Day 1 of Filming

Day 1 of Filming:

Day 1 of filming started with a lot of excitement and a little bit of stress. The day began with both of my sisters and I, getting food before heading to the dance studio. It was a long ride, but we made the most of it. Once we got to the studio, we were ready to start filming.

For this first day, my older sister played Triana, the flamenco dancer. She did an amazing job bringing the character to life. When she started dancing, especially in the beginning before she grabs the cane, you could really feel the intensity of her movements, and it set the tone for the scene perfectly. But once we started filming, I realized that I was going to need some background music so I figured the best option was for me to play the "cajon". 

Since I had to play the "cajon" (the percussion instrument), I couldn’t film at the same time. That’s when my little sister came in. She filmed the part where Triana starts her dance. It was tricky because I was focused on playing the cajon and staying in rhythm with the dance, and at the same time I had to make sure she was getting all the shots right and the ones I wanted since she has very few experience in the filming world. 

Originally, we planned to film everything, but we didn’t have enough time to do everything. We had to make some adjustments on the opening scene and it took a lot of our time up. I’ll be talking more about the obstacles we faced in a separate blog, but this post is all about what we managed to get done on the first day. 

Even though we didn’t get too film everything, it was a good start. I'm excited to keep going and see where the rest of the filming takes us. Here is a video of my older sister dancing, my little one filming and me playing the "cajon".

https://youtu.be/VIZt_KzkLcI

Editing Sofware

 Using Adobe Premiere Pro for My Film Opening

Editing is a very important part of filmmaking. For my film opening, I am using Adobe Premiere Pro. It is a strong editing software that professionals use, but it is also good for beginners. I used Premiere Pro last year in my TV production class. I also earned a certificate for it, so I already know some of the basics. My film opening has quick cuts and a lot of inserts, so I need a good editing program. Premiere Pro helps me cut fast, organize my clips, and build tension.

Why Adobe Premiere Pro?

I chose Premiere Pro because it has many helpful tools like: 

• Easy Cutting and Trimming – My opening has fast cuts between flamenco shoes, a red skirt, and the dance studio. The razor tool and timeline make it easy to cut and edit.

• Good Audio Control – My film does not have music, only the sound of the cane and dancing. Premiere Pro lets me adjust the volume, add effects, and make sure the sound fits the scene.

• Color Correction – The colors in my film are important. I want the red of the flamenco skirt to stand out and Premiere Pro has tools to help with that.

• Simple Effects and Transitions – I don't need big effects, but small fades and cuts will help make my film flow better.

Final Thoughts

Adobe Premiere Pro is a great choice for my film because it gives me control over how the story looks and feels. I can cut scenes to match the intensity, adjust the sound to make the movements feel real, and use color correction to set the right mood. Since I already have experience from my TV production class, I feel comfortable using this editing software. 

I am excited to see how my editing choices affect the final opening, and I will share more updates as I progress in my editing!

Letting Sound Tell The Story

 

Letting Sound Tell The Story

For my film opening, I want to create tension through sound. My film is about Triana, a flamenco dancer who pushes herself too hard. The sounds help the audience feel her struggle. Instead of music or the heavy use of dialogue, I let the dance make the rhythm.

The opening is fast, with quick shots of flamenco shoes, a red skirt, and the dance studio. Each shot has its own sound; shoes tapping, fabric moving, and deep breaths. These small sounds help set the scene before we see Triana fully. I am also thinking about adding the sound of a cajón, a wooden drum used in flamenco, to make the rhythm stronger in these opening shots. But the cajón would stop when she starts dancing, so only her movements create the sound. I am not sure about this yet, but it is an idea I am thinking about to set the rhythm in the opening. 

When she picks up her shoes and enters the dance classroom, the sound changes. Now, it is all about her movements. Her shoes tap, her cane hits the floor, and her breathing gets louder. As she dances, her heart beats faster, and the sound does the same. Her breaths get quicker, her steps get stronger, and the rhythm feels urgent. She keeps pushing herself, saying, "keep going, you can do this." But the audience can hear her getting tired.

