Research 9, the short

I watched the short film 9, which was later was made into a full-length film. If we're being honest, I did not really like this film. It was kind of weird and I didn't really get it at first. The short film kind of reminds me of the Pixar movie Wall-E because it looks like it takes place in the same setting. I noticed that the film takes place from the perspective of 9, for the most part. Sometimes, however, it shows the perspectives of other characters. For example, at one point we see what the monster, spider-type thing is looking at. This is interesting to me and I liked that because I hate when we only see one perspective. I think seeing another character's point of view allows us to see more of the film. We see 9 becoming more and more scared as he becomes alone after the monster killed his friend. Although he is frightened, we see him outsmart the monster. His friend, before he died, tried to protect 9 and didn't let 9 go in front of the monster. Once 9 is alone, he has to learn to protect himself. This shows that he learns to protect himself and even ends up killing the monster. His character development shows him starting off as timid, and then becoming brace as he has to protect himself. I liked the special effects a lot. I liked how in the end the dead characters are glowing and the numbers are not attached to them. I think this was a cool way to show the difference between dead and alive characters. Although I did not like the film from first glance, it grew on me. I liked the character development and I liked how the good guy won and got to see his friend one last time. 

Genre choice for film

We had a couple of options for what genre we wanted to label our short film as. There was LGBT+, comedy, and romance. We took enough time to research all of them thoroughly. We went through all of the common aspects of each. We were able to immediately rule out one of the genres. The comedy one didn't necessarily fit with the vision that we have for the short film. We were able to break down the ideas and compare them to the other two options. We considered the romance genre for a while because of the love triangle that is shown. While it is a very present part of the film, we didn't want it to take away from the message. We had to step back and look at the bigger picture. We want it to stand for all the LGBT+ teens that could use support. We felt that the LGBT+ genre was most fitting for our film. We believe the pitch is great as it is. It provides the audience to the LGBT+ aspect, along with setting the tone for it as a teen film. It stamps it as a tool that can be used for guidance. This piece will have the beautiful blend of giggles and tears that is so desired in coming of age movies. We could not be more excited to continue this journey as amateur filmmakers. This class has introduced us to the passion we have for promoting love through a screen. We are so ready to begin the process to do just that. 

Genre Research- LGBTQ+, comedy, and romance

Some examples, CAMS in the LGBTQ+ genre, for costumes the characters usually wear modern clothes. this is because they are usually set in present day. Some common angles in this genre usually. With movements, this genre usually has tilts, pans, zooms, and tracking shots. Sounds of this genre include music from either LGBTQ+ artists or music about sexuality. The Mis-en-scene usually is influenced by mood or tone. The lighting is usually adjusted to reflect how the character(s) is feeling. With clothing, movies in this genre can show character progression through how they express themselves with their clothes. The editing in this genre is pretty standard, there is more emphasis on drama. An example from this genre is Love Simon. Some elements I like about this genre the chemistry between the actors can be really good, and the movies can be really representative of the community. An element I don't really like is that some of these can be very stereotypical. For Comedy, some examples of CAMS is that some of the clothes can be very goofy. Angles can range from being normal, or being really expressive. movies in this genre usually have tilts, pans, zooms, and tracking shots. Music in this genre is usually goofy. Mis en scene usually has an emphasis on keeping things entertainingly funny. An example of this genre is WaterBoy. An element I like is that I can get a lot of enjoyment out of these movies. An element I don't like is that these movies can be a bit too childish. For romance, examples of CAMS are the characters usually wear modern clothes. this is because they are usually set in present day. Some common angles in this genre usually. With movements, this genre usually has tilts, pans, zooms, and tracking shots. Sounds of this genre include music about love. Mis en Scene scenes are usually influenced by mood or tone. The lighting is usually adjusted to reflect how the character is feeling. With clothing, movies in this genre can show character progression through how they express themselves with their clothes. The editing in this genre is pretty standard, there is more of emphasis on drama. An example from this genre is The Notebook. An element I like is that movies of this genre can be really touching. An element I don't like is that these movies can be unbearably corny and tend to get repetitive.

