Creative Critical Reflection

My CCR

CLICK TO VIEW CCR HERE

Midnight Run

What you've all been waiting for

VIEW HERE

Music Update

Change of Plans and Speedy Replies

So the soundtrack I wanted to use for my film opening was under copyright, and I messaged the creator on Facebook asking for his permission to use it and he very kindly obliged within a matter of hours! I will post the various content platforms he is on below.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/newinstance1984/

Youtube (soundtrack and channel): https://youtu.be/Zxh9nyScdHk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFluOIc04eg8xZP26a6GBkg Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/new-instance Bandcamp: https://instance.bandcamp.com/releases

Project Reflection

Looking Back

Hi, my name is Dario and today I'm here to discuss the course of my film opening project which I have worked on from February 13 to April 13. During these two months, I have covered many aspects of film making, from genre research to scriptwriting, and casting to shooting locations. Below I'll be taking some time to discuss the process and go over what has gone into the making of Midnight Run.

At the very beginning, I knew I wanted to make the movie have something to do with cars so I decided to focus the first part of the production on researching movie genres that were related to cars, mainly the street racing genre. I looked at movies related to street racing such as the Fast and Furious franchise, Baby Driver, and others. In addition to these, I looked at other movies within the action genre that contained chase scenes. The movie Ronin was one that offered great insight with its magnificent BMW 535i. However, not being able to perform stunts on public roads what I was mainly interested in was capturing the aesthetic of street racing with a hint of crime thrown in. One show that helped in choosing angles and general choreography was the iconic anime Initial D, influenced by one of the pioneers of mountain pass racing (toūge).

This also influenced my decision to use my car as the focus of the opening, which is an old 1999 Toyota Corolla CE. Although it's pretty slow, I pretended like it was a sleeper (a normal car with a highly tuned engine) for the sake of the opening, and as an underlying joke to those who understand cars and racing. I then moved onto deciding my plot, which would involve two crooked mechanics who have the car in their shop. One wants to keep it, and the other is angered, saying it jeopardizes their side hustle. Agreeing but taking the car anyways, the mechanic sets out driving, on the run. For casting, I had the commitment of one of my classmates Dom to play the second mechanic. I thought I had the commitment of another friend as a cameraman but later on with the quarantine due to COVID-19 I had to depend on Dom and his tracking tripod. In addition to the tripod, I gathered other equipment and props such as tools and the cars jack and wrenches. For cameras, Dom and I used a GoPro Hero5 and our phones. As one of the props, I briefly contemplated a fake gun in a scuffle scene, but I wasn't sure how safe it would be since we would be shooting in a public place.

Moving onto the locations, I originally packed a handful of parking garages, parking lots, and rest stops, but quarantine narrowed down those options to just two locations: the first parking area on I-75 and Meridian Business Park. This would make it far easier to shoot as both locations are close to and within the city. Getting to shooting itself took some time. Both Dom and I for both our respective projects constantly had to postpone shooting due to several delays at first, and then because of quarantine. Eventually, we did get out and have two separate days of shooting. Both days went fairly successfully and we got good footage, but unfortunately, we could not get all of Dom's shots. After this was done, I got Adobe Premiere Pro and began to edit my footage, reaching the point that I am at here.

Looking back I would have done a few things differently. These include shooting everything at one location, Meridian Business Park to save time and I would have addressed my editing software earlier to avoid last-minute issues like I did. Overall, I enjoyed making Midnight Run and had an awesome experience learning about film making from it. 

Final Status Update for Production

Switching Software

Due to some compatibility issues, I had to switch from using Adobe Premier Pro to Apple's Final Cut Pro. Unfortunately, this meant most of my progress in editing was erased, but thanks to the smooth and simple design of Final Cut Pro, I caught up to where I was without too much trouble or time spent.

Editing

I am in the middle of editing the footage and audio, and I expect to finish by or just before the due date of April 13. I still have to decide specifically what tracks I want to use from the mixes but it's just a matter of finding which flows best. Previous posts related to this subject include the ones on editing software and the music in the opening. 

