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Showing posts from February, 2022

Title Design

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 For my title I plan on using 2 or 3 fonts, depending on how they will look in the final product. I am leaning towards a simple font that matches the mood and atmosphere. In my opinion, having an extreme font only works well in certain situations and distracts the viewer in a normal situation. Even for my broad title, I want to it match a calm mood and fit well into a night time atmosphere. I plan to use a simple dark grey for lighter backgrounds and white if I ever show a title during the night. Each title will show for about 3 seconds. The words on the title will subtly fade in and fade out on the screen.  A tentative title for this film would be "Writer's Block". I hope to use the font called, STXingkai. It is  a little complicated, but leaves an intriguing effect for the title. My hope is that is piques the viewer's interest. For the titles other than the "Directed by:", I will use the font "Calibri" or "Lucida Console". I feel that t

Script

Scene 1 [Writer walks in room and sits down at desk. Begins to write and type frantically. Many hours pass.] Diegetic sound-Footsteps, keyboard typing, and scribbling pen. [Writer sighs loudly.] Internal dialogue-"What to do, what to do. If only there was some way to get inspiration." [Writer begins furiously writing. He throws many crumpled up papers of rejected ideas into the bin.] Scene 2 Outdoors during the evening. (Ambient Sounds of the night.) [Writer can be seen taking a short walk.] Scene 3 Writer returns to the desk with a glass of water. [Rapidly types on keyboard.] Writer- "Wait.... What is this?" [Finds virtual idea generator." [AI begins to generate ideas.] [Writer eagerly begins to write and type using the computer.] [Mysterious noise from back cabinet.] [Writer turns and stares]-What was that? [He approaches a glowing light. As soon as he touches it he falls unconscious.] Scene 4 [Wakes up in outdoors] Writer-"Hmm...? Wha.....?" [Turns

Other Info

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Schedule From March 5-15, I will begin filming. By then, I hope to already have all the equipment I need for at least the first 80 seconds of the title sequence. Anytime during this weekend or within the next 7-10 days I will shoot all of the scenes that are inside of my home. One benefit of filming inside is that I can film at virtually any time. From March 16-21 I expect to have all of the outdoor scenes. I will continue repeating to get the best result. From the 21 to the 28 I will have hoped to finish the first round of everything. From here to 4/13, I will give this to a family member to review. Afterwards, I will review the sequence and make any finishing touches. Location The beginning of the sequence will most likely take place in my own house. I plan to ha some scenes take place in my bedroom by a desk. Additionally, I would be moving throughout the house and through a hallway into a kitchen. For the concluding scenes, I plan to move outdoors to a more scenic landscape. Attach

Title Design Research: Land of the Lost

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This video (and image) was viewed on watchthetitles.com What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? In the sequence, we first see the title of the movie. However, the order takes an unusual twist. Normally, the "directed by" followed by the directors' name is the last thing to be shown. However, it is the first credit to be shown. Finally, we can see all of the main actors and staff credits. What images are prioritized in the opening sequences? The images in the title sequence depict many different landscapes. Some of these depict a post apocalyptic world and frightening locations. There is also a recurring alien face as the face of an island to the array of aliens in the final scenes. These given characters are represented by their silhouettes that make their exact identity unclear. What connotations do these images carry? The images of the post apocalyptic world suggests that a devastating event will happen or has already happened and that maybe this adventu

Title Design Research: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

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This video was retrieved from youtube.com What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? In the opening sequence, the titles that are displayed are the production company and other producers. Different staff names and credits to the story are made in the title are shown. We also see the name of the director. What images are prioritized in the opening sequences? In the opening sequences, the location and scenery is definitely prioritized. For example, we can see the vast landscape and are given brief context using non-verbal cues. There is obviously a heavy influence on the military equipment. For example, we can see a caravan driving past a checkpoint among a seemingly abandoned plain. We can also see close up shots of a man with a stern face. What connotations do these images carry? The large landscape suggests that the film will have a lot of travelling or explorations. The presence of a militia makes the audience assume there will be violence or other action in the film. Th

