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Movie Opener Final Draft

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8dvUDWyDmE

We made sure to lengthen the film with subsequent detective scenes to add depth to the story. Relating this murder to others that have hypothetically happened in the local area in the past.

Evaluating Peer Reviews

What I liked	What confused me	Suggestions
I liked that there were scenery changes in the opening and that it did not take place in one single area. I liked that there were different characters present in the story line.	I was confused who Tessa's character was asking questions to. I was also confused as to why Tessa's character was investigating the suspect when Shea's character was the one who seemed to be the police officer.	I would suggest that the opening include more context of what is going on. I understood that someone died and someone else was a suspect, but I did not have any inclination of who the suspect was or what their motive might have been. I felt that there was some missing pieces that could have been added to fill in the blanks.
I liked the follow shot at the beginning, and how you didn't know that there was a body until Tessa said so on the phone call.	Nothing really left me confused other than not being able to really hear what was going on at the beginning of the opening.	The sound quality was bad, which made it very hard to hear what the actors were saying. This isn't really something that can be changed. A suggestion might be to voiceover what the actors were already saying-specifically during Tessa's phone call on the beach to 911. I would also try to include the title of your movie at some point during the opening, whether it's at the end, beginning, or middle-or at least some credits.
I like how the body was in a more secluded area, it is more realistic that it would be found there as no one would have previously passed by to notice it.	It was weird that she immediately identified the body on the beach as dead instead of checking to see the person's condition first. I was left wondering why the interrogation was taken at that angle.	Tessa should go up to the victim before calling about a dead body. If this video was filmed on a phone camera, putting a sock on the part where audio is picked up should help reduce wind noise. [___-] <----
I liked the long shot of the beach scenery and the responses that the possible suspect gave. His acting stood out against the others.	Tessa asked where were you the night of the murder when the murder was done during the day. I thought that ruined the film because it made it seem like it was rushed. I was confused on why there weren't any horror/suspense elements added.	Honestly, this rough draft opening really needs work. It didn't meet the time requirements nor the mystery/horror theme. They need to revise their lines so it could match the story they're telling and do a couple of takes where the investigator actually looks serious instead of smiling the entire time. Add production and cast names. Work together to know who can play what role best. Overall, improve the story and acting.
I like the fact this group went outside of school and took footage.	Who was being questioned?	I video quality of some scenes, seems to be last minute. And video was short.
The natural sound of the waves crashing against the beach	No confusion	The acting needs to be more natural or realistic, and when interrogating someone smile doesn't come as intimidating unless you are playing good cop
The decision to hide the body from the camera's initial point of view is important in order to show the amount of effort that the killer put into his/her work.	Should we automatically assume that the only person you interviewed to be the only suspect and actual killer.	Add music to your opening in order to express shock to the initial character that sees the dead body as well as to create a harsher tone during the interview. Maybe increase the number of suspects during the film.
The camera work was steady and shots were clear throughout. The establishing shot of the beach was especially good, and the transition from it to the back shot of the main character walking on the sand is smooth and seamless. The dialogue from the unseen character during the interview scene was delivered in such as way as to maintain the sense of mystery.	The circumstances of the murder were left vague. That is to say, no details were given from which one could infer the method of the crime. If there was a claw-mark or a laceration, for instance (done with make-up, of course), then that would have given a clue that it may have been a stabbing murder, or perhaps she was attacked by an animal. Of course, many things could also be done without leaving a mark, making this something of a moot point.	The opening lacks credits, which could undoubtedly be added without detracting from the scene, and the dialogue at the very end of the scene from the main character cuts out. I would lengthen it as well, to give more substance to the circumstances presented in the opening.
I think the location of the beach was really nice. The bright lighting is good because you can see the actors really well and is an overall pretty view. I also think the angle behind Tessa is nice because you can see her walking up to the dead body.	The interrogation scene confused me because there was no information that was very beneficial or important to the plot.	I think more time needs to be put into the actual story as well as the filming. I think the interrogation scene took up a lot of the time, even though the film was very short, and had no real benefit of being there. I also think the acting was insincere and needs to be practiced a bit more. The camera scenes were not very unique and did not capture the people or their faces a lot, and did not move into any other angles or positions. I think more time was spent it wouldn't look as rushed.
I like the beach scenes and the scene of the body being found	Not confusing but not put together very well. You have to shoot all the scenes in landscape mode!	I think you could fix this opener by starting with a scene where the dead girl on the beach is at someone’s house and maybe partying too much with a guy --then cut to the beach waves and the scene where’s she found on the beach.  You don’t need the 911 call because it doesn’t sound real.  You don’t need the interrogation either if you make the beginning of the partying the night before long enough to cut to the beach scene.  You also need to add titles.

These were the peer reviews for our first draft of the movie opener. A lot of people really seemed to enjoy the opening scene, other than a few volume issues which we will attempt to fix while editing due to the beach being closed because of the Corona Virus pandemic . By far it seems like the beach setting was the best part of our rough draft. There seems to be a bit of confusion just due to the lack of characters, and depth behind them ,however we wanted to keep the film as much of a mystery as possible, while pointing in the direction of the plot. If we were to create a full film, we'd go back to the beginning and show each characters perspective on the story, and what they were doing the day of the victim's murder. We took the suggestions into play and fixed what we viewed as necessary, we added more depth with our main detective, while still leaving the interrogation done by our other detective, who had to play multiple roles due to us filming outside of school hours. We fixed what we felt we could due to time, and other restrictions related to the pandemic which made filming incredibly difficult.

