AICE Media Studies

How do your products represent social groups or issues? My product, a short film about revenge, suicide, and friendships, represents multiple social groups and issues within just five minutes. One of the key social groups depicted is the concept of cliques. Cliques are groups of friends who tend to exclude others, often leading to feelings of isolation for those outside of the group. In my film, these cliques are portrayed in the context of a high school setting, which is a common environment for such groups to form. The film shows how these cliques can perpetuate negative behaviors, such as exclusion, bullying, and manipulation, which ultimately contribute to the central issues of revenge and suicide. The issues of revenge and suicide are intertwined in the narrative. Revenge, a common theme in many stories, is often driven by feelings of betrayal or hurt. In the case of my short film, the protagonist experiences the consequences of a broken friendship and a betrayal, which leads them...

https://slumber-endsoffcal.my.canva.site/

Hello guys, I'm back! Making a short film in high school is already tough, but when you’re working on a tight deadline and actors start dropping out, it gets even harder. Our original script had more characters, but two of our actors couldn’t make it to the shoot, and we didn’t have time to find replacements. At first, it felt like everything was falling apart because those characters were crucial. Instead of panicking, we had to think quickly and adjust the script for a smaller cast. We identified which parts of their roles were essential and figured out how to combine them into the remaining characters. Surprisingly, this actually made the story more focused and helped us cut out unnecessary details. With fewer characters, filming became simpler, and the schedule wasn’t as stressful. Plus, we found that a smaller cast allowed for better performances, as we could dedicate more time to each scene. These changes ended up strengthening the film, even though we initially thought they’...

  Today, while filming, we had to make many cuts and take numerous breaks, but it definitely came at the cost of our own personalities. As we worked together, I noticed that we joked around a lot and struggled to stay serious during filming. However, we still had time to make suggestions and correct our work, even though it took several takes. In our final scenes, we had to redo certain shots repeatedly because we kept breaking character. There were times when we all gave up on a scene, but after editing, you might catch a glimpse of one of us looking away to smile or laugh. It kind of reminded me of the acting on Saturday Night Live —the sketches are so funny, and the actors often can’t stay serious. I think this will actually make the scenes feel more natural and fun, like you’re watching a real group hangout. Another thing we tried was filming in one continuous take, since we were staying in one room for most of the film. However, we found it a bit harder than expected, as we ...

Welcome back to my blog! Filmmaking is all about planning, but sometimes things don’t go as expected, and you just have to adapt. One of the biggest challenges we faced during production was scheduling—everyone’s availability was all over the place, and we realized we only had one full day where the entire cast and crew could be together. That meant we had to film almost the entire movie in just one day. At first, it felt impossible, but instead of stressing, we got organized and came up with a game plan. We mapped out the most efficient way to shoot each scene, making sure we weren’t wasting time moving between locations. It was a long day, but we kept the energy up and worked as a team to keep things moving forward. There were definitely moments when we felt rushed, but we stayed focused and made sure each scene was done right. Even with the time crunch, we still paid close attention to details like lighting, camera angles, and performances. Everyone gave their best effort, and someh...

Hey guys! I’m here to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the props and dress code we used while filming. During pre-filming, we often rearranged objects to fit the scene better. Luckily, we filmed in a spacious area—Callie’s living room—which already had plenty of blankets scattered around. These could easily be moved around for various scenes. As for the dress code, since we were filming right after school, most of us just carried our pajamas with us and changed later. There weren’t any specific color requirements, so the outfits looked more natural. For props, we used a candle to create an ominous atmosphere and to add a bit of flickering light to the scene. It helped shift the mood just right. To make it feel more like a typical slumber party, we also used a deck of Uno cards, showing that we were just hanging out and playing games. Natalie even made a tarot card deck for a specific scene that was part of the script. When it came to more sensitive props, we had a bottle of pills f...