Project Reflection

Towards the end of the week, I will be posting my project reflection on the blog. It will involve me looking back on the journey of this project, and walking through all of the steps for the production of Midnight Run. For those just starting to view my blog posts, this will serve as somewhat of a summary of events. 

Music

Film Music

For the music used in the film opening, I have decided to give it an 80s theme appropriate for the use of cars and crime. This is more directed to the synthwave and retrowave genre of electronic music. While I have not decided on specific soundtracks, here are a number of mixes under my consideration.

Filming Update

Second Day of Filming

Avoiding any further delays and setbacks (for the most part), we headed out to Meridian Business Park for our second day of filming. The lot we filmed was empty again and perfect for filming. We shot a few of Dom's scenes and redid a few of my scenes, and then we headed out to the first rest stop on Alligator Alley to get the rest of my scenes. Unfortunately, this took longer than anticipated and we didn't have that much time to shoot Dom's scenes. He decided to get the remainder of his shots on his own. To view the previous filming day's posting, please refer to here.

Production Status Update

Minor Filming Schedule Delays

Dom and I finished our first day of filming last Saturday and had planned to finish up the rest of our shots today. Unfortunately, due to the complications with online classes just starting up and other related issues, we had to postpone yet again to Friday. Hopefully, the good weather we have had throughout the week will carry through to Friday!

Software for Editing

I have acquired Adobe Premier Pro which I will be using to edit the footage Dom and I have gathered over our two days of filming. Over the next day or two, I will be learning how to edit on the software in preparation for making the movie. 

CCR 

The CCR postings will be uploaded sometime next week after filming is completed. Stay tuned for more updates!

Filming Update

First Day of Filming

So we finally managed to avoid any setbacks or delays, and things went as planned (for the most part) for our first day of filming! The lot we filmed in was completely emptied out with the exception of a few truck trailers parked in the warehouse and was perfect for filming. We shot a few of Dom's scenes and several of my scenes, but we realized that the window of time with the twilight setting that we want is very short which meant we could not get all of the footage we needed. We will be back on Tuesday to get the remaining footage that we need from the business park. To see shots that I used to make a movie promotional poster earlier in the week, please refer to this blog posting.

Promotion

Film Promotion

Earlier in the evening I went out for a drive and I was near the location for the beginning of my opening, so I thought why not get a few shots of the car that can be used in a movie promotion? So I took a few using some of the filters available on my phone's camera and put them into a movie poster template. This is how it turned out:

Promotions like this could be used to advertise the film on paper in public places of interest (once the coronavirus pandemic ends) and can be put in online advertisements to garner attention for the film and get the interest of potential viewers. 

Cast and Crew Update

Coronavirus Crew Issues

Here we are again with more coronavirus issues, as my cameraman is not permitted out of his house for who knows how long. Since I have a deadline to meet and filming has been delayed for almost two weeks now, I have decided to push forth without a cameraman and will make do with a tracking shot tripod that will be supplied by the actor of mechanic B (Dom). 

Location For Shooting

For the first day of shooting, Dom and I will be helping each other film both of our openings in the same location. This is Meridian Business Park in Weston. The area is completely deserted save a few empty trailers that are parked into the warehouse. The area looks suitable for my intended set (an auto repair shop) and Dom's set. We are scheduled to film on Saturday the 28th around sunset. All the locations that will be used in filming can be viewed here.

Filming Locations Update

Filming Location Revisions

Due to the coronavirus, I have decided to make some filming location revisions. These are due to the fact that some of the previous locations under consideration and use are now closed to prevent the virus from spreading, and/or are a risk to the health and safety of my cast and crew. The locations listed below are the ones out of the previous group that will now be used for filming. Previously listed locations can be found here.

Locations For Filming

Alligator Alley Parking Lot

Meridian Business Campus Inc

Title Decision

Title Heading

For the title of the film, I have decided to go with Highway Run. This title reflects the theme of cars and theft, with the main character constantly being on the run with his stolen car. 

Title Font 

I chose the racing sans font for the film title because it gives off a classic muscular feel to it, fitting the theme of cars and racing.

