First Production Post

 Hello Cambridge folks!

Today didn't exactly go according to plan because I wasn't able to record like I had hoped—some personal issues arose, and I also discovered I don't have a rope for the first scene, which threw me off a little bit. Nonetheless, I snapped some photos to give you a glimpse of what we're dealing with for the opening!

We’re starting in my garage, where the kidnapped character will wake up tied to a chair, confused and scared. The garage is going to be dark, with just this one creepy, dim light that’s already there—it adds to the whole eerie vibe. Since there’s a window in the garage, I’m waiting until night to film so there’s no sunlight messing with the atmosphere.

As soon as he makes his escape, the actor is going to make a wild run out of my front door. I'm still undecided whether to leave on the porch light for extra creepiness (with some tweaking) or turn it off and rely on the soft glow reflected from the street lights. I'll know when I see how it looks on film.

Although today didn't turn out the way I had hoped, I'm pleased that I did get a better sense of the environment. I hope I can get the props sorted and get back on schedule soon!

Recording Planning

 Hi everyone!

Time really does get close now since we're already on the fifth week of making our film opening, so I've been thinking about how to plan the rest of this week. Since our opening falls at nighttime, we need to record during nighttime hours, but I don't really want to stay up late, so the plan is to be quick and fast.

The idea is to spend Wednesday and Thursday tying up loose ends—sorting out the lighting, setting, and shots we require, and checking with the actors to ensure everyone is on board. That way, there's no confusion at the last minute when it comes to filming.

Friday night is when we will record most of the actual footage, and we will record all of the scenes that are planned as fast as possible without sacrificing quality. I also booked Saturday as extra shots in case something does not work out when we review the footage. I do not think Sunday will be needed, but I kept it open as an extra day in case something unexpected comes up.

I believe that this plan keeps us on course but gives us some room to maneuver, so we can get the dark, suspenseful mood we're after with the opening. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly!

Color and Tone

I will be talking about tone and color throughout this entry. The visual components are important to creating tension and atmosphere throughout my project idea, which involves making a suspense-thriller film about a kidnapped person who escapes.

I intend to use the cool colors dark blue and black as costume colors in order to create a feeling of mystery and fear at the start of the film. The colors add to the feeling of surprise by hiding identities as well as conveying the loneliness and fear of the character. The effect will be enhanced by low lighting, which will cause the shadows to loom large in the background and leave the audience in suspense.

In less dramatic, contemplative moments, such as when the character is looking for an escape quietly or becoming comfortable in the surroundings, I can imagine the application of purple and blue light. These will create a peaceful, languid mood with some tension. The warm glow of the cool-color lights, foretelling calm before storm, will be used to heighten the tension of the character.

The color palette will change drastically as the escape sequence starts. I would like to use hot colors like red-tilting lights and radiant red billboards to increase the sense of urgency and danger. These bright, vibrant colors will pulse in the background, echoing the character's pounding heart and the impending danger of getting caught. The audience, kept emotionally invested and drawn further into the engaging story by the contrast between the cool, tranquil sections and the shock of color in warmth, will be roused to emotional awareness.

I would like to lead the audience's emotions from subdued fear to racing horror and create the suspense-thriller mood by blending cool and warm colors skillfully. In addition to reflecting the character's inner conflict, the changing color scheme of the film will make it more visually appealing overall.

Character development

 In order to capture the reader's attention, a beginning to a suspense-thriller movie should depict a terrorized kidnapped character as well as their suffering. Highlighting the emotional vulnerability of the character—confusion, fearfulness, and moments of hope which make them human—and their suffering bodily is necessary to enable the reader to emotionally empathize with the character.

The scene could begin by depicting a close-up shot of the kidnapped character's face with cuts and bruises on the face and sweat beads on their skin. Their lips will tremble, and their eyes will dart around the dark room as if they're trying to find where they are. Their fear intensifies as their imagination gets the upper hand and the flickering light creates shadows that seem to move. Their quivery, soft whimpers and gasping breaths convey a sense of being overwhelmed, lost, and desperate that is more than just physical distress.

