Project Components

                  Hey everyone, welcome back to my blog. This will be the last blog for my Portfolio Project. To begin, I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey and consistently reading my blog!  This project has taught me so much and has allowed me to develop a fantastic production. With this being said, I will be giving you guys all the components of my project. Make sure to check them out and have a wonderful day! 

Project Components:              

1. Two Film Trailers: 

Only Mine (Trailer 1).mp4

Only Mine (Trailer 2).mp4

2. Movie Poster: 

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGByeHgr9A/9xI4HTXoTwuKlqOgTtuAnQ/view?utm_content=DAGByeHgr9A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

3. Social Media Page: 

https://www.instagram.com/morganaiceportfolio_?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Critical Reflection

                      My Portfolio Project was an amazing experience. Throughout the school year, I have learned various production tips or techniques. This project has allowed me to showcase what I have learned and create a wonderful production in the process. Even though I have faced challenges or obstacles, I was able to overcome each one and learn something from it. My production (Only Mine) is the result of hard work and determination. Ultimately, I am grateful that I was given the chance to create my own production and enhance my film-making skills! 

                   'Only Mine' is a film that has a thriller/drama genre. The storyline of the production surrounds a girl with a controlling and compulsive boyfriend. The film showcases how the "perfect" relationship is not always as it seems. As a result, 'Only Mine' represents social groups or issues. This is because the production highlights how men can become very obsessive or aggressive in relationships. In some cases, men are known to be overwhelming or demanding with their partner. 'Only Mine' allows the audience to see what some women experience in a toxic relationship. In addition, 'Only Mine' causes the audience to be vulnerable to the point of view of the aggressor. The audience is able to understand the perception of both of the main characters. Furthermore, the film causes its viewers to get a well-rounded understanding of what takes place when a woman has an obsessive partner.  

        

                  Branding is an essential part of any production. Branding allows you to develop a recognizable and distinct image for your film. Additionally, branding causes you to create a lasting impression on your audience and illustrate why your film is unique. In other words, branding promotes a message to your viewers. The elements of my production work together to develop a sense of 'branding' because each one highlights the overall theme or genre of my film. Each element provides examples of the thriller/drama genre and/or provides illustrations of the storyline. To begin, 'Only Mine' has a movie poster. The movie poster consists of colors, fonts, and design elements that help establish a visual identity related to the film. The audience is able to visualize the tone or mood of the film. As a result, the audience is able to create an image for the film and understand the message the poster is trying to convey. Secondly, 'Only Mine' has its own social media page. Due to this, the audience is given a story behind the logo (digital image) of the production. Film logos are known to be visual promises of the movie ahead. This causes the audience to know what to expect when viewing the production. Additionally, social media causes my film to stand out from others. Each one of my posts add to the message of my production and allows the audience to build a personal connection to the film. Overall, my movie poster and social media page had a huge impact on the branding aspect of 'Only Mine'! 

               A production must always engage with its audience. Audience engagement surrounds the connection your audience feels with your film. It is essential for an audience to develop a deep comprehension or understanding for what they are viewing. The designated target audience for 'Only Mine' is 17–22-year-olds. This is because, many people around this age love to watch movies that contain thriller or suspense. As said before, 'Only Mine' consists of a thriller genre. With that being said, my film engages with its audience because it meets the wants of its viewers. 'Only Mine' allows its viewers to experience the feeling of suspense and anticipation. As a result, the audience is able to build a deeper connection or liking for the production. Moreover, social media allows my audience to become engaged with my film as well. As mentioned previously, social media allows the audience to build a personal connection with the production. This is because, the social media page reaches more consumers and builds trust with its viewers. Viewers are able to see the entirety of the production process. The production process includes research, filming, editing, etc. Altogether, the audience is able to build an association or attachment with the production they are planning to see. 

             Research is the foundation of any production. Research allows you to become more knowledgeable about your product. Research informed my products because it caused me to learn more about the genre of my film and illustrate my storyline in a professional manner. In the beginning of my project, I researched three movies/tv-shows that had a similar genre or plot to 'Only Mine'. These films were YOU, The Perfect Guy, and Fatal Affair. The research that I conducted gave me a deeper understanding on how to correctly illustrate the thriller/drama genre in a film. Additionally, I was able to see how each film was structured and the way their storyline progressed. Research also caused me to understand how my production used or challenges conventions. 'Only Mine' challenges conventions because it goes against the stereotype that all relationships are healthy. Relationships are normally seen to be healthy and wholesome; 'Only Mine' causes its viewers to think against this. My production allows people to understand a perception on relationships that does not agree with its regular stereotype. In conclusion, research is an important factor in the success of a production. 

      

          The Portfolio Project has been one to remember! I am very glad that I was able to create/develop two film trailers for my own production. 'Only Mine' has allowed me to expand my creativity and gain more knowledge about the media industry. I have been able to gain confidence when it comes to developing productions and working with actors/actresses. This project has also allowed me to become more open to challenges because I know that I will overcome them. You must experience challenges or obstacles to truly learn, and this project has been an outlet for my understanding of that concept. I love being given the opportunity to develop 'Only Mine' and I hope you guys enjoy the production! 