Title Preview

The title preview can be viewed here:

TITLE PREVIEW

Update: Scheduling

Coronavirus Updates

With the Coronavirus cases rapidly multiplying in the US and the closing of schools across the nation, Film has been delayed another week once again. With safety concerns being highlighted and certain areas being closed, as well as transportation, being an issue, filming will be very tight and will have to be completed in one day. I have talked with my cast and crew, and for the most part they are ok with filming. Software and for the most part equipment is not affected by the pandemic, but should I need additional equipment or other supplies, there could be further delays. Overall, I believe that with our revised deadline everything will be completed on time. Further updates will be posted on the blog.

Update: Scheduling

Coronavirus Impact

Due to the situation regarding CORVID-19 or the Coronavirus, there will be some delays in the filming and general production of the movie. Certain locations such as the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Hibiscus Garage may have to be removed from consideration due to the precautionary measures against the virus. This applies in regards to other more local locations in the sense that the times for shooting and locations may have to be adjusted slightly for the safety of the cast and crew. Updates regarding the effect of the Coronavirus on the production of the film will be posted about on the blog. Thank you for your understanding and patience. 

Production Status Update

Casting

My search for the cast members is complete, and all roles are full. I will play mechanic A, Dom will play Mechanic B, and Greg (whose full name will not yet be disclosed) will be the cameraman. Names for both the mechanics will be decided upon soon.

Filming

Filming was set to take place this weekend, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it has been delayed to later next week. The scouting of various locations is still taking place and will be finalized sometime in the upcoming week.

Script

The script has been finalized and is posted below:

SCRIPT FINAL VERSION

Movie Title: Title Decision

Title Decision

I have come up with several possible titles to be used for the movie. The candidate titles are listed below:

• Midnight Run
• Highway Run
• Longshot
• Broken Heist
• Running From Thieves

For the font of the title I have also come up with several options to choose from, which are listed on this document.

Target Audience

Target Audience

Since the movie opening is about cars and somewhat revolves around street racing, it would fall under the action Genre. Action films are defined as films with high energy, a fast-paced story with a solid impact, lots of fighting and/or chase scenes, various well-known locations and a plot revolving around a battle, rescue, disaster, and other conflict issues that can involve a hero and a villain. The target audience consists of young adults,16-25 years of age, with a secondary audience of adults 30-40 years of age. More information on the action genre can be found here. The action target audience is pretty much the same as the racing and car films one.

Marketing 

The movie will be marketed primarily on social media. Since this is a small-time production, it is not practical or possible to pay for ads on TV or other large scale promotion methods. Therefore, I will stick to promoting on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Youtube. 

Production Status Update

Casting 

I have decided to lower the number of characters in my filming to just the two actors. Dom will play the role of Mechanic B and I will play the role of Mechanic A (I am still thinking of names for the two). I have several people lined up to shoot the film as a cameraman, and I may have multiple ones to get a wider variety of shots.

Scenes

Depending on how the film progresses and because of the two-minute time limit, I may adjust some scenes and dialogue. For example, the "fight" scene cannot be too detailed because it could take up a lot of valuable time that could be focused on shots featuring the car, and the conversations between the two mechanics. I also am considering removing the fake gun from the fight for safety reasons during filming. Over the next few days, I will make my final decisions on these issues and post about them on the blog.

Script

I have completed a rough draft of the script, which can be viewed here. A final draft will be published next week.

Film Title

I am still thinking of titles for the film. I will post several options during the week including art styles for it, and finalize my decision early next week.

Car

I have selected the vehicle I will be using for the car mechanic A wishes to steal. It is my 1999 Toyota Corolla CE. The car is old and very beaten up (but for the sake of the movie we will treat it like a sports car) and will be shown in the garage scenes and will be used to perform the handbrake turns. Here are some images of the car:

Prop Development and Equipment

Props

I have thought up and created a list of props I need for the film. These are the following props I will be using:

• Tools
• Spare Tire
• Carjack
• Gun (under review)

I am debating the usage of the gun because although it is clearly fake I do not want to cause any alarm and issues with law enforcement at the filming locations. Here is the prop shown below:

Equipment

For recording the opening I am using my iPhone 8 camera and two GoPro Hero 5s to get a couple of points of view angles on the car. For performing the handbrake turn on the car, I am looking into purchasing a couple of worn-out tires to reduce stress on the engine, transmission, and avoid wearing the tread on my current tires. I will also shoot the scene on a rainy day (hopefully) because of it being easier to get the car sideways with reduced traction. 

