Reflection

Reflection:

Since the beginning, I had been looking forward to this project. I'm always doing little videos and projects for my own enjoyment. But, knowing that this time it will count towards my Cambridge exam, the pressure suddenly hit.

Luckily, thinking of an idea wasn't my issue. I originally wanted to start composing music on my own, but honestly it just wasn't for me. But, I still was heavily inspired by this idea and I wanted to make Evan a character that I could see myself in. I came up with the overall plot and then it was time to make it happen.

Going from an amateur filming strategies to real meaningful techniques was an adjustment. Shots, editing, and angles had meaning, and I was expected to come up with it. Fortunately, the AICE Media class taught me everything I needed to know.

Making a film opening does not only require cinematography skills; I had to design props and dress my characters. Also, I had to challenge my time management skills. The shift from day to night messed with the lighting, so I had to make sure all my props were ready before I came back home so filming could start as soon a possible. This, and fitting in the time to write blogs, edit, and schedule new filming dates. There was no time to waste because there was no such thing as submitting late.

There was frequent issues during filming days, but we had to work past them. The car scene originally was supposed to be filmed during sunset at the beach. But right before we were about to film, cars flooded the street and I had no choice but to park. We found out there was a car meet where all the sports cars assembled in one parking lot. They were speeding down the streets and I took it upon myself to decide not to drive. Another issue I faced was my actor, Evan. He was aware of the time crunch we were on but insisted he needed to make me angry. He wasn't compliant, he kept making jokes, and he kept going on his phone while we were supposed to record. Finally, he stopped, but it led to filming days turning from 2 to 4. One of the last problems that happened was the frequent mistakes I was making. I would film the clips in no particular order which led to little mishaps that I didn't catch till after I was done editing. An additional filming date had to occur to revise these issues. But don't fret, it all worked out.

Some of the things I did enjoy were the blog posts. I really was able to organize my thoughts and then receive feedback though group meetings. This, along with finding it really relaxing. Just talking about what I had been up to with the project immediately cleared my mind. Also, I had a lot of fun filming. After Evan was ready to take it seriously, we were able to laugh and make jokes together. Also, (it was a great excuse to go to the beach). It almost felt like I was getting a grade for enjoying some time with my friends. I really didn't see this project as something I HAD to do; I wanted to do it. And now, me and my friends decided to all come together again and make another video for our mere entertainment. This time, well be able to apply everything I learned throughout this course and make something were truly proud of.

References:

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park - Fort Lauderdale. Casago. (n.d.). https://casago.com/fort-lauderdale/things-to-do/fort-lauderdale-beach/

 The best DJ software to learn. DJUCED 2022 340×156. (n.d.). https://www.djuced.com/

CCR production ideas

Now that Ive answered all my question, I need an engaging way to execute them. As I was brainstorming ideas, I remember the suggestions I got from my second group meeting. Our teacher recommended to incorporate our film opening into our CCR. So with the information I gave my group, here's what we came up with.

CCR #1-

The first video would be at the main filming location of the opening, my room. There, I would use the to infamous props, the soundboard and my computer. I was thinking to go on garage band and pull up audio files like I did in the opening and press play to sound out the question. I would have to pre recorded audio clips of my voice but, you gotta do what you gotta do.

A switch to an angle like this to make it less stagnant

This is what would appear on my computer, where Id play the audio files.

On the soundboard, I was thinking of using the button to play sound effects. If I said something funny, and insert of laughing would play. Or maybe if im talking about something I struggles with in the production process, I could play a "boo". The previous images and videos I had put in my blogs will frequently appear on the screen to give the views something to look at and make it more fun. It'll also help them visualize the things i'm saying, as I give them real examples from the film. 

CCR #2-

This might take a lot of effort but I want to integrate my car into the second CCR. Since my car has a screen, and can play videos on youtube, what if I recorded myself (or someone else) asking questions. The camera angels would switch similar to the first CCR. Overall its a very similar concept. And, instead of randomly inserting videos onto the screen. I can prompt my phone up to show the videos playing in the screen of my car. It'll give the CCR a more natural feel. Or, what I can also do is have someone else interview my in my car. I can utilize the rotating 360 camera and it would slowly but surely switch between individuals. Though, I think I like the first option more because watchers may get a little dizzy.

