Maybe I Don't Hate Breakout Rooms

Typically I hate breakout rooms. In my experience, it is really hard to start conversations and get productive in these rooms because of how tempting it is to work alone. I understand their purpose, but groups are really not the same anymore. However, today was one of my only good experiences.

As I mentioned in my last post, in this class I was put into smaller groups with my classmates to discuss our individual progress with our projects. My main issue with going forward, which I expressed to my peers, was feeling extremely indecisive and uninspired when it came to this year's project. Last year, we were able to see each other progress in person, show each other certain aspects of our projects face to face, and be in an overall creative environment. I, and my classmates, are finding it difficult to find creativity and inspiration when we are stuck in our homes all day, every day.

Despite these challenges, we shared a lot of ideas for moving forward. While it can't beat being in person, hearing about my classmate's ideas for their own projects was inspiring and refreshing. 

Two of the people who were in the group with me had chosen the documentary package and have each chosen extremely interesting topics. One person is planning to do a docuseries similar to Cheer, but with the University of Miami dance team, and have been able to get in touch with the coach to possibly make this idea into reality. The other person plans to do a docuseries on international drinks that have made their way to America, with their portion focusing on matcha.

The two others in the group with us had chosen to do the short film for their projects and were in similar positions as I am as they had yet to decide on a single story. It was so refreshing to see that I was not the only one racking my brain tirelessly with no luck in deciding on an idea for my film. Because of our similar positions, we were able to bounce our ideas off of each other, even though we did have completely different genres in mind. 

This experience truly helped me feel inspired and I already have a few ideas for my film. By my next posting I hope to finalize an idea. Till next time!

Genre? Again? Yes.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I plan on going with the film promotion package for my portfolio project this year. The second hardest part is now developing the story I want to use. I'm going to stick with my tried and true process from last year: working broad to narrow. Meaning, I will start with choosing the genre (broad) first and working on developing any story ideas I have from there.

This year I want to do something different. The science-fiction idea from last year was a blast, and I was extremely proud of my concept. However, this year I want to challenge myself a little more.

Option 1: Romance

One genre I typically do not seek is the Romance genre. I don't really have a reason for it, I don't hate romance, and I'll definitely sit down to watch a romance film if it's put in front of me. When it comes to romance trailers, I think the tropes are perfectly embodied in the trailer for The Notebook (2004), since it is the most "romance-y" romance film.

Tropes for this genre include: narration, slow "romantic" music, grand gestures, introduction to a plot trope (love triangle in this case), and little to no footage from the conclusion of the film.

I think a significant perk of choosing a romance genre is that the trailers seem almost formula-like, and the conventions are not hard to spot out and differentiate from others. 

Option 2: Fantasy

I loved fantasy films growing up, not as much as science-fiction, but I found that the idea of completely new worlds was so entertaining. I would get entranced in these worlds, like Bridge to Teribithia, and even create playground games based off of these worlds with my friends. Another reason I am gravitating towards this genre is because of how much more creativity I feel like I would be able to have. One of my hobbies is playing around with makeup, and this is something I wasn't able to incorporate in my last project, so being able to work with that in this medium would also be fun.

Tropes for this genre include: voiceover narration, special effects, suspenseful music, a high focus on intriguing color palettes, a magical villain, and text to further the narrative.

My main obstacle and reasoning for not settling with this genre is the use of special effects, which are integral to creating these fantasy worlds to look realistic.

Next class, I will be talking within smaller groups of my peers to get their feedback and hear about their progress; perhaps they will have some insight in to what would be best for me.

Long Time No See...

 Hello again!

It's been so long since I've posted on this blog, but I'm very excited to start again. Now that I am continuing on to the A level for this course, I am moving on to a new project.

With how indecisive I can be, the hardest part of this process is going to be choosing just what category I want to do. Last year it was clear and simple, make the opening to a film. This year I actually have choices! For this project I am able to choose between:

1. Music promotion package - music video, social media, digipack
2. Film promotion package - two trailers, social media, poster
3. Documentary package - 5-minute extract from a docuseries, social media, magazine article
4. Short film package - short film, social media, postcard advertisement

I think the reason that I am so stuck is that I really would like to do all of them at some point. During class, we have done similar projects on a much smaller scale which much less time given, and I always felt that with more time I could have made something amazing. Sadly, however, I can only choose one.

The most recent project we did in class was a distribution project in which we were given a film idea from an outside person, and my group and I had to create a teaser, trailer, and distribution plan for that film. I thoroughly enjoyed that project, and I feel that since I have much more recent experience with this topic, the best idea, for now, would be to go with the film promotion package. 

The major difference between this project and the last is that I have to create the film idea. That's an issue for future me.