Film Opening

 Ladies and gentlemen... the moment you've all (mostly me) been waiting for...

PRESENTING

1100° FAHRENHEIT

Creative Critical Reflection

 

Script

I found that the easiest way to do my CCR is to make a script beforehand. 

I am here because I can finally say I have finished my AICE media studies project and trust me, what a long journey it was. My film is about a young firefighter Dalton who gets dispatched to a house fire in the Town of Davie. My film puts the main actor in a dangerous, high-pressure, adrenaline-filled situation. The opening is a foreshadowing of these events. 

A typical drama plot consists of high stakes and a lot of conflicts. They're plot-driven and demand that every character and scene move the story forward. Dramas follow a clearly defined narrative plot structure, portraying real-life scenarios or extreme situations with emotionally-driven characters.

Drama is all about conflict and how people deal with the world constantly in their way. 

Typical conventions used in drama films include

• Extreme situations

• Heavy emotions

• portrays real-life scenarios

• Focuses on one main character 

• Soft lighting

• Tension music

• Diegetic sound

Most of which I have incorporated in my opening because I wanted to go the traditional route and not challenge genre conventions. 

Since my film is about a firefighter, it is safe to say that the group that I chose to focus on is firefighters. Firefighters are known to be courageous and fearless. I chose my protagonist to be in his early 30s because I feel that this is when firefighters are most excited about their jobs. I also decided to have a male protagonist because firefighters are also primarily males and as mentioned earlier, I took the more traditional route. My main goal was to portray the reality of firefighters. How they go from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds. 

Drama films are known to attract primarily a female-dominated audience because most males aren’t big on the romancy stuff. Okay, understandable, but my film’s target audience is young adults 17 to early 30s, and both genders but primarily male, hence my male lead. 

According to my research, 95 percent of teens have access to a smartphone with the internet. The internet has become an essential part of daily life. According to a survey done in the United States, Youtube, Snapchat, and Instagram were voted the most popular online platforms. To engage with my target audience I will use these platforms for my production. 

With the use of Snapchat, I was able to create filters that are available to all users to help market my product. By using Snapchat filters, I made a fun, engaging way to get consumers interested. A bonus of using Snapchat is that a user can take a picture using the filter and then send it to their friend and then their friend can use it, creating a chain that spreads exponentially. 

Instagram is another platform I used to market my production. I made an Instagram account for the film and posted sneak peek clips and get to know me with the main character. Instagram is a great platform because content can be easily shared and reposted on it by using hashtags, therefore reaching a larger audience. 

Having my product on a streaming service such as Netflix would be cool but, impossible so I went with youtube. Youtube is used by many high school students as a platform to post and share their pieces. Youtube allows me to post my product for free and gives anyone around the world access. 

So let's get real here… this project uh taught me a lot about myself and it was a process, to say the least. 

The coolest part for me though was seeing my project go from a thousand little ideas to a solid idea, to production, to a finished product. I was told to write what I know and since my dad is a firefighter this topic fit the best. Everything just kinda came together after that. 

I began my process by doing preliminary research about my genre and this was something I didn’t mind doing. I researched plots, characters, and setting and then used what I learned to write an outline for my opening. I used a software to create a digital storyboard (much better than my drawing trust me)

Next came production which was my favorite part. I went to my dad’s fire station and filmed. I scheduled to go on the days he was working so I could have access to the firetruck and the lights and sirens. Production went by smoothly but editing was a completely different story. 

Figuring how to use adobe premiere was a pain (cut) It took a lot of youtube videos and trial and error to figure it out. 

Then, my opening just didn't want to upload to my google drive. I watched it for 2 hours to just tell me that it canceled itself like what. It took a lot of self-composure to keep my cool but I switched to trusty old youtube which finally uploaded my opening.  

I honestly really learned a lot about the production process and even though I did have obstacles, I would do it again. 

Anyways speaking of youtube, it was one of the manyyyyy websites that helped me with my product. When I didn’t know how to do something, I searched it up and found tons of videos to help me. 

Adobe was primarily where all of my graphics and entire product were made. I used illustrator to make a logo and premiere pro was what I used to edit my opening. Honestly, Premiere pro has too many buttons but moving on. 