The moment she collapses is the most important. After all the noise, everything goes silent. The rhythm stops. All that is left is stillness, maybe one last deep breath. The audience is left wondering what happened.

By using natural sounds instead of music, I want the audience to feel like they are with Triana. They hear every step, every breath, and every moment of struggle. The sound is not just in the background, it tells the story.

Here is an image of what a cajón looks like:

Filming Location

The opening scene of "Fallen Rhythm" takes place in a small dance studio. This location is crucial because it sets the tone for Triana's story as a flamenco dancer. The studio has grey wooden floors that make loud sounds when Triana dances, which adds to the rhythm and makes her movements feel strong. The white walls serve to reflect light and create shadows, which emphasize her movements and emotions.  Chairs hang on the walls, adding a simple yet unique detail to the setting.

The mirrors on the walls play a significant role in showing Triana's struggle, making the scene more powerful. The small space makes everything feel personal, bringing the audience closer to her emotions. This intimacy helps the audience connect with Triana on a deeper level. The scuffed floors and marks on the mirrors make the scene feel real, which is important for drawing the audience into the story.

The lighting in the studio is also important. Instead of using bright lights, we opted for warm, soft lighting. This creates shadows that highlight Triana's movements and adds tension to the scene. The dim light makes the audience feel her struggle more intensely. By keeping the lighting soft and warm, we focus the audience's attention on Triana's effort and emotions.

Overall, this simple studio helps show Triana's passion and struggle. It keeps the focus on her, making the audience feel her emotions more deeply. By using this small, intense space, we bring the power of flamenco to life in "Fallen Rhythm". The setting enhances the story, drawing viewers into Triana's world and making them part of her journey. 

The Power of Props in My Film Opening

 

The Power of Props in "Fallen Rhythm"

Props are very important in my film opening, "Fallen Rhythm", about Triana, a flamenco dancer. They help show her world and feelings without using too much dialogue.

One of the most important props is the flamenco shoes. They show Triana’s hard work and the pain she goes through. The film starts with quick shots, including a close up of the shoes before she picks them up. This shows her dedication, no matter what, she still chooses to dance.

Another key prop is the red skirt. Red is a strong color that shows both love and danger. For Triana, it means both. She loves flamenco, but she is also at risk of pushing herself too hard. The skirt’s movement makes her dance more exciting and emotional.

The cane is also very important. Flamenco dancers sometimes use a cane in their routines, making sharp sounds. But in this scene, it means more. The cane makes the tension stronger, matching her heartbeat as she forces herself to keep going. It also shows that she might be struggling and she uses it to help her, but it also shows she is reaching her limit.

These props help tell the story of a dancer who is strong but also struggling. Without saying it, they show the audience what she is going through.

By choosing and showing these props carefully, I hope to bring the audience into Triana’s world and help them feel her determination. Even small details can have a big impact in a psychological thriller.

Meet Triana

 Naming Her 

At first, coming up with a name for my main character was difficult. I research traditional spanish names, popular names and just names of my friends of family. Then, I came across an instagram story of a popular flamenco dancer who's daughter is named Triana. Triana is a neighborhood is Seville, Spain well known for it's vibrant atmosphere and cultural traditions which involve flamenco.  The name Triana stuck with me after I researched what Triana really is and means. I then figured this was the best name for my main character and didn't bother to do any more research. Since my film opening consists of a character vs. self plot, I only had to name my main character. 

