Filming

For filming our commercial, we had an unexpected issue. Unfortunately, I was absent on the day we filmed because I was out sick the whole week. However, I was in contact with my group mates as they were filming. They informed me of any descions that needed to be made. For example, any location change or help with adjusting the commercial because of my absence. I know that overall the process went very smoothly, and they were able to complete all their filming in one day. The filming was also helped by one of their friends holding the camera. This helped make up for my absence since some on the scenes included all 3 of my group-mates. Additionally, I also know that they followed the storyboard we created, and did not have to adjust it too much. Lastly, I have watched the raw footage and would say it came out very well, and now the next thing we will do is edit it.

Editing

Today in class we tried to edit our footage that we filmed last week. However, there were many technical difficulties with the computer. This made it difficult to even start editing because the footage would not transfer into pinnacle studios. This is because we could not even locate the Pinnacle Studios App. So, to solve this problem, we used one of our group mate’s computer (Mac Book air). Our plan was to edit our footage using Imovie. Then, we ran into another issue with this too. The issue was because we were not planning on using this computer, we could not properly prepare it for editing. The computer needed a software update for Imovie to work. So then we were trying to update the computer during class to then load Imovie. Unfortunately, we were unable to do this during class because of time constraints. Then, we were worried because we did not want to fall behind the rest of the class. This is when we realized all the computers in then class were not working to edit. So no one in our class to properly edit, and we all will do it next class. But now we still have an issue of saving our footage. So our teacher helped us and the class figure out a new way to save footage so we will have it next class for editing. He instructed everyone in the class to dump the footage on google drive.This is very important because even though we can not edit, we needed some way to save our footage so it does not get lost. Luckily, this was a very easy process as our group is very familiar with how google drive works. 

However, this was still overall a very frustrating day because nothing seemed to be working. I also had very high hopes, and was excited to finally be here to work on the project because I was absent for many days of filming. Moreover, we now have a plan for how we will edit our footage next class. Hopefully, all the computers will be up and running, and we will have Imovie as a back up. 

Story Board Blog

Today we began and completed our storyboards in class of our upcoming commercials. Since our commercial is 30 seconds long, each box of our storyboard represents 6 seconds of film so in total we used 5 boxes. In our anti vaping commercial, we will be using several kinds of shots in order to fully enhance the audience in the commercial and keep them interested. Some shots we used were point of view shots, over the shoulder, high angles, and finally wide shots. Although we may have to change some scenes, these are the planned camera angles and movements we will be using in our commercial. During our editing process we plan on using jump cuts to transition between our different pieces of film, the reason being that we want this commercial to really emphasize what each scene is saying.

Editing Lesson Blog

Today in class, we learned about editing. We first talked about the camera procedures and how to edit and import/export footage. The teacher taught us that when working the camera, we must be very careful with it and understand all the steps in order to not get confused while filming. It is important to shoot as much footage as possible to avoid any retakes once in the editing stage. Additionally, it is essential to remember to charge the camera before filming, and keep in mind it takes a while to charge. Next, to film, you must press the red button to start and then again to stop. Also, we learned about the SD Card, and how no filming can be done unless it is in place. To assure the SD Card is in properly, the side that says SONY should be facing you. Without the SD card, the camera is unable to record any footage, so it is pertinent to know how it works. The tripod is also a key component in filming, so you should know how to work the legs and the movements. The legs are simple to understand. To adjust the height of the tripod, you must remove the clips from the stands and pull them out to make it taller, or push them in to make it shorter.
Moreover, once we had finished discussing camera procedures, we moved onto the first part of the editing process, which the teacher discussed for the majority of class. To dump footage, you must remove the SD card from the camera and place it into an SD card reader (which should be plugged into a computer). Now, it is important to create a folder on your desktop with a distinct title to put your footage into. Next, you should check for your footage in the DCIM folder on your computer. If it is not here, then you can check in the private folder, once there you press on AVCHD, and then stream. From here, you should highlight all your footage and move it into your previously-made folder. Now that the footage has been dumped, it needs to be imported. It is imported by opening up Pinnacle Studios, and then locating your footage folder in the pop-up screen. Once it has been selected, pinnacle studios will scan for media, and import anything you select.
Lastly, we went over the second part of editing. After importing all footage, it should all be available to edit by pressing the edit button in Pinnacle Studios. This is now called your raw footage. You can now drag this footage to the bottom of the screen onto your second track. The teacher explained to us the various tracks; One is for titles and words, two is for footage, and three is for sound. Next, out teacher taught us how to cut footage. There is a red line that shows where you currently are in the footage. This should be dragged to the cut-off point in your footage, and then adjusted until you are satisfied with what is left-over. We then learned how to create a title, which is done by simply pressing the "T" button, and typing your title. This should be moved on the first track. Lastly, we went over how to add music, which is added the same way footage is added. It is important to know that sound should be shut off in your original footage, so background noise is avoided. The sound should be imported in the best quality, and in MP3 format. Finally, after all this is done, the final product should be saved to the desktop by pressing the Save As button.

