Characters

 ✨✨Pinterest Boards✨✨

The most thing I was looking forward to the making of this film IS PINTEREST BOARDS! What a better way to showcase each character’s personality? 

Each character has a visual representation of what makes their personality so unique. Through the use of mise-en-scene elements, I was able to choose color themes of their personal and certain items/costuming that would represent them.

There has been a few changes towards the story, but the background idea is there! I believe building the background helps identify the characters more, which will improve the concept and delivery. It will also allow me to provide small details that help teach us more about these characters, without verbally communicating it. 

Beginning with…

Mary is a mother and a wife. In her lifetime, she had to make difficult decisions to get to where she wanted her life to be as well as Grace, her daughter. After meeting James at a young age, she was forced to put her dreams on hold. However, she never once regretted such decisions because she grew a small family and was able to go back working. Little did she know, that the hard work and difficulties in life are only going to grow worse. 

After choosing to work again, she thought she would get more support and help since Grace was growing up and she had her husband, James. As the resilient person she is, she found a way to keep balance.

The yellowish/brown background is meant to demonstrate wise, natural portrayal of Mary. That is because Mary went through a lot of difficulties growing up, so had to raise herself and study hard to achieve her dreams. With that, there comes wisdom and knowledge. 

The film is meant to showcase growth and moving on. Her course of action from her husband cheating is to lead a better life for her and her daughter. I used green hues to demonstrate moving on, also how she prioritizes properly caring for plants with care. 

Then, our favorite girl!!!

Grace, the birthday girl in the opening scene, and James/Mary’s daughter 💗

Grace is a smart girl. She loved books and Note taking. The pink is meant to demonstrate her innocence as well as her compassionate nature. She cares deeply, which might make her sensitive towards topics of any emotion really. She had always had a deep love for her parents. Even though they stress her out when fighting (even just disagreeing) she feels the need to fix it. She immediately changes the subject thinking her parents would not notice, but they do, they just decide to get along for her sake. Which is why Grace thinks that working on her grades and being the most obedient daughter can make her parents happy. 

Small detail: Grace loves beautiful things. SMALL or cute, she has an obsession with bunnies and flowers. 

Then 😐

James, the husband. 

😤

THE CHEATERRR

As a father, he is considerably the warmest dad you will ever meet. He cares fir his daughter and hopes to buy her all the gifts in the world. Sometimes his affection can conflict with his reasoning. For instance, he decides to take Grace on a trip randomly during school/work days. Mary did not like that because it would mean Grace would fall behind or lose opportunities of learning. James is adventurous, he likes the road. He has an independent personality, so communication is the least of qualities. He talks through actions. 

To Mary, their relationship started to fall out before a couple of weeks when she decided to work. He hated working but he felt it was his obligation, not Mary’s. He could not acknowledge why Mary dreams to work.

After days of loneliness, he finds himself enjoying company elsewhere.

LYNDA 😑

Lynda… family friend—>soon to be ex-friend 

Lynda loves luxury and adventure. She reads ALOT of romantic books. 

Red is meant to demonstrate danger. 

She was Mary’s first friend when Mary moved in the neighborhood. They found at they were the same age and shared similar interests like watching Harry Potter. They also loved gossiping and skincare. Lynda helped Mary accustomed in her new home, but Mary grew distant as her responsibilities grew towards her family, home, and work. 

Lynda became lonely. James and Lynda began talking after running to each other in a cafe. They found that they had a lot of common in terms of life and later… how distant Mary became. 

That is when their feelings became evident. 

 

 

Target Audience 

Primary Audience

Demographics-

Gender: Women 

Ages: +26

Status: Varies

Nationality: Varies

Psychographics-

Personality: Extroverted/Hard-working/Complex emotional being 

Interests: 

-       During freetime, they like to relax at home or a spa/salon. 

Lifestyle: 

-       Divorced/Single women

-       Stay-at-home wife/mother

-       Career women (in or not in a man’s field)

Values

-       Staying Strong! 

-       Share opinions

-       Help others 

Why?