With utmost care, as they painstakingly reconstruct their plight, the intimacy of a close-up is on their tied feet and hands catching the savagery of the struggle. Their attention is fixed on the rope, presenting blood marks on the skin as it is every panicked tug. The fingers could possibly shake in struggling to open up the knot as they get desperate with every fruitless attempt. A mid-shot records their entire-body struggle with their restraints, desperation and fear compelling all their movements. Sound and silence are as foreboding in the tense atmosphere created by creaking ropes and ambient sounds like a dripping pipe or a distant drag.

Moments of their point of view, like cloudy visions of black rooms, pale outlines of doors, or a broken window that holds out freedom, can be used to capture their distorted reality and heighten the emotional impact. Their disjointed thinking is reflected in these moments of disintegration, when the overwhelming dread of getting caught is interwoven with the fading hope of escape. Every look conveys desperation and urgency, indicating a person not just physically trapped but mentally deteriorating.

The audience is guided into the character's inner conflict between hope, humanity, and fear through using point-of-view shots, close-ups, and mid-shots. This multi-layered technique retains the tension while giving the kidnapped character a human, realistic, and relatable feel.

For our film opening, focusing on the mise-en-scène elements is crucial in creating the atmosphere and enhancing the thriller-action genre. We’re setting the scene in a dark, confined basement, which naturally adds a layer of suspense and isolation. The dim lighting will be strategically placed to cast long shadows and create an eerie, disorienting effect. We will use small spotlights or a low-watt bulb to illuminate some areas, hiding some of the information from the audience and contributing to suspense. The lighting is suspenseful, since it deceives the viewer's eye and keeps him or her on their toes.

Our entrance features extensive use of costume design. Since we don't want their identities exposed, we will use masks maybe a monster mask for the kidnapper to amplify their intimidation and mysteriousness. The black attire will allow them to camouflage so that they can blend quite well against the dark background to become shadows by themselves. This decision will maintain the focus on the tense situation and not on personality, with space for a larger reveal at some point later on.

The setting and props will also have their role in building the mood. The cellar may have dark, dusty aspects like old crates, ropes, or bare pipes that will provide the sense of being trapped and vulnerable. These props won’t be overly flashy but will enhance the realism of the scene, suggesting that the characters are in a space meant for hiding, keeping the danger out of sight. We’ll keep things minimal to avoid distraction, ensuring the focus remains on the emotional tension and suspense.

By combining these elements—set, costume, props, and lighting—we hope to create a firm opening that brings the viewer into our world, establishing mood and interest, and holding back key information until it can be employed to fullest advantage later on in the tale.

Audio

 For our opening, sound will be a crucial element in generating suspense and setting the thriller-action mood. To accomplish this, we plan on making it straightforward yet effective.

We'll use foley sounds like footsteps on concrete, a creaking door, and clothing rustling to make the scenes realistic. These can be achieved using what we have, e.g., shoes on a hard floor or slowly opening a squeaky door.

For background, let's include ambient sound to fit the gloomy basement atmosphere—perhaps the drizzle of water, subdued humming from a light bulb, or muffled echoes. It won't be excessively loud, but just a little in order to produce a creepy atmosphere.

We’ll also include action music—something with a steady beat that builds tension as the scene unfolds. The music will start quietly but pick up as things get more intense, helping create a sense of danger and urgency.

To add extra suspense, we’ll use silence too—muting the music or background sounds at key moments to make the audience hold their breath right before something happens.

 

Storyboard

 

Finalized Project Idea

Genre: Thriller/Action

With a combination of action and thriller elements, our film's opening will center on a bank heist. The robbers, covered in masks and gloves, are already inside the bank at the beginning. One robber is seen quickly checking the time on a wristwatch after the opening shot of their feet running across the tiled floor. To create a tense, chaotic atmosphere, we'll use dim lighting with a few bright flashes from the overhead lights flickering.

Red laser beams obstruct the robbers' path as they approach a secured vault area. To make it appear realistic on camera, we'll make the lasers out of fishing line or string that has been illuminated with red lights. As the main robber carefully navigates through the lasers without making contact, a close-up of their eyes will cut to a POV (point of view) shot. Fast cuts that show hands reaching for the vault lock and another robber standing guard, anxiously scanning the hallway, will heighten the tension.

To increase the energy, we'll use an action-oriented soundtrack for sound effects, accompanied by Foley effects like footsteps, deep breathing, and the subtle buzzing of the security system. The credits will be inserted organically into the scene, for example, by having a title appear on a computer screen that flashes a "Access Denied" warning or a robber's name appear as graffiti on the wall.

