Film Opening and CCR!

 Here it is, the final project that we have been working on, Im very excited to show you guys mine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n07v8kemXOU

And here are the 2 CCR that I had to record as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5M5FMHFk9E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKUKjv6JR_A

I hope you guys enjoy it, took a lot of hard work but it is finally done!

Post about production of CCR's

 So let me tell you guys a bit about the production of the CCRs, for my first CCR I decided to do an online podcast with the image drawn by my very good friend Camila who by the way did an AMAZINGGG job at drawing it. I asked for her help since I knew she was such a good artist and I felt this was a good representation of the style of how I like to do things. Heres a sketch of the beginning of the process that she made:
 

Its actually awesome the way she drew, and how we both put such a creative input on it. For this CCR I talked about the 1st and 2nd question, which were 

• How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues? 
• How does your product engage with audiences and how it would be distributed as a real media text?

I decided to write a script sort of as a podcast is nowadays, even including an ad for a gym app! I wrote it down on my notes and just read it, trying my best for it to not sound too scripted, and thankfully it turned out really well. and if you guys were curious about the look of the final sketch here it is!

For my other CCR I decided to do a video commentary, me talking into the camera while giving visual representations of things I was speaking about, such as the programs I used and some of the equipment that I used as well. Also adding videos for representations of the films I talked about such as burnt and the menu. I also talked about the help I received during the production, and all it took was for me to make a basic script for it. Overall I had a lot of fun creating these CCR and the opening film!

Post Production of CCR

 

So for my post production of the CCR, I mainly edited the video commentary, which had shown visual elements. Such as pictures of objects I used, and the softwares that were also used. Since I took this in my phone I had a couple of bloopers that I had to cut out and sadly couldn't re do them so i had to try my best clipping them together so that they can make total sense most of the time.

For the second CCR I didnt have to much editing, with the picture created by my friend I just had to add the audio in from the recording of the podcast, with some sound editing to make it sound more clear and that was most of the job. It was really fun and a really good practice regarding editing skills and film making skills.

Final Reflection on Film

 So now its finally the time where everything is finished and all the stress is lifted off!

I wanna tell you guys a bit about my thoughts on this whole project and everything that occurred during it. So this project was really a whole puzzle and very confusing at first. For me personally it was alllll over the place, I had a lot of ideas but the one that sold me the most was the final idea about making it a culinary drama. Overall this project for me took a lot of time to make because whenever I work on anything big as a project or any of the sorts I become a bit of a perfectionist. So it took me a while to be able to choose the correct thing to prepare, the set-up and my ideas to make them in place. Due to this it strained my time of recording and it left me with very little time close to the due date to be able to prepare it. With this I finally decided on recording the cooking process of the film at night.

With the help of my sister Amparo and her best friend Natalia who also have worked on this project, I was finally able to put my ideas into place for the project, I asked them to help me and be cinematographers for the film, as I was not able to do it myself due to me having to do all the cutting, prepping, and cooking for the film. Without their help I would have not being able to do this project honestly. They're camera work was perfect and worked perfectly with the ideas I had for the film. I had a lot of issues regarding what specific shots I wanted, but due to watching a lot of videos on cooking, and overall films that relate to cooking I was able to capture some good shots. The only downside of doing a cooking film, is that you only have the opportunity of either one or two shots, due to things such as cutting, mixing, or putting to cook are things that one can only do once so that you don't mess up the recipe or any of the steps towards the dish. But thankfully we were able to capture everything that was needed and didn't mess up too many of the shots.

This project was really fun to do, and a huge learning experience towards both editing and filming. The amount of shots and things I was able to meld together really well. And I really liked the outcome of the film, Im very satisfied with it a lot, I'm very proud of the work I was able to produce. This was a huge learning opportunity for me and I will very well cherish it.

Group Meeting Discussion

 For my last blog post, I'll discuss about a little group meeting we had in class. For this we get assigned random groups, with different people from our class so that we can discuss how our production and blogs are going. It's overall a very fun activity as you learn more about different classmates and also they're projects. 

For my groups it was David, Gabriel, Emma, and Samia, and we had to take some notes on each other's blogs and discussion. This is my group on the right!

So here are my notes for this discussion:

Samia:
- Very well developed notes in bullet points

- Has information but not overly boring information 

- Chooses carefully not copyrighted sounds and music

Emma's idea for her CCR

- To create a car crash scenario

- Is asked a bunch of questions regarding the CCR's instructions to keep consciousness

- Also shared her idea of her film opening, which is basically a gymnast that got injured and even after healing is stubborn towards her process.

Gabriel's Idea

- A spy sort of movie that the main character gets set up and police start chasing and has to escape.

