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Critical Reflection

How do your products reflect social groups or issues? In our group’s short film, "The Lull," it challenges the role a detective embodies. In narratives where the detective turns out to be the antagonist, it challenges our conventional perception of heroes and authority figures. This departure from expected narrative trajectories challenges our trust in them and the significance of leadership. It reveals that even those we admire can possess flaws and make mistakes. This short film prompts us to question the effectiveness of our power systems and their fairness, reminding us that those in charge aren't always as flawless as we might expect. This can symbolize the abuse of power within institutions and the breach of public trust, reflecting real-world instances of corruption and misconduct within law enforcement. Moreover, the detective's dual role as investigator and assailant raises questions about identity, societal perceptions, and potential hidden motives. The film...

The Lull Short Film

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 Hello there, I hope you appreciate this music video that my team and I created. I definitely recommend checking it out. You'll want to see more after viewing this. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Also check out our website at  https://teobalsamo.wixsite. com/thelull1 And here's our post card!

Production Blog: DONE

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  Today I already noticed I had most shots completely but something of the essence felt like it was missing. So I went through some of the basics. A suspense movie is one that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. The first step in filming shots for a suspense movie is to choose the right location. The director and the cinematographer should carefully consider the lighting, the camera angles, and the framing of the shots. With all that said I realized I could change many of these thing to add the effect. The first step was to analyze the type of shots I had been using. The suspense genre relies heavily on close-ups, extreme close-ups, and medium shots to create tension and build suspense. The camera movements should be slow, deliberate, and smooth to enhance the suspense. This meant I had to consider the use of sound in the movie, and the effects of the lighting, and the angles. And so I started re-filming certain shots. In shots ...

Production EDITING

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 It was a long and grueling journey, but I finally did it. I finished editing my suspense film, and I couldn't be prouder of the final product. The countless hours of tedious work, the endless re-takes, and the hours dedicated were all worth it in the end. Now, it was time for the ultimate test - peer review. My partners from 5th period would be my most honest critic yet. They would coitize every aspect of the film, from the plot to the cinematography to the sound design. As I walked into the screening room, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I knew that this was my chance to prove myself as a filmmaker. Time came and I sent him the video. Honestly I was kind of nervous. Would they like it? Would they understand the message I was trying to convey? As time went by I was waiting for their feedback. And then, the message came. I couldn't believe it. My film had not only met their expectations but exceeded them. They praised the storyline, the acting, and the editing. Their con...

Production Blog: FILM

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 Hey there, it's another exciting day for me as I continue editing this thrilling suspense movie. Today I decided to handle the editing solo style. As I sit down to work on the film, I can feel the energy and excitement pulsing through my veins. I'm thoroughly enjoying the process of editing the film, as each scene takes on a life of its own, bringing the suspense to new heights. Every frame is a work of art that I'm able to mold and shape into something truly special. I'm having a blast playing with different angles and cuts, finding the perfect balance between tension and release. It's like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle, and I'm the only one who knows what the final image will look like. I love that feeling of being in complete control of the story and characters, and it's thrilling to see it all come together. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something that has the potential to leave a lasting impact on viewers. The mus...

Production Blog: FILM

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HELLO! Welcome back. Today My partner and I did another essential step of the film. I STARTED COLLECTING PROPS. For this film I needed many props and costumes essential to the film. These included outfits that gave casual vibes and many essential props. Me and Dazira started off by meeting in the mall. For instance I bought a nice and cheap vase, and also many make-up tools to add realism. We tried our best to split the bills. I also bought other less important props and quickly came to my house to start practicing some of the angles and shots with my partner. As I was going home we also saw another mall so I quickly stopped to see anything else of interest. Nevertheless, I still headed home and didn't find anything else. Once home, I made certain that everything was in order. Then I ran through my scene a few times. I practiced this a few times before recording them.  I was able to acquire a pretty fantastic piece of media on what I was doing once I got my act together. Dezir...

Production Blog: It all Worked!

