The Genre😉🥸

 

Today, we’ll be exploring different genres to determine the best fit for my short film. Right now, I’m torn between two options: a classic romance or a comedy.

To help me decide, we are going to be doing some research!!!😁(😢)

Exploring the Romance Genre:

Romance films focus on the emotional journey of love between characters. They often include themes like passion, trust, and sometimes the challenges that lovers face. The goal? Oftentimes it is to make the audience feel butterflies(😒...😏) and root for the couple to end up with each other.

Key Elements of Romance Films:

- Central Love Story: The plot revolves around two characters falling in love.

- Emotional Conflict: Obstacles or misunderstandings that the couple must overcome.

- Happy or Bittersweet Endings: While many romances end on a happy note, some do not.😃

Potential Sub-genres to Consider:

- Romantic Drama: Focuses on deep emotional conflicts and character development.

- Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com): Blends love stories with humor, making for some lighthearted, enjoyable entertainment.

- Historical Romance: Set in a specific historical period, adding some rich context to the love story.

This a romantic short film called "Signs." It is a charming short film I came across about two office workers who develop a unique connection through messages on paper.

Exploring the Comedy Genre:

Comedy aims to entertain and amuse an audience, often highlighting the quirks of everyday life. It's usually about making people laugh and feel good.

Key Elements of Comedy Films:

- Humor: Situations, dialogues, or characters that are funny.

- Exaggeration: Over-the-top scenarios or reactions for comedic effect.

- Happy Endings: Typically, things resolve in a positive, feel-good manner.

Potential Sub-genres to Consider:

- Slapstick Comedy: Physical humor and exaggerated actions.

- Satire: Uses humor to critique or poke fun at social/political shortcomings.

- Dark Comedy: Finds humor in serious, dark, or taboo subjects.

This is comedy short film called the "The Elevator."

Deciding is solely based on the story I want to tell and the emotions I want to evoke in the people who watch the short film. 

I know it would be a smart approach to combine both genres and do a rom-com, but I have already done that and I want to try my hardest to venture out as much as possible. 

There are some elements that are important to me in this short film. I definitely want to have instant engagement with my audience, have a lot of creative freedom, stand out, and have a fun, lighthearted connected with the people who watch this short film. As a result, I will be doing the comedy genre!!🤠 

I want to make people laugh and enjoy from the first few moments of the film to the last scene. Doing comedy will allow me to experiment with storytelling, dialogue, and pacing in many different ways that I am very excited for. I know many film makers lead toward more drama centered films, so I hope this short film will be a little different from the rest. However, this does come with some challenges: I need to become a creative writer and get the timing right, or this could definitely not work in my favor. 

I am very, very excited though!!☺️

References:

Hellerman, J. (2023, March 6). We Love The Romance Genre in Film and TV. Nofilmschool.com. https://nofilmschool.com/romance-movie-genre

largoblog. (2023, March 18). What Are the Best Genres for Short Films? Sofy.tv - Blog. https://sofy.tv/blog/what-are-the-best-genres-for-short-films/

Puttock, H. (2022, December 16). 5 Tips for Making Comedy Short Films. Raindance. https://raindance.org/5-tips-for-making-comedy-short-films/

Working on a Comedy Short Film? Check Out These 10 Tips! (2023, August 23). Student Filmmakers Forums. https://www.studentfilmmakersforums.com/threads/working-on-a-comedy-short-film-check-out-these-10-tips.54594/

Hell

Let's Schedule 😁

 

Now that we have officially set this project in motion, it is time to start scheduling it out!🙃😝

Here is what I plan on doing!!

Week	Tasks for Short Film
1	- Decide on the genre of the short film
2	- Research short films in the chosen genre - Analyze cinematography, themes, and storytelling techniques
3	- Develop the story idea - Outline key plot points and themes - Start brainstorming characters - Research social media pages of similar projects
4	- Write the full script - Develop a shot list and storyboards - Start scouting locations - Plan out production
5	- Cast actors - Gather necessary props and costumes - Begin filming key scenes
6	- Continue filming - Address any reshoots needed - Start planning the critical reflection
7	- Continue filming (if possible) - Start editing - Research some techniques for editing, color grading, and sound design
8	- Continue editing - Finalize visuals and sound - Begin writing the critical reflection
9	- Finalize the project - Export and upload the film - Finalize and submit the critical reflection

Alrighty!! It is time to start some research!🧐😋

It's the start...

