Scenes and Sound!

In class, we met in small groups and discussed our projects in order to provide ideas and to receive feedback. After explaining my ideas and plot to my peers, I realized that my group (for project) and I haven't really talked about or specified the sound that we are going to be using in our film. 

Since our plot mainly concerns internal problems within our main character, it seems unlikely that he is going to be talking with other characters. Therefore, we will be using a combination of diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound. Diegetic sound is when the sound is coming from a visible source or is implied. Some examples include dialogue, footsteps, or knocking on a door. On the other hand, non-diegetic sound includes sound that does not come from a source visible in the narrative world, which means that the characters on the screen are not hearing or making those noises. An example of non-diegetic sound includes music, which is usually incorporated to dramatize the scene. 

This video provides more information and examples about what is considered diegetic and non-diegetic. Specifically, it reminded me that my group and I could incorporate the characters' thoughts so that the introduction includes some form of dialogue, since we aren't using music. However, it may not sound really natural and the lack of a lot of sound could work to further establish the mystery genre. Although including an internal monologue could be interesting, we are probably going to include lots of diegetic sounds. 

 "Elements of Cinema." Elements of Cinema. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.

 Digital image. Diegetic NonDiegetic. Stephen DaVega, 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. 

Trauma or Trama?

Before we actually begin to film, it is important to figure out details that impact the overall quality and message of our intro. This includes making a profile and background for our main character as well as incorporating techniques in order to create a more real character.

Daniel Trama (actually Jason Bateman) 

His name is Daniel Trama and he is 19 years old and currently attending college. In mystery films, the main character usually has some sort of important issue or is attempting to solve a crime or mystery. So, I think of it as one type of mystery movie being from the detective's point of view (Sherlock Holmes), and the other type is from the victim's or person's point of view. Many mystery movies don't necessarily involve a crime, rather an interesting stream of events that need to be tied together by some sort of logical reason. With this in mind, we agreed that Daniel has PTSD and constantly has hallucinations of himself being at places that he physically isn't at in the moment. Also, Daniel wears dark clothing (furthers the eerie and creepy feeling around him) and has bags under his eyes, from his lack of real sleep from constant suffering. The photograph that I included is how we think Daniel (roughly) looks like, and luckily, Trace (one of my group members) has a similar look. We are going to use makeup and clothing design in order to complete his image and make his character real.

Having more details about our main character is imperative because the character furthers the establishment of the genre, tone, plot, and message. In fact, the character is absolutely necessary in order to develop the plot, so I am pleased that we now have a better understanding of our character, Daniel.
Jason Bateman. Digital image. Fanpop. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.

Locations, hmmm?

Aside from the actual plot and character, finding locations to film is another aspect of planning that is very important. Setting in our plot is incredibly important, as it hints confusions and helps to establish the mysterious tone. So, I have been thinking of locations that would be possible to actually film.

The intro begins in an office where the character wakes up looking at the ceiling or his office-like surrounding. So, we need to find a location like this or that resembles this. I am thinking that we could film this part in the nurse's office at our school. Filming in a real office is improbable and the fact that the nurse's office is on campus provides easy access to actually film and gives us the opportunity to film something again if done incorrectly the first time. The other location that is important is the forest or park area that is necessary for the moment when the character wakes up for the second time. Markham Park is a huge park near our community that has many possible areas for filming. Since it so large, there are many areas that are secluded and easily creepy (and scary) at night. 

These locations are most likely the places that we will be filming at, since they are near and easy to access. Although it would've been better if the office were a therapist's office instead of a nurse's office, I think it still works for what we are going for and will convey the same message. 
"Health." - William Paterson University. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.
"Markham Park & Target Range." Markham Park & Target Range. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.

Ideas, Ideas, And More Ideas!

So we have more ideas and visuals of what we want to do within our two-minute intro!!!

This is what I visualize as the forest the character wakes up in.

The main character wakes up, which is shown through the blinking camera technique. He wakes up to bright lights from an office and a ringing noise. Point of view shots with dutch angles are then used to establish the setting and the character's confusion. The character is beginning to fall asleep again, demonstrated by mid and close up shots. He becomes startled and wakes up to realize he is in the middle of a forest, with no recollection of getting there. 

Something that would be really cool and fun to try would be a spin around shot of the main character. So, as he lays on the forest floor and wakes up puzzled, the camera is slowly zooming and spinning around him. This technique would further emphasize the confusion and mysterious aspects of the introduction and would be a good technique to end the introduction with. 