Creating Triana

When I began storyboarding, I knew that I wanted to include some props in my opening like a cane to build tension and a feeling of frustration through the dancer's movements. Because of this, I believe Triana's personality would be determined and persistent, always pushing herself beyond her limits, even as her heart pounded wildly while she danced. Triana's drive to success is what makes her strong but at the same time it makes her stop involuntary when her heart rate was way above of what it should be. Triana would also be the person who would carry some type of flamenco representation with her since flamenco is what makes her want to continue pushing herself through the health issues she encounters. In the mood board I created, I used white and black polka dots fro the boarder which in spanish are known as "lunares". They translate to little moons which are seen in gypsy culture in Spain and are commonly seen in flamenco dresses. 

My Script

 Hey!! A script is like a outline for a film or show. It tells everyone what happens in the story, what characters say, and what’s happening in each scene. It helps the director, actors, and crew know how to bring the story to life. Without it, there’s no plan, and the whole production would fall apart. It keeps everything organized and on track. Now, I am very excited to share with you my script from my film opening.

I hope you enjoyed and see you in the next blog!

Media Theory Within My Project

Hey again!! for this blog post I will be sharing the media theory I would like to incorporate in my project. 

For my project, I’ve been thinking a lot about the character theory and how it can play into my film opening. I want to focus on the flamenco dancer as the hero. She’s so determined and passionate about her dancing that she’s willing to push herself to the limit, even if it means ignoring the pain. She’s not trying to be a superhero, but her strength comes from her willpower to keep going despite everything working against her.

The villain, though, is her health. Her body starts breaking down the more she dances. Her heart races, her muscles ache, and she gets more exhausted, but she won’t stop. It’s like her health is the enemy she can’t beat, no matter how hard she tries. She’s the hero fighting her own body, and in the end, the health issues will win, forcing her to stop.

I think this theory really works for the story I want to tell because it adds so much tension between her passion for dance and the reality of her physical limits. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show how even the strongest people can face their own weaknesses.

An example is  Batman vs. Joker. Batman is the hero, driven by his need to protect Gotham and do what’s right. But the Joker is the villain, who challenges everything Batman believes in. Instead of just trying to defeat Batman physically, the Joker messes with his mind, pushing Batman to his limits and making him question his entire moral code. Batman’s biggest strength, his sense of justice, is actually what the Joker uses against him.

In a way, this is similar to my story, where the dancer’s passion and dedication drive her to push through the pain. But just like Batman’s strength becomes his weakness in the face of the Joker, the dancer’s determination ends up being what leads to her downfall.

Project Summary

Hello Cambridge!! For this blog I will be giving you a detailed summary of my project. 

The story begins with a girl is alone in a dark dance studio, practicing flamenco with her cane. She stands in front of the mirror, breathing heavily, telling herself, "Just a little longer."She starts dancing, the cane hitting the floor in rhythm with her steps. At first, she’s in control, but as she pushes herself harder, her breathing gets faster, and her heartbeat pounds in her chest. Sweat drips down her face, her legs start shaking, but she refuses to stop. The tension builds through fast paced inserts, and close-ups of her feet stomping, her grip tightening on the cane, and sweat running down her face. The cane hits the floor harder each time, the sound echoing through the empty room.  Her movements get messy, but she keeps going. Suddenly, she stumbles, and for a second, everything blurs. The inserts speed up showing her shaky hands, her chest rising and falling too fast, a glimpse of her wide, panicked eyes. She gasps, trying to stay on her feet, but her body gives out. She falls to the floor, the cane slipping from her hand and hitting the ground, her chest rising and falling fast as she stares up at the ceiling. The mirror reflects her lying there, completely still.  And then cut to black. 

If I was to continue this film it would be about the struggles this girl who loves dancing faces due to her medical conditions she discovered. The theme of the film would be to encourage people to pursue what they love doing even though they might have many step backs.

I will be filming my project in the dance studio I go to with the permission of the owner. I will also have my sister be the dancer in the film opening so that I can be the one directing the film. Lastly, we have very limited equipment so I will utilize my phone and a tripod I own to record the film opening. Here is an image of what the studio looks like. 

That's all I have for now and I hoped you enjoyed. 

