Posts

Critical Reflection

 How do your products represent social groups or issues?  My short film focuses on the serious issue of drunk driving, a problem that affects countless individuals every year. The film aims to shed light on the devastating consequences of impaired driving, portraying both the direct and indirect victims of this preventable tragedy. One of the key social groups represented in the film is young drivers, who statistically are among the most at risk for alcohol-related crashes. The protagonist, a teenager who believes they are "fine to drive" after drinking, represents the common misconception that impaired judgment does not significantly impact driving ability. This false confidence is a widespread issue among young drivers, many of whom underestimate the effects of alcohol on their motor skills and reaction times. By portraying this through a relatable character, the film speaks directly to an audience that might otherwise dismiss the risks. Through the film, we illustrate how ...

In An Instant- Short Film

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https://youtu.be/gxf40B87yM8?si=YZibyRCKBlenJhlw  https://ntw12321.wixsite.com/ in-an-instant-the-mo

Finishing Touches

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 Hey blog! We’ve finally reached the finish line—editing is officially done! After what felt like endless hours of fine-tuning, we can finally say the film is ready to go. It’s been an intense process, but now that everything is locked in, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the vision come to life. We used Adobe Premiere Pro this time around, and I’ve got to say, it made a huge difference. In the past, I’ve worked with other editing software, but Adobe has really been the game-changer for us. The flexibility and range of tools in Premiere Pro allowed us to do so much more than we anticipated. From color grading to transitions, everything came together seamlessly. The learning curve wasn’t too bad either, especially since we already had some experience with other Adobe programs like After Effects and Photoshop. Those tools allowed us to integrate graphics, titles, and effects smoothly into the film. One of the best features has been the multi-cam editing option. It saved us so much t...

Editing The Film

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Hey blog. It is finally time to start editing. It has been a long process, but we’ve made it to this point. The hard work of filming is over, and now the real magic begins. Last time, all the editing was done by one person. This time, we are splitting the workload, which has been a huge relief. By dividing the tasks, we can focus on different aspects and bring more creativity into the project. It’s also allowed us to work faster. We started by organizing all the footage into folders based on scenes and takes. This step may seem tedious, but it’s incredibly important for staying organized. After that, we began cutting down the raw footage and deciding on the best shots. There’s a lot of trial and error, especially with timing and pacing. We want to make sure the story flows naturally and that each scene has the right emotional impact. One of the biggest challenges has been keeping the tone consistent throughout the film. Sometimes, the shots look great individually but don’t work well t...

Problems Faced

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 Hi blog. Today we ran into some issues with the clips. The first issue was actually really funny. During filming, Nico held the camera really close to his face. This led to his breathing being picked up on the recording. While it wasn't a huge issue, it did still pose a problem. We had to cut out the sound from some of the clips. This meant even more time spent editing. Our solution was to add overlays of sounds. This was easier than I thought it would be, which was great. Another issue was the drone. Getting the footage off it was much harder than it should have been. The drone died we had to charge it. So we lost a day of editing there. Then, once it was online, it took a while to get everything transferred. After that it was a breeze though. The last, and biggest issue, was some of the clips had to be reshot. Either they didn't turn out good, or we just forgot to film a small part of the scene. We all had to clear a day in our schedule and shoot the final scenes. Now, were ...

Finishing the Filming

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 Hey blog. Today we got to filming immediately after sundown. We had a lot to film and wanted to make sure we got as much done as possible. We started with the party scene. To set up we got out some folding tables and some red solo cups. We also wanted fake alcohol. The issue there was the issue with safety and censorship. We can't use real alcohol because it would be illegal to have underage drinking. So we used empty beer bottles to represent the alcohol.  This scene was also pretty fun to film. Setting up and taking everything down did take some time, so we did lose a little bit more filming time than expected. After the party scene, we got to work on the scene after the crash. The goal was to capture the sadness and despair of a death caused by a car crash. The hardest part was the acting. We were all having way too much fun to be very serious and sad. We reshot the scene probably 7-8 times because we kept laughing and breaking character. To make sure we covered everything...

Filming the Scenes

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We are finally getting to film our movie. I've been waiting for this. Due to limited time, the filming will most likely be split into two or more days. We wanted to get the hardest scenes out of the way first. We figured it would be the best choice. The first thing we filmed was the office scene. This was easy, but we wanted to do it earlier to maximise our nighttime shooting. We all have a hard curfew of 11 PM and didn't want to be in a time crunch. So started around mid-afternoon with the indoor scenes. The office scene took longer than expected. Our main issue was the lighting. We couldn't get it right, and wanted something specific. After some time playing with the overhead lighting, window shades, tableside lamps, and flashlights we finally got it the way we wanted it to be. After getting the lighting right, we focused on the car scenes. This took more planning to get right. The street was filmed on was the perfect setting. It was just what we had in mind for the film ...

