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.

Music Marketing #2

 

  

Music Marketing #1

 As my team and I begin the journey of marketing our new music artist, Daniel Soul it is vital to recognize the current state of pop music and how we can effectively position him in it. Pop music is characterized by its catchy notes, relatable lyrics, and lively performances, making it crucial for Daniel to develop a brand that rolls with today's youth. Currently we see a trend where artist like Olivia Rodrigo have connected intensely with her audience through true storytelling and strong engagement on social media platforms. In our campaign we will focus on bringing Daniel's presence through both in-person performances and online interactions, aiming to create a strong fanbase that feels personally connected to his music. 

To start we'll book Daniel small singing gigs at local venues like restaurants, parks, and community centers. We will post on his socials about these gigs and also put flyers around the area to help spread the word about it. These performances will allow him to showcase his talents and build a grassroot following which is a target audience for a specific brand, product, or even artist, which in this case it is an artist to spread what they are doing and stick with them. By connecting with his audience in these intimate settings Daniel can establish a loyal fanbase that will help spread the word about his music. These early performances could capture the attention of local influencers and potentially larger name in the music industry to collab with. With the live performances we will use social media as a pivotal tool in launching his brand. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are where artists can create viral moments, and we intend to use them strategically. This will include sharing behind-the-scenes content, teasing upcoming music, and engaging with fans directly through comments. 

Our online strategy will start with posting videos of Daniel singing on Instagram  and TikTok to showcase his vocal talent and charismatic personality. Daniel will dance to his own songs on TikTok, encouraging followers to join in the fun and participate in dance challenges. If any TikTok videos catch attention we'll highlight and repost user's content to further his visibility on the app. Additionally, we will develop and promote his merchandise by modeling it on his social platforms, creating a cohesive brand aesthetic. 

Genre research

 Genre: Horror

Genre conventions- content:

 - Horror films often aim to evoke fear, dread, and shock in the audience. The target audience is people that like to get scared, have the feeling of adrenaline going, and get their heart pumping.

- Common themes include the supernatural, monsters, psychological terror, and murders.

- Characters typically include victims, antagonists (often supernatural or monstrous), and sometimes a hero or survivor.

- Settings are usually dark and eerie, such as haunted houses, abandoned buildings, or isolated places.

Genre conventions- production techniques:

- Use of low lighting, shadows, and eerie sound effects to build suspense.

- Special effects and makeup (prosthetics) to create realistic and terrifying monsters or supernatural beings.

- Quick cuts and jumpscares are common techniques to surprise the audience.

- Music and sound design play a crucial role in building tension and atmosphere.

Institutional conventions- how is genre marketed:

- Horror films are often marketed with intense trailers that highlight the most frightening and suspenseful moments.

- Posters and promotional materials typically use dark colors, ominous, and eerie taglines.

- Marketing campaigns might include viral marketing tactics, such as creepy websites or interactive experiences.

Film sample 1- The Exorcist (1973):

The exorcist is a typical horror film that revolves around the demonic possession of a young girl and the following exorcism. It embodies the genre through its use of supernatural themes, intense special effects, and chilling atmosphere. The film's sound design including the, Tubular Bells theme, and its shocking imagery contribute to its lasting impact as a horror classic.

Film sample 2- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984):

This film introduces the iconic character Freddy Krueger, a monstrous figure who haunts and kills teenagers in their dreams. It embodies the horror genre with its blend of supernatural elements, psychological terror, and gruesome special effects. The films use of dream sequences and surreal imagery, with its suspenseful narrative, makes it a standout fim.

Other films:

Psycho 

Halloween

The Shinning

It

Get Out

The Conjuring

Hereditary

Representation

 The representation of mean girls in films often follows specific patterns that highlight their complex nature and the social dynamics they navigate. In the film "Mean Girls, " two major characters that showing these patterns are Regina George and Gretchen Wieners. Both characters serve as key figures in the Plastics, the dominant clique at North Shore High School, and their interactions reveal much about the nature of mean girl behavior.

 Regina George is the quintessential mean girl. She is manipulative, charming, and ruthless in maintaining her social status. Regina's actions, from spreading rumors to planning social sabotage, demonstrate how mean girls often thrive on creating and maintaining a high and important social structure. Her ability to control those around her, including her friends, showcases the power dynamics play. Regina's character highlights the impact of peer pressure and the desire for acceptance, as she manipulates those around her to stay on top. She is your stereotypical blond hair, resting face, all the guys want her, and wears tight clothes.

 Gretchen Wieners, on the other hand, represents the more insecure side of the mean girl stereotype. While she is part of Regina's inner circle, Gretchen constantly seeks Regina's validation. Her character demonstrates how mean girls can also be victims of the very social structures they help hold up. Gretchen's famous line "That's why her hair is so big, it's full of secrets," underscores her role as the keeper of Regina's confidences, showing how mean girls often rely on secrets and gossip to maintain their power.

 The dynamics between Regina and Gretchen also illustrate the internal politics of mean girl cliques. Regina's dominance and Gretchen's subservience highlight the complex relationships within these groups, where loyalty is often superficial and power struggles are constant. This portrayal underscores the pressure to conform to certain standards and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve them, even at the expense of their own well being.

 In conclusion, the representation of mean girls in "Mean Girls" through characters like Regina George and Gretchen Wieners provides a lens through which we can examine the complexities of social dynamics, power, and the pressure of conformity. These characters, while exaggerated for comedic effect offer insight into the real-life experiences of many young people and the deep waters of peer pressure.

https://youtu.be/kDwyhJjvR2Y?si=9PpPwBVbctLrPDet