CCR Research 2nd question

     For the second question I will be answering in the CCR (How does your project engage with the audience and how would it be distributed as a real media text?) this question is divided into different sections, first who is the targeted audience most horror films target audience is 15 to 24-year-olds males, therefore the main characters are girls that are considered to be vulnerable and powerless, and according to The No Film School ‘the driving force behind the horror genre is the leading women since some critics argue that women work as the leading characters because it is easier for the audience to have a protagonist who is viewed as weak in comparison to the thing that is feared’. This specific horror film attracts the target audience due to the suspense and uncertainty of the project since this young audience enjoys thrillers and suspense keeping it engaged. 

    Since this film is targeted at a relatively young audience it will be promoted on common platforms used by teenagers such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. An account for the film will be created with the purpose of promoting it. I have talked to my very close friend Jack Mayson who is very good at creating video games and he offered to help me create a video game for the movie without spoiling the plot. We will create a TikTok challenge or trend, and also we will try to mimic the marketing strategy that Ouija 3: Charlie Charlie Challenge used of creating a scary game to instigate people to watch it, also by promoting it in film festivals and horror film festivals. 

Film opening is ready to scare the audience! CCR upcoming next…

 I have officially finished editing the two-minute film opening, and I’m very proud of how it turned out. I’m going to start recording the CCR, this week I’m so excited for it. I have done some research about it, and for the first question (How does your film project use or challenge genre conventions and how does it represent social groups and issues?) my film genre is horror and the main characteristics of horror thrillers that I used are quick flashing shots that in this represent proximate scenarios that will occur later in the movie that hint the audience what will happen but at the same creates tension and curiosity in the viewers’ mind to see what occurred for that moment to happen, captivating the audience. In addition, I used innocent teenagers girls as they are considered vulnerable which builds empathy from the viewers towards them, connecting the audience’s emotion with the film. I decided not to include any jump scares during my film because I did not want to start the movie with one and since I’m doing the opening I decided it would be better to include other characteristics of the horror film but that one, if I was doing the full movie I would certainly include at least one ‘since every successful has to include at least one good jump scare’ according to zach gass writer of the article ‘Top 10 horror movies that rely too much on jump scares’. Another horror genre convention that included was the low key lighting, the film starts during the daylight and it progressively gets darker as the characters get closer to camping in the woods, and by the end of the film it’s pure nighttime and it builds up the tension causing adrenaline levels to spike as recent studies show that dopamine gets released by your brain during a scary situation therefore a scary movie at night is perfect. In addition, to the low key lighting a dark color palette situation also adds on to the feeling of terror and mystery therefore nighttime was the best time to shoot the movie. Lastly, the film was shot in a secluded location in a park because it was the best way to show how vulnerable these girls were bringing discomfort to the audience.

Who’s the lead detective?

For my Creative Critical Video I have decided to do a murder mystery case where I’m going to be the lead detective for the case. I will be having a board with all suspects and important information of the case, and a case file. (Inspiration down below) I will be wearing a suit, and out my hair in a bun. I did some research and normally when detective review crime scenes they follow a certain procedure, first they recognize physical evidence, then they start the process of documentation, then packaging, followed by preservation, and lastly scene reconstruction. 

Since the CCR is divided is four sections I will be dividing mine in four as well. In the first part I will be answering the question “How does your product use or challenge genre conventions, and how does it represent social groups and issues?” In this section of the interview I will be showing pictures while I answer the question in order to represent the process of recognizing physical evidence. 

 For the second question I will be mimicking the process of documentation according to what I researched for the documentation process I will create written notes, diagrams and sketches, and create a board with all the info a suspect pictures. The second question that will be answered is “How does your project engage with audience and how would it be distributed as a real media text?” This crime scene process is perfect for this question since it asks about market research and this is perfect for the suspect investigation. For the next question I will be packing all the evidence in ziplock bags while I am drawing conclusions in y head, the third question is: “How did your production skills develop throughout this project?”. Lastly, I will be answering the last question “How did you integrate technology (software, hardware, online) in this project? And this question will be answered as a scene reconstruction inspired. 

Planning the CCR

 The moment has arrived… it is time to finally plan the Creative Critical Reflection. I created some notes that are going to be essential during this whole process. The notes show what content the CCR will be following but this will be explained more deeply next week. The notes can be seen below:

As of right now I just need to edit the flash forward clips to make them more notorious and creepier. I also have to edit the lighting of some clips, and shortened the whole film. I’ll keep you guys posted. The time is running out!

Filming day was a huge success

We have finally finished filming everything and I have already started editing the project. As of right now I have all the clips put together however the duration of the video is more than two minutes and everything that was recorded is essential in order to create meaning. It’s going to take me some time trying to finish everything and cropping all the clips in order to make the film two minutes or less. 

This experience has been incredible, I had so much fun recording with my friends, they did such a good job and I can’t wait to have the final draft ready to show you guys.

As of right now I can only show you the poster I have designed for the movie. 

