Final Submission

Creative Critical Reflection

Creative Critical Reflection #4

In order to create our film my co-director and I used the Canon Camera and the Premier Pro editing software.

For each time we filmed my co-director and I used the same model of camera. The first time my co-director and I filmed it took some time to figure out the focus, distance and different aspects of the camera. We had to do many practice takes before we figured out how to operate the camera.

After filming, my co-director and I used the Adobe Premier Pro editing software to create the film. This allowed us to cut scenes, create transitions, and insert credits and special effects. We also used sound recordings to further enhance details in the film. This included music, nature sounds, and a scream.

Creative Critical Reflection #3

Over the course of creating our film, my co-director and I were able to progress our skills by practice of trial and error. My co-director and I were both completely new to filming, acting, directing, and conducting editing software. Our mid-term submission which was our first draft was difficult to compose because we had never filmed before and the outcome of the draft was rough. However, we used that first draft as an opportunity for practice, so when we began working on our 3rd quarter submission the process flowed more smoothly because we had a better idea of what we wanted our film to look like and how to execute it.

During our second time filming the camera takes went quicker because we knew what position to put the camera in, in order to get the angle we wanted. Filming the scenes also improved because the actors had a better idea of what their character's personality and intentions are and seemed to be less camera shy. Lastly, the editing and transitions improved because we used Adobe premiere instead of imovie, which limited our editing options before. Overall, our production skills did progress through practice.

Creative Critical Reflection #2

The genre of movie my co-director an I created is a horror/thriller film. This engages audiences because there is a certain level of mystery that adds to the suspense and build up of the film. My co-director and I purposefully created questions in the beginning of the film that remain unanswered till the end. This draws audiences in because it makes them think and try to problem solve in their heads.  However, it was also a balancing act between mystery and providing clarity because we didn't want the audience to be confused throughout the film and miss important details or other aspects of the plot. There is just enough suspense to keep the audience interested, but explanations are provided to give them understanding and satisfaction.   

My co-director and I have decided to do a straight to video release for our movie distribution plan. The straight-to video release makes the film accessible on home formats such as DVD and VHS. This technique has been especially successful for independent movie makers which is the category that my co-director and I fall under. This way our movie would skip release in theaters which is better for our target audience since younger people tend to watch movies from home. For the digital option, my co-director and I would want to release our movie onto other popular digital streaming sites such as, Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. These would also be accessible options that would accommodate our target audience.

                           

Creative Critical Reflection #1

1. Our film challenges the conventions for a thriller genre and uses them as well. Throughout the film there is an-overlying sense of suspense and mystery which is a common theme in thriller movies. My co-director and I especially wanted to have mystery as a prominent element in our film to intrigue the audience. These elements are also designed to evoke fear and shock in the viewers.

However, the film also challenges thriller conventions because it goes back and forth between a normal light-hearted film showing the life of an average teenage girl; she does her homework, has a boyfriend, and goes out to socialize. Then the film goes back to a darker more suspenseful story line. My co-director and I also had to make sure the mystery was balanced and the audience was provided with answers and clarity as well. We found that if our film had too many twists viewers might get confused and would miss out on other aspects of the film.

The film represents social issues because it shows the power and influence peers can have on each other. It also shows that when power is abused, the individual is left helpless and alone. This is seen in the  relationship with the main character Chelsea, and her "friend" Piper, who isn't really her friend, but rather a bad influence who controls her. The unhealthy behaviors displayed in both of the girls also represents internal turmoil as well.

3rd Quarter Submission