Weather Problems

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Unfortunately, we got rained out. The weather app said no rain, but we got lied to. It was frustrating because we had everything planned out perfectly, and then the weather threw us a curveball. I did consider filming in the rain, but I really wanted to use the convertible roof. Without it, some of our key shots wouldn’t have the same effect. There is also the issue of the rain being a hazard for our film crew. The ground was getting slippery, making it risky for anyone carrying equipment. We didn’t want any water to get on the cameras either. Plus, I don’t know if a drone can fly in the rain, but I’m not gonna test it. It’s already stressful enough dealing with unpredictable weather, so the last thing we need is to damage expensive equipment. We all agreed to work on a new schedule as soon as possible. After a two-hour phone call, we came to the conclusion that we will need to sacrifice our time to film. It was a tough decision, but we knew it was the only way to get back on track...

Scouting Locations

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 Today's blog is all about our shooting locations. Our original plan was to use several different locations. We knew we needed a quiet place to film. This meant either a secluded place or a private place. We knew we needed to search for a good, quiet place to film, so we started brainstorming places in our area. We all had some ideas, but none really worked. My dad's office might be where we film the office scene, but it might be too much travelling for everyone for such a short scene. For the car scenes, we can use any streets that are off a main road. So anyone's neighborhood would work. Nathaly had some locations we could use to film, but I think they might not fit too well with the image we had for the film. For the party scene, we can use Nicolas' backyard. It has a lot of space and is good for hosting events. We all have limited time, making this planning part crucial. If we don't have enough time, we may film everything at Nicolas' house. It should have e...

Sounds for Film

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 Hi blog, today were working out our sounds. I feel like it wouldn't usually need its own blog, but I wanted to get it right. The biggest sound bite we are going to need to focus on is the car crash. Obviously we can't actually crash the cars. We also can't call any emergency services. So we are going to have to make it as realistic as possible with sounds and editing. I was thinking we can recreate sirens in the background of the video with a megaphone. Usually there is a siren button on them, and I think Nico has one we can use. Now for the crash, it is going to be a little harder. I was assigned the job of figuring out the crash sound because of my interest in cars. So my plan is to use scrap metal and maybe rocks or soda cans. I can bang them against each other to create a metal crunching sound and a screeching sound. I can also try to slide my car around in a parking lot to get a tire screeching sound that is often associated with hard braking before a crash. I conside...

Getting Materials

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 Hi blog, today my group worked on getting everything we would need to film. First was the biggest prop, the cars. We decided to use my car as one of them. I drive a convertible which could allow for some really cool angles. I thought maybe a drone shot following from behind then going inside could be awesome to film. For the other car we will be using Nicolas' mom's car. We are also going to need the props to fake the drunkenness. Our best options are either an empty beer bottle or some type of labed placeholder. This task will be left up to Nicolas. Another prop needed could be fake blood. Our group is still working on the decision to use it or not. There is the issue of it being too graphic. If we do want to add blood, our options are virtual blood added in post, store bought blood, or a homemade mixture. If we want a less graphic accident, we may skip to a scene showing Tom with bandages or simply looking deceased. Finally, we might need to use makeup. I think it would add ...

Logistics and Scheduling

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 Hey blog. Today my group worked planning our first steps. We had a conversation about how we are going to film. There was the issue of gathering props and materials. The gathering was split into costumes and props. After a quick debate, the job was delegated to Nicolas for props. Then it was decided that everyone would get their own costumes. We also started planning our locations. There was a need for accessibility and the concern over noise level. If it was a busy place, it would be harder to film. My group does not have any professional microphones that can tune out sound. This took us about an hour of discussion to come up with a plan. In the end, there were several locations we picked out to film. Most were places we knew well. For example, my dad's office, or a park near my house. There was also Nicolas' neighborhood, Tom's community, and Nat's work. We haven't finished creating the full film schedule. It is very difficult to do with all the testing coming up...

Title Design

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 Title Design Concept for In an Instant:  • Font: Use Trajan Pro or Cinzel for a serious, cinematic feel.  • Color: Keep “IN AN” in white and make “INSTANT” red to emphasize the sudden impact.  • Background: A dark, blurred motion effect or subtle shattered glass texture to symbolize destruction.  • Animation: A slow fade-in with a sudden cut to black, reinforcing the theme of instant tragedy.

Other Info

  In our film we will be recording at Benjamin's house along with a park near his house. We will also use Ben's car as one of the places we film in for a couple scenes. We will record closer to night as it will make more sense for the story. Being too late would also be an issue though as to have enough time to film a good amount each day. It will be everyone in our group, Tom, Nico, Ben, and Nathaly. We may get some help from one of the parents to film if needed. We will have a parent on the scene to make sure we are safe for the driving scenes, although the driver will know how to drive. Also a medical kit in case of injury, and a designated person to drive with a license when needed. For props we will need a picture frame to show a picture of the daughter, office supplies, and grocery bags. For costumes a business attire, party clothes, and casual clothing. If we have an issue with filming, we can also do it at Nico's house, and if it rains we can do it on a different da...

