Next Stop: Japan & CCRs

 Film Opening: Next Stop: Japan:

Creative Critical Reflection #1:

Media Studies. (n.d.). Tzvetan Todorov’s narrative theory. Retrieved from https://media-studies.com/todorov/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Todorov's narrative theory of equilibrium. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todorov%27s_narrative_theory_of_equilibrium

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Uses and gratifications theory. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uses_and_gratifications_theory

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Audience reception. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience_reception

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Theories of media exposure. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theories_of_media_exposure

Creative Critical Reflection #2:

StudioBinder. (2024). What is mise en scène in film? Definition and examples. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mise-en-scene/

No Film School. (2026). What is mise-en-scène? https://nofilmschool.com/mise-en-scene

Matrix Education. (2021). Film techniques: Mise en scène and how to analyse it. https://www.matrix.edu.au/film-techniques-mise-en-scene-how-to-analyse-mise-en-scene/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Film editing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_editing

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Montage (filmmaking). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montage_(filmmaking)

University of Missouri. (n.d.). Introduction to film studies and digital media production. https://catalog.missouri.edu/courseofferings/films_vs/

Final Reflection

 Now that I have fully completed my film opening and my CCRS, I can look back to the entire process and discuss how my project was fully developed. I am satisfied with how my piece turned out, and it closely matches my vision that I had at the start of the production. 

One of my strongest aspects of the project was how I effectively combined suspense and comedy within the opening. I wanted to create something that would stand out from typical comedy films, and I achieved this by beginning with tension and delaying the humor. Using the open door, slow pacing, and diegetic sound helped build suspense effectively, while Joey's introduction allowed me to transition into a more lighthearted tone. This contrast made the opening more engaging and less predictable. I also think my representation of my characters were successful. I was able to make the characters feel more realistic and relatable. The contrast between costumes helped communicate deeper ideas, like escape from routine. 

However, there were also places where I could improve. The main area for improvement was following my schedule more closely. I was running behind already with my project according to the schedule I set for myself, and because of unforeseen events and sickness, I was not able to follow through with my idea of the interview. Instead, I had to do a director commentary as my final CCR. This heavily disappointed me, as I feel my second CCR wasn't able to live up to the expectations I had for it, but I still think it ended out to be a good piece. 

Overall, this project has helped me grow. It showed me how to use my resources to learn. It also helped me learn more skills as a filmmaker and strengthen my skills as a storyteller. 

CCR Post Production

 As I continue working on my CCRs, I've moved into the editing stage of the process. My main focus has been finalizing my CCR and making it submission worthy. 

For my standalone presentation, I am focusing on making the visuals clear and easy to follow. Since this format gives me more creative freedom, I paid attention to the design of each slide, making sure I'm not going too text heavy and using images where appropriate. During editing, I also considered how each slide would appear on screen while I am speaking, making sure that the visuals support the points I am making. 

For the interview, the editing process was centered more on pacing and clarity. Since this is based on dialogue, I need to make sure that the conversation feels smooth and natural. I will review the footage carefully, making sure that the flow of the conversation is perfect while making it engaging. 

The editing process has helped me shape the tone of the final piece. It allows me to share the story behind my actual piece. 

CCR Production

 As I thought about the way I would approach my CCRs, I realized that continuing on with the car interview idea for my CCR would not be sufficiently entertaining, since it would just be me and an interviewer having a conversation in a car and just reflect 2 talking heads. Therefore, I've decided to continue on with my idea of having an interview, but will do my other CCR as a standalone presentation.

By doing this, I give myself flexibility - I allow myself to be able to show exactly what I want to show. I have the ability to decide how I want to decorate the powerpoint and what exactly it is that i want to show. I allow myself to send information in a way that is pleasing to the eye. I'm working now on the design and script for this video. For my second CCR, I am currently working on the script for the interview. I've figured out how I can record it, and will be using that method to achieve completion.

CCR Production Ideas

 For my CCR, it is important to be able to answer all 4 questions in an effective way while still showing creativity with techniques. 

My two main ideas for my CCR is an interview with the director. With this, I'm able to discuss exactly how each of my decisions played into each part of my piece. However, I will also need to figure out a way to do this in a way that showcases technique, and not just a floating head.

The second idea is a driving CCR. In this, I will be in a car driving with an interviewer next to me. What this will do is help me come up with answers and allow me to create a similar environment that's like the one from idea #1. I take this inspiration from many marketing tactics used when promoting movies. Looking at this format shows me that I can discuss practically the same information as any other CCR. I took this inspiration from bollyood movies and some methods when filming/promoting movies.