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Hey there, blog. Welcome back. I've got some exciting news to share. So, I manage this princess party spa for little girls' birthdays, right? Well, while I was at work, Natalia texted our group chat with some fantastic updates. Her schedule unexpectedly cleared up for the 19th, which means our group is back on track for filming! This couldn't have come at a better time because next weekend, my cousin Ashley is visiting, giving me more time to hang out with her. Ashley's totally cool with joining us for filming, but since she's only here for the weekend, I want to make it worthwhile. I've already planned a trip to a rage room with her that Sunday. If you're not familiar, it's basically a room where you go in and smash a bunch of stuff. It's been all over my social media lately, so I'm eager to give it a try, especially considering how stressful these past weeks have been. The rage room company emphasized the importance of safety supplies, like gog...

Production Blog: FILMING!

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At last, the moment arrived when I could join my group for filming. Despite two previous date changes and the nerves that came with trying to kickstart the process. We finally filmed from 11 am to 1 pm. Ensuring all preparations were in place on my end. I committed to providing full assistance. Unfortunately i couldn't get a ride but David came to pick me up. Along with my acting skills, I brought along props like the suit Corey was gonna wear plus some drinks incase we got thirsty. The suit is a nice professional piece which I wanted to use for the film. It gave a perfect "aura" to the film and made Corey look older. All in all the suit is essential to the film. Despite the last-minute nature of things, I figured out some stuff. I managed to act out part of the script on Corvelest's laptop. Covering the beginning to the pre-climax scene spanning about two pages. Stepping into Corvelest's house for filming was suprising. I was struck by the atmospheric lighting, w...

Production Blog: Plans Didn't Work

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At the end of January, our group discussed filming plans. I mentioned that I should be available for filming except on the days when I volunteer, which are Saturdays and some Sundays. Following that, our group decided to commence filming from the upcoming weekend. This schedule allows us a little over a month for filming and leaves room for reshoots if necessary. Upon returning home, I began organizing my week to confirm my availability for filming. I juggled homework and grabbed a bite to eat before finalizing plans with the group to shoot between 10am and 1pm, though we acknowledged that unexpected events might arise. Throughout the week, we brainstormed filming locations, delineated the roles of the protagonist and antagonist, and discussed wardrobe choices. Then, on February 1st, our group exchanged texts regarding Sunday's filming. While I confirmed my availability, David and Teo expressed uncertainty. We deliberated on the best start time for filming. The following morning, I...

Production Blog: Brain Storming

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Welcome back. Hey there, welcome back. It's hard to believe filming time is almost here. I've got a ton of ideas swirling around, but before we dive into those, there are a few details my group and I need to iron out. Luckily, we have Media class together on B days, which is the perfect opportunity for us to hash everything out as a team. Starting early is key so nobody feels rushed during the editing process. I suggested filming at my place since it's a central location for everyone, however we chose Coreys house. Corey thought his house would be better. After coordinating everyone's schedules, it looks like a random day off school might be our best bet. Presidents Day on the 19th, two weeks from now, seems like the ideal target, giving us ample time to gather props. I've already started jotting down a list: suit, a fake grave, notebook, fake weapons, portraits, and so on. Fortunately, I've got most of these items already, except for the fake grave. I'm thi...

Storyboard: The lull

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Scene 1: Establishing shot of the street with the name of the studio in the skyline. Scene 2: Shot of missing posters and the name of production company is shown on one of the missing posters. Scene 3: Shot of sidewalk then reporter comes in frame walking and actors names are being displayed  Scene 4: Reporter enters a building, which is their job. Medium long shot is used and film name appears on wall as person walks by.  Scene 5: Reporter walks into job saying "hi" to co-workers. Music and edited by appear on screen  Scene 6: Reporter walks to his office/cubicle and sets himself up. Steady zoom in and the title, directed by, displays on wall.  Scene 7: Insert/shot of reporter opening file on missing persons/people/friend group.  Scene 8: The boss starts asking about how the case is going. Involves a two shot, over the shoulder shot, and a medium close up.  Scene 9: Reporter then tells the boss about how close he is with the case. Has a medium clos...

Planning Blog

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Location: At a city like downtown Fort Lauderdale or somewhere were they are shops, greenery, and not busy to a semi-busy area. But most likely multiple locations that are at range between everyone who is participating.  Participants: The people participating in this project are myself (Corvelest), Te, and David. Although we have not discussed our specific roles, we agreed that Teo would be the protagonists/good person or middle grounded and me or David would be the antagonists/bad person. All of us are some what main characters.  Schedule: After discussing our schedules, we concluded that next weekend and days that we 3 days weekends and early release would be the best time to start filming. The fact that we have 3 day weekends and early releases and no one is doing anything major helps. We also, decided that it would be a good idea to start filming during evening time like 5pm to 8pm for a darker kind of feel.  Costumes: The costumes will vary between my group mates dep...