I used blogger.com to help me keep all of my research and ideas together. This is where I posted many times a week updates on my process and this was where I had to get my stuff together because it was clear that we had a strict posting schedule.  

Oh, I almost forgot. This right here is the stabilizer tripod I used and lemme tell you it was a lifesaver. 

Throughout this whole journey, I learned about what it takes to do something completely by myself, from start to end. During the editing process, I realized that I like to create and edit videos which made me start thinking about starting a youtube channel and posting vlogs but that's a whole other story. If I were to do this project again the only thing I would probably do differently is more organized which would improve the project completely overall. 

Lastly, I just wanted to thank the Davie fire department for being so kind and helpful to let me use their station to film. Thank you to firefighters all over the world for risking your lives to save ours!

The Best Birthday Gift

It's my birthday! Whoooo! 

I know what you're thinking, "Sasha why are you blogging on your birthday?"

Well, I wanted to put the finishing touches on my project today and finalize it. 

First, I used Adobe's caption library to add titles and captions. 

Here's a list of credits I added in the beginning:

Director: Sasha Osnovsky 

Producer: Sasha Osnovsky 

Cinematography: Sasha Osnovsky 

Starring: Dave Vezina

And... Ta daaaa, I finished my project!

    Honestly, I feel like this is an amazing birthday gift to myself because I am truly proud of this piece. It's crazy that I started this back at the beginning of February and here I am now, finally done. It took a lot of hard work and I am very proud of myself. Don't worry, you'll see it very soon. Just stay tuned for my post to see the final product!

 

Logo Making

    To be more inspired, I watched some projects from the past years. After watching a few, I realized that I wanted to make a specific logo for my production company. I used Adobe Illustrator to make a logo. It was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. However, I really enjoyed making it (once I learned how to use it) and I'm very happy with my finished product. 

    After I finished my logo, I transferred it to Canva to make a complete page, which I put as the first clip of my opening. 

 

    

    I'm honestly so proud of myself for finishing the logo and not bailing on it. I have a pattern of just giving up but I didn't even though it really was not easy to make from scratch, without any templates. 

Changes in Sound

    Post-production was where I realized I needed to add extra background sound. Background sound will allow me to add a more dramatic effect. I searched for tons of different websites on Google. I browsed through tons and tons of sounds to find the perfect one. Websites that were helpful included pixabay.com and freesound.org. 

    The sound files I needed were birds chirping and a heart beating for my opening. For my CCR, I wanted to add sound effects such as crickets and a loud tone. I put the birds chirping sound over the establishing long shot which is the first shot in my opening. I used the heart beating when the action started. I decided to use this to show anxiety and tension. TO make my CCR entertaining, I used crickets to show stressful moments in my production process. I used a loud tone every time I made a mistake. 

Group Meeting #1

    Today, we had our first group meeting. I actually really enjoyed it. It was cool to hear about other people's projects and how different and creative each one is. In our meeting, we listened to each member's idea and then gave some advice or help if they asked. Some advice I gave was about music and transition choices. 

       The advice I asked for was if I should do the burning effect for my title page and if I should use background music. Avice I was given was to not do the burning effect for the letters. Members added that it will look cheesy and may take away from the seriousness that I'm trying to create. They also told me that instead of adding background music, I can add stings to it. They said that using by stings instead of music, it will keep the serious feeling that I am trying to establish. I appreciate all the advice they gave me. It really helped!

Second Production Day (new location)

     Today, I was able to go to a different fire station and film there. I got permission from the captain to film inside, outside, and in the truck. All the firefighters were extremely helpful and pulled out the truck as many times as I needed with lights and sirens. I was able to get the majority of my shots today. I filmed while it was light outside, so I was able to get a clear establishing long shot. 

Filming Tools

     Yesterday, while I was filming I ran into a few issues. It was difficult for me to hold the camera straight without my hands shaking. To solve this problem, I went to Amazon and found a stabilizer. I ordered the one below. It came this morning and it was super easy to learn to use. I tried a couple test shots with it and now I wish I bought it earlier!

    To film, I've been using my iPhone 12 Pro. I found that this is the easiest way for me to be able to upload the videos straight to my computer. Using my phone is also super convenient. I'm able to manipulate the lens as much as I want quickly and easily. A professional video camera would probably have better resolution, but using my phone is the best option for me. 

