I am a proud advocate of Canva, i use it for EVERYTHING, and today i discovered they have storyboard templates!! I mean of course they do, they have everything and its FREE. I made a draft storyboard to start getting my ideas out of my imagination.
On the first scene I want a drone shot of the train station as an establishing shot, and also for the title of the film.(still thinking about that one) faint modern music can be heard (maybe Farmacos, have to ask for permission)
I want a close up of feet walking and people waiting for the train. Man starts reciting poem (voiceover)
We can see the owner of the voice, he has headphones on and takes them off as he arrives to wait and sees something going on next to him (music stops, voiceover continues)
Classical ballet music can be heard and the feet of the dancer can be seen as she dances to the melody
She moves along the station (long take medium shot following her) as she gets into the dance more and more (passionate).
So, I've been rewatching movies by my favorite directors because of the project, and obviously the Oscar season. I noticed, that many directors of indiesque films, have a tendency to do two kinds of shots: long takes room to room, following a person, and close ups of their action. In Roma, Cuaron starts the film with Cleo washing the floor of the garage, but you can only see a portion of her action from a high angle. Here's a clip:
There you can also see the long take from her turning off the lights and the camera follows her from room to room. Of course i couldn't do this post without mentioning Wes Anderson, because it wouldn't be my blog. In Moonrise Kingdom's opening scene, the same technique is used to introduce the family to the audience, as well as their family dynamic:
Damien Chazelle did the same long take shot for the "Someone in the Crowd" musical number in La La Land:
Peter Hoar, does his own take with this technique in the first episode of The Umbrella Academy, by showing the house completely, and therefore all of the characters at the same time, but also showing individual shots of each one. Due to my resources i wont be able to do this but i still thought it was worth mentioning:
I believe this creates a very personal "following the characters" feel, which is what i want to achieve with my opening scene. My film needs to feel like a peeping into their life, day to day life, to make it raw and vulnerable, and i believe drawing inspiration from this shot will help me do that.
The use of close ups is something i really want to use in my film, because again it creates a vulnerable, personal connection with the audience, if used correctly.
In this clip of 2016 close ups, we can see shots from Moonlight, Arrival, 10 Cloverfield Lane, etc. It is evident the strong effect this shots can have on films and how interesting they can be. I've now decided on having a girl dancing in the train station for money, preferably ballet, and doing a close up on her feet and the coins hitting the cup, as well as her eyes. I've been obsessed with eye and sky shots so i want to include them in my scene.
st!
Moments, Musical, director."Someone In The Crowd" La La Land (2016 Official Movie Clip).YouTube, YouTube, 10 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7RmBgq4tT4.
Today, my partner Mateo and me talked about our schedule for the following weeks to set the dates we will shoot, talk about the process, edit, etc. To make it easier, we created a Google Calendar , where we can create events and reminders of our due dates and our conflicts. I use this google gadget on a daily so i thought it would be the most effective way to keep us organized and make sure we have everything planned out on time. We decided to shoot Sunday, March 17th, because is the day we both can. Weekends are better for both of us since I have track practice every weekday, an Mateo works almost every weekend but this one he is available. We are planning on starting early in the morning so that we can shoot everything in one day, at least the train station scene, so that the lighting and such stay the same. I plan on calling both train stations (Hollywood and Miami) next week to make sure we can record there, and see if we need permission. I also have to contact James Guarasci from BECON, he offers equipment for Broward students. I have borrowed the equipment before for another project and it is AMAZING, so hopefully he has equipment available for that date. Last time I used the SONY A7III and it worked great, so I'll probably ask for that one again. I need to ask for lighting equipment too, so that if the light is not good we can fix it. We also have to think about who will our actors, and if they can that date, so it is safe to say that that date is subject to change. If anything we have spring break to work on it, so it should be fine. We just don't want to leave everything last minute and end up rushing to finish. Going back to the actors, we want to ask someone from theater and our Spanish friend to do the voice over. I just feel like they will bring our idea to life better. Hopefully our schedules sync! st!
