CCR Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask Movie Opener

What improved? The overall sound of the opener was changed to increase the suspense, and make it clear to the audience that this is a Thriller film. In addition, a wider variety of shots were used in order to give the audience a wider perspective on what was going on. Additional shots of the school were added to the beginning, which allowed for a greater clarity on the main theme of the opener. We took the feedback from our peers seriously, and incorperated more of our antagonist in the Labrotary in order to give the greater connection between the chemicals and the fatal accident that occured during the film opener. Overall, we enhanced the clarity of our shots, and included elements that made the opener less confusing for our audience.

Peer Reviews 4/10

Summary of The Peer Reviews:Overall, the plot seemed to have worked well for the audience, as the addition of Ms. Hall added a sense of humor, and it was clear that she was the antagionist character " behind the mask". However, the details of the film, such as what mask the main character was wearing , need to be fixed in order to make the story more cohesive. We plan on using the same mask in every scene, rather than having the subject continously switch masks.In addition, the scence of ms. Hall in the chemistry lab seemed to be a source of confusion for the audience, meaning that the symbols for the chemicals toxicity must be evident. A variety of angles must also be refilmed, in order to create a more professional experience, as well as more suspensful music. Changing small details such as the font size and re- filming the ending the film will fix this issue.

Week 7 Editing : Behind the Mask

This week and next you will begin editing your movie opening. You will once again make two post to your blog, one this week and one next week, during this process. Each of these post should contain:

photos of the computer screen during editing








a discussion about titles and fonts you decided to put into your movie- This week, our group discussed how we would rather have colorless words transform the screen rather than red/maroon. Adding a slow introduction to the characters along with these white credits will be more effective.
a discussion of the video effects used- This week we added in new transitions , such as panning and cutting away shots. More close ups were also used.
a discussion of the video transitions used- The transitions between scenes became more seamless as we editied them. It was a lot of little clips, which was a bit difficult to construct at first.
a discussion of the audio effects used- The audio effects used was diegetic and non- diegetic sounds.
problems encountered during editing- With the clips being a bit longer this week, it was imperative to focus on adding smooth transitions. This was hard to complete given the time frame.
solutions to problems encountered during editing- Used more effective transitions/ longer clips.
amount of time spent editing- The amount of time we spent editing was two hours.
people involved in editing- The people involved during editing were Zoe and I.
a discussion of additional filming you may have done-

Aice Media Film Opening " Behind the Mask"

Weeks 6 and 7 editing

Weeks 6 and 7 editing of Film
photos of the computer screen during editing
Picture 1) The student Cayley McCloskey is seen editing the first clips of the film " Behind the Mask". The inconspicuous antagonist, the "innocent" school teacher was filmed watching students from her courtyard window as a close-up shot. From here the scene was combined with a pan shot of the classroom , which is what is seen in picture 1.
Pictures 2/3) My peer and partner, Miguel, is seen editing the scene with students in the classroom being incited with by the antagonist.








Photos 2 and 3 of the students involved in editing are Cayley McCloskey and Miguel G.
Our discussion about titles and fonts that will be included in the movie concluded by a mutual decision of using maroon and bright red colors, so that it the genre is clear. A bright red color will give the audience the feelings of unease, as this film opening is a thriller genre. It will add life and character to the movie before it even begins.
a discussion of the video effects used- For a thriller film, the aspects of adding sounds, such as suspenseful background music transitions, or changing the hues and cutting to emphasize the drama elements of the film will be used. Effects such as cutaways, and diegetic sound elements will create suspense.
a discussion of the video transitions used- Cutaways will be the main focus during our opening film. The fast paced plot will be developed through the use of these cutaways, blending scenes, an fading to dramatic colors such as blacks.
a discussion of the audio effects used- Audio effects will include laugher, rapid and dark music, orchestral snippets, and screams.
problems encountered during editing- During editing, our group determined that some of the shots we had filmed were too short to be included in the process. Therefore, editing would be difficult as would meeting the time requirements for the opening film.
solutions to problems encountered during editing- Our group decided to refilm some shots of our subjects, and focus less on gathering short clips.
amount of time spent editing- two hours
people involved in editing- Zoe F,Cayley Mccloskey
a discussion of additional filming you may have done-

Blog Post 2- Continuing to Film

In the second week of filming for our opening, the details about our villain were accounted for. We used both high and low lighting in the chemistry lab to portray two different scenes and feelings. The antagonist in this story is imperative to note, as well as the masks she is dealing with. We used a variety of shots, such as close ups, high angle shots, establishing shots , and capturing of raw emotions. The scenes incorporated a variety of silent scenes in addition to these close ups.

