AICE Media Studies Blog

  For editing the first half the video we took a simpler route. Giving Cayden the job of main editor. We started out at the beginning of the film. I knew that we needed 5 minutes of film. We put the clips in order of what the storyboard called for. The video of me and my group walking into the library. We are talking and planning in this scene. Cayden used a great technique for this. I'm not sure exactly what editing software he was using but it gave a nice slide transition. I hadn't seen it before. It was quiet neat. Another thing I liked was the use of cropping. It showed us getting into the store. I thought that it created a sense of memorization. It was solidifying for our audience to watch the main event of the video. Getting into the store. While the recognizable sign shows. Not to mention some edits from the storyboard where needed. For one, Zane was injured and couldn’t run. My group and I had to improvise. Some things change the original plans. 

Filming a movie at Luke's house was an exciting experience. The house was large and beautiful. It had plenty of space for filming. It also had an abundance of natural light that would be perfect for capturing the scenes. However, as soon as I arrived, they realized there was a lot of work to be done to turn the set. The first order of business was to clear out any belongings that might be visible on camera. Luke was accommodating, and him and I quickly removed any clutter that might detract from the film's overall aesthetic. Next, the crew set up lighting equipment. As well as sound gear to ensure that every scene was captured with the best possible quality. The house itself presented both challenges. Along with opportunities for the filmmakers. The high ceilings lent themselves to dramatic shots, but the hallways also made it difficult to coordinate everyone involved in the project. The director and cinematographer had to work together. They mapped out each shot and ensure tha

  The film is basically done! Today we talked with Zane. We planned out when to meet. Also when she was available to film. We need to film 2 more scenes. The one where I am robbing the bank with my group. And when we run away. This will probably take a total of 10 minutes to film. Not too much time at all. Then we move on to editing. That is Cayden's job. He is a great editor. But it takes longer since his computer is older. But it is alright we are making a progress. Some changes might have to be made. Like how the scene is shot. And where it is set. This means we are close. Also that we are almost done. This has been a long and fun process. 

I arrived at the library early in the morning. I was eager to start filming for our project. The library was almost empty. This was perfect for filming since we needed a quiet environment. We set up our camera and lighting equipment in a corner of the library. I made sure it was away from the main area. I was in charge of directing my groupmates and making sure that everyone was in the right position for the shots. We had rehearsed the scene multiple times. Yet filming in the library seemed to be a newfound challenge. I constantly reminded the actors to speak softly and not to disturb the other people. The library's atmosphere created a perfect background for the scene we were filming. We had to be mindful of the library's rules. This including not touching any of the book. I was worried about the acoustics in the library, but we managed by using a microphone. We had to be quick in between shots. We did this to avoid any interruptions from the library's staff. I was gratefu

   We are still continuing to film. As we keep filming I can see our film coming together. Whether that be from the editing process beginning. Or whether that be from the new scenes we've filmed. I've started to realize a couple things. Here's the first thing. It takes a while just to film 2 minutes of a movie. Here is why. Shots need to be perfected. It takes a while to get a shot in a way in which you like it. Here is the 2 nd thing. Editing is hard. I think editing is such an underap preciated aspect . Today we edited. Cayden and I on his computer. We used an application called Videoleap I believe. Editing is such an important part of a movie. Even for 2 minutes of film. It took almost 1 hour for Cayden to finish successfully editing what we have already. Soon we will film with Luke and Zane for the final day of filming.  

 Oh no the weather is gloomy! Today a cold front came in. For Florida, that means 68 degrees F is cold. And it is raining! So no filming is done today. I decided not to film with the rest of my friends. They stayed in too. So what I did was review my lines. I actually found a pot hole in the script. So I chose to fix it up a little. There was not much to fix though. I also found that the weather affected how I thought. Since it was raining I found myself thinking deeper. I was thinking less superficially. Trying to think of deep, dark backstories. But to be honest, the film didn’t need it. So I deleted it, not much point in doing that in our film. I mean we only have 5 minutes to tell a story. Well, I hope the weather clears up. See you all in sunny weather! 

  Day 3 of filming has begun! The process so far has been so fun. It's been so creative. I've got to hang out with my friends. All the while doing a fun project. It feels so natural. There's lots of laughter. Today we studied the script and storyboard. It was raining that's why I chose to do that. I didn't shoot at all. Yet I walked us through the step by step procedure. Like a rehearsal if you may. Everyone really caught on. Cayden and I talked some more about our vision. He'll be taking over the editing. While I'll be taking over the cinematography. We talked about what he had in mind for our editing. I added some input. But what he had was already pretty awesome. I am hyped for more filming to come! 

  Que up day 2! I am continuing to film today! It's been so fun. As well as many other things. It has been very informative. As well as a growing moment. Today Luke and I filmed some more. I got 2 scenes done. With Zane this time. It was fun because I had to switch up our angles. That meant some edits to our storyboard. But that is fine. Luke also learned some new tricks. Finding out some cool features on our camera. My group and I just using a standard iPhone camera. It has so many cool tricks and features to help make movies! I found out about a .5 zoom lens that looks super duper cool! I say that it is a growing moment for 2 reasons as well. I have learned to collaborate better and I have learned to use my phone's camera better. Cannot wait for the next days of filming!

Our team arrived early at the Luke's house. I was excited and a bit nervous to begin filming. I made sure to take some time to review the script and prepare our equipment. Cayden went over the scene objectives with us. I set up the camera and lighting. I tested the microphones and made sure that the audio levels were appropriate.   Once everything was ready, I began filming the first scene. My group and I rehearsed a few times at Luke's house. I thought it would be a good idea to make sure that everyone was comfortable with their roles and the camera angles. When I was ready, Cayden called "action!" and the scene began. He filmed several takes, making sure to capture different angles and shots. After I finished the first scene, I reviewed the footage with everyone to make sure that everything was to our liking. I made some minor adjustments to the lighting before moving on to the next scene. I repeated this process throughout the day, filming each scene with care and

  Whoopsie daisy! We've made a mistake! One of few. There haven't been many during filming. Turns out  Cayden can't get together with us to film. But that is alright. I mean we are in the age of technology. We can figure something out. And we did! Zane, Luke, and I decided what he'll do. He can send the video from home. It's like people did during quarantine times. Luke can edit it into our film. Plus his part isn't too big. It is so cool seeing technology work. I bet even 4 years ago we would have considered it unrealistic. But it has come into fruition. Though most of our film still needed to be filmed in-person, this one tiny part did not. It will all be okay. Then our film will be finished. 

 Filming is on a roll! I could not film today. It was a Wednesday today. But that is alright. Zane could not film either. He is touring colleges. Today was good for Luke and Cayden though. My other friend that is helping us out was also available today. Cayden and Luke went to the park. We got a friend of ours to help film. From what I saw everything looked great! They filmed for a couple hours getting as many shots as possible. Then Cayden had to leave. So Luke went to start editing. I am going over to his house after school on Thursday. He is going to show me what he has done. Then we can maybe film with Zane on Sunday. I am very excited! Soon starts spring break! Which means more free time to film!