Production - Filming Day 1

     After so much time spent in the research and planning stages, it feels amazing to start shooting the first scene of my film. Filmed in my sister's room, this scene focuses on Sophia's morning routine, demonstrating her character right from the beginning. 

Lighting Choices: 

    I decided to film during the early afternoon to take advantage of the peak natural light, ensuring a consistent and high-quality look for the scene. Although this scene illustrates Sophia's morning routine, the early afternoon sun supplies a steady, bright light source that is much easier to manage than the rapidly changing shadows of a sunrise. To maintain the morning illusion, I diffused the direct sunlight with window blinds, creating a soft, even shine across the room. This setup allowed me to focus fully on Sophia's performance without racing against the sun, ensuring the visual lighting stayed the same from the first shot to the last. 

With the blinds closed: 

Without the blinds closed: 

Shot Outcomes: 

    Creating a storyboard was a complete lifesaver for keeping me calm and on track while filming. It was helpful to know exactly what shots I needed and wanted to utilize so I didn't have to wing it or waste time figuring things out on the spot. Because the plan was already set, I had much more head-space to focus on directing, positioning my actress, and perfecting the lighting. Below are some of the main shots captured during the first day of filming.

  

Mise-En-Scene:

    I wanted the hair, makeup, costume, and room design to be an extension of Sophia's "messy-clean-chaotic" personality, while making sure everything felt strongly embedded in a present-day aesthetic. Her look was purposefully understated—pairing leggings and a baggy shirt with Birkenstocks and light, natural makeup to capture the modern, effortless and carefree vibe. Her hair was tossed up in a messy bun, mirroring her inner chaos, while her room reflected a balance between cluttered and curated. The neutral palette of light gray walls and black/light oak furniture supplies a clean "modern" background, but the makeup bag overflowing with beauty products and the scattered personal touches reveal the more complex side of her character.  

Stills Showcasing Mise-En-Scene:

Reflection

    Overall, the production day was a huge success, as everything ran exactly on schedule and the final footage looks amazing. The shots that were captured perfectly establish Sophia's unique personality, and I am eager to shift into the next phase which is filming Asher's morning routine. By completing his part of the scene, I will be able to create a distinct visual contrast that illustrates how these two characters are total opposites. Since Sophia's scene depends entirely on visual storytelling without dialogue, I plan to use diegetic sound and a carefully selected musical soundtrack to set the tone of the film. While I haven't settled on a certain track yet, I plan to experiment with a few different music choices to find the one that most authentically connects with the film's atmosphere. 

    This has been a long and rewarding process, but now that production is finally in motion, I am more motivated than ever. I am excited to continue pushing forward to ensure my film opening is a success. 

Production - StoryBoards for Scene 1 (Asher)

     After finalizing Sophia's story board for scene 1, I need to complete Asher's story board for scene 1 so that I can start the early filming process. While they technically share the same scene, my innovative vision depends on a split-screen composition that requires a high level of precision. Since both characters will be shown concurrently in their individual homes—each guiding their own unique morning routines— it is crucial to map out their actions side-by-side. Making a separate story board for Asher enables me to visualize how his movements will mirror or contrast Sophia's, ensuring that the two parts of the screen feel purposeful and synchronized instead of disconnected. This detailed planning is the only way for me to make sure that when these two separate worlds merge on screen, the framing and timing are perfectly aligned.  

    For the right side of the frame, I want to capture Asher's world, established by a sense of modern minimalism and disciplined routine. The scene will start with a static close-up of his phone—the bright screen and high-pitched chime of the alarm serving as the first, unavoidable cue of his day—followed by a mid-shot of Asher sitting up perfectly straight to get out of his bed. Unlike the chaos of Sophia's space, Asher's environment is meticulously curated; a close-up of his nightstand displays only a watch and a glass of water, acting as a visual cue for his structured mindset. To maintain the connection between the two characters, I used a point-of-view shot and a dolly-in as he reaches into his closet for a pair of pants and freshly ironed t-shirt, allowing the camera to copy his intentional, calculated movements. Even the transition to him brushing his teeth in the bathroom during his morning routine feels planned, guiding into a low-angle shot of him stepping into his Jordans—a decision that grounds him in a polished yet present-day inspired aesthetic. By finalizing the scene with a clean shot of him walking out of his front door, I want to highlight that Asher's discipline isn't just about routine—it's his way of finding peace before conquering his day. 