I started researching train station scenes and I'm more sure now of my decision. I believe that keeping it in one location will build the tension and intrigue for the opening scene, nevertheless, i have to keep the shots interesting to make sure my audience does not get bored. I watched the film Brief encounterover the weekend and I really liked the classic romance. The train station scene is iconic, and i would like to pull some ideas from it like the waving back to his lover, but i don't know if it's allowed so I'll have to find out. The storyline is also similar to what i want, since the lovers can't be together because of difficult circumstances. Of course i could not make a post about train station scenes without including Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat by The Lumière Brothers (1895). Hopefully my audience doesn't run screaming out of the theater (get it?). Even though I believe the one shot worked perfectly for this film, for mine i don't think it would be a good idea since it would feel static, and i plan on having some dialogue. Not a lot though because i want to keep some mystery going. I also watchedSome like It Hot's train sceneand the shots are amazing. I LOVE the shot if the feet moving, I absolutely want to do one like that, which is something i wanted to do with my old story in the airport like before. I also want the girl in the film to be dressed super fancy, and have an attitude like Marilyn in the excerpt. I decided to start looking at some pictures of urban Train stations to see how i would like to organize my shot list. Here are some that i liked: This one could be where some dialogue takes place. I liked this because I could maybe introduce a character. This one could be used to introduce the setting. Here are some i think would not work for me because of my location, resources or aesthetic: Sadly there are no underground trains/metros near me. I would've loved a scene like Gossip Girl's first scene, but theres no grand central station near me, or anything like it. st! Day, Pippa. “7 Most Iconic Train Stations in Cinema.” WOW247, www.wow247.co.uk/2014/07/10/most-iconic-train-stations-in-cinema-86795/. VideoJordan. “Favorite Train Scenes from the IMDb Staff.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 12 Oct. 2015, www.imdb.com/list/ls000292369/ Kai, JAMES, director. EXCERPT FROM 'SOME LIKE IT HOT". YouTube, JAMES Kai, 22 May 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbQqnJw7xL0. Romleydavies, director. Brief Encounter. YouTube, Romleydavies, 13 Jan. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGDCTlVWduk Subtletybleighton, director. Gossip Girl 1x01 - Serena's Back!YouTube, Subtletybleighton, 1 Dec. 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e7ABbeWxr0. Lumiere Brothers, director. Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat (The Lumière Brothers, 1895). YouTube, Raphaeldpm, 27 May 2006, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dgLEDdFddk
I had a previous idea of the story line i wanted. It was going to start with a POV shoot of a Spanish guy walking to a coffee shop and seeing a girl in a white sweater and glasses by the window (I know very specific, it was very clear in my head) and then little snippets from their not yet relationship with the song "Siempre tu" by Farmacos and the guy reciting a poem. This shots would be at the beach, the airport, paint in their face, the park, I had everything thought out, and then we would be back at the coffee shop and she would look up and say: " Hola" (hi) and smile. BUT after seeing this ted talk, I realized that i was giving tooooo much away! I needed to figure out how to modify or change my idea completely, to make it a great story that could be told, and not overwhelm my audience. Also i thought it would seem like a short film, instead of a film opening. I still wanted to be in Spanish, like with a Spanish accent, and a romance. So we are sticking to the genre. While researching, I bumped into Bad times at the Royale and absolutely loved the opening scene angle/view here is a clip:
Even though it is a thriller, i liked the idea or the feel of it. My major inspirations areCall Me by your Name and Moonrise Kingdom. However, I think I would like an urban setting best, probably Miami, since its the closest city to me.
I drove pass a train station in Hollywood and decided I totally want a train station to be my location. However, I'm still debating if the Miami one is better, because i want to have a drone shot as the establishing shot, and the Hollywood station has the highway right there and I'm not sure i want that, the surroundings are not as aesthetically pleasing as the station. I'll research more on what approach i want to have towards the train, as well as the story. Im still sticking with the breakup though, i feel like i could start at the goodbye of the couple, to build excitement.
st!
“Andrew Stanton: The Clues to a Great Story.” Performance by Andrew Stanton, YouTube, Ted Talk, 21 Mar. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxDwieKpawg&t=4s.
MovieClips&Trailers, SR. Bad Times At The El Royale | Movie Opening Scene(HD). YouTube, SR Movieclips and Trailers, 9 Jan. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_vWIwNTr_0
Movies, YouTube, director. Moonrise Kingdom - On Demand & Digital Download. YouTube, Youtube Movies, 17 Sept. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2EWlnod4V8.
Classics, Sony Pictures, director. Call Me By Your Name | Official Trailer HD (2017). YouTube, Sony Pictures Classics, 1 Aug. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9AYPxH5NTM.