Script

 5 Minutes Opening Setting: A man named Tom is driving home  Tom ” finally, I get to see my little girl” On the other side of the street  Ben: Bro, quit drinking.  Nicolas: relax I’ll sober up when we get to the hospital.  Ben: I’m worried man, my dad could be seriously hurt.  Nicolas: Listen your dad’s a strong guy, plus your moms there so try going slower for our sake.  Office (Day) A man named Tom is typing at a computer  Tom: ah, what time is it? Picks up phone and texts his wife  Tom: hey honey, sorry I’ll be late tonight. The boss is making me stay longer.  Wife: Again? Tom this is the 3rd time why can’t you just tell your boss no?!  Wife: All this overtime is going to get in the way of you and your daughter.  Tom: what do you expect me to do?? They need me they count on me. Tom: Who knows maybe they will give me a raise.  Wife: work or your family? What matters more?? Just remember your daughter still needs you....

Storyboard

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Short film Research: DeKalb Elementary/Drama

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 a Common Sound in drama • Diegetic: The sound of the office staff of the school during daily activities, including discourse and children laughing. The gun shot and the screams of both the teachers and children as they realize what is going on.  • Dialogue: conversation between the office staff and the shooter making demands to the staff she must pass to the police, including The shooter advising police to evacuate people in the area. The shower speaking to himself, regretting his actions realizing he should be on medication in the hospital.The Discussion of the grown man, threatening the staff that they will die. The young man admitting he is suicidal and wanting to give up, but the office staff speaks him out of such thoughts and encourages him to be caught by the police. The intruder, wanting to apologize to the students, regretting to have scared the children. • Ambient sound: Police sirens head in the back, waiting for the shooter outside.  b. Common Mis-En-Sc...

Short film research: (Heaven's Secret/Drama)

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1. Common CAMS (Camera Work) in Drama: Close-ups : Highlight emotional expressions and subtle facial reactions. Medium shots : Show character interactions and body language in key moments. Over-the-shoulder shots : Often used in dialogues to emphasize perspectives. Static framing : Keeps focus on emotional intensity and performance. Low-angle shots : Occasionally used to create a sense of mystery or tension. 2. Common Sound in Drama: Diegetic sounds : Background noises, conversations, and environmental sounds (e.g., wind, footsteps) create a realistic atmosphere. Subtle musical score : Emotional piano or string-based music underlines dramatic tension. Silence : Amplifies key emotional beats, especially during moments of reflection or revelation. Dialogue-focused : Strong emphasis on meaningful conversations to drive the narrative. 3. Common Mise-En-Scene (CLAMPS) in Drama: Costume : Everyday clothing that reflects the characters’ socioeconomic and emotional states....

Short film research: (PHONE BOX /drama)

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1. Common CAMS (Camera Work) in Drama: Close-ups : Highlight the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and intense expressions. Medium shots : Show interactions and body language, especially in confined spaces like the phone box. Low-angle shots : Add intensity and create a sense of vulnerability. Static framing : Keeps focus on the character and their emotions. 2. Common Sound in Drama: Diegetic sounds : The ringing phone, ambient noises like traffic, and breathing intensify realism. Emotive score : Minimalist music builds tension and enhances emotional depth. Moments of silence : Amplify dramatic tension, emphasizing key emotional beats. Dialogue : Essential for conveying conflict, internal struggles, and plot revelations. 3. Common Mise-En-Scene (CLAMPS) in Drama: Costume : Realistic, everyday attire that reflects the character’s social or emotional state. Lighting : Subtle and naturalistic; uses shadows to symbolize the character’s struggles. Actors : Strong performances focusing on faci...

Short film research: (Le Mans 1955/Drama)

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 a Sound:  • Non- Diegetic of the opening music to set the calm setting. Then set to mysterious as racers go through the track. The music playing over the relay driver as he realizes that his friend has died.  • Diegetic: The sound of cars like motors, honking and tools being used to ready the cars. The sound of the crash and attempt of breaking. The fire and the people crying after seeing their loved ones kills due to the crash. • Voice Over of the speech the racing manager for Mercedes was giving while the clip pans over the race track. • Dialogue: as the Mercedes manager speaks to the drivers and makes the plan for the positions. Competitors speak to each other, encouraging one another.  b. Common Mis-En-Scene (CLAMPS) in your genre • Costume: Racers are in their uniform while spectators are in business casual attire. • Lighting: Dark as the main group is given their positions.  • Acting: Everyone is either nervous or serious giving the vibes of the import...