Filming at the Track: And...ACTION!

 Filming day one started a little later than we would have liked. We had some mishaps with the clothing our actors were to wear, but we got things sorted out and made our way to the track field. While at the track field, it was decided between us to instead film at the baseball field for its preferable lighting and sun positioning. Throughout our process, I played a director's assistant type role. Jordyn began by trying to find a suitable angle to do our continuous full shot from the sun to our subjects. Meanwhile, I would help her try and position the camera to center and focus in on Yaneli and Nicole. This first shot looked to be difficult to get because of the location of the bleachers, but we made amends. Jordyn ended up filming a take by doing a backbend to get the right shot! Another problem that happened often was the sun disappearing. However, waiting a bit of time would usually fix this quite quickly. After filming certain clips, I would go to a shady spot with Jordyn and review our clips to see if we needed to do any redos or change any actions we've been doing in the scenes and while filming the scenes. I would give my opinion when asked by our director (Jordyn), as would everyone else, and we would make accomodations for everyone based on that. During clips I made sure our cans were always facing the camera for appropriate product placement, otherwise we'd have to re-do scenes, it just helps in the long run. Another task I did was regularly spraying our Arizona cans with a water mixture to make it look like condensation was happening and sell the look that our room-temperature beverages were "ice cold." With Florida weather, it evaporated off the cans very quickly, so I was spraying these cans before every scene at least. As well as spraying the cans, I sprayed our two actors with this mixture often to make them look sweaty, as our storyboard outlined how hot the day turned to be. I made sure our actors were comfortable and often asked if they needed anything, this made me feel like a true professional in the back-stage aspect of filming. We were a bit short on time, but finished day 1 strong with most of the speaking scenes done. The bell rang for next period and I brought our props and supplies back to the classroom because my next class was in the same building. 

Storyboard Blog

Hello there! Today we started and completed our storyboard. After much deliberation and (civil) argumentation over the proposal of our ideas, we decided that our commercial will follow the format found below:

Scene 1: 

In Scene 1, the camera will pan downwards from the sun, located at the highest point in the sky, creating an establishing shot, and being used to show just how unbearably hot it is outside during the afternoon. This camera movement will take roughly three seconds to execute. During this time, a diegetic sound of cicadas chirping will be playing, which will allow us to not only set the scene, but also the time of year before the actual dialogue even begins, being that cicadas only come out during the early summer months. That, in turn, will allow for time, which would have been used to create an exposition, to be saved, whilst also immersing the audience into the commercial itself and catching their attention from the very beginning. 

Scene 2:

In Scene 2, panning will cease and the camera will settle on our two actresses who are seated on the track field bleacher at eye level using a medium shot framing, where only their waist and up is visible. As mentioned in my previous post, "Research Blog: Commercial Conventions," this camera movement and angling will be in line with the customary techniques used when focusing on two seated actors in soft drink commercials. Moreover, the frame will be quite small with its length being half the actresses' arm lengths when they extend them to the side. At this point in time, our actresses will have a conversation, which is once again an example of diegetic sound, and the sound of cicadas chirping will gradually fade out until it can no longer be heard. That is to allow for the main focus of the scene to be the conversation going on between our two actresses. The dialogue in which they engage will be roughly as follows: 

Actress 1: "Hmm...what do you want to do this summer?"

Actress 2: "What about going to that one state with the big, red rocks?"

Actress 1: "Oh, I know that place!"

This entire exchange will be executed in five seconds and conclude with actress one sticking their hand out of the frame.

Scene 3:

In Scene 3, Actress 1’s hand and part of her arm will be shown when a cutaway occurs to an Arizona Iced Tea can with an Arizona landscape backdrop. This effect will be achieved through the use of cardboard backings to support printed cutouts of Arizona landforms along with the red dirt of the baseball field, which will be used as the ground. It will essentially be a play on stereotypes. In the shot, we will focus on the Arizona Iced Tea can undergoing condensation to show just how cold and refreshing it is. That will take two seconds. Afterward, two more seconds will elapse in the time that it takes for Actress 1 to grab and move the can out of the frame. The frame itself will remain at eye level and be a medium shot with the same dimensions. This whole scene will take four seconds to execute. 

Scene 4:

In Scene 4, Actress 1’s hand returns to the frame and they begin to drink from the can, during which a close-up shot occurs. The camera then quickly pans over to Actress 2 who looks confused but eventually shrugs it off. This scene will take five seconds to execute. 

Scene 5:

In Scene 5, the conversation will pick up between the two actresses once again as Actress 2 will ask something along the lines of “Okay, but how do we keep cool and refreshed(?),” to which Actress 1 will respond with something similar to: “Oh, I got you(!),” as they reach their hand out of the frame once more. This will take a total of 4 seconds to execute. 

Scene 6:

In Scene 6, Actress 1’s hand will reappear into the frame holding a different flavor of Arizona Iced Tea, likely watermelon to tie into the summer theme once again. The can will be clearly shown within the frame with its logo angling towards the camera. Then, Actress 1 will hand the second can over to Actress 2. They will both clink their cans together in a cheers motion and take a sip. By the end of this scene, a total of 3 seconds will have elapsed.

