Week 1 (23rd February): Deciding on concept idea
As I begin developing idea for my Final Major Project, I explored several potential concepts that I could turn into a short film. After brainstorming, two concepts stood out to me the most.
The first idea explores the mindset of always expecting the worst in people to avoid getting disappointed. It focuses on having your guard up when meeting someone new and slowly allowing your perception of them to change as you get to know them. Visually, I imagined this through a metaphor of a glass of coke being run under a tap - starting dark and cloudy, then gradually turning clear as the water flows. The running water would symbolise trust and understanding developing over time. This idea would allow me to explore themes of perception and how hour assumptions shape relationships.
The second idea centres around procrastination, specifically the habit of saying "I'll start tomorrow". I wanted to explore this in a light hearted way while still highlighting it as a common issue among young people today. The concept would follow a character who continuously delays an important task, distracting themselves with smaller, less important activities.
While reflecting on the to initial concepts, I developed another potential idea inspires by the concept of the Red String of Fate. Essentially this is a belief that two people who are destined to meet are invisibly connected by a real thread.
Hybrid concept with initial ideas?
While thinking of through the three concept ideas I thought it would be clever to create one by combining two.
- Procrastination and Guard Up:
The character keeps saying "I'll start tomorrow" but instead of work/academic its about relationships.
"I'll text back tomorrow"
"I'll apologise tomorrow"
etc
- Guard Up and Red String
The red string is connected to the character but because she expects the worst, she resists or ignores the connection.
Week 2 (2nd March): Mood board and Research
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| Mood board I created to put my thoughts together as a visusal representation |
What is The Red String Theory?
It's an ancient belief that suggests that two people who are connected to one another by a red thread are destined lovers. This is theory is a Chinese folklore metaphor. This string can stretch or tangle but it will never break.
I created a time table for my pre-production, production and post production so that I could stay organised and keep up with my work.
I used Google Docs to created this simple timetable and it didn't take me log but it will definitely help me stay organised.
This is a timetable I created so that I can keep organised and keep myself accountable
Week 3 (9th March): Pecha Kucha Presentation
During this week, I focused on planning and structuring my peach kucha presentation. I began by outlining the titles for each slide before adding any pictures, as this allowed me to clearly define the key topics I wanted to cover. Establishing the stricture first helped me organise my ideas more effectively and ensure that the presentation had a clear and logical flow.
Once I finalised the order of the slides, I then added relevant images to support each point. This process allowed me to think more carefully about how visuals could enhance my idea rather than be a distraction from them.
In addition to this, I began researching materials for my film, specifically the red string used as a visual motif. Initially, I considered using yarn but then realised this may appear too weak or unrealistic on camera. As a result, I decided to explore alternative materials, such as thicker string, which would be more visible and effective. This decision was essential as it is an important that the symbolic element of the film would translate clearly on screen.
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The research I did to help me identify what type of string I wanted in my film
While researching different types of red string, I began to develop my idea further. Initially, I planned to show the red string visibly connecting the two characters throughout the whole film. However, I realised that this could appear too obvious and reduce the subtlety of the concept.
As a result, I decided to take a more realistic approach. Instead of showing the connection directly, both characters will wear a red bracelet during the first half of the film. This allows the symbolism to exist without drawing too much attention to it.
The red string will then be fully revealed in the final scene, where the two characters are visually connected. This creates a stronger impact, as it suggests that the connection was always present, even if it was not immediately visible. This change allows the theme of perception and misjudgement to be communicated more subtly and effectively.
Week 4 (16th March): Refining Presentation and Poster Planning
During this week, I focused on preparing and refining my peach kucha presentation. I wrote out what I intended to say for each slide to ensure that my ideas were clearly communicated rather than improvised. This helped me structure my points more effectively and made the overall presentation more coherent.
I also rehearsed the presentation multiple times before delivering it to my class. While practicing, I focused on whether all aspects of my film idea were clearly explained, as well as ensuring that the presentation flowed logically rather than feeling like disconnected information. Recording myself allowed me to to evaluate my confidence, clarity and pacing and helped me identify areas that needed improvement. This also ensured that my presentation stayed within the required time while still including all key information.
