakfast Club" (1985)

The opening of "The Breakfast Club" sets the scene for the entire film. It starts with a voiceover from Anthony M. Halls character Brian, reading the essay that the students have been assigned to write during their Saturday detention. The opening shots show the high school all empty and quiet, as students start arriving one by one. This opening establishes diverse backgrounds, personalities, and characteristics that each of the five main characters have. It set up the different interactions that will be showcased throughout the film.

"Stand By Me" (1986)

The opening scene of "Stand By Me" is nostalgic. It starts with the adult Gordie Lachance, played by Richard Dreyfuss reflecting on his childhood after reading a newspaper article about the death of his childhood friend, Chris Chambers. Then it flashes back to the late 1950s where we see younger Gordie and his friends on the beginning of their journey to find the body of a missing boy. This opening sets the tone for a story about friendship, adventure, and loss. 

"Lady Bird" (2017)

The opening scene of "Lady Bird" quickly introduces the chaotic relationship between Christine "Lady Bird" and her mother, Marion. The film opens with a shot of them lying in bed together followed by an intense argument in the car the ends with Lady Bird jumping out of the moving car. This dramatic and funny opening sets the film's journey of family dynamics, identity, and the struggles of teenagers.

These openings are vital in showcasing the audience into the life of the characters and setting up the scene that will be explored throughout the film.

Project Schedule

 February 5, 2025

                             My Schedule

When it comes to these types of projects I have learned that scheduling and planning everything out is key to making sure that everything gets done efficiently and that time is being used to its full potential. It is a guideline to keep me on track. Due to this being so important I thought it would be in my better interest to start with this first!

Breakdown

Let's begin with a breakdown of the main components

1. Research

• Research film openings and plots with my chosen genre
• Research components that make my genre that genre

2. Planning 

• Plot
• Script
• Production members
• Actors
• Storyboard
• Music
• Location
• Filming dates

3. Filming

• Film scenes
• Do any retakes if needed

4. Editing

• Edit everything together
• Include title and credits

5. Review

• Make sure everything is good
• Analyze the film and tweak anything if needed

6. CCR

• Create
• Edit
• Review

I have 6 weeks to complete this project. A timeline is necessary so I can plan how exactly I will finish this project.

Timeline

More in depth version of the breakdown

This schedule will help me stay on track and on time with my project!

 February 2, 2025

                         Choosing the Genre

After a lot of thinking, I have decided to go with a drama/coming of age genre. I have decided to go with these genre's because I believe that they most appropriately and accurately represent the story I'am trying to convey. I have done some research on both genres and here are 2 case studies of each genre.

Characteristics Of Drama

Drama films usually contain characters that have some form of relationship weather it be; friendship, relationship, family, and etc... They usually take place in a setting where they have to see eachother on a day to day basis. It contains an emotional conflict and tension. It often contains difficult situations. There are emotional moments and irony.

Case study 1:

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

This drama film includes cinematography, soundtrack, and social media influence, playing a significant role in enhancing the storytelling. This film uses a vibrant color palette and soft/warm lighting to create a youthful, romantic, inviting tone. Social media is a big part of the plot it adds a relatable aspect to the film.

Characteristics Of Coming Of Age

This genre focuses on a young protagonist self-growth and discovery. It shows the changes and journeys of growing up. Typical themes are identity, relationships, and overcoming obstacles, as the character learns about themselves in the real world. It also has a humor and emotional feel to it. It shows the transition from youth to adulthood.

Case Study 2:

The Edge Of Seventeen 

The Edge of Seventeen contributes to the film's emotional feel and relatability. The cinematography,  featuring intimate close-ups and natural lighting, show Nadine's personal and vulnerable moments, allowing viewers to feel with her. The soundtrack, consists of a mix of indie and alternative music,  capturing the film's mood. The dialogue captures the dynamics of teenage relationships and emotions. The film also uses a bit of social media to show how teens act now a days.

Beginning of my Cambridge Portfolio Project!

 February 2, 2025

             Beginning of my Cambridge Portfolio Project!

Welcome Cambridge staff! I am excited to be sharing with you from this point on, my journey on developing my Cambridge Final Project. All blogs will be posted here to show how I get through this project. It will show the ups and downs' on how I get this done and all that contributes into making a well executed film. I will first plan out what I am thinking for this project and my first thoughts on my approach. I will then approach the task of researching what I would like to do which you will be seeing in my next post. But for now let's see what approaches and ideas I have in store. 

I would really like to do something with drama that really catches the viewer's attention.