My Storyboards For Scene 1: 

Shot type: ECU/CU/MCU/MS/WS/EWS         Camera movement: zoom/pan/tilt/tracking/crane/aerial

Notes: Close-Up Shot of iPhone on clean nightstand. The alarm is ringing, notifying Asher that it’s time to get up. He reaches across her nightstand to grab her phone and to turn off her alarm. Without any hesitation Asher immediately sits up and gets out of bed. 

Shot type: ECU/CU/MCU/MS/WS/EWS         Camera movement: zoom/pan/tilt/tracking/crane/aerial

Notes: Point of view shot and mid-shot of Asher looking into his closet and reaching for a pair of pants and a plain T-shirt. We can then see Asher brushing his teeth in the bathroom, he looks at his watch because he always times and makes sure he brushes his teeth for at least 2 minutes. 

    Creating these detailed storyboards for Scene 1 functions as a crucial outline, significantly streamlining the filming process by eliminating trial and error once I'm actually on set. By pre-visualizing the split-screen arrangement and specific shot types, I can now focus my energy on managing the actors' performances and perfecting lighting instead of struggling with basic framework. However, I view these storyboards as a flexible guide instead of a fixed set of rules. If a particular angle doesn't feel right in the moment, or if a unplanned creative idea inspires a new shot that could better capture the contrast between Asher and Sophia, I completely intend to pivot and make those changes. This balance of careful planning and on-set instinct allows me to maintain a clear narrative structure while staying open to the "organic moments" that usually bring a scene to life. 

    The next step in my journey is finally getting behind the camera to begin filming Scene 1. I've decided to dedicate this upcoming weekend to the production, allowing myself the time to be meticulous instead of rushing through the process. Since I am specifically starting with Sophia's morning routine, the set will be focused and personal, consisting only of myself and my sister, Angelina, who is taking on one of the main roles. I am beyond excited to transition into filming and to see all of my research and planning finally pay off as my vision comes to life on screen. 

Production - StoryBoards for Scene 1 (Sophia)

     With the start of the production process, one of the most important tasks I need to complete to ensure that I have a smooth filming process is creating my storyboards. Not only will this help me visualize what each scene will look like, it will also help me determine which shot types will most effectively convey the narrative of my film. Creating storyboards for each scene will help eliminate any confusion that can come to light the day of filming. I want to be able to confidently walk on set, knowing exactly what shots I want to utilize and when as well as be able to seamlessly and clearly communicate my actors' roles in the film if they are lost. 

    For this scene, I wanted the audience to feel the frantic yet authentic energy of Sophia's daily routine. By beginning with a static close-up shot of the alarm and a mid-shot of her scrambling out of bed, I aimed to instantly immerse the viewer in her sense of urgency. The cluttered room and nightstand function as a visual metaphor for her internal state—busy, unorganized, and lived-in. I decided to follow her movements with a POV shot and dolly-in as she reaches into her closet to generate a sense of shared intimacy; I want the audience to feel as though they are stepping into her shoes as she gets ready to face the day. While the low-angle shot of her stepping into her Birkenstocks grounds her character in a particular, relatable aesthetic, the shot of her brushing her teeth while dancing is the emotional bind of the scene. It is a moment of voluntary joy that supplies a window into her personality. Through this mix of tight, cluttered frames and spontaneous movement, I intend to show that while Sophia's life may be chaotic, she navigates it with confidence and excitement. 

My Storyboards For Scene 1:

Shot type: ECU/CU/MCU/MS/WS/EWS         Camera movement: zoom/pan/tilt/tracking/crane/aerial

Notes: Close -Up Shot of iPhone on disorganized nightstand. The alarm is ringing, notifying Sophia that it’s time to get up. She reaches across her nightstand to grab her phone and to turn off her alarm. Sophia puts her blanket over her face and then scrambles to force herself out of bed. 

Shot type: ECU/CU/MCU/MS/WS/EWS         Camera movement: zoom/pan/tilt/tracking/crane/aerial

Notes: Point of view and mid-shot of Sophia looking into her closet and reaching for a hoodie and leggings. We also can see Sophia brushing her teeth while dancing, emphasizing her carefree personality. 

Shot type: ECU/CU/MCU/MS/WS/EWS         Camera movement: zoom/pan/tilt/tracking/crane/aerial

Notes: Mid-shot and over-the-shoulder shot of Sophia doing her eyebrows and putting on lip gloss. 

