Project Components

Now... without further ado, I am so happy to show everyone my short film, Takeout.

ENJOY!!!!!

Takeout (Link)

INSTAGRAM LINK

@takeout.film

POSTCARD

POSTCARD LINK

Front:

Back:

Critical Reflection

The short film, Takeout, tells the story of six teenagers planning a heist on a diner, before deciding on a brilliant distraction. The production employs techniques like a bookend flashback, which engages audiences in the seemingly romantic comedy, turned suspense-filled heist production.

Takeout relies on many technical and character-based aspects. One of the aspects that the story touches on is representation. From the first scene, it is clear to the audience that the main protagonist, Ember, is in charge. The story could be categorized as both a romantic comedy or a heist thriller and a strong female protagonist is uncommon for either genre. Ben forms a plan to get back at the diner and Ember stands up to him as she does not agree with it. This idea of control set by Ember is seen very little in any medium but is established very early on here. Ben attempts to oppose her but Ember challenges this, as well as Humphrey's occasional remarks. In doing so, she along with Nicole, ultimately pick apart the flaws of the plan and force Ben to give in. 

The film promotes a sense of power to women and Ember’s behaviors show that a strong woman should have a voice in issues they do not believe in. Ember’s character is built on the fact a woman can challenge certain stereotypes and take charge of situations in pursuing their goals. Moreover, by depicting a female character who is confident and assertive the film attempts to challenge societal expectations and influence the audience. 

The concept of branding for this film is used in a much different way than seen in most productions. Most films revolve their brand around big-name actors, directors, or creative storylines to catch the audience’s attention. This film is very different, as it utilizes genre. Though genre is not a crazy way to promote a movie, Takeout uses it in an unconventional approach. In the postcard and social media, the film is advertised as a romantic comedy, set between Ember and Ben. This idea is still in place when the film begins, and the audience is only aware of the shift as the story progresses.  

The film is able to engage with audiences in the same way that it brands itself. The bookend flashback and the complete shift in tone will hopefully confuse viewers and have them try to comprehend the genre switch. The confusion and quick pace of the film will expectantly engage audiences. The unorthodox techniques will most likely lead to word-of-mouth advertising which leads to the success of the film. Filmmakers often utilize production techniques such as these to great success. 

Viewers of rom-coms and heist films range from teenagers to those in their late thirties. Audiences of this demographic enjoy viewing love stories and films with unexpected outcomes, which is what Takeout aims to accomplish. All three products, the postcard, social media, and film itself, strive to engage with this demographic.

The postcard and social media are the best way to influence this audience. The postcard promotes the film, mostly, as a rom-com. The image, tagline, and fonts are inspired by rom-com advertisements. Including both subjects in the frame is a technique used quite a lot in this genre. The tagline, “We can make this work”, implies that they can fix their relationship when in reality the line is a reference to the plan for the heist and the fact that it can work. The social media also engages with the audience in the same ways. The same tagline and pictures are used on the account, with pictures of the full ensemble included.

Both of these marketing products create an idea in the audience's mind, that is quickly rearranged. Marketing has been found to have a significant effect on viewers and this film is no different. With the marketing for Takeout, the contrast between the promotions and events in the film enhances the experience for viewers who were drawn in by the advertisements. Those who went into the film not seeing anything, may not have the same reaction as those who saw the promotions. The marketing very much engages the audiences as it may provide a completely different viewing experience. 

Additional research into these types of films, similar storylines, and techniques was all done in pre-production. Most stories apply a linear storyline, where each scene progresses chronologically. From the get-go, there was always going to be the use of a bookend flashback. A bookend flashback is described as a scene that appears at the beginning and end of a film. This is different than the two terms on their own, as flashbacks show a scene, while the previous scene continues, and different than bookending, as most times bookends mirror the first and last scene, but they are not chronologically the same scene. There was a lot of research put into this topic and there were many examples where television and film employ this technique. In viewing the successful productions, there were aspects noticed that could be implemented in this film. 

In hopes to catch audiences off guard and make sure that the genre switch had the greatest effect possible, it felt right to use a bookend flashback. In doing so, the audience is shown what is seemingly a couple fighting. There is a huge outburst to where they are left wondering what they just watched. When more characters are introduced at the house, the plan is revealed and towards the end of this scene, it is apparent that the first scene was not chronologically in place. The use of this technique is excellent in providing closure and cohesion.

CREDITS!!!

 An essential part of a production is giving credit to the people responsible. In this sense, it’s Keira and I giving ourselves credit! (Also our friends and the music). 

