Sunday, April 12, 2015
the journey is ending...
Yesterday, I officially finished my film opening!! Editing it took quite some time, but I can honestly say that I am really, really happy with the final result. "YOUTH" is the official title, and I feel that my film opening expresses exactly that. Some of the shots that I used consist of pure adrenaline. I filmed my friends just running, to signify how young we are at this time in our lives, and how our adrenaline keeps pumping as if it's ever-lasting. I hope that that message comes across, as people watch it.
I have been thinking about this project for a better part of a year, and I can't even fathom how exciting this is that I have finally finished it and accomplished my goal.
I'm still putting my creative critical reflection together, and it's actually coming along quite nicely. This whole journey has been such a ride, and I am so happy that I am taking this class, because this might ultimately be what I want to do in my life.
"YOUTH" is something I've wanted to create for so long, so now that it's almost finished, it's bittersweet. I loved going on this journey and I'm excited to keep working on my skills and maybe future projects like this one.
This has been so fun.
Thank you Mrs. Stoklosa for giving us this opportunity to create something truly great.
I have been thinking about this project for a better part of a year, and I can't even fathom how exciting this is that I have finally finished it and accomplished my goal.
I'm still putting my creative critical reflection together, and it's actually coming along quite nicely. This whole journey has been such a ride, and I am so happy that I am taking this class, because this might ultimately be what I want to do in my life.
"YOUTH" is something I've wanted to create for so long, so now that it's almost finished, it's bittersweet. I loved going on this journey and I'm excited to keep working on my skills and maybe future projects like this one.
This has been so fun.
Thank you Mrs. Stoklosa for giving us this opportunity to create something truly great.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
More Changes...
Today, in class, we watched an example of a student film opening and creative critical reflection, and I was honestly amazed at how in-depth she went into her production process. I realized that I really need to think about all the choices I'm making, about my story, and if they make sense.
I came to the conclusion that the twist that I was going to add to the end of my film opening isn't going to work. I was going to have something really bad happen to Samantha, but I realized that that would change my entire plotline for the rest of the film. And that the modified version would be so far-off from my original idea.
So, I'm going to stick with my original plan, but make my opening a bit simpler than I was thinking about. Instead of showing any of the friends drifting apart, I think that I would rather just show the happy times that the group had, in my opening. When we all went to Markham Park, I got an abundance of shots and cuts that would be really great parts to my opening, and I've decided to just stick with mainly those shots. I won't show them drifting yet, because that wouldn't really make sense for them to drift apart so soon.
My film opening will show this close group of friends and how happy they made each other, and I'm going to leave the opening up in the air a little bit. I'm going to end the opening on a good note, even though the rest of the film isn't about that. It's going to be a sad film... just another reminder that nothing lasts forever and that no matter how perfect something seems, there's usually always a problem headed your way. It's a bit negative, but it's the truth.
But these friends truly love each other, and they love being together and laughing together. They feel safe together. They can be themselves around each other. They feel happy... truly happy.
So, that's what I want my opening to express. Youth. Happiness. Serenity. Because those are honestly some of the greatest things life has to offer. And as teenagers in high school, we really need to appreciate this time when we're young and lively, because the real world is not as far away as it seems.
I came to the conclusion that the twist that I was going to add to the end of my film opening isn't going to work. I was going to have something really bad happen to Samantha, but I realized that that would change my entire plotline for the rest of the film. And that the modified version would be so far-off from my original idea.
So, I'm going to stick with my original plan, but make my opening a bit simpler than I was thinking about. Instead of showing any of the friends drifting apart, I think that I would rather just show the happy times that the group had, in my opening. When we all went to Markham Park, I got an abundance of shots and cuts that would be really great parts to my opening, and I've decided to just stick with mainly those shots. I won't show them drifting yet, because that wouldn't really make sense for them to drift apart so soon.