    One thing that was important to me when creating my storyboards was making sure that they were simple and easy to understand. I think that by utilizing uncomplicated shots and intentional movements, I can maintain a high standard of quality and ensure technical accuracy throughout every phase of filming. Prioritizing technical essentials—like sharp camera focus and precise actor positioning—is crucial to my filming process. I am worried that excessively difficult camera movements might take away from these main elements, so I have chosen to follow a more minimalist approach. Incorporating static and controlled shots allows me to dedicate most of my attention to the performance. However, to maintain visual interest, I will be utilizing a diverse range of shots such as mid-shots, close-up shots, as well as a purposeful dolly-in for narrative impact. I am happy that I can use the storyboards as a reference to look at while filming and I think doing this has not only made my ideas clear to myself but also to others.

    The next phase of my production process involves completing the storyboards for Scene 1 of Asher. I think they really helped me get a glimpse of how my story is going to come to life so I want to make sure I spend time creating storyboards for all of my scenes. Because the opening scene of my film includes a split screen, I want to make sure I spend individual and equal time working on Sophia and Asher's morning routine. Following the completion of Asher's storyboards, I plan to film Sophia's scene first, followed shortly by Asher's. Overall, I am excited to be one step closer to executing my vision for this film.  

Planning - Locations

    While every stage of the planning process is important, choosing the right locations was particularly crucial for my film opening. Without the right setting, I would be unable to film and my story would fail to come to life. After creating the script of my film, I immediately knew that I wanted to use three different filming locations: my sister's room, her boyfriend's room, and the Lego aisle in Target. Since it is personal to film in someone's bedroom, I wanted to make sure I got permission from both my sister and her boyfriend. Also, although it is a big risk to utilize Target as one of my filming locations, due to the fact that it is a public store, I knew that it would be a vital aspect of my film because it is when both characters have their first encounter. 

Reece Report: 

    Location 1 - "Sophia's" Bedroom

Images of the room: 

 

    Once I knew my story, I immediately wanted to select a bedroom location that not only matched the time period of my film but also aligned with Sophia's aesthetic. After careful consideration, I realized that using my sister's bedroom worked perfectly. I was drawn towards this space because it has modern furniture and the room also demonstrates Sophia's clean yet lived-in aesthetic. Additionally, the room's neutral color palette provides a perfect canvas for natural lighting, which helps establish the soft, morning tone required for the opening scene. The blend of crowded shelving and personal keepsakes creates a visual cue for Sophia's personality, suggesting a character who is defined by curated chaos and a life lived through her belongings. I also chose this location because it gives me the creative freedom to rearrange the decor and furniture to better suit the film's visual style. By combining controlled staging with personal elements, I can make sure that the opening scene feels both authentic to the character and visually compatible with my overall vision. 

Location 2 - "Asher's" Bedroom 

Images of the room: 

 

    Similar to the location for Sophia's bedroom, I wanted to choose another bedroom location that not only matched the time period of my film but also aligned with Asher's specific aesthetic. To maintain a sense of visual realism and continuity, I decided to utilize my sister's boyfriend's bedroom as Asher's location. Using a second familiar residential space allowed for better coordination between my locations and cast, ensuring a smoother filming process. The room's uncluttered surfaces and organized layout perfectly reflect Asher's clean, minimalistic lifestyle, providing a striking visual contrast to Sophia's crowded environment. This deliberate simplicity helps highlight his disciplined nature and provides a neutral background that keeps the viewer's focus entirely on his emotional arc as the story unfolds. Additionally, since the bedroom belongs to the male actor, it provides a relaxed environment that helps him feel more natural and comfortable during his performance, while also giving me the flexibility to easily move things around if needed. Ultimately, these intentional design choices ensure that the setting acts as more than just a background, serving instead as a visual extension of Asher's personality and amplifies the viewer's understanding of his character. 

Location 3 - Target, Lego Aisle 

Images of the Lego Aisle: 

  

    To establish the shared interests of my two characters, I decided to set their first encounter in the Lego aisle of my local Target. In this scene, both characters are drawn to the store by the release of a long-awaited, rare Lego set, generating a natural point of intersection for their individual journeys. By putting them in this particular retail environment, I am able to intensify the stakes of their meeting: as they recognize that there is only one Lego set remaining on the shelf, they both reach for it at the exact same time. This physical collision over a shared interest acts as a dynamic meet-cute, utilizing the bright, commercial background of the toy aisle to shape the sudden spark of connection and tension between them. Furthermore, using Target as a location grounds the narrative in a recognizable, present-day setting, as the store's contemporary ambiance and universal appeal reflect a common reality for modern audiences.  