Scene 7:

In Scene 7, the camera will move in a zoom-out motion, blurring out the rest of the background. It will then zoom in to focus on an Arizona Iced Tea can nearby in the bleachers, tilting to adopt a low angle. Once the scene concludes, a total of 4 seconds will have gone by. 

Scene 8:

In Scene 8, we see both actresses sitting near the can, swinging their legs, and drinking their Arizona Iced Teas, in the blurred background. This, whilst the original Arizona Iced Tea can is shown undergoing condensation and being in focus at the center of the frame, with the aforementioned low angle being used to make the can seem grand. In the same frame, the Arizona Iced Tea logo will be at the very top, and directly below it, one will see the words "The answer to all your problems," which relates to the commercial because "Arizona" was able to answer a question regarding a general location, as well as a way to quench your thirst. Moreover, to the left of the can in bold, turquoise lettering of the number 99 followed by the cent symbol will be shown. That is to show the reader how inexpensive the product is, enticing them to buy such an amazing item for a great price. This will take 2 seconds.

Commercial:

In total we estimate our commercial to take roughly 30 seconds, allowing it to fall within the required 27 to 30-second range. 

Storyboard:

An image of the actual storyboard is found below for your viewing pleasure:

Clarifications:

• In our storyboard pictured above, the clothing the actors are wearing does not reflect the color of their actual attire, but is rather being used for the sole purpose of differentiation as a placeholder of sorts. 
• For the actual commercial, we plan on having our actors wear red, yellow, or orange attire, colors proven to elicit a feeling of thirst and heat. The arrows found within some of our scenes' frames are meant to show the movement of either the camera, as indicated by the color blue, or actors, as shown by the color pink, within the frame. 
• The lighting will be very bright to enunciate the fact that it is extremely hot outside. This can be done through the use of adding our cellphone flashlights as an additional light source to the sun outside. As for the color design, we have decided to superimpose warm filters over our commercial during editing to achieve this effect of heat. 
• Make-up and any jewelry worn will be kept simplistic, as to not distract the viewer from the main product we are "selling." 
• In Scene 2, box 3, and in Scene 4, box 6, one of the two subjects in the storyboard has white eyebrows. This was done with the intent of accentuating the expressions of intrigue and confusion on their face. 
• In Scene 4, box 6, a blue square is drawn around Actress 2's face to show that a close-up occurs. Two blue arrows also extend from the right of Actress 1's face to show that the camera pans from them to Actress 2. 
• As for the props, there will be a total of three Arizona Iced Tea cans used, two of which will be the original kind and the other of which will be watermelon-flavored. 
• Ambient noise, other than the aforementioned cicada sounds may also be included, but further discussion on what will be added is needed. The same goes for the music we will use; it will likely be a popular song to fall in line with soft drink commercial conventions, which is why I made no mention of it above.
• The times found in our storyboard are subject to change once editing comes into play; however, we plan to follow the guidelines we have established as closely as possible.

Planning Blog: 1, 2, 3, GO!

Props

     Since my group is doing the Arizona drink, the only props we will use consistently is the Arizona can(s). Along with any other insignificant items in the commercial.

Costumes

     Nicole and Yaneli will be the actors in the commercial. In the beginning of the commercial they'll have comfy, chill outfits on. Once the Arizona can is introduced, they change outfits into something more bold and eye catching to match the drink. This is to match the 'aesthetic' of the Arizona drink.

Order

First, my team will figure out what we want our commercial to be like. We'll figure out our exact setting and basic concept for the ad. Next, we find out how we want to film it and how. What supplies do we use, what angles and direction we film. After we have the footage, we edit our video to fit our standards. We add the music, any transitions, on screen text, and more.

Locations and Ideas

The few locations we will film on is the Baseball field, the track field, and the vending machines under the staircase. These locations may or may not change throughout we do the general planning process when creating our storyboard. 

The main idea is that it is a hot day for two friends and they decide to drink Arizona tea to cool off!

Backup Plan

In any case we can't film in the locations, we will film inside the school building and the vending machines by the auditorium. 

Due Dates

Intro Blog - September 20

Group Blog – September 20

Research Blog – September 22

Planning Blog – September 22

Storyboard – September 28

Filming Blogs – September 30 and October 4 (a total of 2)

Editing Blogs – October 6 & October 8 (a total of 2)

Commercial – October 8

CCR (reflection) – October 13

Research: Commercial Conventions and Codes

 My group is doing an Arizona Iced Tea commercial. In these commercials the individuals are usually seen picking up the drink from a store then drinking it. Throughout them I noticed ample product placement or showing the actor hanging out with friends, with drink in hand. 