- Follows his storyboard

- Wants to add creative shots of his film such as POVs when escaping and that sort of stuff

David's group idea and his production

- About a serial killer, production is made to look very old timey in black and white

- Has good shots, especially the one opening a hand to a note in a dead body

- Prop of newspaper made specially for the film, that has information regarding the murders going around

- Has very different techniques involved into his film which makes it look very well put together

Some good tips that I got from my classmates were:
- Trying to download the footage beforehand so its easier to import

- Having visuals in most blog posts

- Not editing in phones which just makes it all harder overall

- Taking multiple shots of the same scene just in case one turns out to be bad

- Being more elaborate with blog posts.

 

CCR Question 4 Research

 For the last question of our CCR it's:

How did you integrate technologies - software, hardware, and online - in this project?

So for my project I will be using a Sony Handycam HDR-XR150, which is an old family camera that has 1080 HD resolution, so as old as it may be its still be able to be used for filming. It also will give the film a feeling of not being so new, as it is an opening film it can portray the film as something from the past, giving it an old time feel.

 I will also include some shots in my phone, portraying some cuts to give it a feeling of "future". For our editing software, its the one that I learned to use in my first year of high school during my TV film class that I mentioned last post, Adobe Premier Pro, which is basically a beginner editing tool for most schools, or individuals that want to get into editing. It provides simple tools as well as editing shortcuts, and effects to be able to implement into one's film. As well as for most of this project and as a "notetaking" tool of sorts, I've been using Blogger, to update you guys on what we've been working on as well as keeping track of all the necessary things that I need to do!

This is a visual as to what Adobe Premier Pro looks like while editing 

CCR Question 3 Research

 So, to start this blog post after discussing both questions 1 and 2 of the CCR, we have another type of question of CCr that is needed. its another 2 additional questions 3 and 4, and question number 3 is:

How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

For this question I am able to relate to it a bit more than the others. Previously in my first year of high school I was given (without a choice) a film class, TV Video. At first I believed that the class was useless and didn't serve me too much purpose, through the class I had learned how to use the program which we are using for editing (which by the way little spoiler I will talk about in the next blog post). In this class we learnt a lot of skills about editing, which to this day I still remembered, and things such as angles and shot composition. But with AICE Media, my knowledge of these things completely transformed. It has helped me become more efficient with the composition of my film making skills and now I feel confident enough to be able to transform an idea into a film that displays that idea.

Also, during the explanation in the video I will add visuals as to what I'm talking about, so that there is some visual representation and its easier to understand for the viewer. So whenever the editing process is mentioned then I will add a picture or video of how it was.

CCR Question 2 Research

 Hey blog, hope you're having a good week! For this blog post I have to do research about our second question of our CCR, which the question is:

How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

My answers to this question will be in the response as CCR 1, combining both both but I'll make it clear as to which question is which so that there is no confusion! My product of my film basically engages with anything that is related to cooking, it is a sort of heartfelt film that will not only target a culinary audience, but also a broad audience of feelings that mostly everyone that has felt failure goes through. Since the film is based on the broad emotions when one feels with failure, on a culinary basis but it relates mainly to failure in one's trying, meaning that my film connects deeply with one's feeling, as its normal human nature to feel failure, and overcoming it. Now as for why it would be distributed as a real media text? Due to the feeling of failure being a thing innate in every human being, I don't think there is anyone who hasn't experienced it, it's a feeling that has been here from the first beginnings of mankind. So depicting a failure, turning into a success is something that may appeal towards someone that is feeling failure at the moment. 

How Audio Can Be Used

Hey there blog this is my last post for the week, and today I’m diving into something that most people could probably agree being one of the most important aspects of film making, which is audio. Sound design, music, and dialogue all play a huge role in how a film makes the viewer feel, it builds tension, and immerses us in the story.

Audio in film isn’t just about dialogue and noises, it’s about creating an atmosphere. The right sound effects can make an audience feel like they’re right there in the kitchen, experiencing the heat, the movement, and the intensity of the moment. A great example of this is in Burnt (2015), where the kitchen sounds are sharp and precise, reflecting the high-stakes world of professional chefs.

Music is another key element of film audio. A well-chosen soundtrack can set the mood instantly. A light, playful score can make a cooking scene feel warm and inviting, while an intense orchestral build-up can add suspense to a high-pressure competition. For example in Ratatouille (2007), the music is a blend of whimsical and elegant, mirroring the Remi's passion for food and the high-energy atmosphere of the restaurant kitchen.