First Production Day

     Today I went to my dad's fire station to start mapping out where I was going to film. Since I've never been there, I started by thinking of how I can film inside with the station's lighting. I also took some establishing long shots that would be the first shot of the opening. The show I'm going to use is of the flag in front of the station blowing in the wind. I think this will set the scene and establish that it is calm and quiet at the beginning. This will be important because I want my opening to change from calm to adrenaline-filled in seconds. Like 0-100 almost immediately. 

                                    

    We also took out the trucks and turned on the lights and sirens and realized that it would look better if it was dark outside. The issue is that the establishing shot of the flag would only be used if it was taken when it is light outside. If I do one with light outside and one in that dark it won't look cohesive so I have to use the shot of the sirens that are taken outside. 

Works Cited:

“Fire Station 112 (Southwest Ranches).” Davie, FL, www.davie-fl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fire-Station-112-Southwest-Ranches-44.

Editing

     To edit, I will use Adobe's Premiere Pro and After Effects. I don't have very much experience using these editing softwares but these will allow me to make the best content I can. I have been researching and watching Youtube videos to learn how to create unique effects. I also have been researching how to use the tools that are already available for me to create transitions. Transitions will be important in my opening so it is critical I know how to use them. 

This video is a tutorial I watched on how to make a burning effect for the text in After Effect. I will use this for my title slide. Since my opening is about a firefighter going to a fire, I thought it would be cool to add a fire effect. 

 

This video is a tutorial I watched on how to make the burning text effect using Premiere Pro. 

 

This video that I watched explained 10 ways to use the tools available in Premiere Pro to create transitions. It explained that there are simple ways to create effective transitions without having to use different programs or downloads. The biggest thing that I learned from this is that everything you need is available and accessible for free in the program. 

Sources: 

tunnelviziontv. “After Effects Tutorial Burning Titles For Motion Graphics.” YouTube, YouTube, 10 May 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ump4UfvG_RE.

BPAQuickTips. “How to Create Your Own Title Using Text On Fire in Adobe Premiere Pro.” YouTube, YouTube, 29 Aug. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4UcUukqHBo.

colorgradingcentral. “The Top 10 Premiere Pro Transitions You Get For FREE.” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Apr. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCQxvl_YmTw.

Costumes

    Lucky for me, the costumes are already pre-set. Since firefighters already have a uniform that they need to wear I don't have to give them specific instuctions on what to wear. For the majority of the opening, the actor will wear his normal uniform. This is a gray shirt and navy pants. The shirt has the words "Davie Fire Rescue" on the back. Every firefighter has a uniform that they wear with their station's name on the back of it. At the end of the opening, the actor will put on his bunker gear. The bunker gear consists of the boots, pants, jacket, and helmet. 

    Costume is extemely impotant for my opening because they help show a transformation, as well as represent the character. Costumes show a transformation happening because there will be a costume change inmy opening. The actor will put on his bynker gear which will show that there wil be a change of scene and action. Putting on bunker gear represents that a firefighter is preparing to fight a fire. Costumes also represent charachter, because when you see a firefighter in bunker gear, they are seen as courageous and fearless, something that I want to portray for the actor. 

Changes to Project

    After going to the station, I realized that that one doesn't have a garage for the vehicles. My storyboard and outline featured the idea that the men get geared up in the garage, so either I have to change it to be outside or film at a different station. I was really set on the idea of filming inside and then changing to outside with a transition that includes the light and sirens. This is important to me because I wanted to keep it traditional with the use of the garage and a big firehouse. 

    The best way to solve this would be to change the location. This will be difficult because my dad is assigned to his station for the rest of the month. I want to film at Station 91, which was recently built so it will look better than the location that I chose before. I will have to go there on the days that I am allowed to. 

Storyboarding

    After completing my outline I am now able to create my storyboard. This made creating a storyboard a lot easier. The storyboard was actually my favorite part of the planning process. It gave me a visual representation of what my film will look like. 

The first box is the scene where the firemen are sitting in the kitchen just talking to each other. The second box is where the fireman hears the call in the intercome from the dispatcher. This is where the action starts. The fourth clip is the fireman running to the garage. 