 

I said I would be back soon!! We’re finally starting our portfolio project and it has me SO excited. For this project, I am working alone, which allows me to have full control over every part of the process. This is pretty new for me, but I am so eager for me to be able to show myself my capabilities of creativity and innovation. 

I have been thinking a lot about what I want to come out of this project – unfortunately, I am still not sure exactly what I want its purpose to be, but by the end of this process, I hope to have an end result I am proud of.

We had four options for this portfolio project: 

1. The first one was a music promotion package. This specific project entails making a full blown music video for an independent artist. Trust me, I love a good song. In fact, my goats (favorite artists) Drake and Partynextdoor are dropping an album this Friday (Valentine’s Day). 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐That has me so hyped you do not even know–I don’t even care that all of the Kendrick Lamar “lovers” in my class are hating on me. Unfortunately, putting an entire music video together doesn't really feel like my drift. As a result, this option is OUTTTT.

2. The second option was a film promotion package. In this project, I would make two trailers for a full length film. I love the idea of creating a story–it is one of the reasons I am so eager to do this portfolio project. However, for this option I would just make trailers instead of showing a fully developed story. This doesn’t make this choice that appealing to me. 

3. The third option was a documentary package. Ummm, no thank you. ☺️☺️Ever since we had the documentary lessons earlier this year, I have actually gained a huge love and interest for watching documentaries–it has become one of my favorite genres. For me though, producing documentaries feels like a troublesome process; it has too many aspects I sense I would not be able to have control over. I have a HUGE respect for people who make documentaries, but I know for a fact that it is not for me.

4. The last option was the short film package. When I first heard of this being an option, it reminded me of a short film I had watched a few years ago called, “I ____ YOU.” The short film revolves around the emotion of love and is an incredibly artistic piece that is fast paced and passionate.

I then thought of a couple South Indian romantic short films I had seen before and discovered that I actually love the elements of a short film. They are fully developed stories that are put out in a short time frame and there is just an immense amount of creativity that can be immersed into them. I was pondering for a while actually, about whether I could confidently lock in on this option, but now–writing this blog post–I can tell that this is what I want to choose. 

Sooooo I’m making a short film!! 🥳🥳

Here is the short film that sparked my interest in the genre. 

I am SO SO excited for what comes next! See you all then😝

References:

School Manager by Family Zone. (2025). Hypebae.com. https://hypebae.com/2022/2/sarah-bahbah-short-film-i-love-you-nailea-devora-stevan-journey-watch

Documentary Critical Reflection

The documentary project Cypress Bay’s Evolution displays the evolution of education within a single, specific high school, exploring how certain factors have changed when it comes to education. 

Through interviews with teachers, yearbook photographs from past years, and clips of the classrooms now, the piece attempts to show how advances in technology have changed teaching methods and shaped experiences in the classroom.

Research was a crucial part of the documentary. Initially, other documentaries were studied to identify effective techniques that may aid in the later-on filming and editing. For example, American Promise (2013) showed how to narrate an incredibly personal story over an extended period, while Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010) used technical elements to comment on problems with authenticity in the art world. These examples emphasized the importance of having good interviews and utilizing relevant footage. Additionally, the more recently published documentary Abstract: The Art of Design showed how essential quality broll footage is for making an engaging product. The New York Times Op-Docs, placed an emphasis on concise yet effective storytelling.

The documentary followed traditional technical conventions such as interviews and using archival footage. However, adjustments had to be made when challenges arose. For example, when it was discovered that there was not enough footage, quick broll was filmed to keep the project on track. These accommodations ensured that the project met basic requirements even if there were some obstacles. The research was incredibly helpful in the sense that it helped to create a documentary that fit its genre.

The intended audience included high school students, teachers, and others curious about changes in education. The aim was to make the content relatable and engaging. Two teachers with extensive experience shared their stories, helping students see their place in a very large educational context. The old yearbooks were an idea used as an attempt to add a nostalgic element, especially for current students who were fascinated with seeing how the school was like decades ago. 

While the documentary slightly resonated with its audience, it had missed opportunities to include a wider range of interviewees. The focus on teachers only showed their perspectives, while including input from students could have shown how changes in teaching practices also affect learners. Including more subjects could have bettered the narrative being shown; it also could give a view of how changes in education affect more than one group of individuals.

The theme of educational growth was the focal point of the project. This was attempted to be reflected in the overall narrative. Some opportunities to enhance this theme were missed, however. For instance, not including footage of the school’s first TV production took away the chance at showcasing what the school was like at a different time. The absence of a third interview also took away from the length of the documentary and how potentially diverse the perspectives could have been. Addressing these shortcomings display how the documentary’s cohesion could have been more strong.

