Critical Reflection

This is my critical reflection for my short film “In Pursuit”. 

• How do your products represent social groups or issues?

   My products are rooted in the issue of abduction and the dangers of stalking. As my short film was developed, I wanted to portray the beginnings of how stalking may begin, it starts as an obsession that leads to a heavy desire. My short film about a stalker attempting to harm a teenage girl and her realization that she is at risk is a powerful commentary on a variety of social issues and groups. The film primarily addresses the issue of stalking and its potential for violence. Stalking is a serious crime that frequently goes unreported and is misunderstood. My product serves as a stark reminder that stalking is more than just unwanted attention and can quickly devolve into a violent situation. The adolescent girl symbolizes the vulnerability of young women in our society. In my film, it emphasizes the importance of being aware of our surroundings and taking precautions to protect ourselves, like when "Chloe" began discussing her assumptions with her friends and noticing that the stalker used her first name even though they had never met. The stalker personifies some people in our society's dangerous and often predatory behavior. My products emphasize the dangers posed by such people and the need for society to protect potential victims. My products also highlight the importance of community involvement in preventing and responding to stalking and other forms of violence. When the teenage girl realizes the danger, she is in by providing a shoulder of reliance, her friends come to her aid in your film. This underscores the cruciality of a support system and the role that we can all play in preventing violence. By bringing these issues to light, we can increase awareness and promote change in our society.
 

• How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

   To create a sense of branding from this production I started by making sure everything was tight in one place, I made a Gmail for the film. With this, I created a social media presence, a website, and a postcard all under one general account. I primarily began with choosing two fonts, a color scheme, and an overall thematic design aesthetic. I chose a font for a bold and urgent mood and a handwritten font to emphasize tension by the creepy look it presents. For the color scheme, I chose navy blue, blue-gray, white, black, and red like blood. These colors matched well the costumes of the stalker and the victim- “Rachel” and “Chloe”- in the first scene. While considering all these elements, I made the film logo that I plastered on each of my film accounts, the website, and the postcard, it is unique to the film. It has “IN PURSUIT” in the center with an icon of two stick figures chasing each other to signify an attack. I used the film's logo as the basis for the fonts and color scheme on both the website and postcard, but I also incorporated a thematic aesthetic featuring a red string corkboard or a "crazy wall" design. It entails crumbled paper backgrounds, pictures with polaroid frames and filters, and red lines or circles on people, objects, or notes. As a producer of this film, I believe the website, postcard, and film work together to show consistent visual and narrative elements, helping reinforce the project's message and tone. Each component complements the others, resulting in a multidimensional experience for the audience and the development of a strong brand identity.
 

• How do your products engage with the audience?

   As the creator of a series of products, including a website, postcard, and short film, I have put a lot of thought into how these products engage with my audience. The success of these products depends on several key aspects of design. The visual design of each product is critical. All three products feature a consistent color scheme and typography that reinforce my aim to create a sense of familiarity and coherence for the audience. The content of each product is carefully crafted to thrill the audience. On the website, for example, I use concise and engaging language to convey the core message and reviews of the project. The postcard features an attention-grabbing image, a brief call-to-action that encourages the recipient to learn more about the project, and an interactive QR code. The short film is designed to tell a compelling story that draws the audience emotionally, especially teenagers or parents. I have made sure to create multiple touch points for the audience to engage with. By offering a range of products, including a website, postcard, and short film, I aim to appeal to different preferences and create opportunities for the audience to interact with the project in diverse ways. For example, the website offers a more in-depth exploration of the project's accomplishments and cast, while the short film offers a more visceral and adrenaline-pumping experience. Overall, by careful attention to visual design, engaging content, and multiple common grounds, I believe my products can effectively engage with my audience.
 

• How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

     My series of products, which included a short film, website, and postcard, were based on extensive research I conducted to better understand the genre conventions, audience expectations, and social issues that my work would represent. The short film investigates gender roles and women's experiences in society. The film challenges the traditional depiction of stalking and violence as primarily male oriented by featuring both the stalker and the teen being stalked as female characters. Furthermore, it defied thriller genre conventions by centering the story on a young woman and portraying her as a proactive and resourceful protagonist. This portrayal goes against the traditional representation of women as passive and vulnerable and offers a more empowering and progressive alternative. Instead of relying on traditional horror tropes, such as jump scares or graphic violence for a topic like stalking, the film focused on building tension through a nuanced exploration of the protagonist's emotions and experiences as a thriller would. This approach was informed by research into the experiences of real-life stalking victims, as well as a desire to challenge the way that women are typically represented in horror and thriller films. Conventions were used more traditionally on the website and postcard. For example, the website used a familiar layout and structure to make it easy for the audience to navigate and find the information they needed. To ensure that the postcard stood out and captured the attention of potential viewers, it used a recognizable format and design. Finally, my research enabled me to question conventions in some areas while employing them in others. I was able to create cohesive products that addressed the task's central social issues.