The representation of family or relationship conflict, particullary targets women who endure hardship from heavy breakups or marriage issues. For instance, cheating is one of the most common problems that affect romatical relationships. A mature female audience are more likely to be attracted towards this concept, due to the dramatic seriousness broadcasted in the characters. 

Secondary Audience

Demographics-

Gender: Young girls 

Ages: 17-19

Status: Middle/High class

Nationality: Varies

Psychographics-

Personality: Extroverted/Feminists

Interests: 

-       Like Romcom literature, but LOVE Dramatic suspense 

-       Women empowerment movies like Legally Blonde

-       Love socialing at school, especially to talk about this film

Lifestyle 

-       Socially engage in volunteering/club organizations

-       Love hanging out with friends during weekend

Values

-       Always keep busy! 

-       Thorough communication with others. 

Why?

The representation of women and maturity of the audiences can still target a younger age range, specifically 17 to 19. The charcater Grace, entices girls who can relate and went family issues. Although the concept discusses hardship, it also reflects on strength and movement. The secondary target audience will feel that they are not alone and empowered. Although the opneing scene will not demonstrate how they will triumph over these emotions, they are leaving to create new beginning.

Technology/Technical Elements

Thoughts

Before I begin discussing what technical elements I would like to use and the methods I would like to achieve them, I would like to clarify that my filming and editing knowledge is very limited. With the iPhone 15, I took the initiative to discover how to create homemade cinematic scenes.

This was an unusual course because most of the videos discussed the technological features of these elements using cameras I do not own. I want to ask to borrow some of my cameras, but for the time being, I think learning technical elements that I have learned this year with my iPhone 15. Wish me luck!

Beginning

Cake Scene Example 

One of my favorite shots that I want to entice the audience is the first shot of the cake scene. I took some inspiration from this video I found on YouTube. I felt that the focus of the candles and the closeness of the shoot were just the right amount. The background gives the illusion of a cake, but I believe it is crumbled paper. I do love the lighting; however, I feel that the tone I would like to present involves warm hues.

Warm hues such as orange and yellow provide an optimistic route. Grace, the daughter, is celebrating her birthday and I would like to demonstrate that across the scenes, to showcase she is continually happy as her parents are getting along. The girl will be wearing pink, to demonstrate innocence, sensitivity, and love for her parents. Then I would like to transition that color immediately after Mary, the wife, finds out her husband is cheating. The lighting would dim darkening the orange hue to grey creating a dull and empty feeling.

I would like to use Capcut for some of my editing effects. I researched a video on how to use Capcut and how to use the color features. One of the methods is that I will utilize different filters to work in my favor, and then adjust the lightening, intensity, and speed.

 --à This is me playing around with the effects.

Color Capcut Tutorial:

Another example of how I would like to illustrate the birthday scene:

The video provides focus pulls from the background objects, which I found appealing, and I can utilize to provide purpose to some important mise-en-scene elements I would like to highlight. It provides me examples regarding the setting pieces to fill the shot frames with flowers, gifts, and cake.

Key Takeaways of Lighting Hacks:

• Must manipulate shadows, not make the room brighter.
• Windows=Natural light source (I might add if it provides a clear effect on the character's features)
• Angling light adds more dimension. (I will use it to showcase some serious facial expressions from the parents when they are about to argue)
• Backlights cause separation.
• Contrast in lightening colors is visually appealing. (Might insert at the beginning to entice the audience)
• Background objects- (ideas: balloons, banners, drinks, gifts)

Camera Techniques 

Handheld: 

Lastly, I decided to incorporate a camera technique with the use of my iPhone: Handheld movement. The scene where Mary begins to walk hurriedly after discovering her husband’s secret will be filmed through an over-the-shoulder shot. I believe this will be the most difficult scene to film. I took the liberty to research these techniques that are filmed through an iPhone. Luckily, I found these two YouTube videos.

This one explains the Do’s and Don’ts.

