Creative Critical Reflection

"ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD): A Debilitating Mental Disorder."Www.healthxchange.com.sg. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

 "OCD: The Ones Who Suffer Silently | About Islam." About Islam. N.p., 10 Jan. 2016. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

 "Learn about OCD." Bay Area OCD and Anxiety Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

"10 Sign You May Have OCD." Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

Final Project

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_d1UeccEiX8dTFIZzk4YjgwQzA/view

With the link above you can access my final film opening. I am so excited to finally show you my final product. I hope you love it as much as I do!



Music :www.bensound.com "Memories | Royalty Free Music." Memories | Royalty Free Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.

Smooth Landing

I have finally finished editing and I LOVE it, my expectations have been met. Since this is the last post where I can extensively explain and talk about everything, that is exactly what I am going to do. First, I have learned so much throughout the year and this project defectively tested all my skills. Although there were a lot of bumps on the road, there where many uphill climbs. I would say the biggest challenge was technology, for all the editing I had to go to my friends house. Once we got an idea and elaborated on it the development of the character and shots were pretty easy. The filming was also really good. Regardless of all the ups and downs everything was SO worth it. I feel the film opening is a clear representation of everything I have learned through out the year.

Most of the choices in my film were extensively thought out. Here are some fun facts and reason behind some choices.

Although we wanted to include voice overs, we didn't want to include too many so people can still focus on the overall story.

On the close up of the hand being washed I put lipstick on my knuckles to make it look like the skin is irritated. This is meant to symbolize the frequency that Ana washed her hands. From my past research some people with OCD wash their hands more than 100 times a day,  

The color of the font is all black and white to elaborate on the simplistic and theme we were going for.

We chose a white shirt to symbolize a clean and simplistic environment.


I have also started writing my Critical Reflection so here is a sneak peak...

Hello my name is Catalina Castro and welcome to my Creative Critical Reflection for my AS level Media Studies project. Throughout the course of  making my film opening I faced a lot of challenges ,but was able to overcome them. I would definitely not call this an easy project, but because of it I feel that my skills have been challenged and showcased.  I am so excited to reflect and share my long journey with you and the thoughts behind my film Formation.

Can't wait to upload my final film opening. Hope you enjoy!

Rewind

        I am currently still in the process of editing and putting everything together.I have to film the end again because due to the two minute limit I will not be able to fit everything I wanted. Even though I already filmed I realized I never explained my character in detail. Character analysis are extremely important in further developing a character. Having been in drama for a few years I know that your character must be developed before you can play that role. Having this film be about OCD I knew doing an analysis is something I could not skip, I wanted to accurately portray her and not have it offend anyone.

    Even though I am posting this after filming this is something I had written down. So here is a little bit more about the main character in the film...

Name- Ana Watz


Age-19

Background- Ana has always known there was something unique about her, she always felt a little strange, but never understood why. As she grew older she started becoming more anxious than usual and having breakdowns. Her parents thought it was school so they didn't worry about it. As she grew older Ana's parents continued to see unusual changes in their daughter and took her to a therapist. A few months later, at age 12, she was diagnosed with OCD. She would obsess and have compulsive actions that she could not control. It started with checking everything she did multiple times and increased to the point of not being able to touch things in public areas. Ana is still going to therapy and taking medication.

Occupations- Ana recently finished High School, but is taking a year off of school to work. She is currently in the process of applying for jobs. She also hopes to travel outside North Carolina for the first time.


I know it is not long, but it is enough for me to be able to play this role and make a great film opening!

Technology is NOT on my side.

