Partners:
Veronica Ely, Amparo Muñoz, and Ana S. Rincon
CCR 1 and 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1psfpjcqKCh0tpygLCV4xTVw4_ycIpy9s/view?usp=drivesdk
CCR 3 and 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vXjuo5ktxNmQrkg5F_LEkBFepdR0ZJmi/view?usp=drivesdk
Film Opening: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iOX69LK4tmGlptPWW6uGcPdUwwUfxELc/view?usp=drivesdk
For the post production of my CCRs it was pretty simple. I looked through my video to see if it all flowed, the sound was right, and to make sure that I didn't stutter too much.
For the editing of CCRs 3 and 4 I didn't have to do much. I simply raised the volume on the video so that my voice was heard more clearly. I also adjusted the color settings so that there wouldn't be any glare in the back coming in from my window. Whereas, CCRs 1 and 2 required a bit more work. The first thing I did in editing was look through the video and fix any parts where me and my friend stuttered, if possible. Then I added a flashing effect to the first few seconds of my CCR where im posing to mimic paparazzi flashing pictures of me. Then I found an audio of the sound of pictures being taken and reporters/ paparazzi talking to me. This made it more clear that I was in the red carpet being bombarded by paparazzi. The last thing I did was add a text to the first few seconds of the video. The text wrote Oscars 2025 in a slightly formal font and gold color. I also added an effect so that the text would appear in the video smoothly and a fading out effect once the text had been “read”. Using the text Oscars 2025 clarifies the setting for the viewer and gives context into elements of the video.
Wow, the film opening project has come to an end. Hours of labor; planning, filming, editing, and so much more. This project was ... a lot.
I honestly really liked this project, even if it was the only thing on my mind these past 2 months. Through this project, I got closer with my group members and made tons of memories. It was really cool that now, after learning about all the parts that go into producing media, we finally had the chance to use it and make our own product. Filming and editing were really fun parts that just made me feel so much more professional, as if I was really producing a movie.
Overall, I think my film could've been better, but I still really like it. There were certain obstacles that we weren't prepared for, so that was one of the things that I feel held us back. One was the fact that none of our parents could drive us to the beach to reshoot since the first time we went it got dark outside. Another was during editing, when I realized we lost a couple of clips and I had to reshoot. Despite these issues, I do feel like we were able to create a solid product that provides context, character background and purpose. I generally like the way our project came out, the montage being one of my favorite parts.
CCR #1 and #2
For the first 2 CCRs, I'm planning to film myself being "interviewed on the red carpet". Once the paparazzi snap some pictures of me, a reporter will approach me. They will initiate conversation and they will ask me both CCR question #1 and #2.
I will likely use the front door of my house for filming this part. I will be wearing a dress, suggesting a formal vibe to the video. A red blanket would be placed on the floor to indicate the red carpet setting. The flashes at the beginning of the film suggest paparazzi are taking pictures of someone important. The lighting will be unnatural but bright, this suggests a nighttime event that uses indoor lighting.
CCR #3 and #4
For CCRs 3 and 4, I came up with the idea of doing a "YouTube video" where I read and respond to fan mail. My initial idea was to do a video of myself and the part where I read the letter and respond would be in a voiceover until I realized I wouldn't actually be talking to the camera.
For these CCRs, I will break the 4th wall by talking directly to the camera. Youtube videos have a light and welcoming feel, so I plan to film them in my room. I will introduce that today my "channel" I will be reading and responding to fan mail. In the video I open a fan letter and read the letter out loud. I then respond out loud talking to the camera. The letter from the fan will contain the CCR #3 and 4
How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project?
Over the shoulder shot shows me, Brianna continuing to write the letter.
Brianna: (Voiceover of the words as she writes) For software, I didn't use many resources as I only stuck to using Adobe Premier Pro for editing. This helped keep my film organized by not using many different applications and having my clips all around the place. For hardware, I did a similar thing by only using one camera and a tripod. I used a high-end camera for filming and only filmed with that camera because I found that using different cameras for filming would create an inconsistent look, as different cameras also have different qualities. As for software, my group members and I used word to create and share our script, making it available for all of use to edit. We also used whataspp to share all of the clips, where we could easily download them to our phones, this makes the clips accessible to all of us. Thank you for writing to me, I'll answer any more questions you might have. Good luck in future filmmaking! Sincerely, Brianna
Brianna folds the letter and seals the envelope.
