Creative Critical Reflection #4

    Question : How you integrate technologies, software, hardware, and online-in this project?

Throughout my project I utilized lighting and filters to provide the cold clinical effect that would detach warmth and humanity from the character, while making his routines seem more unsettling. The character Connor is emphasized to be the one bringing that energy into the rooms with lively characteristics. This can be seen in the classroom scene as the mise-en-scene of the room is upbeat the drawings and seating spacing is contrasting to emphasize the juxtaposition between. For my editing software I used apps like Adobe, Canva, and iMovie to put together my production logo and film opening. Adobe and Canva were specifically used for the purpose of creating my production logo as I began layering backdrops on Adobe I was able to create the text and logo through Canva utilizing background and sound effects which I was able to access copyright free.

Thankfully, all these programs were accessible to me through school provided platforms like Clever, and apple connections for iMovie. I was briefly taught how to use Adobe by my teacher Mrs. Stoklosa while I also had the time to tinker around with the app on earlier projects. Additionally, growing up I would play around with iMovie so utilizing its advanced functions on my computer has taken my editing skills further.

These software apps helped me alter camera angles and un-needed/uncontrolled variable featured in shots. I was also able to change the colors on iMovie which gave me the lighting I wanted that I couldn't achieve. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned how to edit and alter scenes as I believe I will use this to my advantage in the future.

 

Creative Critical Reflection #3

    Question 3: How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

    Before going into this class I had never edited and film with a purpose and with quality, maybe using iMovie on a road trip with my brother at most. Although since our first project in this class that I documented I feel as though my eye for shots has altered allowing me to understand how I need to shot something in order to get the effect that I want. My ability to transition is still being developed but it has advanced since the start of my journey, through this process I have also discovered my interest in merging and creating sounds and additional effects for mise-en-scene. This element of filming is additionally intriguing for me as I am interested in musical theatre I surround myself with mine-en-scne all the time. This project has been engaging for me as I take the time each week to work and reflect on the status of my project onto my blog as you have been witness to my planing, peer review, editing, and filming so far. I have taken the time to make a script and storyboard to ensure I get the shots I wanted.

    When filming the production I had difficulty accessing some props like a hand scrubber and blood so I had used alternatives towards them like instead of fake blood I used grenadine syrup. I also noticed that my brother held the floss odd nothing I could fix for my project as it didn't offset much it just made the scene awkward but so is the character so it works. I did find it difficult to film the classroom scene originally but once I found a willing enough teacher the classroom became accessible and the project became real though I could only film in the morning it was up to me to ensure I would wake up and arrive on time.

    Overall, if it wasn't for this class I don't believe I would have ever out myself out there to learn new editing and filming techniques, this year was the first time I had ever opened Adobe or layered sounds. I am excited to use this skill in the future as an skillset is beneficial to hold under you belt. Although, I am not as talented as most kids in CBTV I wouldn't compare my level to their because Im proud of myself and some things I have learned.

Creative Critical Research #2

   

Creative Critical Reflection #2

    Question 2: How does your product engage with audiences how would it be distributed as a real media text

    My media product is targeted towards horror/ thriller genre enthusiasts around the ages of 15-25 as "the gender profiles for horror movies are women being around roughly 42% and men are 58%" for these ages according to Gilbey, Alex. "Genre: Horror Films." cmp alex gilbey, 2015, cmpalexgilbey.weebly.com/uploads/3/8/8/7/38878453/horror_film_research.pdf. This film will specifically be geared towards individuals who prefer the psychological aspect to frightening situations as they may feel as it provides an uneasy familiar feeling. During the beginning of the production I choose to utilize the cold lighting in my bathroom similar to the light you would see within a hospital, I also ensured that the environment and space I utilized was organized cautiously as I felt it better represented the character. Each shot taken within the bathroom additionally left out his face until the close up in the mirror to provide my audience with anticipation. Each also began slow and quickly faded into more aggressive behavior to represent his emotional and mental state. Then the class room scenes wide shots and medium shot were used to represent the emptiness of the room and the proximity and contrast in personality and behavior between the student and teacher. 