My film opening will show this close group of friends and how happy they made each other, and I'm going to leave the opening up in the air a little bit. I'm going to end the opening on a good note, even though the rest of the film isn't about that. It's going to be a sad film... just another reminder that nothing lasts forever and that no matter how perfect something seems, there's usually always a problem headed your way. It's a bit negative, but it's the truth.
But these friends truly love each other, and they love being together and laughing together. They feel safe together. They can be themselves around each other. They feel happy... truly happy.
So, that's what I want my opening to express. Youth. Happiness. Serenity. Because those are honestly some of the greatest things life has to offer. And as teenagers in high school, we really need to appreciate this time when we're young and lively, because the real world is not as far away as it seems.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Figuring Out the Structure of the Story (and the Characters)
I've been trying to figure out how my story is going to unfold, and I've been trying some interesting techniques that are helping me through that process.
So, I've been writing some short poems through the point of views of the different characters, especially my main character, Sam. I try to get into her head about how she feels about her friends and everything else she's going through. She's been through a lot, throughout her life, but these friends have started to put a smile on her face. For the first time in her life, she can honestly say that she's happy.
But unfortunately, everything is temporary. Nothing lasts forever. Everything changes, especially when you think it won't. And I really want my film to express just that.
Here's a sample of a poem I wrote from Sam's point of view.
So, I've been writing some short poems through the point of views of the different characters, especially my main character, Sam. I try to get into her head about how she feels about her friends and everything else she's going through. She's been through a lot, throughout her life, but these friends have started to put a smile on her face. For the first time in her life, she can honestly say that she's happy.
But unfortunately, everything is temporary. Nothing lasts forever. Everything changes, especially when you think it won't. And I really want my film to express just that.
Here's a sample of a poem I wrote from Sam's point of view.
she always had trouble finding friends.
for some reason,
people wouldn’t really give her the love
she needed.
but these new friends.
they’re amazing.
she finds herself smiling even when she
though she wouldn’t be able to
anymore.
her parents aren’t really
as supportive as they should be.
and it’s not fair.
she loves her friends.
they’re everything she’s ever wanted.
just a close group of friends
she would be able to rely on.
a group of friends to make her
smile.
laugh.
they loved her.
and things were perfect.
...but nothing lasts.
especially happiness.
bad things happen all the time,
whether we see them coming or not.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Making Changes
So, I was thinking about my film a lot today and I realized that some of my ideas are a bit too over-the-top. I had many interesting ideas about how I wanted the friend group to drift apart, but then I came to the conclusion that they just weren't going to work out.
I was brainstorming for quite a while, until I came up with my new ending for my film opening. It will still be about the friend group and how close they are, but there's going to be a twist at the end, where something very dramatic happens.
I was planning on giving a large portion of screen-time to my main character, Samantha, but now I've come up with a new little plotline that involves her and something threatening. I have most of the details worked out, but I don't want to give anything away just yet.
But... I can definitely say that I am happy with where my story is going and I think that it makes my story even more interesting that it was to begin with.
I was brainstorming for quite a while, until I came up with my new ending for my film opening. It will still be about the friend group and how close they are, but there's going to be a twist at the end, where something very dramatic happens.
I was planning on giving a large portion of screen-time to my main character, Samantha, but now I've come up with a new little plotline that involves her and something threatening. I have most of the details worked out, but I don't want to give anything away just yet.
But... I can definitely say that I am happy with where my story is going and I think that it makes my story even more interesting that it was to begin with.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Filming...
Today, I went to Markham Park with my actors and I got a lot of my filming done. I'm actually really happy with the results.
I filmed them having fun and doing things that a young and close group of friends would do. We went into the forest and it was actually stunning. The location was beautiful and I was able to get some really great shots.
This is one of the shots I got today.
In my film opening, I want to portray the beauty of youth and friendship, even though it doesn't always last. That's why I named my blog "the beauty of youth." I don't plan on naming my film that, though. I'm still working on my title, but I wanted to create a name that would signify what I'm trying to portray with my film.
I was so productive today, and I'm really happy about that.
