Final Draft

https://youtu.be/iA5gmKCN0Fk

Above is the link to my final draft. As requested on my peer reviews, I brightened the first scene and added music to create a suspenseful atmosphere. In choosing my music, I was inspired by the villain of Nintendo cult classic EarthBound, Giygas - an otherworldly monster that is the root of all evil. I likened the discordant tune of its leitmotif to my opener's discordant plot and filming style. I decided not to refilm the first scene because I felt that it was a suitable predecessor to the later scenes.

Peer Reviews

The above images are of all of my peer reviews. Many of my viewers praised the documentary or "found footage" style of the movie, as well as the way it was acted. However, a common criticism of the opener was that the plot was confusing, or that I wasn't revealing enough of it for the viewers to work off of. Many of them also say I need to add background music, with which I completely agree. That is going to be my first priority when editing my film opener; adding background music that is not only royalty-free, but fits the opener well. I'll add a segment where the main character explains briefly why he thinks the plot is happening (possibly some ancient deity got angered? I'll figure it out).

Week 7 + 8 - Editing

The above images are of me editing my film opening. The software I used was Wondershare Filmora; the editing process was streamlined thanks to its intuitive GUI. I took a strong glitch effect and applied it to the last few shots, so as to make it look as if the haunted Sun is interrupting the footage (this is based on a real life solar phenomenon, wherein X-rays emitted by the sun may interrupt electronic communication). I considered adding a color effect in place of this, but felt that the glitch effect fit the horror genre more. Filming the beginning and ending shots was fun, and editing it was even more so. The credits consisted solely of my brothers and myself.

1st Draft Link

https://youtu.be/ujtqK-D_auw

Week 4 + 5 - Filming

The above videos are small clips that I plan to place in between credits and titles. They were shot behind the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County. I had to shoot them later than I'd hoped due to time and weather constraints. As for filmic techniques, I made use of low angle shots and used the lighting of the sun to my advantage. The shots are meant to detail the pliggt of a main protagonist as he is afflicted with the paranormal power of the sun. I hope that my technical skill is enough to make up for my general lack of high-quality recording equipment.

Week 3 - Storyboard

My storyboard for the movie opening centers around the sun being supernaturally evil in some way. I want the whole opening to be a single continuous shot seemingly with an old camera. The camera will run out of battery extremely fast to showcase one of the effects of the haunted sun. I have even set the mock 'release date' to June 21 - Midsummer, the longest day.

Week 4 - Filming Ideas

Since I am filming my movie opening on my own, the number of actors, costumes, and other such variables will be limited. It will likely be only me in the opening, as my two brothers understandably object to the idea of being filmed. I will be wearing plain clothing, with no real 'costume' in mind. The idea of my opening is a horror movie that centers around a supernatural effect of exposure to the Sun on human behavior and physiology. As such, it will be done on a Sunday in the middle of the day (around 3 o' clock or so) and ideally on a clear day where the Sun can be clearly seen. I want to film it as a 'found footage' type opening, with a major character speaking and acting while holding the camera to himself. There will also be shots of the Sun itself (occluded by clouds, of course) and I will use video-editing software to create an effect of the sky becoming more and more red as the opening continues. There is place outside my apartment complex with a great view of the Sun during the day, which is where I will be filming it. I have not yet written my script, but it will be somewhat short.