Crafting Chaos: Creating the Set for Our Rom-Com

Hi guys! This is my production blog entry this week. We began working on our set design for our new 70s romance comedy. Although we were not yet able to shoot, we've been discussing doing some work building the perfect vintage atmosphere for our settings. The prime areas for us to focus on will be the stairs and living room spaces, leaving backyard and street views untouched to let their natural state shine through.

Mood Board and Inspiration

I've also gathered some photos on Pinterest that capture the spirit of our 70s style. Two of them stand out:

Color Scheme and Decor

My color palette consists of oranges and browns. These colors, in addition bring out the 70s visions, are instantly welcoming. As a test to see if it holds up to thought, I've added some of my wild-colored pillows on my couch just to see how all the colors mesh together. I will then bring these into my partner's home to use in filming for later. For now, I just wanted to see my vision and decide if there was anything that had to be changed. I also plan on adding a few plants to introduce some nature and freshness to the set.

The pillows I will be using for the set design.

 

Some of my mother's plants that I plan on using for the set to bring freshness and color into the scene.

Hands-On Set Design Examples

To give you a hands-on feel of our set design process, here’s a glimpse of my own living room transformed with wild-colored pillows and retro accessories. This not only showcases our vision but also gives a personal touch to the project.

I tried updating my living room with the cozy beige sofa covered with colorful checkered pillows, a vibrant potted plant on the coffee table. Since this is not the final set and was just a trial run, I am thinking of more props and colors I can add to bring out the 70s. 

DIY Decor Projects

I have some yarn that I took a photo of, and I'm brainstorming some innovative DIY projects to enhance our set design. Even though the living room might not be shown too much, it's still an important part of the overall look and feel. I'm thinking of creating some unique retro decoration pieces, such as a handmade macrame wall hanging or yarn artworks in playful colors.

Challenges and Solutions

Finding a retro furniture that fits our budget has been hard due to the super high prices at stores which prevents us from buying any props for our project. However, on the bright side by looking at different online marketplaces we were able to find similar items that can be found at home.

Sources

1. Rodriguez, M. (2024, December 9). golden hour living room views ✨. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2040762327776214/

2. Pittman, C. (2024, December 24). golden hour views from our lounge. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/351912465929889/

Uh Oh: Navigating an Unexpected Setback

Hey blog! So, it seems we ran into a tiny issue regarding production. 

My partner had to go to India on an emergency basis, and we couldn't really film. At first, I was panicking because I had no idea when she would be back. But we talked about this a few days before she left, so I was mentally prepared to change my schedule. She isn't back yet; however, she expects to be back in a day or two. She has been gone for around two weeks so I am glad that she's coming back soon so we can finally talk about the project again in person. This situation really showcases what producers and writers in the real-world experience due to various personal and external setbacks.

Emotions and Communication

Honestly, I went through a bit of panic initially. But the fact that my partner and I were still communicating during this time really helped. We made sure to stay on topic about the project and didn't lose track of our vision. Even though we couldn't film, staying in touch was a huge relief.

This image perfectly shows how me and my partner communicated even though we were in different time zones and unable to talk in class.

Shifting Focus

Since we couldn't film, I decided to shift my focus to the upcoming CCR. It helped me take my mind off the film opening and focus on crafting the answers to the questions I'm going to answer. My teacher gave us a presentation about the CCR, and I took a ton of notes. I really got a lot of understanding from it and felt more prepared for the next steps.

This is an image showing my teacher's slideshow presented in class today to teach us how to properly do the CCR.

This is an image of some of my notes from today's lesson on CCR

Final Thoughts

Overall, this experience taught me a lot about flexibility and communication. It's all part of the journey, and I'm excited to get back on track once my partner returns. Stay tuned for more updates!

Casting: Finding Our Ethan and Lilly

What We Are Looking for in Ethan and Lilly

Okay, so casting the perfect actors was really CONFUSING! Our characters are the heart of our story, and we need actors who will bring them to life with humor, charm, and a touch of retro. Ethan is our rugged ranch worker with an amazing smile, and Lilly is our free-spirited heroine with a heart of wild and is wrapped in pastel colors and flower garlands. We wanted them to look as if they rolled off our mood board with that unique 70s vibe. 