Group Meeting #1

 Hey blog!! During this week, my teacher made group meetings. We were a group of 4 students and the main objective of this meetings were to share what each other's ideas are and learn from them as well as getting feedback of your idea to take your project one step ahead. We also shared each other's blogs to get inspiration from each other and help improve our blog post if we need to. 

In my group I was with my classmates: Nina, Nico, Justin and Chandni. Nina was the first member to share what the idea for her project is which is psychological thriller. She was the group member who was the clearest on what she wanted to do. Nina is working in a group and not as an individual in which they are trying to create a piece about a teenage boy who wake ups sweating with a very messy room due to the drug addiction. The boy falls under the drug addiction due to the break up with his girlfriend but his friend is trying to help him out by trying to get him out of the house and talking to him. But the teenager can barely get up and open the door which is when the film opening will end. They are going to utilize a green filter to create a sense of drag to the audience. I suggested to heavily rely on the costume design and the teenage boy's room to really show the serious situation the boy is in and help emphasize the draggy feeling. Also, she wanted to show him kinda getting ready to open the door to his friend and I recommended to ensure that she did't make it look like a montage since our teacher said no montages. 

Then, Justin shared his story about a guy and his girlfriend walking out of the movie theater and someone calls them while watching them through the cameras of the theater. The man of the phone is waiting for them in the car outside the teacher and eventually gets to them and kills them but it ends up being that the girlfriend was part of the murder of the boy. Justina and his teammate Julio really like horror movies so they wanted to make their film opening horror with lots of inspiration from "Scream." lWhen we heard his story we all realized that fell under the stalking category and our teacher was vey clear to us to stay away from that idea but Justin and his teammate really liked the idea they had so we suggested to make sure to center on the couple and not on the guy stalking the couple. Despite that their idea had to do with stalking they had everything planned out very well. They were set of what there filing location was and what the couple will he wearing.

Chandni then shared her story about a girl dreaming about his crush and waking up and realizing that she was just dreaming. I was very confused when she explained her story because she kept going back and forth between the two ideas her and her teammate had but I enjoyed the parts that I was able to understand. She was struggling on deciding which genre she wanted to approach because her teammate and her had very different ideas and they weren't able to come to agreement. I suggested to take the advice she got and her teammate got about the two different ideas they had, to try and come to an agreement or if that was't possible to try and merge the ideas together.

Nico was the last team member to share his story about a guy who is hallucinating while sitting at a restaurant. The guy sees that everyone disappear out of the nowhere but she has no facial expression or sign of fear. Then someone wearing a black suit walks up to him and then we flashbacks of him at therapy. I don't quite understand what the overall purpose of the story is and how it's going to end. So I suggested to talk to his teammate and think about how you have to leave the audience thinking of what will happen next since it's just the opening of a film and you are unable to tell the whole story. I also recommended to keep the lighting low to emphasize the feeling of confusion the guy has. 

Finally, I explained my idea for the film opening and showed them my blogs and research. I was unsure of whether to record my film opening during the day or night time since in the dance studio I'm filming the sunlight comes in. We all came to a agreement to film at night to highlight the idea of the fear the audience has to the unknown. Most of the questions I received were about where I was filming and what the dancer was going to be wearing so I explained that I'm filing at the dance studio I go to and that the dancer will wear and leotard leggings and dance with a cane. 

Overall, I really enjoyed sharing my ideas and discussing the different ideas everyone had for their project. Discussing my project with my team mates made me had a more clear understanding of my project the approach I should be taking. 