Editing

Tessa and I decided iMovie would be the best editing app for us to use. Not only would it be extremely accessible to both of us, but it’s also simple and easy to use. While we initially thought that we realized that this simplicity came at the cost of quality. Therefore we decided that for the final drafter we will make sure to use adobe premier through the school laptops (if time is allowing due to effects of Covid-19). We got some good ideas to use on the final draft that we weren’t able to incorporate due to the app but that left us excited and hopeful for the final draft.

Filming Part Two

Unfortunately, after the filming we did the first day we recorded, we realized we filmed it vertically when the apps we were using required us to film horizontally. Therefore, we had to head back to the beach (in the same outfits) to retain continuity in scenes that were recorded correctly. While this was tragic, we were able to get some different establishing shots, providing us with options in case we change our minds throughout the editing process.

Beginning to Film

As mentioned in previous posts Tessa and I decided that a coastal location would be the best place to begin the film. We went at around 2:30, a time where we were both often available, and where the lighting was consistently good in case we had to return for more shots. This week we went once and got good shots to kick off the opening with a scenic view and transition slowly into the plot.

Preparing to Film

Actors
   We have decided to use a group of friends and family members to complete the necessary acting for this film. While a few individuals may have to play multiple parts, it shouldn't affect the quality of the movie opener in any major way.
Costumes
   Most of the characters in the opener are just regular people, or at least seem that way from the outside looking in. We will have a few detectives in the film, and people in that role will be in slacks and button downs to present a more professional look.
Props
   We won't really need too many props. We will probably need some handcuffs, and maybe a pair of sunglasses.
Locations
 We have decided the beach , along with multiple areas with dimmer lighting and tables to portray an interrogation would be the best locations.
Dates and Times
We have decided to film and edit a majority of our film over spring break and go with the flow instead of scheduling concrete dates, allowing us more time to put full energy into the film.

Scripts
We have decided to write a loose script to allow for more personal feelings to be portrayed.
Film Equipment
We can just use our phones to both film and edit.

Story Board

Link to our Movie Opener Rough Draft

https://youtu.be/AqHanXAckLg

Why I chose the Drama Genre

Tessa and I collaboratively decided on the Drama genre because we feel it is going to be easy to film, produce, and edit a film opener out of. We also both thoroughly enjoy the genre, and how many other sub-genres fall into the genre field. Some of my favorite dramas are Last Chance U,Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile , and Unbelievable. I find it really interesting how the crime genre can so easily tie into the drama genre, as well as other genres such as horror or mystery. Dramas really thrive on making sure the audience builds a strong connection with a character, or set of characters, to make the people watching feel as if they truly know these people, and that the plot will affect their personal lives. By combining a variety of interests and making the characters’ lives parts of the audiences, dramas are usually able to keep people’s attention for the duration of a film, or even a season. Which is why even though I don’t watch lots of shows or movies, dramas usually keep my attention for the duration of the plot. 

As I said before, dramas thrive off creating a connection between the character’s and the audience. While they have the same goal, they all accomplish it in their own way. For example, Last Chance U opens the show with close ups of the main characters, the coaches and the players especially. Helping to humanize and create an instant connection. Throughout the show you learn about a select group of players. They open up on their past, why they started playing, the current turbulence they’re going through, and the relationship between the team, with each other, and with the coaches. Throughout the season you find yourself having favorites, and rooting for them, whether that be because of a charming, charismatic personality, or an underdog story that is hard not to root for. 

The Netflix original “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile” follows the horrifying story of notorious american serial killer Theodore Bundy, better known as Ted Bundy. The movie starts with him meeting his long time girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall and her friends at a Seattle bar, not too long after a breakup. Creating instant sympathy for her, the sympathy soon turns to fear as she meets Ted Bundy and develops a relationship. While she is never physically harmed, Ted caused her and her child emotional trauma that is sure to last.

The show Unbelievable opens up with a young girl, probably late teens, early twenties,

Genre Decision and Group Members

Right now I am thinking a Drama film opener with Tessa.

Film Opening Research 2 (Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
None

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The traditional settings of a professional baseball game, the food stands, the bleachers, and the announcers booth.

What connotations do the images carry?
A positive, and traditional cornerstone of American culture.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Different camera angles gives different players altering emotions, while instilling fans with a sense of happiness and excitement. Along with some comedic cracks, setting the floor for a good comedic film.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The film picks up late in a championship game, providing a mystery of how the game will turn out.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The comedic and light hearted comments made right as the movie begins.

Film Opening Research 1 (Extremely Wicked,Shockingly Evil and Vile)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
One

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The exterior of a prison, guards carrying rifles, watch towers, tall gates with barbed wire on top, and visitor room inside of prison walls before shifting to the upbeat exciting first real scene of the movie.

What connotations do the images carry?
Obviously, the title of the film and pictures of prison both come with a negative connotation, which is best expressed as a place for the extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Because it is a crime documentary of sorts, the setting of a prison along with the wardrobe of both guards and prisoners immediately click in the heads of viewers. However, harder to notice is the dreary music, dim lighting, and silence between characters, creating a sense of suspense and tension.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
While it gives us a lot of really good hints through the title and opening scene, those who aren't familiar with the crimes of Ted Bundy would not fully understand the circumstances until viewing the movie.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The addition of suspense along with tension. The dreary vibes presented at the prison. And even a sense of mystery into who the female protagonist truly is.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.
The camera angles presented the prison in a horrendously negative light, while the transitions (through foreshadowing) hinted at just how fast scenery, and lives can change,