         

   

Critical Reflection Research

                    Hey everyone, hope you all are doing well. We are preparing to wrap up my Portfolio Project. So, we will be conducting research for my Critical Reflection. Let us jump straight into it. 

Critical Reflection Research

        

For the Critical Reflection part of my Portfolio Project, I have to answer 4 compulsory questions. These questions highlight my entire production process.  I will be giving you guys each question and providing a brief overview of the research I conducted for each one. 

Question 1: 

How do your products represent social groups or issues? 

    A social group is when two or more individuals share a common social identification. They perceive themselves to be members of similar social categories and have a shared understanding or perception. A social issue is a problem that affects various people in a society. It is important for your production to represent social groups and/or social issues. This is because, it allows your product to connect to the modern world or speak for certain incidents currently happening. 

Here are some websites that include further information on this topic: 

Social Class - Cinema and Media Studies - Oxford Bibliographies

Social Issues | Definition, Causes & Examples - Lesson | Study.com

Question 2: 

How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of 'branding'? 

A production must always try to have a sense 'branding'. Branding gives the audience a way to create a representation or image for your film. The image of your film impacts your production's identity. This affects how your film will be viewed and interpreted. 'Branding' allows you to decide how you want your film to be seen. 

Here are some links that include further information on this topic: 

                                      What is Branding? Why is it Important? | Renderforest

Branding for film companies: why investing in design leads to better clients - The Co-Foundry (thecofoundry.co.uk)

Question 3: 

How do your products engage with the audience? 

It is vital that the audience is engaged with your film. This affects the overall success of your production and the relationship your audience has with what they are viewing. If your production does not have a relationship with its viewers, how do you expect it to be prosperous? Your viewers must be entertained or plighted by your film. 

If you want more information on this topic, check out these links: 

Audience Engagement Strategies with Examples | Sprout Social

Beyond the box office: A conceptual framework for the drivers of audience engagement - ScienceDirect

Question 4: 

How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions? 

In general, research causes the filmmaker to understand its viewers and create goals. Research causes a person to gain information on their topic and effectively put it to use. Research is usually done in the beginning stages of a production and affects how the production turns out. Without research, you can not expect to have a successful film. Moving on, conventions are known to be a set of social norms in a community or society. It is always good for your product to utilize or challenge conventions. This showcases how your production interacts with the shared standards of your society.

If you want more information on this topic, check out these links: 

Social Norms (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

10 Reasons Why Research is Important - Open Education Online

Now, you guys are able to understand the background of each question. My next blog post will be my official Critical Reflection, consisting of me answering each question. Thank you so much for reading today's blog post and don't be afraid to let me know if you have any questions. You guys are the best and see you very soon, XOXO! 

                                                                                                                                                 

Group Meeting for Portfolio Project

                 Hey everyone, welcome back to my blog! Today, we will be discussing a group meeting I had during the week regarding my Portfolio Project. Group Meetings are always good to have. These meetings allow you to work with your peers and discuss any challenges you are facing throughout your project. Throughout this post, I will be explaining what was discussed and what I gained from this group meeting.  Let us begin...

Editing 

        During our discussion, we discussed the editing process for our productions.  Everyone discussed their own journey and the obstacles that they encountered. As each person explained their challenges, everyone tried their best to give helpful advice. It was evident that everyone cared about the progression of each other's project. When it was my turn to explain my editing process, everyone listened carefully. In return, I was given extremely helpful feedback. I was told to make sure that all of my effects gave my film trailers smoother transitions. While it is good to implement effects, it is crucial for them to fit in with the storyline of your production.  

Time Management

     As our discussion progressed, we discussed time management for our projects. Some people were having issues with managing their time correctly, and as a result, they were beginning to become stressed. As a group, we decided that it is always good to organize your week. It is always good to set goals for yourself each week, so you do not lose track of time. I have been using this method throughout the duration of this project. This discussion reminded me to keep using it and to remain focused on my production.  

Social Media

    As our discussion came to an end, we discussed the importance of social media throughout our Portfolio Project. Some people stressed that they were having issues with what to post on their social media page. As a result, everyone took turns brainstorming or discussing what would be important to post on your social media page. For example, I mentioned that you should post your filming process, editing process, etc. I also learned that you should post about your reflection process as well. Overall, I am glad that I was able to help some of my peers and learn from them in return! 

This group meeting was very beneficial for me. I was able to help my peers out with their productions, while learning new things. Additionally, I was able to grow closer with my classmates and learn more about the storylines of their projects. I always enjoy group meetings because I leave them more knowledgeable! On that note, thank you guys for reading my blog and I love you all. XOXO :)

Production Process of Portfolio Project

                   Hey everyone, I have missed you guys! I have bad and good news for everyone. The bad news is that this will be the last documentation of the editing process for 'Only Mine'. The good news is that I will be reflecting on key moments of my editing process and informing you guys of any changes made to my project. Let's get started! 

Key Moments 

1.   