Reflection: 

    Now that I have finalized my locations, I am ready and excited to bring my film to life. By carefully choosing locations that range from deeply personal private bedrooms to the vibrant, modern atmosphere of a local Target, I have made sure that every environment in the film serves a narrative purpose. These areas do more than just house the action; they supply a visual subtext that emphasizes the characters' individual identities, their shared interests, and the unavoidable friction of their first encounter. Ultimately, grounding the film in these realistic, contemporary settings allows me to close the gap between the screen and the viewer, generating an authentic world where the audience can completely immerse themselves in Asher and Sophia's evolving story. 

   

    Additionally, the final crucial part of planning and the first big part of production is creating my storyboards. They will provide a clear vision of the shots I want to utilize in each scene of my film, helping me stay organized and prepared for shooting over the next few weeks. With the locations secured and the storyboards underway, everything is finally falling into place for a successful film opening. 

Planning - Set Design Pieces

     Having created my mood boards, I now know what I want the three different sets in my film to look like. To bring this vision to life, I decided to explore the different objects that are located in my two actors' bedrooms that convey the time period as well as the characters' personalities. While searching, I came across numerous items that caught my eye, and I definitely want to integrate them into my film opening. 

Set Pieces: 

    Since my film illustrates the parallel lives of my characters, I wanted to highlight the differences between the characters' bedrooms as well as their daily routines. To do this, I focused on finding pieces that fit my female characters' clean-messy-chaotic aesthetic, while also finding pieces that fit my male characters' minimalistic but hyper-organized aesthetic. The items that I found include:

Overflowing Makeup Bag: 

                                 

                      

    An overflowing makeup bag is the perfect visual cue to establish Sophia's "curated chaos" the moment the film starts. An explosion of makeup brushes, lipsticks, mascara, and stranded hair clips suggests a life that is quick-paced, vibrant, and unapologetically lived-in. This single prop functions as a personal snapshot, contributing to a raw, unfiltered look at her expressive energy before she even steps foot out of her room. By highlighting this specific "mess," I can show the viewers that her character values personal flair and authentic living over rigid order.  

Bedside Table: 

                               

    To emphasize the contrast between the two characters, the opening scene of my film focuses on the different landscapes of their bedside tables as they wake up. Sophia's bedside table has three different layers, all crowded with random items such as flowers, a stray candle, books, ring holder, etc. On the other hand, Asher's bedside table will illustrate his very simple personality and lifestyle, having only his phone and watch placed on it. While this detail only appears briefly, it functions as a powerful visual cue that instantly establishes just how different their worlds truly are. 

A Purse: 

                              

    Although this purse is more of a costume design element than set design, I think it will be a perfect illustration of how Sophia follows the trends of modern-day accessories. By incorporating a trendy it-bag style, I can show that her curated chaos is ingrained in a contemporary, fashion-forward aesthetic. The bag serves as a status symbol that secures her character in the present moment. I plan on having Sophia grab and use this purse when she leaves to go to Target. This decision helps bridge her personal style with the film's overall aesthetic, verifying that even her most disorganized spaces are shaped by a calculated, modern flair. 

A Apple watch: 

    Similar to the purse, this watch is not a part of the set design, however it serves as a critical extension of Asher's disciplined environment. In a world where he clears away every unnecessary distraction, the watch represents his distinct routine and fixation with punctuality. In the film, the watch will be perfectly placed on his bedside table, allowing him to wake up and immediately put it on. It supports the idea that unlike Sophia, who moves with the flow of the moment, Asher consistently wears a watch to manage and measure time. 

Wallet and Keys:

    The use of the wallet and keys being carefully set on a table serves as an important visual cue for Asher's need for sequential order and predictability. By containing these everyday essentials within a particular location, the set design shows that he has a "home" for all of his objects, removing the friction of a panicked morning search. This tiny, deliberate detail emphasizes his disciplined mindset and functions as a sharp contrast to Sophia's more fluid, unscripted lifestyle, showing the viewers that his world is controlled by calculated order instead of impulse. 

Reflection: 

    Now that I have decided what all of the staple pieces for the set are going to be, I am very excited to incorporate them into my theatrical world. Seeing all of these pieces gives me a clear idea of what the setting and overall world of my film is going to look like. Although these set design items are all things that both the actors already had, I will place them in distinct and specific locations around each of their rooms which will help establish the personalities of the characters. The two costume design items will help me bring both characters to life and will help create their individual styles and vibes. All of these items have a meaning and purpose so I hope that my ideas and interpretations will come to life in my film. 

    The next task I want to complete is finalizing the locations for my film. Although I am already 100% set on utilizing my sister's room for the scene of Sophia's bedroom, I need to get permission to film in my sister's boyfriend's room for the scene of Asher's bedroom. It will be important to get his consent because if he says that I cannot film there, I will have to find another males bedroom to use. I am also going to go to the closest Target location to me so that I can make sure there is an aisle specifically for Legos, which will function as the meeting point of my two characters. 

