Creative Critical Reflection

Creative Critical Reflection

Final Project

Film Introduction

Finally!

  Our editing process has come to a close! Finally, we have finished our product. Along the way we had to decide on minor details like fonts, film template, and soundtracks. We found one specific template to use for our credit slides on this website. Here, we found a free template that added texture and light leaks to our credits. It was okay to use because in their terms and conditions, it stated the following:

1. The Contents may only be used on only 1 computer at any one time.
2. The Contents may be used, changed, and incorporated in your work. You may not sell, redistribute, incorporate in a product or give away the contents of this collection. You must accept the Contents “as is” with no express or implied warranty.
3. The Contents may not be used with or within a production involving promotion or exploitation of illegal affairs.
4. The Contents may not be transferred to any third parties through networked computers.
5. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dach production and Effect film lab and all of its officers, directors, employees and agents (“Those Indemnified”) for any and all losses, damages, liabilities, claims, costs or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred directly or indirectly by Those Indemnified in connection with the use of the Data for any unlawful, unauthorized or prohibited purpose.
6. You may not sell, sublicense, loan, give, or transfer any part of the contents to a third-party, or allow the Contents to be accessed by individuals that are not willing to comply with this agreement.
7. The Contents are royalty free and may be published, broadcasted and distributed in computer graphics and movies for personnal or commercial purpose.
8. You may not incorporate  the contents in any video game, application or software.
9. Selling the images in Second Life is not allowed (not even when you modify the images)

According to their terms and terms and conditions, we could use the following template for our project 

We were especially inspired to use short clips and film textures from the show, American Horror Story. Here's where we were inspired to do a similar style in our very own film introduction. 

    As shown above, throughout the show's them opening, especially on the credit clips, there was a flicker or texture shown on the actor's name. We thought this would look great on our very own film project since both are similar genres. However, we knew we didn't have the software to create our own film texture, therefore we searched for free ones for personal use. All in all, we kept our introduction pretty simple. Although we wanted to add the video's original sound, the realized the microphone of the camera wasn't the best. But, in the end, the music came out great along with the footage. Lastly, toward the end of the introduction, we decided to start focusing on smaller details like the flashlights that Carlos used or the extreme close up shot of Gabriel using his phone to track down his social media. Overall, every small detail and decision that we have documented here all played a major role in the final product!

Music Decisions

       Throughout our editing process, we thought it was essential to add music to our film introduction. So, we decided it was best to use uncopyrighted music instead of copyrighted. This would mean that we would have to ask to owners for permission. As a result, we decided to start our web search on uncopyrighted music that would fit our film introduction's tone which was mystery. I came across several websites that included music that we could use for personal use. For example, we found this website, that provide several tracks that we could use for our film introduction. However, we could not find a track that could fit our film properly.


       All seemed to be either too happy, too dramatic, or too sad. So we continued our hunt for the perfect soundtrack. To help our decision making, we decided to leave out any songs with lyrics. Eventually, we found a track and thought it would be a great idea to use this audio (Industrial Cinematic-MacLeod).
   
    This track fit perfectly because it fit well with both the simple stalker scenes and the others including Carlos running. So, we chose this track for the entire film opening as shown below.

       As shown above, we decided to use this track because it helps emphasize the plot of the story that we are trying to convey to the audience. Therefore, we thought we made the best choice.  Overall, we kept the editing very simple. For example, as you can see we basically used several short slips and placed them in chronological order. This technique of using these short clips only gives the viewer a glimpse of the mise-en-scene, creating anticipation.

Editing

      Today, Gaby and Isa came to my house to start the editing process. First, we uploaded our content onto our chosen movie editing software. Then we laid out all of our footage that we had taken from our very first filming session to our most recent with Gabriel, Dylan, Carlos, Isabel, and Gaby. We had already discussed the idea of starting off the film introduction with Carlos trying to catch his breath. But, while we were at town center, I decided to improvise again and I got a couple shots of Carlos's feet running across the floor. So, we decided to start off our introduction with that clip. This created a sense of curiosity to the audience because it begins the movie at an unpopular angle. Moreover, I suggested that we can use parallel editing to show to the cause as to why Carlos was running as shown below.

     Also, throughout our editing process, Gaby and Isa mentioned that the whole film introduction shouldn't be parallel edited. Realizing why, I agreed because it would just confuse our viewers, so we kept it at a minimum and only used the parallel editing technique in the beginning of the film. Moreover, we wanted to keep the clips short so that you can only see each clip briefly. This, again, would intrigue our audience. Also, as you can there were several close-up shots of Carlos in order for the audience to see who the main character is. Moreover, we tried to incorporate low lighting in order to convey a mysterious tone for the scenes including Carlos being chased. Eventually, we thought next time we could start our search for music. 

Film Part 2

     Finally, Gaby, Isa, Carlos, Gabe, and I met up to film our last section of our film opening! At around 8:30 we went to town center with my camera equipment and began the process. To start off, I asked Carlos to run around the buildings to speed up his heart rate this would help give the "tired" emotion to his character. I specifically wanted to start off the opening with Carlos hiding behind a wall and breathing loudly. This conveys and intrigues the audience making them wonder why and who he was running from. This brings me back to the storyboards I created in class with my group. During our takes, I noticed one major difficulty—light. This took on a major role during our process because it was scattered in random places and it was something out of my control. 

     For example, in some clips I took I realized there could have been either more light or less light. 

  In this clip, the lighting is just right. As you can see, the flashlight attracts the viewer to the character as well as the low lighting at the end of the stairs. But, in other clips that we decided to leave out, you couldn't make out the Carlos's body. 

Here it's difficult to make out what is being depicted. Hopefully the editing goes by smoothly. 

Pre-Editing

        Throughout the week, prior to our final film day, we thought of what tools we could use to edit our footage. On our last project together, I remember that we used iMovie to edit, since the program was already included on my Mac. So, for this project, I decided we could use the same program since it included music and audio effects that aren't copyrighted. Also, I've been using the same program all year therefore I'm more familiar with how to use it. So, in terms of editing, I thought we could plan how we would edit our footage.
     
       To start off, I used storyboards to plan out each and every shot. This helped organize the filming process that we did prior. So, I went ahead and started playing around with iMovie, to find any professional techniques that I could incorporate in the editing process. Moreover, Gaby, Isa, and I thought it would be best to edit together, therefore we can use all of our knowledge in terms of editing. I thought this would be essential in creating the best film opening possible! Also, we could decide smaller details like font style and size, filters, enhancement (in lighting), and editing techniques like jump cuts, graphic match, reverse cuts, and eye line match.

       In addition, I also looked for other editing softwares that we could also consider for this project on the application store in our film opening. I found applications like Final Cut Pro, Capto, Motion, and Cinema Effects. However, all needed to be purchased! So, my scavenger hunt for applications was cut short. Anyway, by Monday of next week, we should be starting our editing process in class. Since we would be doing the editing together, I thought we could use a computer and my camera's memory card. This way, we could work on the project in class. I hope to finish early so we can enjoy Spring Break.