Here is an image of going over each other's blogs during the meeting:

Storyboarding

 The next step of my project is to make a storyboard. Storyboarding is a great pre-production stage where you can organize your ideas and it gives you a visual. Not only is a form a great part of the pre-production stage but also in the production stage. When you find yourself filming the storyboard will serve you as a guide. A storyboard will help get out of those situations where you are not sure what to film or what shots are the best for the specific scene. It also helps you come to a conclusion what shots have the best purpose to move along with your story. Here is the storyboard I created for my film opening: 

Credit Scene

Making the Credit Scene Fit the Film

A good credit sequence isn’t just about listing names, it can help set the mood and draw the audience into the world of the film. Since this project is about a flamenco dancer practicing alone, with tension building as her heart rate rises, the credits should feel like a natural part of the scene, not just text on a screen. To get ideas, I looked at how other films have used motion, environment, and rhythm to make their credits more engaging.  

Research: 

Enter the Void (2009) – Fast-Paced, Moving Text 

Gaspar Noé’s "Enter the Void" has one of the most intense opening credit sequences ever. The text flashes on and off the screen in sync with the music, creating a feeling of chaos and excitement. Even though this is a much more extreme example, it shows how text can feel like it’s part of the action.  

What This Means for My Film: Since flamenco is all about rhythm, the credits could appear and disappear in time with the dancer’s movements, fading in as she turns and vanishing as she steps away.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL0lNGXoP8E

West Side Story (2021) – Credits in the Environment

In Spielberg’s "West Side Story", some of the credits are blended into the background, appearing on walls, signs, and parts of the city. This makes the credits feel like they belong in the world of the film instead of just floating on top of the image.  

What This Means for My Film: Instead of placing the credits in one spot, they could appear in reflections, on the walls of the studio, or even in shadows cast by the dancer’s movements.  

Black Swan (2010) – Dance and Tension

Darren Aronofsky’s "Black Swan" builds tension through dance, making the camera feel like it’s part of the movement. The way the film is shot makes the audience feel the pressure and exhaustion of the dancer.  

What This Means for My Film: The credits could start slow and controlled, then get faster as the dancer’s movements become more intense. As the heart rate increases, the way the text appears could change, becoming shaky or flashing faster until the final moment when the dancer collapses, and the title hits the screen.  

How This Research Will Shape My Film 

-Credits Will Move with the Dancer– Instead of just showing names on the screen, the credits will flow with her turns and disappear as she moves.  

- Text Will Appear in the Space – Words could show up in mirrors, on the floor, or even in shadows to make the credits feel like part of the setting.  

- Pacing Will Match the Film’s Tension –At first, the text might be steady and smooth, but as her heart rate rises, it could glitch, flicker, or move faster to match the energy of the scene.  

This approach keeps the audience locked into the moment, making sure that even the credits help build suspense and fit the film’s style.  

Research On Film Openings

 3 Film Openings That Perfectly Blend Drama and Suspense

The opening of a film sets the mood and pulls the audience in, especially when it's a mix of drama and suspense. These kinds of openings keep viewers on edge, wanting to know what happens next. Here are three great examples of film openings that balance tension and emotional depth.

1. Black Swan (2010) – A Dance with the Mind

In Black Swan, director Darren Aronofsky opens with a powerful scene that sets the psychological tension for the whole movie. Nina (played by Natalie Portman) is a ballet dancer pushing herself to her limits. The opening shows her performing a dance that blurs the line between reality and her imagination. She’s both delicate and fierce, hinting at her inner struggle.

The tension in the scene comes from Nina’s obsession with being perfect. The camera work makes the audience feel like they’re right there with her, experiencing her mental and physical exhaustion. This is similar to how your film opening works: rather than explaining the character’s emotions with dialogue, you show it through their actions, leaving the audience curious about what's going on.

Why It Works: Black Swan uses Nina’s emotional and physical struggle to create suspense. You could take inspiration from this by showing your dancer’s growing tension without directly explaining it.

2. Requiem for a Dream (2000) – The Descent Into Addiction

Another film by Darren Aronofsky, Requiem for a Dream opens with fast-paced, intense visuals that immediately pull you into the story. The film shows the lives of four people who are slowly falling into addiction. The opening uses quick cuts and split screens to show the characters’ lives in parallel, building a sense of urgency and tension right from the start.

