Day 2 Filming

Today, I completed my second day of filming.  Unfortunately, I couldn't film as much as I thought I would and only ended up filming 2 shots. 

I also began arranging my clips chronologically on iMovie, so I don't forget the order.

I used the tripod I mentioned in the Day 1 blog to record all these clips with my phone. During filming, I thought for a second about changing the LED light color to white because it's much brighter than blue, and some of my shots were too dark. However, white is a color of safety and purity, and that isn't what the movie opening is about, so I decided to keep the blue but increase the brightness.

      

Another thing I decided to change was the part of the first scene where the glitches slowly get worse.  I thought it was too much of a cliché, so I changed it so the monitor screen goes black out of nowhere, showing the message.

While trying to figure out a way to record the clips faster and more efficiently, I found a feature on my phone that will be very useful. When recording a video, you can pause the recording, change location, and hit the pause button again. When you are done recording, the video will save both recordings as one, with a clean cut in between. This will help me film scenes with several short shots in a row.

Funny moment: I had to wear the same hoodie again for continuity, but it was kinda… gross. My aunt (who knows social media because of her job) joked that at least videos haven’t advanced to the point where people can smell through the screen. So,  I’m good, right?

Filming Day 1: Starting My Horror Film Project

Today is the day I start filming for my Cambridge film project. I need at least two minutes of video for my opening. Therefore, this process will take a few days.

I chose to shoot my film using an iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max because they are easy to use, produce good video quality, and perform well in low light. Many horror films have been shot on iPhones, so I wanted to see what I could do with one. Because I generally film in small areas, it's more convenient than putting up a large camera.

I had planned to have a friend play the main character, but I finally opted to do it myself. This is my project, and I want complete control over the character's movements and reactions. Plus, it's a challenge—I've never performed in my film before—so why not push myself a bit?

To create a mood, I filmed in my room at night. I did adjust a couple of things from my initial draft. One of the changes included an opening shot in which the camera moves slowly and creepily toward the home. I felt that it increased suspense straight away. Before shooting, I arranged my room and photographed how it was set up. That way, when I capture new pictures later, I can reposition everything precisely where it was to maintain continuity.

For the game scene, I wanted to show something horror related on screen. I pretended to play Five Nights at Freddy's using a gameplay video on YouTube. 

I'm keeping the equipment simple. I'm using a little TikTok tripod that my aunt lent me. It adjusts to roughly my height, making it ideal for POV photos. Also, I'm working with different light sources to get a dark, scary atmosphere while keeping everything visible.

My only crew members are my mom and aunt. They help with camera work when I cannot record myself. I'm doing almost everything because this is my project, and I want to be the one who brings it to reality.

Day one went well! I'm curious to see how everything comes together in editing. There is still much work to be done, but this is only the beginning.

Editing Softwares

OK! We are in the fifth week, and I know I must start the production phase ( filming, etc.). However, knowing what kind of software I will use to edit my project is important. That will help me before I shoot. But first, I want to tell you what I learned about editing. 

Why Editing Is Important

Editing is where a movie really comes to life. It takes raw video and turns it into a story with rhythm, feeling, and effect. Even the best-shot scenes can feel empty or confusing without it.

The Three Steps to Making a film are:

• Pre-production:  plan, script, and get things in order.
• Production: Getting video.
• Post Production: Editing, sound design, and finishing touches

Even though each step is important, post-production is perhaps the most exciting part. This is where the pace, mood, and story come together.

To achieve nice, clean editing, it is essential to choose editing software that you are familiar with and has all the tools you will need. 

Editing Softwares

I will use two different software to edit my recordings into a movie. These will be iMovie and Final Cut.

I have been using iMovie for years and am very familiar with it. I can also use it on my phone, which is synced with my Apple ID.  On iMovie, adding effects to any clip is easy when you want to put it in.  

I edited with iMovie on all previous projects in this class where we had to make a film, and I have learned all its tools and accessories to use when creating a movie.

The other software I will use is Final Cut. However, I will only use this software for special effects involving sound and titles as the options it provides in this field are far more diverse than what IMovie offers. It is more difficult to use, and unlike Imovie, it hasn't been downloaded on my MacBook because it requires a license. 