Script Rough Draft

Script

Here is the link to the rough draft of my script. I have decided to go with just two mechanics for my roles, and I am deciding between cameramen. 

ROUGH DRAFT OF SCRIPT

Filming Locations

Shooting Locations

I am currently in the process of deciding on locations for filming. The garage shots would have to either be done in a parking lot with a building in the back or an empty parking garage. The scuffle and escape scene would be done in an empty lot, (as the handbrake turn should be performed in a spacious environment. Here are some of the locations I am looking into.

Locations Under Consideration

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Hibiscus Garage

Alligator Alley Parking Lot

The Guitar Hardrock Casino Lucky Street Parking Garage

Weston Business Center

Production Status Update

Cast

I have currently received the commitment of Dominic N to play the role of mechanic B. I am still waiting on a response for the cameraman and looking for one or two other actors to play roles. 

Storyboard

The storyboard is completed and has been uploaded here. Please keep in mind that the events outlined in it are subject to change and such changes will be posted about on the blog. 

Script

The script is in its final stages of being written and will be posted shortly. The current version of the script is a rough draft and is subject to change. Such changes will be posted on the blog.

Storyboard

Storyboard

Here are the images for the storyboard of the film opening.

Images

Production Process

Deciding on Specified Scenes

I am currently in the process of deciding on and finalizing specific scenes to then move on to create the storyboard and script for the opening. In terms of scouting actors, I have already confirmed the availability and commitment of two actors, and I am considering looking for an additional two actors and/or actresses. The two actors who I have signed on are both quite knowledgeable about cars and have a deep interest in the subject, which makes them well suited for the film opening. In terms of the necessary equipment and editing software, I have all the software I need, and a decent amount of equipment. For the scenes in which moving vehicles are used, I have considered using a gopro mounted at a suitable angle either inside or outside the vehicle. However, the gopro footage is not always the best, and the audio is often low quality. If it does work out, I will borrow an additional gopro to get a second angle.

Scenes Under Consideration

Here are several scenes under consideration:

Intro Scene

The scene starts off in the garage with cars being worked on by a couple of mechanics. Two mechanics stand over a particular car, examining it, and then looking at each other before leaving the area. They then discuss the various cars in the shop they will be stealing and selling. Mechanic A cuts mechanic B short, saying he wants to keep the rare car for himself. Shocked and slightly enraged, B says its out of the question and could ruin their shot at getting more cars and staying under the radar. A agrees and apologizes, but as the two walk out, he looks back longingly at the car.

Shop Scene

This scene takes place with all the other cars out of the shop. Mechanic A is the last one left. After finishing his work on the car, he is supposed to take it to the owners house the following morning. After admiring it longingly, he sighs and gets in the car. A brief moment of silence, and then the engine turns over and the lights come on.

Getaway Scene

Driving through the night with the stolen car, Mechanic A is on edge as he is worried about mechanic B. Up ahead, who should he see but B. Coming to a sliding stop, he gets and B warns him of the consequences of stealing the car. The two struggle in a fight and A gets away, driving off into the night.

Part of Getaway Scene

As a part of the fight, a *gun would be pulled out and there would be a struggle for it. Mechanic A would drive away while mechanic B points and prepares to shoot, but lowers it in hesitation. 

*the gun would be clearly identifiable as FAKE for safety reasons, as it is made entirely out of wood, and is NOT painted to look real.

Scheduling

Sequence of Events

Here is my schedule for production of the film opening

Schedule

Feb 28th

Layout Drawings and Story-boarding

March 3rd

Actor and Actress scouting begins 

March 11th

Prop Gathering and materials begins

March 15th 

Filming begins

March 25th
Filming ends

March 26th
Editing begins

April 2nd
Editing ends

April 3rd
Production is finalized

Story

Plot Selection

Out of the three plots I came up with in my previous post, I will be going with the second plot.