Title Design Research: Zathura : A Space Adventure

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This video was retrieved from youtube.com What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? During this opening sequence, we can see the production company, producers, and the movie title. We can see the names of the main actors. Finally, we see other staff, including the composer. and the director. What images are prioritized in the opening sequences? The images in the opening sequences show many shots of a cartoon style of spaceships and celestial bodies. We can see extreme close up shots of a mechanical games. The pieces, gears, and art of the old fashioned frame itself are all visible. This is meant to showcase the board game and we can assume that it plays a major role in the plot. What connotations do these images carry? The big red button with the word "Go" implies that there will be a sudden burst of events that set the plot into motion. The gears of the board game make it seem like it is truly alive or animate. Having a spaceship also suggests that there will b

Title Design Research: The Adventures of Tintin

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This video was retrieved from youtube.com What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? During the sequence, we first see the production company. Next, we see the main actors and the staff followed by the main producers. Finally, we are shown the director title. What images are prioritized in the opening sequences? The whole sequences depicts many silhouettes following a maze a interchanging locations and interactions. Some of them are colored differently to distinguish them apart. However, we can see the same familiar white dog shadow and the main characters shadow. In addition, we can also see several seconds of a certain newspaper. Finally, there is a glowing sphere that the main character appears to be interested as he carries it around. What connotations do these images carry? The silhouettes give hints of uncertainty of who the identity of the characters, but the colors can make us assume that the red tinted ones are the "bad guys" fighting the main character.

Title Website Research

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The first site I am researching is the artofthetitle.com. It has many different displays of title sequences from a variety of genres. There are also biographies and summaries of the many different title designers from the site. I can look at the gallery of titles and find one that best suits the genre. However, there is no feature to filter the genre. The titles are usually cut to be a minute or two long, so viewing them becomes pretty easy. In addition, there are sections for awarded films that can refine your search. For example, you can quickly research a few films that are highly rated. This way, you can take inspirations from movies that have great first impressions among their audiences. The next site is watchthetitles.com. Not only does this website include sequences from films, but TV shows and even video games. It pays respects to all these different types of media. I also noticed a search bar, where I can directly look for certain titles or themes. This site also combines the

Movie Conventions: Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

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In Jumanji: The Next Level, the film uses many establishing shots to exhibit the scenery and also provide some context to the audience about the characters before they are transported into the game of Jumanji. We can see tilts and pans of the camera as the angle changes to capture all the separate characters. It can also help analyze a certain place by breaking it down into smaller objects. These objects could be a structure, mountain, or bridge that bring the location together. This builds on the theme that these characters have different traits and personalities, but must function together as one for their own good. Many reverse shots show the dialogue throughout the characters. In the beginning of the movie, we can see modern casual clothing, such as t-shirts, jeans, and jackets. These costumes are standard for the age of the characters and the time being set to the present day. However, once the characters are transported to the game of Jumanji, they take on rugged and outdoor clot

Movie Conventions: Little Women (2019)

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 Little Women uses many tracking shots to literally follow the characters along in their lives. They can be seen running down the road or in the woods. The movie uses different two shots and three shots that display the all characters simultaneously in the same place. We can see what they are doing and how they are moving in different scenes. Close ups are used to show the characters emotions and medium shots show their body language. This sense of non-verbal communication makes the reader better connect with the characters with less dialogue. The costumes in Little Women are old-fashioned and timely. This is because the film takes place in the 19th century and we can see people dressed formally regardless of their location. For example, women can be seen wearing dresses at the beach, in their homes, or in the forest. Men can also be seen with dark suits at the beach and in other outdoor settings. Much of the lighting of the movie is natural, as there were fewer illumination technologi

Movie Conventions: Scream (2022)

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In Scream, there a variety of different camera angles, movements, and shots. I noticed that the film has many still close up and extreme close up shots. These can be of inanimate objects to create suspense and leave the viewer questioning what will happen next. I also found that the film uses less movement such as tracking shots. This leaves the audience in uncertainty and they may see characters get dragged offscreen and will have no idea of their where abouts. The film uses low angle shots to make Ghostface, the antagonist, appear as a powerful, looming figure while using high angle shots over his/her victims. Additionally, there are instances of a canted angle zoom to make the characters appear to put the characters in perspective. The costumes of the characters in Scream are usually casually clothes, such as jeans, t-shirts, and jackets, as some of the characters are high school students. The movie uses lighting to make the settings very dark and ominous. However, many of the main