Camera Angles, Movement, and Shots

We found limited examples of Arizona commercials, so basing it off simple soft drink commercials was the next best thing. These commercials used high and low camera angles to make the viewer feel as if they were experiencing this refreshing drink themselves. Zoomed-in shots added ample product placement to remind the audience that this high quality movie is in fact a drink commercial. It's just that good! Tilting movements with the camera were used to capture the reaction subjects had to someone drinking the soda. Multiple locations suggests you can enjoy this drink at any time. Shot-wise, over-the-shoulder ones were most common. They showed the different relationships with people, all over a single drink. Close-up shots were eminent in this type of advertisement as well, showing the satisfied expressions of the actors and the delicious drink.

CAMS

 - The actors are usually seen sporting casual or streetwear esque clothing. They're usually wearing bright colors to show the drink brings vibrancy. Neutral colors can be used as well as seeing these colors makes people feel thirsty.

- The setting is usually the store the Arizona drink is being sold. A shot of the customer grabbing the drink from the refrigerator at the place it's being sold. 

- The people in the ad are shown happier after the drink is introduced.

- The background music is chill and soft. The sound of the can fizzing when they open the drink is played too.

- The only prop that is important is the can of the drink itself. 

-  The color patterns or themes used are bright colors on the screen. Different pops of colors. This shoots back to the neutral color idea too.

The code for Arizona commercials is showing the drink up close. Making the logo and can design visible for viewers to recognize the can. The Arizona logo is also shown on screen after the commercial plays.

Picture example of an ad!!

Group Project, Getting Started!

   Today we were assigned a fairly interesting assignment, if I've ever seen one. A group of up to four people are to create a commercial for something we find interesting. Personally, I want to do this project on anything that will allow me to wear a ridiculous costume. If not, what am I going to do with the hot dog and clown costumes rotting away in my closet, this is my chance! My teachers weren't kidding when they said to take notes. I'm glad I was writing class instructions faster then the speed of light. The first step in creating this project is coming up with an idea or vision. Research on top of research can help greatly with this; knowing the conventions of the direction my group decides to go will aid me in more ways then one. Our next step is treatment; this is for laying out our story ideas but with zero dialogue. Pre-production is when our imagination skills really come into play, we'll be writing scripts and sketching up some storyboards. Something I learned that helped me with storyboarding is to think of it as a comic book drawing, draw what it would be like to watch it! Filming and production is something I personally don't want to mess up on. Before starting, our storyboard will already be long done though, it has to be before we even touch a camera. Editing footage we take is our last step; this wraps up all the previous work done on your assignment. When starting out, planning is so important, this is our set location, which is most likely our school, props, schedule, and a back-up plan. Not having a back-up plan with Florida weather would be blockheaded! Planning is the part I'm kind of nervous about. I know I can pay attention and do my work with enough work put in though. The partners I've decided to work with on this are Nicole Kimmick, Jordyn Minnis, and Yaneli Zalaya. I'm pumped to get started on this. I'm also still secretly wishing we do something that can put my beloved frankfurter suit to good use!

All About Me: Diving Into Julissa's Noggin

I'm excited to fully plunge into AICE Media and this sort of subject this year. I've had experience making music videos of sorts for little songs I make as a joke; imagining doing something like that for a grade sounds even more intriguing. Making the thing I do for fun with my friends into something to be used to work towards a diploma to better my chances of great things in the future sounds right up my alley. I wasn't originally going to take this class, but my counselor recommended I do, I'll see where this course takes me! On to myself, my name's Julissa, and I'm a brand spanking new junior in the Sunshine State. Not that I moved to Florida recently or anything; it's just crazy to me that I'm really a junior, time slips by. Alongside this, I consider myself to be an unbothered and laid-back individual, especially once you get to know me. My free time is unvaried, if I'm to be wholly honest with you! A day of my life after school consists of eating lunch, watching an episode of Batman Beyond or Cowboy Bepop, and pushing myself to do school work I'm not sure gets finished.  I do my best to at least keep my grades afloat, even if it takes rewarding myself with far too many breaks. The highlight of my day is always hearing music, song after song. You'll find me jamming anywhere from tiring passing periods in school to the cold milk section of my neighborhood Publix. It's the one thing that always keeps me going. I never fully understood people felt the way I do until I paid closer attention to some of the lyrics of my favorite artists. They're just like me, sometimes, lost in themselves and trying to find themselves afresh. Doing online school last year proved myself to be a completely different person then I thought I was. That straight-A student turned into a measly D-student and it really hurt my self-image. I no longer believed in myself, all because I was afraid to ask for help. I found an artist called Arlo Parks and some tender support from my teachers, and I found myself all-of-a-sudden feeling vibrant again. Days no longer started blending into eachother and I got closer with the ones I love; this school year feels like a totally new start. It wasn't as easy as I'm making it sound as we all have our own processes, but it doesn't hurt a fly to work toward a better you. This side tangent may not relate to this subject, but I see so many things I enjoy in this course. I feel it contributes to this new start. Projects like the music video and commercial have me excited to see how people from completely different backgrounds can combine their creativity to make something worthwhile. I want to try and see myself doing well, I just hope I can prove myself to be fruitful with the work I do turn in.