As you can see, I have one visual track and three audio tracks. Throughout my production, I included voiceover and background music. As every clip played, the audience is able to hear a form of sound. However, on some clips I muted the original audio. This is because the original audio would take away from the voiceover or background music. Overall, the Adobe Premiere Pro allowed me to mix my audios in an easy and concise manner. 

2.                                                                                                                                                

  

           One of the main issues I encountered while editing was regulating the volume of certain clips. For example, in some scenes, my actors would talk very quietly. While this took place, I had music playing in the background. It was very important to me that I found a way for my audience to hear what my characters were saying while the background music played. The screenshot above displays the tool I used to fix this issue. I was also able to regulate sensitivity, fade duration, duck amount, etc. 

3. 

         Throughout any editing process, it is always a good idea to add effects to your production. Effects can give you better transitions and cause your audience to become more engaged with your film. While editing my production, I used most of the effects shown above. These effects caused my film trailers to have better transitions and good demonstration. Adobe Premiere Pro gave me a handful of effects to choose from (as seen above) and these effects really helped with the illustration of the storyline for 'Only Mine'! 

4.                                                                                                                                                      

 

As I have already mentioned, I will be including graphics in my film trailers. This tool helped me control the alignment, duration, and text size of the graphics throughout my trailers. For example, I was able to rotate, shift, or expand the text(s). This tool allowed my graphics to run smoothly throughout my production.  

 

Changes to Project                                                                                                                                 

            For any production, it is common for some changes to be made throughout the duration of the project. Regarding my production, I only made one or two changes. These were deciding on which scenes and shots to include. As you follow my film overview or script, you will see that I did not include every shot for Trailer 1 or Trailer 2. This is because, I did not feel that these shots were necessary for the storyline. Throughout my editing process, I realized that my storyline could be progressed in a better manner than if those shots were included. 

         As you watch my film trailers, you will gain a better understanding of what I am discussing. You will be able to see the shots or scenes I included and how each one added to the progression of the plot of 'Only Mine'. Ultimately, I feel confident in my decision, and I am excited for you guys to view what I created! Thank you, guys, for tuning in and see you on the next blog post :). 

                                                                                                                                                            

Production Process of Portfolio Project

                       Hey everyone, I hope you guys are having a wonderful day. Today, we will be continuing the discussion of the editing process for my production. Regarding this process, I will be providing you guys with the sound and graphics for 'Only Mine'. I will explain my research process and decision-making process. With that being said, let us get right into it... 

Sound

Background

      As I have mentioned on my previous blog post, sound is an essential part of any production. Sound allows viewers to understand what is being shown and gives the audience a deeper understanding of the storyline. In addition, sound does a great job at capturing the audience. Sound allows the audience to connect with the production and develop emotions about the film. 

                                                                Research Process

       As a reminder, the genre of my film is thriller and drama. Due to this, I made sure to search for music or a soundtrack that portrayed this genre. The tool I searched on was YouTube. YouTube gave me access to various forms of No Copyright music. One channel I came across was named "Infraction." Infraction provides many types of music or sound (Horror, Thriller, Action, etc.) and each sound is No Copyright. I decided to pick my music from Infraction after sampling a few sounds. Each sound was unique and gave me a very peculiar emotion. 

Here is the link to "Infraction" for those that want to go check it out: Infraction Music [Channel Trailer] (youtube.com)

                                                        Decision - making Process 

  

                       

         This is the music I used for Trailer 1. Trailer 1 showcases Sarah's point of view and her thoughts throughout the production. You guys might be wondering, "Why is this a horror soundtrack"? I used this soundtrack because I feel as though it does a great job at creating suspense. Suspense is a major part of thriller and I really wanted to convey this in my audio choice. 

This is the music I used for Trailer 2. Trailer 2 showcases Jacob's point of view and his thoughts throughout the film. This audio did an amazing job at creating anticipation. While listening to this soundtrack, you will find yourself on the edge of your seat. This action is very important when it comes to thriller movies. 

Graphics 

Background

      Graphics do a good job at making your film more professional, dynamic, and entertaining. Graphics allow the audience to connect each scene that is being shown. For example, in a trailer, graphics can be words or phrases that allow the audience to understand what is taking place. Graphics are used to ensure that the message of the storyline is being communicated well.  

Research Process

    While trying to find some graphics for my film trailers, I followed two questions. These questions were "Do these phrases or word choices convey suspense?" and "Do these phrases add to the progression of the storyline?" It is very important to me that each graphic that is added is beneficial to the film. With that being said, I watched the film trailers for YOU and The Perfect Guy. These are two movies that I discussed throughout my research process. While watching the trailers for these productions, I analyzed the timing and type of graphics that were used. 

Decision-making Process

    All graphics need a color scheme. Color helps convey the tone or mood of your production. The color scheme of the graphics I chose for 'Only Mine' was red. Red helps to convey a sense of fear or suspense. These are two emotions that are crucial for the thriller genre. Additionally, I made sure to use at least three graphics in each trailer. I used this method to ensure that the storyline was explained well, while leaving room for the audience to wonder. This sense of wonder is what will push them to want to watch more of the production. As you guys view my two film trailers, you will analyze the graphics that I used.