Another very important aspect is silence which is just as important as sound. In emotional moments, a lack of music or background noise can highlight a character’s internal struggle. Such as a chef staring at a failed dish in complete silence, without sound it can amplify their disappointment. In The Bear (2022), moments of silence or muted audio emphasize emotional tension, letting viewers focus on the characters’ expressions and reactions. Dialogue and voice changes also shape a film’s tone. A fast-paced, overlapping conversation in a busy kitchen can show chaos and urgency, while a slow, deliberate monologue about a characters thought process can add emotional depth. 

For my own film, I plan to use sound to create an immersive kitchen environment. The clatter of plates, the bubbling of sauces, and the scrape of a knife against a cutting board would all be some of the things that will add onto the sensory experience. I also want to experiment with music, using upbeat tunes for scenes of creative cooking and softer, melancholic melodies for moments of struggle.

Thats all for this week I will see you all next week!

The use of lighting in film

 Hey blog! this is my third post for the week, and today I’m focusing on another key element of mise-en-scene—lighting. Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in filmmaking, shaping the mood, atmosphere, and even character development. Since I’m working on a film centered around cooking, I want to explore how lighting can be used to enhance the story and visuals of my film.

Lighting is essential in establishing the tone of a scene. For example, a warm, golden light can make a kitchen feel cozy and inviting, perfect for a heartfelt scene of a family cooking together. On the other hand, harsh, cold lighting can create a sterile, high-pressure environment, like in a professional kitchen where tension runs high. By adjusting the intensity, color, and direction of light, filmmakers can completely change the audience’s perception of a scene, and thats what I plan to use, I want to create an alternating atmosphere for my film.

One classic example of lighting in film is in Chef (2014). In the movie, warm lighting is often used in scenes where the main character, Carl, is cooking with passion, emphasizing the joy and artistry of food. However, when he’s working in a restrictive restaurant environment, the lighting is cooler and more controlled, visually reinforcing his lack of creative freedom. This contrast highlights his emotional journey and makes his transition into independent cooking even more impactful.

Shadows and contrast can also be used effectively. In my film, if I want to show the character struggling at a low point, I might use dim lighting with deep shadows to emphasize isolation and doubt. As well as a winning moment such as finally perfecting a dish could be bathed in bright, natural light to symbolize success and clarity, those are only some of the ideas so far of what I might want to do with lighting. Another great example is in Ratatouille (2007), where the kitchen is often lit with rich, warm tones, making the food appear more appealing and reinforcing the film’s theme of passion for cooking. Meanwhile, the harsh, dramatic lighting in Anton Ego’s office makes the space feel cold and uninviting, visually representing his intimidating character.

Lighting can also be used dynamically to reflect a character’s growth. In my cooking film, I might start with dull, flat lighting when the protagonist feels uninspired, then gradually introduce more vibrant and colorful lighting as they gain confidence and skill. I want to really experiment with the lighting of these scenes and see how well they can fit the film I have in mind.

Prop Use in Film

 Hey blog! Back again with another post for my media class, and today I’m talking about mise-en-scène—specifically, how props play a crucial role in storytelling. Since I’m working on a film centered around cooking, props are going to be essential in setting the tone, developing characters, and driving the narrative.

Props aren’t just background decorations most times they tell a story on their own. In a cooking-themed film (like the one im planning to make), every kitchen utensil, ingredient, and dish can have meaning. For example, a chef’s worn-out knife might symbolize their years of experience, while a spotless, unused apron could indicate a novice stepping into the culinary world for the first time, or even a chef who's a neat freak and is so careful he doesn't spill. As well as a burned recipe card might hint at a past failure or a lost family tradition that a character is trying to bring back.

Props also help establish mood and setting. A cluttered, chaotic kitchen filled with half-prepared ingredients can create a sense of urgency and stress, while a pristine, well-organized space can suggest precision and control. The presence of specific tools, like a traditional mortar and pestle versus a high-tech food processor, can show some type of cultural difference or the experience of a character.

Beyond just visuals, props can be used interactively to develop character dynamics. Imagine a scene where a character nervously adjusting their measuring cups before an important cooking competition, subtly showing their anxiety. Even something as simple as a half-eaten plate of food can tell the audience how a character feels, whether they’re savoring a meal or too distracted to finish it. All of these things might seem like such little elements, but overall they tell a story like no other. 

For my own film, I plan to use props to highlight the character's journey. Perhaps they start with a battered cookbook filled with handwritten notes, symbolizing their connection to a teacher/mentor. As they grow, their tools might become more refined, showcasing their skill development. Maybe a dish that repeatedly fails at the start of the film finally comes out perfectly in the climax, visually representing their growth. Or even the use of skills that might start out bad, uneven, and rushed changed into precise, calm, and organized. 

Im excited to see what I will use for my film, I will keep you guys updated!