The documentary primarily focused on teachers and their adaptation to technological advancements and evolving teaching methods. This focus may have been effective, but it overlooked other important points. Including insights from students was a missed opportunity to see how educational changes impact everyone. For example, students’ stories of how new technology has influenced their learning experiences could have added more to the story.

The documentary’s visuals attempted at playing a significant role in engaging the audience. Old yearbook photos along with the inclusion of modern footage showed the change in the looks of the teachers and the school. These images may have helped the viewers better relate to the subject matter. 

The production aimed to establish a brand that highlights education's evolution while encouraging reflection on how far the community has come. This brand combines older perspectives while showing relevance to the modern technological age. This attempts to  encourage viewers to reflect on how the dynamics of learning have changed. 

The visuals, interviews, and narrative attempted to work together to build this brand. Yearbook photos and contemporary footage aligned with the theme of change and provided a connection between how the teachers were in the past and how they are in the present. Interviews with experienced teachers offered firsthand accounts of how teaching methods have evolved. However, there were areas where the brand’s development could have been stronger. 

The documentary also tried to represent social groups and issues, focusing on the role of teachers and the impact of technological advancements. Teachers were portrayed as the most important part of the educational progress, emphasizing how their adaptability is very important. Including examples of students’ experiences with these changes would also have strengthened the representation of the educational community.

Feedback from the viewers helped show the documentary’s areas for improvement. Many appreciated the personal stories, but said how technical changes could have made it even more interesting. 

The documentary project on the evolution of education relied heavily on research and planning to shape its structure. It connected with the audience through relevant perspectives and contrasts between the history of education as well as its current standing. While the project featured a theme of change and effective use of visuals, it was limited by missing interviews and footage as well as the narrow focus on just teachers. Addressing these limitations could make the impact of future projects better. Despite this, the documentary offers insights into growth and change in education, which in turn encourages discussions about the future of learning.

Documentary Production Part 2👻

 Finishing Up 🧚‍♀️

As per our assigned rolls, my partner took control of the editing. However, this is when most of our problems regarding the documentary started happening. My partner was editing the documentary the day it was due, which obviously is not a recipe for success.

Me and my partner were talking while she was editing, and she told me there was not enough footage, so I had to send her some last minute clips. 🫣😬

Last minute video 🥲 →

Unfortunately, I can’t give you much insight into the editing process itself because, well, I didn’t have any access to it. My partner handled everything, and I wasn’t really involved. 🤖🤡

Once she finished editing, I finally got to see the final product. Let’s just say it was…something. 💀 I noticed pretty quickly that the third interview—the one my partner was supposed to do with her English teacher—was nowhere to be found. On top of that, some of our B-roll footage was missing, including clips we had of the very first TV production video made at our school. These were things we had planned to include, but since the project was due, we had to submit it as-is.

Considering the circumstances, I think the documentary turned out okay. But doing this project made me realize a lot about myself and how I approach collaborative work. For one, I had plenty of creative ideas throughout this process that I didn’t voice because I doubted myself. I felt like my lack of experience with filming meant my ideas weren’t good enough, so I let my partner make most of the decisions. Looking back, I deeply regret that. When I watched the final product, I felt like my own vision wasn’t reflected in the documentary, and that is something I definitely want to change for my future projects.

From now on, I will trust my instincts more. Although I am still very much at an amateur level, when it comes to productions, I can confidently say that I have learned a lot and I can only gain more knowledge if I let myself experiment. So from now on, I will do just that. I will make sure my own creative thoughts go into my work.

Thank you so much for joining me as I explained this entire process!😘 I had so much fun and learned so much. Documentaries are quite literally one of my favorite film products as of now and I can’t wait to see just how much more I can learn. 

See you in the next project‼️😉

Documentary Production Part 1🥳

Documentary Filming 🎥💜

Now that all of our planning was behind us, it was finally time to start filming!

I joined my partner in the TV room, where she checked out the filming equipment. It was a whole process—tripod, camera, microphone, the works. I felt so official. Once everything was set, we headed off to film our first interview. Our subject was the school’s football coach, who also happens to teach engineering. He has been here since the school opened, so we were super excited to hear what he had to say.

We conducted the interview in his classroom, where the walls were decorated with football pictures and his tables were scattered with engineering projects. He was really enthusiastic, which made our job so much easier. He shared stories about what the school was like in its early years and how it has changed since then, especially in the students' usage of technology. Hearing him talk about the evolution of both the school and its students felt really meaningful.

