Similarly to my previous blog, when he had gotten greenlit, our teacher explained and brought up some issues we had to consider before filming. In this blog, I will go over the main issues (besides the script) and how me and my partner will attempt to address it.
Slight Revision on the Storyboard
First, I had to draw the last few shots. Since, I didn’t have any more template, I drew decided to draw them on another piece of paper.
The first new shot is a short (~1-2 sec) black screen. It is used to emphasize the last shot and to show not a lot of time has passed in between scenes/shots.
The last two new shots is a behind and forward facing shots of Lucille on the phone. Both are MS.
Visual Aspects
Since we had decided on taking place in the present time, that made the visuals easier to do. One thing we had already planned was the costuming... Looking at the male lead, it could probably remain the same, but Lucille might need to be more simplified.
A simple red long/short sleeve would carry out the same visual effect!
Scheduling
Our teacher also suggested for us to start actually planning and looking at our calendar since tatlie had put a placeholder on our call sheet...
Here I made a basic and simplified version of the planned dates for this production. In a future blog, I will create a more specific schedule/itinerary for during production!
All in All,
In conclusion, we decided to keep the song choice and costuming, plan a schedule early and slightly tweak and add to the storyboard. In my first few blogs for the portfolio, I kept in mind that my production may and most likely will need to be change/revised. In this blog, I learnt how effective it was to! Now, I am more please and confident with our planning and can't wait to start filming next week!
SO! Good news, on 2/17/26, me and my partner officially got our production greenlit and ready to begin filming.
However, there was some issues we had with our script. First one being that it had wrapped up too much, and felt more like a short two minute film rather than the two minute opening to a two hour long film. Another was when it was set! Which I will elaborate further on in this blog.
Revising the Ending
I was given the suggestion to either make the first scene longer, to where it ended before the script did, or shorten the script and add in a second scene (even if it was for ten seconds). I decided to do the latter.
First Draft Ending (Same image from the Scripting blog)
In my blog about making the script, I mentioned that it (the first draft) was supposed to end with the main character finding another date, but that, too, seemed way too finished/concluded so I decided against that idea.
Old + Revised
Old Version
2nd Revise
In the end, the two minutes is set to end around the middle of Lucille's conversation on the phone. I extended the dialogue, incase time permitted.
Changing the time period
After I realized how difficult it would be with trying to convince the audience it was set in the 80s-90s... me and my partner decided to move over to present time. That way, it makes the process easier, and our message/theme can still be shown.
With this, we also had to change the dialogue (+the characters are now the same age as the actors).
I wanted to show their personality while trying to make it seem realistic enough.
A storyboard is a visual plan made up of drawings that show each shot in a film before it is filmed. It looks like a comic strip and includes notes about camera angles, movement and dialogue. I had some experience with drawing the storyboard since I had done it in the previous project.
However, the only different thing was that, we did not have a visual blueprint now... everything is from scrap! Using my research from my previous blogs, I created the storyboard which will hopefully be used during filming!
The storyboard + comparison
Here, I will be comparing some short ideas to the storyboard and any difference between them. Two of the three were from last blog!
(1)
Lucille is in the background (shallow focus with focus on the slice of cake) preparing something...
I decided to change it so thar Lucille was at the far most side of the left, showing isolation from the delicacy.
(2)
Lucille looking at the doorway
I also wanted Lucille to be closer to the camera. However, in this specific one, the positoning of object is a bit off in the storyboard.
(3)
Steve sitting down at the dining table
I changed this slightly from the original I had based it off to make the framing of the opening more larger than Steve. The size difference shows an imbalance of power as well..
Page!
For reference, this is the first and last full page of the storyboard I have created for this production.
Before I began filming, I needed to plan out the storyboard. And before planning out the storyboard, I wanted to set up potential shots in order to help me visualize the shots easier.
This way, I can decide which shot angle/framing works and which ones doesnt.
Shot ideas!!
I will also be using the Markr in the photos to further demonstrate my visualization without actors.
When we decided on my house as the filming location, the first thing that came to my mind was ultilizing the cased opening. By placing the male lead (Steve) in the muddle (angling will be changed to better fit the actor) to demonstrate that he is trapped.