I thought about the credits being still for the entirety. I figured animation would be unnecessary and time consuming. 

I used the title screen from the postcard, since it’s bold, bright and fits in to the diner aspect continued in the credits. Following the title would be all of the production credits that Keira and I did. For these, we also used the font on the postcard. It fit the credits well, and it’s nice to have consistency in both the marketing and film itself. 

The production credits were all in the corners, while the acting credits were right in the middle. It seemed like the right choice as the plot seemed very character driven, so actors were an essential part. 

Here are some of the credits you will be able to see in our film: 

Postcard: Complete

We have completed the print component of our project: the postcard. We looked through all of the criteria and tried to figure out how to follow them by making a postcard that stands out and gives all necessary information. 

We knew we needed a tag line as well, because every great movie has one. We thought about it and talked for a little bit until Keira came up with the line. It was perfect and knew that it set up a rom-com vibe, but also applied to the heist part. 

So the next time you go to a film festival, please be on the lookout for our postcard!

DAY TWO

 Day two went just as smooth as the first. It seemed like it was going to be much harder, as it was a completely different filming location that we did not have as much control over. When we got there, we had to speak to a different manager to clear up confusion that we were not expecting. Overall, we were fine. 

We began filming as our “extras,” came in to be diner guests. Our friends Mya, Victoria and Gabbi were very helpful and we got the necessary shots from them. 

Keira and I filmed our diner part and ran through it very quick. We had to redo a couple of takes more than we thought, but they all came out looking great. There was one shot that did not work out well, which was the “throwing water” scene. Keira overshot the water while I was laughing, but we were able to dry everything off and get it good. 

After that shot, Gianna came in to play Nicole again, and she did great. Her and Keira had one scene which went really well. 

We wrapped on filming with our “outside the diner” scene where Ember gets her phone call. Overall, it was a great day of filming and we’re looking forward to post production. 

FILMING STARTS

Today was an exciting day as we made it through the first day of filming for our short film. After weeks of prep, we were ready to bring our vision to life. We had planned everything perfectly and were hoping for a smooth shoot, which was exactly what we got.

Our "call time" was set for 4:00 PM, but with some inconveniences, we were ready to go by 4:30. We had planned to finish filming at around 7:00 and that is exactly what we got!

Everyone showed up and had a great time throughout. They were beyond helpful with understanding which shots we need and how we needed to refilm some of them. The team was in high spirits throughout the day, and everyone worked together seamlessly to make sure we got the shots we needed. The director had a clear vision for the film and was able to communicate his ideas effectively to the crew. The cinematographer did a fantastic job of capturing the shots beautifully, and the actors were all incredibly professional and delivered their lines perfectly.
One of the most important things we did was to plan for contingencies. We had a backup plan in case something went wrong, and that came in handy when we encountered a technical glitch with one of our cameras. We were able to quickly swap it out with a spare camera, and the shoot continued without a hitch.
Overall, it was a great day, and we're all excited to see how the footage turns out in the editing room. We're confident that we got everything we need, and we're looking forward to seeing our vision come to life on the big screen.
Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and it takes a dedicated team to bring a project like this to fruition. We're grateful to have such a talented group of people working on this film, and we can't wait to share the final product with the world. Here's to a successful shoot, and here's to more great days of filming ahead.

Script: Complete

Keira came over and we GRINDED and finally completed the script. We were relatively done, but we needed a finishing touch and to cover up a few plot holes. I am SO excited to finally show you all the final script… to our short film… Takeout. Enjoy. 

Keer Talk

I got home from my spring break trip and had a special guest when I got home: Keira. Yes, it was scary, but she was there so we could finalize a bunch of different things for our short before we filming. 

We started with the script and from there branched our to different areas that needed work. We had the majority of the script done but there were still areas that we didn’t necessarily like. We spent roughly an hour on the script. 

Since both of our attention spans are not great, we decided on other filming decisions while finishing the script.  We ended up finishing and I will post the script in a separate blog post. 

Keira and I in production on the Oscar Winning Short Film, “Takeout”. 

Final Steps…

As a filmmaker, one of the steps in creating a great project is to make sure that all loose ends are tied up before filming begins. This includes figuring out what props and additional items are needed for the filming. I am in the pre-production phase and have been working hard to ensure that everything is in place before we begin filming. 

However, before filming, I need to make sure that all the necessary props and extra items are in place. This can be anything from costumes and makeup to set design and props like food, furniture, or even a specific piece of technology.