Blog Post 1- Beginning to Film

 

This is a picture depicting what the students were seeing on the screen. The teacher, or the antagonist,  is enforcing the importance of wearing a mask at all times. However, this is done with poor intent. Her students are engrossed with the film, almost as though they had been placed in a trance.

The students are seen here stuck in a dark classroom, streaming the video through their screens. The class is completely silent, adding to the effects of the diegetic sounds on screen. Here, low lighting is present and engulfs the classroom with darkness.

This is the picture the students will have to remember throughout the duration of the film. The masks play a significant part in this story line.

Preparing to Film

actors, - Ms. Hall (antagonist), Zoe (the person who gets poisoned),


costumes, - Western costuming / casual Mise En Scene. Antagonist will wear an innocent inconspicuous outfit, of which will contain light colors that the camera will pick up. This takes place in modern day at school, meaning that the costumes will reflect this time era.


props, - The props necessary will come from a chemistry Labotory and will be nontoxic. In addition, disposable masks will be used as one of the center points in this plot, as it all centers around the poison in the mask. Another prop is the television set is going to be used to show the importance of wearing masks in school.
locations, - The local high school, chemistry laboratory and classroom.
dates and times- Dates: 2021, time: spring of 2021 in the morning
scripts,
and film equipment.: supplies:

- non- toxic chemicals

- masks

- costuming

- a sheet to cover the camera

- video player

- labotory coat  

Camera: iphone XR/ iphone 11

Camera person: Miguel 

Scripts for the main characters: - brief script for the antagonist

- mostly silent, filmed with Non-diegetic sounds

Initial Storyboard Post

 This story board was created based on the ideas of dangerous  masks, which was inspired by the recent pandemic. Masks are a central aspect of student life and school regulations, and as a result would be understandable as to why students would be asked to wear them. However, the antagonistic teacher has a fatal idea when this pandemic emerges. Sicking or killing students by using toxic chemical mixtures on new masks is the goal of this teacher. Everything appears normal from the student’s perspective, until they drop dead. This film opening will feature many low lighting scenes , and a multitude of cutaway shots to contrast the difference between the students perspective and the antagonist. The audience will be captivated by this mystery/thriller.

"Movie Opener Brainstorming & Research."

 

1) “Rise”

· Diegetic sounds/music, becomes louder on screen for the audience to hear

· Lots of close-up shots of specific objects, which draw attention to them from the viewers

· Follow shot, focus on the movement of the ball

· Cut shot, cuts from a black screen to the main character

· Follow shots and low shots

· Cuts to a different character

· Music stops

2) “Offline”

Has all the tittle credits and all those involved in the film listed clearly

Low lighting, which sets the stage for a dark mood

Cutway from multiple scenes, back to the original theme or caption

Non-diegtic sounds that the main characters do not appear to hear, such as spooky music.

Several close-up shots to show the subjects raw emotions

3) “Dear Lover”
Starts with symbolism and rippling waters

Diegetic sounds and clear music

Close ups/ raw emotions

Clear narrations

Cut away shots, from present day to past day shots

4) “Dare to Thrill Film”

Appears to have lettering

Non diegetic music that the characters cannot hear

Follow shots

5) “ Always Watching”

Narration and tittle are present at the beginning of the film

Follow shot follows the subject to show the relationship between subjects

Low lighting and music picks up as the plot develops

6)” Blue Boar”
Follow shot, symbolism within the use of plants and trees

Note of the Mise en Scene and high lighting

Use of signing/sound

Appears to fit the time age

7) “ White Coat”
Tittle is displayed in an interesting way

Dark lighting as subject is introduced, giving feelings of suspense

Emphasis on the chemicals used in the labs, givings meaning to film tittle.