The screen idea: 

Question #3 CCR

 Hey blog! Time for our third question where I will be talking about how my production skills have developed throughout this whole process. See script below!

Part of the script:

Question: Before this project, had you worked with production processes?

This course initially appealed to me because I am always doing something creative. Wether its movies, music, or drawing, my right brain is in control of me. So, prior to this class I had already made a few music videos and even one short stop motion film. Learning all the different camera techniques and angels made me realize my previous videos were really wack. Shots did not flow, editing was choppy, and my audio choices were simple. Heres a little snippet of both:

Throughout the year we made a few production pieces where I was able to apply everything I learned from the class. The productions got more advanced for my level and I was able to identify the difference the techniques did for the film. I also learned how every little detail and prop told the story. Previously, any mise-ens-cene in movies would just fly over my head and make its way to my subconscious. Now i'm able to identify how these little things bring context to the films. 

Answer: Wow what a difference! Exclusive really was able to show growth between these three pieces. 

Question: What in particular did you learn?

It was time for me to apply everything I learned into my final production. And I did, and it turned out okay. This was when I learned some things about production myself. Like, how long it took to film scenes. I had a major issue with time constraints since I had to film after school before it got dark. It led to spreading the filming dates into 4 separate occasions. Another issue was the compliancy of my actor, Evan. Ive talked about this in one of my blog posts but he really dragged out the time. Instead of taking it seriously, he would use this opportunity to tease me and make me mad. Heres two clips of him acting dumb just to get my blood boiling.

Answer: Yeah that would make me so mad too. Arent you glad its over?

Question: Last question regarding question #3. What skills did you develop throughout this process?

I initially put the first few shots together and realized something looked off. Luckily I was able to identify it. I wasn't considering the flow of the production. In one clip Evan would be doing something with his hands and then it cuts to him not doing it anymore. It interfered with the allusion of making it all look like one clip. I had to reshoot a few clips and it paid off. Heres on example of how I made the clips flow. See how hes putting on his headphones in one clip and then again i the next?

Also, this production forced me to use a little more brain power. Every little detail had to make sense. Evan couldn't be recorded in a adults room if he was suppose to be representing a teenager. Alone with the clothes he wore, I couldn't just let him wear a suit and tie. Also, I had to make a flyer explaining evans whole dilema. I had to make it realistic by conducting research to find out what a flyer like this would look like. When working on the audio, I had to make sure sounds sounded natural and weren't too loud or quiet. But, im proud to say I had fun, and I was happy to learn more about the production process. 

Answer: Yup and that's all that matters! I can really tell Exclusive was personal to you. 

Refrences:

Backstage. (n.d.). Mise-en-scène definition & examples. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/mise-en-scene-definition-examples-75967/

CapCut. (n.d.). How to design an unforgettable music festival poster (+ free templates). https://www.capcut.com/resource/how-to-design-an-unforgettable-music-festival-poster--free-templates

Question #4 CCR

For this last question I must answer how I integrated different technologies into my piece. The photos and videos I put are meant to be in my CCR video. See script below.

Part of script:

Question: What steps did you have to take before starting the filming for this video?

I had to think about how I was going to go about it. I wanted the best

quality cinematography, so I used an app called BlackMagicCam. This app allows me to adjust focus and filters. It also allowed me to record vertically while still being able to view the clips horizontally. This came in handy for the car 360. The device we used, shown below, needed as much height as it could get. If I were filming on my iphone’s camera application, the angle in the end would’ve turned out much lower.

Question: Any new tools you utilized?

Yes! The camera rotator. It was the first step into our growth as producers. It's a device that props on to any surface and has the ability to rotate 360 degrees efficiently and smoothly. Originally, we were going to try a rotating cake stake or even have someone manually rotate the camera by hand, but this purchase made our lives way easier.

 Answer: Yeah, I was wondering how you got that shot.

Question: What about editing the clips together. How'd that go?

Most of the audio choices we used were obtained from youtube. There was so many options for songs, sounds, and voices. Still, youtube didn't have everything I needed so I did have to go in there and record my own foley sounds.