I filmed them having fun and doing things that a young and close group of friends would do. We went into the forest and it was actually stunning. The location was beautiful and I was able to get some really great shots.
This is one of the shots I got today.
In my film opening, I want to portray the beauty of youth and friendship, even though it doesn't always last. That's why I named my blog "the beauty of youth." I don't plan on naming my film that, though. I'm still working on my title, but I wanted to create a name that would signify what I'm trying to portray with my film.
I was so productive today, and I'm really happy about that.
My actors really surprised me at how much fun they were having, knowing what this is going to turn into. They were excited to be a part of this when I told them, which also makes this process that much more fun.
But, I have to say... this shot is my favorite. This is the one I was dreaming of getting when I first started coming up with my story. I wanted a mid-shot of all of them, feeling closer than ever, leaning on one another, and simply just living in the moment. My videos came out great, and I'm excited to start editing.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Getting to Work!
So, it has taken me some time to really process what I want to do and how I'm going to portray it, but it has taken me until now to realize how soon April 10th is approaching. A lot has been going on in my life lately but I'm extremely excited to create this project, and I'm glad that I can finally put all of my focus into it.
Recently, I received emails from both Skrillex's and Cliff Martinez's publishing managers, giving me the full rights to use their song, "Son of Scary Monsters," for my film opening! This song really inspires me, and it actually means a lot to me, and it is just amazing that I'm officially able to use it.
So, about my story, I really want to portray a group of teens that are all really close friends. I want to show them doing fun things together, like going on an adventure in the woods, or maybe just hanging around local places. I want to portray happiness in the form of youth, if that makes any sense. But, as time goes on, they start to drift apart, as most friendships do. I want to make this really dramatic, and I really want to focus on how I'm going to film this. I've started filming with my actors and I've been using some techniques that I've been wanting to try out, and so far, they're turning out great!
Tomorrow, I have a plan to get together with all of my actors and I'm going to film the majority of my opening. I'm looking forward to it, as I will finally be able to create something really special.
This next week is going to be crazy, but I'm ready for the challenge!
Recently, I received emails from both Skrillex's and Cliff Martinez's publishing managers, giving me the full rights to use their song, "Son of Scary Monsters," for my film opening! This song really inspires me, and it actually means a lot to me, and it is just amazing that I'm officially able to use it.
So, about my story, I really want to portray a group of teens that are all really close friends. I want to show them doing fun things together, like going on an adventure in the woods, or maybe just hanging around local places. I want to portray happiness in the form of youth, if that makes any sense. But, as time goes on, they start to drift apart, as most friendships do. I want to make this really dramatic, and I really want to focus on how I'm going to film this. I've started filming with my actors and I've been using some techniques that I've been wanting to try out, and so far, they're turning out great!
Tomorrow, I have a plan to get together with all of my actors and I'm going to film the majority of my opening. I'm looking forward to it, as I will finally be able to create something really special.
This next week is going to be crazy, but I'm ready for the challenge!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Son of Scary Monsters
To start off the production of my film opening, I've written out a few poems about how the storyline will play out, from the perspectives of all of the different characters.
Actually, I really want to use a specific song, called "Son of Scary Monsters" by Skrillex and Cliff Martinez. The song was composed for the film, "Spring Breakers," and I can honestly say that I love that film. I've seen that many people judge the movie, without having seen it. And the ones that have don't understand how brilliant the film actually is.
The film is done so beautifully. The art direction, as well as the editing and the camerawork, is just phenomenal. I will always love that film, no matter how many people "hate" it, just because they don't understand what the movie is supposed to be about.
Anyway, the song, "Son of Scary Monsters" is a two-minute instrumental piece included in the film, and it just really inspires me.
It's slow, and very relaxing. It's extremely nostalgic for me. There aren't that many instrumental songs that I particularly love, but this one is just wonderful. Here's the link to listen to the song. I love it because it's emotional. I feel something while listening to it.
But that's just me. Give it a listen...
