Preparing for Editing

I will be traveling quite a lot to visit colleges during my school's Spring Break. That will not stop me from finishing my AICE Media project, though. I plan to finish filming my project within the next few days and edit the piece in my free time while I travel. Some projects in my AICE Media class have introduced me to editing softwares, but there is still so much to learn for the ambitious film opening idea I have in my mind. This will be one of my last research posts. I had to really explore every possible visual and audio editing software and see their perks. Some seem to go along with exactly what my film needs, and some do not. 

Adobe Premiere Pro:

Adobe Premiere Pro remains a dominant force in the editing software landscape, known for its robust features, flexibility, and integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Its non-linear editing system allows for seamless editing of footage in various formats, including 8K and virtual reality. Premiere Pro offers advanced color grading tools, audio editing capabilities, and a wide range of plugins and extensions to enhance workflow efficiency. Additionally, its integration with Adobe After Effects simplifies motion graphics and visual effects integration into projects.

Final Cut Pro X:

Developed by Apple, Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing software known for its intuitive interface, powerful performance, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. It features a magnetic timeline, making it easy to organize and rearrange clips without affecting the overall structure of the project. Final Cut Pro X offers advanced color grading tools, built-in audio editing capabilities, and support for 360-degree video editing. With the addition of features like ProRes RAW support and HDR workflows, Final Cut Pro X continues to be a popular choice among Mac users.

DaVinci Resolve:

DaVinci Resolve, developed by Blackmagic Design, is a comprehensive editing software that also includes robust color grading, audio post-production, and visual effects capabilities. Its non-linear editing interface provides professional-grade editing tools, including dynamic trimming, multi-cam editing, and advanced keyframing. DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page offers node-based compositing for creating complex visual effects, while its Fairlight audio page provides high-end audio editing and mixing features. With its free version offering many powerful features and the paid Studio version unlocking even more advanced capabilities, DaVinci Resolve has gained popularity among editors looking for an all-in-one solution.

Avid Media Composer:

Avid Media Composer has long been a staple in the film and television industry, known for its stability, industry-standard editing tools, and collaborative workflow features. It offers a wide range of editing capabilities, including advanced trimming tools, timeline customization options, and support for multiple video formats and resolutions. Avid Media Composer's MediaCentral platform facilitates seamless collaboration among team members, allowing for real-time sharing of projects, media, and metadata. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to some other options, Avid Media Composer remains a go-to choice for professional editors working on large-scale productions.

Of all of these options, I am leaning towards Adobe Premiere Pro. My class is already pretty fond of it because of our previous projects (which some of my early blog posts go in-depth about). A big perk of Adobe, though, is their audio help. 

One of the standout features of Adobe Audition is its integration with Adobe Premiere Pro, enabling a seamless workflow between video and audio editing tasks. Editors can easily send audio clips from Premiere Pro to Audition for detailed editing and then import the edited audio back into their Premiere Pro projects without losing synchronization. For example, let's say you're editing a short film in Adobe Premiere Pro and need to enhance the audio quality of a dialogue scene. You can select the audio clip, right-click, and choose "Edit Clip in Adobe Audition." This opens the selected audio clip in Audition, where you can apply noise reduction, equalization, compression, and other effects to improve its clarity and balance. After fine-tuning the audio in Audition, you can save your changes and return to Premiere Pro. The updated audio clip will automatically replace the original clip in your Premiere Pro timeline, with all edits and effects intact. This seamless integration between Premiere Pro and Audition streamlines the audio editing process, allowing for efficient collaboration and a cohesive post-production workflow.

CCR Concept

I believe I have a few original and funny ideas for my Creative Critical Reflection.

In this episode of How I Met Your Mother, Barney pretends to be an old man from the future to bring a girl home with him. In his "future" form, he warns the girl that she must buy his "young" self a drink the next time she sees him. The plan surprisingly works.

I want to make a portion of my CCR about time travel. The video would start from the "future," where I would dress up as an elderly man. I would reminisce about my grand AICE Media project from many years ago before it cuts to my younger self. The video would go through different days throughout the two months through my research/filming/editing process. I would be filming all these segments now, but pretend as if the viewer used a time travel machine to hop to that part of my creative process. I would be able to give a first person point of view on what I was working on. It would allow me to answer the questions fairly easily and seamlessly since it takes place during the working days.

For another part of my CCR, I would create a podcast. This would be much simpler than the time travel idea. The only editing required would be audio related. For any of the CCR rubric's questions which I didn't answer in the video, I would answer any in this podcast. People have already told me that I have a decent voiceover voice. I think that with the right setting and mic adjustments, I could really make a reflection with a clean creative take that's easy to listen to.

