Highway 19--Almost Done! EEEK

Sneak Peek: The cutest actor in our production-- Hayley!

Highway 19 is in the final stages of production, and it will be completed by next week! Come out to watch the CAP 10 short films on May 29th at 7pm in the MBHS Auditorium! 

Our short film finally has a complete soundtrack, and it is very good (if I do say so myself). We have a country-rock vibe and even some Buddy Holly. Now I know you're dying to see it!

SPOILER ALERT: We need a gun for one very crucial scene in our film, but we are not allowed to bring guns (even fake ones) to school. So this predicament has required some serious thought and innovation. We are going to experiment with the green screen. Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be too cheesy.

On Monday, our editing time was cut seriously short, as the Blair computers were not available for login until 20 minutes before the end of the class. This required me to go in at lunch to accomplish what I needed to get done on Monday. The class time that we lost due to the network errors weren't wasted though. Many of us got in some much-needed review for the Government AP test :) During lunch on Monday I FINALLY fixed the color correction to be perfect in the flashback scene; however, it was changed yet again--to what I hope will be the final-- by Isaiah, our story author and director.

Today, I started to balance the audio levels. It's harder than it sounds. I have to find a good balance for the music that plays in the diner. It has to sound like it is playing in the diner; not like the other parts of the soundtrack that play over the movie.

Next week I hope to finalize the sound levels and fix the credits. I just realized that I forgot to include that our film is based on the short story "Melting Snow" by Isaiah Silvers. OOOPS! Can't forget to give Isaiah his well-deserved credit.

I'm really excited for this event, and I hope we win a lot of awards :) If we don't get best soundtrack, I will be convinced that it was rigged (just kidding... maybe :) )

So please come to CAP Hollywood!!!!

UPDATE--5/18/13

**SEE BELOW FOR MORE SNEAK PEAKS**

A lot has happened with our film in 3 days. I spent about 3 hours on Thursday and Friday each. On Friday, we finally got to shoot (get it?shoot?) with our fake gun. That alone has improved our film by A LOT!!! I am planning to color correct the entire film, and add in a shot of a jukebox. If we have time, I am also going to make fancy opening credits, buuuut we'll see. I am not quite sure how that will turn out. And, oh yeah, I finally found the last addition to our soundtrack. It's another Buddy Holly song :)

Sneak Peek: This one gets no explanation. You'll have to come to CAP Hollywood to find out what it means!

The Hunger Games Trailer Critique

The Hunger Games. Gary Ross. PG-13. 2012.
In the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, 12 districts each send a boy and a girl to fight to the death in a gladiator-style arena. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) takes the place of her younger sister and vows to show the country that they do not have to bend to the demands of the Capitol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfmrPu43DF8

The Hunger Games trailer is exemplary because it develops the basis for the dystopia and the protagonist through film clips and words, editing techniques, and style. The clips used in the movie trailer develop the plot and leave the audience understanding the plot even if they have not read the book or seen the movie. The words "The Games Will Change Everyone" on the screen resonate with the audience and add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the film. Editing techniques are also used to enhance the effect of the trailer. The music that plays throughout the trailer builds on the excitement, and it finally ends during a countdown. Other cinematographic techniques such as camera shots also make the trailer more dramatic. There are close ups to emphasize the importance and drama of events. This trailer has a definite style that emphasizes the protagonist's personal development and the catalyst that triggers her quest for change. This trailer is truly exemplary because it uses these elements to make the audience interested in the premise and the protagonist.

Our group plans to use similar editing techniques to this trailer. We hope to use mostly the sound gathered during filming and some voice over. We also plan to use words strategically to build excitement. A good music choice is imperative to the success of our trailer. We want to use a similar technique to The Hunger Games trailer when the music builds to a climax and suddenly stops to emphasize a particular moment.