Planning - Production Timeline

     It is essential to make a production timeline because it prevents the project from crumbling under the weight of "creative drift" by implementing strict deadlines for editing and filming. Even a short film opening needs complex coordination between sound, lighting, and talent; without a schedule, I can risk running out of time for crucial reshoots or post-production touch ups. Ultimately, it guarantees that my resources are used effectively, allowing me to focus on the storytelling instead of the stress of an impending, disorganized deadline. 

Completed Tasks: 

    February 6th - Create the project proposal for my film. 

    February 7th - Plan and finalize the first draft of my script. 

    February 8th - Decide and finalize the characters for my film as well as what their individual personalities are. 

    February 11th - Create the titles that I want to utilize in my film opening and decide where I want them to appear. 

    February 13th - Create mood boards for my two main characters and the location where they will meet. 

    February 15th - Make a production timeline so that I can see what the next few weeks are going to look like when planning and producing my film. 

Uncompleted Tasks: 

    February 26th: Decide what props I will utilize in my film as well as when and why they will be used. 

    February 28th: Create the storyboards for my film opening. Complete the planning process. 

    March 7th: Start the production process of the film. Day 1 of filming. 

    March 8th: Day 2 of filming. 

    March 10th: Create a production diary. 

    March 14th: Look for and finalize the type of music that I want to use in my film.

    March 16th - 20th: Start and finish editing my film opening. 

    March 20th: Post the final two-minute film opening brief to my blog. 

    March 22nd: Create and finalize my first CCR. 

    March 28th: Create and finalize my second CCR. 

    March 29th: Create and finalize my third CCR. 

    April 1st: Create and finalize my fourth CCR. 

Reflection: 

    After creating my production timeline I am now able to visualize everything that I still have to get done for my film opening. Having this clear schedule will prevent me from stressing last minute trying to complete the film and all of the CCR posts before or by my deadline. The next task that I want to complete is identifying what set design pieces are going to be utilized in my film. This is a crucial part of the planning process because set design pieces act as a visual shorthand for my characters' personalities and the plot's tension. 

Planning - Mood Boards

     Now that I have written the first draft of my script and finalized the characters that I am going to utilize in my film, I want to create mood boards that show the bridge between my imagination and the screen. While mood boards are displayed in a variety of forms, I decided to use collages to create mine. To do this, I decided to create three separate mood boards: two focusing on the main characters and one on the Target scene in my film. After this, I went on Pinterest to find pictures that correlated with each of these 3 big aspects of my film opening. From that I designed picture collages that portray each one of these important parts of the story. 

Mood Boards: 

    Mood Boards function as a visual shorthand to demonstrate the aesthetic guidance and emotional "vibe" of a project before the actual designing and filming starts. They allow people to position lighting, textures, and colors into a unified vision, guaranteeing that everyone involved in the creation of the film is on the same page. 

Sophia - Main Character

Sophia's Mood Board: 

    For Sophia's character, I want her style to mirror a lived-in, natural genuineness that focus on comfort over polished perfection. By placing her in a contemporary, fast-paced environment, I have a chance to display her personality through the "cluttered-yet-cool" aesthetic shown in the mood board image. I want Sophia to embrace big, loose-fitting clothing such as graphic tees and comfy sweatpants, gravitating toward a neutral, warm palette that feels approachable and grounded. Rather than rigid or formal clothing, Sophia will lean into cozy qualities and functional layers that indicate she is constantly on the move or deep in an innovative project. 

    Regarding her daily routine and environment, I want Sophia's space to be a disorganized reflection of her functioning mind, packed with unfinished coffees, tangled charging cords, and open magazines. I want her makeup and hair to look natural and low-maintenance, usually styled in messy buns or with heatless hair rollers that indicates a "getting ready" process instead of a completed result. I plan to highlight her rebellious nature by illustrating her rejection of high-maintenance beauty stereotypes, possibly through a scene where she throws aside a designer heel for a more comfortable platform shoe. Her expressions should convey a sense of contemporary independence, concentrating on her reactions to the pressure of being "perfect" by deciding to embrace the beautiful chaos of her actual life.  

Asher - Main Character 

Asher's Mood Board: 

    To demonstrate Asher's character, I want his aesthetic to be interpreted by a sense of meticulous discipline and organized modernism By placing him in a high-powered environment, his clothing should mirror a "clean-cut" lifestyle through well-fitted basics such as neutral hoodies, crips white tees, and elevated streetwear. I want Asher to wear clothes that are functional yet thoughtfully selected, favoring a palette of whites, greys, and blacks rather than intense patterns or colors. His style will be elevated by detailed accessories, like high-tech headphones and silver watches, indicating a character who values both status and efficiency.  