In addition to this, I began exploring ideas for my film poster by creating several initial sketches. Although I had not yet finished a title, I included placeholder text into each design to consider layout and composition. All of my concept included the red string motif to maintain visual consistency with the theme of the film.
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| First sketch I made |
One poster features the two main characters facing each other with small gap between them, with red string subtly wrapped around them to suggest connections. Another idea shows both characters facing away from the camera, with the male character's hand almost reaching towards the main character, while red string surrounds them in more dynamic and overwhelming way. The final concert focuses on a close-up of two hands, with red string wrapped around the fingers as they nearly touch, emphasising subtle connection while also maintaining distance.
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| Second sketch I made |
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| Third sketch I made |
Through creating these sketches, I was able to explore different ways of visually representing the themes of connection and misjudgement. I was able to consider how my ideas could be translated into a final poster design.
FONTWRITE ABT
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Week 5 (23rd March): Location Planning and Development
During this week, I focused on developing my location ideas for the opening of my short film. I had a clear intention for the first half of the film to take place in a house party or social gathering setting, as this would allow for a natural introduction between the two characters. I chose this type of environment as I thought is will help show the main character in a space where she feels comfortable and where she is surrounded by people she trusts.
To support this, I created a brief summary of my narrative, outlining the beginning, middle and end of the film. Although I had not yet developed a full script at this stage, this summary helped guide my planning decisions and made sure that my ideas stayed consistent.
ADD SUMMARY SS
I also created a small mood board to explore the type of setting I wanted, I mainly focuses on a modern living room, with a cosy environment that will help reflect the tone of the film. This mood board helped me refine my vision and made it easier to identify suitable locations.
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| A small collection of images (mood board) that helped me gather my thoughts on the location for my first half of the film |
Using this, I was able to select an appropriate Airbnb that matched the style and layout I was aiming for. With the help of a clear narrative outline and visual research I was able to make informed decisions when choosing my location.
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| Reference images of the kitchen area of the Airbnb |
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| Reference images of the living room |
During weeks 6 and 7, focused on developing the first half of my script, creating shot lists and preparing for the filming. Writing the script was a key stage in my project, as it allowed me to clearly define how the narrative would infold and how I communicate my idea to my cast.
Although my script was not fully complete at this stage, I ensured that I was following a suitable format by referring to existing scripts and online resources. This helped me understand how to structure scenes and present action and dialogue clearly.
The Airbnb part of the script (first half)
To support filming, I annotated my script to identify where specific shots would be needed, particularly during key actions and voice overs moments. This allowed me to visualise the scenes more effectively before filming.
Part of the script that I annotated so that I can make a clear shot list to follow later on
I then developed both a digital and physical shot list in the form of a checklist, which helped me stay organised on the day of the shoot. The digital version was particularly useful during filming, as it allowed me to track progress effectively.
Quick draft of the shot list
Finalised shot list in order
Digital shot list as a checklist
In preparation for the shoot, I sourced and organised props to enhance the authenticity in the scene. I purchased items such as party cups to create a more natural environment. I also focused on the red string motif, I ordered materials in advance to ensure they arrived before filming.
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| Props I ordered in advance of the filming day |
Initially, I considered creating a 7 knot bracelet. However after researching its meaning, I decided this would not align with the message of my film. Instead, I created simple adjustable re bracelets, which better suited my concept. I ensured that no cast member wore red, allowing the bracelets to stand out visually.
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| Research of the meaning of the 7 knot bracelet |
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| Youtube video I used to make the bracelets |
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| Finish product after following instructions to the video |
In preparation for the filming day, I ensured that the cast, particularly the main characters, had a clear understanding of the costume and visual style
On the day of filming, I ensured that all cast members understood their roles and the structure of the scenes. The shoot ran smoothly and the Airbnb location matched my expectations based on the initial images. Overall, this stage of the project allowed m e to effectively translate my planning into production.
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