The fourth box is the firemen putting on their bunker gear. The fifth box is the men running into the fire truck. The sixth box is the fire truck driving away with lights and sirens. 

Sources: 

Clever Prototypes, LLC. “Storyboard Creator: Comic Strip Maker: Storyboard Maker.” Storyboard That, www.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-creator.

Outline

    Before I start my storyboard, I need a general outline. I have decided that I don't want my film opening to have a resolution. I want it to end when it's about to get to the climax so it leaves viewers wanting to see more. 

 

Exposition:  It begins with Dalton minding his own business at the fire station. He will be sitting in the kitchen with the other fireman having a good time. This is where there will be some conversations with the other fireman at the station so that way Dalton's character starts to develop. 

Rising Action: While the fireman are having a good time, they get a call on their radios and intercom. It says that there is an emergency that they need to respond to. It says that it is a huge structural fire. The men quickly get up and run to the garage. This is where the adrenaline starts. The men put on their bunker gear and get into the trucks. They turn the lights and sirens on and drive to the call. 

Film Schedule

     For me to be organized, I felt it would be easiest to make a schedule. I am planning to add things to the calendar a week in advance. I started off with writing the days I can shoot because they have to correlate with my dad's work schedule. I can only shoot when he is working at the station, so the days you see below are the dates that I have access to the film location. I decided to schedule 4 film days but I may have to add more. We'll see as I go.   

 

     Some things I plan to add to the schedule are editing, extra shoots, and CCR responses. The schedule begins with week four. This week, I will begin my shooting just by doing some test shots and assessing the lighting at the location. Week five I will do the majority of my shooting ad well as start some minor editing. Week six I plan on finalizing my editing and completing the editing. 

Character Analysis

     For my opening, I decided to have one main character so that viewers can deeply connect with him and experience his feelings. The main character is a 32- year old male firefighter that is tall and buff. He has black hair and brown eyes. This character is strong and passionate. Firefighters are known to be courageous and fearless so I want this to show throughout. 

    My first step is to choose a name. I did this by researching strong baby boy names. I chose Dalton. Even though the name won't be repeated often, I still wanted it to be something that sounded good to me. The character will show the traits of a firefighter by being calm and responding to the situation quickly. He will do things swiftly but wil show the adrenaline he feels throughout. 

Location

    A major component of my opening is the setting. I want the location to be a real fire station so that I will have access to all the props. Since the film is about a firefighter I thought it would make the most sense for the setting to be a fire station. The main location will be Station 112 in Davie. My dad is giving me permission to film inside and outside. He is also going to take out the fire truck and will give me permission to use the bunker gear. 

   

    I want to incorporate the sirens and lights in some way at the beggining. By doing this there will be an indication of an emergency and I want that feeling to be portrayed in my opening. I feel that a fire station just overall gives off a feeling of adrenaline, so this will be a big help to me in my opening. Also, in my research, I found that all firefighter films take place at a fire station or are a big part of the plot. The reason is that the station is the place where the men get dispatched from. That is where the story begins. 

    

Write What You Know!

     During my research process, I was reminded to write what I know. This played a large role in helping me choose what I wanted to write about. This is important because by writing what you know, you are able to create something that you can connect with and you can portray real and serious situations. A topic that I know about is firefighters because my dad is one so I thought that would be a perfect idea for me. Access to a fire station and different props such as a fire truck and bunker gear will be simple for me to get. 

   The plot of the film will be that a firefighter gets trapped in a huge house fire. The film opening will feature the firefighter getting a call that there is a fire and will show the adrenaline that firefighters feel when responding to a call. The name of the film will be 1100° Fahrenheit. I came up with this name by researching the temperature of a house fire. 

    I continued my research by researching the most popular and well-made films featuring firefighters.  Here are some that I found:

Only The Brave (2017)

 

This film is about a brotherhood of firefighters called the Granite Mountain Hotshots who have to face one fateful fire in Yarnell, Arizona. 

Ladder 49 (2004)

 

This film is about a rookie firefighter who becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career. 

Sources:

“The 7 Best Firefighting Movies of All Time.” FireRescue1, 11 Jan. 2022, https://www.firerescue1.com/entertainment/articles/the-7-best-firefighting-movies-of-all-time-PuEpoIbhL4qYFiZJ/.