Filming schedule changes

     Spring break is coming to an end and that means the fourth quarter is beginning. 

Partner Meeting

     I'm going to meet with my partner this week and the following week in order to shoot. We have a week off of school and this break will offer a great opportunity to film. Due to the previously discussed small number of filming locations only one day will be spent on each location but may result in greater shot quality. With the due date rapidly approaching, it's necessary that we speed up our production process. 
     The script is near completion and will contain numerous comedic reliefs throughout. Perhaps we should include serious tones so that the comedic lines aren't overbearing. With more discussion we will formulate a plan that is more clear. 

Update

     Welcome back, this weekend I got sick and have been battling through. I've been tired and drained but I hope to be at 100% by Monday. Our groups's film process is coming along nicely as we're planning to shoot throughout next week and get the majority of our shots in. This is a great goal but we both recognize that a rushed project is no good, so even though most shots should be done by the end of the week, we may have to fix some of them. 
     Our script doesn't need much more time as the film itself won't have the need for much dialogue. It will mainly consist of the main character speaking back and forth with the organization controlling him. Funny interactions will be the main focus of their discussions because that is a typical genre convention of the series. 

Second Group Meeting

     Hey guys, today I had a meeting with another group of kids from my class. We discussed whether or not I was heading in the right direction with my process. They enjoyed the idea of a comedic spy film. We also talked about possibly expanding the range of shots that I will use for the film opening. 
     

School Update

     Welcome back to the blog, I feel as though it is very important that I maintain a great production process for the film. In order to achieve this I need to alleviate all the stress in my other classes. I have just finished taking 3 tests this week and finally have a clear mind. I will devote this time to the project finishing the storyboard and script by the end of this week. With this new mindset I feel as though the film opening will thrive. Filming should also start this weekend. 
     More specifically, the script will be based on the shots we are taking. My partner and I feel as though this is a great idea in order to let the shots really lead the story as opposed to the script. With the movie being a comedic spy film usually the script is the main focus of the picture but I think this would be a good genre convention to challenge. 

Another Storyboard Update

     Welcome back, as my partner and I get a better idea of what the actual shots will consist of we have developed our storyboard. The overall scene shall involve three filming locations: a garage, a road, and a park. We will use a small number of locations to film at in order to maximize the amount of time at each filming location. With only three spots we can spend more than a day at each location and take our time with the shots. 
     The majority of our shots will be from the garage and park as the road scene only contains two shots. Therefore it won't accumulate much screen time. Our actor is also available often enough to film multiple days. This is a great gift as I want to take shots again and again until we get it perfect. 

Storyboard Update

Below are completed storyboards. The opening shot will depict the main character riding a motorcycle down a road. We will use a drone to create this shot. This will set the tone for the rest of the opening. There will also be scrolling text in the bottom right corner telling the time and place. Some information will be blotted out in order to show that this is a high level mission and details are protected. 

Script

     Script work has begun. My partner and I have continued talks about what direction we want top take this project in. The initial belief was that this would be your typical spy film but as I said in earlier posts we changed it. It was agreed that we needed more structure in our plans so we have begun writing a script. We think it will begin on a motorcycle. 
     Chuck was a recent spy TV show that was also humorous. Chuck has been a large influence on our creative process and we would like to follow the same style that was outlined on the show. The show included mainly serious lines but scattered funny ones throughout. An overemphasis on funny can be too obvious.

Storyboard

I met with my partner and we began to create a storyboard. To really begin this process we needed to have an idea of movies in this genre typically begin. We looked to films such as Get Smart and Chuck for inspiration. These films give great insight into how to begin a comedic spy film. The opening should be serious as if it is a actual spy film. This gives the audience the idea that the main character actually believes to be a spy. 

Partner Meeting

     Today I discussed with my partner the plan for the project going forth. We will spend this week planning shots and script. Next week will be the filming process so stay tuned. A new idea to make the spy movie a comedy was presented. I have enjoyed films such as Get Smart and Kingsman. Their mockery of the spy genre conventions was interesting. The use of comedy to exemplify conventions is especially humorous to long times fans of spy movies. 
     We also talked about 

Auditory Selections

     My partner and I are currently thinking about which sounds to utilize. The use of a copyrighted song would involve the emailing of a major record label and may not result in anything successful. If part of the project hinges on the use of something we may not be able to attain it would be detrimental to the process of the film opening. The use of free music would allow us to change things on the fly and be helpful if we want to experiment with new styles. Resources such as Bensound and Free Music Archive help people that need a reliable source for free music get access. All genres can be found on this website and it will be helpful in the continued production of the opening.

https://www.bensound.com/
http://freemusicarchive.org/

Filming Locations

I've been researching filming locations and a great spot to film is Markham Park. My partner Richard has discussed filming at this location and its one of the top locations to scout for a possible film shoot. The scenery there is very diverse and can give the appearance of many different locations. The ability for us to change locations quick is important in spy films as they involve a lot of chases scaling many different terrains. Being able to quickly adapt will be a large benefit. This is also close by the school and this will allow us to go back multiple times if we wish. 

Meeting with Reflection Group

     After discussing my plan to create a spy film, my group said that they like the idea but also would enjoy a crime and gangster film. The fact that it's unique and not seen very often grabs attention. Other genres such as horror and drama are far too common and a new genre would be a welcomed change. Currently I'm also deciding whether or not to use a speedboat in the film. Although the scene would be enhanced with the inclusion of a speed boat, it may not be safe. I think I'll err on the side of caution and not use the speedboat.