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Showing posts from January, 2026

Title design

  Our title design for the final task. For the font of the titles that will be displayed in the final task will be in Arial form. As this is the one that we thought would fit best the mood. For the text color we decided to go with a white color as it will pop the most to the audiences since the background will be dark and it will the easiest for them to read. It will be medium to big font size so that the audience is able to read the titles clearly. At this point we have decided for the title of our film it will be called The Call. All the titles in the movie will have an effect that allows them to fade into the screen and then out as it is a simple effect added to the movie and also a cool way for the audience to be attracted to the movie and continue looking at the titles. As the titles appear on the screen they will stay there for 2-3 seconds as that is the perfect amount of time for the audience to be able to see the titles and read them.

Title research: Women of the Hour

  Women of the Hour (2024) -What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?  Company/production logos like AGC Studios, Vertigo Entertainment, Boulderlight Pictures, and Bondlt Media Capital.  "Netflix presents" presented by Netflix "Wyoming 1977" setting of opening sequence. "Women of the Hour" wrapping up the opening sequence with the title of the movie. - What images are prioritized in the opening sequence and why do you think they were chosen? In  Woman of the Hour  (2024), the opening sequence prioritizes  images that immediately create tension, mystery, and a sense of danger , signaling its thriller genre. Early visuals focus on  confined, dimly lit spaces , often highlighting the vulnerability of characters and the isolation of their environment. Close-ups of characters’ faces emphasize fear, anxiety, or determination, while objects like phones, weapons, or surveillance tools suggest stakes and imminent threats. The use of  muted, s...

Title research: The Call

  The Call (2013), the American thriller starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin found on Netflix.  -What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? The film opens immediately with narrative action (a 911 call) in a cold open, without text titles over a blank screen first. This means you first see the story play out before any title appears.  Shortly after that opening action, what you will see is the title card displaying the movie’s name: “The Call” on screen. Prior to the title, production company logos like TriStar Pictures, Stage 6 Films, and WWE Studios appear on the screen. The studio/distributor identification appear in standard opening fashion.  So, the exact on-screen text elements at the start are the production/company logos followed by the names of the specific actresses that starred in this movie (Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin), and then the film’s title, “The Call”.  - What images are prioritized in the opening sequence and why do ...

Title research: Bird Box

    Bird Box (2018) found on Netflix   -What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? "Netflix Presents”  - This appears first, signifying Netflix as the distributor/presenter. "Bird Box”  - The title of the film itself then appears as a simple title card.  -What images are prioritized in the opening sequence and why do you think they were chosen? In  Bird Box , the opening sequence prioritizes images that create fear and mystery rather than explaining the threat. Blindfolds are shown early to establish the central idea that sight is dangerous, and survival depends on not seeing. The focus on a mother and two children immediately raises emotional stakes, while confined natural settings like the river and forest emphasize vulnerability and constant danger. The muted visuals and the absence of the creature force the audience to share the characters’ confusion and fear. These choices set a tense, psychological tone and communicate the film’s mai...

Movie Research: Run (2020)

What conventions of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have? Run includes classic thriller conventions such as isolation, danger, and psychological tension. The main character is trapped in a confined environment, which increases suspense. The movie also uses dramatic pacing and emotional stakes to keep viewers on edge. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that you liked and why? I liked the use of a limited setting because it made every scene feel intense. The slow reveal of information builds suspense and keeps the audience invested. The close-up shots and sound design also heightened tension effectively. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you and you are thinking of not filming for your final task and why? Some scenes relied heavily on physical danger and intense action, which may be hard to film realistically. I would rather focus more on psychological tension than extreme stunts. This would be more m...

