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Showing posts from January, 2025

Production Blog- Acquiring the Goodies

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 A street racing film wouldn’t be complete without the right cars. The vehicles we choose will bring personality to each race and help tell the story of our main character’s growth. Finding the right cars wasn’t easy, but we made sure to pick ones that fit the look and feel of real underground racing. We wanted a mix of speed, style, and realism to make every scene feel authentic. For the young racer, we won’t be using a real car just yet. Instead, we’re borrowing my friend’s racing simulator, which will show the character’s first experience behind the wheel. This setup works perfectly because it represents his early dreams and passion for racing before he ever gets on the streets. For the teen racer, we’re going all out with real street racing action. My close friend’s Mustang will go head-to-head with another friend’s Dodge Daytona Charger, setting up an intense and visually exciting race. These cars are fast, stylish, and exactly what we need to capture the underground racing vi...

Production Blog- Gear Prep and Casting

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 Our short film is about a boy growing up to become the best street racer. The first steps in making this film are getting the right gear and casting the right people. We need good cameras to capture all the fast action. Our main camera is the Lumix GH6, which gives us clear and professional shots. We are also using GoPros and Akaso action cameras to get cool angles from inside and outside the cars. To keep the shots smooth, we have gimbals and stabilizers for tracking movement. We are also using drones to film races from above and add exciting views. Since many races happen at night, lighting is very important. We will use neon lights and LED panels to make the cars and streets look real. Car-mounted LED lights will help us see the cars without making the shots too bright. We will also use smoke machines and real tire burnouts to make the scenes feel more intense. Sound is just as important as video, so we are using onboard microphones to record voices and car noises. We also have...

Planning Blog

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  Creating a short film about a race car driver’s journey to success is an exciting project. First, we decided on a compelling storyline that will showcase our protagonist’s struggles and triumphs. We held brainstorming sessions to outline key plot points, such as starting in karting, facing challenges, and ultimately competing in a major race. Next, we assigned roles and responsibilities among our group members. One of us will focus on scriptwriting, ensuring our dialogue feels authentic and engaging. Another group member is tasked with scouting locations that reflect the racing environment, including tracks and garages. We are also planning to incorporate real race footage to add authenticity to our film. We will develop a shot list to ensure we capture all necessary scenes. This includes moments of preparation, adrenaline-fueled races, and emotional breakthroughs. Storyboarding will help visualize our film's pacing and transitions. In terms of casting, we are looking for an acto...

Storyboard

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Script For Speed-Bound

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  Chapter 1: Adolescence Scene begins in Anthony’s bedroom at night. The room is dimly lit, with only the glow from the video game screen casting a faint light. Anthony, around 10, is laying in bed, holding a gaming controller under the covers. He’s trying to be quiet, his eyes focused on the game as he maneuvers the car through a race. Sound: The low hum of the game and the occasional car engine revving fill the room. The door creaks open, and Anthony’s mother enters, silhouetted against the light from the hallway. Mom: (softly, lovingly) "Sweetheart, what are you doing still awake?" Anthony freezes, his eyes wide, quickly pausing the game and pretending to be asleep. Anthony: (mumbling in his sleep) "Just... sleeping, Mom..." Mom: (approaching his bedside, looking down at him with a warm smile) "I can hear the game, honey. You need your rest. Tomorrow, okay?" She sits down on the edge of the bed, gently brushing his hair out of his face. Anthony glan...

Other Information

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Steps for Success   Schedule:   We want to begin shooting from the 17th of January to the 23rd and continue on the 6th of February to the 13th. Since most of the film takes place at night we want to film the daylight scenes first in January. The reason we keep such a wide date for February is because actors availability changes. Location: My house, My neighbors house, and my friend Jordan's condo A!A, beach main street Participants: David Ingber Jaan Bhatt Gabriel Reyes Luca Foresch Jake Delnegri Nathiel Greene Jordan Lawson Jake Evans Health and Safety: We will have our parents present with a first-aid kit on hand at the ready in case of injury. We will leave any setting up of electrical devices, driving, placement of objects on dangerous platforms, and/or chemical/chemical hazards to our guardians. The cars will obey any and all traffic laws and any scenes that look fast are sped up. Props: Chevrolet Camaro Dodge Daytona Charger Chevrolet Corvette C8 Mercedes AMG GLE 53...

