Dylan Lash AICE MEDIA BLOG by https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog en-us 2022-08-23 14:24:06 UTC 2023-04-11 14:03:18 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f976.png First Student Film/Reflection DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2269517106 This was our first film as a class. I was in a group with 5 other people. We decided to make a film about a murder/ super hero story. We used a number of wide and moving shots in the film. This took about one class period to put together. I believe if we had extended time we could have improved the plot.

Based on classroom critics, we found that the acting and filming for our group was our upside. For the acting, we didn't break character a lot and for filming we used a lot of the same shots which was good at first but the got repetitive. Our downside was the sound quality and the plot of the film. The sound quality was bad due to our lack of equipment and other noises coming from the courtyard. Our main downside was the plot of the story. Our group was going back and forth about ideas on what the movie was going to be about and ultimately, we were unprepared for when it was time to shoot the movie. I believe next time if my group coordinated a plan than the plot will make more sense.

https://youtu.be/hyMkguBn7gE]]> 2022-08-24 01:53:44 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2269517106 Film Remake and Reflection DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2330435591 For this assignment we were told to remake and improve another groups film while incorporating 10 different shots and camera movements. The original plot of the film was a student getting rejected from Harvard and having to come up with something in order for them to except him, which was the cure for blindness. In our movie however, we added different characters to make the story more interesting. What our group did was add an antagonist who would steal the cure from the main character and send the cure to Harvard for their acceptance. I played the dean of Harvard at the beginning of the film. This was different than the first movie we did as a group because I had a much bigger acting role. For this movie however, I had one scene than spent the rest of the time assisting in directing and filming the scenes. 

Some positives that we received from our classmates the the improvement of the story and the sound quality of the film. Some things in the film that we were told to work on was the misuse of different angles and shots at times. We did however, use shots to convey emotions of the characters and the intensity of the scene. For example in the second scene we had the antagonist listen into the the protagonists conversation. You knew something was going because we zoomed in from our medium shot to a medium close of the antagonist eavesdropping. Another example was in the lab when the protagonist and antagonist are working together to make a cure we used a medium shot while also dimming the lights to give the scene an after-hours feel to it. Finally, in one of the last scenes, we have the protagonist confronting the antagonist about stealing the cure. In this scene we conveyed that there was a problem by filming a medium shot with both characters facing each other, in this scene we also added depth to intensify the mood. ]]> 2022-10-07 04:03:50 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2330435591 Genre and Representation Reflection DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2366780467 For this assignment, we were told to pick 2 genres of the 19 that we could have selected. Those being Western, Shakespeare, Biopic, Sports, Musicals, Romances, Comedy, Drama, History, War, Superheroes, Documentaries, Family, Amination, Horror, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy. With these genres we had to do a deeper dive (through PowerPoint) into the conventions of the genre like what the stories are like in these movies, how the characters act and what the setting looks like in these specific movies. We also had to go over codes of the genre, which includes different usage of shots, lighting and editing techniques. Finally, we went over what the audience should expect when watching the movies. To show this, our presentations contained 3 movie clips from different time periods  that would exemplify the conventions, codes and the audience's expectations.

For the films my group made, we said the genres were horror and drama. In the first movie, we said horror because there were unexpected twist and turns that were scary. We used a lot of close ups and tracking shots to build suspense. We would hope the audience of our film feels a bit of an adrenaline rush when they watch our movie. For our Second movie, we said drama because there was betrayal and personal issues showed by the characters throughout the movie. For this film we used a lot of over the shoulder shots and medium shots. We would hope our audience feels a shock at the end of the movie.

Out of all the genre, my personal favorite has to be comedy. I love the classic comedy movies but also love many out today. I believe for the last group assignment of the year, my group should definatly consider doing a comedy movie. The movie would just be about a regular class that is full of stereotypical high school characters that crack a bunch of witty jokes and do a lot of funny pranks on the teacher and on each other. For the codes of the movie we could shoot it like a sitcom with lots of wide and medium shots. I would expect our audience to laugh at the movies jokes but the main emotion we want the audience to feel is happiness.]]> 2022-11-02 14:30:15 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2366780467 Aice Media Studies DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2442419287 In the past months in this course, we have learned a lot about the post production process including editing techniques, sound, and screenplay format. We also watched a documentary on editing techniques used in movie. I really learned a lot on how to captivate the audiences attention through editing. Also in the last month and probably the most helpful assignment, was the screenplay of the Incredibles.  This I found to be really helpful when constructing my script.

For this assignment, we were instructed to make a 1-2 minute horror or horror hybrid film. In this film, we were not allowed to be in however we were able to pick the cast. Other requirements that I followed were the addition of music, A company logo, and 3 cuts to and from the dream. Also in this movie we had to have certain shots in the movie one  close up; one dutch angle; one high or low angle; one low key light set up or one silhouette; one pan or tilt or track/push or spinaround; one zoom or dolly zoom;  one subliminal cut or multitake or smash cut; one match cut; one  J cut or L cut; one use of slow or fast motion; one intentional use of color for story/emotion; one instance of intentional use of costume/hair/makeup; one instance of visual complexity in setting choice (color, texture, depth, lines, shapes, etc.); three sound effects; one piece of incidental music or one sound motif repeated three times. I believe I made all the necessary requirements. 