I have gone through the script to determine what props and extra items are needed and breaking down each scene. All that has come up is just food. We will need food for the planning scene for three reasons. One, because they all need to be doing something. Two, because it’s when Humphrey is introduced. And three, because we’re honestly probably gonna be hungry.

In addition to props and set pieces, I also made sure to look for the practical items that we may need on set, like Keira’s camera and some lighting equipment. These make sure that the film and it’s cinematography look as good as possible.

What I did not realize before is that the pre-production phase of a film project is so important to its success, and making sure that all loose ends are tied up before filming begins is a huge part of this process. It lowers the stress levels for Keira and I so that we can look forward to filming with confidence, knowing that everything is in place to create the best possible final product.

NEW ACTOR!!!

 Ok… due to some planning issues, Connor Lirio, the actor playing “Christian,” will not be able to make it on our selected filming date. While this is not an ideal situation for any production, we are lucky enough to have a backup. 

Christian will now be played by Keira and I’s very good friend, Logan Handley. While Logan Handley does not have the same experience as Connor, in terms of acting background, he fits the character that we wrote for Christian. He is similar in the mannerisms and way of talking that we expected from Connor, so this switch should not affect the production too much. 

In addition, we may try and pull some of Christian’s lines, or give them to other characters if we need to take away some of the weight on Logan’s shoulders. Either way, Christian’s character will be portrayed in an amazing way and we are so excited. 

Costuming!!!

 An important part of any production is costuming. Our film is no different. Keira and I have discussed the vibe and genre we are looking for, so costuming would have to match that. 

For our ensemble, we were thinking of Humphrey, Joshua, and Christian wearing what any other teenagers would wear. Simple colors, shorts or pants, and a carefree tone. After all, they are only planning the heist and hanging out at their friends house. Nicole is no different and she will match the guys’ vibe and wear what any girl would wear to hangout with friends. 

Ember and Ben are dressed differently. They each have two costumes as opposed to the friends’ one costume each. When they are with their friends, Keira and I will wear similar clothes to the rest of the group. However, when they meet in the diner for the “distraction” they will be dressed like they are on a date. For Ember, that means a jumper and her hair and makeup done. For Ben, it means a button down shirt and khakis, as well as his hair brushed nicely. This is to throw off the audience and the diner patrons when they show that it isn’t a romantic scene, despite what their costumes may give off. 

Music, Finally

 After hours of searching and coming up with possible ideas, we have finally decided on music. While some may think that spending this much time on music is a waste, I have always thought that music can set the tone for a film and change how the audience feels about characters and the production as a whole. 

My idea with the song “It Had To Be You” fell through, so it was time to look for music in the public domain and uncopyrighted music. Keira found the website, “Uppbeat” and she began to look there while I searched for more popular songs in the public domain. At a certain point, I figured that public domain music would not work and focused on Uppbeat. 

We ended up finding not one but TWO songs that fit the vibe we were looking for. If you care to listen, the names are: 

Vintage Vibrations

Slowtown

POSTCARD

I have decided on a concept for Keira and I’s postcard design. We have to design a postcard for film festivals to where we can hand them out for publicity. We needed to provide a ton of information about our film, including where to find it, the Instagram, some credits and our name. Overall I feel that the postcard does all of these and I love the concept art that I came up with. 

I will post the real one on the blog when we make it. We’re unable to right now because we need the key art for both the front and the back. We have selected our fonts and have everything ready on Canva. We need to insert the key art and then our postcard will be complete. 

Filming Locations

Our film will have two different locations. If you have read the script then you know it is the opening scene, with Ember causing a distraction and yelling at Ben, and the scene of the entire cast planning a heist. 

Lucille’s American Cafe:

Our first location will be at our local 50’s diner, Lucilles. My friends and I love this restaurant and think it would be a perfect place to film the date scene. It has the em Ian w that we are going for and would be a set in any romantic comedy. This diner is perfect for the film, as Keira used to work there, and our actor Gianna, who plays Nicole, currently works there. We have talked to the managers and they are more than happy to let us use the space to film after closing. 

My House:

The “planning scene” will be all filmed at my house. We picked my house because it provides an open area with many accessible areas for different shots. The sound will not be interfered with as it is a closed space. It is also very well lit and has different areas for people to sit. For example, we can have a character on the couch, at the table, at the counter or on the chair in the corner. 

Miami Film Festival

 This morning I had the opportunity to attend the Miami Film Festival. Last summer I was an actor in a short film which was entered in the festival. The entire thing was an amazing experience, especially for someone trying to create their own film. 