Most of my editing was done on the Capcut app. In the past, I used this app for some of my other projects. Im very fond of the transition options and texts animations they provide. For example, the title of the project was done in a unique fashion. The words bounced and varied in color. Take a look! But the audio choices made me switch platforms. ClipChamp is a beginner friendly app that has a better control system when it comes to audio. I was able to efficiently add audio files and even extract them from the clips. Overall, both apps played their part in making the production what it is today!

 

References:

Blackmagic Design. (n.d.). Blackmagic camera. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagiccamera

Cameron, J., Gould, G., & Ma, A. (n.d.). Chapter 3: A guide to shooting in 360. In 360 essentials: A beginner’s guide to immersive video storytelling. Ryerson University Library. https://pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca/360essentials/chapter/chapter-3-oh-shoot-our-360-shooting-guide/

Question #2 CCR

To give myself less work, Im going to format the answer to the question as I would say it on the script. Once Ive answered all the questions i'm able to efficiently put them together. I need to answer the question: How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

Part of the script:

Question: Who was your main target audience?

 Like any other coming of age film, Exclusive’s main target audience is people ages 13-25. Through mise-en-scene we tried to make the environment and overall aesthetic of the movie relatable for teenagers and young adults. We see this in Evans room and all the characters outfits. Also, our audience gets even slimmer when we introduce the music factor. Exclusives content may appeal more to people who have a passion for music.

Answer: Yeahh, love that!

Question: But where would they watch your film?

Though I uploaded this film opening on YouTube and OneDrive, this wouldn't be a typical place to watch a film. If it was a real media text, streaming platforms like Netflix would give the film much more popularity. Netflix describes them selves as a personalized streaming site which is ideal for our

production. Its able to find its way onto the screen of ur target audience. To create the need to click, our cover for the film is shown below. Its engaging and a mouthful to look at which is what we need to attract move viewers.

Answer: Yess! Im always scrolling on netflix to see what to watch next.

Question: Would social media tie into this process

Social media would play a big role in promoting our film. Ads can reach our designated viewers through Tiktok spotlight were they can click links and purchase tickets right then and there.It has been

proven to increase interest and sales. This further bleeds into consumers making their own content about the film. Exclusive would thrive and grow in popularity.

References:

Netflix Research. (n.d.). Recommendations research area. Netflix Research. Retrieved March 4, 2026, from https://research.netflix.com/research-area/recommendations

TikTok, Inc. (2024, September 3). From small screen to silver screen: TikTok’s impact on movie marketing. TikTok for Business. https://ads.tiktok.com/business/en-US/blog/movie-marketing-research-ticket-sales

Question #1 CCR

 Hey blog! Time to start developing my CCR. So, I need to think about how my film opening abides to media conventions and if i've effectively used representation. 

Genre conventions:

As we know, my film opening falls under the coming of age genre. Evans transition from just making music in his room to making his way onto the big stage shows a lot of growth. This is typical for this genre. But apart from that, Evan doesn't really make any self discovery. A Lot of coming of age movies have a lot to do with realization and loss of innocence. He just faces a problem and decides to completely ignore it. 

Obviously evan being 17 would qualify him as a coming of age protagonist. Though some genre conventions might fit in my film such as growth and realization, Evans stubborn personality stunts him from learning, so the film is more about his journey to his music career rather than him evolving as an individual. It is important to note that the overall aesthetic of "Exclusive" rooted from alot of the same camera and lighting techniques as popular coming of age movie "waves". We can see this through the bright colors which radiant emotion and happiness along with the 360 camera shot of the inside of a car. I was heavily inspired by that movie since the main character shared similar traits to Evan. Once finding out about his fractured shoulder, he decides to ignore the problem and continue wrestling. Similarly, waves also ignores some of the genre conventions which makes these two plots similar. 

Representation:

This ties together with the representation theory found in media contexts. Personality traits like being stubborn, reckless, and persistent were all implemented into my character Evan. Its safe to say that most teenagers could be described in this way. I also considered this theory in the clothes he, and all of his friends wore. A lot of teenagers wear baggy, comfortable clothes which is apparent in Evans initial outfit. Also, using my room was a great strategy. I decorate my walls with memories and creativity which you are unlikely to see in any adults room. Evans personal space reflects his age and even his hobbies. Before Evan even begins to make a song, we see the guitar and sound board in his room.