1A. I believe that in this movie that for many parts of the movie, I adhered to conventions in the movie by adding ominous music. I adhered to the movie code by filming at night to give it a creepy vibe. Finally, I adhered to audience expectations by adding suspense to the movie, to add suspense I had my little brother, Cole, run a lot so it seemed like he was running away from something. 

1B. I broke horror conventions by adding comedy into the film. I think that adding this was a good idea because it allowed the audience to get caught of guard because right after this was a scary scene. I broke horror code by not having the main villain or bad guy dress up like they were a bad guy. In the movie my sister was the villain and she didn't wear anything to make her look scary. This also assisted me in catching in the audience off guard because no one would expect a 15 year old girl to be an evil murderer. Finally I broke audience expectation because they thought they were going to get a straight horror film from the first 20-30 but it ended up being a horror hybrid.

1C. In my movie the main character was my little brother who represents a normal boy. My sister on the other hand was seen at first as just being a regular girl at first glance but in the scene after she is introduced she is shown to be evil.

2A. I think the success in my piece stems from the different shots that were taken. So many shot were used for different reasons. For example, when my brother is running I do a pov shot to show the urgency to get away from what ever is following him. Another thing I attribute my success to is the setting. The setting is on a golf course and at night you get peaceful yet frightening feeling. 

2B. I think the worst part of the movie was the acting. I tried to get my sister and brother to stop laughing when ever I started recording. It got to the point where I just cut the clip short. However, I will say they were very cooperative. 

2C. For this project I used Arc Studios to write my script, iMovie to edit and YouTube to Upload. I shot all my footage on two separate nights. My sister and brother were always busy so unfortunately I could not get them in a shot together. For music, I looked up dark ominous music and used two different tracks throughout the movie. Overall, I think I learned a lot from my first independent movie and what I can do next time to improve it.]]> 2023-01-12 15:20:46 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2442419287 DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2472854842
1. A one or two sentence description of the first two minutes. What happens?

In the first 2 minutes of the movie we are introduced to the main character of the movie who works as a doctor mental hospital. She is issued a patient that sees a sinister smile that frightens her. After talking the women sees that she is smiling in a deviously. This causes the patient to freak out. When the doctor calls for help we see the woman cut her face open with a horrifying smile.

2. What is the genre and who is the target audience for this film?

The genre is horror and target audience is men ages 15-40. 

3. Describe the opening credits and title sequences, including any company logos or idents. When do they appear? What color/font are they using? How does it "align" with the opening of the film? Anything else you notice?

For the opening credits, the words are in red. This was used because a women was just killed herself. The credits appear during the aftermath of the suicide. 

3. Describe it visually -- a shot by shot breakdown that includes type of shot/movement, if any.


0:07-0:12- wide shot
0:12-0:15 - medium shot
0:15-0:18- wide shot
0:18-0:24 wide shot
0:24-0:28 - medium shot
0:28-0:36 medium shot
0:36-0:48 medium shot 
0:48-0:56 medium shot
0:56- 1:04 wide shot
1:04-1:11 medium shot
1:11- 1:28 Medium close
1:28-1:32 medium close







4. Describe the sound -- a "sound by sound" analysis of the entire first two minutes. 


For my sound by sound analysis, there was no music. I believe it was made like this to build suspense and uncertainty. 



5. Describe how you felt at the end of the two minutes. Did you want to know more? What was left hanging, if anything? What questions do you still have?

The 2 minutes were definatly scary and kept the audience wondering what would happen next.







6. How would you describe the editing style in this clip? Any particular editing techniques you noticed, or length of shots?  

There is no specific edit style in these 2 minutes. Just a bunch of ordinary cuts from  one character to another.







7. How did these first two minutes adhere to conventions?


They don't include too much music. This allows the viewers mind to run wild and try to anticipate what will happen next. This is also used as a tactic to frighten the viewer.






8. How did these first two minutes break with conventions?


The first 2 minutes broke conventions by just having a one on one talk for the majority of the beginning. This breaks conventions because in horror there is some type of build up. These first 2 minutes gives the viewer a false sense of security and the inability to trust anyone throughout the movie.  






9. How did these first two minutes represent social groups or people or issues?  


The first 2 minutes could represent those with schizophrenia. 






10. Why do you think this film was originally distributed in the way that it was?


I think that these types or horror films people prefer to see in an unfamiliar environment rather than in the comfort of their own home. 






11. EXTRA CREDIT: Any other thoughts or comments or realizations you had about film openings after viewing this clip?

This clip and movie as a whole is kind of ironic in the fact that the evil in this movie is something harmless like a smile.