Drama:are serious presentations or stories with settings or life situations that portray realistic characters in conflict with either themselves, others, or forces of nature. A dramatic film shows us human beings at their best, their worst, and everything in-between.
Genre conventions-content:
Representations of real life
No fantasy in plot
Show emotions and events realistically but dramatically
Show emotions at best and worst
Heightened emotions
Protagonist that’s easy to relate to create empathy with viewer
Complex plot
Emotional peaks
Some form of journey
Protagonist tend to be particularly unstable or vulnerable facing a hard decision, relatable with target audience
Challenging stereotypes
Connecting in a complex level, as well as personal
Showing how the protagonist overcomes challenges
Climaxes and anticlimaxes to make viewer attached
Hardships, pains, and difficulties present
Form of realization at the end
Development of character throughout film
3.Genre Conventions-production techniques:
Close up: used to emphasize the expression of person or important object, this creates empathy with the viewer
Long shot: show the surroundings of character to emphasize the action in the scene , used in dramas mostly at the moment of climax when difficulties are presented
High angle: this brings perspective to the character’s issue or to show their state of vulnerability in an emotional time
OSS: used in conversations to maintain the continuity of probably an emotional scene Andy show the characters POV with them still in the shot
Medium shot: used to show the body language and intentions of a character, this helps the audience focus on the emotions of the character with the setting still in the shot.
Extreme close up: this is often used to represent intensity of scene, since the chosen objec is the ONLY important thing in the film. They help add tension or intimidation by showing the emotions or personality of a character, it keeps the audience intrigued in the protagonists problems. It can also serve to foreshadow future challenges.
Eyeliner match: portrays relation between characters
Diabetic sound: helps the viewer understand the narrative world
Everyday sounds helps build relationship between character and viewer to keep the viewer engaged in the narrative
Mise-en-scene ranges since their is many sub genres from war dramas to romantic dramas Andy many different ages through time
4. Shindler’s List:
This film embodies this genre, since it’s a war drama that emphasizes the relationship of the characters and the viewer, and uses color as a way to do this, like the scene where the only thing in color is the lost little girl’s coat, to emphasize the atrocities of the war, as well as the fire while the prisoners are celebrating their faith, even with all the repercussions it has brought them, showing their hope and rebellion against the Nazis. This film shows the growth of Mr Schindler, and the difficulties he was willing to go through to save as many people as he could, even though it started with making money, his growing relationship with many of the characters especially Itzhak, shows the emotional rollercoaster the viewer is put through, even at the end when they’re free and Schindler flees and his workers are there supporting him and thanking him. They use many close ups, especially the extreme close up of the candle, create this sense of rebellion, of a fire that will burn out, and serves As a metaphor for the war. The high angle on the little girl portrays her vulnerability, and the diabetic sound of the war help the viewer become fully emotionally involved in the trauma.
5.Moonlight:
This drama showcases this genre, by exploring three stages of the life of Chiron, and how difficulties in this defining chapters of his life, made him the man he was. Throughout the film, he is faced with a series of challenges, that are emphasized with the use of low-key lighting, high angles, to show his vulnerability in moments where he connects with the audience the most, like the moments he's finding himself and discovering his identity. Jenkins achieved this dramatic effect by using a series of medium shots and close ups, as well as setting the tone with mise-en-scene, editing the color palette and also through the specific selection of the setting, which allows the audience to have a direct understanding of the drama that is Chiron's true story. 6. Examples:
In my project I am looking to represent a breakup between a loving couple, that has been separated by outside factors that they couldn't control. This factors are what break them apart, and eventually lead to the utter devastation of both characters, since there is nothing worse than breaking up still in love. I plan on showcasing this in the most raw way i can, so it feels real, and the film opening will introduce the beginning as well as the end of their marvelous relationship. An example where a case like this is showcased would be La La Land by Damien Chazelle. Sebastian and Mia, are two artists who are trying to make it in Hollywood. However, as they fall in love, they realize that their goals and dreams don't follow the same path. The representation of this relationship is unique, in that is real, it showcases how even though they were in love, they wanted to pursue their dreams, and broke up because of it. This is not usual in Hollywood movies, romances are usually portrayed as happy and end with a happy ending.