How did your production skills develop throughout this project?
Scene opens in a room shooting the shot from behind me, Brianna, showing tons of letters and envelopes.
Door opens
Mom: Some more packages came in the mail for you today.
Brianna: Oh my god, more fan mail?
Mom: Looks like it.
Brianna: (pointing at the floor next to me) Alright, just set them down there, please.
Brianna opens a letter
Sender: (Brianna begins reading and a voiceover of the letter is heard) Dear Brianna, I've recently seen your film and it has really inspired me. I just love the message that it sends. I'm starting to get into filming, so if you don't mind, I have a couple of questions I would like to ask you. First of all, how did your production skills develop throughout this project? How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project? Sincerely, Lily Everett
Brianna begins writing
Brianna: (Voiceover of the words Brianna writes) Dear Lily, I'm really glad that you reached out to me, I love hearing my fans' opinions on my films and I will gladly answer any questions for you. Throughout my project my production skills have developed in a variety of ways. As for the pre-production process, I've learned how to write scripts which has helped me learn how to balance exposition and intrigue in a short timeframe. I've also learned a lot about storyboards, which helps me plan each shot and helps me gain a better understanding of how I would like my film to turn out. During the production process I have become familiar with cameras, learning how to use them and how different shots and angles create certain effects. I have also learned how to use mise-en-scene to send messages, provide background, or convey feelings through my film. In the post-production process, I have learned how to effectively use editing techniques to maintain engagement as well as layering sound effects and dialogue to enhance the atmosphere.
How does your product engage with audiences, and how would it be distributed as a real media text?
Reporter: I love that! One more question?
Brianna: (enthusiastically) Go for it.
Reporter: How does your product engage with audiences, and how would it be distributed as a real media text?
Today in class we had our second and final group meeting. My partners were Gabriel L, Julia, Ryan, and Hannah. I think we did a good job putting our ideas out there.
Something we discussed was the CCR, and we all had good ideas for our CCR. Julia, Hannah, and Ryan all said that they are thinking of doing a podcast, while Gabriel is thinking of doing a gameshow. Another thing we focused on were obstacles each of us faced while filming and how we fixed it. For example, Hannah tried to make fake blood for her project, but it turned out really runny and not the right color. She and her group decided they should try to make a new batch and luckily that one looked much better.
How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?
Script
I walk onto the red carpet of the Oscars 2026, as the paparazzi flash pictures of me and thousands of questions fill the air.
After I strike a pose, a reporter approaches me to interview me.
Interviewer: Brianna Federici! I know the night just started, but how's your first Oscars going.
Brianna (me): So far it's been really fun. I'm genuinely so honored to be here and have this amazing opportunity.
Interviewer: That's great, now would you mind be asking a few questions?
Brianna: (enthusiastically) Of course not, go right ahead!
Interviewer: I was wondering, how does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?
Brianna: (Passionately) I'm actually really happy you asked that. The main message in my film is the pressures of being a teenager and the struggles that come along with it. As it's a coming of age film, it explores the themes of self-discovery, bullying, and peer pressure through the main character's, experience as she tries to find her place in the world and deal with the peer pressure of her so-called "friends". For our film opening, we decided to use the conventions of a coming-of-age film rather than challenging them. There were several mise-en-scene elements we used for Sammy, the main character, to reflect how she's different from the other girls, such as her all black outfit, contrary to Sophia and Vicky's bright pink outfits. Coming-of-age films also demonstrate relatable experiences where audiences can connect to the characters' struggles. The montage in the beginning of the film is used to capture a teenage-like feel, which is consistent for coming-of age films as they are mainly centered around teenagers.
Interviewer: (enthusiastically) Wow, I really like that!
