Movies that have made iconic sound motif's for certain characters include Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars (The Imperial March).
While I won't be making a full film, these are the types of songs that I would like to model my own after. They are powerful, suspenseful, and familiar. I will not be able to accomplish the feeling of familiarity from only a two minute opening, however I can still receive a strong reaction from my audience the way these three songs do. Mostly, I will pay attention to the way the music rises and creates suspense. That way, I have three examples to imitate when producing my song.
G. (2012, July 15). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX3bN5YeiQs
E. (2012, July 09). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzLZJaAm2hw
M. (2007, August 09). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzWSJG93P8
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sound is Significant
As stated in the title of this blog post, sound is significant.
As important as visuals are to a film, sound is equally as necessary in my opinion. Maybe a film can make do without dialogue, but instrumentals and sound effects used to emphasize what is portrayed on screen help me as a viewer to both understand stories better and grab my attention.
I began by googling sound techniques used in film and what they are used for specifically. I came across a page written by an educator at Sacramento State University and this is what she wrote:
After reading these notes, I began brainstorming how I could utilize some of the skills. The ones that attracted me most were the use of steady sound, gradual increase, and either sudden increase or a sudden stop.
Based on her last bullet note, high-pitched sounds could be used to create tension while low-pitched sounds are correlated with sadness. Because my film opening is not supposed to be upsetting or heavy hearted, I'll go with high-pitched sounds.
I also want to create a continuous song that uses these progressions myself and test the waters of music production.
I would most likely have to produce the songs/ audio after editing the visuals so that I can see how long it is and at what second certain progressions need to occur.
What I plan on doing, though, is keeping a steady sound throughout the chase scene until the protagonist is alone in his room to indicate that there is a continuous action occurring (running). In addition, there would be a sound that gradually raises in either volume or pitch to create the suspenseful feeling that Ms. Kidd discussed in her posting. I'm debating between absolute silence or a sudden sharp sound for the moment that the "chasers" knock on the protagonist's door. I'm leaning towards silence, but I'll decide when I see it all laid out on my editing timeline.
Production Techniques. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/k/kiddv/productiontechniques.htm
As important as visuals are to a film, sound is equally as necessary in my opinion. Maybe a film can make do without dialogue, but instrumentals and sound effects used to emphasize what is portrayed on screen help me as a viewer to both understand stories better and grab my attention.
I began by googling sound techniques used in film and what they are used for specifically. I came across a page written by an educator at Sacramento State University and this is what she wrote:
After reading these notes, I began brainstorming how I could utilize some of the skills. The ones that attracted me most were the use of steady sound, gradual increase, and either sudden increase or a sudden stop.
Based on her last bullet note, high-pitched sounds could be used to create tension while low-pitched sounds are correlated with sadness. Because my film opening is not supposed to be upsetting or heavy hearted, I'll go with high-pitched sounds.
I also want to create a continuous song that uses these progressions myself and test the waters of music production.
I would most likely have to produce the songs/ audio after editing the visuals so that I can see how long it is and at what second certain progressions need to occur.
What I plan on doing, though, is keeping a steady sound throughout the chase scene until the protagonist is alone in his room to indicate that there is a continuous action occurring (running). In addition, there would be a sound that gradually raises in either volume or pitch to create the suspenseful feeling that Ms. Kidd discussed in her posting. I'm debating between absolute silence or a sudden sharp sound for the moment that the "chasers" knock on the protagonist's door. I'm leaning towards silence, but I'll decide when I see it all laid out on my editing timeline.
Production Techniques. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/k/kiddv/productiontechniques.htm
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Round 2... It's a Mystery
So I've realized a couple of things about my previous idea...
1. It's tough to find the actors that I imagine would be the characters for my film
2. I would only have one week to film and edit this opening if I waited until I came back from my California trip
3. To be honest, I wasn't completely in love with my idea anyway
Therefore, I have decided that maybe it isn't too late to change my original idea. Of course, I was put off by the fact that I felt like it would set me back, but in all honesty, I had barely begun storyboarding anyway. And isn't that like the first step of production? So, I went with my gut and began brainstorming again.
The day I decided that this was the route to go, I was lucky because I had an hour and half of class time with all of my peers who could help me. Well, I must have gone through about five different ideas and genre types within those 90 minutes, none of which I was fond of.
At the end of the day, I lay in bed wondering why a creative person like myself was in such a slump. Then it hit me... I have great ideas but $0. :) I slept on it for the night and woke up the next morning determined to finalize my plan and begin storyboarding.
I spent the better end of my night on YouTube watching iconic opening scenes to some of my favorite films. These are some of my top picks.
1. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone
2. Inception
I noticed that all of these excerpts are far out concepts, the characters seemed to already know what was going on in their lives/ story, and they were intriguing causing me to want to watch the rest of the movie.
I came to the conclusion that the reason these scenes are attractive to viewers is because they create some sense of mystery. That being said, I have not only decided to choose mystery as my genre but I will also use the technique of alluding to a mystery in my film opening.
The basic idea that I came up with is a guy running from two chasers because of an unknown reason (as far as the audience knows).
It would begin with the chase scene, immediately providing that sense of action and dragging in viewers. The protagonist of the film, wearing fancy attire and carrying a briefcase, would be running from two guys who are dressed in baggy clothing and primarily dark colors. This costume choice further divides the parties, making it clear that they are not all together, and that the so-called 'chasers' make up a team.
Eventually, the nicely dressed guy will end up isolated in either a bedroom or office. He will place the briefcase on a table and open it up. When he opens the top of the briefcase, the blinding light will flood out, and this mysterious light will turn off as he closes the bag. Suddenly there is banging at the door (it's the chasers from before). At the loud knock, the protagonist will look up at the closed door both shocked and terrified. Black screen.
This idea will attract viewers and get them hyped up immediately considering the fast action that occurs from the beginning of the film. This enhances their desire to want to continue watching, along with the fact that the audience will be wondering what is in the briefcase and why does it light up? Why is the guy being chased? What do the other men want from him? What the heck is going on!?
All of these questions are precisely what I want from the fan base. Isn't the point of a film opening to attract viewers and make them want to keep watching the movie?
Additionally, I already have my three actors and they will be on the school field trip with me in California so we can film in Anaheim. I have looked at google images at the surrounding area of the hotel, and the hotel itself that we will be staying at. I already know the locations that I want to use. Plus, I am positive that they will have the right outfits and props I need to film (and I'll have my camera and tripod with me to actually film).
1. It's tough to find the actors that I imagine would be the characters for my film
2. I would only have one week to film and edit this opening if I waited until I came back from my California trip
3. To be honest, I wasn't completely in love with my idea anyway
Therefore, I have decided that maybe it isn't too late to change my original idea. Of course, I was put off by the fact that I felt like it would set me back, but in all honesty, I had barely begun storyboarding anyway. And isn't that like the first step of production? So, I went with my gut and began brainstorming again.
The day I decided that this was the route to go, I was lucky because I had an hour and half of class time with all of my peers who could help me. Well, I must have gone through about five different ideas and genre types within those 90 minutes, none of which I was fond of.
At the end of the day, I lay in bed wondering why a creative person like myself was in such a slump. Then it hit me... I have great ideas but $0. :) I slept on it for the night and woke up the next morning determined to finalize my plan and begin storyboarding.
I spent the better end of my night on YouTube watching iconic opening scenes to some of my favorite films. These are some of my top picks.
1. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone
2. Inception
3. The Matrix
I noticed that all of these excerpts are far out concepts, the characters seemed to already know what was going on in their lives/ story, and they were intriguing causing me to want to watch the rest of the movie.
I came to the conclusion that the reason these scenes are attractive to viewers is because they create some sense of mystery. That being said, I have not only decided to choose mystery as my genre but I will also use the technique of alluding to a mystery in my film opening.
The basic idea that I came up with is a guy running from two chasers because of an unknown reason (as far as the audience knows).
It would begin with the chase scene, immediately providing that sense of action and dragging in viewers. The protagonist of the film, wearing fancy attire and carrying a briefcase, would be running from two guys who are dressed in baggy clothing and primarily dark colors. This costume choice further divides the parties, making it clear that they are not all together, and that the so-called 'chasers' make up a team.
Eventually, the nicely dressed guy will end up isolated in either a bedroom or office. He will place the briefcase on a table and open it up. When he opens the top of the briefcase, the blinding light will flood out, and this mysterious light will turn off as he closes the bag. Suddenly there is banging at the door (it's the chasers from before). At the loud knock, the protagonist will look up at the closed door both shocked and terrified. Black screen.
This idea will attract viewers and get them hyped up immediately considering the fast action that occurs from the beginning of the film. This enhances their desire to want to continue watching, along with the fact that the audience will be wondering what is in the briefcase and why does it light up? Why is the guy being chased? What do the other men want from him? What the heck is going on!?
All of these questions are precisely what I want from the fan base. Isn't the point of a film opening to attract viewers and make them want to keep watching the movie?