]]> 2023-02-08 04:31:10 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2472854842 Preproduction Requirements - Editor DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2483653604 For this movie, I consulted my director Sarah about the shots we are going to incorporate in our film to captivate our audience. We will use a lot of medium shots and wide shots to have the setting play a part in the film along with the characters body language. Once the confrontation between the killer and the main character we plan to use tracking shots and over the shoulder shots. In the film, a boy is on the phone with someone. I believe using different angles from around the room can be creepy and unsettling for the viewer. For the editing portion I will possibly use a split screen because the boys are playing an online game together, I will also use fast cuts.

I will create the logo on photoshop. I will use a bold font with either red or dripping red on the letters. 

I don't plan to use too many special transitions but if I had to pick 2 it would be just straight cuts or dissolves.

For the sound I will use dark, suspenseful music most of the track. However when Darren is on the phone I plan to cut out the music and let the viewers mind run wild to decipher what is going on in the moment. For the music I will not be using copyrighted music.

 ]]> 2023-02-15 15:34:30 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2483653604 Independent Distribution and Marketing Plan - Next Caller DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2509607277 1.  To distribute our film independently we would start by putting it on YouTube and other social media platforms. Once the word got out about it, then we could try moving to bigger distributors. Film distributors are always good to have because they can help you get your film to bigger and better places. Streaming would be huge for our movie. Horror movies do very well on streaming platforms which makes it necessary to put our film on one. When you get movies to streaming platforms people start watching it and that's when things can really take off.

2. The title of our film is "Next Caller." I think our title works well because it incorporates information about our movie. One main part of our film is a phone call that a young boy takes, the title gives you a little information without giving away what the whole film is about. We originally had a more complex title, but we decided to go with something more short and simple. In horror films, a more simple title creates more suspense and wonder than if it was a long complex title.

3. "The call I never should have answered."

4. The target audience for our film is teenager to young adult males. A big thing our target audience is into would be video games and "scary" activities/things. Video games is a huge thing that our target audience does, as most of them will have horror, violence, and suspense. When choosing a show/movie to watch our target audience is going to pick something they know will bring them terror. They want to feel scared and a sense of not knowing what is happening next. For entertainment, they are going to theaters to watch movies, playing video games, and doing random activities with friends. Our target audience also spends a lot of time on YouTube watching their favorite creators playing video games and doing activities. They are renting and buying movies that all fall into the genre of horror. For fun activities our target audience may attend haunted houses. The reason they would be interested in our film would be because it has an aspect of horror, fear, and suspense. 

5. YouTube is a great place to spread information and advertise our movie. Since our target audience spends so much time online, online advertising is going to be the best. Online advertising would include, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Video game platforms (PlayStation), Snapchat, and haunted activity websites. Non virtual places would be the location of the haunted activity, movie theaters, school, and popular places teens hang out (mall, bowling alley).

6. One way we can engage our target audience is by putting our ad's on websites and platforms that are target audience uses. On YouTube before horror videos or videos of people playing video games that have a fear and violence factor. We could try and make a deal with a haunted corn maze place. Something like if you buy a ticket to our movie "Next Caller" you get BOGO half off corn maze tickets. Then both companies are making money. This is a way your audience is getting two things that they enjoy in one. That brings in more customers.

7. I would design our movie poster with big bold lettering most likely in red with the letters giving a dripping effect. The red shows fear and terror. By keeping this color pattern it will stick with our genre. Red is a very common color used in the horror genre. Blacks and grays are also colors we could use because they are dark and give off a suspenseful and scary aspect. When you think of the dark you think of something scary. Iconography that will be used is blood dripping. This is because it plays a role in our film as well as a convention of horror genre. The font will be bold. That shows aggression and power.

8. Smile is a movie that had a great marketing campaign. I saw ad's for this movie everywhere and on so many different platforms. The trailer that was put out was very suspenseful and left you wondering what was going to happen next. When marketing for horror films by making the trailer very scary it is going to make viewers want to view that movie more. If the trailer is boring and doesn't show a lot of fear people who like horror aren't going to want to go and watch it.]]> 2023-03-09 03:21:31 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2509607277 Production and Editing Reflection DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2530496672 Some things that we changed/modified after filming our first take was changing the color tones of the film along with making the shots longer. In the first take we had very short shots that didn't have a lot to them. We decided to make them longer because it made the movie flow better along with not making it look so choppy. When we made them shorter it made it look the clips weren't meant to be put together. We also changed the color because the first time we filmed the clips had a lot of color to them, the second take we decided to make the shots that had more color have a more black and white tint to them. This was because our movie genre is horror, so the darker colors make it more scary. One thing that I learned during the production process how long filming the movie actually takes. It takes mulitple times to shoot the shot that you want they way you want it. If someone laughs, there is a random noise in the background, or the quality is bad you have to re-shoot it.]]> 2023-03-24 14:15:08 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2530496672 Critical Reflection DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2545701904 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twF9SeO7eMY]]> 2023-04-06 02:18:01 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2545701904 Final Film Next Caller DylanLash4181 https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2550218416 https://youtu.be/QcuTzcaGomo]]> 2023-04-11 14:03:18 UTC https://padlet.com/DylanLash4181/4181aicemediablog/wish/2550218416