Another example of a film like this is Call me by your name by Luca Guadagnino. Yes, in this film it is technically Oliver's choice, however, they made the choice not only because homosexuality wasn't as well represented in the time period, but they also lived in different continents. They had the fear of being discovered by their communities, mainly Oliver, who is later engaged. At the end, the close up of Elio crying with the credits in the fire place, is the purest most realistic raw break up scene i have ever seen. In this representations, i do agree in how the relationships are portrayed, however they are the exception, most of the time relationships and break ups tend to be shown as a basic script followed by everyone. I think every relationship is unique and has different aspects, thus each break up is different. So i plan to challenge the representation of break ups, and embrace it at the same time, because yes, every love story has a start and an end, but i want to make it its own thing, make it unique.
Genre: Romance : love stories, that center on emotions, passion,
and the romantic relationship of
usually two main characters and the journey that takes them through dating, courtship or marriage
Genre Conventions—content
Often a voiceover is used to to introduce theme and characters
The script often suggest the characters are meant to be
‘Boy meets girl’ is a common theme, meet cute
Often contains emotional feelings
Aimed at female audiences
Usually contains things that relate to love : flowers, weddings,
etc
Usually what happens on day to day life
A typical romance includes sexuality, status, gender, and
relationships.
Usually bright and feminine colors are used: pink, red, orange, etc.
Climax is usually an argument or consequences of an action, and
then one of the characters seeks forgiveness, and they end together.
Usually has an emotionally satisfying optimistic ending
Occasionally love has obstacles like illness, money,
discrimination, family, etc
Serves as a fantasy for audience “happily ever after”
Setting is usually an urban setting/big cities
Most of the time centered on female character
Through the years the genre has been stereotypically
about heterosexual couples, recently though it has expanded.
Genre conventions--- production
Sound is very closely related to the moods and feelings
of the main character
There is often used of diegetic and nondiegetic sound
Mid shots are used to set a more emotional connection with
audience
close ups used to show the main characters emotions, used
to make the audience
feel empathy
two shots are used to show how the relationship develops
through the film
Panning shots are often used to show attachment of two people
To portray the emotion better, romance films tend to use
nondiegetic sounds and fast cuts are used to increase intensity
as an argument may ensue
Over the shoulder shots are used to keep the conversation between
the characters
Establishing shot used to set the scene and location of the story
Long shot shows how close the characters are in their surroundings
Extreme long shot shows the scenery of where the characters are,
usually a famous landmark of the city, so audience can relate
Usually sound has instruments like piano, guitar, or violin
The music is key on setting the tone and mood of the film and
scene
Costumes are very generic and specific to the time period, as
they get happier the colors might get brighter
Institutional conventions-- marketing
Target audience is usually females
The posters usually include the couples in an embrace
Instagram and Snapchat ads are used often to target the teenage
girl audience, for high school romances like Love, Simon , since its '
the easiest most effective way to reach teenagers or young adults.
The trailers are often optimistic, and show the usually attractive
couple, and how “cute” their story is, where it is, and usually snippets of their relationship, with a hint of the problem they will have, like The Fault in our Stars.
Social media posts include interactions between the actors that are
in the romance film, interviews, and rumors of the actual actors dating, creates publicity for free for the producers, a fandom is born that “ ships” them, and the film can increase viewings this way, like To all the Boys I've Loved before. This is a technique many Netflix films use, since they are not shown in the movie theater, and rely on online publicity.
Film example 1
Moonrise Kingdom
The movie begins with a long take that ends in a long shot of the
setting, the house of Suzy in an island.
It contains diegetic and nondiegetic sound
The colors are warm and bright
The characters are introduced in the opening scene
There is use of mid shot to create empathy and an emotional
connection with the audience, like when Suzy looks at the camera in the opening scene
Day to day life factors are very prevalent.
Two shots are used to show the relationship of the characters
Film example 2
10 Things I Hate About You
The movie starts with sound that sets the mood of the film an
hints at Kat’s personality, as it switches when the music changesas she appears
There is diegetic, the bell, and nondiegetic sound, the rock music in the opening scene
The characters are introduced, however there is two love stories in this film and one of each story is introduced at first,
Kat and Cameron, however we meet Patrick and Bianca after, and the
two stories collide, but Patrick and Kat’s is the main focus
An establishing shot shows the setting of the film: a school
Climax is the consequences of the actions of Patrick, and it concludes in them ending together.
This one could be where some dialogue takes place.
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This one could be used to introduce the setting.
Sadly there are no underground trains/metros near me.