Our Options

And then comes the best part. Both of us don't know any theater kids, so we thought that casting our friends is the best idea! Our friends might not have acting resumes, but they have energy and creativity which any professional can't compete with. Plus, it makes the project more exciting as you are with people that you feel comfortable with.

Informal Interviews

So, given that we had already known how capable our friends were and hadn't a million people to question, we just figured we would go through the motions. We figured, to make it easy for ourselves with the sake of making a movie opening, having them give in interviews would be good practice. This way, we could almost pretend that we're going about the proper cast process. It was more playing it official and having fun.

This wasn't our final decision for Ethan, but we appreciate him sending in his video. 

We liked her interview, and she aligned closely with how we envisioned Lilly. Unfortunately, her availability was restricted.

We chose him for Ethan since his availability matched perfectly, and he can act pretty well since he used to be a drama kid.

We're really happy with her interview and readily accepted her for the part of Lilly.

Challenges and Solutions

Of course, no casting experience is without its challenges! Our limited pool of people to choose from meant we had to get creative. With a bit of styling and some props, we can make anyone fit into these roles.  Since we used our friends, we were not able to control everything in terms of how they look, but we are happy that our chosen Lilly suits our idea. With proper styling, Ethan is also able to fit in.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Looking back on our casting adventure, we're happy with how far we've come. We can't wait to continue and make our 70s rom-com. Stay tuned for further updates as we enter the next stages of our production journey!

Audio!

 AUDIO!!

What I've learned in my sound classes are principles which I'm attempting to implement in my film. The key concepts are learning how sound adds to storytelling and creates atmosphere. Actual application is when I'm incorporating peaceful sounds and subtle background sounds to highlight climactic moments. Below are class notes when we learned about the types of sound:

Sound in My Film

We didn't choose to use pre-existing music by any artist or band, preferring instead to use the peaceful sound in creating a complex environment. The process provides us complete audio freedom and makes sure the sound design of our film will be entirely custom. The opening shot is an example: the whistles of the wind through trees, birds singing in the distance, and the soft crunch of gravel on the ground instantly set the country, tranquil atmosphere.

As Ethan and Lily converse, soft sounds softly contribute to their dialogue. For instance, when Ethan's first visiting the mansion, there is the gentle crunching of paper in the wind and the distant sound of a doorbell, all serving to improve the impact of the setting. These are to support, rather than distract from, the main action.

While Ethan and Lily share a second of eye contact, the surrounding background noise of the couple's conversation fades into the distance, drawing attention to the fresh romance from the audience. The music cuts away as the movie's title appears, providing transition and mood for the rest of the narrative.

YouTube video explaining how sound can make all the difference for different scenes in a movie.

Visual and Audio Sync

Sound and visuals must work in harmony to create a compelling film. We’re using old camera angles and color filters to give our work a unique 70s touch, and sound plays a crucial role in supporting this visual style. For instance, the use of retro sound effects and natural noise helps take the audience back to the 70s, making the film feel authentic.

The most important scenes where sound enhances the visual story are the first meeting of Ethan and Lily. The swishing of the wind, the off-distance chirping of birds, and the soft crunch of gravel add extra realism to the scene and make their dialogue feel more genuine and emotional. These sounds, together with the vintage look, make for an engaging experience for the viewer.

Foley Sounds

To improve a sense of realism, we will be using foley sounds with everyday objects. Foley sounds are specifically designed sound effects that have been recorded and placed in the film during post-production to enhance the sound experience. For instance, we can use a collection of rusty keys to simulate the sound of jingling keys, a piece of crumpled paper to replicate the sound of blowing leaves, or even a squeaky chair to mimic the sound of a creaky wooden bench. These inaudible yet critical sounds will make the scenes feel more real and engaging.

Describes how professional Foley sound artists make these sounds.