Title Design

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 The title design for "Speed-Bound" excitingly sets the scene for an action-packed adventure. Drawing inspiration from the film "Baby Driver," it captures the essence of speed and style. The bold black and red background creates a striking contrast that grabs viewers' attention immediately. In this design, the characters stand proudly over their cars, showcasing their unique traits. Their height and size play a key role in showing who is most important in the story. The main character, who is shorter, stands at the forefront, emphasizing their central role in the narrative. His opponents through the film stand on the sides. Taller characters stand behind, suggesting their supporting roles in this high-stakes world. Each character's position highlights their level of importance and influence. The confident poses of the taller characters convey strength and readiness for action. The cars, too, are designed with flair, reflecting their drivers' personalitie...

Pitch Blog

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 After carefully considering two potential short film ideas, our group decided to pursue an action-packed story about a boy who dreams of becoming a professional racer. The narrative follows his journey from a young gamer obsessed with racing video games to a skilled adult competing in real-life races. This story highlights themes of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of chasing one’s dreams. We want to showcase his passion for speed and competition while emphasizing the time and effort it takes to turn a dream into reality. The second idea we considered was a heartfelt coming-of-age drama centered on a group of high school seniors navigating personal challenges and forming unexpected friendships as they prepare for graduation. This story would explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of connection. It would include moments of humor, emotional breakthroughs, and relatable struggles, making it a touching and universal tale. While the coming-of-age drama ...

Genre Blog

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 We’ve chosen the action genre for our opening sequence, focusing on the journey of a boy who dreams of becoming a racer. The story begins with him playing racing video games, showing his love for speed and competition. These scenes highlight his talent and passion, even in the virtual world. As time passes, he grows older and starts chasing his dream of racing in real life. The transition from video games to real cars is a key turning point in the story. The action genre fits perfectly because it allows us to create fast-paced, exciting scenes full of energy. We plan to show his early days of gaming with colorful visuals and fast movements. These moments will be paired with sounds like the clicking of controllers and the roar of virtual engines. As he steps into the world of real racing, the visuals will shift to high-speed tracks and the roar of real engines. Time passing will be an important theme, shown through changes in his environment and his growth as a person. We’ll use mo...

Short film research: (within the shadows/urban thriller)

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  For our short film, we're exploring the urban thriller genre, and after watching Within the Shadows, a great example of this style, I've noticed several conventions we can incorporate into our own work. Within the Shadows uses tight close-up shots, dynamic camera movements, and handheld cameras to create a sense of tension and urgency. Low angles and quick zoom-ins are also common to emphasize drama and character emotions. Sound plays a crucial role, with ambient city noises like traffic and sirens grounding the film in its urban setting, while a minimalistic, eerie soundtrack heightens the suspense. The mise-en-scène features characters in practical, urban attire, often in gritty settings such as alleyways or dark streets, with low-key lighting casting heavy shadows to create mystery. Editing in Within the Shadows is fast-paced with jump cuts, cross-cutting between different characters’ perspectives, and occasional slow motion to emphasize critical momen...

Short film research: (nightcrawler/urban thriller)

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   For our short film, we're diving into the urban thriller genre, and after watching  Nightcrawler , I’ve found a lot of valuable insights that can shape our project. The film uses intense close-up shots and quick camera movements, often following the protagonist with a sense of urgency and disorientation. This technique creates a feeling of unease, which is heightened by the ambient city sounds blending with a minimalistic, eerie soundtrack that amplifies the tension. The mise-en-scène is filled with dark urban environments, such as neon-lit streets and empty buildings, giving the sense that the city itself is both a character and a dangerous place. The lighting contrasts sharply, with bright neon against dark shadows, which adds to the ominous feel. Editing in  Nightcrawler  is crisp, with rapid cuts during tense moments and the occasional slow-motion shot to highlight critical, morally ambiguous decisions. What I enjoy about the genre, as shown in  Nigh...