        We are currently in our last week of our Film Opening Project. It feels like we just started last week. Although I am trying to work fast to be able to complete everything and be of good quality, I am having a hard time working with technology. Yes, technology is NOT on my side. Not only am I not used to Apple computers, but even the technology I am comfortable with is not cooperating. Due to storage issues Lianna was not able to send me the videos to my phone, she ended up deleting everything on her phone to be able to send them to me. Now that the videos are on my phone they won't send to my email (why does this always happen to me). We decided to start editing the film on the phone with iMovie and then transfer it to the computer. When we went to transfer it we emailed it and then had to change it from QuickTime to iMovie format. It's not all bad, at the end of the day we were able to transfer it and save it, but then today we go on the same computer and it DELETED. I don't understand why technology hates me. After school I am going to go to my friends house and try to edit as much as possible.

A few hours later...

      I just got back from my friend's house and I was able to accomplish a lot. I edited most of it. It looks better than I imagined! We still have to finish the end and add the voice overs. Although I did a lot I have encountered a little bump. When we were filming I thought we would not have enough footage, but it so happens that we have too much. The film in currently at 1 minute and 57 seconds and we still need to include the last scene where she meets the guy. I was thinking of just cutting that scene out, but then I feel there is nothing to hold the audience's attention and make them want to keep watching. I also considered taking out a part where she separates the cereal from the marshmallows. The problem with cutting that scene is that it plays such an important role on what OCD is. I am going to show my classmates tomorrow and see what they think.  I am a little less stressed now that everything is finally starting to flow.


"Redirect Notice." Redirect Notice. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.

Filming!!!

All I can say is what a day...Lianna and I started filming and it went really well. We already had our story board finished so it really helped guide us. Oh and did I mention we found the perfect song! This song is copy right free, so all we have to do is give credit to the website. This music allows us to add the voice overs we want without distracting from the music and will set the mood.

So how did filming go today..? Lianna arrived at my house at 3:30 and we first started by moving all the furniture in my room. It was only us two in the house and the beds where very hard to move since the room is in carpet. At the end we were able to move everything the way we wanted. Also I was really happy because we did not have to use artificial light because there was plenty of natural light in the room. 

As I mentioned before our story board really helped us with knowing what we wanted, but we still faced a lot of problems. One of our main issues from the beginning has been how to transition from a point of view shot to a long shot or mid shot. We tried not doing point of view, but it wasn't what we really wanted. We decided to stick to point of view in the beginning and cut to a long shot. Although we still have not put it together I truly believe it will look good and flow the way we want it to. 

Another conflict we faced was time, time, and time. We actually were not able to finish filming today as we had hoped, so we are planning to meet tomorrow again since we only have 8 days left (currently freaking out inside). We only have a few shots left and we need to find guy actor to be able to film the last scene. I think my friend will be able to act I just need to ask him. We also still need to record the voice overs that will represent the characters thoughts. 

I attached a scene that we filmed today. Although we still have a lot to do, I am so proud of Lianna and I for all we have accomplished. 

This scene will include the music and a voice over. We are thinking of her saying something like, "don't mess up today". I hope you enjoy!

Music: www.bensound.com "Memories | Royalty Free Music." Memories | Royalty Free Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.

The Journey Continues

Over the last couple of days I have met with people in my class and  I have received a lot of great feedback. Everyone I have talked to loves the idea about an  OCD film. I talked to them about how to develop the story and they think the girl meeting a guy is a great idea.

 For a class assignment we were assigned to comment and evaluate other students blogs, even people that are not in our class. We were each given three blogs to critique. I loved doing this! Just by looking at other blogs I got so many ideas and even got feedback on my blog. One blog I read posted websites to do the storyboard digitally, so I will be looking into that because I am not a good artist. Another girl did a video blog talking about her experience filming and I felt that brought her blog to life. I was so intrigued and impressed with peoples writing styles and story ideas.

As for my project... this Saturday we are going to start filming! We decided to film at my dad's house since it doesn't have a lot of furniture and the things we have can easily be moved around. Although my vision was to have an all white room, I was not  able to find one, but I am sure my bedroom will work. Lianna and I decided that I will be acting in the film since I have acting experience.

So what's next???

1. Finish the story board
2.,Make a character analyzes
3. Film
4. Edit


Here is what we have so far for the story board...enjoy!