CCR Q4

 How did you integrate technologies - software, hardware and online - in this project?

Throughout this project, several forms of technology were used. The most basic was the hardware. The main technology I used was my phone. With the cinematic option on my phone, I was able to film scenes with a lot of movement with stability. I also used a stabilizer to help make sure I wasn't shaking my phone. 

I used editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) to assemble the final version of the film. Through editing, I was able to trim and cut clips, arrange shots in the correct order, and control the pacing of the scene. Editing helped emphasize the contrast between Victor’s structured life and Joey’s relaxed personality. 

Finally, I integrated online technologies in this project by using resources and platforms to help in my planning and research stages.  I researched examples of film openings and filmmaking techniques online to understand how professional filmmakers introduce characters and establish tone. These examples helped me make my own decisions when selecting camera angles, costumes, and editing processes.

Using different technologies in this process helped me not only impact the effectiveness of my piece but also improve aspects of my projects. These technologies allowed me to make a more polished and effective media product.

CCR Question 3

 How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

Throughout this project, my production skills improved in many areas due to the process of just getting such an experience. I improved in areas like planning, filming techniques, and editing. At the beginning of the project, I didn't have much experience with things like filming or structuring a narrative like this. However, throughout the research and planning stages, I learned how to use different filmmaking techniques in order to better communicate the story.

I also learned that my expectations were set too high for this piece. When planning this piece, I expected to have about 20 seconds of the suspense scene. However, throughout the planning and research, I learned that for my piece to be good and impactful, I need to keep my suspense scenes long and fluid. Rapid cuts shouldn't be present, and therefore the idea of bounding the suspense scene by 20 seconds was just too unrealistic for a decent piece. 

One way my production skills developed was through my understanding of camera composition and shot selection. Early in the process, I focused mostly on basic shots, but as I continued filming, I became more intentional with how each shot contributed to the story. I understood while filming that having the same types of shots repeat would be boring, and started recording the same scenes many different times from different angles. At one point, the number of cuts became almost annoying for the actors (in a funny way) because they would always be mid-conversation when I called out "cut".

An example of this is when I used wider establishing shots of the home to communicate Victor’s success as a result of his job and the dedication he provides to his job. I showcased the size of the property in order to show Victor's richness.

Another area where my skills improved was visual storytelling through mise-en-scene, especially through costumes and props. Victor’s black-and-white corporate outfit reflects his structured, work-focused life, while Joey’s bright yellow beachwear shows his relaxed personality. 

CCR Question 2

How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

My target audience is Gen-Z and millennials that feel overworked or just are looking for a little adventure in their lives. 

One of the strategies I use to appeal to this audience is my costume creation. I tap into the image of a "corporate slave" with Victor's formal look and ordinary black-and-white color palette. This allows people that are overworked or tired mentally to be able to relate to him. By establishing this estate as Victor's home, it shows how successful he is, but the pool's still water shows how his schedule and life doesn't permit him to enjoy that pool. In Victor's introduction scene, he is seen picking up a green pool noodle. This, being placed at the front door, shows how he's looking for that moment where he can pick up the pool noodle and rush out to have his fair share of fun.

On the other hand, we see Joey, sleeping by the poolside while looking sharp in beachwear. He's wearing a yellow-colored beach shirt along with shorts and sunglasses, showing his lighthearted nature, with him being fully relaxed. 

When it comes to the topic of distribution, the most important thing that I'm keeping in mind is that I am an introductory level filmmaker. My plan to distribute my piece as a real media text is to post it on YouTube. If possible, I could try to get my film featured at local or short film festivals.

Editing Part 2

 As I moved into the second half of my editing, my focus shifted from building suspense to making the piece reflect the comedy. The second half needs to feel lighter and character driven. I therefore adjusted the pacing and the shot selection to reflect the shift of tone. 

I increased my editing pace compared to the suspense scene. In this section, since it's a conversation, I plan to increase the editing pace in order to show more movement, therefore making it so that the piece isn't so boring. This way, the cuts feel more fluid and allow the dialogue and rhythm to guide each other throughout. I incorporated both two-shots and over the shoulder shots as well as medium and long shots. Using this variation, I am able to establish the friendship dynamic and make the chemistry feel authentic. 

I am also experimenting with color, and trying to make the suspense scenes darker while making the conversation lighter. However, I'm unsure about how this will turn out, and will only implement this if I know that it'll work.

I am slightly behind my timeline, but splitting my editing process was easy to keep me focused on the scene at hand and make sure that each scene was edited properly. 

All that remains now is perfecting the final cut, implementing my title, and the color grading. Once this is done, my piece will be ready for the big screens.