The Importance of the Chorus

Unfortunately, actors for my project have been dropping left and right. The week before Spring Break is pretty hard to schedule people for, so I made sure to ask early. Still, it wasn't enough. I am filming my project within the next few days, and I am still uncertain how many people are committed to come. I thought this would be the perfect time to explain why I am going to these lengths to get as many students as possible (and explain our song choice).

In the dynamic landscape of filmmaking, juxtaposing elements from different eras can create a rich and immersive experience for viewers. When tasked with crafting the opening sequence for my present-day film project, I found inspiration in the haunting melodies of the 1800s. Thus, I decided to weave the timeless strains of "Across the Fields of Golden Grain" into a modern choral arrangement, setting the stage for a journey that transcends time. I originally heard of this tune in my own chorus class.

Modern Interpretation of a Classic:

"Across the Fields of Golden Grain," penned by Stephen Collins Foster in the 19th century, embodies the essence of a bygone era. Yet, its themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time resonate just as strongly today as they did over a century ago. By infusing this timeless melody with a modern choral arrangement, I aim to bridge the gap between past and present, creating a cinematic experience that transcends temporal boundaries. The song is from the 1800's and there have been no other major iterations of it. I am able to use it as it is now in public domain.

Emotional Amplification: A chorus has the capacity to evoke profound emotions through the sheer force of multiple voices singing in unison. Whether it's joy, sorrow, longing, or triumph, the collective resonance of a chorus can intensify the emotional impact of a scene or piece of music. In film, this emotional amplification can serve to deepen the viewer's connection to the story and characters.

Narrative Conveyance: Just as in ancient Greek theater where the chorus served as a commentary on the action, a chorus in film can convey important themes, motifs, or messages. Through their lyrics or vocal expression, a chorus can provide context, foreshadow events, or offer insight into the characters' inner thoughts and feelings. This narrative role adds layers of depth and complexity to the storytelling process.

Symbolism and Unity: A chorus often symbolizes unity, community, and collective strength. In both music and film, it can represent solidarity among characters, societies, or even humanity as a whole. This symbolism reinforces themes of togetherness, resilience, and shared experiences, resonating with audiences on a deeply human level.

Sense of Grandeur: The sheer magnitude of multiple voices singing in harmony creates a sense of grandeur and majesty. This can elevate the emotional stakes of a scene or piece of music, imbuing it with a sense of importance and significance. In film, a chorus can be used to underscore pivotal moments, adding weight and gravitas to the narrative.

Timeless Appeal: The timeless quality of choral music transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Whether it's a classical choir performing a centuries-old masterpiece or a contemporary ensemble singing a modern composition, the power of the human voice in harmony resonates across generations. In film, this timeless appeal can help create a connection between audiences of different backgrounds and ages.

This is the only recording of the song I can find. The song itself is fairly unknown. I am glad that there are no other official covers. No one will be able to compare my film's cover to anyone else's. 

Lighting Ideas

 Scene 1: The Auditorium Stage

Our protagonist, a passionate chorus teacher, stands on the grand stage of an empty auditorium, preparing for a pivotal performance. The stage is set, quite literally, for us to manipulate the lighting to enhance the impact of the scene.

While researching lighting techniques for stage performances, I've discovered several strategies to consider:

- Spotlight: A classic choice for drawing focus, a spotlight can highlight our protagonist as they deliver a stirring monologue or conduct their choir. By controlling the intensity and angle of the spotlight, we can create dramatic contrasts and evoke a sense of theatricality.

- Backlighting: Placing lights behind the performers can add depth and dimension to the stage, casting captivating silhouettes against the backdrop. This technique can amplify the emotional resonance of the scene, especially during poignant moments of reflection or triumph.

- Color Temperature: Playing with the color temperature of the lights can evoke specific moods. Warm hues like amber or golden yellow can infuse the stage with a sense of intimacy and nostalgia, while cool tones like blue or purple can convey melancholy or mystery.

Scene 2: The Messy Classroom

- In stark contrast to the polished grandeur of the auditorium stage, our next scene takes place in a static, messy classroom—a reflection of the chaos and charm of our protagonist's everyday life.

For this setting, I envision a more naturalistic approach to lighting, capturing the authenticity of the environment:

- Soft, Diffused Light: Soft, diffused lighting can mimic the gentle glow of daylight filtering through the windows, casting a flattering yet understated illumination on the cluttered classroom. This lighting style can convey a sense of warmth and familiarity, inviting viewers into the intimate space.

- Practical Lighting: Incorporating practical light sources within the scene, such as desk lamps or overhead fluorescents, can add layers of realism and texture. These practical lights can also serve as focal points, guiding the audience's attention to specific areas of interest within the frame.