Similar to the last one... this is one of the first shots in the opening. Lucille is looking back at the door after she hears a knock. This shot was made possible due to the opening in the wall. It can also represent that Steve's trapped before he even enters the house.
I also wanted to use the entire dining from the horizontal side as an establishing shot since this is where everything takes place +potentionally a low angle shot of the light to show the problem is much bigger than initially thought. However, me and tatlie decide not since it did not match the atmosphere.
Before researching framing and compositions in filmmaking, I already knew some of the basics of it. However, I wanted to review information and go more in-depth (or specific). I want to further understand how different shot types, angles, and placements affect meaning, emotion and audience perception.
This research would help me make more deliberate choices when planning and shooting my shots, rather than shooting them from what I think fits in that moment.
What I learnte
Camera framing refers to how subjects are arranged inside the shot using the camera. Environmental framing (or the "frame-with in-a-frame") refers to objects inside the scene that surrounds the characters (doorways, windows, furniture).
CAMERA POSITIONING
Center(ing) Frame: Suggests control, importance, or stability. Often use for leading characters.
Off-Center/Rule of Thirds: Adds tension, imbalance. For example, a character being on the far most right side of the frame can show isolation from the others if any.
Foreground/Background: Characters in the foreground usually dominate visually.
A still from Send Help using off-center/rule of thirds to show tension
My takeaways!
First is to always try to plan framing before shooting, not during. By using the "frame-within-a-frame" framing, I can showcase the male lead being trapped using cased openings! Honest moments will have the camera closer, while isolated moments will have the camera be further away!
These are just some of the example I tend to use. In summary, I want (almost) each shot to reflect the character 's emotion and use framing as part of the narrative.
In my one of last blog, I discussed on the importance of character designs/costuming. Now, I will be planning out my character's outfits in this blogs to clearly communicate their role and personality on screen!
Planning
As I have stated before in one of my blogs, I wanted to set mine roughly in the 1960s-1990s. This is because this was around the end of the rise in domesticity in the United States where clothing often defined social roles. I looked at references of clothing during this time period to better help me in designing both costumes (as shown below! I mainly took inspiration off of them).
Sketches of Outfits
Here are some of the quick drawings/sketches I made, deciding what costume the characters could wear.
Costumes for Lucille
For Lucille, I wanted her costume to make her visually stand out while still subtly relfecting her personality. As I've mentioned before, I used red to symbolize both love/affection and hate/blood. From the image above, my partner and I chosed to go with the third option.
It was inspired by 1970s styling, where presentation signified discipline and attentiveness. The bow additionally adds a "youthful/innocent" element too.
In the back (when paired with darker hair), it can also look like a black widow (she has a bow on her skirt making look like 8 limbs.. arm, bow, and legs). This idea was made by my partner! This is very subtle foreshadow as when a black widow finds a mate, she will always kill and eat him.
As for the male lead (Steve), I wanted to make his costuming very simple and plain. By making the shirt white, it can also reference how he will "die." His outfit also feels more structured and predictable which visually contrasts Lucille's outfit. This also emphasizes his naivety, innocence and neutrality.
All in all, these are the outfits planned out for production, but... I still need to turn these sketches into real life (I will showcasing in a future blog). I understand these might change as well! However, planning costumes ahead of them through meaning and historical references helps to ensure that both characters feel intentional and not random!
Before filming, my partner and I needed to decide where to film. There was some things we needed to keep in mind, and so I created a check list. A good location should support the action.
Preferably somewhere with enough open spaces for movement
Minimal background distractions
Close by to our school/easily accessible with the team
Somewhere that matched the estimated timeline (late 1900's)
All of these are important in our film which takes place with a dinning table and the kitchen. Although, it would not be a dealbreaker if our location did not have one or two of the check. Since it had to be in a house... it limited the available locations. Thus me and my partner decided on which of ours to film at.
Locations
#1 My (director's) house
Dining area/front door
Kitchen
PROS
Open spaces for movement
Good soft/warm lighting (looks warmer in real life)
Quiet neighborhood
Many background framings (ex; door in dining area, cased openings) opportunities
CONS
Kitchen looks too modern (?)