Sources

1. Artlist. (2020, March 30). How To SOUND DESIGN | Step by step tutorial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LV1bqf8ZVo

2. Great Big Story. (2017, January 12). The magic of making sound [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO3N_PRIgX0

Shining a Light on Set Design: Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere

Lighting

Hey everyone! Today, I want to dive into the fascinating world of lighting for our film "A New Beginning." Lighting is a crucial element that can dramatically change the mood and feel of a scene, and I'm excited to share my vision with you.

Introduction to Lighting

First things first, let's get to lighting basics. In class we discussed how various light sources can have varying effects and set the mood of a scene. From soft lighting to create romance to heavy lighting to create tension, right lighting can totally alter the course of a scene. Here are a few photos from my notes to give you an idea of where we've begun:

The Type of Lighting I Want to Use

For "A New Beginning," I'm using a blend of warm and vintage lighting to accommodate the 70s-flavored romantic comedy ambiance. The art is in keeping the ambiance personal and inviting yet highlighting contrasts of Ethan and Lily's childhood as well. Following are some light techniques that will be used:

Soft, Warm Lighting: To establish a sense of warmth and romance, I'll be using soft, warm lighting in scenes where Ethan and Lily interact. Think fairy lights, candles, and sunlight filtering through windows.

Example of soft, warm lighting.

Golden Hour Lighting: The golden hour, which is just before sunset, provides the perfect warm and otherworldly light that contributes to the romantic atmosphere of the film. We'll capture this magical lighting in significant outdoor scenes to bring out the beauty of the ranch landscape.

Example of golden hour lighting.

Subtle Shadows: To add depth and dimension to the scenes, I'll be adding subtle shadows that highlight the characters' facial features and provide a sense of closeness.

Reflection:

In reaching the perfect atmosphere, one has to consider the psychology of lighting and color. Warm light, for example, is inviting and romantic, thus perfect for personal scenes. Blues and greens, being cooler colors, can, however, bring a sense of calmness or even depression, depending on the context. The combination of these lighting effects and color schemes will help us tell the story more effectively, highlighting the emotional journey of our characters.

The opening scene of 'A New Beginning' features a warm, nostalgic tone with a beautiful palette of pinks, oranges, and yellows.

In the opening scene, we will use warm colors like soft yellows, oranges, and pinks to create a warm and inviting mood, reflecting the romance between Ethan and Lily. Earthy tones such as dark greens and browns will enhance the natural appearance of the ranch setting, adding warmth and depth to the landscape. Golden tones in the interior will symbolize Lily's wealth and sophistication, a contrast to her and Ethan's upbringings. The use of these lighting effects and color schemes will help us tell the story better, highlighting the emotional journey of our characters.

Sources

1) 𝐴𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝔻𝕒𝕨𝕟. (2024, May 22). Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/492649952877152/

2) Image of soft, warm lighting: - Bing. (n.d.). Bing. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=WYhDpLe4&id=80C3002BE365FAE9C368C8F6A3A3C7EC0D3D2CB5&thid=OIP.WYhDpLe4tc6lIj33iXcWyAHaD4&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Farchitecture-collection.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F06%2F4283-led-lighting-is-hidden-throughout-this-home-to-create-a-soft-warm-glow.jpg&cdnurl=https%3A%2F%2Fth.bing.com%2Fth%2Fid%2FR.598843a4b7b8b5cea5223df7897716c8%3Frik%3DtSw9DezHo6P2yA%26pid%3DImgRaw%26r%3D0&exph=630&expw=1200&q=Image+of+Soft%2C+Warm+Lighting%3A&simid=608001519972255967&FORM=IRPRST&ck=96E284A99E950224786C9E9E33326ECB&selectedIndex=1&itb=0&adlt=strict&cw=1629&ch=729&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

3) golden hour lighting - Bing. (n.d.). Bing. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=cso1aW5n&id=D41B352129C11D9F9BC0AA8085854F28C8BE19B6&thid=OIP.cso1aW5nSheSVbGrFYfsVgHaDt&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fcdn.shopify.com%2fs%2ffiles%2f1%2f0310%2f3571%2f9739%2ffiles%2fWhen_is_Golden_Hour_Photography_-_Magic_Hour_Lighting_and_Selfies_2048x2048.jpg%3fv%3d1623268361&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.72ca35696e674a179255b1ab1587ec56%3frik%3dthm%252byChPhYWAqg%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=960&expw=1920&q=golden+hour+lighting&simid=608055473326410438&FORM=IRPRST&ck=B1F39B7AD6D99EA3979D69BCA4222592&selectedIndex=0&itb=0&adlt=strict&idpp=overlayview&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

