AICE Media Studies

 In my last blog, I discussed working on my animated titles. It was so much fun! Now I'm moving on into the thick of it. Editing is such a tedious process. I can make it through if I lock in and focus.  I'm using capcut to edit again because it is what I am most used to. The software is beginner-friendly and free to use. I've downloaded the desktop version so I can use it on my laptop. Here is my plan: First, I have to sift through the footage to find what I want to keep. I filmed a lot of extra footage to make sure that I had enough. However, this adds a lot of time when it comes to choosing and organizing what I want to use. But, I can figure this out. It's not the first time I've done this! After I finish that, I have to cut and order the clips. This is my least favorite part, because of how long it takes. It's also very precise and takes a lot of focus. After I finish that, I can work on the fun part! I can add a custom filter over all the clips to give them...

  Do you remember how I included an animated title in my storyboard? Well, now is the time I start working on that! Luckily my past self took pity on my soul. (I have been traumatized by overestimating my time constraints in the past) I choose a simple animation! The main issue is finding software that is free and easy to use. I have years of experience with illustration and design, but I have never animated before. Maybe choosing animation wasn't the smartest idea. But, I'm ready to take it on!  I choose to use Krita to animate my title. I have tried this software before, just not for animation. Digital art is such a learning curve, so I am a little nervous about how much time it will take to finish. I'm mostly used to traditional art.  It's now been about 30 minutes since I've started the process of animating and I think I am getting the hang of it! I've sketched out my title on multiple frames. I chose to mimic letter blocks when designing, which means that i...

 After finishing the previous scene, we decided to take a break! We had been filming for a few hours and were getting hungry. We found a place to eat in the location. We all brought food to share! This was a fun breather from working.  Next, after we cleaned our table, we started shooting Cici's scenes. Her scenes take place at a picnic table. We didn't have to move at all! Stuff like this is always convenient. Especially because it was hot. I wanted to avoid anyone getting too tired or getting heat stroke. Health and safety always come first! I never want any of my actors to get hurt. I found another shady location so they can watch us film! Cici's actor was great. It took a little direction at first. However, that is always expected. It's why I am here after all! Siena got it right away though, after a few pointers. She also has experience in theater and acting which streamlined the process. I am so grateful for these wonderful helpers! We finished her scenes fast and...

 After the first scenes we took a break to rest. I wanted to refocus our goals. I reviewed the script with the actors. They seemed totally understanding! Well, for the most part! After, I focused on filming the scenes one by one. Like, by location. So, because we were closest to the main lost forest scene, I choose to move to that one. Filming this scene was very fun. The actors were in a good mood! They were laughing and joking around but not to the extent that they were too much. So first I got Lola into position. We had to make sure that everyone around was silent during filming to not mess up the sound. This made it a little difficult with surrounding noises of cars, but we finished it in a few takes. Lola did a great job of timing and understanding my goals. We make a great duo! Next, I got Juli to film her scene. She is very lively, which I had to focus. However, she has experience in theatre, which made her able to focus when needed. Honestly, I’m surprised she did not sugge...

I finally got to filming! Before I talk about filming I'll discuss the planning leading up to it. In my last blog I mentioned a set back, remember? Well, of course, I had to work it out. So I planned a new date. This date is about 2 weeks from the original, on a saturday. I make sure to check that I have transportation to and from the filming location. The first thing I do after setting this tentative date is confirm with the actors. They all said that they were available. After, I start confirming a day off to-do list and collect all the materials I will need. I am so glad that the date is for sure. I was also so excited to begin filming. On the day off, I grab all of my materials and head to the site a little earlier than the planned filming time. I wanted to confirm that our location is okay. Also, I remind the actors to come in costume. They all arrive quickly and on time. All of my actors are in a good mood and ready to film. First we start off with all of the scenes in the la...

 The dates that I had planned to film did not work out! I feel very stressed about it since I don't want to fall behind. In the meantime, I tried to find the next thing I could do. I rescheduled with my actors to the weekend after the one I originally planned. I love using Google Calendar to plan stuff. I put everything on there, including a list of all the tools I planned to bring. Also, I blocked out the entire schedule for filming and editing on my calendar. I realized that I am so busy this month!! 3rd quarter of school is the worst because I have so much studying. Luckily, I was spared a long weekend and early release day in the coming week. This would be the perfect opportunity to confirm my plan B. In the meantime, I wanted to clarify some styling decisions I made for the film. I want all the characters in the film to dress their age with clear personalities. Luckily, all the actors I cast already have clear personalities to go off of. Because of this, I can just give them a...