Grey/cool colors contrast warm colors
#2 Editor's/Sound Designer's house
Kitchen
Living room
PROS
Very accessible for the team
Simple layout = more creativity in shots/less limitations
CONS
Less movement available
No dining area
No warm lighting
Our Decisions
In the end, me and my partner happily agreed to film at my house. This was mainly due to the open spaces, quiet environment and how I had a dinning place. In addition, this will help me draw the storyboard, now that I have an idea of what the location. It helped me visualize where each shot would be captured in advance (something we had struggled on last project) and prevent problems during filming.
Now that I have finalized the script, I have to move onto storyboarding. But before that, I want to first plan out the character's costume. Costuming plays a large visual role in film.This is because film is a visual medium, so everything apart of mise en scene becomes a storytelling device.
Researching!
This video gives a brief introduction to the importance of character designs/costumes and how it can tell another story!
As stated in the video, many people often do not understand character design unless it is the main point of the film.
One important thing I noted was: Costume designs mainly functions has a storytelling device rather than decoration. It tells a lot about a character's traits, social status, and emotional tone without any words. It can also be used as foreshadow!
Characters often wear colors that fit their characteristics/personalities or help convey it. Below is an example of what colors can mean.
By serenaarchetti.com
Example!
In the Legally Blonde (2001), Elle Woods' design and costuming tells a large visual story of her identity. Her wardrobes remains consistently pink, feminine, and bright throughout the film. It strongly symbolizes and reinforces her confidence and refusal to obey the expectational/society norms placed on her.
Elle Woods' outfits in the movie
However, in the movie, when we do see Elle Woods try and fit in with the norms, her outfits also matched this. Of course, this does not work out and she goes back wearing the clothes she had always worn. Through costuming, Legally Blonde helps convey her journey and challenges stereotypes about appearance and intellligence,
My Incorporations!
I now believe everything a character wears should be intentional and carry meaning now, especially given how easy it is to.
For my production, I want to mainly focus and use the color... red in the protagonist's costume. This is because red has such conflicting/contrasting emotions (ex. love and hate) which I believe suits her. For the other lead, I wanted to make the costuming simple and incorporate white into it. This is because white is often use to indicate purity and foreshadow future victims.
Me and my partner came up with many stories for our production, we already knew the theme and what meaning we wanted to carry. However, we did not know how to carry it out. After researching about many films, we finally came up with this storyline. Of course, it is very simplified but it helped guide me to write the screenplay.
The general idea we had (shared on a word doc.)
First draft
Originally the ending
Feedbacks
After I finished the first drafts, I went around asking people (classmates, friends... family) what they thought of the script and what should I reconsider.
My main criticism was the length of it. It was originally going to end with Lucille (the next morning) cleaning up her kitchen, however, it was going to be difficult to fit the entirety in just two minutes. So! I decided to shortened my script, and cut that section entirely. Now, I plan on having it end roughly either during the end of their conversation OR Lucille leading Steve away.. somewhere
Another was how the tone was a bit unclear.. the horror aspects came too late (simply used as a shock factor), so on my rewrite, I focused more on building up the horror subtly.
Final (?) Draft
Revised Version
In conclusion, I am now satisified with the script, finally. However, I have learnt to be open to changes throughout production and have a flexible mindset. Especially in the future during filming, the script may have to be rewritten onset so its best to take note of that.
Before I write one for my film, I, first, need to understand what it exactly is. A screenplay is a detailed document written for a media (film, show...) that outlines the story, characters, dialogue and action that will happen onscreen. It mainly aims to describe those that will most likely be hard to see or hear.
This video basically goes over exactly what a screenplay is, the elements and also its importance. For example, some elements it goes over are:
Scene Headings (SLuglines) - tell the reader when and wear a scene takes place. Following this format: INT./EXT LOCATION-TIME OF DAY
Action lines - describes only what the AUDIENCE sees/hears. Avoids thoughts or explanations, in the simplest way possible, it is supposed to be like a manual/instructions.