For the editing of this project, Nijah is conducting it. All the group members explained their ideas of how they'd like the video to look. Nijah hopes she can execute everything they want to include to make it a perfect thriller/horror film. The shots that they took during filming were perfect to edit and make smooth transitions between the different scenes. While filming, the group also recorded diegetic sounds that would be edited into the film to create a more eerie sense. Such as a creaking door, or a loud bang on the floor. These sounds contribute to a perfect film. The group discussed the atmosphere they wanted to create, and Nijah was determined to bring those ideas to life through editing. Nijah carefully selected each shot to ensure that the pacing of the film remained intense and suspenseful. Every transition between scenes was carefully planned, with the goal of maintaining tension throughout. The diegetic sounds added an extra layer of realism, pulling the audience into...

For our film, we carefully chose the location, and we decided on Callie's house. The decision process involved several discussions about each of our living situations and what would be most convenient for everyone. Since we all attend Fort Lauderdale High School, it made sense to pick a location that was closest to the school to save time and make it easier for everyone to get there. We started by ruling out my house because I live in Hollywood, which is much farther from the school than the other options. Then we considered Natalie and Janiah’s houses, but they both live in different areas as well—Natalie in Plantation and Janiah in Pompano. Both of these locations would also have been too far for our group, so they were quickly taken off the list. With these options eliminated, we looked at Callie's house, which is conveniently located near the school. Callie’s family was also very accommodating, as they didn’t mind us filming there, making it the perfect choice for our group...

  Hey Everyone! Today we will be discussing a quick little mishap we had when it came to filming. As we want to start filming as soon as we can there has been some complications on the days all of us are available to start. As there was certain days some of the group could and some couldn't due to work, school, etc. The one time we almost had everything finalized it came to our realization that our group member Natalie would be leaving for the entirety of our main filming days, as she will be out of town. So with that we resulted in rescheduling for an even earlier date to start the filming. Which happens to be a day after school, which may affect the amount we can get done. As there is only so much time we can do especially since it is a school night we might need to end earlier. As well as the other out of school responsibilities we still have to take care of.   Which may create bit more difficulty because we may need to find other days we can film again. Though we are ...

  Hi everyone! Today we will be discussing the incorporation of sound in our film. As we know the intensity of horror can be immense and with the use of sound it can create an even more immersive feeling towards the audience. Whether it comes from small sound effects or amplifying the sound to certain movements and props throughout the set. It creates a lot more tension and edge of your seat type of feel. In this film with using enhancements surrounding the actions of the four girls the audience can pay more attention to their movements and at it will create a high amount of suspense every turn they take. Especially when it comes to them moving throughout the house as more suspicion grows throughout the new things that are contributing to the storyline. Now when it comes to sound effects, what really really contributes to keeping the audience intrigued is the background music. From eerie piano solos to squeaky dreadful violins playing a sad monotone melody. The use of the backgroun...

 **Title: "Slumber Ends"** **Genre:** Thriller --- **Script:** *INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT* The camera opens on a cozy living room dimly lit by fairy lights, blankets scattered across the floor. A group of five teenage girls, LAURA (17), EMMA (17), TESSA (16), JASMINE (17), and BECCA (16), are sprawled around, chatting and laughing. **LAURA**   (Tariff cards/ creepy game cards) Okay, guys, who wants to know there future? The other girls groan, clearly skeptical but indulging in the fun. **JASMINE**   (rolling her eyes)   Come on, Laura. Are we really doing this? This is so dumb. **EMMA**   (half-laughing)   You’re scared, Jasmine. Admit it. Jasmine shrugs, half-smiling, trying to play it cool. **TESSA**   (joking)   You know, last time I did this, I swear something followed me home. **LAURA**   (mock serious)   Well, now’s your chance to find out if it's still with you. The girls start moving into a circle, and their laughter fades as they...

