Research on CCR 1

      Now this is oddly what I am excited for. Ever since my teacher introduced the CCRs, I have been brainstorming how I can present my knowledge and journey through this project. Although I am very interested in these questions, I still am aware that this is a big portion of my project and should be taken very cautiously. But for right now, it is just researching in response to the questions.

How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

       Coming-of-age movies frequently feature themes of identity and personal development. Close-ups, for example, contribute the viewer to connect with the protagonist's personal issues by capturing meaningful moments. Wide shots, on the other hand, highlight the character's relationship to the outside world or their sense of isolation. POV shots put the viewer in the protagonist's shoes throughout major shifts in their lives. Low/high angles are sometimes used to convey weakness or power. While harsh lighting emphasizes emotional conflict, soft lighting is used to evoke nostalgia.

      My film opening conveys multiple of these conventions. Close-ups used to show Alba’s concern for choosing to miss out hanging out with her friends or family. The final shot is a wide shot to show how isolated she is from her heritage as she sits at the opposite side of the table from all the Venezuelan decorations. 

Kench, S. (2023, September 25). Video: 3 elements in the best coming of age movies. StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-coming-of-age-movie-definition/ 

Small but proud editing

     Editing again... But at least there is something to show this time. This eyeline match might be basic editing, however, coming from someone who has zero (and I mean ZERO) experience in any form of editing, this is a small step. But in general editing has been going well and I am on the right track to be finished by the end of next week. I am a little nervous about the credits since I need to learn how to put text on clips. A sound element I have decided to possibly do is a voiceover. These are common in coming-of-age films and it would help the audience understand where the plot begins

Character looking at calendar off screen

Calendar shown directly after revealing issue

    The only clip I have had to refilm is the clip where Alba gets the notification from her friend asking if she is free that weekend. When I first filmed it, I didn't realize the time, 4:55. This is way too late to be arriving from school as it is almost evening. So I had to refilm that short clip at around 3. This way it is more realistic as in the U.S. we leave school at 3.

Editing my brain

     Started editing!! Sadly. This is the worst part of these types of projects. I typically enjoy editing when all clips are in order, placed nicely, and have the right momentum. That means all that is left is sound and adjusting the visual of the clip. That is fun, I want to watch some videos on how to make that work in Adobe Premier Pro as I am not as familiar with the program but know it can be very useful in this project.

    Right now, I am just organizing everything and getting familiar with Adobe Premier. I am weirdly excited about learning more about this tool. Although I might start editing this week, next it is going to be all I think of. This week is a little rocky with focus since the quarter is ending so every teacher is assigning projects or tests. I am relieved that next week my focus will be on this project. This blog post just served as a small update as I am just beginning to edit. Next post, I want to give an example of an edit I have done.

Filming Process

     Finally finished up with filming after slight scheduling conflicts. My anxiety increases as the due date gets closer and closer. The more I look at the clips, the more I start to nitpick at them. Unfortunately, we don't have months to work on this project, just a few weeks left. I have to do my best and ignore my perfectionism mentality.

My dog in the right bottom corner peeking

    Filming ran smoothly with just some quick mishaps in the way. For example, my dog getting in multiple frames or the camera focusing on the wrong thing. But all of these things were fixed by taking my dog outside or refilming the shot. All clips came out well but knowing me I might refilm certain ones or add some depending on how editing plays out. Some clips were intentional for a certain type of editing, like an eyeline match.

    I plan to match this with a shot of the calendar showing an important date/tradition in Latin culture, a family parilla (Direct translation: grill). This would create that struggle for balance between her friends and her family. One of my biggest worries is that the audience won't be able to capture that. Hopefully editing and sound will play a big role into transforming this theme.

    Next blog post, I should be starting on editing. This week, I want to finish importing and organizing the clips. I could even start working on sound and color if time lets me. My goal is to have the film opening done by the end of next week as I need to start researching and producing my CCRs soon.

First Obstacle

      Well it was going to happened eventually! My first obstacle of filming process. My family friends are over. I mixed up the dates they were coming. I thought they were coming in two weeks, which would be no problem since it would be just editing. However, that didn’t work. It’s alright thought. I can push filming to Monday and start editing the same day so I don’t lose time. A small issue but a quick situation. This didn’t stop me from continuing. 

    In order to make up for lost time, I started completely cleaning the whole house. That is when I noticed there is a better location to film the eating and texting scene in my house. My kitchen has a kitchen nook (just found out the official name) that the walls are decorated with souvenirs from Venezuela. I have no idea how I didn’t think of this spot first. There is also a calendar on that same wall so I wouldn’t have to use the phone calendar like I thought I’d have to. This makes it much more smoother, now just two days until filming.