Character names and dialogue - Names are above dialogue so people will know who speaks + when a character first enters, their name is all capitalizedd.
Screenplay of La La Land (2017) - The scene before the dance sequence (found through the website)
This showed me how most (if not all) films use the same format and elements of a screenplay. Highlighting its importance to do so as well. Also, providing more example screenplays, of course.
Implying this into my works
From what I can take away, a screenplay is not only written for the writers but (if done well) can be use to guide every department. For example, it tells cinematographers what is most important to frame and actors when what action happens. Additonally, it also helps makes production much organized and simpler.
I also looked at websites to write a screenplay. In the end, I've stumbled on writersolo. I chose it because it was simple to use and free!
What it looks like
Conducting research on this subject has help me realize how learning screenplay conventions makes working/collaborating easier since everyone in filmmaking follows the same format/language. I will apply this knowledge further into my next blog, where I will begin writing my screenplay!
In this blog, I will be focusing on directing tips I can apply, specifically directing actors during production. Last time, during production for a film, me and the director often work together in guiding the actors. One of the many main issues I noticed was that, usually, we were not being specific enough with our directions. This led to many retakes, shots that did not match the film we were sweding, and overall a lot of lost time.
To avoid this, I wanted to look at videos on how to efficiently direct actors early on before productions.
Tips to Remember
This video dives deep into how to direct actors during productions. It gives the basics and then goes into more details later on as the video continues.
I will be summarizing each idea in short bullet points and then expanding on it below each point and adding some of my personal intakes!
REHEARSALS AND PLANNINGS
This includes doing a table read, scheduling blocking out scenes, and camera rehearsals. Before production, I plan on spending one day on doing this. This helps in staying organized, on time, and built comfortability with the actors.
NOTES AND DIRECTIONS
Between takes, write short, clear notes about the shot. This helps avoid reshoots/rewrites and organizations. Also, give action-based directions. For example, use verbs like "push aside, step back.." instead of telling the actors to "be sad" or "be angry."
BUILDING TRUST
A big part of creating a good film is trusting the actors. Many times, directors are too afraid to ask what they want from an actor. By building trust, it creates an evening working level. It also allows for the director to be more specific since in small films, they usually cannot afford improvisations.
Conclusion
All in all, though I have not directed on set yet, with these tips in mind, I feel more confident in my abilities to do so! But it will all depends/matter once we’re in production.
Since I am working with one other person, we decided on two roles each. For me, I got director and cinematographer. I already have some experience with being the cinematographer, so I will dive deeper into that role in a later blog. The only new role is the director.
I do not know much about the role, my initial thought of a director is the person who directs the film.. but it is much more than that.
The basics of Directing
This video provides a quick simplified but useful insight on the role of a director and what the average day on set looks like for a director.
My takeaways from the video
First, as said in the video, the main responsibility of a director is "'directing' how the overall film is made by taking a script, visualizing it and creating an overarching cinematic tone for the project."
Directors balance creative choices with immediate and on-set decisions. Basically, the director is the creative lead. They turn the scripts into visual scenes by deciding how it should look and feel, guiding actors, and working with all the other roles to ensure everyone is unified with the idea.
Additionally, the director is present throughout the entire production, from pre-production to post-production. This is unlike roles, such as the cinematographer where they are present only for production and a little bit of pre-production. During post-production, directors work with editors and sound to shape the final cut. I also noted that, for this production, I would be the script/screenwriter as well.
Similarity to my previous blog, this time I will be planning out how I will address the second part of the CCR question which is: "how does it represent social groups or issues?"
CCR/SCRIPT PLANNING
The general idea of my film is how patriarchy is represented in media, whether it is negative or positive. I want to back on previously films I have discussed and how I plan on incorporating some ideas into my film.
Jo negotiating her book deal
The majority of the films I've discussed, all tackle very similar social groups/issues. However, one I want to look specifically at is Little Women. Here, Jo is negotiaing her book deal towards a man. This framing places her opposite from male authority, visually reinforcing imbalance. The film represents gender inequalitly/power imbalance through everyday restrictions and choices. Surprisingly, it was one of my biggest inspirations for planning out how my film will represent what social group/issues.
