Ups and downs

I’m getting worried. 

My friend who contracted COVID last week has fortunately been feeling better but hasn’t tested negative yet. I don’t know if they will be okay just in time to film the final scene they partake in. I’m starting to think about plan B and the only thing that comes to mind is substituting the actors but will still play the same character. I have already asked one of my friends and he agreed to do it I just have to let him know in time. 

Furthermore, I’ve written down some of the things I need to keep in mind while editing next week (final week) and also the adjustments I have to make to other scenes, here’s a sneak peek. 

Lights, camera, ACTION!

Today is day 3 of spring break and things are going well. Today was another day of filming and once again, thanks to my team, it was easy. 

Today we filmed the scene where Soul had just jumped off the window to explore the “real world.” This is the moment Soul is left speechless by all the beauty around her she’s never seen before. Once again, the same issues were presented today such as audio problems, lighting, and other factors. I will once again attach some shots from today’s filming and remember, no spoiling! 

SPRING BREAK (with no breaks)

The first day of spring break is finally here and there is no better way to enjoy it than taking the day off and take advantage of the beautiful weather to film. Although I had to skip a couple of scenes because of the COVID incident, I think the scene I filmed today will do justice. This scene consists of Soul jumping out of her window to go outside and explore. This scene had a few complications due to the lighting and surprisingly there were many interruptions such as cars passing by, outside noise (construction), and joggers. However, although I filmed about 30 times to get the perfect shot, my whole team was very helpful and we finally achieved what I was looking for. 

As far as changes made, there weren’t any big ones. I will advise because I live in a two-story building, Soul can’t literally jump off the window so a lot of editing has to be made to make it look like she does. Jump cutting is key in this scene and precise angles as well. Overall, today was a successful filming day and I will include some shots from today, no spoilers though! 

SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!

Not the ones you might be thinking of. 

Today, I went outside and with the help of my fellow, healthy characters, I was able to capture some of the shots needed for my second scene. 

I have found many pros and cons to filming at night and also some solutions and improvements I can do for next time.

There are definitely more cons than pros but I think these are all bareable and we could work around them. 

I will attach the list made below and I hope next time I see you there will be plenty solutions and maybe I’ll be done by then!

See you later, alligator! 

Alessia. 

It’s reflection time...

I take it back.

This week was cut short. It was all going great. 

One of my actors actually got sick and it turned out to be COVID-19. As disappointed as I am, it’s important to recognize these times are rough and there are way more important things to take into consideration like our health. My team and I got tested and luckily we are negative, but this means the filming process is detained for a couple of more days until this person tests negative and feels okay to continue. 

Looking at it from the bright side, I now have more time to make some changes and even film some scenes that do not include this character, progress! Right? 

Moreover, I have done some research and found some microphones on Best Buy that are affordable and can make a great impact on my film. I’m thrilled! 

We shall keep our heads up. No one said this would be easy and I realize now. I will keep working and trying my hardest to push forward and make advances to my film and my vision and I can’t wait for the final product.

Thank you for understanding, 

I will keep you all updated.

See you later, alligator!

Alessia. 

THANKS TO... BREAKOUT ROOMS

Hello Everyone,

It’s been an excellent week, with the planning and shooting of my first scene, it’s safe to safe I feel more accomplished every day.

You’d think by now I would know all the tricks and tips anyone has to offer but the more I go on breakout rooms, the more ideas and tips I bring to the table, let’s talk about them!

First, I explained to everyone in my breakout room (there were about 5 of us) what my opening scene talked about and it seemed like everyone enjoyed the idea and gave their opinion on it which for the most part were positive. As I explained to them some of my struggles such as audio, lighting, and editing, they have blessed me with some solutions that I will definitely be taking into consideration. This time, I wrote them down on my iPad and saved it to my “planning portfolio” and I will be soon be doing more research and maybe purchasing some of these items that will help with the development of my film such as a microphone. 

Below I will attach what I wrote down. 

Thank you to my group members who collaborated with me and did not mind sharing their secrets so that we can all succeed in this amazing project!!

See you all later!

Alessia. 

THE PROCESS

Today I woke up with my right foot. 

I recorded the first scene of my film and it went spectacularly.

With the help of my mom and sister, I was able to put together the first drawings of my storyboard and bring them to life. 

The process of filming was hard though. A lot of bloopers and mistakes were made. For example, my sister who plays the role of Soul, had a hard time memorizing her parts and my mom also forgot some of the lines. My cat who plays Lennot, Soul's cat was not able to stay still in one spot which made it very difficult to film. Nevertheless, the scenes turned out exactly how I wanted them to and my vision and ideas were spot on! I'm thrilled. 