Genre Research Selection

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While considering all my options, I narrowed my search into three main options. These were: Horror, Drama, and Adventure. While the horror genre seemed fun and interesting to make at first, I realized I had overlooked some aspects. I would need a main antagonist or dark foreshadowing of one, which I had not thought of or had another person to act as. Additionally, I would need a large, virtually empty setting that could be used to set an ominous mood. This coupled with the many props and actors needed ultimately steered me away from deciding this genre. I then looked at adventure. I could imagine a ton of possibilities for production with the reliance on the setting. These establishing shots could look great in the two-minute opening sequence. Especially since I live in South Florida, where it certainly won't be hard to find an exotic or tropical setting at any time of day. I thought that I could use many different cinematic shots and pair it with a fitting sound. To show the plot,

Genre Research: Drama

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 A drama is another genre of film that can be combined with other different genres. It is categorized by its often sincere and serious meaning. Dramas usually have a plot that can revolve over a social, verbal, or emotional conflict. Common shots would include close-up shots, over-the-shoulder shots, and medium-long shots. These are used to show the characters and their interactions. Any other shots that can capture the basic, day-to-day conversations and action of a character will most likely be common. Tracking shots are also used to (literally) follow a character in whatever routine they may have, Costumes can range from casual, to business casual, to formal. They usually will not have any activewear as most the scenes occur indoors with characters conversing and people doing office work or writing. The lighting is usually from LED or fluorescent sources. Again, this typically simulates the location of the white collar worker. Acting in this genre is sincere and can flow naturally a

Genre Research: Adventure

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 In an adventure film, a character usually explores or discovers things across a usually vast and exotic setting  This genre is often combined with other genres. Common shots include establishing shots to strongly emphasize the location. It will highlight the stunning detail and create a jaw-dropping view.  This is frequently combined with aerial shots to put the character in perspective with the setting. It might also use tracking shots and medium long shots to show the character navigating to their (usually) new surroundings.  The costumes in this genre usually contain outdoor clothing and other necessary garments for survival. The lighting has a heavy emphasis on the nature. This means that most of the lighting will come from the bright sun in the day or a full moon at night. Actors will often acted dazed and captivated with their surroundings. Oftentimes, they are athletic to move through rough terrain. They usually appear to be dirty or sweaty from prolonged times outside. In this

Genre Research: Horror

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 A film in horror is intended to create fear in or scare the audience, usually involving victims of a monster, killer, or religious event. In horror films, some common camera angles and shots include high angles shots and close ups shots. These are use to highlight character's fear and other emotions while portraying them as powerless from the height difference. Other shots can include a tilted angle, which can builds tension and can show the subjects in a shocking view. Tracking shots can be used to follow a main protagonist and build suspense as they move through the setting. Establishing shots can highlight and visualize the entire setting. Finally, handheld shots and point of view shots can amplify the horror as the viewer will see from the victims. Costumes in the horror genre might include tattered, casual clothing for the victims with a complicated, signature look for the antagonist. The killer in a horror film will usually have dark clothing and  masks to conceal their iden

My Pitch

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I am at a loss of ideas for the plot of the opening sequence. I think the most authentic film would have a storyline that relates to my own personal experience. However, this implies that I am the main character and since I am working solo, it could be hard to get several shots of myself while filming. The best solution for this would be to purchase more camera equipment. Although I have the time to research a functioning, multi-purpose setup, the extra cost might not be practical for this project. Anyways, I have narrowed my thinking to two possible pitches. "A troubled writer struggles in solidarity, but his mind will begin to play tricks on him until the next big hit." Albeit that this is very vague, I think the details could be very easily adjusted. For example, the main character could be a scientist, artist, or any type of white collar worker. I might also be able to film many shots at a desk or indoors, where the conditions are easily maintained. This way, I could stil