Creative Critical Reflection: Digital Voiceover Video

Throughout this year, my group and I learned a ton about filmmaking and what goes into it. Such as codes in movies and the categorization of different types of media, shot sizes, framework etc. During my acting I had to so case day-to-day life feeling that some teenagers go through in "After It All".   Due to the assignments and practical exercises given I learned more of an understanding of crucial elements such as camera angles, composition, lighting, and sound, recognizing their significance in crafting a compelling narrative which all goes into filmmaking. This help with knowing what to search for to find elements that would immerse the audience in our story. All in all, this really was crazy adventure filled with ups and down. Everything we've learned together as a team about making films enjoyable.

Final Film

After listening to Ms. Vincent's feedback my team and I redid our opening film to improve it. We implement her suggestions and somethings we thought need to be added too. Which improved our work. As we worked on our storyline, we did run into some conflict. Such as difficulties with certain crew members, deadlines, maintaining focus, etc. There are things throughout the film process that could have been changed to make things flow better but we did do our very best. In the end our commitment caused us to finish the film.

First Draft Feedback

Our teacher Ms. Vincent gave us feedback during her critique session. She mentioned that we should make our narrative more concise, aiming for a two-minute duration, and also stressed the need to introduce a more significant conflict to engage the audience effectively. Additionally, Ms. Vincent suggested exploring different music choices that would better match the tone and mood of the scene, highlighting the importance of sound design in immersing the audience. She also pointed out that the voiceover was too loud, emphasizing the importance of achieving a balanced audio mix for the best viewing experience. Through Ms. Vincent's help we were started fixing parts in our opening film.

After It All - First Draft

 Here our team has finally finished the initial version of our opening film. We added all the different things we've learned throughout the year, from the details of setting up a scene to the subtleties of dialogue and sound production. The members duction Manager Jade Sweeting, Director Dakota Montgomery, Film Writers Dakota Montgomery and Shanique Dennis, and Cinematographer Shanique Dennis, helped bringing our vision to life. Dakota Montgomery also took on the responsibilities of Casting Director, Camera Operator, and Editor, while Bra’niyah Myrick contributed as a co-writer. Our talented cast, led by Shanique Dennis as Sabrina, Christina Walker as Jae, Dakota Montgomery as Tony, and supported by Jade Sweeting, Jayden, and Cherish Greenidge brought life to their roles. During this we did run into some problems such as coordinate everyone's schedules, and many people had to reschedule multiple times we still got it done.

Post-Production: Sound Editing Decisions

In our film creation, "After Everything," we used audio effects as an amazing asset to charm our crowd. Exploring different avenues regarding different music classifications and consolidating voiceovers, we settled on intentional decisions to reverberate with the adolescent segment, perceiving their proclivity for music. By adjusting our soundtrack to the inclinations of our interest group, we planned to elevate crowd commitment. We involved audio effects for specific movements like strides and the telephone ringing. Sabrina. Sound altering, a significant part of filmmaking, effectively directs the crowd's personal process all through the movie. This here introduced difficulties like instructing my partner to mix feeling into her voice for the voiceover, the general experience was both agreeable and fulfilling. In spite of the impediments experienced, helps with the of sounds was fun and unique experience.

Post-Production: Visual Editing decisions

 In the realm of film making, enhanced visualizations assume a significant part in communicating imagination and improving the film watching experience in different ways. Here we made eye-getting credits, smooth changes among scenes, and added our creation logo and film title with artfulness to bring watchers into our story. Special visualizations are so significant in motion pictures, revealing insight into how they help to recount stories better, mix feelings, and keep crowds connected on a more profound level. With added all this together find the astonishing effect enhanced visualizations that mold the true to life venture for watchers.

Production: Bloopers

 

Production: Day 2 Filming Behind the Scenes

On day 2 of shooting we chose to go eat at chick-fil-a first. While we were there it began to rain so had we needed to eat our dinner in the café. When the downpour quieted down we drove back to the school grounds however we needed to get on of our past entertainers. It was extremely surged and turbulent as I would agree. Whenever that was finished we returned to school and started filiming.

 

Production: Bloopers

 

Production: Day 1 Filming Behind the Scenes

Before filming we as a whole got chicken strips and fries from a spot called Heuy Magoos. Which was amazing like always. After we were finished eating we started filming. We started creating the scene with "Jae" and the side sweetheart while our fundamental person "Sabrina" was evolving.

