Genre Research

 Hi blog! Let's talk more about my short film. The approach I wanted to take with this piece was different than anything I have ever done before in my films. 

Dance is a huge part of my life and has made me realize that it has also helped me cope with so much. It is a form of expression and can tell so much, yet so little, through movements and choreography. Therefore, I decided to tell the story of my short film through dance and only dance. My short film is a silent short film that constructs meaning and develops a story in the form of dance.

Now, once I was set on this idea, I started to think of what I wanted to tell. What message did I want to spread and give others something to relate to and resort to? While I was trying to decipher this, I stopped and thought to myself, "Wait, what is the genre of my film?"

I knew it didn't fall under the genre of a musical because there is no singing, and I knew it wasn't something like fantasy because there are no qualities that would fall under the fantasy genre. So I began to do some research to figure out what the genre of my film was. 

After doing some research, I figured out that my short film falls under the genre of experimental.

This article helped me a lot with establishing that this was the genre of my film: What is Experimental Film — History, Examples & Movements

The article provided me with examples, gave me definitions, and overall a deeper understanding of this genre that helped me realize that my short film can be considered an experimental film. 

Portfolio Project Timeline

Portfolio Project Timeline:

Week One:

-choose the project genre

-begin developing a full short-film plot

-research genre and story ideas

-develop the title and choose the font

-consider possibilities for actors

Week Two:

-continue research on project components

-continue to develop story – land on final ideas

-finalize actors

Week Three:

-continue to research/plan project components (digital/print)

-develop an outline

-develop filming/editing schedule

-create a shot list/storyboard

-create an Instagram page

Week Four:

-continue to research/plan project components

-begin production of video component

-document production process (for social media and blog)

-post to social media

Week Five:

-finalize research/plan project components

-continue production of video component

-start editing video component

-begin planning print component

-post to social media

Week Six:

-continue post-production of video component

-continue planning of print component

-post to social media

Week Seven:

-research information relating to Critical Reflection

-finalize video component

-work on print/digital components

-post to social media

Week Eight:

-research information relating to Critical Reflection

-finalize video component

-work on print/digital components

-post to social media

Week Nine:

-create Critical Reflection

-finalize print component

-post to social media

Week Ten:

-create final, overall project reflection

Choosing my Portfolio Project

 It's time...

We are now starting our portfolio projects! I am very excited but very intimidated at the same time. This year, we have a lot more media options than last year. There are so many media forms I can pick from, but which one should I do!?

I could do a music video, work on something I don't get to do too often... but no, it's hard to find a real band or artist that I can work with. I would rather be able to do any song or artist I want. 

I could do a documentary and put into work all the new skills I have learned this year regarding documentaries. This one I actually am leaning towards a lot because I enjoyed working on our doc earlier in the year. It was something I had never tried and allowed me to work on something different. However, the fact that it has to be an excerpt from an episodic documentary can be a challenge. I tend to enjoy working on full-length pieces rather than excerpts, especially considering that it would only be an episode from a whole series. Additionally, having to refer to the other episodes of my docu-series on my social media is also challenging. Maybe I will skip out on the documentary option...

The other choice I am highly considering is the short film. With the short film, I can create whatever storyline I choose and be as creative as possible. I can try new genres and attempt to step out of my comfort zone and create a film that is still true to who I am, but explore themes through an abstract and avant-garde lens. 

After considering some possible options. I am most likely going to choose to make a short film for my portfolio project. I can't wait to begin on this project and document it all on here. Stay tuned!

Film Distribution Project - Beginnings of Portfolio Project

    Hey, blog! It's been a minute since we last saw each other, so let me tell you about what has been going on. For the past two weeks, we were given the task of working on a film distribution project. This project was a little different from the rest because we actually partnered up with the Creative Writing class here at the Bay. It was cool to work with them, but a bit challenging since we were restricted from our creative freedom.

    We were placed in random groups and then given a detailed breakdown of a film written by the Creative Writing class. With this information, we were then asked to create a distribution plan for this film. We had to make a teaser and official trailer for the film and establish how we were going to distribute the film concerning our target audience. 

    Our action film was called VIPER and followed the life of an incoming teenage spy. It was great working with my fellow group members, Lauren, Grace, and Gabi, and I am really happy with how our trailers came out as well as how we planned to distribute this film. 

Distribution Project

VIPER - Teaser Trailer

VIPER - Official Trailer

    But now... It is time to work on our PORTFOLIO PROJECT! I am very excited about this year's portfolio project since we have more options for what to create. I can't wait to see how this journey is going to play out. Stay tuned as I document this process and all the obstacles and ups and downs that I am about to face. 

 I think I am going to do a short film...