Because lighting is crucial in both thriller and action genres, we decided to concentrate on it. To add suspense and shadows, we'll use the flashlight effect from the robbers' phones or tiny handheld lights. At the conclusion of the opening, the title card will show the film's title in bold letters before the screen cuts to black and an abrupt alarm goes off.

Our concept appeals to me because it uses simple yet powerful effects, such as flashlights, string lasers, and inventive camera angles, to capture the action. Although it will be difficult, I believe we can make it look good.

Media Theory

 Good afternoon blog!!

 Understanding how movies and other media affect viewers' experiences and reactions makes media theories intriguing. We wish to investigate Roland Barthes' Proairetic or Action Code theory for our thriller-action movie opening.

According to a narrative technique known as the Proairetic or Action Code, a story's actions build suspense and advance the plot. The audience is left wondering what will happen next. Since suspense and action are essential components of a bank heist scene, this is a perfect fit for our project.

To keep the audience interested, we'll employ fast cuts and brisk action in our opening. For instance, the robbers' feet running across the bank floor at the beginning of the scene conveys urgency right away. Tension is increased by a close-up of a thief looking at their wristwatch to see how long they have before security shows up. The suspense is increased by the robbers' cautious movements and flashing lights as they make their way through red laser beams to the vault.

We'll also include pictures of the second robber anxiously looking around the hallway. The audience is forced to predict possible danger by this action—will they be apprehended? Since they generate curiosity and excitement and advance the plot without requiring dialogue, all of these scenes are action codes.

Since tension-building through movement and action is crucial for both the thriller and action genres, the Proairetic Code is significant for our movie. With each step the robbers take, the audience will remain interested and curious about what will happen next. We think that applying this theory will enable us to produce an exciting and tense opening that captures audiences' attention from the outset.

Can’t wait to show you how it turns out! See you soon!! 😊🎬

Group Meeting #1

 Hey blog!!! It’s officially week 3 of working on my project. Today in class, my teacher set up group meetings where we shared our story ideas and gave each other feedback. I was put into a group with three classmates: Emma, Vicky, and Vicente.

The first person to share his story idea was Vicente. He is working on a culinary drama that draws inspiration from The Bear and The Menu. His idea is to demonstrate how to prepare a dish by first showing a flawless version and then showing a burnt, ruined version. He intends to use lighting to change from bright to dark tones as the mood changes, placing a lot of emphasis on mise-en-scene. Vicente still hasn't finished his plot, though. I advised him to keep the cook anonymous for the majority of the scene to create mystery and to use more close-ups of the food to let the food visually tell the story.

Vicky then went on to discuss her project. She is working on a thriller about a woman cooking a fancy dinner with Juan and Bella. The scene doesn't reveal the woman's face until the very end. Vicky intends to create a romantic ambiance with warm, bright lighting, but as the scene develops, the tension increases. There are hints of manslaughter and a mysterious man in the story. In order to give the instrumental music a more vintage feel, I suggested that she use sound effects from vinyl records. She should also think about including brief shots of the man's hands or possessions to heighten the tension.

Emma then moved on to her gymnastics-focused sports drama, which was influenced by Full Out, Toni Erdmann, and Rocky. In her story, a gymnast reflects on her early years in a flashback scene before moving into the present, where posters and memorabilia of well-known gymnasts adorn her room. I thought it was a great idea and advised her to use match cuts to link her past and present selves by using similar motions. In order to arouse nostalgia, I also suggested that she play mellow background music during the flashback.

All in all, this meeting was very beneficial. It was wonderful to discuss ideas with my classmates and learn about their viewpoints. The feedback gave me a lot of fresh ideas to share with my group, and I realized I'm on track for our timeline. We can't wait to share our latest developments!

Schedule

Weeks 1 & 2:

• We want to focus on researching techniques, analyzing credit sequences, and reviewing film openings from the chosen genre.
• This research stage is almost complete.

Week 3:

• Arrange important components like the audio, scenes, characters, and setting.
• Make a thorough storyboard to help direct the writing of the script.
•  Start writing the screenplay.
  
  

Weeks 4 & 5:

• Finalize the script by the end of week 5.
• Make any needed changes

Week 6:

• Start and complete the recording process.
• Begin editing the footage.