Additionally, I already have my three actors and they will be on the school field trip with me in California so we can film in Anaheim. I have looked at google images at the surrounding area of the hotel, and the hotel itself that we will be staying at. I already know the locations that I want to use. Plus, I am positive that they will have the right outfits and props I need to film (and I'll have my camera and tripod with me to actually film).
Front section
Side view of the front, at night
Lobby
Hotel room
Because I plan on filming while in Anaheim, and I live in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I will have to ensure that I over-film. This way I have more than enough footage when it comes to editing. However, I plan on filming Thursday, March 30th when we have some time to ourselves after our competitions. I want to begin naming clips and editing that night or the next day, so if anything I could re-film during my last day there.
Overall, I am very excited about this new idea and the boys who've agreed to act for me. I imagine it will be a lot of fun to film with them. Between packing and practicing for my upcoming competition next week, I will do more research on mystery films, audio techniques-- I want audio to be intricately planned out for this, and storyboard before getting on the plane Monday morning.
More to come!
L. (2012, September 13). Retrieved March 23, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6cddFuTPBA&t=124s
T. (2013, March 04). Retrieved March 23, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqyfMlnxmmI
A. (2016, April 25). Retrieved March 23, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb6bA4J1Gbg&t=178s
M. (2013, May 08). Retrieved March 23, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_diRgwPCS8
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Production Process
Just like any other high school student, I am drowning in school, work, and extracurricular activities. To efficiently plan out the next three weeks of my life, I made charts that depict events throughout the end of March and into April.
After looking at the events I already had planned, I was able to schedule my process in regards to this project. Keeping in mind that I also have to eat, sleep, and be social, here's what I'll be doing to complete my film opening.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
It's Cuckoo
To brainstorm ideas for my own video, I figured that watching other examples of drama film openings could help as a sort of template. Because drama is such a large genre, many different types of storylines fall under the category. Filmsite.org is a wonderful website that offers reviews, posters, quotes, individual scenes, etc. on the "Greatest Films" created. While it was helpful by presenting the variety of drama films, it was also fun to just browse the website and learn the history behind some of my favorite movies, or even recommend different pieces that I may be interested in watching.
After clicking on the page linked above, http://www.filmsite.org/dramafilms.html, I scrolled down to where it talks about mental illness related films.
Because mental illnesses can be disturbing, I'm leaning towards using cursive font for my own opening credits as well. Cursive also indicates handwritten notes, sometimes used when trying to write rapidly, and many doctors write in cursive (maybe it's for this reason, I don't really know... I'm not a doctor). However, I do know that doctors help those with mental disabilities, so the connection still makes sense to me.
In addition, when I was watching the actors who played patients in the asylum, they all portrayed the personality characteristics listed above. After doing previous research on PTSD, the illness I chose, I noticed that some of the behaviors are similar to the ones expressed in this movie. Therefore, I know that it is an absolute necessity for my actress to act similarly-- anxious, tired, self-conflicted.
Some notes that stuck out to me most are the use of neutral colors, three-point lighting, and camera movement. I would have to invest more time to watching drama movies in order to detect whether these are techniques heavily used within the genre, but for now I'm going to make a safe assumption based on previous exposure to drama films that, yes, these are important assets.
After clicking on the page linked above, http://www.filmsite.org/dramafilms.html, I scrolled down to where it talks about mental illness related films.
The second film mentioned in the excerpt, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, is also a novel which was mandatory to read during my sophomore year of high school. While my English class only read the book, part of some other students' curriculum was watching the film, whether it was for their English or Psychology class. Having never experienced the movie version, I've been wanting to watch it, though I've prolonged the idea for about a year now.
I started by watching the first four minutes of the movie on YouTube. By watching the opening scene, I felt as though there'd be enough content so that I can use some of Milos Forman's (the movie director) techniques for my own film opening. Here are some of my notes:
- Establishing shot
- Cursive font
- Eerie/Folk/Acoustic music
- Three-point lighting
- Neutral colors
- Pan of characters
- Woman dressed in black walks through corridor; red light above her
- Employees in white, some-what formal attire
- Patients behaviors: strapped down; anxious; talking to themselves; exhausted; sluggish
- Mostly medium and wide shots; heavy camera movement
- Classical music
- Seemingly scheduled activity in the psychiatric hospital
Watching the opening scene to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I felt as though Forman's purpose was to establish the tone for his viewers. I found this interesting because it is different than my original idea which was to create a film opening that introduced the main character. It's clear that this film example was establishing tone by the use of classical music (sets time period) and how a variety of characters are introduced, rather than focusing or hinting towards one important actor. However, I want it to be clear that my film is about one woman, so I will stick to focusing on my main actress.