    

    Regarding his personal routine, I want Asher's environment to be hyper-organized, highlighting meal-prepped food in containers and a perfectly organized room. His hair and grooming should match this precision, using high-end products and a clear, inflexible morning routine to sustain a polished appearance at all times. I want to display his character's motivation through visual details such as an iron for his clothes and a rigorously managed closet that has no room for clutter. His actions and expressions should convey a focused, apathetic demeanor, usually seen through his dedication to his self-care ritual and his highly-productive life. 

Setting - Target

Target's Mood Board: 

    For the Target location, I want the atmosphere to capture the vibrant, lively experience of modern retail therapy. By positioning a scene within these aisles, I can utilize the striking red branding and bright fluorescent lighting as a effective background for character interaction. I want the environment to feel familiar and romanticized, highlighting rows of arranged red shopping carts and the hectic movement of everyday shoppers. This location will serve as a center of modern lifestyle, packed with everything from from daily essentials to the spontaneous finds that define a casual outing. 

    I want the characters to have a edgy first encounter in the Lego aisle as they both reach for the last rare Lego set that is on the shelf. Asher, having scheduled his visit for this particular release will find his hand overlapping with Sophia's just as she spontaneously grabs for the same box. This encounter will emphasize their clashing personalities, as Asher's apathetic, calculated approach meets Sophia's impulsive and chaotic passion. Within the primary-colored shelves, this shared want for the same object forces them into an immediate confrontation, establishing their relationship in a relatable and fierce modern moment.  

Reflection: 

    Now that I have completed my mood boards, I have a clear idea of what I want my story to look like. The next task that I want to complete is my production timeline. This will help me paint a picture of what the next few weeks are going to look like. Doing this will also allow me to prioritize the tasks that are the most important while also eventually completing the least important tasks. 

Planning - Titles

     In a two-minute film opening, every detail counts—including the words on the screen. For my opening sequence, I wanted the titles to feel like a disturbance and more like a part of the visual landscape. In this post, I will be analyzing the specific fonts I've picked, the color schemes behind them, and exactly where they will appear on the screen in my film. 

Production Company: 

    The first title that will appear in my film opening is going to be "A WBHS Production." This is because opening with a production company acts as a professional "handshake," instantly motioning to the audience that the film is a reliable, deliberate project. It also delivers an essential psychological transition, authorizing the viewer to get comfortable and shift their focus from the real world to the theatrical experience. 

Director: 

    After the production company title is shown, then "Directed by Ava Bernal" is going to appear. This will establish who the direct creative authority is, signaling to the audience whose specific voice and vision guided the story. This sequence generates a progression from the house that financed the film to the artist who created it, building anticipation for the creative vision that is going to unfold. 

Lead Cast: 

    The next title's that will be shown in my film opening are "Staring Angelina Bernal" and "Starring Armani Angelopoulos," these are the names of the main actors. Exhibiting the main actors right after the director helps establish the human component of the story, connecting the director's vision to the faces that will embody the film's emotional core. This sequence also boosts audience investment, as head performers usually act as the main draw and the viewers' access point into the film's world. 

Writer: 

    After the title of the main actor's is shown, the next title to appear will be "Written by Ava Bernal." This is because positioning the writer's credit after the actors emphasizes the narrative foundation, notifying the audience that the characters they are about to see originated from a particular script. This transitions changes the focus from the "faces" of the film opening to its designer, embedding the performance within the written world before the story actually starts. 

Director of Photography: 

    Following the writer title, the next title that will appear is going to be "Director of Photography: Ava Bernal." Presenting the Director of Photography after the writer switches the focus from the script's narrative framework to the film's visual execution. This positioning recognizes the cinematographer as the person in charge of translating the written script into a visual feeling, motioning that the audience is now shifting from the "idea" of the story into its actual theatrical atmosphere. 

Producer: 

    Additionally, after the director of photography title appears, the next title that will be shown is "Produced by Ava Bernal." Positioning the producer's credit after the director of photography recognizes the operational backbone that made the visual objective of the film possible. It serves as a bridge between the technical creativity of the shoot and the overall organizational structure of the project, emphasizing the person who secured the resources that brought the specific narrative to life. 

