The Screenplay

 This post is about my screenplay to my opening. A screenplay is a special, formatted written text for a film, television show, video game, dialouge, character actions , and actions for production. This presents  as the plan for the film and transmits the story to be prepared visibly and narratively right before filming starts. 

For my project, the screenplay is focusing on the mental and physical stress of running and is planned to engage the audience in the protagonists struggle from the first moment. I have analyzed multiple screenplays and visual technqiues of storytelling to assure mine follows appropiate arrangment and clearly communicates the expected shots, emotions, and actions. 

Click this to view my screenplay! This script goes into depth about how this character is going to enact his struggles. 

Until next time,
SL

Scouting Locations

One of the most important factors into creating a powerful film opening is the setting. The location needs  to be chosen very carefully due to the impact it creates: setting the tone, motive, and character. Since my project will be about a runner and their mental health, I want to incorporate a space that's naturalistic and can visually tell the story of their livelihood and the journey they take on.

Ive been analyzing different films about running, mental health struggles, and more to see how the setting impacts and help shape the outcome of the story. For example, movies like 4 Minute Mile and Chariots of Fire who use the gym, outdoor tracks, and streets in a city to show both their discipline and personal life struggles. The background and environment both typically act like a character themselves.

Edelstein, B. (2014, August 4). Film review: “4 minute mile.” Variety. https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/4-minute-mile-film-review-1201273615/

In chariots they ran. (n.d.-c). https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a21566047/in-chariots-of-fire-they-ran/

Potential Location for my opening:

- City streets: Utilizing this setting while the character is going on a early morning run or training alone can emphasize the loneliness that this runner will face. I could also film toward the sunset making the scene feel personal.

- Stadium: The Panthers stadium is a great place that could show their later on goals, pressure, and determination while being in a formal setting. Long shots would be great here.

- Bedroom- Small, claustrophobic spaces can show how the loneliness gets to them or could also persuade setbacks and preparation.

Choosing the perfect location will easily guide me to tell the story visually which is one of my main goals. I want the audience to sense the hostilities the characters fighting and motivation without inserting any dialogue immediately. For my opening, I'm thinking about starting it off with a silent, calm reflective scenario on a trail in the Everglades, showing the runner's dedication and inner head space before any dispute. 

Next Steps:

I plan on visiting parks and streets that are local to see how they would look on camera at different times of the day. Also, I'll be taking pictures to contrast all the locations to choose which feel the most cinematic and fit emotionally connected to the story. From that point on, I'll start my storyboard and thinking about how the costume design and props will suit the environment. 

Project Timeline

 Here's how I'm splitting my portfolio project up into specific dates:

Week 1 (Jan 16 - Jan 23) 
- Finish blogs for genre research
- Research credit sequences for influence
- Create a storyline 

Week 2 (Jan 26 - Feb 1)
- Start blogs for genre research
- Begin searching for locations to film
- Continue planning the story plot and script

Week 3 (Feb 2 - Feb 8) 
- Finish scripting
- start the opening scene from storyboard
- make final decision on setting and actors|
- schedule dates for filming 

Week 4 (Feb 9 - Feb 15) 
- Film the opening
- Record and create foley (if needed) 

Week 5 (Feb 16 - Feb 22) 
- Start editing the clips.
- Include the credits and title
- Re-do any foley (if needed)

Week 6 (Feb 23 - Feb 29) 
- Analyze first scene of running
- Revise my editing if needed
- Make sure scenes have structure

Week 7 (Mar 1 - Mar 7) 
- Continue to revise
- Finalize my edits
- Begin creating CCR

Week 8 (Mar 8 - Mar 14) 
- Finish the CCR. 
- Review the final product

Week 9 (Mar 15 - Mar 17) 
- Review
- Re-edit anything if necessary 

Im preparing more accordingly and giving more time toward the end incase the worst case scenario comes up. Staying disciplined on this schedule will help me stay motivated and make sure my opening is a high-scoring one.

Breaking down portfolio project:

Research:
- Analyze examples of film openings and the credit sequences in drama films.
- Taking notes on techniques, shots, mise-en-scene, sound, and analysis.