Important Parts of Editing

1. Making Things Flow Well

Editing ensures that scenes flow smoothly into each other, keeping the audience interested. The simple timeline in iMovie will help me to improve the flow and story.

2. How to Cut Well

A well-placed cut can keep the energy up or build it up. IMovie's precise tools let me make clean, deliberate cuts, and the drag-and-drop ease made it easy to make quick changes.

Section 

3: Changes and Effects

Cuts that are too abrupt can break the flow. iMovie only has simple changes, but Final Cut Pro has effects that can be changed to make the video feel more like a movie.

4. Sound Editing

Good sound design makes the mood and feeling stronger. IMovie can make simple changes to sound. Final Cut Pro has advanced mixing and blending tools for a professional look, so I will export some audio effects from Final Cut.  I carefully chose and changed sound elements to make my project more suspenseful.

I will need extra help in this project step because although I know how to use iMovie, Final Cut is professional software that requires a license and is more difficult to apply.  So, my aunt will help me with some advice and export the sounds or even title effects that I pretend to use, as she has expertise on this matter. 

I have included the differences between the two software in this table. 

 

Sources:

Sheffield Recordings Ltd, Importance of Video Editing https://www.sheffieldav.com/production/importance-video-editing

StoryBlocks (March, 2021) A beginner’s guide to getting started in iMovie

https://www.storyblocks.com/resources/tutorials/getting-started-imovie

The Role of Sound

Hello again!!! Today, I want to write about the role of sound.

Sound is an essential element in movies. However, when discussing the horror genre, sound mixed with silence is a powerful tool to create suspense, fear, and anxiety. 

Remember the music in Jaws?

 Or the Psycho Shower Scene?

While the visuals show the terror, the sound allows the listener to feel it. Horror films employ many audio tactics to influence emotions, making basic noises frightening, such as a creaking door or a whisper. 

Although they are usually applied in post-production, Foley is also important. In our class, we saw a perfect example of this technique and how sound effects and silence can impact the audience. 

Let's remember: A Quiet Place foley techniques on Youtube video:  How The Sound Effects In 'A Quiet Place' Were Made (2018)

Glitch Sound Design

I pretend to enhance the eerie atmosphere of my opening using soundtracks, silents, and folley techniques. I have selected four copyright-free horror tracks from teacher recommended sites: 

• Bensound

• Pixabay

 These tracks will be used for the opening credits and throughout key scenes to intensify suspense.

There is one preview: 

Tension Scenes

Some major features I searched for in my horror soundtrack:

• Low, calm tones create suspense.
• Twisted and glitched components to fit my horror plot.
• Silence is applied deliberately to heighten tension before a revelation.

I will try the relationships between the music and visuals to ensure the correct feeling for every scene.

Using Foley Effects

I will use Foley sound effects, highlighting realism and intensity to enhance the scary experience. I plan to record  some of the foley sounds mentioned here:

• Footsteps
• scratch, scratch, scratch.
• Distortion noise
• Doors opening and shutting.
• The lighting turns on and off.

This mix of foley noises and music will assist my horror movie come to life and cause the audience to feel the horror instead of only witnessing it.  I will do my best! 

Keep in touch.

Sources

I work on Canva Suite Design to create my previews

https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos

https://pixabay.com/music/search/horror%20genre/

https://www.filmsound.org/

Costumes and Props

Pre-production, Production...

An important part of my movie is going to be the Mise-en-Scene. This includes props, settings, costumes, and lighting. Today, I will research how to choose the best costumes and props and how they are used in horror.

Props

In Horror Films, props create an eerie environment in which audiences connect with terror.

The murder weapon is among the most often used objects in horror movies; these range from sophisticated devices to essential tools like knives, chainsaws, and machetes.  

Horror has many props that have become iconic; Michael Myers's knife and Jason's hockey mask, the Scream mask, the balloons from IT, Freddy Kreuger's claws, and the Scream knife have all become extremely iconic and recognizable in the film industry. But they didn't just get lucky.

Jason's hockey mask ( Friday 13th) 

Red Ballon (It)

Claws ( Freddy Kreuger)

Choosing a prop for a movie takes a lot of research and brainstorming. Many things come into play, like the setting, the period, and the character. For example, you can't make a movie about samurais and choose a rifle as a prop. You need to make the prop almost an extension of the character, something the character is remembered by.