Genres I would like to research

The genres that my group will be exploring and researching are the LGBTQ+, comedy, and romance genres. My group and I agree that the film we are planning on doing fits in best with these genres. They share similarities of fun and young adult movies, which is what we hope our film will be. To start off, our film will be centered around a young girl who is figuring out her sexuality and if she likes girls, while also being in a straight relationship. Because we will be focusing on LGBTQ+ relationships, it would make sense to research the LGBTQ+ genre. We are excited to research the LGBTQ+ genre because we want to learn more about it because it is not a common genre. We also hope to bring light to LGBTQ+ relationships, which need to be talked about in the media more. Also, we think that romance will be a good genre to explore and see if we want that to be our genre. Our film will have 2 relationships, but they will not be the focus of the film. We have Cassidy's (the main character) relationship with her boyfriend and we also have her relationship with the new girl, and if she wants that to be romantically. We might not chose to do a romance genre, however. This is because the center of our film is not as much about her relationship with the new girl or her boyfriend and more about her exploring if she likes the new girl and exploring her sexuality. This will be a good genre to research, though. Even if it not the main part of our film, it does play an important part. Cassidy is trying to see if she wants a romantic relationship with a girl. The last genre we might research is comedy. This genre we are the least likely to do. Our film is about sexuality and romance and, even if it is funny, that will probably not be the basis of our film. We will look into it, though, to see if we would like to do it and what it entails. All of these genres have their similarities so it is our job to explore how they are different and decide on one. 

Pitch for our film!

When 16-year-old Cassidy catches feelings for the new girl, things get complicated in her relationship. This film explores the realization that many LGBTQ+ youths experience. 

Working with my best friend

Hi again. I'm so excited to talk again. I feel like we're old friends that have so much to catch up on. This year is going to be a little different than last year in terms of my group. This year, none of the people I worked with have continued with A level (very sad, I know). I did like working with my group last year, though. I worked with 2 close friends who also worked hard and we always had a good time together. They made this class a fun experience and I wouldn't have wanted to work with anyone else. I'm glad I got to work with them and see how different people work and explore different people's perspectives. Although it's sad I can't work with them again, it's also a great opportunity. I get to work with someone that I haven't worked with before and I can be more creative because I will have less people in my group who might not like my suggested ideas. This year, I am going to be working with one of my best friends, Joaquina. Now I promise, we are the type of friends that can work together and not kill each other. Joaquina and I work great together because we allow the other to give ideas without judgement. We each have strengths that will allow us to prosper. Joaquina is very creative so I know that by working with her, we will be able to have a great project. We also have very similar tastes so I think working together will be fun because we will both be interested in what we decide on doing. I am also so excited to work with her because we always have a good time hanging out. I love that this class will be a class with a creative project and a fun time because of my group mate. I can't wait to see the project we create. Well, that's all for now. TTYL, old friends! :)

I'm back and better than ever!

Helloooo!! I'm back, but this time in A Level Media. I am SOOO EXCITED. Now, am I excited for all the work we're going to have to do? No, I'm not going to lie to you, but I am excited to get creative and film. The person I want to work with and I have already thought of the best idea, that we've fallen in love with. Now it's been a while so let's catch up a little. This quarantine has been insane, am I right? Like everyone wearing masks and staying home is crazy to me, but of course, we have to do what we have to do and do what we can to keep everyone safe. During this pandemic, I've only hung out with one person consistently, who I know hasn't hung out with anyone either. Now, I didn't want to say this because people find it annoying, but it is my boyfriend. We actually became super close friends in AS Level Media so thanks for that I guess. But, as I was saying, we've only hung out with each other. We've seen a few of our friends every once and a while but to stay the safest, we've only seen each other. I do miss my best friends though and seeing them everyday at school. I'm actually planning on working with one of my best friends for this project, but I'll probably get more into that in a later blog. It was sad though not being able to see my best friends constantly throughout the summer. It's very sad to think that we missed a summer during high school, which is supposed to be "the best time of our lives." That just means that the next two summers are going to have to be the best I can make it, assuming this is all over. I also didn't get to work as a camp counselor this year because of corona which was also devasting to me because I love my job. As much as I understand the reasons why we aren't in school and I can't see my friends and I couldn't work, it is still a very sad reality. It also frustrates me when I see other people not following guidelines, when I have to because: 1. it's the right thing to do and 2. my parents are strict about this pandemic. Well, that is all I have to say for now but I will definitely be back to chat later. 

TTYL (talk to you later), 

Amy <3