Planning:
- Create a plot
- Start producing a script
- Searching and traveling locations for filming

Storyboard:
- Draw out a storyboard for scenes
- Find actors
- Set dates and schedules

Production:
- Film scenes
- Record the foley

Editing:
- Edit footage
- Add a specific font for credits and title
- Record foley

Revisions:
- Reviewing first scenes till last
- Make edits if something doesn't appear to my liking

CCR:
- Researching information for reflection
- Write CCR
- Review everything.

Until Next Time,
SL

Producing a Credit Scene

I decided to produce a film about a runner’s life and the physical/mental struggles that come with the sport. In drama films, credits are integrated into the opening very subtly, without hindering the plot, as I mentioned in previous blogs. That being said, I plan on to include the credits into matching with the visuals and whole narrative of the scene.  

One way I want to merge the credits in is by close up shots of the actor’s feet bouncing off the ground as he runs, making the credits appear beside the legs or on the pavement. Avoiding bold credits will create a emotional and serious tone, allowing room for the audience to focus mainly on the runner’s conflicted journey and struggles. 

I began to research three well-known, iconic opening credit scenes that apply to the drama genre which will guide me into the right direction and influence me majorly.  

I first desired to analyze: Catch Me If You Can (2002). The opening title sequence is playful, animated, and unique, demonstrating Frank Abagnale Jr. traveling across a map-like atmosphere. The background jazz music by John Williams gives a sense of cleverness, and the neat, subtle font allows for the visuals to mainly tell the story. This type of sequence showed me how to integrate a character without revealing action, just by visuals and music. This shaped my idea to use objects or movements (footsteps) in the space to mention the persona of my character before the story begins. 

My second influence is the Graduate (1967), while Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” plays, the credits overlay over blank visuals. The quiet, sophisticated motif constructs a slight gloomy tone, contrasting the character’s ambiguity. I strive for the way simple music can make the audience sense the feeling of the emotional theme instantly. For my credit scene, I’m going to experiment with a deep and faint background music and pacing for the viewers to connect emotionally to the character(s), before conflict. 

Finally, the movie Se7en (1995) introduces deep, dark, gritting visuals featuring distorted text and eerie music by Nine Inch Nails. This is a perfect example of how the font of the text, illustrations, and sound can disseminate tone and emotion before any actors appear in the picture. The opening immediately conveys a tense factor, foreshadowing the film’s theme.  

Overall, researching many credit sequences aided me to realize how much the opening can do to set a tone for the film and suggest the characters personality. This inspires me to use objects or props in the space, music that creates a sentimental pitch, and a font that matches with what I’m trying to reveal. My goal is to produce a credit sequence that feels realistic and natural for connection with the viewers. 

Catch me if you can. Catch Me If You Can │ Exclaim! (n.d.). https://exclaim.ca/film/article/catch_me_if_you_can-steven_spielberg

Analyzing Drama Film Openings

While researching, I decided to focus on the drama genre. Three film openings that stood out to me and gave me influence were: the Fault in Our Stars (2014), Me Before You (2016), and A Star is Born (2018). I chose these films because I wanted to analyze how each film sets a theme, introduces the characters, and establishes a mood from the first 2 minutes. 

Blistein, J. (2023b, April 19). Watch Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper Swoon in “look what I found” video. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-bradley-cooper-look-what-i-found-video-a-star-is-born-734956/

 Starting off with the Fault in Our Stars, the opening instantly introduces Hazel lying down on the ground with a extreme close up of her eyes/face. The background is a narration of someone's pre-recorded message, playing back memories of her and a man. I found this opening unique due to it not beginning with any action or explanation, but with memory and sensation. The voice over narration creates a open space to instantly understand Hazel's thought, which is common in drama. 

