Change of Plans

 

Being that we were completely thrown off by the entire pandemic, somethings had to change. Due to some of our cast members traveling we had to completely change our cast. We also ran into major issues when it came to finding the perfect scenery for our abduction scene. Our original plan was to film in Dunkin’ Donuts where they have a reserved office space that was closed off by glass doors that would’ve been perfect for our scene. But again because of the pandemic they aren’t able to rent out the space at this moment. And that was only the beginning of our troubles. We later came to realize that we couldn’t seem to locate a parking garage that would be a good use for our abduction scene which entails Destiny being dragged into a car. So when idea that we came up with is Ashleigh’s home where her dad has a home office that is actually perfect for our storyline and our scenes. We also had to cut down on the amount of people that we are allowed to film with us, it will now only be myself Ashleigh and Jontae and Dwana. Because our schedules aren’t as flexible as we thought they would be we have to film different segments at different times of the day, separately. We even have Ashleigh and Destiny playing the director role in our own film. Even changing some of the scenery, we have made changes within our actual script and the way we want things that play out in the scene. There’s going to be a little bit different dialogue that was initially outlined in the storyboard in the script. As well as different shots, action movements, and even editing techniques used once we reach that process. We feel as if this will not offset our original idea of the movie but, will shine light onto the actual plot of our story, sticking more to our choice of genre. Because with our choice of genre there is lots of action that needs to take place, but also outlined to be clearly outlined as to what’s going on. Lastly we decided to use the parking garage of our local Home Depot, we want it to be busy to give the actual effect of Destiny leaving work. 

Total Recast

 So not only due to the pandemic, along with the holidays, some of our cast members did travel and that sort of complicated the process of filming. It not only complicated but delayed our filming process. We reached out to other people to see who would be available on such short notice and we happened to come across someone. We needed someone for the scene where Destiny is being taken in the parking garage of her job. Jontae will play an important role in the kidnapping of Destiny, and he also fits the image we were initially going for. We also are having trouble getting together and filming scenes. It has totally been a hassle trying to get everyone together and film this movie. Dwana and I compromised the perfect plan that not only works for our busy schedules. But works best following post-pandemic guidelines that puts fewer people in one setting. So, to our advantage Ashleigh and Destiny has an office inside their home which greatly helps because we were troubled finding an office space. A lot is going to have to be done differently now that we waited so late to film, we do not want it to be a last minute thing. With this plan in motion Ashleigh will actually film our first scene which is Destiny in the office arguing with the CEO of her job. And this role will be played by her dad. With them doing that on their own that allow us to eliminate the abundant amount of filming we would’ve had to accomplish on the day we all get together to  film. The idea of Ashleigh’s dad being the CEO also helps with our storyline and would paint another plot twist/ cliff hanger as to why Destiny’s very own sister and dad and VP of their company would want to out  her. Sometimes especially in film, not everything turns out as planned but most of the time it works itself out ultimately. Although this filming process isn’t perfect we still have an outlined/detailed plan that will still produce a great film. We have  actually a few clips that we do want to reshoot so that will have to get done Friday due to our schedules. By Friday we should have all of our footage as well as partial editing done. Then by Saturday the whole film should be done and ready to put out for the fans. 

What Happens Next?

 Although we could’ve filmed over our thanksgiving break, we chose not too. Some of us were traveling with family, and even in a pandemic, we weren’t able to get together this time around. I still feel really good about the position that we’re in as far as when the film is actually due. Only because the filming process can be done in one day if we really stick to our schedule, and my partner and I are both really good at editing. So it also doesn’t delay us or slow us down in the editing process. If we film over Christmas break we’ll have about two  and a half weeks to months only film but make sure our editing, music, sounds, everything is properly pieced together. Although we referenced in our “Planning” blog we would film on 11/23, things have seemingly changed. It worked out because we are actually in need of one more actor and we actually still haven’t decided upon who that will be yet. But since we didn’t film I’d like to further my blog on marketing. Seeing the website come together with all the pictures was exciting to see. I was able to make the social media pages which was a different experience since we only had personal pages for ourselves. We really felt like marketing campaign managers for a real movie. This has to be my favorite part of this whole experience thus far. 

Music Choice

 I don’t actually think we quite came to terms, with the fact we’re going to have to insert music. Meaning we have not really thought about a sound track to use, or even which artists. I think on the scene where Destiny walks out the office after fighting with the CEO of the company, I’d like to have the song “Walking on sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. We do have to ask for permission to use the song as well. We do plan on using mostly ambient sounds, meaning the natural sounds that fills the office, while they’re arguing. As well as the sounds outside in the parking garage and other small details we’d like incorporated. The reason we’d like to use that song is because, as she walks out the office after arguing. It captures a sense of fulfillment within destiny and it is also a happy upbeat song. Right before the movie begins to get dark and twisted. It really just adds on to the plot and theme of the story. Because we really aren’t focused on the music we do not plan on having different songs inserted into the film. Everything is mainly natural sounds, and an intensified sound whenever action is actually taking place. I feel the trickiest thing about music is, copyrights. Because a lot of the music we use will not be our own original songs, we do want to avoid being copyrighted. Which is why we have to ask the artists first, before we edit in that music. And because their schedules are so busy, I am not sure hoe much of a guarantee it will be that we hear back from them.