8) “ Stalker”

Begins with a close up of the subjects face

Changing of lighting

Tittle is introduced later in the film

Cut aways to different periods of time with dark lighting is used to create suspense

9) “ Nostalgia”

Use of cartoon and animated lighting

Camera angles used to potray through the subjects eyes

Use of Non- diegitic Music

Paintings and different objects used to bring back the feelings of “ nostalgia”

In observing all these opening films, the common themes of diegetic sounds and repeating themes encouraged me to incorporate such symbolic elements into the opening. The lighting and Mise En Scene costuming also provided a good outlight for brainstorming, as did the building of suspense and relationships with characters.

 

 

 

 

Semester Exam - Film Analyses of Black Mirror (season3, episode 4, San Junipero)

The extract from " Black Mirror" develops elements of mystery and unlikely friendship beginning with the use of Non-diegetic sounds of a river. The opening scene features this low -lit scene of flowing river , which leads the audience to feel unease or apprehensive of the plot. Low key styled lighting works to give the river a deeper meaning, making it appear more sinister rather than peaceful, as many rivers typically symbolize. The opening scene then dissolves into a cutaway shot to the formation of a bustling city, providing a contrast in the Mise-En- Scene elements of sound ( from near silence to rush of the city life). As a car full of rowdy women and men pass by the main subject, the contrast in her quiet , reserved personality gives meaning and indication of what her life may be like .

Diegetic sound is introduced in the form of blaring club music the next shot, where the main subject finds herself wandering into a contrast social scene: a club. The Mise-En-Scene element of low lighting is again a symbolic contrast between what the subject is used to, as the audience can infer from the elements of costuming the character wears. As the follow shot of the subject is established when she wanders through the club, the obvious contrast again between the casual, plaid shirt the character is wearing and the formal, dresses all of the background characters are wearing at the club is demonstrating raw emotions of anxiety from the subject.

In the proceeding scene, the subject is involved in an establishing shot between her and the arcade present in this nightclub. A close up of her facial expression shows the audience her relaxation when seeing these games, providing more meanful insight, again about her personality and activities that she engages in. At this point in the plot, the introvertedness of the main subject is clearly demonstrated to the audience. A side character is introduced to the scene, in which the element of blocking establishes the awkward feel of his presence. This side character is placed to the side of the video game console the main character is present near, reinforcing the relationship between this side character and the main character to be uncomfortable. This character attempts to make conversation by showing the commonalities between him and the main subject, but as the Non-diegetic music picks up tempo , the subject becomes alarmed and the audience feels tension. It is clear that the symbolism behind the video game that this side character shows our subject relates to the overall mystery of the plot, which another establishing shot of our main character's facial expressions demonstrate.

This scene cuts to another form of symbolism seen by the drink the character is sipping. It appears to the audience as some form of soda, and even so, the main subject seems reluctant to drink it. This , again, displays meaning through the notion that our main subject is more reserved and even shows potential of being " a goody two shoes". The abrupt contrast in how Kelly, another main subject, enters the wide shot is worth noting for the audience's interpretation of the plot. The confidence Kelly displays through her contrast in costuming, bold makeup, heels, and manner of movement is the opposite of our main subject. Kelly sits down and tells our main subject to, " do whatever I say, go".

The two main subjects bond over the differences seen in the elements of Mise-En-Scene acting, where Kelly is more lax with the subject, seen by her dialogue and mannerisms. The contrast in the positioning of the main subject's body language ( hands crossed, more rigid), and Kelly's openness of her body helps contribute to this scenes overall meaning. The contrast in personalities eluded to a better match in a friendship, which can be inferred by the audience through the friendliness in dialogue.

Film 2- White Chicks

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? About 15 titles are displayed , such as different famous authors and directors.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? The opening of this film depicts the logo of the film with two men standing inside of it, foreshadowing the plot of the movie and what the film will be about.

What connotations do the images carry? The opening scene depicts a city filled with crowds, and a run- down infrastructure, leading the audience to believe that the city could model a possible high level of crime. The main characters, dressed as two older men comedians, demonstrating the nature of their jobs through the way they were acting. The white van featured in the opening of the tittle also indicates suspicious activity, as this is typically a signal of crime. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? The use of diegetic sounds in the introduction gives a comedical dramatic tone, mixed with the action-packed movement of this plot. The close ups on the main subjects faces when the true identies of the Hispanic men are divulged adds to the overall suspense of this plot. The fast-moving music and Oblique and even Low shots demonstrate how the characters are moving and acting, adding to the action/drama genre. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? The audience does not know if the main’s subjects' mission will go smoothly. In fact, one of the characters is hurt when trying to stop the antagonist. In addition to this, the antagonists are not caught, leaving the audience to wonder how the boss will react to this knowledge. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? High impact fights and fast moving plots allows for the appealing of this film. 

