Byrdie baby!

The time has finally come. Without further ado, here's Byrdie:
https://vimeo.com/407450605
password: byrdiefilmopening

reflection time

Since I'm coming close to the end now, I figured it was time for a little reflection. The very first realization that comes to mind is that working within the space where I'm going to be shooting is extremely helpful, at least for me. The shot ideas that I came up with while I was on the set were easier to realize because I knew how much space I had and could test it out with the camera. I feel like that might some sort of backwards logic, location first then shot lists, but it ended up working for me. I think it works that way because since I don't have a huge budget I just have to work with the room and resources I have. Anyway, the point is I now know to keep the space I'm working with in mind when planning a scene. I also realized that I love working with music. Like love. The part I was most excited about when I was editing was the beginning where Byrdie's movements and the cuts sync up with the music. It's so satisfying I'm definitely going to keep doing it. Another thing I learned is that plans always change. And I'm not saying this because of corona; actually, looking back I think my film opening would've changed even if both of my actresses had been able to act. I've realized that there's just always another way to do things and even if change is kind of anxiety-inducing sometimes it's for the best. This is probably a good reason for why I need to work on time management and have back-up plans ready, to be more prepared. I'll keep that in mind for next time.

making changes💥

Hello, I am a crazy person who changes plans like five days before her project is due. Okay, let me explain. So I was thinking about how the opening ends and I decided that having Byrdie go back to her studio, try to work on her painting, and ultimately stopping doesn't make sense. I feel like that sort of level of frustration or lack of inspiration wouldn't make sense in a film so early on. It also puts a downer on the whole scene and doesn't really entice people to keep watching. Plus, it introduces the character as someone who gives up easily which is not who I want Byrdie to be. So my solution is to go back to my old house for the third time and record a different ending. I've already edited about a minute and forty seconds and I have the timing planned out so I think making this change won't be that hard. I'm going to go shoot footage tomorrow so updates then!

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Wait I just realized I forgot to explain the change. Basically I'm going to have the main character talk to herself in the mirror after social media, saying something along the lines of "Paint something great." It'll be longer than that, of course, but the idea's that she puts pressure on herself after comparing herself to people online. So to be clear, Byrdie paints to the music, goes to the bathroom, spends time on social media, talks to herself in the mirror, and walks out the bathroom. Okay, now I say updates tomorrow.

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Heyyy, it's the next day. I recorded the ending and now it's time to edit it in. It took me longer than I expected but that's mostly because I kept re-watching the footage I had already edited and nit picking. Then, I sat in the bathroom tub thinking about whether or not my opening was even good after getting tired of trying to find the right position for my tripod. But I finished. It might not be the absolute best but I took a lot of takes so hopefully some of them will work. Now I just have to finish editing all the main things and send the video to the music publishers. They've signed off on me using the song since it's going to be password-protected on vimeo but they just need to make sure nothing insane happens. Anyway, next time I'm on here I'll probably be reflecting and then I'll be posting my official film opening!

another update/filming day 2

I don't really know what to call these posts anymore. Everything is just an update since it's only really editing and CCR stuff from here on out. Today I went back to get some more footage and it went pretty smoothly but I don't feel satisfied and I don't know why. But there's a stay-at-home order that becomes effective tonight so this could be the last time I get footage. I feel unsure of this project and I don't really know why. I think I just need to finish and get constructive criticism. On a brighter note, I've decided to change the way I'm editing the part of my opening where Byrdie's on her phone. In Eighth Grade there's this scene where Kayla's on her phone and videos of what's on her screen are layered over close-ups of her. I thought this was a really great way to show visually how submerged Kayla is in social media while clearly displaying the content on her phone so I think I'm going to try something similar. I found a song to play in the background for that part, too. It's copyright free but it's not from the youtube library because I couldn't find anything I liked on there. Instead I signed up on Artlist for free and downloaded a song called Blanket. Since I'm using the free version of Artlist the song is interrupted every ten seconds with an automated voice promoting Artlist but I can edit that out. Oh, and I forgot to mention this on my post about filming day one but I found a video that gives instructions on how to achieve a "cinematic look" with your camera settings so I'll link that here.

update:)

Hello it's a Wednesday night and I'm currently editing the film opening. I like the way the painting montage is coming along and seeing all the shots cut to the beat of the music is especially satisfying but every time I play it back I feel like the timing is slightly off. I might just be over thinking it so I'm going to send it to someone else who can judge it for me. Speaking of sending things, I have to send the final product to the music publishing company soon so they can approve of the content but I think this mean's I'm getting the rights to the Vampire Weekend song! Also I feel like there's some shots that need to be redone so I'm going back tomorrow to re-do them.

Anyways, here are some stills that haven't been color-graded yet. To be honest I've played around with it and I don't really know what I'm going to do as far as color grading or if I'll even do it at all.

(I plan on adding the words "Directed by Sara Moreno" 

on this shot once the lense is totally covered in paint)