Post 13: The Post to End All Posts

This independent study ended up not turning out quite how I wanted it. Because of timing and trying to juggle five separate schedules along with a filming schedule, I wasn't able to complete my movie. I did complete a script though, which was a difficult task in itself, and I also learned how to use Final Cut, which was another objective of my IS. I just couldn't film. I'm aware that I had two class periods a day to be doing things, but that wasn't really an option considering my cast didn't have that time. So instead of filming my full movie, I set on doing the don't text and drive video, but even that had to be done with whoever was available at the time. I would rather have some time to actually do it right. And I promise I'm not trying to make excuses, schedules are just hard to work with. I did what I could with the Don't Text and Drive video, but I think I will try to remake it before the deadline and submit a better one. Anyway, this is the video I made.

Post 12: Where Projects Go to Die, or Sleep

I'm very seriously debating not making my movie for this term and instead making short videos and enter some contests. I am kind of disappointed with this option, but it is much more realistic. I would still have experienced the writing, the filming, and the editing, even though it may have been on the same project. I need to talk to my cast and any others involved in my movie. I would still like to make The Pretenders before the end of the year. It kind of breaks my heart to do this, but I think it's my only option. I feel like I've failed this project, but I knew from the start that it was a tight schedule and it was going to be difficult. I think that this would have been much more realistic if it had been during the fourth term because I would be done with Connection, the musical, and school work would be less pressing. Like I said, I hope to make the movie before the year gets out. Damn.

Post 11: Redemption?

Today, I continued to watch some Atomic Learning videos but they got to doing stuff that is not necessary for me to know, so I switched to writing. I added a few simple scenes that I think really enhance the script. I added a bit more of a fight between Nate and John. This makes their interaction at the end make more sense. I also added more of Isabelle after she is added into the comics. How did I do this? Why, there is no other way than... ANOTHER MONTAGE!! YEAH! Rather than switching situations though, it is just them traveling, and Isabelle and Evan forming a relationship. I think that both of these small changes make the biggest differences I could and wanted to make with this script. I am also debating on the filming process. I am wondering if I should ask C.J. Gross and Justin Haugesag to do some camera work for the movie, because I would like to film with two different camera angles and I think this is the best way to do so. I may want them for certain scenes. Hmm.

Post 10: How It Went Down

I met with my cast and we read the script and talked about it. They agree with me that there needs to be a bit more interaction with Isabelle after she is introduced into the comics. She needs a longer time to shift into a relationship with Evan. There also needs to be a bit more of a fight between John and Nate towards the end because they need more motivation to be angry at each other. I'm also leaving some room for improvisation for the actors, rather than keeping to the script exactly. They are all very aware and experienced people, and it would be good to hear take on the story. As far as filming, I think we need to film more of the flashback stuff first so we can base the comics off of the actual scenes. I spent most of today on Atomic Learning learning about Final Cut Pro. It was extremely helpful and I'm feeling more confident with using that when the time comes.

Post 9: Pretenders, ASSEMBLE!

I'm going to try and set up a meeting with my four actors tonight or tomorrow night. I will send them the script and let them look it over and think about it, and we will all meet and I will get their feedback on the script. I would like to be able film next week if at all possible. That would leave me with a few weeks to edit everything. At the meeting, I would like to do my final edit of the script, which I would show to Boeser and finalize and get it going. I need to check in with Jack Collis again to see if he has come up with anyone to draw for me. I also need to speak with Stephanie Harmon, who owns a lot of different costumes. I am really hoping that my cast will help me with this as well, and will be willing to pick up any loose ends. Sometimes, I have my doubts about this project. Other times, I have faith. I'm not sure which one is the right feeling. Well, here goes.

Post 8: The Return of the Thing

I handed in my script and got the feedback. Basically, I need to add more connection between the characters after Belle joins the group. I feel that it jumps too quickly. I also need to clarify that Evan does NOT kill himself. He dies of pancreatic cancer. And according to Boeser, the most important thing I need to do is to find a point to this whole movie. Obviously, at this point, I'm past the point of no return. So I need to rewrite like Speedy Gonzalez (the speed part, not the Gonzalez part) and I need to make this worthwhile. I've emailed Jack Collis about asking around and seeing if anyone is interested in helping me out with the drawing. Perhaps I will go speak with him sometime during the day. Anyway. First I will fix the minor errors and then get to work on making it... decent. I'm working on it.