This opening doesn’t show the full consequences of their actions yet but hints at them through the characters' behaviors. You can use a similar style in your own opening by showing the dancer's actions without immediately explaining the reason for her collapse.

Why It Works:Requiem for a Dream uses quick editing to build suspense and show how obsession is affecting the characters. You could use similar quick cuts to show the dancer's rising tension.

3. The Shining (1980) – The Isolation of Madness

In The Shining, the opening builds suspense by showing the isolation of the main character, Jack Torrance. The camera follows Jack as he drives through empty mountain roads to the Overlook Hotel. The vast, empty landscape makes him seem small and isolated, hinting at the psychological breakdown that will follow.

Kubrick’s use of wide shots of the mountains makes the viewer feel the emptiness around Jack, which adds to the suspense. In your film, you could use a similar technique to show the dancer's emotional isolation, or maybe the distance between her and the people around her.

Why It Works: The feeling of isolation in The Shining creates suspense. You could use a similar technique in your film to show the dancer’s emotional state and heighten the tension.

 How These Openings Can Influence My Work

Each of these films shows a different way to build tension and suspense in the opening. Whether it’s through a character’s inner struggle, quick editing, or isolation, all of them set up the story in a way that makes me want to know more.

For my film opening, I can take inspiration from these techniques:

- Showing tension through action: Like Nina in Black Swan, I could show my dancer’s stress through her movements instead of just explaining it with dialogue.

- Using quick cuts for intensity: Like in Requiem for a Dream, rapid editing can make the rising tension feel more urgent and intense.

- Creating isolation: Just like in The Shining, I can use the environment or body language to make my character feel isolated, which can add emotional weight to the scene.

By focusing on building emotional depth and suspense in the opening, I’ll be able to keep my audience engaged and curious to see what happens next.

Time Line and Schedule

To complete the film opening project on time, it's essential to have a well-structured plan and stick to it. This schedule allows for some flexibility in case of unexpected delays.

Main Steps

Research

• Analyze film openings in the selected genre

• Study movie plots within the same genre

Planning

• Develop a complete movie plot

• Write the script

• Select music (if needed)

• Create a storyboard

• Find actors

• Choose locations and set filming dates

Filming

• Shoot scenes

• Record sound effects (if needed)

• Record voice-over (if needed)

Editing

• Assemble a rough cut of the footage

• Add title card and credits

• Record and incorporate sound effects/voice-over if necessary

Revisions

• Review the current version of the video

• Make necessary changes or re-edit

Final Reflection (Creative Critical Reflection "CCR")

• Research and gather relevant information

• Write and refine the CCR

• Edit and review the final version

Timeline

Week 1 (1/27 - 2/2) - Research & Planning

• Conduct research on film openings and plot structures

• Develop the movie plot

• Begin writing the script

Week 2 (2/3 - 2/9) - Finalizing Planning & Pre-Production

• Finalize the plot

• Complete the script

• Create the storyboard

• Choose locations and cast actors

• Schedule filming dates

• Begin filming (if possible)

Week 3 (2/10 - 2/16) - Filming

• Film scenes

• Record voice-over (if needed)

• Start capturing sound effects (if needed)

Week 4 (2/17 - 2/23) - First Editing Phase

• Assemble the first cut

• Add title card and credits

• Record and integrate additional sound effects/voice-over if required

Week 5 (2/24 - 3/2) - Editing & Refinement

• Review the first cut and take notes

• Make significant edits or explore alternative cuts

• Compare versions and select the strongest one

Week 6 (3/3 - 3/9) - Final Adjustments & CCR ( Creative Critical Reflection)

• Complete final revisions

• Research and draft the CCR

• Edit and finalize the CCR

Week 7 (3/10 - 3/16) - Final Refinements

• Make any last-minute changes

• Final review and adjustments

Week 8 (3/17 - 3/25) - Submission Preparation

• Ensure all components are complete

• Final quality check before submission on March 25

Succeeding!!