Although we do have an idea of what we want to do, it is not detailed enough to be able to film it yet. Also, we need to discuss what our main character looks like and acts like in order to actually film the character. However, I like what we have thus far and I am excited to see where this journey take us!

Darkness, Camera, Action!

My group and I discussed the actual content (next blog post!) of the intro as well as some of the techniques that we want to include. We want the film to begin with darkness, as a metaphorical symbol of the literal darkness and confusion of the main character. By using the blinking camera technique, darkness would be established and then followed by the clearing up of the darkness by blinking (again showing confusion). 

So, what is the blinking camera technique? It is a point of view shot that emphasizes the placement of the audience in the perspective of the character. It makes the camera look as though it were blinking. If this technique is used frequently throughout a film, it can become rather repetitive (and annoying) for the audience because most people blink without really noticing. However, this technique is unique and creative when demonstrating that the character is waking up, which is when people may actually notice that they are blinking. 

I have personally never had the opportunity to include a technique like this one in any of my previous productions, so I have to learn how to edit the shots so that it really does look like the character is opening and closing his or her eyelids. I found a tutorial on YouTube that is helpful because it is detailed and thoroughly explains the entire editing process. However, the editing done in the video is completed on Adobe Premiere Pro. I usually use iMovie because it is what I have access to, but my group members have more access to different softwares. 

I really (really) like this idea as the beginning of our introduction because it captures many elements of mystery including the POV shots, confusion, darkness and brightness, and it intrigues the audience. 

Tutorial Adobe Premiere Pro CC - Episode 21 - Eyelids Opening and Focusing [Digital image]. (2014, August 23). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmyLzK1TBGQ   
Pov eye blink [Digital image]. (2015, October 19). Retrieved March 21, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbsZ8mZ9xN0

Trauma + Confusion Can Equal Mystery

After realizing the severity of misrepresentation in the media of psychological disorders, I have decided to specifically research and study the illness my group and I have decided to include in our film intro, which is PTSD. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that may develop in some people after being exposed to a scarring event. Sexual assault, warfare, or traffic collisions are reasons that some people have developed PTSD. However, people who have suffered through trauma, including collisions and natural disasters are less likely to develop PTSD than people who have experienced the atrocity of being sexually abused or involved in war. For example, Coming Home (1978) depicts a soldier, Bob Hyde, who returns from the war in Vietnam and is wounded and suffering from PTSD. Likewise, Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower suffers from PTSD since he remembers how his Aunt sexually abused him as a young boy. Symptoms of PTSD could possibly entail frightening dreams, thoughts, or emotions related to the incident, anxiety, personality changes, and mood changes. There is not set amount of time that these symptoms will last, as it is different for each person and their personal experience. The treatment for this disorder includes speaking to a therapist or going to counseling and pills. 

Because PTSD can be a result of completely different events, our main character is going to be suffering from it. There is no set of steps that must be followed after trauma, let alone after having been diagnosed with PTSD. Therefore, my group and I want to create an interesting backstory that shapes the main character and his confusion in the introduction.  

"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." NIMH RSS. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.

Skelton, Kelly, Kerry J. Ressler, Seth D. Norrholm, Tanja Jovanovic, and Bekh Bradley-Davino. "PTSD and Gene Variants: New Pathways and New Thinking." Neuropharmacology. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.

Media Misrepresentation Strikes Once Again....This Time It's The Psyche

Today, my group and I were able to talk more about the actual plot and content of our film and the intro. We shared ideas that we had been presented with at our separate group meeting at the Wave, and decided that we wanted to stick with the mystery genre, and work within the psychological disorder sub-genre. None of us really knew much about these "disorders" so I did some research, and I became (very) annoyed at how poorly the media represents mental illnesses.

Mental note: my new goal is to not misrepresent a psychological disorder in our film introduction and plot.

The primary source of information about mental illnesses to the masses comes from media, most especially film and TV shows. The most common disorders that are presented incorrectly include the bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Mental illness now has a negative connotation due to the media portraying these disorders negatively, incorrectly, and stereotypically. The entire perception that the masses have of this type of suffering has been completely and utterly skewed by the power of the media and the ignorance of people.