Post 7: The Calm Before Another Storm

I have completed the first draft of my script. I know that I will need to do some editing before I can say I'm happy with it, but it is still a huge relief. Hopefully I will be able to move into the actual production of the thing soon. I was getting worried but now I feel a whole lot better. After Ms. Boeser reads and comments, I'll show it to some other people and get some more feedback. I want this to appeal to as many people as possible. I did get a little less thorough with the last few pages, but that is something for the edits. Anyway, I am going to take a moment to breathe before diving back in.

Post 6: My Failure to Do

I definitely blanked on the whole camera practice thing that I said I would do. I still need to do this before shooting, but I definitely am putting finishing the script as top priority. I think that the best time to do this would probably be between finishing the script and shooting it. I still need to find out what effects I will need, what camera I will use, where to shoot these all.

On a different note:

When I began writing this, I sort of spaced on the fact that this would have to be shot in mid-March. I find that a little upsetting because I have several scenes in the woods, which could be difficult to find warm and dry enough in the Minnesota weather. Oh well, I can hope and pray. Oh, weather gods! Have mercy upon the soul of my movie.

Post 5: Under the Gun

I'm starting to get a bit worried about how soon I will be able to finish this script and move into shooting the movie. It's kind of tough to figure out how the heck to pull it all together and make it worthwhile. Once I can get this script done, I will be relieved because shooting should be able to be done in a few days, and after that I can get to editing, which shouldn't be too stressful, though it will still be enough to make me worry a bit. Oh well. It's all part of the process. I'm also a bit worried finding someone that can draw these comics. I guess I've sort of dropped the ball on that one. I'll have to get working on that again. Crap. On a better note, I think I may have figured out the two actors I would like to have in the movie that I was unsure about before. Granted, I still need to ask them, but oh just let me be happy. Right on. Be free.

Post 4: The Snags of Writing a Screenplay

No matter how well the image is branded into your mind, writing the script will always be difficult. The real challenge behind writing a screenplay is how to make your characters seem human, rather than written. Of course, a lot of this is on the actor to portray the character in a human way, but if it is not written in a way that seems natural, the actor can only do so much. And that is not much. So where I'm running into problems is I need to make a natural feel to my dialogue while also going moving the plot along. If something neither entertains you, nor progresses the plot, it's just filler. I want to avoid filler, but that is much, much harder than it seems. And this rule applies to more than just dialogue. I need to find a way to show the growing friendship of the boys before I introduce Izzy. Then I have to show THAT friendship growing, and then I need the conflict of Evan's problems, and then I need to have a reconciliation. Then Evan can die, and the rest can learn something, and the movie can end. This is a bit overwhelming. All right. I just need to keep the main points in mind. Fingers crossed.

Post 3: Textbook, eh?

Miss Boeser gave me a book called Exploring Digital Video by Lisa Rysinger. Boeser did not really know how effective this book would be, so I guess it's up for me to discover its use. It looks like it will be somewhat helpful, but I think the biggest thing is experience. Sometime soon I will need to get a camera and practice with the filming techniques and I will need to practice with it in Final Cut. I will plan out which shots I am going to try and and do, but first I will need to get some of the equipment. I'll need a camera, tripod, lights, possibly some filters if I can get my hands on them, a workspace and a subject. I'll work on that.

Post 2: A Stroke of Genius

The main thing I was unsure of about my plot was why would Evan kill himself? He seems to be a very positive kid that can look at the world and turn it into art. This bothered me a lot. But why does he have to commit suicide? Wouldn't it make much more sense to die of a disease? Yes. Yes it would. So that is my official change right now. Even does not commit suicide, but dies of a fatal disease.

The First Day: An Explanation of My Independent Study

The whole reason I wanted to do this IS is because I want to dabble a bit in creating movies. The plan is to write, film, and edit my own movie. It is called "The Pretenders." It revolves around three friends who come together on the night of their other friend's suicide. He leaves them a book of comics he made that narrates the relationship of the group. The characters will actually act out the events in the comics, even though the situations are often very ridiculous. The comic is named Izzy Bell and the Pretenders. The characters are Isabelle (Izzy,) Nate, John, and Evan (the departed.) I still have a lot to write so I will continue to do that for awhile. Then I will film it. Then I will edit it. That's the plan. Fingers crossed.