Week 7:

• Continue editing if needed.
• Begin planning and working on the Creative Critical Reflection (CCR), depending on its requirements.

Week 8:

• Finalize and submit the CCR and project materials.

 

Credit Scene

 

1. Zodiac (2007)

Zodiac's credit sequence establishes the tense and obsessional mood of the movie in a subtle yet eerily effective way. It opens with aerial views of San Francisco in 1969 before cutting to a scene of the Fourth of July. The golden haze of dusk frames the dimly lit skyline, signifying the shroud of mystery that would envelop the city for years as a result of the Zodiac case.

Like the investigation itself, the film is methodical and meticulous, which is reflected in the text's use of slow fades and smooth, minimalistic transitions. David Shire's eerie orchestral score, which combines tense strings and solemn piano notes, emphasizes the ominous tone. The pace reflects the protracted and compulsive search for the truth at the heart of the story rather than rushing to provide instant thrills.

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2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's violent and bizarre credit sequence effectively conveys the unadulterated violence and mystery that run throughout the whole movie. This scene, which was directed by David Fincher, combines a frantic mix of abstract, computer-generated black liquid shapes that change and take on symbolic imagery like computer codes, flames, and chains. These components stand for the main themes of trauma, retaliation, and hacking.

The sequence is relentlessly intense, driven by Karen O's rendition of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. The thumping beat and savage vocals reflect the fierce, unyielding nature of Lisbeth Salander. Fast-paced visual changes and warped textures create a sense of confusion and peril, foreshadowing the disjointed fierce story that follows.

In addition to setting the tone, this visually stunning scene serves as a metaphor for Lisbeth's mental state and the sinister world she and journalist Mikael Blomkvist are about to discover.

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3. Shutter Island (2010)

A dark and frightening credit sequence opens Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, instantly creating a tense atmosphere. The title island is depicted in the opening scene in desaturated images, encircled by turbulent, dark waters and covered in dense fog, signifying helplessness and loneliness.

With disturbing discordant strings and deep brass tones, composer Krzysztof Penderecki's music creates tension as the ferry carrying U.S. Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule approaches the enigmatic asylum. As the audience moves closer to the foreboding island setting with the protagonists, the eerie soundtrack intensifies, reflecting the mounting sense of dread.

The music's intense, piercing notes contrast with the images' slow, ominous pace, producing a psychological push-and-pull effect. This contrast alludes to the confusion and mental instability at the heart of the movie's plot twist.

Researched

 In order to create the tension and apprehension required for suspense and thriller films, sound design is essential. A multi-layered auditory experience that captivates audiences from beginning to end is produced by combining music, background noise, and well-placed silences. The faint creak of a door hinge, dripping water, or distant footsteps are examples of subtle ambient sounds that can cause viewers to become anxious and hyperaware of every little detail. Even when there is nothing visually threatening going on, these sounds frequently imply a presence or threat that is hiding just out of sight. The very act of silence is a potent instrument that is commonly employed to prolong periods of intolerable stress. Jump scares are more effective when the sound completely stops, leaving viewers to prepare for a startling noise. Equally important is the music—slow, menacing scores with progressively rising tones build suspense and warn of an eerie impending event. While dissonant notes can arouse uneasiness, bewilderment, or paranoia, fast-paced, chaotic soundtracks increase the intensity during action or chase scenes. Viewers are kept on edge by the deliberate blending of sound and silence, which gives the scene a sense of unpredictability and danger. Furthermore, a character's emotional state can be conveyed through sound design. For example, deep, booming bass tones indicate an approaching threat, while high-pitched ringing might symbolize their growing panic. Sound is one of the most effective tools in determining the mood and narrative tension of the thriller genre because it allows filmmakers to create a sense of suspense that keeps viewers completely engrossed in the danger as it unfolds through the careful manipulation of both dramatic and subtle auditory elements.

Film Opening Project: Suspense/Thriller Genre Exploration

 I looked at three popular suspense/thriller movies to make an intriguing and captivating movie opening. These films exhibit effective tension-building techniques that will affect some elements of my own work.

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1. A Quiet Place (2018, dir. John Krasinski)

In this post-apocalyptic thriller, a family struggles to survive in a world where sound can instantly cause death. The animals that roam the planet hunt by making noise, so the family must live in complete silence and communicate using sign language. In the film's first tense scene, the family quietly forages through an abandoned store, rapidly establishing the dangerous norms of their world. The atmosphere is filled with dread as viewers are introduced to a spooky, suspenseful setting that culminates in a shocking incident that sets the tone for the entire film.