Short film research: Election Day/Thriller

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Election Day (Short Film by Zach Wechter) - A Thrill Ride Through the Ballot Box a. Common Sounds: Tense score: Pulsating strings, discordant electronic beats, sharp stings to punctuate action. Diegetic noise: Buzzing of fluorescent lights, frantic typing on keyboards, murmurs of crowds, unsettling radio broadcasts. Silence as anticipation: Moments of hushed tension before the inevitable eruption, drawing the audience in. b. Common Mis-en-Scene (CLAMPS): Confined spaces: Voting booths, cramped back offices, claustrophobic polling stations amplifying paranoia. Power dynamics: Contrasting sterile campaign headquarters with grimy backstreets, highlighting disparity. Technological reliance: Screens everywhere – projecting propaganda, manipulating data, fuelling suspicion. Hidden agendas: Shadows in corners, secret meetings, characters with obscured motives creating unease. c. Common Editing: Fast-paced cuts: Heightening anxiety, jumping between franti...

Short film research: Oracle/Thriller

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a. Common Sounds: Suspenseful Score: Orchestral strings, eerie pianos, building crescendos, sudden silences. Diegetic Sounds: Footsteps, creaking floorboards, dripping water, car engines, tense breathing, whispers. Sound Effects: Sharp stings, glass shattering, phone ringing, doors slamming, mechanical whirring. b. Common Mis-en-Scene (CLAMPS): Lighting: Chiaroscuro (light and shadow), use of cold blues and greens, isolated spotlights, darkness in corners. Setting: Isolated locations, abandoned buildings, dark alleyways, confined spaces, grand but empty mansions. Costumes: Black and neutral tones, leather jackets, trench coats, raincoats, suits that conceal weapons. Props: Hidden cameras, phones with cryptic messages, weapons (guns, knives), ticking clocks, broken mirrors. c. Common Editing: Fast-paced cuts: Heightening tension, quick shots of chase sequences, jump scares. Slow-motion sequences: Building anticipation, emphasizing dramatic mom...

Short film research: Okem/Thriller

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a. Common Sounds: Haunting, dissonant music: Often strings, piano, or electronic elements to build tension and unease. Sharp, sudden sound effects: Footsteps, creaking doors, dripping water, whispers, or animal sounds to jolt the viewer and create jump scares. Silence: Used strategically to heighten anticipation and amplify the impact of subsequent sounds. b. Common Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS): Limited lighting: Creating shadows and obscuring details to fuel paranoia and uncertainty. Confined spaces: Tight corridors, abandoned buildings, or claustrophobic rooms to trap the characters and the audience. Disturbing imagery: Objects out of place, blood stains, surveillance cameras, or distorted reflections to hint at danger and psychological torment. c. Common Editing: Quick cuts and jump cuts: To disorient the viewer and mimic the protagonist's heightened perception. Slow-motion sequences: To build suspense and draw attention to key details. Dutch angles:...

Short film research: Porcupine/Thriller

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a. Common Sounds: Intense Sounds: Pulsating beats, discordant strings, eerie electronic sounds, sudden silences. Diegetic Sounds: Heavy breathing, rustling leaves, dripping water, creaking floorboards, strained whispers. Sound Effects: Sharp stings, metal clangs, animal snorts, car engines accelerating, shattering glass. b. Common Mis-en-Scene (CLAMPS): Lighting: Chiaroscuro (light and shadow), use of cold blues and yellows, flickering lights, darkness as a threat. Setting: Isolated cabins, dense forests, deserted highways, confined spaces, unsettlingly familiar environments. Costumes: Layered clothing for protection, muted tones, practical attire concealing secrets, blood stains. Props: Weapons (knives, guns, improvised tools), maps, phones with cryptic messages, hidden cameras, survival gear. c. Common Editing: Fast-paced cuts: Heightening tension, quick shots of chase sequences, jump scares. Slow-motion sequences: Building anticipation, em...