CONCEPT & STORY
The concept and story in the project focuses on character development of two main characters – a guy and a girl. It will portray their individual lifestyles and personalities, showing how the guy leads a more inward and introverted life while the girl is more outwardly social and extroverted. Despite their differing outward personas, the narrative emphasis will be on revealing the deeper connection between them through exploring each character’s inner thoughts, struggles, and shared sense of insecurity.
The project was inspired by movies with similar themes of exploring personal identity and inner struggles beneath external appearances, like Your Name and A Silent Voice. Both works utilize visual storytelling and minimal dialogue to reveal profound connections between characters.
Posters of the said movies
The ideation process involved researching films that effectively convey internal character development and emotional depth through visuals alone. Storyboarding techniques from those works were analyzed to determine how to effectively portray the characters’ independent lives and inner perspectives leading up to their chance meeting.
This topic explores how perceived differences can obscure underlying shared experiences we all have in coping with life’s challenges. By highlighting what connects people beyond surface levels, the project aims to provide a thoughtful perspective on forging meaningful bonds and understanding between individuals.
CREATION PROCESS & EXECUTION
Storyboard
Part of storyboard
The storyboard mapped out key shots that would be needed to visually tell the narrative we wanted to convey. It started with establishing shots of the dorm and school locations to set the scenes. It then storyboarded character moments like the girl waking up and getting ready vs. the boy hitting snooze. Cutaways were included showing their individual morning routines.
Transitioning shots moved between the characters to juxtapose their differing personas. The storyboard also blocked out their chance encounter moment toward the end. Subtle glances and gestures and facial expressions were visualized to hint at their developing connection without dialogue.
This storyboard proved immensely valuable when filming. It helped keep me focused on capturing only the essential shots we would need to edit together cohesively. If I ever felt unsure what to film next, referencing the storyboard inspired new ideas. It helped maintain efficient use of our time on set.
The storyboard was also key in pre-visualizing the overall pacing, flow and tone we wanted for the final video. This informed my cinematography choices and directing of the actors. Having a clear plan going into filming made the process seamless. Overall, the storyboard was integral to bringing our creative vision to life on screen.
Setting, Shooting, Lighting, Directing
Choosing our settings was largely influenced by the concept of the story and constraints we had to work within. Since we wanted to highlight scenes of student life that would be relatable to our target viewers, locations like school and dorm made the most sense logistically.
For shooting, I directed the actors through their blocking and movements per the scenes outlined in our storyboard. However, I also took creative liberties by experimenting with different shot types and angles on the fly based on how things looked through the camera. Getting these flexible establishing shots and cutaways gave me more options to play with during editing.
Attached below are a couple of unused shots:
Unused still shot
Unused library continuation shot
Unused long shot for walking scene
Lighting was straightforward – we aimed for naturally shaded scenes outside to mimic daylight and darker interiors for sleeping scenes. This helped enhance the intended mood and pace shift between moments.
Stable shot
Unstable Shot
Directing involved repeated takes of key scenes and actions while adjusting camera movements and actor positioning between each. Referencing film techniques from the storyboard and sample trailers served as a guide. The process was highly collaborative as actors and I found our shared interpretation of scenes together on set.
Through this dynamic and flexible approach informed by pre-planning but leaving space for discovery, we were able to capture a large variety of raw materials tailored to elevate our envisioned storytelling style in post-production.
Challenges
Implementing the Voice Over: Coordinating scheduling for our actors to record VO lines within our timeline proved difficult. To solve this, we found backup narrators who could dedicate more time to multiple recorded takes.
Physical Demands on Actors: Repeating scenes across various camera angles during the shoot understandably tired our actors. We addressed this by taking regular breaks in between takes and keeping shooting days timed efficiently to minimize demands on their stamina.
Initial Lack of Direction: At the start of pre-production, I initially struggled with determining our directorial approach. However, researching sample trailers and reference videos inspired new ideas that helped solidify our vision.
Complex Audio Mixing: With numerous sound elements required like VO, music, and ambience – mixing took substantial time. To streamline this, I labeled audio files descriptively in Premiere to stay organized as levels were automated.