Actually, I really want to use a specific song, called "Son of Scary Monsters" by Skrillex and Cliff Martinez. The song was composed for the film, "Spring Breakers," and I can honestly say that I love that film. I've seen that many people judge the movie, without having seen it. And the ones that have don't understand how brilliant the film actually is.
The film is done so beautifully. The art direction, as well as the editing and the camerawork, is just phenomenal. I will always love that film, no matter how many people "hate" it, just because they don't understand what the movie is supposed to be about.
Anyway, the song, "Son of Scary Monsters" is a two-minute instrumental piece included in the film, and it just really inspires me.
It's slow, and very relaxing. It's extremely nostalgic for me. There aren't that many instrumental songs that I particularly love, but this one is just wonderful. Here's the link to listen to the song. I love it because it's emotional. I feel something while listening to it.
But that's just me. Give it a listen...
Introduction
Hey! My name is Ben Siegel, and through this blog, I will be going through the process of creating my final project for AICE Media Studies.
I have loved pop culture and the entertainment industry for as long as I can remember. I love films, television shows, music, and I just love that whole world. Media inspires me.
For quite a while, I have been thinking about what I want to do for my final project, which will be the first two minutes of a film. And I have actually come up with something quite interesting for my film opening.
Last year, my close friends and I met another little close group of friends, just a year younger than us, and we all became extremely close. We hung out constantly, and we even had our own group chat. It was really amazing to have a close-knit group of people, to call your best friends.
But, within just a few weeks, we all started to drift apart. We all kind-of went back to our separate friend groups and it just wasn't the same.
It was actually pretty upsetting, because we were so close. I can honestly say that when I was in that friend group, it was one of the happiest times of my life. All I ever wanted was a close group of friends, so the fact that I had them made me so happy. So, it's honestly just sad that things didn't end up the way I thought they were.
But... I'm really inspired by what happened, and I want to create the essence of youth and friendships and how it's not as perfect as it seems.
I want to make my film opening about six friends and how they slowly drift apart... and how upset they all become because of this.
I have an idea that I would want to make my film opening cover 3/4ths of the entire film, in quick shots, and then at the end of the opening, I would have the words "Three Months Earlier" appear on the screen, to infer that the entire movie is about what happened and why it did.
I'm really excited to get started on this project, as I have many ideas and I think that they're pretty great. I want my opening to have absolutely no dialogue... all I want is music playing in the background, with bright, and enticing visuals playing alongside with it. I'm quite creative, so I'm really excited about getting started.
I have loved pop culture and the entertainment industry for as long as I can remember. I love films, television shows, music, and I just love that whole world. Media inspires me.
For quite a while, I have been thinking about what I want to do for my final project, which will be the first two minutes of a film. And I have actually come up with something quite interesting for my film opening.
Last year, my close friends and I met another little close group of friends, just a year younger than us, and we all became extremely close. We hung out constantly, and we even had our own group chat. It was really amazing to have a close-knit group of people, to call your best friends.
But, within just a few weeks, we all started to drift apart. We all kind-of went back to our separate friend groups and it just wasn't the same.
It was actually pretty upsetting, because we were so close. I can honestly say that when I was in that friend group, it was one of the happiest times of my life. All I ever wanted was a close group of friends, so the fact that I had them made me so happy. So, it's honestly just sad that things didn't end up the way I thought they were.
But... I'm really inspired by what happened, and I want to create the essence of youth and friendships and how it's not as perfect as it seems.
I want to make my film opening about six friends and how they slowly drift apart... and how upset they all become because of this.
I have an idea that I would want to make my film opening cover 3/4ths of the entire film, in quick shots, and then at the end of the opening, I would have the words "Three Months Earlier" appear on the screen, to infer that the entire movie is about what happened and why it did.
I'm really excited to get started on this project, as I have many ideas and I think that they're pretty great. I want my opening to have absolutely no dialogue... all I want is music playing in the background, with bright, and enticing visuals playing alongside with it. I'm quite creative, so I'm really excited about getting started.
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