Shooting Process

 Lighting

  Adobe Premiere is my main editing software. Since my filming will be outdoors, the lighting is a concern. I have to plan in correspondence with the weather and UV index. I researched it's best to film outdoors right before sunset or shortly after sunrise. 7-10am or 4-7pm. 

    It's also preferred to shoot on a cloudy day, since there would only be natural lighting that is not overwhelming. 

    My schedule has to be adjusted since I originally planned to film mid day, when the sun is most harsh. This would most likely create shadows down on my face.

    I was contemplating having my main character wear sunglasses, but I discovered this creates a drift between the character and audience. Eyes being visible are necessary for trust and a personal connection. Most of my filming location is shaded by trees, so this isn't a large concern. 

    Natural lighting is a realistic and naturalistic cinematography approach, which coincides with my genre and overall intentions. 

Sources: 

https://bombbomb.com/blog/salespersons-guide-to-video-downloadable-guide/

https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/production-tips-shooting-outdoor-lighting/

Costume Creation

    My character is an outdoorsy, adventurous type of person. She enjoys exploring outdoors but it's also part of her occupation. She's an environmentalist and has always loved wildlife. I've brainstormed the following for her attire. 

• Sunhat (represents she is experienced)
• Tank top
• Black pants
• Small backpack (fits journal)
• Dr Marten boots 

Elements

   A new idea I'm going to incorporate in my video is the main character observing and journaling environmental aspects around her like pollution and deforestation. In her journal, she'll be writing what the areas "should" look like. However, due to humans impact, is unrealistic. She'll have a camera, taking pictures of what she's journaling about. Then, there will be POV shots of the writing to understand her intentions. 

Important Props:

-Journal 

-Camera 

-Backpack

Sound:

-Environmental

-Birds 

-Leaves crunch 

-Wind 

-Water splashing (ponds)

-Bee buzzing 

-Tree branches

Storyboard

             

    

    

Scheduling

     Here is my ideal schedule for my production process. I created this to assist me with staying on track and organize my time. Filming day one will be the chance to obtain any more props that come to mind while filming. It will also allow me to pinpoint the exact location where I want to film within the park, since there is multiple trails that could be used. 

Additional Research

     While I prepare to create my planning outlines, I want to have a full understanding of the Cli-fi genre. I decided to do a little bit more research. 

Genres

• Disaster movies (tornado, hurricane) that threatens lives  
• Twister (1996), Geostorm (2017)

• Apocalypses (world transformation due to flood, storm, etc.)
• The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Interstellar (2014)

• Dystopias (world after apocalypses)
• Snowpiercer (2014), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

• Psychological dramas 
• First Reformed (2017)

• Comedies (absurd, climatic twist)
• Downsizing (2017)

• Animated children's movies

• Alien/superhero
• The Arrival (1996)

    Each genre has a specific aspect they focus on like how the public perceive/misperceive climate change. My project will revolve around the disaster of climate change and deforestation. Although the others would be entertaining to produce, they would most likely have to have a high budget and a professional editor. 

Technical Elements

    The entire project will be filmed on my phone. It will be handheld to create a connection with the audience and the serenity of the environment being shown. I also believe this will make it intriguing, almost suspenseful.

    The sound will be environmental diegetic. I want it to feel cloudless and peaceful until the end when the deforestation is heard in the distance. 

    It will take place mid day. Everything will appear bright and appealing. The audience will feel gleeful seeing the nature and sun, but will be curious by the ending. 

Characters

    The main character will be an environmentalist. She will be seen observing and concerned about the life around her. Her journal is an important prop because the audience will have a deeper understanding of her purpose. She will write down her thoughts and observations throughout her walk. Although this won't have a ton of screen time, I still believe it's an important aspect to incorporate. 

    She will be wearing boots, a small backpack, a sun hat, and outdoor clothing. Her attire will express her personality considerably. 

    

Cli-Fi Plot

 Plot Brainstorm

    As I brainstorm setting ideas, multiple things are running through my mind. I know I want to film outdoors. But do I want to shoot at the beach or at a park? The beach is more open and crowded so it would be a dilemma to take quality footage. A park with nature trails would have a variety of areas to record at. Additionally, it's more secluded and easier to take individual videos. I chose Markham park because it's a beautiful scenery with several trails for filming.

    The film will begin with several shots of trees, flowers, plants, and possibly wildlife. This is when my credits will appear. 

    The protagonist will be an environmentalist. She'll be wandering through the nature trails inspecting and journaling her thoughts and observations. As she explores deeper, she discovers tons of litter and other objects not meant to be there. 

    Towards the end, the noise of trees being chopped down is heard in the distance. This clearly can't be filmed, but I think with the sound of trees falling or a loud bulldozer, as well as a sorrowful facial expression from the protagonist, the situation could be understood. 

    The title will then appear, after the final facial expression. My intention is to create curiosity regarding what the main character will do next. How she will conquer her goals and hopes for the future.

    Additional details will be elaborated upon in my next blog!

Genre Research- Climate Fiction

Why Climate Fiction?

  As I consider the genres of romance and drama that I originally wanted to work with, the less I want to pursue a project revolving around them. These were my first picks because they're the movies I'm typically drawn to. However, as the producer, I hope to have a meaningful message. I understand romance, drama, and all other genres have their own intentions. I want to produce a project that I will feel content with in the end. I decided on Climate Fiction because it's something I'm passionate about and will enjoy every step developing.

