Production - Filming Day 2

    Moving into day 2 of production, I'm still devoting all my energy to the first scene of the film. While staying on one scene for two days may seem slow, it's an intentional decision motivated by the complexity of the split-screen composition. Since the scene highlights Asher's and Sophia's morning routines side-by-side, I wanted to dedicate a full, individual day to each character's world. By splitting the shoot this way, I can make sure that the pacing, lighting, and character traits for both Asher and Sophia are captured perfectly without the pressure of a hectic schedule or the stress of managing two distinct set-ups in one day. 

Lighting Choices: 

   To maintain the right atmosphere for the scene, I decided to film in the early afternoon, which allowed for greater control over the environment than shooting in the morning. This is a calculated move for the production because the consistent afternoon sun supplies a dependable light source that won't change as quickly as dawn light would. In Asher's bedroom, I utilized curtain blinds to purposefully block the direct afternoon shine. My goal wasn't to create complete darkness, but rather to imitate that specific "just woke up" dimness where the room is shaded yet still brightened by the soft shine of the morning sun. Since I also filmed Sophia's morning routine in the early afternoon, it will make the split-screen look so much better. It lets me match the vibes and lighting in both shots so that when they're side-by-side, everything looks intentional and balanced instead of mismatched. 

With the blinds closed: 

Without the blinds closed: 

Shot Outcomes: 

    To keep Asher's morning routine visually engaging, I used a diverse range of shot types and camera angles, such as mid-shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, wide shots, and low-angles. Incorporating this assortment is crucial because a repetitive routine can easily feel flat on screen; by cutting between different perspectives, I can emphasize the particular textures and tiny details that make the scene feel lived-in. Having a blend of shots is truly about building a visual language that keeps the audience hooked and gives the split-screen a much more powerful, skilled feel. 

        

Mise-En-Scene: 

    For Asher's morning routine, I wanted the hair, costume, and room design to be a direct reflection of his minimalistic and organized lifestyle while keeping him deeply rooted in the present-day. His outfit—a pair of grey sweatpants with a freshly ironed t-shirt and a pair of brand-new Jordans—perfectly captures that modern, "clean-cut" aesthetic where simplicity encounters high quality. This theme transfers over into his room, which showcases a smooth, neutral palette of plain grey walls and black furniture to highlight his structured personality. Even his hygiene regimen is simplified; he doesn't need an elaborate set-up, just a quick hair touch-up followed by deodorant and cologne to show that he is ready for the day.  

Reflection: 

    I have officially wrapped filming for Scene 1, and I am so glad that I chose to split the shoot over two days; it made the whole process way more manageable and gave me the time to focus on the small, specific details that make Asher and Sophia's morning routines feel authentic. After reviewing the clips, I am really happy with the results; however, I know the real challenge lies in editing the split-screen. If I find that their routines don't completely match up or if a specific shot falls short, I am fully prepared to re-film those portions to ensure the final product is flawless. The next step to this process is to develop a comprehensive storyboard for Scene 2, which will be a strategic blueprint for when I tackle the filming of my Target scene. 

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.