Movie Research: Carry-On (2024)

What conventions of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have? Carry-On includes strong thriller conventions such as high tension, time pressure, and constant danger. The story places the main character in a stressful situation where every decision matters. The confined setting and rising stakes are key thriller elements that keep the audience on edge. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that you liked and why? I liked how the film uses real-time urgency to build suspense. The constant pressure on the main character made the tension feel realistic and intense. The use of sound, close-ups, and pacing helped maintain suspense without relying on excessive action. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you and you are thinking of not filming for your final task and why? Some of the large-scale action and security-based scenes would be difficult to recreate in a school project. The setting requires resources that a...

Movie Research: The Platform (2019)

What conventions of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have? The Platform uses strong thriller conventions such as suspense, psychological tension, and a constant sense of danger. The confined setting creates anxiety and keeps the audience on edge. The film also uses unpredictability and high stakes to maintain tension throughout. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that you liked and why? I liked how the movie builds suspense using isolation and uncertainty. The slow pacing and disturbing atmosphere make viewers feel uncomfortable, which is effective in a thriller. The psychological tension is more powerful than action, making the story feel intense and thought-provoking. What conventions of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you and you are thinking of not filming for your final task and why? Some of the graphic and disturbing imagery did not appeal to me. It could be distracting and difficult to recreate appropriately fo...

Movie Research: A Quiet Place (2018)

1. What conventions of the thriller genre does this movie have? A Quiet Place relies heavily on tension and suspense, keeping the audience anxious throughout. The movie uses sound (or the lack of it) to create fear and highlight danger. Close-ups and careful camera work build empathy for the characters in peril. 2. What conventions of the thriller did the movie have that you liked and why? I liked how sound is central to the tension, as it makes every small noise feel significant. The use of quiet moments versus sudden action builds suspense effectively. This is something I can use in my project with phone notifications or voice messages. 3. What conventions of the thriller did the movie have that did not appeal to you and you are thinking of not filming for your final task and why? Some monster effects and action sequences are too complex for a high school film. I also want to avoid needing advanced special effects. Instead, I will focus on tension and psychological suspense.

Genre Research: Horror

Common CAMS: Low-angle shots to make threats look bigger or scarier POV shots from the character’s perspective to create fear Slow zooms or creeping camera movements to build suspense Common CLAMPS (Character, Lighting, Acting, Mise-en-scène, Props, Sound): Characters often feel fear, panic, or paranoia Dim, shadowy lighting or flickering lights Props include phones, notes, mirrors, or haunted objects Acting emphasizes terror, shock, or hysteria Settings often include isolated or creepy places (empty hallways, bedrooms, basements) Common Editing: Quick jump cuts to startle the audience Slow pacing leading up to scares Flash frames or distorted visuals for supernatural elements Common Sound: Sudden loud noises or jumpscares Creepy, eerie music or ambient sounds Whispering, breathing, or phone notifications as tension devices Example Films: It Follows (2014) Paranormal Activity (2007) The Ring (2002) Elements I Like / Would Use: Sound design to create jump scares or eerie tension Isolate...

Genre Research: Mystery

Common CAMS: Close-ups on clues or characters’ reactions POV shots to see what the character sees Slow tracking shots to build tension Common CLAMPS: Characters show curiosity, suspicion, or fear Low-key lighting or shadows Props like phones, letters, or objects linked to the mystery Realistic locations such as homes, schools, streets Acting emphasizes suspense and investigation Common Editing: Quick cuts during tense moments Slow dissolves to emphasize clues Flashbacks or repeated shots for key details Common Sound: Eerie, subtle background music Voice notes, phone rings, whispers Sound cues to draw attention Example Films: Disturbia (2007) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) A Quiet Place (2018 – suspense/mystery elements) Elements I Like / Would Use: Suspenseful sound design and phone messages Minimal, realistic settings POV shots for audience engagement Elements I Do Not Like / Would Avoid: Overly dramatic lighting Excessive flashbacks