Planning Blog

   As a group, we have decided to do the anti-vaping commercial. In our commercial, there will be a student walking towards the bathroom, they will then enter and begin using the vape(USB). After their use, “lung cancer” will wait outside the bathroom and begin to walk up to the student that vaped, “death” and “addiction” will follow and eventually circle the student. It will then fade or dissolve into a close up of the students face where they will be overwhelmed with the effects of vaping. At the end of the commercial, there will be a voice over, stating something to the effect of  “After vaping, you may be stuck with these effects forever” The commercial will then end with the warning signs of vaping.

1. Props: For our anti-vaping commercial, we will be using a USB as dangerous vaping device, shirts with labels on them:“lung cancer” on one shirt, “death” on another, and finally “addiction”.

2. Costumes: We will be using a casual, school appropriate clothes to represent the student vaping in our commercial. To represent the effects of vaping, we will be using T-shirts with labels on them “lung cancer” on one shirt, “death” on another, and finally “addiction”.

3. Schedule: 10/10- We are preparing our commercial by listing our props needed, our costumes we need, our schedule for planning, the location of our commercial and finally, the backup plan if our original plan does not go through. 

10/14- We will be creating our storyboards for our commercial to explain each segment in the commercial.

10/22- We will be filming our commercial on the school campus where we will film our original plan and possibly our backup incase the original is not what we were hoping it to be.

4. Location list- For our commercial, we will be filming near the bathroom and the classroom. We will be using these locations as it portrays perfectly where vaping occurs throughout the school day. We may change or think of new places in the school to shoot the video, however, for now we have chosen the bathroom.

5. Backup Plan: If our original plan of using the bathroom is not able to be followed through on, we will switch locations to the bleachers by the football field as it is secluded and could be another place for vaping to happen.

Research: Commercial Conventions

 Conventions and codes are used throughout commercials to get the viewer or consumer, more interested in the product. An array of conventions and codes can be used during an advertisement, some being: lighting, music, sounds, and overall story and plot of the advertisement. Each example of conventions draw the audience in more to the actual commercial, whether it be through emotions or curiosity. 

  Conventions are the familiar and predictable forms of media that brands use to communicate certain ideas or convey a desired impression. How certain words and phrases become conventions is through repeated use to the point where the audience is actually anticipating the phrase again. In our commercial, an anti-vaping campaign, we will focus primarily on the health effects of vaping in the long term so we will use the conventions of constant repetition throughout the commercial. 

Introductory

My name is Lucy, and I am a student at Fort Lauderdale High School. I am in 10th grade, and I am 15 years old. Currently, I am taking 4 AICE classes: Media, Thinking Skills, English, and Euro. Last year I took and passed: Marine, Global Perspectives, and General Paper. I enjoy taking AICE classes, however, I find it difficult sometimes because I procrastinate. This is a struggle I am working to overcome soon. Moreover, I’ve had an extensive education because of the various schools I’ve attended. I went to 3 different Pre-K’s, 2 different elementary schools, and then switched from a Private Jewish Middle School to a Public High School.

Additionally, I have a very average family, 1 sister and 2 parents living at home. However, my sister just left to college 2 months ago. This transition has been very difficult for me because I consider my sister my best friend. When she was at home, we would do everything together, and could say anything and everything to each other. The best days are when she drives up from school and comes to visit. Although, even though it’s been tough without her, I have gotten closer with my mom. My moms side of my family is from Australia, and we visit there every few years. I would say Australia is one of my favorite places in the world. I haven’t been there in 5 years and i miss it so much, especially because my family lives there.

Lastly, I enjoy playing tennis, but I haven’t played officially yet. I want to join a club or a team as soon as I can, but it’s hard to find one. Besides playing tennis, I have a job outside of school at a farmers market. I am excited to get more experience and apply somewhere more official. I am also a part of the Surfrider club and find it a very fulfilling experience. That’s all there is about me, and I’m so excited to continue taking media and pass the class.