The video explained how handheld movements are not easily made. This technique demonstrates the emotion the subject is carrying, which is perfect because Mary is negatively pacing towards her husband out of rage. The shakiness is meant to create discomfort, suspense, and fright of what is next. The experience and energy brought will allow the viewers to move along with the subject. The subtle imperfections provide a natural feeling, so handheld movement is not to be taken lightly. It must feel natural and intentional. To do that, I learned that it requires shoulder and hand stability as the cinematographer moves along with the subject.

How?

This video explains how to create that stability and control through handheld movement using an iPhone.

Key Takeaways:

• Glide with the camera (knees bend and slow movement)
• Exposure locked.
• 0.5 Shots create a wider clearer view of what is going on.
• Hand placement

Hand Placement Technique 

(Index holding the bottom of the phone)

(Thumb/Middle finger holding the side of the phone)

(The other hand’s index and thumb holding the top and bottom of the phone)

This creates stability.

Brainstorming

 Brainstorming

Plot:

At their child’s birthday party, the mother finds out that her husband is cheating on her after they have resolved their differences for the sake of their child's important day.

 

Characters:

-        Girl Child (Grace)

Personality: Mature, Sensitive, Understanding

Why?

Her parents' constant fighting forced her to mature at an early stage. She became responsible and top of her grades just to make them happy. Whenever she feels as though her parents are about to quarrel again, she becomes rather sensitive towards her surroundings until she can get them into agreeance again.

-        Father (James)

Personality: Independence, Self-Containment, Impatient

Why?

He loves Grace dearly and wants the best for her. However, he blames her mother for putting pressure on Grace for being the best. He feels that Grace deserves everything, even if it means not consulting or ignoring his wife. For instance, he buys Grace an expensive gift after Mary overwhelms her daughter about her future.

-        Mother (Mary)

Personality: Strong, Authoritarian, Sensitive

Why?

Mary is trying to teach Grace valuable lessons and sees that James is doing this out of spite. Mary grew up in harsh conditions, so she wants the best for her daughter. She can be opinionated and requires communication in her relationship. She becomes sensitive when her husband does not confide in her opinions even when she agrees.

Key Moments:

(House)- Birthday Party

1.      Starts with an extreme close-up of the cake.

2.      Parents agreeing to stay in agreeance.

3.      Parents enjoy each other’s company.

4.      Grace is happy and starts opening gifts.

5.      Her dad got her an expensive gift.

6.      Mary took a deep breath.

7.      Parents do a good job.

8.      Mary thinks that their marriage can be saved.

9.      Place the cake on a different counter, almost at the edge.

10.   Sees Husband’s phone (a notification)

11.   Finds out he is cheating and looks up.

12.   Title

13.   Fast-paced walking of her approaching him dramatically.

14.   The opening scene ends.  

Possible Title Names: 

- Never Again 

- Hello Revenge! 

Genre Research- Campaign Portfolio

 How to Drama?

To be frank, this week has been extremely chaotic in the sense of balancing life with school. I was sure that by the time this presentation came through, I would be ready. Who knew that after studying all these film techniques, that an opening film idea would be so difficult? 

Many of the ideas I came up with revolved around drama. It felt as though, no matter how hard I try to think of something else, I was firmly infatuated with the drama concept. If I think about the Arabian or Turkish films that I have watched growing up, they all incorporated emotional conflict between family or romantic relationships. I have also noticed that these films are followed by a serious or comedic outlook.

After contemplating over the concepts, I believe the best way to approach my dilemma is to understand the genre on a deeper level. 

The Prestige - Opening Scene HD- A phenomenal piece, with an overly dramatic opening of rivalry magicians. 

Observations:

- The film began with symbolism. There were top hats scattered on autumn leaves, which instills viewers with inquiry. 

- The sound of quiet leaves felt loud. The moment of silence was broken apart when a sudden firm sound of a man, possible character or narrator. The lighting was also dull. Both sound and mise en scene techniques are meant to make the audience look closely. That is why, when the man breaks this tension, he asks “Are you watching closely?”