Selected Plot

A mechanic (for now mechanic A), working at a successful garage spends most of his days tuning up the garage's clients' cars for track days and street racing. He himself wishes to get into the scene on the street but because of old debts, he cannot finance his wish. This changes when a new crafty mechanic (for now mechanic B), suggests they copy keys and install back doors to allow them to steal the cars of clients once the shop is done working on them and sell them. The golden rule: never keep one of the cars. Everything goes according to plan until a customer brings in an extremely rare JDM car. mechanic A, seeing his childhood dream cannot resist and runs away with the car, cops and mechanic B in pursuit.

Choosing This Plot

I chose this plot because I felt that it was a bit more unique than the others, while at the same time combining various elements used in other car-related films. It features an up-close look at the world of tuning, while at the same time, incorporating other street racing-related elements. This uses scenes similar to that of Fast and Furious, as well as Baby Driver and high-speed chase scenes like the BMW vs. Renault one in Ronin.

Planning

Planning

Plot Options

I have considered several plots based off of the research I conducted, and have currently narrowed it down to three different ones.

Plot Number One

An automotive engineering student who has dropped out of college is struggling to pay his bills and get a grip on his life, but still maintains his love for cars and racing. One night while drinking at a lonesome bar on a highway stop in the midwest, he notices a group of tuned-up cars leaving together. With his interest growing, he follows them, to find that they've closed off a portion of the street for racing. Watching some amazing cars battle each other on the asphalt fuels his desperation. Rushing a driver on the side of the road, he steals a prized antique Corolla, with a deadly powerful engine, and makes his way off into the night.

Plot Number Two

A mechanic (for now mechanic A), working at a successful garage spends most of his days tuning up the garage's clients' cars for track days and street racing. He himself wishes to get into the scene on the street but because of old debts, he cannot finance his wish. This changes when a new crafty mechanic (for now mechanic B), suggests they copy keys and install back doors to allow them to steal the cars of clients once the shop is done working on them and sell them. The golden rule: never keep one of the cars. Everything goes according to plan until a customer brings in an extremely rare JDM car. mechanic A, seeing his childhood dream cannot resist and runs away with the car, cops and mechanic B in pursuit.

Plot Number Three

The son of a former f1 driver who has passed away has grown up with his aunt and uncle in the rural Gunma prefecture of Japan, where he has lived for the most part a quiet life until he gets his license and discovers his fathers old racing gear and car. Determined to follow this new walk of life, he discovers that he is too old for karting, and cannot finance racing training for himself, so he decides to turn to the streets for skill-building. Wearing a ski mask and racing anonymously, he earns a reputation in the racing community and law enforcement. 

Research (Opening Examples)

Opening Research

While researching film openings related to my idea for an opening, I came across several that stood out to me as what I was looking for. These openings are discussed in detail below. 

The Fast and The Furious (2001)

Perhaps the best example of what I am looking for in an opening, the first installment in the F&F franchise does it best. It starts off in the Port of Los Angeles, featuring shots of the surrounding infrastructure before showcasing a truck full of expensive electronic devices. An over the shoulder shot of a dock worker letting the info about the truck slip is shown as it pulls out. The scene switches to the truck on an empty highway at night, when three black Honda civics pull up and take a formation around the truck, hijacking it, and making a speedy getaway. This scene perfectly balances and combines the two elements critical to racing action films: crime and illegal street racing with fast flashy cars. The opening also does not reveal detail on the characters but gives a vague outline of the plot and events later to come in the film, overall being very effective as an opening.

Similar Scenes; Ronin (1998) Chase Scene

Although not directly related to the approach I am taking, and the previously listed opening, the car chase scene in Ronin has some very useful elements. The start of the chase is due to the group attempting to make a getaway with a briefcase that is the source of conflict between multiple bounty hunters and the Russian mafia. The chase, featuring a BMW 535i and a Peugeot 406, is shot in extreme detail and blended in well with a typical French urban area. The chase scene is also very long and showcases a wide variety of stunts and rally techniques. Although I will not be going to such extremes in my opening, the concepts are very useful.