Our next interview was scheduled for two days later, but things didn’t go as planned. My partner got sick, so we couldn't do the scheduled interviews. At first, I thought about going ahead and doing them myself, but there was a problem: since I wasn’t part of the TV program, I couldn’t borrow any filming equipment and I was worried that if I filmed it on my phone, the quality wouldn't match up. Because of this setback, we fell slightly behind schedule.

The following week, my partner filmed an interview without me because it happened during one of my class periods, and I wasn’t allowed to leave. This interview was with a teacher who teaches both Holocaust studies and English. She’s been at the school for a very long time and also had similar experiences with technology being the main facilitator of the evolution of learning and education. My partner told me later on that the interview went really well, which I was glad to hear.

Once those two interviews were done, we began capturing some B-roll footage. We filmed clips of the yearbooks we had tracked down earlier, making sure to get photos of the teachers we had interviewed. We thought it could be a cool way to connect the past and present. 😎

Some shots from the yearbook!! ↓↓

Our final interview was with my partner’s English teacher, who has also been at the school for years. My partner said she could do this by herself as well as it would be easier for her to coordinate directly with her teacher. 

As the interviews were getting finished, we were officially done filming.

Looking back at the filming part of our documentary, I wish I would have trusted my own abilities more. I think I should have tried to film one of the interviews by myself, even if I had to do it on my phone and the clips would not match. My partner has a very extensive background in film while I do not, which made me trust her more with the process. However, I realized that relying on others just because of their expertise is not necessarily viable. All of these projects are learning opportunities for me and I should have taken the opportunity to try doing some filming myself. 

Next up: editing! 😝

Documentary Planning...☺️

 Group Documentary Project - Research and Planning

After all that research and watching various kinds of documentaries, we were assigned our first big project of the year: to make our own documentary. When I first heard this, my reaction was something like, “Um…😦🤒🤕…there is no way.” I mean, a whole documentary? The idea felt impossible. But then my teacher showed us a student-created documentary called Counter Conformity, which explored fashion as a form of personal identity. It was so impressive. After watching this documentary, I really had no idea what I was going to do.

When we were sent off to start brainstorming, I ended up partnering with the girl who sits in front of me. She had this amazing idea: a documentary on pet shelters, specifically comparing traditional shelters to no-kill ones. It was one of those ideas that instantly felt important to me, so I was totally on board. Once we confirmed our topic, we started researching local shelters we could interview. The idea of filming actual shelter animals and hearing the stories behind them sounded so amazing and I started getting super excited. 

Following some initial research, we began outlining our production process. We established our purpose—basically, what we wanted to show and why it mattered—and brainstormed a list of potential shots. Think: adorable pets, but juxtaposed with stark shelter environments for that emotional impact😉😜. We also divided up roles. I’d handle writing the interviews while my partner would focus on filming and editing. Then, we put together a rough outline of how we wanted our documentary to flow, from opening visuals to the closing message.

Our pre-documentary planning sheet! →

Everything seemed to be going decent, but then we had a meeting with our teacher. As we talked through the logistics, it became pretty obvious that our idea wasn’t as doable as we thought. Filming at shelters meant traveling quite a bit, setting up proper interview spaces, and coordinating with shelter staff. It was a lot—maybe too much for two high schoolers😣. During the meeting, our teacher helped us brainstorm different topics, and we eventually landed on one we both liked: the evolution of education, specifically how our own school had changed over the years.

After scrapping our original outline, we started fresh with a new plan. Since we wanted to explore how education at our school had evolved, we thought it would be cool to include visual contrasts between the past and present. As a result, we began the great search for old yearbooks. We wanted to include B-roll clips of the school as it looked in its early years, and we thought tracking down yearbooks from when the school first opened could be a cool idea. What we didn’t expect was how much of an adventure that would be.

We trekked all over campus, starting with the yearbook room. Then it was off to the front office, the principal’s office, and finally the media center. Eventually, we found the yearbooks from 2003 and 2005. Flipping through them was wild. Seeing photos of students in the same rooms and hallways I walk through every day—it was like stepping into a time capsule. 

Interviews are a huge part of documentaries; subsequently, me and my partner decided the best interviews we could get were from teachers who had been at our school since the beginning, as they would have seen the evolution unravel as they taught through the years. After brainstorming about four potential teachers, we tried to plan out times we could interview them. After scheduling about three interviews, we were ready to start production. 😝😋