Setting the Scene: The Art of Set Creation for "A New Beginning"

 Finding the Perfect Location: Embracing the Ranch Aesthetic

My Hometown

In constructing the set of "A New Beginning," one of the first challenges that I faced was searching for a location that would capture the rural, ranch aesthetic that I was envisioning. Unfortunately, my city is very urban and doesn't really bring itself to the ranch aesthetic.

My urban hometown, like an island surrounded by water, provides a sharp contrast to the rural ranch vibe we're aiming for in our film.

BUT Thankfully, a Nearby City Gives Ranch Vibes

Just a short drive away, this neighboring city represents the perfect ranch aesthetic, complete with country charm and wide-open spaces.

Luckily, just a short drive away, there's a city that perfectly represents the ranch vibe I'm aiming for. Fun fact: it even has "Ranch" in its name! This city has the rural feel, complete with wide-open spaces, rustic barns, and rolling fields. It's like stepping into a different world, one that fits perfectly into the 70s-inspired romantic comedy we're making.

Partner's Woody House - Perfect Vibe

My partner, who lives in this ranch-heavy city, sent me pictures of her house, and it's exactly what we need. The interior is incredibly woody, with lots of natural elements and a warm, cozy atmosphere that perfectly matches with the aesthetic of our film. Here's an image to give you a glimpse of my partner's house: 

My partner's stunning wooden staircase, a perfect example of the rustic, cozy atmosphere we're adding into our set design.

My partner's beautifully bookcase, filled with books and plants that add a warm, inviting feel to the ranch setting.

From the wooden floors to the spiral staircase that resembles a snail shell and the enormous bookcase filled with books and plants, this property has the impression of a ranch home. Keeping in mind our plot, it will be the perfect setting for Ethan and Lilly's developing relationship.

Pictures of the Ranch - Wealthy Look and Colors

To make the audience understand that our lead lady (Lilly) belongs to a wealthy family, we've chosen a beautiful ranch property that is rich in sophistication and class. The exterior of the ranch is spacious and well maintained, with scenic landscapes. Some of the colors and items we're incorporating in the set are:

Rich, earthy tones: These warm the space and invite, representing the characters' relationship with nature and their luxurious lifestyle.

Deep greens and browns: They increase the country charm of the ranch and depth to the environment.

Golden accents: The gold accents serve as a visual representation of Lilly's family's wealth and status, while also highlighting the differences in upbringing between her and Ethan. This contrast adds depth to their relationship and points out the challenges they may face due to their differing backgrounds. 

This house is a perfect example that shows rich, earthy tones that create a warm and inviting atmosphere, demonstrating the characters' connection to nature and their luxurious lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

By blending these visual elements, we're not only creating a rich, vivid setting, but highlighting the contrast between Ethan and Lily's backgrounds. The rustic warmth of the ranch landscape will be an excellent location for their story to take place, with comedy, romance, and 70s flashbacks.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop the world of "A New Beginning"!

Sources

1) Luis Alvarez. (2016, June 25). 4K Aerial views of Weston, Florida [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sQPSjB0rrI

2) Farms and ranches of the rich and famous | loveproperty.com. (n.d.). https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/94021/farms-and-ranches-of-the-rich-and-famous

Crafting Connections: Character Development in "A New Beginning"

Character Development

Heyy blog, welcome back again! Today, let's get down to my film opener character development, "A New Beginning." Ethan and Lily's story isn't so much about the cringe-worthy, cute moments but interesting character development that skips a beat in our hearts.