I plan to use an Xbox controller as a prop for my film opening. This is the item my character will be struck with by the entity, which is slightly ironic, as he played with that controller 5 minutes earlier. It also matches the setting and would serve as an extension of my character.  Another prop that I will use is the headphones.  The boy uses it all the time at the beginning of the opening and even can " hear" something strange from them. The screen is highlighted too!  the 'glitch' comes from the screen.

My Props ( so far...)

Did you know?

 Some props were sold by thousands.  For example, the Shinning Axe.  

Costumes

One of the first things viewers of a movie notice is costumes. They include hair, makeup, and clothing, highlighting a character's personality, feelings, and narrative relevance.

Choosing clothing that suits a character's atmosphere, backdrop, and scenario depends on the costume designer. Unlike fashion designers (who design daily wear), costume designers focus on what appears best on-screen and matches the narrative.

Costumes also help with special effects to create more convincing and thrilling sequences. A good costume may enable the audience to relate to the plot and help to bring a character to life.

Daniel's outfit is a black hoodie, sweatpants, and bare feet. Why did I pick these clothes?

Black Hoodie

In horror movies, black is sometimes connected with terror and gloom. This hue also absorbs light, which helps the character to fit the low-illumination surroundings. In contrast, hoodies are common among teens and give off a casual vibe, which differs from the stress that develops throughout the scenes. Black clothes are utilized in numerous psychological horror movies to represent danger, death, or even the subconscious worries of a character.

Sweatpants and bare feet

Wearing sweatpants highlights the reality of the situation by supporting the notion that the character just stayed at home before things became rather bad. This is an informal, daily appearance that helps one to relate to the trauma.

Another important aspect is being barefoot. Characters without shoes may represent powerlessness and danger exposure in horror. Running away becomes more difficult without shoes; thus, the guy seems even more defenseless against the entity chasing him.

Thus, I think my Mise-en-Scene props and costumes give Glitch an engaging personality and fit nicely with the horror genre.

What do you think? Do you like my props and costume? February 22, 2022|Indie Film Hustle

References

Fraser, E. (2022, September 28). What Is a Shot/Reverse Shot? How to Film Conversations. Backstage.com.

Indie Film Hustle (February 22, 2022) What is Mise en Scéne? – Definition and Examples  https://indiefilmhustle.com/mise-en-scene/

Jake Rossen (Oct 9, 2008)  Iconic Horror Movie Props That Sold For Scary Amounts of Money  https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/632809/most-valuable-horror-movie-props

Nathan Walmsley (2020) Mise-En-Scene: Props and costumes in horror movies  https://nathanwalmsleyfmp.wordpress.com/2020/02/28/mise-en-scene-props-and-costumes-in-horror-movies/

Nightmare Toys Blog Which horror props are used most often during filming?https://www.nightmaretoys.com/blogs/news/which-horror-props-are-used-most-often-during-filming?srsltid=AfmBOorMy_nBf960ztYPYnpBtA-Y9rpGQXJ65UiqxUcxAvQU1vP9FOYy

Possible Location Cambridge Project

Hi there, as our goal to have a film opening finished by March 25 gets closer and closer, it's now time to think about where to film. Today, I want to tell you about my proposal for the location. 

Choosing a filming location

When choosing a filming location, you must consider setting, accessibility, and lighting.

Setting

• Match the script
• Choose a location that fits your story and narrative
• Also, consider how this location will add to your story

Lighting

• Check out the natural lighting at certain hours. 
• Go to the location to see lighting at a specific hour you plan on filming.
• If artificial light is needed, ensure the location has electricity access.y

Accessibility

• Choose a location easily accessed at any time
• Preferably close to your house or close to the school
• Make sure you can bring all equipment to the location

After going over and considering these 3 factors, I have come up with 4 possible shooting locations for my film opening.  All are inside the primary setting: Home!

1. My Room

My room is easy to access, fits the narrative, and its lighting can be manipulated through the sunlight, blinds, or lights inside the room. 

During scary or suspenseful moments, the lighting can be darker or even create a different color with LED lights.