Planning!
My film will representing social issues/groups linked to patriarchy, gender norms and power imbalance. I want to incorporate a first date into my film. This makes it easier to explain my idea since, in media, it often shows first dates as spaces where women are evaluated or pressured. This dynamic is familiar since it has been repeated so much across films and shows.
However, by revealing the woman held control from the start, it directly addresses the social group/issue. It represents how women are often consumed socially/emotionally and reverses that pattern.
After doing research on representation, I realized I could plan out one CCR question based on my research. The CCR question is "How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?" I will be seperating the question into two and giving them it's own separate blogs. This one will be about how does my product use/challenge conventions?
By planning this out early, it makes it much easier/simpler in the future to come up with an answer rather than forging one out. Not to mention, it just makes the entire process of scripting/screenwriting easier when I have a "guide". So, to simplify this product even further, I will look over films I have already discussed but in a new light, accordingly to the question.
CCR/SCRIPT PLANNING
Horror films frequently positions/presents women as victims, emotional, and/or powerless, so often it is almost instincts. I need to be careful so I do not copy these patterns by accident. At this stage, the goal is awareness not story details!
In order to use visuals (rather than words) to help further exemplify my idea, I want to make the most of framing! As I've stated before, Black Christmas (1974) often stays close to Jess's face (girl in still), showing her calmness under threat, her control. This film deliberately avoids sexual framing and challenges the convention of the helpless final girl.
Whereas, in jennifer's body, it shows how genre language can be reused with a different point of view. It offers a more direct reversal.
This film frames Jennifer usually in the center, and put men as reaction shots or off screen consequences. By doing so, it builds dominance through female presence and shows her control rather than suffering (to build sympathy). It gives the audience an expectation flip in a meaningful way.
My Planning!
My film will attempt to challenge conventions relating to how women typically act in horror films (challenging typical genre/gender conventions)! I will apply this by framing a woman in center and as composed/deliberate, it subconsiously shifts control of the frame/power. The male character(s) will exist as a secondary reaction. Thus, this discretely reverses familiar power dyamics without changing the original genre language. My film will challenge conventions by keeping power roles visually visible not explicitly explained!
Before I dive straight into writing my script, I must first think about the purpose of my film. Such as, what or who is it suppose to represent? Representation, in media is especially important since constant repetition of ideas creates audience expectations whether it be positively or negatively.
When films/media consistently show men as active/dominant and women as passive/submissive the audience internalizes these ideas subconsiously. Understanding this repetiton is crucial to approaching this topic and reversing patriarchy/gender norms in a meaningful way. So, I want to look at films that do a good job of this and how I can take inspiration or incorporate it into the first two minutes of my film.
LITTLE WOMEN (2019)
When I first think of films that challenge the normal gender norms, I first think of this. Throughout the course of the film, Jo refuses traditional roles and chooses independence instead. In these two stills, it showcases how the film contrasts societal pressures that expect women to act confined/submissive and freedom.
Jo furiously writing at her desk in warm, focused lighting
Jo running through the streets, unbounded and happily
By doing this, it explores the societal expectations placed on women, highlighting its struggles as well. The film represents family/sisterhood and gender roles/feminism.
JENNIFER'S BODY (2009)
The entire concept of Jennifer's body stuck out to me the most while brainstorming ideas for the script. It literalizes reversal of gender power imbalance/norms through predation and satire. Similar to Little Women, it first plays into the roles and then reverses it. Jennie initally is shown as the friendly, teen, host role, expected of women in horror/comedy. This is later subverted when she is shown bloodied in a pool.
This is often futher developed through her outfit and costuming!
Jennifer's Body represents female empowerment and objectification regarding women. This film critiques how society objectifies and commodifies women.
PEARL (2022)
Pearl lives under strict societal rules that force her to follow the expectations forced on women. In this clip, Pearl performs on stage in a bright red dress. This signifies her playing into the feminine version expected of others. When she is rejected, there a large shift in the way she acts.
By exaggerating the contrasts, the film exposes the tension between how women are expected to behave and the suppressed emotions with it. It represents identity, ambition and madness in a significant/effective way.
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