The Names: Ethan and Lilly

Okay, so now let us discuss why the names Ethan and Lily were chosen. Ethan, taken from the Hebrew word for "strong" or "firm," represents our main character's resolve to begin a new life. Lily, which represents purity and beauty which applies since our wealthy and naive character is sheltered from the evils of the world. The names Ethan and Lily form an interesting combination that reflects on the new relationship starting to form. 

       

What Are My Visions?

I want Ethan's wardrobe and accessories not only underline his practicality and ruggedness but also symbolize his journey towards a new beginning! Below is a mood board I created for him:

Why did I pick these? Ethan's personality is all toughness, determination, and seeking a fresh start. His style reflects his no-nonsense, down-to-earth personality and love of rural ranch life. Imagine Ethan in a classic plaid flannel shirt—a wardrobe need that reflects his rough life. Paired with jeans and rugged boots, the look shows that he is ready to put in the work and take his new life for what it is. His worn watch isn't merely a accessory, but also his previous life that will be presented near the conclusion of the film. A leather belt offers rustic finishing touch to his ensemble. To give adventurous feel to him, with a messenger bag where he stores essentials within reach. I aimed to make Ethan's color rustic and earthy to showcase his humble background creating contrast to Lilly's background.

Next! I want Lily's personal style is a harmonious blend of purity and vintage charm contrasting from Ethan's aura and background.

Lily radiates innocence, beauty, and a retro vibe, with her style reflecting the bohemian and delicate aspects of her personality. Picture her in a flowing floral dress with the sophistication of the 70s, highlighting her love for nature and innocence. The floral headband brings out her natural beauty and youthfulness. Retro sunglasses with frames inspired by the vintage style give the outfit a playful twist, along with the 70s feel. A charm bracelet on her wrist symbolizes personal history and interpersonal relationships. To complete her look, a pastel-shaded cardigan in soft pinks, lavenders, and pale greens will bring out her nurturing and soft personality and add a cozy element overall. The overly innocent and refined look symbolizes Lilly living in a perfect bubble and her innocence of reality from the outside world.

Sources:

1) Gunn, T. (2024, August 7). Meaning and origin of Ethan. FamilyEducation. https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/name-meaning/ethan

2) Gunn, T. (2025, January 21). Meaning and origin of Lily. FamilyEducation. https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/name-meaning/lily

3) Vintage 70s Boho Cottagecore maxi dress short sleeve small white. (n.d.). Poshmark. https://poshmark.com/listing/Vintage-70s-Boho-Cottagecore-Maxi-Dress-Short-Sleeve-Small-White-6730da669b37c7ec1c073b91?utm_source=pin_unpaid&epik=dj0yJnU9dVA0UjBlampHM1VSZ1U0NzNwdlpaeEFnWWEzTWVpeHMmcD0wJm49dzhmb2pXMi12OHhqQ1E5QXNMT1BOUSZ0PUFBQUFBR2U5TWhV

4) Bed Stu Women’s Mohawk Rustic Floral Embroidery Belt | Boot Barn. (n.d.). https://www.bootbarn.com/bed-stu-womens-mohawk-rustic-floral-embroidery-belt/2000366674.html?colorCode=200

Storyboarding Success: Bringing "A New Beginning" to Life

 Storyboarding

Hey blog! Doing the storyboard for "A New Beginning" has actually got me thinking about things. It's allowed me to plan my story in a short, step-by-step summary and have all of my scenes planned out before we've even started filming. By working the story out visually, I know that every shot will bring out the emotion and atmosphere I'm attempting to express, making the entire filmmaking experience simpler and less complicated. We had the option to create a storyboard or a script first. I chose the storyboard as I felt that it allowed me to visualize what the exact scenes will be before I move on to what each character will say!

Working with the storyboard has also helped me develop an appreciation for the little details of storytelling. The careful elements of each scene has allowed me to notice the little movements and gestures that build the chemistry between Lily and Ethan. It's like a chart that guides me through the process of making, so I won't get lost or forget to add something. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes when we start filming next week! Below is a picture of the storyboard Chandni and I did!

Bringing Romance to Life: My Project Idea

 A New Beginning: Film Opener Concept

With that 70s-style romantic comedy in mind, let us continue the plot! I am imagining an adorable awkward romance against the backdrop of a country ranch environment. The plot will include cute interactions that make teenage love so terrible and memorable.