Marketing Campaign

  Moving along very quickly with our project, my partner and I created several social media sites to really push out film. We did start out by creating an entire website that is centered around our film. The first social media account we set up was an instagram account. Using a picture of our two main actors as the profile picture because we decided that is the picture we want as our headliner. We decided on the name “My sisters Keeper,” because it really just fit the whole concept/ idea of the movie. Two sisters who were close when they were younger and eventually grew apart and one grew envious of the other one. We know that instagram will be a great way to market and push our film because it’s such a mainstream platform used by a lot of teenagers and even adults. We then created a twitter account. I feel twitter is more effective for the way we’d like to promote this project because twitter is one of those platforms to really voice your opinions. Also being able to retweet so that your followers share posts to others who you may not follow. It definitely touches different sets of eyes that way. Next was YouTube. Now YouTube is a platform that we can actually use to not really promote but a platform where we’d put our film on so that people are able to watch it. It will be a very familiar site with a ton of people versus putting out somewhere that will be hard to reach. Lastly was Facebook. Not a platform I’d too much use other than simply putting out our release date of the film and our poster. On every account created we are able to post a short trailer clip, as well as the information on when and where to find our film. All of the accounts have the same name and profile pictures to keep it nice and simple. Lastly, we attached each of our social media links/accounts to the bottom of our website, on the website you can also find a short synopsis, background of the actors, and a throwback video of the sisters. We really hope to build our fan base and reach different audiences because this film is going to be one for everyone to view. And we’re so excited to film and put this movie out. 

Storyboard for short film

   

Planning our storyboard probably is the most challenging task for us right now. It’s like we know exactly how we want this film to play out, we’re able to visualize and everything; but putting it down on paper was so much more challenging. Especially knowing how to break up all the specifications of the scenes into 5 second picture boxes and not putting too much content into one square. Also some of our scenes were short so we had to kind of stretch/improvise the scenes just a little. Storyboarding is actually one of the biggest steps to filming for me because it gives you almost like a tentative schedule to follow. It is obviously always something that can be modified but for the most part you have everything you need to do outlined for you right there on the paper. So when it comes to filming day we can just refer back to the storyboard to see the specifications of each scene. Not only that but having a general idea as far as we hat shot, angle, camera movements, and what kind of sounds go in each scene. Which is very important. This is actually our first time working together and because of everything being virtual and social distancing it did become a little harder as far as communication goes to be able to successfully fulfill this projects every need. We’re also filming with some of our close friends as our actors so to keep the amount of people narrow, and not jeopardizing any COVID-19 precautions. The next challenge for the actual filming process is actually finding an office space/ scenery that is actually going to allow us to film there. The corona restrictions have altered a lot of places and companies and the activities that are able to take palace. We actually found one venue but they aren’t allowing people to sit down inside. Which means we’re back to square one with everything beside of course the scenes that can take place outside. We also may need a few extra actors but I do want to make sure that everyone is safe so we may film on different days with different people. Just to make sure no one especially our actors, are being put in harms way. Lastly, we do anticipate on recording over our thanksgiving break so that actually gives us another week to plan our our location and what days we want to film with who, and who belongs in the right scenes. As well as making sure we, the producers of the film are safe as well. 

Planning for Short Film

The parking garage at which parts of the film will take place 

 Planning Blog- Location- Office space at Dunkin Donuts and an underground parking garage 

Health and Safety- We plan to make sure to have our seatbelts while driving. Also while we are “using the knife we are using all the safety protocols. We take safety very seriously. In addition to these safety precautions, we will have a buddy system. So if anyone needs to walk off during our filming process someone will be with them. You could never be too safe. 

Props- In our short film we don’t really incorporate that many props. Since this is a fairly traditionally thriller film we will be using props like knives, ropes, zip ties, chairs, and cars.

Costumes-  Destiny will be wearing a business suit while Ashleigh will be in something casual. Most likely jeans and a tee shirt 

Participants- The main two actors will be our friends Ashleigh and Destiny each playing their respective roles. Jontae who will be playing the President that Destiny argues with in the beginning and Ashleigh’s dad who will play the mysterious man throughout the rest of the film 

Schedule-  

On 11/10-11/13 we will be doing our storyboard. On 11/23 we would like to start filming. We want a couple of days to film. Since we have a week long break for thanksgiving break we should have a couple of days to film everything and refilm if necessary.