Arrangement of Clips: Organizing over 150 raw footage clips from various camera angles and shots proved hugely challenging during the assembly stage of editing. Sifting through and labeling each take based on the scene, characters and shot types was an immensely time-consuming process. Further filtering was then needed to select the best angles suited for each story moment per the script. Even with descriptive titles, cross-referencing clips to the storyboard for contextual placement in the timeline took significant effort. This step, though demanding, was critical to lay the foundation for the intricate puzzle pieces to coherently fit together through the final product.
Amount of clips
Screenshot of 157 clips
Overall, through open communication, flexibility, additional planning and by leveraging outside inspiration – we were able to effectively problem-solve challenges and keep our project on track through the content creation process. The compromises found allowed us to still achieve our creative objectives.
Editing & Post-Production Process
For the post-production process, I utilized Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing. Some of the key techniques implemented included:
- Assembly of raw footage from different camera angles organized in the timeline by scene and character. This formed the skeletal structure.
- Precise cutting of clips and adjusting cuts to sync with the beat/pacing of scenes based on selected soundtrack. Transitions like cross-dissolves were added for visual continuity.
- Alternating character clips purposefully to achieve juxtaposition and flow of thought between them as per our story.
- Camera shake stabilizer and slight artificial gaussian blur effects on select clips to enhance mood/intimacy without compromising integrity of footage.
- Color correction using Lumetri Color panel for basic adjustments like increased saturation, contrast levels for a vibrant yet natural tone fitting story themes. Individual looks were applied between clips corresponding to scene emotion.
- Automated volume levels of various sound elements in the timeline – VO narration, music tracks, ambience etc. to bring intended emphasis where needed throughout the cut.
- Output of final audio mixdown and rendering of video file in highest quality delivery format.
Some Premiere screenshots could demonstrate these editing methods. But overall, the post-production stage was highly rewarding in seeing our full story vision realized from initial pre-planning all the way to final polished film.
COLLABORATION
For this project, my role as Yancy focused on the technical execution through filming, video editing, and consulting with my partner Nina on visual composition and camera work. Nina took on drawing up the storyboard which was tremendously helpful in planning our shots. Her creative input during the planning process informed how I approached shooting the various scenes.
I appreciate all the effort Nina put into conceptualizing and visually mapping out the narrative flow through her storyboards. This guided me to effectively capture the elements that built the characters and their relationship. Nina also contributed greatly with her skills in sound design and voice narration. Taking on dual roles as both an actor in and assistant director of the project, she worked collaboratively at every stage to realize our shared vision.
The collaborative exchange between myself and Nina was highly beneficial. Bouncing ideas and gaining feedback from her informed how I framed shots and sequenced scenes during editing. Seeing the story come to life through her storyboards also aided my understanding of the emotional beats. I learned from Nina the value of strong pre-planning and visual scripting to coherence. Her creative drive and dedication were instrumental in elevating the project. Nina expressed appreciation for my technical execution, and the positive experience of our joint effort has enriched my skills in team-based filmmaking.
AESTHETICS & RESULTS
For this project, we pursued a stylistic approach emphasizing intimacy and visual storytelling through close-up camera angles, selective use of slow and steady versus shaking camera movements, and juxtaposition between characters.
Close-up shots were highly effective in conveying emotional subtlety and allowing viewers a intimate perspective into each character’s inner experiences. Juxtaposing the male and female characters through selective comparison of visual elements like camera placement further highlighted their individual qualities while hinting at shared depths below surfaces.
Blending steady and shaking camera movements enriched the cinematography, imparting a sense of emotional volatility that correlated with narrative pacing and visual rhythm. Steady shots created stability for intimate character moments while shaking camera introduced an immersive element of unease for scenes of heightened anxiety or conflict.
Color grading and adjustments like increased contrast and vibrancy served to clue viewers into emotional undertones beyond plain exposition. Given minimal dialogue, manipulating colors became paramount for subtly informing the audience without words. Overlays and gaussian blur effects added atmosphere while preserving the intimacy of close visual perspectives.
The selected music “Thought Crime” by Yorushika proved highly effective in correlating visual rhythm to an emotive soundtrack. Its pacing matched scene cuts and transitions to draw viewers engagingly into the unfolding character story. I was inspired by works like Your Name that expertly employ minimal dialogue and vivid cinematography to tell profound human stories through visual melodies. This informed my stylistic choices to communicate depth through sight and sound.
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