So, you may be asking yourself how these disorders are misrepresented (even if you're not, keeeep reading) and I have compiled information for that purpose. Stephen Hinshaw, professor of psychology at the University of California–Berkeley, states that “the worst stereotypes come out in such depictions: mentally ill individuals as incompetent, dangerous, slovenly, undeserving...the portrayals serve to distance 'them' from the rest of 'us.'” Even a classic, like Psycho, represents an individual who is "psycho" because he has a mental disorder and is therefore capable of threatening others' safety. The film features a schizophrenic man that stabs his guests that are staying in the hotel he manages, and clearly makes schizophrenics appear as though they are dangerous people. However, leading author and psychiatrist, Evan Katz confirms the misrepresentation by describing people who have schizophrenia to be harmless and not causing high-risk. Not only are these disorders presented negatively, they are also portrayed incorrectly and stereotypically. Filmmakers and producers will occasionally include a "positive spin" on the mental illness, not only creating inaccuracy, but also creating a lack of real understanding of the disorder by the audience (representation=poor). For example, bipolar disorder is represented in Silver Linings Playbook as something that can be cured through dancing and meeting new people. Likewise, the main character in As Good as It Gets suffers from OCD, but is quickly improving after he makes a friend and falls in love. Although this may seem positive, it really isn't because it implies that the person (in real life) with the illness doesn't want to be cured since it seems quite simple to cure a mental illness (in the media). This has become a common misconception, especially with depression since it is a stereotype that people that are depressed just need to get more fresh air and be friendly. Although there are some exceptions to the misrepresentation of mental illnesses within media (Nash in A Beautiful Mind), it is still prominent and demanding of change.

Even though the dramatization and the exaggeration of a mental illness can be considered a convention under the sub-genre of a psychological disorder film, it is something that I, a film student, have chosen to challenge and not conform to. I do not believe it is acceptable for the media to misrepresent someone's life, challenges, and daily sufferings for the sake of theatrical purposes.

Fawcett, K. (n.d.). How Mental Illness is Misrepresented in the Media. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2015/04/16/how-mental-illness-is-misrepresented-in-the-media

How TV is changing perceptions of mental disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://national.deseretnews.com/article/1316/how-tv-is-changing-perceptions-of-mental-disorders.html

Yay For Research!

We had another group meeting at the Wave and I gathered more information! My group discussed bullet time effect and found footage, which I honestly did not know much about until I did more research later. These techniques are creative and can be artistic as well as unique elements within the piece. Although I am not convinced that my group will be incorporating either technique into our film intro, it was another important step in my process because I learned more about film and it allowed me to rule some ideas and techniques out. However, please keep reading for more interesting research on both topics!!

The camera set-up of Sherlock when creating
the bullet time effect. 

So, bullet time effect is essentially an effect that detaches the dimension of time from the dimension of motion. To be more clear, it is presented in a manner where the audience can visually capture motion that is realistically too quick to really see. For example, a bullet being projected through air moves extremely fast, and so it is difficult to capture this on camera. Therefore, this bullet time effect is utilized to slow the perception of time in order to capture instant action, like projected bullets. This effect is captured through the use of many (many!!) still cameras that surround the subject of the piece in an organized manner. The cameras are then fired at the same time or sequentially, that produces single frames. These frames are then edited to create an orbiting viewpoint of the subject in (extreme) slow-motion, or completely frozen in time. This creates an artistic and creative shot that emphasizes and dramatizes the subject that is “frozen”.  

An example of the effect in Sherlock!!

This is an example of found footage from the movie, Cloverfield. 

Found footage is literally supposed to be presented as if it were footage that was found.  It is considered a sub-genre of the horror genre, as all the events are presented through the use of a camera of one of the characters or of different characters. The composition and movement of the shots are usually captured with a hand-held in order for them to be shaky and raw. This is supposed to dramatize the story or action since the shots look raw and real. Due to the use of the hand held, many of the shots include dutch angles, which is when the camera is tilted to one side to create off-kilter images. These angles also convey the “homemade” look and seeming madness and chaos within the subject. As such, another important camera shot utilized within this sub-genre is the point of view shot, which shows something from the subject’s perspective by putting the viewer in the place of the subject. All of these elements work in conjunction to magnify the interest and emotion within the audience when watching the horror film.