Production: Cast and Crew

Crew: Dakota Montgomery, Shanique Dennis, Jade Sweeting

Cast: Christina Walker, Shanique Dennis , Dakota Montgomery, Jade Sweeting, Chersy Greenigde

 Lead Actors/Actresses: These are the story's main characters, who frequently carry the main plot and have a lot of screen time. They represent the main characters who are the focus of the story. 

Supporting Actors/Actresses: The supporting cast members enhance the main characters by giving the narrative complexity, background, and conflict. Despite having less time on screen, they nevertheless make a significant contribution to the overall story.  In the world of filmmaking, a story's ability to come to life on screen depends heavily on the crew and cast.

Production: Location, Location, Location

This are the some of the filming location.

 

Pre-production: Script

 On February 26th, we started writing and discussing our script and dialogue. With a shared vision for our film. we put our ideas about storytelling and character conversations. Through collaborative discussions and brainstorming. With our collective creativity we worked to capture the meaning behind of our story by aiming to make it resonate authentically with our audience. 

 Script

Walking to class on her phone carrying books

*Toxic gf and side piece arguing*

Sitting in class zoned out (background talking muffled)(looks stressed)

*phone buzzes* (mom texting her about grades)

Bell rings

Walks up to her friend (conversates)

Phone rings (toxic gf-Jae)*looks flustered*

Friend: “why is she calling you? “

Sabrina: “what do you mean?”

Friend: “She’s not good for you?”

Sabrina: *rolls her eyes and answers the phone*

*arguing*

*hangs up wipes her tears in the mirror*

*friend walks in*

Associate: “girl did hear that couple arguing this morning?”

Sabrina: “no, who?”

Associate: “I think her name is Jae or sum. I don’t know the other girl”

*voices in head: “wait my Jae? My gf”

Sabrina: “I gotta go” *looks more sad and confused*

*walks out bathroom and bumps into Jae*

Jae: “u good bae?”

Sabrina: “not right now. Leave me alone.” *tries to walk away with tears in her eyes*

Jae: *tries I don’t to pull her* “stop what are you doing?”

Tray: Bruh she said leave her alone *pushes jae*

Jae: this ain’t got nun to do with you. Back up

Tray: *yells* BRO MOVE THE FREAK BACK! you’ve done enough bs for today

*jae walks away*

Diamond: “come here” *hugs sabrina*

*sabrina sobs*

~Fast forward~

Jae: “what are you talking about? I seen people posting you and this guys on their story. Like wassup?.”

Sabrina: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN?”

Sabrina: “Why are you worried about what other people are posting? I already told you what it is”

Jae: “I’m so confused! Like… I knew you wasn’t gay for real.”

Jae: “I DONT CARE. You can’t be like that”

Sabrina: “Your just yapping. I’m even more confused”

Jae: “ight bruh. It’s good. I gotchu”

*hangs up*

Pre-production: Storyboards

After we started looking at 3-4 storyboard templates translating our ideas. Visualizing our film as we transitioned into creating storyboards following the completion of our shot list. With clear directions provided, we embarked on the task of planning each scene visual with elements such as description, camerawork (shot size, framing, angle), camera movement, composition, lighting, and editing. The sound design for the film, including dialogue, sound effects, and music score. All in all, as a group we gained invaluable information into the practicalities of filmmaking, laying the groundwork for the realization of our cinematic vision.

Pre-production: Save the Cat Beat Structure and Exposition of Film

On February 15th, our team started looking at the Save the Cat Beat Sheet Narrative Structure and diving into the exposition of our film. We focused on creating a strong narrative arc by analyzing the key beats in the Save the Cat methodology. This framework helped us structure our story, making sure each plot point had emotional depth and narrative coherence. Details of exposition were looked at, considering elements like mise en scene, dialogue, narration, and flashback to help convey important information to the audience while keeping them engaged. 