Short Film Package for In Pursuit

Hello, this is my short film “In Pursuit”!

Website:

https://inpursuitfilm.wixsite.com/in-pursuit-film

Postcard:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFdeU6sNic/iMHuA5HlcZyjzwwITHFQTg/view?utm_content=DAFdeU6sNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

Short Film:

https://youtu.be/PrfYt3Mh4dI

Film Reviewing

 After the final edits and going through my film I decided to check in with someone to make sure we are on the right path. Each group member asked different people. I want to take any constructive criticism into consideration for any truly final edits. So, I decided to ask my mother’s boss and dear friend, Heidi to review my film. I choose Heidi because as she does know me since by mom has worked for her for more than fifteen year, but she a very analytical person, she is technical, so I am sure she will be a wise person to take advice from. She is a CPA so her work must be without error all the time so she understands the demands of my ask. Interestingly enough, Heidi herself told me she took a film and media studies class in college once, so this ensures she will comprehend what to look for in the short film. I have asked her to be truthful and to get as much constructive criticism as possible because it helps. Prior to sending her the video I did explain the project and everything we had to have. I showed her some of the shot requirements and measure that we had to take. She gave positive comments and very specific constructive criticism which I appreciated. She began speaking of the transition and how they needed to be a little bit quicker for the jump cuts to be at a fast pace. Lili and Angie decided they would meet to fix those issues. She also enjoyed the awkwardness of the conversations, especially the one in the cat food aisle, where I as “Rachel” bump “Chloe” and spark a random conversation. She did mention that the sound was a little off the action parts of the film. I thought about the issue and it has an easy solution would just be using more of the middle sound for the beginning and pushing down the rest of the sound, our group had trouble agreeing on what to do here. As I’m new to the group sometimes I feel left out or just do not get the “memo” on stuff, but I understand. Sometimes I do like to do stuff on my own and then I ask them if it okay with them, like finding the music, but I’m trying to take a step back. Anyways, Heidi said that all the shots look very high-quality. I told her it was due to the settings that we had Angie film on with her iPhone, 4K and 60 fps. Overall with have a great film and only minor errors to fix. Heidi was a great choice for peer reviewing my film because she very analytical and well-informed on what to look for. 

Second to Last Edits

 It's time to add the opening sequence titles to my short film as I move toward the end of post-production. I begin by debating with my group what typeface and color scheme would best suit the overall tone and aesthetic of the movie. I experimented with many styles for a while since I wanted the titles to be eye-catching and visually appealing. I started outlining the titles in my editing program with Lili once I had a few concepts in mind and with the assistance of my team. I checked that each title is evenly spaced and aligned, and that the font size is readable on a range of screens. It presented a challenge for me in last year's final task. I also included any relevant details, such the director, production firm, and title of the movie. As I worked, I continuously compared the titles to the opening video to make sure the timing was accurate, and then I examined one of the film. Without detracting from the visual storyline, I wanted the titles to be interesting. I began incorporating special effects or animations that would improve the visual impact of the titles once we were satisfied with the initial arrangement. For instance, I incorporated a minor zoom or a fade-in effect to make the opening sequence more lively. Also, I made sure that the names matched the music or sound effects I added to the opening sequence in the proper timing. I kept in mind how crucial it was to capture the audience's attention right away while I made the last tweaks to the titles. I wanted the opening sequence to stand out and leave the spectator with a positive first impression. Yet, I had to watch out that the titles don't overshadow the opening scene or appear unrelated to the rest of the movie. I rewatched the opening scene numerous times once I was happy with the outcome to make sure it looked polished and professional. To make sure the titles are perfect, I made a few last adjustments. To guarantee the final product was  safe and secure, I exported the finished film and made backup copies. Making sure the opening sequence titles are added correctly is an essential step in the post-production process. My short film is now ready to be seen by audiences with the titles in place. I'm pleased with the final product and eager to hear what audiences think of the rest of the movie and the opening scene. The color scheme is portrayed below. Now we have our film review to ensure our edits are final!