Better than SFX. (1999). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/film/1999/jun/05/features2

Editorial: An Apologist's Rant: In Defense of Found Footage - Dread Central. (2012). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/33208/editorial-an-apologist-s-rant-in-defense-of-found-footage/

Found Footage Film Genre - Found Footage Critic. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://foundfootagecritic.com/found-footage-film-genre/

Frozen f/x still in action. (2001). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://variety.com/2001/film/awards/frozen-f-x-still-in-action-1117792382/
Sherlock... shooting on site, so many cameras.. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://9gag.com/gag/aD06e9Z/sherlock-shooting-on-site-so-many-cameras

The 11 Best Found-Footage Horror Movies. (2014). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.villagevoice.com/news/the-11-best-found-footage-horror-movies-6663495

My School Is Cool

Over the past summer, my school remodeled the Media Center to be more modern and high-tech. The Wave (aka media center) now has more resources and technology available to all students. However, I (and pretty much everyone) didn't know how to use them....until yesterday. In groups, we sat at different tables that each had a large screen against the wall with cables underneath. Basically, it works so that it projects what you have on your laptop on the screen. This functioned really well for what we were doing because it allowed for a great display and facilitated the process of showing ideas, research, and doubts. Thanks CBHS, I appreciate it!

The point of working in groups was for the exchange of ideas and information. My peers helped me in figuring out the direction that my partners and I could take in the genre and informed me about similar genres. We spoke about how psychological disorders are represented and established within these genres and how they are used to convey meaning (A Beautiful Mind is a great example!). I realized that I would like to work with small children (it is an interesting and different perspective at that height) and typically misinterpreted psychological disorders. Also, some of my group members suggested using point of view shots, which I totally agree with. Others in my group also gained helpful advice and inspiration to continue brainstorming and thinking of creative ideas!

Something that I like to remind myself with this project is that I can challenge some cliches that don't work to establish the representation or meaning in the film, while utilizing some in order to demonstrate an understanding of the conventions. This is great because the project encourages understanding and research, but pressures the expression of creativity and uniqueness. 

I will be back soon with more details about plot and characters! 

4+5+7-10+1-3......=!!!!

I have researched and have learned really cool things about the mystery genre! 

Like much of media, viewers enjoy mysterious films because it allows the audience to feel as though they are living a different life for a short period of time. Specifically, mysteries are interesting because they provide the audience with a (safe) journey that will (hopefully) end with surprise and satisfaction. They are essentially puzzles that need to be solved with the help of the viewer. So, instead of telling the audience 5+4=9, the film actually presents the plot as 4+5+7-10+1-3......=!!!! 

Some of my research analysis consisted of me watching clips from mystery films. However, watching the television show Sherlock is what really aided me in understanding. Sherlock is well-produced and carries an interesting plot (I recommend it!!). The show has some cliches, such as the genius detective that is more productive and intelligent than the entire police force and his side-kick that provides for comedic effect (Watson!). The show is made so that the audience sees what Sherlock Holmes "sees" as he thinks and envisions things in his head. For example, if he is chasing a taxi in London and is picturing the map and the formation of the streets, then shots of these images will appear. Point of view shots are also used, especially when a crime is taking place. This is used to make viewers feel like they are experiencing this crime and heightens the emotion in the audience. These shots are some of my favorite and I really want to incorporate them in my intro because they work really well to invoke the sense of mystery, confusion, and adrenaline!  Another important convention utilized within this genre is sound. Sound is imperative to instilling a sense of anticipation and climax. 

I am excited for tomorrow because we are going to get into groups and exchange ideas about plot, media conventions, and other topics related to the film introduction! 


Why Do We Enjoy Mysteries So Much? (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2016, from http://misaramirez.com/for-writers/why-do-we-enjoy-mysteries-so-much/
(n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2016, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/

Mystery? Mystery.

This project was only assigned to us two days ago, yet I can't seem to stop thinking about it! It has been lingering in the back of my mind throughout the day, as I am sitting in Economics class trying my best to concentrate on supply and demand, and not brainstorm new ideas (I did). I can tell that this is going to be a consistent thing throughout the next month. 

Anyways, my group and I have been trying to select a genre that is going to let us experiment, yet challenge us at the same time. So, we picked mystery (ohhh, ahhh)! This genre embodies the aspects of film that I have not even thought about doing and is not a genre that I feel confident working within. I have been a bit worried about this because there is so much I don't know about the mystery and thriller genre. However, I realized that the point of this project is to experiment new things and ultimately learn and grow as a film student! I am excited (and only a little scared) of getting out of my comfort zone! 

So, I have begun researching, but I still have plenty to gather. However, I found a great list of mystery films that have led my group and I in the right direction as we continue to research directors, media conventions utilized in mystery films, and plots. From the list, one of my personal favorites is The Prestige and I definitely recommend it!!