Plot Concept 

Ethan is a young man in his early twenties and desires to have a fresh beginning. He sees a "Help Wanted" notice and decides to follow it to a mansion. He gets to meet an older couple by the entrance of the mansion and Lily, a gorgeous young woman, within the mansion. These brief meetings of his with her are full of romance, thus capturing the hearts of the viewers.

Embracing the 70s Vibe

To get the 70s vibe, my friend and I are restoring a ranch with retro flair. A vintage bicycle with a basket and vintage stickers, steel chairs with colorful-patterned cushions, and fairy lights will set the retro atmosphere. Bright-patterned cushions and green houseplants will create a cozy, old-fashioned atmosphere inside. Lily's bedroom will be decorated with 70s posters, string lights, and a vintage typewriter, transporting the era to life. I am already making the posters by hand and am searching for a retro phone that has the same aesthetic as my film.

 This image showcases an item that I found on Amazon that I want to use for my film to add the retro touch to the opening.

Character Dynamics 

The chemistry between Lily and Ethan will be in the spotlight. Their stolen looks and subtle flirting will hint at the bond they are forming with one another. Since I started the storyboard a few days ago, I've been thinking about how I can create a moment where Ethan and Lily are forced to share some sort of eye contact or interaction. 

I am reminded of the sweet and cringeworthy moments in Eighth Grade (2018) when I am designing Ethan and Lily's first awkward meeting during the opening of the film.

Unique Visual Style 

To make the film personal, I'm trying out some visual style. This involves using old camera angles and color filters while editing to give our work a unique touch. These will improve the storytelling and transport the audience back to the 70s.

Next Steps?

With that established, I can now go deeper into the basic plot summary and expand on the characters. This film is going to be packed with humor, romance, and a bit of 70s nostalgia. Hang in there as I keep writing this story. Stay tuned for more!

Sources

1. Eighth Grade (2018). (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7014006/mediaviewer/rm2016703744/

Media Theories!

Media Theory

Hey Blog! What I want to discuss in this blog post is media theories and how I'm going to incorporate it in my own project. The world of media theories is always fascinating in its nature! Theories get the story to build itself from the ground up and make you understand why things are placed in the way that they're placed. Now, let's explore on one of the most significant media theories with the power to form stories in some amazing ways: Propp's Character Theory.

What is Propp's Theory??

In my opening film, "A New Beginning," Propp's Character Theory plays a key role in building the characters and their relationship, so it is the perfect fit for a romantic comedy. Here is why the theory is appropriate for my rom-com:

Above explains Propp's character theory through a detailed handout my teacher provided us when we were first introduced to this concept.

Application to My Rom-Com

In my film opener, "A New Beginning," Propp's Character Theory plays a important role in the building of the characters and their interaction, so it is the perfect option for a romantic comedy. Here is why the theory fits my rom-com:

• Ethan as the Hero: Ethan seeks a change and a fresh beginning, and this drives the plot. He is the center of the story, and we bond with him as he makes new friends and faces new challenges.
• The Old Couple as Helper and Donor: The old couple provides the possibility of a job to Ethan and takes him to their residence, helping him in his journey. They are helper characters who help him settle down at his new place.
• Lily as the Princess: Lily is a potential reward or goal for Ethan. Her character adds an air of mystery and romance to the story. She is the romantic interest and, therefore, introduces an atmosphere of mystery and interest that attracts Ethan and the reader.

This image allowed me to visually imagine what roles I want each character in my rom com to play.

I am able to write a complex and complicated plot that will captivate the audience by basing my characters on Propp's archetypes. Additionally, Propp's theory help in my understanding of my characters' roles in the narrative and how their actions contribute to the overall plot, which is particularly useful for romantic comedies where character connections are crucial.