Before any characters are introduced in this excerpt, an establishing shot is used to set the scene, and graphics are in a cursive font. Immediately, this choice reminded me of another movie Moonrise Kingdom, (directed by Wes Anderson) in which cursive font is also used in the film opening. In Moonrise Kingdom, the font was much more exaggerated, which I corresponded with the overall sense of disturbance that came with the rest of the first scene.
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| http://d172rgb28xoegf.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/moonrise-kingdom-balaban.jpg |
Because mental illnesses can be disturbing, I'm leaning towards using cursive font for my own opening credits as well. Cursive also indicates handwritten notes, sometimes used when trying to write rapidly, and many doctors write in cursive (maybe it's for this reason, I don't really know... I'm not a doctor). However, I do know that doctors help those with mental disabilities, so the connection still makes sense to me.
In addition, when I was watching the actors who played patients in the asylum, they all portrayed the personality characteristics listed above. After doing previous research on PTSD, the illness I chose, I noticed that some of the behaviors are similar to the ones expressed in this movie. Therefore, I know that it is an absolute necessity for my actress to act similarly-- anxious, tired, self-conflicted.
Some notes that stuck out to me most are the use of neutral colors, three-point lighting, and camera movement. I would have to invest more time to watching drama movies in order to detect whether these are techniques heavily used within the genre, but for now I'm going to make a safe assumption based on previous exposure to drama films that, yes, these are important assets.
Using neutral colors in both background location and costume choice makes a bold statement that this isn't necessarily a happy film. Furthermore, the most common lighting technique, three-point lighting, also expresses that this is not a sing-song movie (high-key lighting; i.e. The Wizard of Oz) nor is it going to give you nightmares (low-key lighting; i.e. The Exorcist). Finally, I noticed that wide shots and medium shots were most used. This could've been boring, but the use of camera movement (such as panning left to show patients sleeping in their bunks, or having the camera follow one of the nurses as she walks towards patients) helped to make it more interesting visually. These movements were done very smoothly, yet slowly which also caused the editing to be slow.
I very much enjoyed the techniques used in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and I'm thinking about utilizing some of these techniques in my own film. For example, I will use cursive font for graphics, neutral colors for wardrobe, and rely primarily on camera movement and slow editing. I think slow editing will also assist in creating that suspenseful feeling I mentioned in an earlier blog post.
Overall, analyzing this excerpt helped me tremendously, and I'll be watching more drama films for further instruction.
~Tomorrow I will watch the full movie of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest so that I can finally scratch it off of my list of films to see~
Drama Films. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2017, from http://www.filmsite.org/dramafilms.html
V. (2013, April 08). Retrieved March 18, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCLOXsMWbFM
~Tomorrow I will watch the full movie of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest so that I can finally scratch it off of my list of films to see~
Drama Films. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2017, from http://www.filmsite.org/dramafilms.html
V. (2013, April 08). Retrieved March 18, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCLOXsMWbFM
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
PTSD Put Simply
Before jumping into techniques used in drama films, I wanted to educate myself more on what post traumatic stress disorder is. Knowing how the illness affects a person's behavior and personality is also extremely important when it comes to character development.
In the simplest terms, a person can obtain PTSD by experiencing a frightening event. Flashbacks and nightmares about the occurrence (some examples include war, rape, kidnapping, and neglect) indicate that he/she may have the disorder. Some effects include irritability, social isolation, immobility, and mistrust.
For my film opening, I will focus on introducing the main character and establishing her background. Because PTSD causes the feeling of loneliness, I can express that isolated emotion through lighting and composition of shots. Low-key lighting will create suspense and viewers will feel uneasy. In addition, by placing the subject in an empty room with one chair, and framing her on either the left third or right third, the empty space will further enhance that feeling of solitude.
In the simplest terms, a person can obtain PTSD by experiencing a frightening event. Flashbacks and nightmares about the occurrence (some examples include war, rape, kidnapping, and neglect) indicate that he/she may have the disorder. Some effects include irritability, social isolation, immobility, and mistrust.
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| http://traumadissociation.com/awareness |
Sunday, March 12, 2017
The Presumed Idea
In my last post, I shared that I had an idea in mind. So here are the basics...
I've decided that PTSD would be an interesting disorder to choose because it provides a plethora of opportunity regarding why the protagonist has this illness. Rather than taking what feels like the cliché route, my character will not be a war veteran. Google "PTSD movies" and the picture below shows the first six films that pop up. Only one of those (Reign Over Me) is fixated around a character who suffers from the disorder for a reason besides war. Actually, the five other movies are all about Vietnam War veterans... not very original if you ask me.