Script for scene 2

 This is the finished script for the second scene of the film, where the girl arrived at the camping place. 

Second scene

Setting up the camp. 

Charlie: Are you guys going to Josh’s party this weekend

All: yes

Annie: Let’s go together

Maggie: let’s get ready in my house 

All: okay perfect 

Annie: ok guys I’m gonna go to the bathroom 

————

Walking towards the tree

Annie: I guess here it is 

—————

Back in the camp

Annie: guys I just had the weirdest experience

Maggie: what happened

Annie: I don’t know I just felt so off

Charlie: it’s okay come here sit down you’re probably just paranoid

Maggie: to get your mind off of things, how is everything going on with the new guy?

Annie: I mean we just started talking like two weeks ago 

Maggie: but it seems like he really likes you

Annie: let’s see what happens I don’t wanna move too fast 

Emma: guys I think it’s better if we go to bed early so we can wake up early tomorrow

—————

Ready yo go to sleep

Annie: good night guys 

Charlie: good night everyone 

Annie GUYS COME

Charlie: what happened

Annie: touch the tree just touch the tree

Maggie: what’s wrong

Charlie: there’s nothing wrong with the tree

Annie: what? You guys don’t feel anything?

Emma: no annie let’s just go to sleep you’re overreacting 

Emma touches Annie’s back 

Flash forward  of Charlie and Emma looking at Maggie unconscious

Annie: are you okay? Did you feel it too?

Emma and Annie walk away together

END OF SCENE 2 

Storyboard

 Hello my fellow film lovers. Here’s the second scene storyboard completed. Let me know what you guys think! 

Script for the first scene

 After designing the storyboard I have came up with a script that would fit this scene perfectly which I’m going to share with you guys. Let me know what you guys think, if you guys like it leave a comment and if I have enough comments that approve it I’ll continue with the second scene of the film. Give me feedback! 

Late noon around 6-6:30. Outside of Annie’s house. Annie playing soccer. Emma loading the trunk. Charlie doing homework. 

Annie: “catch!”

Charlie: “BRO stop!!! Why would you do that?” (Annoyed) 

Emma: (COUGH) “Um… hello?”

Annie: “oh okay… sorry…”

Maggie: “Bro I’m so done, you’re literally so toxic like you never let me spend time with my friends and right now we are so late because of you it’s literally dark” (on a call)

Annie: “Bro stop we are literally so late, hang up” (annoyed)

Maggie: “k I’m done” (hangs up)

Annie: “stop doing homework and let’s go, you’re driving” 

Maggie and Emma: “let’s goo”

Charlie: “are you guys ready?”

All (unison): “yesss let’s gooo”

End of scene 1 

Storyboard

 Something super important before filming is having the storyboard ready in order to make the filming process smoother, therefore I have created the storyboard for the first scene. 

Incorporating flash forwards...

         Now, for the second scene, they will be arriving at the park where they are going to camp. They quickly set up everything and they start investigating the place. Annie will go by herself into the woods and she'll get a vision of her screaming scared and desperate in the same spot she's looking at, but then she comes back into reality as Emma calls her to go help them set up the camp. 

        Flashbacks or visions of the future are key in this film in order to develop meaning since the purpose is to advance the story since the film should be a maximum of two minutes and there's a lot to cover.

        The scene will continue with them having a good time but then the night will come and they will set up everything to go to sleep, Annie feels this weird vibe in her and she asks them if they feel a weird vibe from the place and they all deny it. They go to sleep and Annie wakes up in the middle of the night and feels this need of going to the same place where she got the vision and she has it again but this time its more intense and more real, she starts screaming and yelling and wakes her friends up they console her but this time they are scared as well. And then Emma gets a vision as well as soon as she touches Annie when consoling her, of her and Charlie screaming and crying, and then a medium shot from their perspective will be shown of Maggie laying on the floor unconscious. 

        For every time they get a vision the lighting will be darker and their clothes will be darker as well. The film will end with them consoling Annie telling her to try to go back to sleep, and then them going to sleep again, and then a close shot of Annie as she tries to fall back asleep. And the final shot will be of the dark wood.

Filming day...!

     We will be recording the first few clips Friday, March 11th in Markham Park.

    I have come up with the clothes the actresses are going to wear for filming day, as the film progresses their clothes will get darker as their trip gets darker and more dangerous.

    Maggie will be wearing a bright green top with jean shorts and converse when they depart from Charlie's house. Charlie will be wearing a yellow shirt with jean shorts as well and converse. Annie will be wearing a pink shirt with sporty shorts and sneakers. Emma will be wearing an orange shirt and jean shorts as well and stan smiths. Later on, their clothes will change to brown, gray, and black. 

    First scene: Departure 

        I did some research regarding thriller openings and what I gathered is that thriller films should "introduce the crime, conflict, or stakes as quickly as possible". However, this first scene is short, it's just the girls leaving for their trip, and in order to keep the audience intrigued it will begin with a happy and hyped start.