  Hello, bloggers when starting our initial production for our short film. My group decided how to split up work and catergoalically work depending on everyone’s schedules. Some of us have work often after school or activity’s that we partake in. By prioritizing convenient hours for each other we have schedules to work on Wednesday and Sundays.            Initially one of our first discussion as a group was surrounded by making a title for a short film. Trying to come up with something witty but short. Creative and appealing, we had so much to think of names like; slumber in the knight, A night to never forget, The last Slumber. We all came up with different names but settled with ‘Slumber Ends’  The name is great for our short film because it revealed the part of the slumber party but also the huddle ending or demise of one of the characters. Making viewers more intrigued  before the short film even starts.  During this time we also ...

 

 The opening credits of the film will appear in a eerie font, “typed” into the Film sporadically.  The title of the short film will be "Slumber's End" It will be all bold, the font being called "Dark Mystic". Titles will fade-in and fade-out to give a suspenseful feeling. Titles will disappear after 2 or 3 seconds. Black font will be used for both the titles and the name of each person and their role in the film. Example; DIRECTED BY: Jane Doe The first and last name of the person who holds the job will be 2 sizes larger than the rest of the words.  DIRECTED BY: John Doe

 Schedule: Majority of our time spent filming will be afterschool, or on the weekends.  Location: The location of our filming will be at Callie's house, due to our project being centered around a sleepover.  Participants: Within our film, everyone will be in the film, however each of us will be taking turns filming each other, and to get a shot with all of us in it, we will either have a friend record it for us or use a tripod to capture our scene. Nijah will be editing and acting, Callie will be recording and acting, Natalie will direct and act, and Janiah will record and act.  Health & Safety: Within our film, we will be in a safe location, inside a teammates house with adults. Throughout our project, everything that can be seen as harmful is fake. Such as knifes, and any malicious actions. To ensure the safety of our team, our parents purchased us a first aid kit to keep on hand.  Props: Actors will be utilizing fake knives, fake blood, and anything seen ...

  a.Common Sound in your genre we see that throughout the short film that a majority of what we hear is ambient noise through all different parts of the environment that the film was shot. Which also gives us as the viewers a more in depth feel of what the main character is grieving and feeling. b.Common Mis-En-Scene (CLAMPS) in your genre With the film surrounding the story of a young Ojibwe photographer, the camera that he is using is a very key and essential prop that helped tie a connection within himself and his father’s journey of losing one another. As well as the differences within dark and light , lighting that basically showcases all the four day and nights he had undergone to protect his father’s spirit. which also I feel it symbolizes. The length of time in the emotion felt within the lightness in the dark darkness of the days. We see that throughout the clothing that the director is honoring the rituals of his native community. c.Common Editing in your genre...

 Editing in Blue Hole helps keep the suspense high. Quick cuts between scenes keep the audience on edge, while longer shots let the tension build. Slow-motion is used in important moments to make them feel scarier, and abrupt cuts create jump scares that surprise the audience. The editing style makes the film feel like it’s always building towards something intense, keeping the viewer hooked and nervous. Other films in the thriller/horror genre, like The Babadook, Get Out, Hereditary, A Quiet Place, and The Witch, use similar techniques to build fear. These films, like Blue Hole, create tension by focusing on atmosphere and making the characters feel vulnerable. What I like about thriller/horror films is how they can create fear without showing everything. The fear often comes from the unknown, from things we can’t see or understand. I also enjoy when the film makes me question what’s real, which makes it feel more frightening. The genre keeps me interested with surprises and thing...

      •    Common Sound in your genre;     •         ◦    The short video starts with an ominous music, the transition to an abrupt stop to a crashing sound. (shows a shift in the scene through sound)       •         ◦     Then transfer to the car scene we hear diegetic sound originating from the car with the driver cutting it off, and still some ominous music playing (as well as sounds of the car drifting off/ shows urgent-ness of the driver to get out of the situation)      •     ◦     The music is eerie and more intense in the grocery/ corner store when she sees the man that she hit (the music dramatizes her feeling of shock and fear of him recognizing her).      •...