CCR #4

What technologies did we use while filming:

For our film, we placed a big emphasis on handheld shots, because we thought they would add a sense of urgency and tension into the scenes, which effectively conveyed the intense tone we wanted the audience to experience. The shakiness of the camera was intended to create a feeling of chaos, particularly in the first half of the film. However, for the second half, we switched to using tripods to create a strong contrast. The stable, almost sterile shots in the library scenes reflected the uncomfortable distance and calmness in contrast to the intense earlier moments. We filmed using our own phone cameras, without lighting or microphones. 

We chose to avoid using lighting to capture the natural sunset in the first scenes, because we wanted to allow the changing light to be shown in the shots. In the library scenes, we enjoyed the look of fluorescent lighting, which created a harsh, clinical atmosphere which was perfect for the setting. 

As for sound, we opted not to use external mics due to the difficulty of controlling background noise in such a public location. Instead, we decided to rerecord the dialogue in post-production to ensure that the dialogue could be heard and so we'd have better control over the sound quality.

In terms of organization and planning, the blog was a very valuable tool throughout the process. It not only helped me stay on track with the project but also kept me accountable to the timeline I had set at the beginning. The platform allowed me to document my thoughts in an organized way, merging all my ideas in one place and making it easier to reflect on my progress.

For editing, I used Adobe Premiere because of my experience with it from TV production, and because I enjoy using its color grading tools since they are more versatile than other platforms. However, I did chose CapCut for the title sequences because it offered unique options that aligned with the vision I had for the opening. 

And lastly, I used Pixabay to find non-copyrighted music, which was crucial to the film’s overall feel. I find that music is often the defining element in setting the tone, and I wanted to ensure the soundtrack complemented the scenes perfectly.

Technology was very crucial to our film and helped in a lot of ways, especially during post-production. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the audio quality during filming, since we shot in public locations where controlling background noise was nearly impossible. However, by being able to record voiceovers and use foley sounds, gave us the opportunity to completely transform our soundscape. This allowed us to not only resolve the audio issues but also enhance the atmosphere of the film, creating a much more immersive and controlled world for the audience. By carefully curating and creating each sound, we were able to elevate the film’s tension and mood.