- After a voice was introduced, a black scene was introduced. Then appeared the voiceover man, indicating he is an important character within the film. The transition from nondigetic to digetic sound evidently presents dramatic content.

-The beginning is subtle, but then there is meticulous selection of jump cuts or cross cuts of different people and scenes. The voiceover man is referencing a general introduction of the plot and the editing techniques are meant to associate the two fragments. 

-Chaotic scenes such as men fighting= shaky cameras (handheld) 

-The jump cut scenes that the voiceover man is referencing is about a man. This man hold characteristic’s of a magician through his costuming design like white/black suite and a stage. This is not enough to determine he is a magician however. Future scenes are meant to showcase the story.

-Music played a key role in the dramatic scenes. The instrumental sound augments when the magician is shown. 

Key takeaways from Drama film: 

-Sound: Transition from subtle to dramatic voluminous sounds (can use nondigetic-digetic)

-Editing: Handheld chaotic scenes/Cross-cutting 

-Mise-en-scene: Dull lighting/earth tones

I like the elements used because they maintain an audiences attention. The sudden elements were mostly presented in the sound, editing, and mise-en-scene techniques. I would like to use music to provide the contrast in my film, whether it happens to be a romantic or family drama. Once I establish my idea, I believe I will begin to understand how I want to incorporate subtle to chaotic segments. 

The Beginning :)

 

Campaign Portfolio Project 

Today is finally the day! It is the day to assemble everything we learned into our Campaign Portfolio Project. After learning the visual elements and technical strategies that make a film great, our teacher said it is time. I cannot wait to figure out what sort of fiction will I create with my potential teammates. I think collaborating with other people is fun when sharing ideas and utilizing the elements we learned in class towards our production. 

         I was thinking of the examples that were broadcasted last class and a lot of them shared a common element: life and creativity. Some of the intriguing features is the comedy aspect.  I love when most films have a dramatic or musical introduction, so maybe I can explore genres that reflect these characteristics. 

         Disney movies and true stories are my absolute favorite: for example, Tangled and Lion King. Lilo and Stitch has a wonderful film opening, where it showcases the location and the girl. I love the tropical vibes and the culture representation with the song. There is a lot of colorful and creative visuals. I feel like my production should be happy and exciting. Maybe it could relate to children because children are the source of happiness. A realistic film approach is easier to work with, but I can figure out a way to explore how these films can communicate life in an expressive method. 

      

      

 

Bluegrass “Beg Steal Or Borrow”- Music Research

Researching the music genre “Bluegrass” was difficult since the the genre itself was not presently popular. My teammates and I analzyed the four different bluegrass artists. That helped us uncover what type of audience, mise-en-scene elements, and acoustic bluegrass has. 

Afterwards, it was time to brainstorm. We learned how to create a brand image and incorporate it into our artist. We had to choose between different songs and based on the chosen song, create an entire image for our artist and brand. 

During the planning process, we choose a soulful american outlook due to the bluegrass roots and incorporate modern marketing and covergence to reach a younger mature audience. We had to resonate with the audience by utilizing a narrative approach for our artist’s music video. This way the audience can relate and listen to bluegrass. 

The lyrics to the song we chose was intriguing and perfect for our concept. We went through various versions of the story when creating the storyboard. When creating the production itself, my teammates and I tried to assemble symbolized elements within the video. They all shared a common component: life. We felt that the song depicted life as a routine and that was the story for our music video.

Our presentation focused on the brand’s marketing and distributing techniques that embody our artist and the brand’s values. We focused on expading our audience as well as distributing the message as much as possible.

I have learned to identify and highlight how images need to be detailed and purposeful in order to be successful. I never paid attention to those features, but now I realize that I have, I just did not know that those features were the reasons that intrigued me into the artist. 

I believe that this lesson allowed me and my teammates to experiment with film and the concepts with it.  Creating something extraordinary out of a media allowed us to explore beyond what we usually percieve. Thus, it will improve our campaign portfoilo into a well oriented pitch for viewers such as investers or audiences to take into delight.