    For my production company Phantom Productions we have released our film opening on YouTube to gage audience reactions in order to understand where we stood after going through the comments left on the video we would schedule to refilm our production to abide to the commentary we deem as fit or beneficial and then post that newly filmed edition to a film competition. To ensure that audiences are able to view my content I would also publish my opening onto Vimeo through Amazon Prime Video Direct.

 CCR Production Ideas

For my CCR interview I decided to do something that relates to me so I decided to something like the celebrity kitten interviews as I have 5 cats I thought it would be easily accessible and fun to do.

These are four of my five cats going from left to right Holly, Eggnog, Pepper, and Chestnut the missing one is named Ginger. I took inspirations from the Stranger Things cast interviews with cats as it may be stationary it is entertaining to watch your favorite cast members interact with cuddly cats.

Although this was a fun a cute idea I decided it would be best to just have a cat present during an interview, so in order to combine the both of them I created the fursona of Drew Barrymeow as inspired by the Drew show.

 Post-production & editing process

When editing I emphasized the red pigment in the steak, Connors hands, and eyes as I felt it dragged attention and caused an uncomfortable feeling. Additionally in color theory the color red is often used to represent danger and power both elements I wanted to add to the character Connor. These were especially needed for the way in which the cut off is implied as it leaves audiences wondering what Connors next action would be as it shows he's hit a frustrating point the parents aren't fully shown and there isn't a directed next action for Connor to take.

When filming I also intentionally added the tilt to keep a repeating variable as it is established that Connor ignores those around specifically keeping to himself but the fast pace of the tilt represents his frustration and the build up behind it. Additionally for the sound when the camera wasn't faced towards the parents I have them clink their utensils to add a coherent and heard diegetic sound, especially since they could eat the food. They couldn't consume the food because the steak was purposefully undercooked to add the bloody pigment needed and the potatoes weren't cooked as they were need to make the platting appear more full in comparison to the large steak placed.

 Production Shots/ Production editing

As the character Connor performs his daily and meticulous morning routine the shots are left in a dramatic filter to emphasis the clinical feeling behind them. The switching of the angles are to create a sequence to follow as the routine is followed through but to also drag out the anticipation to visually see the character as his face doesn't appear until he begins to floss. The angles used are a mix of over the shoulder shots and medium ones, with the disappearance of Connors face is also purposefully done to draw attention to his hands and neatly organized surroundings to add mise-en-scene to Connors character.

For my editing between the shots of flossing and the sink they were speed up to represent harshness of the characters action and he feels as he isn't "clean" enough and he keeps this action up even though he is hurting himself he is visibly unfazed. The speed is supposed to keep the actions uncomfortable to an audience as much is happening too fast to comprehend.

This action is also repeated for the classroom scenes to keep the idea that the character is so focused in himself and his cleanliness, its almost acting as a nervous tick he relies on to cope with socialization.

Creative Critical Reflection Ideas

For my CCR ideas I want to record a podcast, I think re-creating something I already enjoy will increase the quality of my creation and performance. When I was writing the script for my podcast segment I was inspired by my favorite true crime podcaster Stephanie Soo who posts on her "Rotten Mango" podcast which is named after her dog Mango. I was also inspired by the way she speaks about her content as some episodes she'll speak on true crime cases, while others she will cover books and movies with plots related to cases or just generally intriguing.

 For my podcast I added some elements of my own, for instance the name "The Northeners" is inspired by my friend Jana and I as we live in a neighborhood "North Lakes" and wanted to create a podcast together, we decided that if we ever did that would be its name. Additionally the personalities for the characters on the podcast were designed after the very girls who portrayed the roles, two of my best friends Jana Gonzalez and Brianna Gutierrez.