I've decided that PTSD would be an interesting disorder to choose because it provides a plethora of opportunity regarding why the protagonist has this illness. Rather than taking what feels like the cliché route, my character will not be a war veteran. Google "PTSD movies" and the picture below shows the first six films that pop up. Only one of those (Reign Over Me) is fixated around a character who suffers from the disorder for a reason besides war. Actually, the five other movies are all about Vietnam War veterans... not very original if you ask me.
A quick google search was able to prove my point that war veterans are a bit overused when it comes to representing PTSD. Therefore, a quick synopsis of my film is a woman who was kidnapped and tortured as a young girl. She now suffers from PTSD. I can open the film by introducing the character. To do this, I can show the woman in a distressed state, then provide a flashback to her traumatic experience.
More in depth research and storyboarding coming soon!
(n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
The Verdict
The first step to creating my film opening would be choosing a genre that I want to depict. While talking with other students for peer reflection, I noticed that many of my classmates believe horror is the "easy route to go", so I spent an hour of my life providing feedback on an abundance of horror stories. While some of my peers seem to be interested in the genre, others saw it as an open opportunity to utilize many of the skills we have learned, such as stings, low-key lighting, and close-ups -- all of which seem to be vital techniques in horror films.
While I too want to showcase the various tools I've learned throughout this course, I also want to make sure I'm completely invested in my project. To be frank, horror has never interested me. Mostly because I'm admittedly a scaredy-cat, and I'll probably end up terrified if I even go too deep in researching the genre. Though I may sound a bit hypocritical, mental illnesses (although it can be a disturbing and touchy subject) have always fascinated me. Whether it's a common disorder such as depression, or a more intense issue like bipolar disorder, I've always jumped at the opportunity to research these illnesses more in depth. For example, in 9th grade, I did a book report on I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (an intense but excellently written autobiography; I give it a 10/10), and I am currently working on a film in which the protagonist has schizophrenia. Therefore, it only seems fitting that I take advantage of yet another chance in which I can choose the topic of my project.
That being said, the genre of my choice is drama (in which mental illness will be portrayed). While watching this YouTube video, I began brainstorming, and at the 1:36 mark I already had my idea. Stay tuned!
Common Disorders in Young Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.dualdiagnosis.org/mental-health-and-addiction/common-young-adults/
What is serious mental illness? (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.mentalhealthwales.net/what-is-serious-mental-illness/
W. (2016, August 08). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJnHbXV8_9U
While I too want to showcase the various tools I've learned throughout this course, I also want to make sure I'm completely invested in my project. To be frank, horror has never interested me. Mostly because I'm admittedly a scaredy-cat, and I'll probably end up terrified if I even go too deep in researching the genre. Though I may sound a bit hypocritical, mental illnesses (although it can be a disturbing and touchy subject) have always fascinated me. Whether it's a common disorder such as depression, or a more intense issue like bipolar disorder, I've always jumped at the opportunity to research these illnesses more in depth. For example, in 9th grade, I did a book report on I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (an intense but excellently written autobiography; I give it a 10/10), and I am currently working on a film in which the protagonist has schizophrenia. Therefore, it only seems fitting that I take advantage of yet another chance in which I can choose the topic of my project.
That being said, the genre of my choice is drama (in which mental illness will be portrayed). While watching this YouTube video, I began brainstorming, and at the 1:36 mark I already had my idea. Stay tuned!
Common Disorders in Young Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.dualdiagnosis.org/mental-health-and-addiction/common-young-adults/
What is serious mental illness? (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.mentalhealthwales.net/what-is-serious-mental-illness/
W. (2016, August 08). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJnHbXV8_9U
Where to Begin...
As an extremely involved student in the television production program at my high school, taking a class about media studies didn't come off as difficult. During the first couple of lessons, I would sit back, learning about terminology I have been previously exposed to. However, as the year continued, I found myself to be sucked deeper into this world of analysis and understanding.
Days spent sitting at my desk in the front of the room, eyes plastered to the words and videos presented on PowerPoints, and my ears aching to hear more of my teacher's explanations have filled my brain with more knowledge, and ultimately brought me to this very moment: my first blog post.
In October, I decided that later in the school year I would be making a two minute film opening by myself. In reference to the TV production program I mentioned above, I have spent my high school career thus far creating a variety of videos independently. Therefore, I didn't see this project to be a burden. In fact, I've been looking forward to this day since my graduated friends were creating their own portfolios. As of now I'm not quite sure which path I will take, but I am optimistic about my future project and I hope my teacher, Cambridge, and any other eyes that cross my blog come to enjoy it as well.
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