I have talked to the director of my film many times after filming to ask for help with writing, acting, and directing questions I have had. Today I got to hear it from other people as well. My film was in a block with 5 other films, and after the viewings, there was a Q&A section. I didn’t get to ask any questions, but I heard a few that really helped. 

While I wish I wrote them down, I got to all 6 directors answer questions about their inspiration, who helped them with aspects of the films, how long it look them, and most aspects of production. They all helped me so much and I think their answers will make my film much better. 

FILMING SCHEDULE DROP

 We have decided upon a filming schedule and it can be seen below. In the chance you don’t understand the colored dots, let me do a quick explanation. 

As a result of people being away for spring break, we will have to delay filming. We will film when spring break is over, so after March 26th. We are filming for two days, as we only need two locations. The pink dot is the day that we are for sure filming. The 29th will be a film date, and for the other, it may either be the 28th or 30th. It will most likely be the 30th, but the 28th is a good backup in case complications were to arise.

MEET THE CAST!!!!!!!

Keira and I have finally casted our film and we couldn’t be more excited. We found great actors that we believe are going to do an amazing job of bringing our production to life. Here they are:

Keira will be playing EMBER. Ember is Joshua’s girlfriend and is the main girl in our piece. She will be providing the distraction with Ben. Keira is extremely talented and will perform this the best she can.

I will be playing the part of BEN. Ben is the leader of this entire operation. He is the mastermind, and is the backbone of everything. He wants the money because the diner fired him, but he can’t be a part of the heist since they know him. I have experience and think I can deliver the lines well.

Gianna will be playing NICOLE. Nicole currently works at the diner and she will be helping as the “inside man.” She’s constantly not paying attention since she doesn’t care about what’s going on. Gianna will do this perfectly and also make it very comedic.

Adrian is playing JOSHUA. Joshua is Ben’s best friend and brings his girlfriend along. He is witty and kind of just goes with the flow. He is sometimes the butt of the joke, especially with Humphrey. Adrian will do this well as he has experience in both acting and being the butt of jokes.

Connor will be playing CHRISTIAN. Christian is the man going inside and actually taking the money. He is all for the plan and is confident in his skills to take the money. Connor has had acting experience with characters similar to Christian, as he played Riff in “West Side Story.”

Skyler will be playing Humphrey. My beautiful boy will be the powerhouse in the operation. He is the getaway driver and backup in case something happens with Christian. Humphrey is a great part for Skyler because he plays football and water polo and has experience with characters like this. 

Script Follow Up

 What’s up people. I continued writing the script and got through a good amount. I got to almost the end of the entire “planning/ arguing” scene and ran it by Keira. She loved it but said there were certain things we had to fix, which I agree with. 

The second scenes are all below so enjoy!

MUSIC BABYYYYYYY

 I AM SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!

Ok. So one of the biggest elements of our film will be music. When the diner scene begins, there is music playing and it sets the tone. So, due to complications of not being able to pick out any song, I had to sue some research. 

I looks a few weeks ago and found that music is only in the public domain if it is from the mid 1920s or before. SO… since we didn’t want to just use flapper music, I looked for some songs that were popular, that may have been covers from older songs… older songs that were in the public domain. 

Sure enough… I found one. The famous song, “It Had To Be You” performed by Frank Sinatra was actually a cover of Isham Jones’ song from 1924. And yes, 1924 is public domain. I did some listening, and Jones’ version has lyrics, but you cant hear them well, if at all on Spotify. 

Sinatra’s lyrics matched, though it was newer sound and a bit different. I tried looking up if Sinatra’s version was in the public domain, since it is the same song, and long story short, it wasn’t. BUT… there was something that stuck with me. One person wrote that if you use something in the public domain, you can do whatever you want to it and it is yours. 

I did more listening and it hit me. Keira and I can use this song, but not from someone who owns it, Frank Sinatra. It would have to be the original, or… our OWN cover. So it hit me that if we were to find someone that can sing a cover to this song, it would fall into the gray area that is copyright usage, and no harm would be done.

So… yeah. It’s almost midnight and I had to write this out while I was still excited about it. It’s gonna be great. 

“It Had to Be You” by Isham Jones, 1924

GROUP PROJECTS

 Today in class I got to hear people's stories and what they were working on. I got paired up with Clara, Claudio, Valentina, and Erin. We talked through a lot and seriously helped each other. 

They all loved my idea and I was very happy about it. We talked about my script and the ideas I could work on. They didn’t have a lot, but said they loved how deep into the production we were, script wise, and said to fix certain aspects that didn’t seem realistic. 

Overall, I think it helped me and put me in a good headspace talking to people who want to help.