Editor: 

    The next title to appear will be "Edited by Ava Bernal." Placing the editor after the producer acknowledges the switch from the logistics of production to the ultimate assembly of the film's story. It emphasizes the "second director" who takes the original footage and shapes the rhythm, timing, and emotional flow into a strong theatrical experience. 

Name of Film: 

    Finally, the last title that will appear is going to be the name of my film, "The Perfect Mismatch." Placing the film title last serves as the narrative playoff, letting go of the suspense that was build up by the previous credits and the atmospheric footage. It acts as a final "point of no return," guaranteeing the audience is fully engaged in the mood of the world before the title card ultimately seals the experience. 

For all of the title's, I will be utilizing the Arial (Narrow Bold) font and the color of the font will be Lavender. 

Reflection: 

    Overall, these titles represent the collective heartbeat of the two-minute film opening. While each name conveys a specific responsibility they all work in unison to construct a world where love (as well as a tiny bit of chaos) can blossom. By the time the last credit for the film's title dwindles, the audience should already feel like they know the characters and the capricious world they live in. The next task that I want to complete in this planning process is creating mood boards that express the world of my film.  

Planning - Cast Sheets

     Since I already created the first draft of my script, I decided to find a female and male actor to portray the characters in my film opening. Focusing on picking characters before choosing which location, props, and clothing I want to utilize will help me understand their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. This is a critical step that provides a secure foundation for all upcoming creative decisions. Once I know and decide who my characters are, it will be much easier to determine what kinds of environments they would live in, what they would wear, and which props they would interact with. 

    Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who has any prior experience in acting. Also, I know that it is a big responsibility to take on these positions so I wanted to choose two people who I knew were reliable but also who I thought could successfully play the part. Due to this, I decided to evaluate my options within my family and friends. After careful consideration, I asked my sister and her boyfriend if they would like to and would be able to be the characters Sophia and Asher. They both said yes, making them my official cast. I think they will be a perfect fit for the roles because they already have a connection so it will be easily transmitted onto the camera. Since the film opening will have no dialogue, the pressure to deliver lines naturally is taken away. Instead, the focus will fully be on facial expressions and physical storytelling.  

Sophia's Actress - Angelina Bernal 

Asher's Actor - Armani Angelopoulos

    After casting my actors, the next step with them is to go over the script and ensure that they understand their character's role in the film. This is something new to all of us so I also want to practice filming each scene. This will help me identify any struggles they have so that I can try to work with them to fix it before the actual production process starts. Doing this will make the filming day run as smooth and simple as possible. Another thing that I will go over with them is how I want the characters in the film to be presented and what locations we will be utilizing. 

    I am excited to have finalized the actors for the characters in my film and to have completed their casting sheets. This is a crucial part in the planning process of my film opening because characters serve as the viewers emotional foundation, transforming a series of events into a relatable story that viewers truly want to follow. I think with each task that I am completing in this part of my journey, I am slowly getting myself on the right track. It was extremely helpful to choose characters because now I can dive deeper into the clothing and props that fit with their established dynamic, allowing me to use set design and costumes to tell a detailed story about their opposite personalities and first interaction that leads to romance. 

Planning - Script

     To start my planning process, the first task that I want to complete is the writing of my script. I want to start with this because the script will be my strategic foundation for my film opening, leading me to decide what characters, setting, and props I want to utilize. Kicking off with a script ensures that my "vision" translates into something that other people can literally see and hear come to life. To do this, I decided to write my script on a Word document so that it can be organized but also easily accessible. 

The First Draft of my Script:

    Although this is the first draft of my script, I think it accurately represents the story that I want my characters to experience. I think the biggest challenge I had when writing the script was taking a leap of faith in writing a narrative that I hadn't visually and physically seen come to life yet. As of right now, the story only exists in my imagination which concerns me because I don't know if everything will translate  effectively to the screen once I start filming. Another struggle I had was making sure the opening scenes can capture the audience's attention and interest immediately, creating a captivating reason to continue watching. To accomplish this, I had to find a balance between clarity and suspense; giving the viewer sufficient information to immerse them into the reality of the scene, while holding back just enough information to generate a 'craving' that only the rest of the film can satisfy. 

    Despite it being a film opening, I still wanted to ensure I established that it is a romantic comedy. While I plan on using the typical colors, clothing, and music that are seen in a rom-com, I wanted to have the first interaction between my characters to be in a creative and unique way. Because of this, I decided to use a meet-cute where both characters reach for the same last item on a shelf. This creates immediate friction and a close physical proximity. It also hints at how the rest of the story is going to play out. 