Takeaways for My Project:

• Visuals: Use quiet, empty settings to create suspense.
• Storytelling: Minimal dialogue to emphasize fear and isolation.
• Audio: Strategic silence with bursts of sudden sound to shock the audience.

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2. Stranger Things (Season 1, 2016)

The popular series begins with a disturbing scene at a government laboratory that is kept under wraps. As a creature that cannot be seen is closing in on him, a scientist dashes through dark hallways. A sense of danger and mystery is immediately established by the eerie visual created by the lights' menacing flicker. Outside the lab, a seemingly tranquil suburban neighborhood stands in stark contrast to the chaotic events taking place inside. This contrast between everyday life and horror captures the audience's attention and establishes the tense plot.

Takeaways for My Project:

• Visuals: Play with lighting to create uncertainty.
• Storytelling: Begin with an intense scene to hook the audience.
• Audio: Include eerie electronic sounds for atmosphere.

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3. Get Out (2017, dir. Jordan Peele)

Chris,who is a young Black man, visits his white girlfriend's family in the idyllic suburban setting in this psychological thriller. At first glance, the family appears to be friendly, but as the weekend wears on, Chris begins to have the uneasy suspicion that something is wrong. The first scene is set at night in a quiet suburban neighborhood, where an unidentified attacker stalks and kidnaps a Black man. The scene's use of eerie music and sudden shift from calm to chaos sets up the film's examination of societal fears and hidden dangers, creating a captivating atmosphere of mystery and unease.

Takeaways for My Project:

• Visuals: Use contrast between calm settings and disturbing events.
• Storytelling: Start with a mysterious event that raises questions.
• Audio: Incorporate unsettling music that builds tension.

Brainstorming and Finding Genre

Our final portfolio project for AICE Media Studies started this week. I've begun considering the creative path I want to take and coming up with ideas for my movie's opening. Right now, my main goal is to create an engaging narrative that complies with institutional norms and fits nicely within the allotted two minutes. The chance to put everything I've learned this year—from storytelling tactics to cinematography techniques—to use excites me.

Right now, I'm leaning toward making a film with an immediate emotional hook that captures audiences' attention. In order to effectively portray character emotions, I'm experimenting with lighting to create the right atmosphere and employing a variety of visual techniques, including close-up shots. In the upcoming weeks, I plan to refine my concept and create a comprehensive storyboard to guide production.

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Possible Genre Choices for the Film Opening
I’ve been researching two genres for my film opening: thriller and mystery. Each with unique creative opportunities and challenges that I find interesting.

Thrillers frequently use fast-paced narrative and high stakes tension to keep viewers interested. Suspense is often created with elements like dramatic music, fast cuts, and dim lighting. A Quiet Place and Gone Girl are two examples of films that show how sound design and narrative turns can produce compelling cinematic experiences. Dynamic camera angles and eerie soundscapes are two tension-building strategies I would like to try if I were to choose this genre.

In contrast, mystery usually focuses on revealing secrets and keeping the reader interested throughout the story. Visual cues are crucial for leading the audience toward the resolution without giving away too much, such as symbolic props and subliminal foreshadowing. I've been motivated to think about how pacing and multi-layered storytelling can maintain audience interest by movies like Knives Out and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

There are exciting possibilities in both genres, and I'm eager to see which one best suits my project's creative vision.

Beggining Portfolio Project

Mystery

focuses on finding hidden facts or solving puzzles, frequently involving crimes, disappearances, or secrets.

• A detective, investigator, or regular citizen interested in cracking the case is typically the protagonist.
• Plot twists, interrogations, red herrings, and clues are important conventions.
• Visual components include slow-motion sequences to highlight tension, symbolic lighting changes, and in-depth close-ups of hints.
  
  Thriller
• created with tension, suspense, and danger in mind to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Protagonists frequently deal with high-stakes scenarios or immediate threats, and antagonists present formidable challenges.
• Chase sequences, countdowns, betrayals, and abrupt danger are important conventions.
• Visual components include dramatic lighting, quick cuts, tense music, and camera motions that convey a sense of urgency.
  
  
  

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