        As I already mentioned in the last post, the first shots of each character will represent their personalities. The film will start with Annie picking up the soccer ball from the floor and then running away, this will be set the mood for the scene as she is super energetic and excited. Then it will proceed to the soccer ball hitting Charlie while she's doing her homework, Charlie will act annoyed at Annie but then she'll proceed to continue doing her homework. Then a medium shot of Maggie fighting with her ex-boyfriend, while Emma is by herself carrying all the luggage into the car.

        Then Emma will ask Charlie for help as she's carrying bags and she coughs very loudly hinting Charlie she needs help, Charlie will be playing with her soccer ball but as soon as Emma asks for help, she'll go help her quickly. As they load the cooler in the back, they clean their hands with a handshake, and Emma goes back to carry more stuff but Annie will go towards Maggie and hangs up her phone without saying anything then she'll be signaling her to go help, as they finish loading everything, Emma and Maggie will get in the car, while Annie goes towards Charlie closes her laptop and tells her stop doing homework and to get in the car since she is the one driving.

        When they are all in the car, Charlie will ask if they are ready and she'll start playing music. Energetic and happy music will sound in the background and they will start singing together. Lastly, a shot of the car driving away will be shown as well as the title of the film.

The first scene ends.

Its happening...

        I have confirmed the attendance of every actor in the thriller. Even though it's a horror-thriller with suspense I have decided that it will be a good idea to start the movie with a super hyped and happy energy since this girls' trip is supposed to be fun, but it eventually turns out into something scary for the characters and the viewers.

        The movie will start with the girls loading all their things into the back of the car all of them wearing swimming suits, shorts, tank tops, and sandals since they will be at the lake. Charlie will be driving, Annie in the front seat, Maddie and Emma in the back. They are going to be playing loud music and they are going to be enjoying themselves talking about everything.

        For the first scene when they are loading all their things, I am going to shoot a solo shot for every character so it presents them in a very subtle way representing each of their personalities. 

        Maggie: Maggie will be fighting with her ex-boyfriend love the phone when Charlie and Emma take her phone away hang up and she and Emma start helping carry the luggage into the car.

        Charlie: Charlie is very driven so she will be the one driving. In her solo show, she will be doing homework next to the car, and Annie will close her laptop and tell her to take a rest this weekend Charlie smiles and takes the advice puts her laptop away, and sits in the driver's seat.

        Annie: She will be carrying a soccer ball, she'll be wearing a hat. Her personal shot will be her doing tricks with a soccer ball and it will be interrupted when her friends call her so she can help them carry some stuff.

        Emma: Emma will be hyping everyone up and planning all the activities they are going to do. As she's considered the 'leader' since she planned this trip for her and her friends.

        After each of them has their solo shot I will film a shot of them driving away, 

I am thinking of this aesthetic for the film:

Change of plans

        After a lot of consideration, I decided to change the story a little bit. I will only be having female characters from now on. Emma, Annie, and Maggie are going to be the main characters in this movie. The three of them are best friends and are going to go camp by themselves since they want to prove to the rest of their friend group that they can survive by themselves after losing a bet. However, as they dig in themselves more into the woods and the night gets nearer what started as a short girls' trip turns into them trying to escape from the woods that seems to consume them in a way that they can't possibly get out and they don't know why or how this is happening to them.

I decided to convert Charlie into a girl since I want my movie to represent not these girls into the stereotypical female character that is in trouble and is saved by men. I want these girls to save themselves with no help that's why no one can come into the woods, and why when they try to call for help it doesn't work.

        I have decided that for my cast I am going to use Carolina Merino as Maggie, Miranda Leon as Annie, Ana Handal as Emma, and Sofia Mendoza as Charlie. We are going to start recording this week on Thursday and is going to be recorded in Markham Park.

I have come up with the film title, the horror thriller movie is going to be called Night in the woods. 

The new character & sinopsis

 I decided that for the new character I am going to do Charlie's funny best friend.

Nick

Nick has been Charlie's best friend since they were like three years old. I'm still not sure how Nick will look but I decided that he is going to be the typical movie funny best friend who gets along with everyone. He is close with everyone in the group and during camp, he and Charlie are the ones that help set up everything with Annie's contribution.

In the next blog post, I will be talking about the final synopsis of the movie, for now, I have a rough draft, so what I have in mind is that:

(Wednesday) 

Maggie broke up with her boyfriend and was super sad. Emma was just rejected from her dream school. Annie was having trouble with her parents at home. So they collectively decided that it would be a good idea to distract themselves for president's day weekend, and wanted to go camping but Emma wanted to invite Charlie since she didn't want to go with only girls due to security reasons, and then Charlie invited Nick.

(Thursday)

Maggie, Annie, Emma, Nick, and Charlie went together grocery shopping and bought a bunch of stuff from the store, bought the camping tent, sleeping bags, and the gaslight they were going to use during the night, also coal and wood for the fire. They all made their bags and Charlie put gas on his car for tomorrow.

I will continue more tomorrow I am too tired.