Reflection

Following the application of Propp's Character Theory to my romantic comedy, I've been amazed at the degree to which these character roles provide a guide for writing thoughtful, engaging narratives. When I place Ethan, the elderly couple, and Lily into these character roles, I can dive more deeply into the relationships that form the story. This theory not only dominates the progression of the plot but also makes every character's experience meaningful and logical. For me, it has been an interesting experience to observe Propp's theory at work in "A New Beginning" and give life to the characters' story. It is like magic, bringing to mind the storytelling ability and the power of powerful characters. Keep reading for more updates and watch Propp's theory at work in my story!

Sources

Media1. Media-Studies.com. (2024, March 9). Vladimir Propp. Media Studies. https://media-studies.com/propp/

Group Meeting #1

Group Meeting #1

It's officially week 3 of working on my project, and today's class was all about group meetings. We got together in small groups to share our story ideas and get feedback. It was really cool to see what everyone else is working on and get some new perspectives on my project.

Group Members!

My group included Marissa, Sebastian, Gonzalo, and Oriana.

What Was on the Group's Mind?

Marissa is working on a vampire film. Her story is packed with content in the opening, and she's considering including a flashback to add more depth. We talked about how to manage the pacing to keep the audience engaged. As a group, we concluded that maybe she should cut her film opening in half to ensure it doesn't feel like a full movie in itself.

Sebastian has a complex story with potential problems around his filming location. He's figuring out if he can film in the restaurant he wants to use. As a group, we suggested he consider a homely diner to create an atmosphere that sets the tone for a horror movie. We also recommended using sound effects to enhance the atmosphere and adding some foreshadowing to make the story more layered.

This is an example of the type of diner we suggested to Sebastian for his film opening location.

Gonzalo is working on a film where the murderer is introduced early on. He emphasized the importance of proper casting and using lighting to set the mood. We discussed that his film opening might have too much content and that he could focus on the key elements to keep it concise. The overall movie vibe is yellow, which I think will really set the tone nicely. Through our discussion about his project, I really understood how important mise en scene is.

Oriana was the group member with the most figured out. She's still brainstorming her unique idea and considering putting opening credits in the middle of the film opening for continuity. Her concept is well-developed, but she's still fine-tuning it. Her blogs are great and she uses sources effectively. She wants to add a touch of realism to her character. She showed us various images of supermarkets (her desired filming location) and asked our opinions on which one would be the best for the vibe of her sci-fi film.

We decided on a gas station similar to this one to bring out the vintage feel for his story. Oriana emphasized wanting to convey that the location is a small town. Therefore, vintage gas stations like the one above are perfect for her project.

My feedback

When it was my turn to share, the group gave me some positive feedback despite the limited time we had. They appreciated the setting I chose for my romcom, noting that it has a lot of potential to bring out the humor and romance in the story. The idea of a 70s-themed romantic comedy set on a retro ranch was well-received, and they thought the nostalgic elements would make the film opening stand out. They also suggested focusing on the chemistry between the lead characters and using visuals like bold patterns and retro props to boost the 70s vibe. Overall, the feedback was encouraging, and it gave me some new ideas to explore. 

However, they also had some constructive criticism. They felt that the initial scenes might be a bit too slow and suggested adding more dynamic interactions between the characters to grab the audience's attention early on. They also recommended paying close attention to the color palette to make sure it consistently reflects the 70s theme without overwhelming the viewer. Lastly, they thought it would be helpful to include some subtle hints about the characters' backstories to make them more relatable and interesting.

The group discussion about colors inspired me to explore and decide on a consistent color scheme for my own project!

Above is a picture of the entire group together!

Conclusion!

Overall, I enjoyed the experience since talking to classmates really lets me explore how my peers are doing on such a unique task like this film opening. It helped me understand other people's perspectives on my film and help me gain more understanding on what I should improve.

Sources

1)20+ American Diner Design Ideas. (2021, January 23). The Urban Decor. https://theurbandecor.com/2021/01/23/american-diner-design-ideas/

2)Awesome Vintage Gas Station Wallpapers - WallpaperAccess. (2019). WallpaperAccess. https://wallpaperaccess.com/vintage-gas-station

3)happilymarketing. (2021, November 20). 70s Color Palette: Design in Retro Style. Happily Marketing. https://happilymarketing.com/70s-color-palette/