Sticking to this plan will help ensure the project is completed on schedule while leaving room for any unexpected challenges. Adjustments can be made as needed, but the priority is to stay organized and deliver extraordinary final version.

Costuming Options!!

 In this blog, we’ll discuss how costumes significantly impact film production, using examples from iconic movies like Star Wars to illustrate their role in character development, creating a fictional world, and visual storytelling. Whether you're a film admirer, or just someone who loves a good story, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the clothes that bring characters to life.

When we think about our favorite films, we often remember the gripping dialogue, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances. But there’s one element that quietly shapes our experience, often without us even realizing it: costumes. From the flowing robes of a Jedi to the sleek armor of a Sith Lord, costumes are far more than just clothing, they are powerful tools for storytelling.  

Character Development 

Costumes are often used to help tell who a character is. They reveal crucial details about a character’s personality, social status, and even what they believe in. This is often before a single line of dialogue is spoken.  

Example: In Star Wars, Darth Vader’s all-black armor and cape immediately communicate his menacing presence and authoritarian power. The sleek, mechanical design of his suit reflects his transformation from Anakin Skywalker to a machine-like enforcer of the Empire. Costumes like these allow audiences to instantly understand a character’s role in the story, making them an essential part of character development.

Fictional World

Costumes are also critical for establishing the time period, setting, and overall aesthetic of a film. They help create a believable world that immerses the audience in the narrative. Through the incorporation of familiar design ideas into the fantastical aspects of Star Wars, the costumes facilitate a greater audience connection with the narrative.  

Example: The costumes in Star Wars draw from a mix of historical and futuristic influences. The Jedi robes, inspired by samurai and monastic attire, suggest a timeless, spiritual order. Meanwhile, the utilitarian outfits of Rebel pilots and soldiers reflect the gritty, lived-in feel of the galaxy.

 

Visual Storytelling 

Costumes are a subtle yet powerful tool for visual storytelling. Through color palettes, textures, and design details, they can convey emotions, plot points, and character arcs.  

In Star Wars, the color white is often associated with hope and innocence (Princess Leia, Rey’s initial outfit), while black represents power and corruption (Darth Vader, Kylo Ren). The evolution of a character’s costume can also reflect their journey, for instance, Rey’s transition from scavenger to Jedi is mirrored in her increasingly refined and purposeful attire.  

Costumes are far more than just decorative elements, they are essential tools for storytelling. They shape how we perceive characters, and they immerse us in the world of the film. In Star Wars, the iconic costumes have become symbols of the film itself, proving that great design can leave a lasting impact on audiences.  

After conduction my research about how important costuming is in a film, I've considered what the main character for my film opening will be wearing. To help develop my story related to a flamenco dancer I will be utilizing a red skirt, flamenco shoes, and possibly a "Manton de Manila", a fan, or a flamenco fan. If I utilize the "Manton de Manila" it will help tell my story since it will symbolize the incredibly quick  heart rate the dancer will have. It can help me set the pace of the film opening since the "Manton de Manila" flies freely and fast. 

After researching the significance of costuming in film, I have carefully considered what my main character, a flamenco dancer, will wear in my film opening. The costume will play a crucial role in both storytelling and atmosphere. The dancer will wear a flowing red skirt, traditional flamenco shoes, and possibly a "Manton de Manila", a decorative shawl, along with a fan or a flamenco fan. The red skirt will symbolize passion and intensity, visually reinforcing the emotions driving the performance. The "Manton de Manila", if incorporated, will serve as more than just an accessory, it will become a dynamic extension of the dancer’s movements, mirroring her rapid heartbeat and the urgency of her dance. As the shawl flutters and moves with increasing speed, it will help establish the pacing of the film opening, creating a visual rhythm that enhances the tension and energy of the scene. Through these carefully chosen costume elements, the film will immediately immerse the audience in the world of flamenco, using visual storytelling to convey emotion, movement, and narrative without a single word spoken.

