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.