What is Climate fiction?

    Climate fiction is a genre that features the effects of a changing climate. It's rooted in Science fiction, but also involves realism. Generally, the plot revolves around nature, weather, and overall environment. It can also focus on economical, political, ideological, or technological processes. Humanity's impact on the planet is another important topic. The purpose of Cli-fi is to make people care about and connect to climate change.

Climate fiction conventions?

    Cli-fi typically are high budget produced films. They are filled with special effects to display accuracy and realism. For example, to depict snowstorms, rising sea levels, tornadoes, and more. Important environmental messages are presented but the story is kept entertaining to attract a variety of people. The films can make people more willing to take environmentally friendly actions. For example, purchasing fuel efficient cars or joining a global warming group. There is often an anxious alarmed mood throughout the story. 

What is climate fictions' target audience?

• Ages 15-25 
• Male and female 
• Liberal 
• Concerned about climate change 
• Care about nonhuman life 
• Enjoy environmental literature 

Examples of Climate Fiction films?

   

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

    The Day After Tomorrow (2004) can be classified as Climate Fiction. The film strives to address the pressuring issue of climate change in 2004. A paleo climatologist predicts global warming will lead to another major ice age. When he presents the evidence at a UN conference, government officials declare him a "sensationalist." Days after the conference, his prediction came true. The film is representative of the politics and climate phenomena leading into 2004, and is still relevant today. It was successful in creating discussion for environmentalists, scientists, and politicians. Although the science aspect wasn't 100% accurate, the film raised awareness around global warming.

Interstellar (2014) 

    Interstellar (2014) is an additional example of a cli-fi production. Although it's about outer space, it also relates to our own planet. The story starts with a dying earth that is unable to support humanity. A human factor relevant to the story is the the North American Dust Bowl during the 1930s. The dusty scenes in the film that depict the main characters farm and local town convey this message. Climate change occurred due to civilization and their lack of preparation. It displays a world erased by peoples own actions. 

Sources: 

https://read.dukeupress.edu/environmental-humanities/article/10/2/473/136689/The-Influence-of-Climate-FictionAn-Empirical

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/05/cli-fi-movies-a-guide-for-socially-distanced-viewers/

https://www.science.smith.edu/climatelit/cli-fi/

Project Preparation

     The explanation of the project was overwhelming yet intriguing. I had several ideas running through my mind. At this moment, I'm still unsure which direction I am going to go. The genres I have in mind are drama or romantic comedy. I have loved almost all rom-coms I have seen so I leaned towards this genre first. The only thing I am concerned about is the acting. I don't know many people who enjoy it so this would be a dilemma. The genre of drama also intrigued me since there is only one actor necessary. I also thought there are unlimited ways I could make this engaging for my audience. 

    As I begin my project, I plan to create a schedule to organize my work. Since this is an eight week project, it can seem intimidating. I learned from the marketing campaign project that planning and organizing is the most beneficial technique to achieve my goals. Therefore, I'm entering the project prepared and efficiently. 

Music Marketing Blog Post 2

     My group and I had to choose two R&B music production companies to begin our research. We chose Atlantic Records and Universal Music Group. Both had a large variety of unique artists, making the research portion enjoyable. It was interesting learning about specific people and their marketing techniques like The Weeknd, Cardi B, Jhene Aiko, and Bazzi. I liked understanding the reason behind their actions and ideas like The Weeknds "mystery marketing." He remained anonymous for awhile, willingly, to grow attention and curiosity from the public. It worked out in his favor, and not many artists could successfully use this technique.

    The brainstorming portion was most difficult. There were multiples steps like the story board, and deciding the appropriate marketing and distribution techniques unique to our target audience. We chose to create an artist who motivates positivity. The song we chose, "C'mon Talk" revolves around the feelings of a past relationship. We used the music video to bring attention to this aspect by having the "singer" of our group reminisce about his past. In the video, he's seen scrolling through old videos, and being motivated by his friend to be joyful. The blue lighting in multiple clips show the sadness revolving around the singer. However, there is also flashing lights to create an uplifting dynamic to fit the songs fast paced rhythm. The lip syncing contributes to show the true emotions of the artist and reinforce the sadness. Additionally, the editing slows down simultaneously with the music.           

    The target audience for our artist is young (18-35), extroverted, positive males and females. Therefore, we marketed on medias like Instagram, YouTube, and a website. Listeners could find unseen footage, merchandise, photos, and more. I found this portion easier because the colors and theme made sense to me the first time hearing the energy of the song. I liked exploring Wix and finding the perfect aspects to match our artist. 

https://haileysachez.wixsite.com/marz/shop

 

   The presentation was another portion I found enjoyable. We had all the necessary information prepared ahead of time so we just had to input it in the PowerPoint.  The brainstorming in the beginning made this simple. I realized the more planning we did prior made things easier. Then, I matched the theme of the website to the PowerPoint to have consistency. I added photos and other visuals to engage the audience. 

        I learned multiple useful techniques from this project that will benefit me in the future. Most importantly, the brainstorming and planning portions. They were the most helpful the entirety of the project. I went back to them several times throughout the overall process. The information was especially necessary for the PowerPoint and website. For future projects I will take advantage of the planning/brainstorming portions. Additionally, I think learning more about PowerPoint and Wix will be of assistance for my Cambridge portfolio. I also liked learning about the background of the music genre and specific artists techniques.