Constructive Feedback

Our teachers, parents, and classmates gave us helpful feedback on our first film idea, which was a modern version of a traditional love triangle.

The value of creating representation in our film was one constant element. Although mental health and its effects on relationships were mentioned in our first draft, we saw a chance to go further into the varied experiences and viewpoints of our characters.

We want to take this feedback into account by going deeper into how our characters' identities are multifaceted, taking into account how aspects like sexual orientation, gender, and race influence their interactions and experiences.

A more exciting and captivating beginning part must also be included according to from comments on the pace of our first draft. We want to fix this by editing the script and focusing on writing a more captivating and thrilling opening that grabs the audience's attention right away.

We are now starting with the following pre-production stages in light of this feedback:

• Making a Comprehensive Shot List: To make sure that the scenes properly tell the story and increase the emotional impact, we are carefully organizing every scene, taking into account lighting, movement, and camera angles.
• Writing the Script: We are actively writing the script, taking into account the representation feedback with an emphasis on improving character development, improving the dialogue, and making sure the story flows naturally and captivatingly
• Planning the Production Schedule: We are planning out a detailed production schedule that allows for all required arrangements, such as casting, site searching, and setting up the dates for filming.
• Getting Required Props, Costumes, and Locations: In order to realize our goal, we have been searching for places, locating props, and organizing outfit ideas.

I am really looking forward to the next stage of production. We learned greatly from the feedback that we have received, and I am sure that by taking these recommendations into consideration and carefully organizing every stage, we will produce an engaging and strong  opening that will attract our audience as we show a variety of experiences in our story.  

Discovering Authenticity in Our Cast

As a cinematographer, I think it's important to represent characters in a realistic way. Finding actors who can portray these details with enthusiastic and depth will be crucial for our film, which explores topics of identity, sexuality, and mental health.

Character A: We are looking for an actor who can portray a character that is struggling with hidden fears and insecurities in a realistic way. An actor who can portray subtle emotional changes and has a deep grasp of internal chaos is needed for this.

1. Important things to think about:

• The performer has to feel at ease understanding the complexity of internalized pressure and displaying vulnerability.
• The actor should be able to use body language and little facial gestures to communicate a range of emotions.

Character B: For Character B, we are looking for an actor who can portray the internal struggles of a character who is struggling with his feelings in a genuine way. 

1. Important things to think about:

• The actor should ideally have no dating experiences or at least act like they don't have any.
• The actor must be able to convey internal conflict without resorting to over-the-top or stereotypical portrayals. 

Character C: It is important to find the right actor for Character C, a character whose sexuality is and isn't implied.

1. Important things to think about:

• An actor whose sexuality is different is our top priority in order to ensure authentic representation and avoid affecting stereotypes.
• The actor should be able to portray both the vulnerabilities and strengths of a character navigating their identity in a potentially unsupportive environment.

We hope to make a film that connects with viewers and provokes important discussions about sexuality, mental health, and the complexity of human identity by carefully weighing these aspects and actively seeking actors who can portray these complex individuals with authenticity.

A Cinematographer Skills

I have to learn a lot about the skill of storytelling through scenes in my role as cinematographer for this film.   I've been studying several cinematography techniques and methods to achieve this, mostly using the materials on the No Film School YouTube channel.

These are some important conclusions I drew from my research:

1. Being Aware of the Basics:

• Composition: No Film School focuses on good composition. They provide top-notch lessons on leading lines, the Rule of Thirds, and other methods for producing intriguing and engaging scenes.
• Depth of Field: In order to separate topics, convey depth, and direct the viewer's attention, I've learnt how to play with depth of field properly.  
• Camera Movement: The YouTube channel offers helpful advice on how to employ camera movement techniques like tracking, tilting, panning, and dolly shots to improve narrative and produce scenes that are exciting.