Genre Research: Thriller

Common CAMS: Handheld camera for shaky, tense sequences Close-ups on faces to emphasize fear or stress Fast pans and tracking shots to follow action Common CLAMPS: Characters often in danger or under pressure Lighting is dramatic: high contrast, shadows Props include weapons, phones, or items that create tension Acting emphasizes urgency, fear, or panic Common Editing: Quick cuts for action or suspense Cross-cutting to show simultaneous danger Flash-forwards or reveals to keep audience on edge Common Sound: Ticking clocks, sirens, or escalating music Sudden silences to build tension Heartbeat-like sound effects Example Films: Panic Room (2002) Seven (1995) A Quiet Place (2018) Elements I Like / Would Use: Suspenseful pacing and sound Close-ups to focus on emotional reactions Elements I Do Not Like / Would Avoid: Overly long action sequences that distract from story Excessive gore

Genre Research: Supernatural

Common CAMS: Wide-angle shots to show ghostly figures or otherworldly phenomena POV shots from the perspective of spirits or entities Slow zooms on objects that move or appear mysteriously Common CLAMPS: Characters often display fear, awe, or disbelief Low or dim lighting with fog or shadows to create an eerie effect Props like candles, mirrors, old books, or haunted objects Real-world settings like old houses, cemeteries, or abandoned buildings Acting emphasizes shock and tension Common Editing: Sudden jump cuts for scares or ghost appearances Slow fades or dissolves to create suspense Layered visual effects for supernatural phenomena Common Sound: Whispering, wind, or eerie tones Sudden loud noises for jump scares Music that rises in pitch to build tension Example Films: The Conjuring (2013) Insidious (2010) Paranormal Activity (2007) Elements I Like / Would Use: Subtle sound design to create tension Creepy props that hint at supernatural events Elements I Do Not Like / Would Avoid: ...

pitch blog

pitch a: two sworn enemies wake up and realize they have switched bodies. they must navigate each other’s lives, deal with unexpected chaos, and figure out how to switch back before things get out of control. pitch b: a student keeps receiving voice notes / phone call from an unknown number predicting events that come true. The final message warns them about something life changing. discuss both pitches: pitch a has instant personal conflict and high stakes because the characters dislike each other and are forced to live in each other's bodies. it creates opportunities for humor, chaos, and character growth, but it can be complicated to film since it may need multiple locations, costume or prop changes, and careful editing to make the body swap believable. pitch b builds tension through mystery and anticipation rather than physical confinement. the suspense comes from not knowing who is sending the messages or why they are happening. this idea is easier to film because it can take ...

group blog

Hello everyone! For the final task, I am working with Justin Ortez-Cruz and Roberto Egues to create the opening to a movie. This project is interesting because it focuses on first impressions and how quickly an audience forms expectations. A movie opening has to immediately set the mood, establish the genre, and make viewers want to keep watching. Every choice we make, from camera angles to sound to pacing, plays a role in how the audience experiences the story. One of the main challenges of this project is probably going to be turning an idea into a visual narrative. Instead of explaining everything through dialogue, we have to show meaning through actions, expressions, and cinematography. This has pushed me to think more creatively and pay closer attention to detail. Small elements, like lighting or background sound, can completely change the tone of a scene. Working on this has helped me understand how intentional film-making needs to be. Working in a group has also helped improve m...

intro blog

Hello there again! It’s Keisha Thervil, and I am a sophomore at Fort Lauderdale High School. One thing that defines my daily life is balance. Between schoolwork, responsibilities, and personal time, I am constantly learning how to manage my schedule and stay motivated. Being in high school has taught me that success is not only about grades, but also about discipline, growth, and learning from mistakes. Each year feels like a step closer to understanding who I am and what matters to me. One of the things I value most is self-reflection. I often think about how my experiences shape my mindset and influence the way I see the world. Whether it is learning from challenges at school or conversations with people around me, I believe growth comes from paying attention to lessons in everyday moments. I enjoy observing how people communicate, express themselves, and use media to influence opinions, which is one reason this class stood out to me. Another important part of my life is community. I...