Group Meeting #2
ALL MEDIA ELEMENTS SOURCED FROM STUDENT BLOGS
W (Click Here for Blog)
I heard W's original project idea in the first group meeting. Initially, his project was supposed to be something akin to The Truman Show, but his group ended up pivoting towards a sports comedy, as they were more comfortable making a sports film. This was a good decision, as everyone in W's group knew a thing or two or three or four or five about sports. Their story focuses on a teen who aspires to be a basketball player but is terrible at basketball.
Their shots seem well composed, stylized, and well lit. I offered advice to also mess with the color in their project as it could bring that cinematic look they are seeking.
S (You Know the Drill)
S is working on the zombie movie project that I discussed in my last group meeting post. It seems the group stuck with their exact idea, which shows how well they planned ahead. There is not much footage on S's blog post, so I do not really have an idea of how their project will turn out, but based on some behind the scenes photos it is clear they are going for a darker look with the use of low key lighting. One thing I was confused about was the costuming, as for a zombie film they did not use a zombie costume, but instead a grim reaper costume. However, I think it will work as the zombie is not supposed to be seen until the end, and very briefly so.
One thing the group struggled with was the low lighting, so I recommended that they maybe shoot in higher lighting conditions and make it look darker in post. I also recommended they check out the camera app I used (Black Magic Camera) as it would give them control over how their image comes out. Last, I recommended they shoot using a tripod, even if handheld, just for that extra bit of stabilization. One thing I especially admired was their efforts in making both prop blood and their foley sounds. When going into this project with my class, this was probably my favorite film idea, so I am excited to see how it turns out!
M (There Are Bugs in My Shoes)
This project is looking great so far! A simple plot following a quiet high school girl treated as an outcast. Where this production shines is in the mise-en-scène elements and the music. The group first focused on the color of costuming to reflect characters' emotions. They also put a lot into their set design, creating a board with photos, a diary, and probably more that I do not know of yet.
The COOLEST part of this project is the fact they are making their own soundtrack! That's friggin' talent yo.
V ( ) <----- still a clickable link
V's project was about a girl who succumbs to peer pressure. In the opening, the protagonist feels lost following her mother's death, and her friends take advantage of this, pressuring her to drink with them. V's project is my favorite use of color and costuming. There are two characters who dress the same, wearing bright pink. This highly stylized approach to costuming and color sets their project apart from the most realistic costuming of other project. I also liked the shots they had on hand to show the group. I am excited for the final product!