2. Lighting Techniques: 

• Three-Point Lighting: The three-point lighting system (key light, fill light, and backlight) is a basic method for managing light and adding depth and complexity to a scene, and No Film School has great descriptions of it.
• Natural Light: I now know how to make the most of natural light, especially how important it is to comprehend the direction and type of lighting available at different times of the day.
• Using Lighting to Create Mood: The channel highlights how lighting can be utilized to create a variety of moods and atmospheres, including romance, horror, and suspense.

3. Examining Master Filmmakers:

Renowned cinematographers often get interviewed by No Film School, offering insightful perspectives on their methods and creative processes. They also analyze classic movies, analyzing important cinematography elements and talking about how they develop the plot. My choices on camera angles, lighting, and composition will be influenced by this research, which will eventually allow me to produce appealing and powerful films that will engage the viewer.

Producing Outstanding Movie Openings

To grab the audience's interest and establish the atmosphere for the rest of the film, an interesting opening is key.   It must accomplish a number of significant aims:

• Drawing Attention: The audience should be immediately interested and involved in the early seconds. This may be done using a number of techniques, such opening with an exciting action scene, a catchy ask, or an eye-catching scene.
• Establishing the Tone: The genre, tone, and visual appeal of the movie should all be introduced in the opening. This will assist in drawing viewers into the movie's premise and getting them ready for the emotional ride that lies ahead.
• Introducing Important Aspects: Important characters, ideas, and story aspects can all be introduced in the start. The audience will gain a basic understanding of the story and the characters they will be watching as a result.
• Building Anticipation: An engaging introduction should pique interest and leave viewers wanting more. Increasing the risk for the characters, implying future conflicts, or leaving things unsolved are some ways to do this.

To give me a better insight into these techniques, some well-known YouTube channels examine movie beginnings such as:

• Nerdwriter1 (https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdwriter1/videos): Nerdwriter1's videos often explore the use of cinematography, editing, and sound design in creating effective film openings. They break down specific scenes to show how filmmakers use these elements to achieve certain effects.

• Every Frame a Painting (https://www.youtube.com/@everyframeapainting/videos): Every Frame a Painting focuses on visual storytelling, cinematography, and the use of color and composition in film. Their videos on film openings can help me understand how filmmakers use visual elements to convey information and emotion in the opening moments of a film.

Hello World... A Fresh Start

"Penultimate," my first film, was an enjoyable educational experience. I'm now preparing for a project that truly shows my development and skills as a cinematographer. I'm investigating further into learning different techniques and film genres to do this, aiming on a melodramatic and dramatic combination.

Drama explores realistic characters and circumstances while concentrating on important topics, delving into the complexity of human emotion. On the other hand, melodrama emphasizes these feelings by highlighting tensions and frequently using clichéd characters.

I analyzed three movies that best represent the combination in order to get ideas:

• Roxanne: Despite being humorous, this romantic comedy has serious overtones. The plot is made more complex and intricate by the unrequited love and differences in socioeconomic classes.

• Cyrano: "Cyrano" is a strong melodrama that features a sad love triangle, beautiful language, and elevated emotions.

• Half of It: This film, a modern version of "Cyrano," combines humor, drama, and social criticism to provide a relevant and up-to-date viewpoint.

By analyzing these movies, I was able to identify a number of important dramatic techniques that, in my opinion, are essential to producing a great opening:

• Dialogue: As seen in "Roxanne," clear, humorous conversation may be very captivating. The emotional intensity of "Cyrano" is increased by its beautiful and expressive wording. "The Half of It" shows how relevant, current conversation may effectively engage today's audience.
• Character Developments: It is important to examine the protagonists' and villains' emotional journeys. The plots must be persuasive and well defined, moving the story along.
• Themes: The story gains depth and meaning when underlying issues like love, grief, identity, and injustice in society are looked at. 

I think I can make a movie opening that is both culturally significant and incredibly relatable to viewers if I properly assess these techniques and take inspiration from the movies I've studied.