The mise en scene is very limited and realistic. There's no signs of her illness, which make the audience feel happiness before acknowldeging her reality. The setting, costume design, props are simple, focusing more intensively on the connection with the characters rather than the environment. The lighting is low-key and dim, creating a intimate tone. This makes the moment feel like a memory, suggesting these moments were important and special to her, also stating she's reminiscing back on something thats gone. The scene uses close ups and medium shots of the couple to show their intimate dynamic. The sound design is a soft and emotional motif, highlighting the love and conveying a sentimental tone. Overall, this movie is my favorite because for the project I love the idea of starting it off with something meaningful instead of immediately showing a dispute, engaging the audience to connect with the characters. 

 

Next is Me Before You, it introduces Louisa's normal daily routine before she meets Will, showing her at a cafe while working and interacting with her family. It establishes her as a unique and amusing girl while also giving hints she feels not sure about her environment. This technique is used common where the character's life is shown before a conflict. The mise-en-scene really concentrates on her character and social life. Her bright costume design smoothly contrasts with the bland setting, indicating that she stands out and wants more to life. Also, the lighting is natural making the scene create realism, mostly used in films. Theres a upbeat motif and natural dialogue; again, creating a realistic tone and makes the audience connect with her emotionally. This opening is effective because it's similar to the Fault in Our Stars by introducing the characters more subtle before the main conflict that will soon drive the story. 

Yasin, A., Rissi, & Dalia. (2024, December 10). Me before you film review - a little too perfect?. The Silver Petticoat Review. https://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/me-before-you-review/

 Lastly, A Star us Born, also gave me shaped my influence. It begins with a handheld shot of Jackson Maine getting ready for a show, making it seem like we are with him in that moment. This can make the audience feel the emotions he's feeling and places us in a concert. It shows he's a famous and very talent artist while showing his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. The props include stage lights, a populated concert, and instruments all around. The dramatic lighting contrasted with the live music produces a sense of feeling alive and charged. The close ups of the character singing combined with the crowds noise builds a intense connection and social pressure. This opening works well with my thought process so far because it sets the individuals world and personality. For my portfolio, im interested in this style by showing him in their environment, leaving space for the journey soon to unfold naturally.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 Hello again,
For my second genre, I chose romance. Romantic movies combine love, chemistry, and heartbreak at times; these movies are so fun yet emotional which keeps the audience attached. Almost everyone can relate and rely to romance in a sense, even if your going through a stage where you have a crush or dreaming of meeting your special person.

The target audience for romance movies usually range from teens and young adults, although anyone who is entertained with love stories will watch them. Not to be stereotypical, but I feel like they lean towards a female audience but honestly it can be appealing to everyone; love is universal. Many individuals watch romance to connect and just feel the sensational, warmth ups and downs of relationships. 

Romance film often prioritize the relationship journey between the main characters. Familiar themes consist of first loves, love triangles, sorrow, or conquering and healing their inner selves to qualify being with someone. In romantic opening scenes, they introduce the actors and mysteriously hint at the dispute that will affect their relationship later throughout the movie, this creates suspense which I love. For instance, the Notebook begins with a young, content woman that meets a man her age and establishes the dynamic that will push the story. 

Techniques in romance movies consist of:
Close ups/slow motions- they utilize this especially during intimate scenes
Soft lighting- making everything feel dreamy.
Romantic sounds- music creates a setting of emotional impact

For distributing and marketing these films, they make it all about the pure emotional connection and relationship the actors carry. Posters include the couple particularly with a dramatic colorful background and trailers emphasize the highs of emotion to hook the audience in. 

Examples of movies:

The Notebook (2004) - This film follows a couple, Noah and Allie, on their romance that lasts until they die. The opening scene instantly shows their personalities and synergy, pulling the readers in and giving you a sense of what to expect while watching. 

The notebook. “behind every great love is a great… | by Bella Ruetten | film reviews | medium. (n.d.-e). https://medium.com/witty-film-reviews/the-notebook-55d3630dd674

La La Land (2016) - This movie mixes music and romance together which deepens the storytelling. The opening scene presents Mia and Sebastian, giving small hints at their future dreams, conflicts, and later romance. La La Land uses music and illustrations to peak softness and show their relationship.

Mallenbaum, C. (2016, December 27). Your “la la land” cheat sheet. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/12/27/your-la-la-land-cheat-sheet/95602260/

Im considering using this genre for my portfolio project because it entertains me and allows me to explore more about the background storytelling in a way thats relatable.