Brianna: Thank you!! Yea, so in my film the main character is a girl who's slightly different from the other two characters. She's kind of shut off from people and doesn't try hard to fit in, while the other two characters are classic mean girls. In the film, the two mean girls pressure the main character into drinking alcohol for the first time. It really conveys the issue of peer pressures and it dives into the life of teenagers and the classic cliques. The purpose of my film is to represent teens and show the struggles they face silently and the overall pressures of being a teen.
Interviewer: Yea, bullying and peer pressure is are both really strong messages, I definitely think there should be more awareness of it, and your film seems to capture that.
Brianna: I completely agree, my hope is that my film successfully spreads awareness and we all just try to do the right thing and treat others with kindness.
The previous blog discussed the start of the editing process. Yesterday, as we began editing, I first focused on the sound and cropping scenes. Today, I'm starting to edit the opening shots and putting the majority of the clips together.
As the opening scene is a montage, no sound will be needed, so when editing, I had to mute the shots. Once we get copyrights to the song, we will edit the song into the scene. I also had to crop a few of the opening shots so that they didn't run too long and so that the sound of "3,2,1" wasn't in the background of the beginning of the scene. I also began putting all of the clips in order and editing them together.
As this project nears an end, we're approaching one of our final steps: editing. Last weekend, we did the majority of our filming; throughout the week, we reviewed clips and began editing.
We used the editing app called Adobe Premiere Rush for our editing process. I first focused on cropping each clip to ensure the "3,2,1" before saying our lines or giggling after a scene couldn't be heard in the background. Cropping scenes cleans them up and really helps the film flow. Another thing I focused on was the sound in some scenes. There were scenes that won't be needing any sound so I edited the sound out.
When producing our film, we happened to face a couple of unexpected obstacles. Luckily, we were able to improvise and find a quick solution to our issues.
One of the issues we faced was the location and timing. Our film was originally set at Hollywood Beach, the perfect teen hangout spot. We went to the beach after school since we all had different schedules during the weekend. We ended up getting there too late, and by the time we began filming, it had already gotten dark. We were able to fix this by turning a scene into a flashback from the night before and rescheduling our filming.
The next issue was finding a ride to the beach. Since none of the members in my group, including me, had driver's licenses, we had to rely on parents for rides. Unfortunately, our parents could not drive us to the beach, so we decided to switch up the set. We turned the only shot from the night at the beach into a flashback, and the park of one of our communities became the new set.
In today's blog, I will discuss a few obstacles and issues we, as a group, have come across. Don't fret; they aren't unmanigable. The problems have pretty much already been solved.
For starters, we all have busy lives, so it was hard to find times that worked out for all of us. We thought we were doomed since this weekend, since we had to post blogs on the production process, but we found our way around it. This weekend, Veronica was able to go to the beach by herself and get a few shots of the Hollywood Boardwalk for our beach montage. This was a big help for us, and she got a few good shots. Meanwhile, we were able to shoot the scenes that I'm in alone since not all crew members could join us. By doing this, we could get the scene at my house out of the way and not waste any of our time.
The next issue was completely fixable. When filming, we forgot to shoot in landscape mode. We had already filmed all of our scenes before we realized that we didn't shoot in landscape mode. While at first thing seemed like a big issue, we realized that we could simply crop the shot to make is look like it's in landscape.
So far we haven't come across many issues, but the one's we have we've been able to fix. Hopefully we don't bump into any new obstacles!
As we've already begun shooting, we have also begun editing. Ugh, I know, the worst part. Well, editing can be fun too, sometimes. It's nice to edit your clips, perfecting every minor detail, and putting them all together and see your vision come to life!
This weekend we started editing individual clips, but we're not even close to being done. This weekend the only editing we've done is removing sound from the clips necessary, editing speed, cropping videos, and cutting them to the correct length. One of the upsides to editing is if you mess up while filming it can be an easy fix in editing! While filming, we forgot to film in landscape mode, so when reviewing our clips, we went back and cropped the video to the same length and width. Now, they're all in landscape mode and the same size.
For this we used a mediocre editing app, Capcut, but when actually editing all of our clips together and doing the most important editing parts we will use Adobe Rush. While Capcut is an okay editing app, Adobe is much more professional and has many more effects.
That's all for now on editing, stay updated to see our vision come to life!!