- Subtle Variations: Introducing subtle variations in lighting intensity and direction can enhance the visual interest of the scene without overshadowing the narrative. By strategically positioning lights to create pockets of shadow and highlight, we can add depth and visual intrigue to the cluttered classroom setting.

Lighting is a powerful tool in the filmmaker's arsenal, capable of transforming ordinary scenes into cinematic masterpieces. By carefully selecting and manipulating lighting techniques, I can imbue the film with depth, emotion, and authenticity, captivating audiences and bringing our story to life on the silver screen. 

(If this whole idea about using an auditorium works, I also prepared myself to work with the light board. One video by the Phoenix Union was really helpful in explaining the terms)

STORYBOARD

The storyboard is finished. It is a pretty simple series of shots, but it is still nice to put everything together in order. I'm really starting to imagine the product now. As you can see, I still haven't made a title. I need to choose one immediately.

𝚏𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝

You might not realize it (I certainly didn't), but the font choice in a movie title can say a lot about the film even before you watch it. I recently embarked on a journey to understand how different fonts can set the tone and evoke certain emotions in viewers.

Fonts are more than just letters on a screen; they're like the wardrobe of a film, helping to establish its personality and mood. Picture this: you're scrolling through Netflix, looking for a movie to watch. Suddenly, you stumble upon two titles: one in bold, blocky letters and another in elegant, cursive script. Which one catches your eye first? Chances are, the font played a significant role in your decision-making process. The Cambridge viewers have no choice but to watch my film opening, but you get the idea.

Different fonts can convey various emotions and themes. Some even have built up their own stereotype. For instance, serif fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia are classic and traditional, often associated with historical dramas or period pieces. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts like Helvetica or Arial are sleek and modern, fitting for contemporary stories or action-packed thrillers.

But what about dramedies? These quirky, heartfelt films blend elements of drama and comedy, requiring a font that strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness. After some careful consideration, I've narrowed down my font choices for my dramedy movie about the chorus teacher:

Garamond: This elegant serif font exudes sophistication while maintaining a hint of warmth. It's like the wise mentor that is the protagonist. Garamond could be an excellent choice for a dramedy that celebrates the power of music and mentorship.

Comic Sans MS: Despite its reputation, Comic Sans MS has a whimsical charm that could suit a light-hearted dramedy perfectly. Its playful demeanor suggests a story filled with laughter, heartache, and ultimately, redemption.

Bodoni MT: Bold and stylish, Bodoni MT commands attention while still maintaining a sense of sophistication. Its sharp serifs and dramatic strokes make it ideal for a dramedy that explores the complexities of human relationships within the backdrop of a chorus teacher's life.

Ultimately, the choice of font for a movie title is subjective and depends on the specific tone and themes of the film. In addition, I think it will be up to when I actually place the title card. The Comic Sans MS approach could only work if it was placed in a comedic portion of my film opening. Currently, I'm leaning towards Garamond. As I continue to learn about the art of storytelling, I'm reminded that every detail, from the script to the font choice, contributes to the overall cinematic experience.

Finding Actors

    One thing that came up from the group meeting a few days ago was how I would be able to find the right actors for my film opening. I will need a classroom of chorus students. I started off with terrible expectations. I'm assumed that many of the people I knew at school had already been asked to act in an AICE Media project and would not care to be in another. I had to go on a hunt. I decided to ask some of my real friends in my chorus class to be in the piece. They can probably sing. I also threw in some theatre kids, since they can probably sing as well. I put them all into a group chat and gave the whole list of directions if they were to participate in the project. To my surprise, they were all instantly engaged in the concept, and 7 of them gave back quick positive answers.

    I got on a few more verbal confirmations as well while asking around school. I don't believe I need a regular class size of 20 students in my film opening, but I would like as many as possible. This is an amazing start. I just hope that everyone was being truthful in how they believe they'll be available on our filming days. I'm sure that homework and studying and work may conflict. We will be filming on "Week Seven" now. It is a bit late to film, but that week is the only time where everyone is free. Technically, I still wouldn't be going against the original schedule!

    I have one more huge problem. I don't know who to choose to be the main conductor. I am very stuck between choosing a student or choosing an adult. I am not sure if the audience will be able to suspend their disbelief enough if they see a student as a teacher. However, it will be able hard to convince an adult to stay after school for the project. The most possible idea would be asking the actual chorus teacher if he'd like to be the role. Still, I'm sure the filming process will take a few hours and maybe even multiple days. I wouldn't want to put him through that if he is hesitant. I will be contemplating about this. For now, I'm gonna look at my cast and see who could possibly pass for being the conductor and bringing that tired teacher energy. Additionally, it's about time I make the storyboard.