Preparing Myself

After so much filming I wanted to review how I got myself ready to film over the course of the filming. Every time was pretty much similar but I believe it is an important aspect of making this short film possible. I started by repeatedly practicing my lines as I get ready to act in my short film. I concentrated on delivering my lines with the appropriate body language and feelings to make them seem genuine. I put on my outfit, which helps me get into character, after I felt secure with my lines. Each item in my clothing was carefully chosen to complement my character's personality and the overall feel of the movie. I opted for big, black attire. I sensed a change taking place as I put on my costume, and I became totally absorbed in the part. I feel gloomy, unsettling, and aggressive. I put on my costume and make my way to the group's vehicle in Angie's car as we begin our journey to the sets. Angie is so far the only one of us who has her driver license so that’s why she is always driving. Sadly, there was some bad traffic on the way almost each time, and I was always concerned that it could be too late to start filming now. I made an effort to maintain my composure and concentration despite the delay because I needed to be totally present for the shots. I mentally reviewed my lines as I was being driven, trying to maximize the time I had. I then took a few long, deep breaths to relax any tension or uneasiness I was experiencing. Because I could not in the car, I properly greeted everyone and caught up with my fellow group members in an effort to foster connection and be more personal with them as I had to spend hours with them on end. I warmed up my voice and body by stretching and practicing vocal exercises while we prepared to shoot. I went through my lines once more as well, feeling more assured and eager to begin. The videographer, Angie, offers Lili and I a few final instructions and reminders before we begin filming. To ensure that the shot went as smoothly as possible, I paid close attention, attempting to absorb every instruction and detail. As everything was prepared, we began filming, and I quickly assumed the role. I strive to make every syllable count as I deliver my lines with conviction and feeling. I also adjusted my posture because I appeared slouched in nearly every shot. As we shot take after take, making sure we got the greatest shots possible, the minutes flew incredibly rapidly. I always feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when we came to an end, knowing that I had given it everything and had helped make the film a success. This where I can truly see how important mis-en-scenes is to a film.

Night Out

 It was time to shoot at night, and I was excited to see how the parking lots would look in the dark. We scouted out the best locations for our shots as a group, taking into consideration the lighting and backdrop. I quickly realized that filming at night required a different approach because Angie (who was filming) had to work with limited lighting sources. The harsh fluorescent lights in the Galleria mall parking lot created interesting contrasts and shadows that we incorporated into our shots. At least the other parking lot we were filming in was outside. I had to be careful not to disturb the shoppers while filming because it might have made them feel uncomfortable because we were filming late at night. It was difficult to navigate the parking lots in the dark, and I had to be wary of potential hazards. We experimented with various lighting setups and angles in order to capture the mood and atmosphere we desired for our short film. Despite the darkness, Angie was able to capture some stunning images that would not have been possible during the day. Filming at night added a sense of mystery and intrigue to the story we were attempting to tell. It was a fun and collaborative experience, and I tried my hardest to collaborate with everyone to make the best film possible. I had to rearrange our filming schedule to avoid the busiest times in the parking lots, as well as daylight saving time, which meant late nights or early mornings. The sound of passing cars in the distance added realism to our film that we could not have achieved otherwise. I had fun improvising with our lighting with Aleiah at times, using flashlights and other light sources to achieve the desired effect. To ensure that we were all on the same page, we needed to communicate clearly and effectively as a group, especially in the dark. The lack of distractions allowed me to focus entirely on our film, and we were able to make significant progress in a short period of time. My sister is used to filming at night, and she gave us advice on night filming, which helped us refine our shots and techniques. It was a memorable experience that taught me a lot about the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. I was exhausted by the end of the night, but the sense of accomplishment and excitement about our film kept me going. It was satisfying to see the finished product after all of the hard work and effort that had gone into filming at night in those parking lots. I'm grateful for the opportunity. I'm appreciative that I had the chance to collaborate with such a brilliant and committed group of filmmakers, and I hope to have more occasions to do so in the future.

Editing Changes

  Tonight, to contribute to all the editing Lili has been doing I suggested we do a group shared photo album. With this Lili was able to move the shared videos and photo album of our group onto her iPad. I then told her the shots for each scene because we had so many takes. Then together we but the shots in order of scenes and trim each one for a clean transition in between shots in the same scene. So far there was five scenes covered so, mostly the beginning three minutes of the film. After that we decided to clip the shots that have the same acting but from a different angle. Especially the scene in the grocery where Angie took many takes from different angles. It helps for a jump cut fast pace. As a co-editor, I started watching all of the footage and noting the best takes and moments. It's critical for me to understand which shots work well together and which ones our team may need to retake. As previously stated, during the rough cut stage, I experimented with different pacing and shot sequencing to find the most effective way to tell the story. I also paid close attention to the sound design, including the proper timing of the music and silence space to hear the characters speak in order to increase the emotional impact of each scene. I showed the rough cut to Lili for feedback and we worked together to refine the edit. This involved making cuts, adding or removing scenes, and adjusting the pacing to better align with the emotional arc of the story. I also worked on color grading to ensure consistency and cohesiveness of the shots. As the edit progressed, I became increasingly concerned with smoothing out transitions between shots and ensuring the story flowed smoothly. One of the most difficult challenges I encountered was balancing the need for visual interest with the need to keep the story clear and easy to follow. Throughout the editing process, I kept in close contact with my team members to ensure that everyone was on the same page. I also took detailed notes on each edit so that I could easily go back and make changes if necessary. When I got to the end of the fourth scene (the last one so far), I started thinking about how we wanted the film to be distributed. This can be done via YouTube or by simply posting it on the blog. I also worked on the film's promotional materials. Editing a short film takes time, but seeing the finished product come together is always incredibly rewarding.