(Manton de Manila)

(Flamenco shoes)

Picking the Genre

Genres  

I’m deciding between two possible genres for my film opening: thriller or action. Each genre offers a unique way to tell the story, shaping the tone, pacing, and visual style differently. Below is what I’ve learned about both genres and how they could be applied to my film.

Thriller 

Thrillers focus on suspense, tension, and psychological intrigue. The mise-en-scene is crucial in creating an unsettling atmosphere, dark lighting, confined spaces, and a carefully chosen color palette all contribute to the mood. Editing is often used to control pacing, with slow builds leading to sudden moments of intensity. Sound is also key, using silence and eerie tones to increase tension.

(A Quiet Place - 2018)

What makes a thriller effective? 

A strong thriller needs pacing, mystery, and character-driven tension. The audience should feel a sense of unease, questioning what will happen next. Suspense can be built through foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and unpredictable twists that subvert expectations.

In Get Out, the use of framing, lighting, and subtle details creates a growing sense of paranoia and discomfort. The film doesn’t rely on fast-paced action but instead builds tension through dialogue, character behavior, and psychological pressure. If I choose thriller as my genre, I’ll focus on creating a mysterious and unsettling tone, where the audience is drawn into the protagonist’s world and their underlying fears.

(Get Out - 2017)

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Action

Action films are fast-paced, visually dynamic, and centered around physical conflict. The mise-en-scene often includes high-energy environments, intense lighting contrasts, and a focus on movement. Cinematography plays a major role, with tracking shots, and quick cuts. The protagonist is often skilled in combat or strategy, overcoming obstacles through intense sequences.

(John Wick - 2014)

What makes an action film effective?  

A great action film requires engaging choreography, clear visual storytelling, and high risk. Every fight, chase, or confrontation should feel meaningful rather than just a show. Sound also plays a role, sharp impacts, gunfire, or the roar of an engine can increase the level of realism.

This film is a perfect example of action storytelling done right. The stunts, cinematography, and world-building all work together to create an intense, adrenaline-fueled experience. If I go with action, my film opening will emphasize movement, tension, and an immediate sense of urgency, pulling the audience into the protagonist’s journey from the very first scene.

(Mad Max: Fury Road - 2015)

Final Thoughts 

Both genres offer exciting possibilities for my film opening. A thriller would allow me to build suspense and mystery, drawing the audience into an eerie and intense atmosphere. An action film, on the other hand, would grab attention with high-energy visuals, movement, and immediate stakes.

Transitioning into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

 Hello Cambridge!! From this point on, my blog post will focus on the progress of my Cambridge Final Project. Everything I've shared so far has guided me through significant topics, essential to create a strong and captivating film. To be honest, making this shift feels a bit overwhelming because it means that the project is officially here. However, with the knowledge I've gained and continue to develop, I'm confident in my ability to succeed. To ease into this process, my class and I explored film openings and the significance of establishing purpose through a strategic way. 

The first approach, I'm considering is developing character. This method appeals to me for many reasons, especially because it offers endless opportunities for creativity and originality. Character development relies on key elects such as costume design and, interaction with the environment, and dialogue to Brin a character to life in a compelling way. This approach also provided a clear focus for my film opening while allowing room to explore the character's surroundings and relationships. By centering the opening on a character, I can create a strong foundation that engages the audience and sets the tine for the rest of the story. 

The second approach I might consider is building context and background. For a two-minute film opening, this technique provides a seamless way to introduce the story without it feeling unnatural or forced. It helps establish a stronger connection with the audience by giving them essential details that shape their understanding of the plot. Unlike other methods that may be tied to specific genres, this one can be applied broadly, making it a flexible storytelling tool. It also creates opportunities to experiment with time and perspective, adding depth and intrigue to the film.