Save the Cat Beat Sheet Narrative Structure

Beat 1: The Opening Image		Sabrina walking in the hallway feeling alone and sad but is surrounded by plenty of people
Beat 2: Theme-stated		Jae is trying to flirt with a girl but hey begin to argue because she found out that Jae has a girlfriend.
Beat 3: Set-Up		Sabrina just wants a geniuine, loyal relationship with her girlfriend but Jae does not know how to properly communicate and is jealous of her childhood friend, Tray.
The Hook		Due to Jaes jealously, she sends something around about Sabrina to get “revenge”

Exposition

Mise en scene	Sabrina wore a hoodie and other baggy, black clothing inorder to show that she is not feeling her best due to everything happening in her life at the moment.
Dialouge	Sabrina and her best friend Tony run into eachother but Sabrina ends the conversation short when Jae calls. After the phone call, a girl comes in the bathroom to tell her about something she say dealing with her girlfriend.
Narration	The main character, Sabrina, does a voiceover describing the struggles she is facing and explains how she truly feels.
Flashback	Jae and a girl arguing because she is tired of being second and feeling “played with” due to Jae having an actual girlfriend.

Pre-production: Defining the Setting

 Here we decide the settings for important scenes in our movie in the next class. We understood how crucial setting is in influencing the mood, vibe, and direction of the story. We worked together to choose the right locations that would complement our plot. This was done by thinking about things like era, location, and cultural details. This helps on setting established a strong base for our storytelling, setting the stage for captivating cinematic moments.

Defining the Setting of the world

General Setting

Location (Where?)	Time Period (When)?	Landscape (Indoor/outdoor)	Tone		Social Economical Status, governing principles of the place and culture
High school in Miami, Florida	Present day	Indoor (school hallways, classrooms, bedrooms, bathroom)	Emotional, introspective, with moments of tension and drama		The high school setting reflects the social dynamics and pressures faced by teenagers, including academic expectations, peer relationships, and cultural influences.
Number of Locations	Location (Where?)	Landscape (Indoor/outdoor)	Time of Day	Tone	Lighting Source
6	High school & Bedrooms	Indoor	Afternoon	Emotional	Dark and gloomy

Pre-production: Defining Characters

 Once we had established the important elements of our film project's logline, our group focused on defining the key aspects of each character. We wanted to make sure that they were portrayed with depth and authenticity. We had detailed discussions and brainstorming sessions to carefully create nuanced profiles for each character. These profiles included important details such as their age, gender, class, social status, ethnicity, sexuality, regional identity, abilities, appearances, lifestyle interests or preferences, political values, and professions. This thorough exploration allowed us to bring our characters to life and make their backgrounds and motivations more meaningful within the context of our story.

Defining your Characters
Age 16		Gender Female	Ethnicity Black/Africa American		Sexuality Bisexuality
Identity or title: High school student		Class and social status: Middle-Class High School Student	Abilities: academic skills, creativity, communication skills, emotional maturity, and resilience		lifestyle interests: she enjoys photography and music which calms her
Moral Values: Loyalty, honesty, compassion, integrity, and resilience			Struggles: academic pressure, relationship conflict, self-discovery, friendship dynamics, and coping with betrayal
Costume: Baggy Clothes	Frizzy hair Natural Makeups		Props: milkshake, phone	Pink and black are 2 colors used to describe our character
Supporting Characters

Acting and Costume, Hair and Makeup
Character	Demographics	Appearance	Facial Expression	Body Language	Personality	Costume, Hair, and Makeup	Colors used to describe who they are.
Tony	·        Age:16 ·        Gender: Female ·        Ethnicity: African American ·        Middle-class ·        Sexuality: straight	·        Tall ·        Brownskin ·        Pink hair	·        Happy and smiley ·        Confused and concerned	·        Akward/ Disapointing	·        Caring	·        Dressed casual ·        Natural makeup	·        Pink hair to describe her as outgoing
Jae	·        Age:16 ·        Gender: Female ·        Ethnicity: African American ·        Middle-class ·        Sexuality: Lesbian	·        Tall ·        Brownskin ·        Curly hair	·        Smiley ·        Judgemental	·        Upset	·        Unserious ·        Playful ·        Disloyal	·        No makeup ·        Messy bun	·        Blak to describe her as chill
Tray	·        Age:16 ·        Gender: Male ·        Ethnicity: African American ·        Middle-class ·        Sexuality: straight	·        Tall ·        Brownskin ·        High taper ·        Athletic	·        Serious	·        Upset	·        Protective ·        Caring ·        Comforting	·        No makeup	·        No certain colors