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

The opening project of the film, with my group Zoe , Chandler and Miguel will be the comedy genre. We are excited to demonstrate our knowledge through this collaboration.

Film Opening Research #1 – Mean Girls” and


"Film Opening Research #1 - Mean Girls"
Mean Girls:

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? A variety of famous directors and actors, such as Rachel McAdams, Tim Meadows, and Lindsay Lohn. Twenty tittles were shown throughout the opening scene of this movie: starting in order from the actors of this movie and continuing to the directors and costume designers.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? The images prioritized in the opening scene was the yellow bus present once again in the closing scene of the movie. This bus symbolizes the characteristics of school, and how fast Cady’s life is changing. Her parents standing on one side, with groups of different high school stereotypical students standing on another, showing that push in Cady’s high school life. Close ups of Cady’s face are also seen, showing the raw emotion and fear that she feels about entering a different, unfamiliar setting. 

What connotations do the images carry? These images contain a negative connotation, showing how Cady’s life was going to be in for a possible revolutionary change. Cady begins the movie with displaying a naïve, unsure, but kind character. The plot continues to develop, and through different elements of Mise en Scene and costume changes, Cady displays a cockier character (seen from the reference to the separation of the high school students and her parents during the opening scene of the movie.)

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? The Drama is reinforced through the symbolic depictions of the different high school students, the unfriendliness of the staff, and the yellow school bus. The audience can infer that a drama will be taking place from the different Hollywood like lighting, use of music, and unique characters. The narration present in the opening also indicates that the character will likely go through a change, like many drama genres feature.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? The film presents the mystery of the development of the main character, Cady. How will she turn out? Will she continue to be shy, or will she become confident and make friends? What will her experience in her first public high school be like?

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? By using young, hip actors, young teenagers will be more likely to watch the film.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. Using modern day costuming and elements gives the characters a greater resignation with the audience. The use of close ups and different shots establishes the connection between the characters and the young audience. The establishing shots and high lighting bring the raw emotion of the high school years back to life for the audience.

My favorite genre video

 My favorite genre video

Drama Genre Powerpoint

 

 Agent Carter Aice Media Pratice Exam

The Film " Agent Carter" begins by creating suspense, tension, confusion and overall emotional distress in the opening scene. The audience is exposed to Cutaway editing, which occurs when the scenes switch between Agent Carter and her apperent lover. The cutaway is so slight , which is used to develop the tension the audience is already experiencing. Agent Carter is also exposed to another editing technique called  a Chocker shot; which holds the camera squarely on her face so the audience recieves the raw emotion Carter experiences. The plot is developed by the combination of these two elements early on in the movie; which catches the audience completely off guard. The contrast in Lighting of Agent Carter's setting versus that of her significant other's shows the difference in mood of both characters. This element of Mise- En- Scene establishes the extreme emotions Agent Carter is about to experience, almost acting like a foreshadowing element in the plot. The Low Lighting in the room Carter is in hints at sadness , or almost grief; where as her significant other remains in a joyous High Lighting, which symbolizes the happiness he has contributed in Agent Carter's life. Seconds later, the scene becomes completely dark, almost as if a reset of the plot has happened or a dramatic event has altered the course of the story. A larger cut-away is seen as the time frame advances a year ahead; which builds the tension among the audience as we do not know the events that have developed over that time frame.

The Digetic Sound of the alarm blaring transitions the audience into the next scene. The alarm symbolizes the change of Setting ( another element of Mise-En-Scene), which develops the idea that Agent Carter has experienced a development and change in her life. The audience should feel almost confused or shocked that the events accorded so rapidly in the plot. Another element of Mise- En- Scene, costume, changes drastically over this one year transformation. Agent Carter and her other co-workers are dressed in proffesional attire, which develops the notion of just how much her life has changed. After this scene develops, the Lighting and Setting once again switch to a Low Lighting dark office; which potrays a mysterious mood. This moves both the plot and audience mood along; as it is clear that something dramatic is going to occur. The repetiton of the previously mentioned Digetic sound, the alarm blaring, followed by the phone ringing, is used to create tension. The audience should be wondering who would be calling the empty office at this hour. 