Research

Research

In order to properly create my film opening, I am researching the genre, and more specifically, the types of films within it that reflect my ideas for a film opening and can give insight into what content and plot can be used in my opening.

Action Film Overview 

The focus of the primary genre is action. Action films can take place in a realistic urban environment that the audience has a high chance of recognizing (Ex: Avengers (2010) taking place in New York), with the plot usually revolves around some sort of conflict, whether it is a battle or war, a disaster either natural or manmade, or a competition. All action films have a hero, and most have a villain. Sometimes these films are based on real events but others are usually based on novels or comics. Characters often fall under the good or bad umbrellas whether they are supporting or the main characters. For example in the James Bond films, there is usually a supporting character introduced partway through the film (Ex: Luigi Farrera in For Your Eyes Only) that helps the protagonist gain a crucial step forward towards the solution/victory but pays with his or her life for it. For the main characters, they can consist of spies, heroes, soldiers, average people cast into the spotlight, athletes, warriors, policemen, bounty hunters, hitmen, race car drivers, and even animals or aliens. These varied formats give action films a lot of flexibility.

Racing Action Films

Racing action films have been on the rise in popularity since the late 90s, surging in popularity in the mid-2000s, and still doing fairly well today. Different from films about specific race car drivers and circuit racing, these movies usually focus on the illegal street racing scenes across the world. In some cases, these movies also include crime, either on a petty or grand scale, due to the illegal nature of street racing itself. To understand the movies, one must get the origin of the subject. Street racing took off in the United States and Europe with drag-racing back in the 60s. American and European automakers (particularly American ones) were putting out cheap, high power cars that encouraged this sort of activity. Fast-forwarding 20 years to the late 70s to mid-80s, new forms of racing took ahold of Japan. The first was toūge (mountain pass) racing and the second drifting. The two somewhat intertwined, they are essentially high-speed flashy races through narrow mountain passes in which either cat and mouse rules or overtaking are used. This was extremely popular up until the mid-2000s when the Japanese Police Force issued crackdowns. For drag racing, it was popularized by the Fast and the Furious films, while toūge was popularized through the iconic anime Initial D. The Fast and the Furious saga, in particular, became a multi-billion dollar franchise, starting out with the elements of crime and street racing and eventually changing into battling villains and using extreme stunts with exotic cars. For my opening, I will focus specifically focus on content similar to that of Fast and Furious films and one-off movies like Baby Driver.

Opening

Opening

I have decided to choose the action genre of film for my media studies portfolio project. Specifically, I will be working with the subgenre of racing films (specifically street racing and petty crime) similar to other movies such as baby driver and the original fast and furious trilogy.

Covering Ground

The focus of this film will revolve around a street racing film that could have a bit of petty crime mixed in. Inspired by movies such as the Fast and The Furious (2001), 2 Fast 2Furious (2003), the Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), and Baby Driver (2017). These films all revolve around the high paced and intense races mixed in with a good story often related to crime. I am also considering using the beginning of a chase scene, such as the car chase scene in Ronin (1998). I have not decided on a specific story for the plot, much less individual scenes. I have thought up several props, have cars available for the scenes, and people available for casting and crew. More updates including a title for the film will be blogged soon.

Music Post

For the Music Marketing Project, we chose the song Blind because we felt it was somewhat similar to rock, which is an extremely popular music genre worldwide. In addition to this, we took inspiration from Slipknot and their signature masks, which would become our band's name and logo, as well as us wearing masks. Tne of the marketing trends we noticed with in our genre (nu metal) is that like rock and many other genres, vinyls have become extremely popular again. This desire for an old school 80s aesthetic is extremely marketable for bands and can bring in a ton of additional revenue. In addition to this, we created merchandise from caps and mugs, to hoodies and t-shirts that featured our logo and fit the aesthetic of our band. Production is quite a tedious task, especially for a music video conveying a specific story and theme. This took a good deal of planning and organization to get everything right. The same thing applies to the marketing campaign, although it requires research to back it up. Overall, our previous knowledge on the success of rock would be our gateway to this project.