    Since this is only the first draft of my script, I think it will be very important to show and share this with my friends/classmates so that they can tell me what their opinion is. This will help me revise my story to better fit the conventions of a romantic comedy as well as a film opening, if needed. 

    Overall, I am excited to see my two-minute film opening come to life. However, I still have a lot more tasks to complete before I can start the production process. The next task that I plan on completing is my casting sheets. Choosing my characters will help me decide on the clothing and props that I want to use. 

Planning - Project Proposal

     Now that I have concluded all of my research, I am so excited to dive into the planning of my film opening. Although, this is an important and difficult task, I have decided to work by myself in creating my two-minute film opening. For my genre, I chose to do a romantic comedy. I made this decision because I wanted to create something that I would watch and enjoy but also something that I know would catch other people's interest. I love how romantic comedies give me a sense of comfort, predictability, and escapism. I want to create a story that is similar to movies that I have previously watched and enjoyed so I decided to make a list of a few. A couple of movies that I am taking inspiration from are Your Place or Mine, Love at First Sight, and People We Meet on Vacation. 

Story Elements: 

    In terms of target audience, I want to create a story that all types of people enjoy. However, I understand that everyone has different preferences and people might not have any interest in watching a romantic comedy. I also know that no matter what genre I pick or film I create, it is impossible to please everybody at one time. So, my main target audience is teen girls to mid-aged women who love watching a meet-cute story with a little bit of laughter. I plan to make the female main character be a chaotic mess (messy room, disorganized closet, over sleeper) while the male main character is hyper-organized (color-coded closet, awake early, minimalist room). I hope this appeals to teenage girls and middle aged women as characters that they can relate to, with half of the audience feeling seen by the females chaotic energy while the other half of the audience feels seen by the males need for control. This film will be taking place in present day America, making the scenario instantly understandable and emotionally resonant, enabling the target audience to insert themselves into the story and the core relationship.  

    In terms of social issues, since my film is going to be based in present day, people are used to socializing and meeting people through dating apps or on social media platforms. This takes away from the emotional presence and sense of fate that comes with a random in person encounter. Because of this, I decided to deviate from the norm by creating a film opening that involves two completely different characters randomly crossing paths, eventually leading to their happy love story ending. In a one-on-one human experience, you get to fully see the other persons body language and hear their voice, making the interaction feel more special and unique. 

Technological Elements: 

    Unfortunately, I do not have any experience using different camera's and editing software's. So, instead of learning how to work high-tech camera's and editing software's which will give me added stress and pressure, I am going to utilize my iPhone video camera and Adobe Premiere Pro. Using the video camera on my phone will allow me to film, review, and easily transfer clips to my computer to edit which will allow me to quickly fix or reshoot a clip instantly. Not only is an iPhone considered one of the best mobile devices for video quality, I can also change the camera settings on my phone to help bring my film to life. In terms of editing, my school provides Adobe Premier Pro for all students. This is very beneficial, and I plan to use this software to edit my film opening. This will give me access to different editing options such as effects, coloring, and the overall cutting and layering clips together. 

    Although I am pretty knowledgeable in using the video camera on my iPhone, I am not very confident or familiar in using Adobe Premiere Pro. I used it once in my Media Studies class, which gave me a little bit of insight into how it functions, but I still don't feel like I learned everything that I need to be successful, nor do I remember a lot of what I did learn because I only used it one time, which was a couple months ago. Because of this, I want to spend time watching videos online and talking to my classmates so that I can better understand how to utilize this software. Once I start the production process of my film opening, it will be even more important for me to watch specific tutorials and videos on how to combine certain camera shots and apply the editing techniques that I will be using. 

My Plan: 

    While I have spent a lot of time conducting research, there is still a lot of things that I have to do in preparation to efficiently create this film. In the next few weeks, I have to create my storyboard, finalize my script, and choose my title, setting and props. Splitting up my tasks into weeks has been very helpful, so I am going to continue doing that. 

    It is important for me to decide the personality traits of my main characters, such as how they act and their likes and dislikes, so that I can figure out which setting, clothing, props, music, etc. to use in my film. 

    Regarding practice exercises, I plan on meeting individually with the main actors to explain their characters' personalities and the film's story, which will give them insight into how to better accomplish their task. I also plan on practicing certain camera shots, movements, and angles so that I can decide on which ones will work best to enhance my film. This practice will also help me on filming day because I will know exactly how and when to use them. Lastly, I am going to reference my past research about typical sounds in a rom-com so that I can find the sound effects and music that I want to utilize in my film. 

    Although the next couple of weeks are going to be busy and a lot of work, I am very excited to be in the planning part of this project and I can't wait to start the production of my film.