Portfolio Project Genre #1

For my first genre post, I will be talking about drama. Drama comes up as one of my favorite genres in film; not because it's easy to create a story with; but because it conveys emotion and realism struggles that no other genre can contrast with. These type of films want to engage the audience emotionally, whether if its sad, happy, or even angry. Some drama movies can really relate to you in a way which makes it persuasive. 

Drama typically attracts teens and adults who are looking to watch something meaningful rather than just comedy or even action. They connect with the genre due to individuals thinking about their livelihood, relationships, or growth. I feel like many people go to drama because it can make their own experiences reflect on them. 

These type of films are all for focusing on character-driven type of stories. Their tones usually are grief, poor family dynamics, illness, or healing from a struggle that's personal. Oftentimes, the opening scene introduces the main character in their typical space, but by different types of props, emotion, lighting, you can get hints of the conflicts that they face, striving the story. An example of this can be the movie, the Fault in Our Stars, we can see a girl's standard life and how her disease influences everything: her relationships, her self-image, her personality. 

Highfill, S. (2014, January 8). “the fault in our stars”: Gus and Hazel Kiss at Anne Frank House. EW.com. https://ew.com/article/2014/01/08/the-fault-in-our-stars-anne-frank/

Usual techniques that are used in drama films are:
Close ups: capturing emotions
Music: can create an atmosphere and sometimes silence can be heavily used
Lighting: making the story feel reliable and real

As for the marketing strategies, like I said before this genre mostly focuses on the emotional impact of the whole movie. Posters and trailers can be a great technique to connect with audiences. They frequently introduce the characters with intensity and serious expressions to show their hard journey without giving too much away. 

An example of a drama film I love is Me Before You. This drama hits hard emotionally. It follows these two chartacters; Louisa and William, navigating throughout their love story and heartbreaking decisions they have to make. The film starts with feauturing their personalities and conditions, setting the emotional journey ideally.

Review: In ‘me before you,’ a broken man meets a free spirit (published 2016). (n.d.-d). https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/movies/me-before-you-review.html

Drama is my favorite genre to watch. Im most likely going to use this genre in my film opening because it's very flexible to explore storytelling and emotions.

Transitioning Into My Portfolio Project

 While my teacher was presenting the itinerary we need to do for this portfolio project, I started to brainstorm a couple of ideas I could do for my opening. I was stuck in between doing a drama, romance, or adventure opening. As for the drama, it’s not limited at all and I started to realize that all my ideas were coming from that genre. Im super excited to explore more on this since I've never done anything like this before. 

-Films like the Fault in Our Stars shaped the way I think about emotional storytelling with film openings.

The Fault in Our Stars [Photograph]. (2014). Showtimes.com. https://www.showtimes.com/movies/the-fault-in-our-stars-80946/photos/1

As I begin to research more on this, my main goal which sounds easy, but hard, is to focus on creating the film opening without telling an entire story and instead be effective. Being two minutes, I want to correctly establish tone, introduce the character(s), and accurately hint key themes throughout the extract. From a nearpod presentation I did a while ago, I learned that openings rely mainly on factors like sound, cinematography, and pacing to engage the audience more sparingly. Furthermore, I intend to learn and know more about how to hook the audience in a short period of time.

One challenge I want to overcome during the duration of creating this, I desire to balance creativity with the restrictions of the opening. With the time limit, I intentionally want to be creative as I can be for the audience to understand what I am trying to convey in 2 minutes. This realization has already made me think more deeply and critically about the camera angles, sound design, and the shot duration. 

Overall, transitioning into this portfolio project has aided me to realize the importance and thoughtfulness of preparation and the heavy research I need to produce in media production. Moving forward, the direction I want to go in is searching the genres, drama and romance, in greater depth, analyzing high scoring film openings, and begin to plan my storyboard and notes. This process allows me to integrate my ideas before I rush into producing; helping ensure that my final opening is both engaging and successful.

Video Documenting Process

 Hello, this is our in depth process for creating our music marketing project.