I made a list of things I need to adjust at the end:

• Sound
• lighting
• background music

I will attach some scenes as well as behind the scenes of how this day played out and you guys can start creating an idea of how the movie will turn out at the end, no spoilers though! 

Special thanks to my sister, Elisa and mom, Rosalba, who've surprisingly helped me out tremendously and collaborated with the process, I would've never been able to get it done without them. Thank you! 

Thank you all for checking in, see you next week! 

Storyboard

After long planning days, I think the most exhausting day and post would have to be this one. Although it is not perfect and probably unfinilized, I think it’s safe to say this storyboard represents the best idea of how the opening scene of my movie is going to look like. In my storyboard I have included the type Of shots and angles each scene has. Take a look!

And that folks, is all I have right now. I hope you enjoy and are as excited as I am for my film!!

See you tomorrow!!!

Alessia. 

THE SCRIPT

 Hello Everyone, 

Today I have some very exciting news... the opening scene's script is finally here! 

Many of you have been anticipating it since the beginning and I'm so glad I was able to get it done. 

I will say this will not be the final script as they are some modifications and new factors that will come into play later on. Writing the script was fairly easy as I had a picture of how the whole opening scene was going to turn out. At first, it may look plain and simple but there are many things that will be added and removed through the whole filming process which by the way, is approaching very quickly. 

Some things to point out about the script are:

• Some characters such as Carlos and Rafael are only introduced at the end and don't have much dialogue.
• The dad is not introduced in the opening scene.
• It's not the final script. Modifications will be made along the way.

Furthermore, I've done deeper research about schizophrenia and I noticed not a lot of this illness will be portrayed in the opening scene which may be a problem. However, I do still keep in mind this is only an opening scene and the illness and plot twist will be portrayed later on in the movie. 

I will attach the script below and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it. 

Production & Modifications

 Hello, welcome back! 

Certainly enough I knew this would happen, some changes need to be made in order for everything to flow and I have also come up with a brilliant idea that will help with the overall finish of the opening scene.

First of all, I was thinking the other day about how this movie could be more personal and of course, hit the audience deeper. I came up with the brightest idea ever, why isn't the movie recorded in the first person? Let me elaborate...

Soul, the protagonist of my film, spends her days locked in her room bored out of her mind. She decides to blog about her day-to-day life and the film will show everything in her perspective as if the tapes from her camera are her story if that makes sense. Later on, as she goes outside without permission, she documents the entire thing on her camera, which will later in the movie be very helpful, and all her thoughts, symptoms, and experience is documented on the tape.

Furthermore, as I reflect on my production, I think keeping a positive mind throughout the whole process will definitely facilitate every step of the way. Coming up with ideas and giving meaning to them is only the beginning of my journey. I don't know what's to come but It will come if I am determined to get to it IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

I will leave you guys here and intrigued with my new idea. Will I do it? you'll find out next time I see you as I prepare to get the camera on, characters together, and ideas in one place. 

I will see you all next time, 

Alessia. 

Key Moments

 Hello Everyone, 

Thanks for coming back!

Time is ticking and filming day is so close I start to get nervous every time I think about it. What if nothing goes accordingly? what if something doesn't work out? I would ask myself these questions frequently and clearly, I was beating myself up. Planning out the script, costumes, lighting, and more has been very stressful I"ll admit. However, looking at the bright side of it, the process of brainstorming with the help of my friends and family has helped tremendously by making it easier. 

Now, some key moments in my opening scene will definitely be the messy room as I want the audience to really understand who this character is and what she is suffering from with heavy detail. The next key moment will consist of emphasizing the character's moods and how her environment affects them. 

More studying and research are being made but I am so glad I can finally start working on the production and filming as soon as possible. I will leave the audience starstruck. 

Please come back tomorrow for more updates!

Alessia. 

YOU GOT THE PART!

Hello, everyone,

Today I have some very exciting news that needs to be shared, obviously...

 I have finally found who will be playing each character!!!

After days of auditions and many participants, I have finally decided who fits each role best. I will admit, t wasn't easy. In my opinion, everyone deserved it. My characters, however, deserve justice, and it will be served. SO, I was looking for actors who not only played their characters accordingly but also, who understood my ideas and were willing to bring them to life. 

But first! I would like to disclose who these characters are since I've only gotten into detail with the protagonist, Soul. 

(Protagonist)

 Soul - Played by my sister, Elisa Romer 

(Antagonists) 

Portia, Soul's mother- Played by my mom, Rosalba 

Rafael, the first kidnapper - Played by my cousin, Gerardo

Carlos, the second kidnapper- Played by my best friend, Gabriel 

Lennot, Soul's Cat- my cat (a personal favorite)

For now, these are all the characters I need for my opening scene, but surely I will let you know if something changes of course.