Short film research: (The silent house/urban thriller)

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 For our short film, we're focusing on the urban thriller genre, and after watching The Silent House (2010), I gained new perspectives that will help shape our project. The film makes excellent use of long, unbroken shots to create a sense of real-time tension, keeping the audience on edge as they follow the protagonist through the dark and isolated house. The minimal soundtrack is effective in building suspense, relying more on the ambient sounds—creaking floors, wind, and distant noises—to unsettle the viewer. The mise-en-scène in The Silent House features dim lighting, with shadows and limited light sources, creating an oppressive atmosphere that reflects the protagonist’s growing sense of fear. The editing is sparse, with few cuts, which heightens the feeling of immersion and increases the tension as events unfold. What I love most about this genre, as shown in The Silent House, is its ability to evoke deep fear and suspense from the environment and the...

Research: How to make a short film

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 My main takeaway from the video is the importance of planning and creativity in making a short film. The video breaks down the steps, from writing the script to editing, stressing the need for a clear vision and careful preparation. One key point is having a strong, short script. Even a brief story needs to be engaging. The video also highlights the importance of planning, like making storyboards and shot lists, which helps ensure smooth filming. Another helpful tip is to focus on practical things like budgeting and managing resources well. It suggests prioritizing key elements like good sound and lighting, which can greatly improve the film's quality. The video also emphasizes working with a team to bring your vision to life. Basic knowledge of camera techniques, editing, and sound design is also essential for a polished final product. This information helps me see my short film process more clearly. By focusing on writing a strong script and planning carefully, I can ensure smoo...

Comparing Le Jetee, the short, and 12 Monkeys, the full-length movie

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  Watching the video about "12 Monkeys" and "La Jetée" gave me good ideas about telling stories. "La Jetée" uses still pictures and a narrator to tell its story, showing that you don't need fancy visuals or lots of talking to be effective. Each frame is carefully made to show emotions and move the story forward, which is a great technique for short films. "12 Monkeys" builds on this by adding more detail to the characters and the plot. The video's look at how "12 Monkeys" takes the ideas from "La Jetée" shows the importance of adapting and expanding stories. Focusing on visual composition and using minimal resources to tell a story can inspire a creative approach in my short film. Understanding the themes of time travel and memory in both films helps guide the story and characters in my own film. These elements are crucial for making a memorable narrative. The video also highlights the need to balance visuals with char...

Short film research: (The Neighbor/urban thriller)

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   For our short film, we're exploring the urban thriller genre, and after watching   The Neighbor   (2017), I’ve gathered valuable insights that will influence our approach. The film uses tight shots and shaky camera movements to create a feeling of unease and to immerse the audience in the protagonist’s perspective. This is accompanied by a minimalistic soundtrack that features eerie ambient sounds, like footsteps or creaking doors, which amplify the tension as the protagonist’s paranoia grows. The mise-en-scène in   The Neighbor   uses dim lighting, with dark rooms and limited visibility, enhancing the sense of claustrophobia and danger. The setting itself—an isolated apartment complex—becomes almost as much of a character as the people in it. Editing is quick, especially during moments of suspense, with jump cuts that make the audience feel just as disoriented as the main character. What I enjoy most about the urban thriller genre, as demonstrated in ...

Comparing 9, the short, and 9, the full-length movie

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 Shane Acker's short film "9" pulls viewers into a tense, detailed, and tactile post-apocalyptic world. The plot centers on 9, a brave and resourceful ragdoll-like creature, surviving in a world where machines have wiped out humanity. Character development relies on visuals, with minimal dialogue and strong visual storytelling. Special effects are impressive, with fluid animation and a unique style that enhances realism and urgency. Acker's directorial style focuses on visual storytelling, using tension and suspense to keep viewers engaged. The full-length film "9" expands on the short film's world, providing a richer narrative and deeper character backstories. It maintains the tense atmosphere but explores characters and plot more thoroughly. New characters with distinct personalities and complex backgrounds add depth. The plot is more intricate, with subplots and character arcs. Special effects are more sophisticated, with better animation and detailed...