2. Living Room

The living room is also an option, as it has easy access and lighting similar to mine. The only issue is that the lights can't be manipulated as quickly because there are no LED lights, which are really high up. However, a significant advantage over my room is that it has way more space for the equipment.

3. Bathroom

Dimly lit, this is important for the mirror scene, where the main character realizes something is wrong.

4.- Backyard

This will be used for the scene where the shadowy figure appears. The open space and natural darkness will help create a tense atmosphere.

The correct location is important because the space should contribute to the horror. 

In Glitch, the setting makes the familiar feel threatening. A bedroom, typically a safe space, becomes the center of fear. Home, a place of comfort, becomes a vulnerable space where the unknown appears.

The location has its strengths because it is smaller, and I could control some techniques such as sound, lighting, and being available to film. But first, I’ll need to test shots in each space to see how they capture the eerie of Glitch.

Would you choose a smaller, controlled space or a larger, more open setting for horror?

Developing Daniel: The Face of Horror in Glitch

Hi there, Week 4 is here !!!

We returned to school after our extra long weekend, and the Cambridge project continued!

One of the most important elements in a horror movie is the characters' experiences. Remember that my Film Opening has one male main character. I decided on his gender because most boys play video games. 

His name is Daniel, and he is 16 years old. He is a regular kid who loves playing with his console and staying up too late. He's not some fearless action hero; he's just like us.

Why this name?

I picked this name because it felt familiar and had powerful meanings. His most common origin is from The Bible. 

In the Book of Daniel, the boy is thrown into a lion's den but miraculously survives. He is known for his wisdom, visions, and ability to interpret dreams and mysterious writings.

I found this meaning from Ancestry.com:

In Horror Films, there are some character stereotypes. We can find the final girl, the cop, the killer, the entity, the old people, the hysterics, among others.  

I read this article: "20 Most Common Horror Movie Stereotype Characters," and Daniel fits the Skeptic stereotype. Those are some characteristics:

• Rational 
• Stubborn 
• Late realization (or fatal mistake)
• Tragic role

Now, there is one example about it:

Connection to Glitch: 

Like the biblical Daniel, my character is thrown into a terrifying, unknown situation. He is forced to interpret what's real and what's a glitch, but instead of a lion's den, he's trapped in a reality-bending nightmare.

In the beginning, Daniel is just your typical 16-year-old. He spends too much time gaming, stays up late, and is at first not worried by the glitches. He's not the person who believes in ghosts or monsters until he's forced to.

The scariest thing about Daniel's story in Glitch is that he doesn't realize he's in a horror movie until it's too late. At first, the minor glitches in his game are just pestering him. Until the scratching began. Then, the shadow outside his window. His fear builds slowly until suddenly, he's running for his life. He's stuck between believing his instincts and wanting to ignore the growing dread in his stomach.

That's what makes his fear feel real.

How does he look?

Daniel is 16 years old, around 5'8", and has a casual style. He has messy hair,  expressive eyes, and a strong jawline.

His go-to outfit is a simple black hoodie, slightly wrinkled, paired with sweatpants, and he is barefoot. He often wears headphones around his neck, indicating his deep gaming focus.

Daniel slouches when relaxed but tenses up when something feels off. His fear builds subtly, tapping fingers, shallow breathing, and slight trembling until panic overtakes him.

Bringing Daniel to Life

Daniel Mood Board

Since Daniel is the story's center, I want to ensure the audience genuinely feels his fear. So, I will pretend to focus on small details that show his emotions, such as breathing changes, hands shaking, or sweat on his forehead.  

Also, some voice changes ( confident at the beginning and then a disturbing voice when he feels that something is not okay!)

About the casting, I have some selections in mind ( some friends could fit the perfect Daniel in my film), but this will be part of my next research and work in the Mise-En-Scene-Elements production. 

So far, Daniel starts Glitch as a typical teenager. By the end of the Opening, he's questioning everything he thought was real. 

To conclude. Daniel's mind goes from:

This isn't real  --- Okay, that was weird --- I need to get out of here.

Would you have turned off the game the moment it glitched, or would you have kept playing like Daniel?

Sources:

https://www.behindthename.com/name/daniel?

https://www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning/daniel?

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Daniel.html?

https://screenrant.com/most-common-horror-movie-stereotype-characters/