The Narrative is considered the biggest project in Film class. For this unit, we got to choose one other person to work with and to develop the narrative script or story based on the pitches we individually came up with. I worked with Ari for this project and we chose to develop on Ari’s pitch. Since we were both first year seniors, we did not have to write a script with dialogues but we made storyboards to organize the shots we needed.
This is Ari’s pitch developed into 3 acts and descriptions of what happens in each act. We used this to eventually draw all the storyboards for each scene we needed.
Pre-Production
These are the storyboards Ari and I made for the final in film last semester. Then we started filming in January. I believe we used about 60 index cards for all the storyboards.
Production
I’d say the most difficult part was directing and working with actors. It was pretty easy when I had to film scenes with only James but when it came to working with four actors at the same time, I struggled to give directions to each of them. We also had to film multiple shots at Safeway but got kicked out from the store about 3 times while doing so. At last, we wrapped up filming at CVS because we were scared they would call the cops. Still, all the donuts in the film are from Safeway. One other hard part was casting actors. I had to search for actors at school and online. Most of my actors are from my school or Freestyle but one of them is from online. I mainly cast people that I already knew or have seen at school.
This was the biggest project I’ve ever done in film and in the process there were parts I enjoyed but also stressful. It took us around 6 months total to complete this project; from pre-production, production, and to post-production. The first two months we pitched the story into 3 acts and storyboard each shot needed. Then we filmed for around four months, from January up to May. Our original plan was to finish filming at the latest by March, however, because of my partner and my schedule, and the actor’s schedule conflicts we had to adjust filming days a lot and actually filmed only once to two weeks.
Although I wouldn’t say this is the best film I’ve worked on, I think I made a lot of improvements through the project. I have learned better directing skills, working with a partner, and post production editing skills using Premiere Pro. I am glad I wrapped up this project with a decent result and I hope you enjoyed getting to know my Narrative.