The scene then transitions into a head-shot of Agent Carter walking towards a desolate building. The head-shot brings emphasis on Agent Carter's presence, showing the audience that for once, she is an important agent. The Mise- En- Scene element of staging is scene by the way the two men are positioned inside of the building. They are standing next to each other, and close to the window which indicates to the auidence that they may have plans to leave the building soon. During the fighting scene with Agent Carter and these two males, the presence of Non Digetic sound is seen. A third male is sitting inside of the building; oblivious to the violence occuring right behind his window. His sheer calmness and inability to hear the fighting sounds from outside adds an element of comedy and irony to this plot, which gives the auidence a relief from the tension that comes with the main plot.

Film Elements Graphic Organizer

 

Mise en Scene 11/6

The movie I chose to observe was " Mean Girls". Mean Girls is a popular movie created by Paramount's theater , but is often overlooked when looking at the technical aspects of the film. Typically , Disney movies are what we think of when exploring the world of mise-en-scene areas , because the High lighting and unique costumes are often memorable.

The movie features a scene where the main character, Cady, is invited to sit at the Plastic's lunch table. The Lighting is noted to be a high lighting feature, which is commonly scene in comedies or musicals. The brightness of the scene represents optimism , which may even indicate that Cady meeting this group of girls is a positive achievement. The presence of light in the scene is key to telling the story of how Cady would meet these girls who played such a key role in her position in the movie.

The evolution of the main characters wardrobe plays a key part in the progression in the movie. Seen in the opening of the movie, Cady wears outfits unique to her own style and that of the style her parents have chosen for her. As Cady is recognized as becoming more " popular", we see her style become less of her own and more of a Plastics. Her character develops with her style; the more trendy her outfits become, the further gone she is. Towards the end of the movie, the final scenes show Cady wearing her club jackets and finally embracing her true self.

Examples of blocking are seen throughout this movie, with the placement of the plastics appearing to give them more power. In a particular scene in the middle of the movie, Cady is left standing on the driveway after Janice yells at her for not coming to the art show, and calls her a slew of names. In this moment, Janice appears taller than her because she is yelling at Cady from her car; giving Janice more power over Cady. This scene shows the turning point of the movie, and the low point for Cady. In fact Low lighting is shown during this scene to create a contrast from the Cady in the beginning of the movie to the current Cady.

 "Five Master Edits with Sound effects" https://youtu.be/XtjqosGLotg 

1) The first example of Nondiegetic sound occurs in the first three shots with the subjects. The first subject is seen with her head down; going back to that example of parallelism. The character does not hear the audience booing as the camera is turned on her, meaning that the sound effects added over the clip were Nondiegetic. This first clip makes the audience feel like its frowned upon to be sad, adding to the notion that the first subject is a downer. The same feelings occur when the second subject appears on camera, as the same sound is followed up when they are featured. The final subject , Zoe, has a different nondiegtic sound as the camera pans to her. To show parallelism, the audience is likely to feel the opposite way about Zoe. Her attitude and the cheers from the audience show that she is an optimistic character.

2) The following scene with the subject sitting and typing with suspenseful background music is an example of Post synchronization dubbing, because the music was added to the scene after it was filmed. The subject was typing aggressively to increase the intensity of the scence, showing how fast the time was passed during their working hours. This scence makes the audience feel scared and anxious about the events that are occurring.

3) The next scene with the subject walking in the doors is featured with a voice-over. However, this is not a typical voice-over. This voice-over features both music and the laughter of the subject. When doing this voice - over, the audience learns about the true feelings of one of the subjects. The subject finds it humors when one of the characters, Chandler, walks into a room. These moments are supposed to make the audience feel relief and a moment of shared comedy.

4) The second to final scence in this short film features Music. The Music in this film is upbeat and almost nostalgic, hinting at the audience that the adventure has come to a close. This Music was carefully selected to bring the theme of the film back together, which is focused around  different concepts of time and friendship. The audience should feel comfort and joy in this scene.

5) The final scene to this short film shows Carson sitting down at the back of the classroom, giving a heart to the audience. The Natural Sound of this clip ( direct sound) , was chosen to be left in this scence. The almost complete silence truly gives a conclusion to this short film, which should leave the audience wanting more.