"Storyboard That: The World's Best FREE Online Storyboard Creator."Storyboard That. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.

Progress!!!

Yesterday and today have been great! Lianna and I finally got together and discussed our finding and ideas. For the most part we are both on the same page and we have both expanded on each others ideas. During break we both saw the same video and were inspired to do point of view shots to show what the girl is seeing. We also like the idea of doing voice overs in addition to the music to allow the viewers to hear what the character is thinking.

we have encountered two problems that we are trying to overcome. Both of us want to do point of view shot, but are having a hard time with how we are going to transition between point of view shots and lets say a long shot. We want it to flow and not look awkward. O think in order to figure this out we are going to have to film some parts and see if it works and if it looks good.

Our second struggle is elaborating on the story. We are both set on doing the morning routine of a girl with OCD. We hope that the actions are thought of as strange and odd, until later on it is stated that she has OCD. Although the film is about a girl having OCD we want to show that there is more to a persons life than their disorder or struggles. We are trying to think of a story and plot that she could be going through that deviates from OCD and makes the movie enjoyable to watch. I was thinking as the girl leaves her house she sees the same man everyday, saying hi has become part of her routine. As the story unfolds she would fall in love with this man who is completely different from her.The longer they date the more she learn to relax and treat her OCD. This is just and idea, but maybe there is something else we can do.

We also haven't decided if the girl admits she has OCD or if shes in the process of realizing it and coming into realization with the disorder. If this is the route we take the unfolding of the story would be very different. We could also do it so she knows she has it and already goes to therapy and takes medicine.

Here is the video we watched that inspired the point of view shots...

Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQaSdgFK01UyVdv6-Up1mg. "I Have OCD. This Is What It's Like to Be in My Mind for 3 Minutes." YouTube. YouTube, 25 Feb. 2015. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.

Visions and Planning

Spring Break is coming to an end, although I am dreading going back to school I am so happy  to finally be back in class where we will have a set hour to work on the film opening and discuss everything with Lianna. We both have been extremely busy this break and therefor have not met or talked about anything. I know she has been researching a lot and so have I so I am excited to reunite and devote our whole time to make the best film opening we can.

This is what I am imagining, but with less pictures on the wall.

My goal for when we get back is to finish a story board by Friday. By drawing every scene and shot we want it will be so much easier and faster when we actually film. Something that we need to figure out is where we are going to film. In my mind I see a white, very clean room and I know mine is not like that, so I am hoping Lianna's is. Since the scene will take place in the morning we need high key lighting. I know this post is all over the place, but it will serve as a guideline for Monday,


During the weekend I want to try to finish filming so we have time to edit and redo the shots we don't like. Before any of this we need to talk about everything we have found and each of our visions. If we have the same ideas that would be great, if not we will have to find a way to unite both ideas.


After we are done filming I feel the main focus is editing and getting everything the way we want it. I know we need to start working fast because the deadline is approaching faster than we think,



"Interior Design and Decorating." Interior Design and Decorating. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2016.

Music To My Ears

Yesterday I met wit my friend to help her with her film, she needed people to create a crowd at a party and I love acting so I loved it. I feel like I need to start filming as soon as possible so I have enough to edit. Right now we are in Spring Break so it has been hard to meet with Lianna, but I know as soon as we return to school we will work fast. I already have some ideas for shots I want to do, but again I need to talk to my partner.

While I was helping my friend Liz with her video she showed me some songs that are copy right free that I can use. I already started listening to some, but I haven't heard the perfect one yet. I will keep looking for songs even while I am filming until I find the right one.

Here are is one some music I found,,,although it is not exactly what I had in mind I think by fading in and out and changing the volume it could work. If by doing that I still don't feel it is right I know there are many other options.

On another note my other friend is considering me to star in her film so that is very exciting. She is going the more artistic route and I am sure it will turn out great regardless if I am in it or not.

Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBiKeMZd8Xs-qSJoGFXGt6A. "Kygo Feat. Conrad Firestone Instrumental |Copyright Free|." YouTube. YouTube, 07 Apr. 2015. Web. 26 Mar. 2016.

I Love Videos!

Before today I had been reading and researching articles to help me better understand OCD. Today I had a lot of free time so I decided to look at videos on YouTube about OCD. I think better than the articles the videos really helped me understand the disorder as a whole and the actual struggle people face. After watching these videos I am even more excited about my idea. I attached the videos below so everyone can experience what I did.

I loveee this video because it explains a lot about the disorder that most people don't understand. For example, just because you wash you hand more than the average person or have to have everything in a specific order does not mean you have OCD. Something that shocked me was that people with this disorder can't control their actions, yet know that at times they are acting irrational.

I attached the video about Howie Mandel for a very specific reason. Even if people don't know who is, his face is usually familiar. Mandel is a comedian who has OCD and recently opened up about it. Before he spoke about it on the radio it was a secret only his closest friends and family knew. I really enjoyed this video because it connected a familiar face with the disorder. I really enjoyed the part where it went through his day and the reactions and struggles he goes through. I was very touched when he talked about his family and the actions he has to take because of OCD.

These two videos are not the only ones I watched, but the ones I found impacted and inspired me the most. The main thing I got out of all the videos that I hope people learn is that OCD is a serious disorder that people shouldn't assume they have or be proud when they show compulsive actions.

OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder is most often referred to as OCD.  It often involves unpleasant or unwanted thoughts. Although OCD is different for every person that has it, there are some things that are often similar to most people.

Some common obsessions include..

• the fear of harming someone or yourself.
• the fear of harming others by accident, such as setting a house on fire.
• the fear of disease or infection.
• a need for symmetry and order. 

 In addition to obsessions most people have symptoms before the are fully diagnosed with OCD. Some of these symptoms are...

• checking 
• hoarding
• ordering
• constant cleaning
• aggression

As it relates to my film I still want to research if it is more common in males or females.  I also want to research and analyze films to see how they go about this topic. I want to see if if most actors are male or female and do the opposite to make my film unique. 

    

I also researched some films that deal with OCD, I wanted to see how they went about this topic. I remember watching the movie What About Bob? in psychology last year and  I automatically thought of it when I thought about doing this film. What About Bob? is a comedy that focuses on Bob, a man who suffers from various anxieties and phobias. In the film he goes to a psychiatrist for help, when the psychiatrist goes away on a family vacation Bob follows him because he doesn't believe he can survive without his help.This clip shows one of the first scene where both characters are introduced and Bob's problems are explained. Although it is hard to tell from this scene, the movie is really funny. It targets serious issues in a comedic way that makes the film enjoyable to watch.

The Big Bang Theory is a very popular show that although I don't watch my sister recommend I watch for this project. Sheldon is one of the main characters who has a OCD as well as other disorders. The clip below specifically targets the need for closure. This also relates to a need for order because he wants things to always be the same. Like What About Bob? this show also takes a comical approach, but still confronts serious issues.

I am a very visual person, therefore, videos have helped me understand OCD better. From this research I definitely know I don't want to make my film funny, I don't want to make it sad either,but I want my film to stand out from all of the other shows and movies that approach OCD with comedy.

"Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Symptoms ." Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

"What About Bob? | EW.com." Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

Yossarian29. "Abnormal Psych - What About Bob." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Dec. 2008. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

"About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder." OCD Types. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

"Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." AnxietyBC. N.p., 14 Nov. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

Annarozsa. "Sheldon's Compulsive Closure Therapy." YouTube. YouTube, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

All About Genre

As I mentioned in my first post I want to do either drama or mystery. Since the beginning it really hasn't been question on what I genre I would do, but rather what idea. Even though I am almost 100 percent sure it will be one of those two genres I still don't know much about them. Over these couple of days I have researched a lot about drama here is what I found ....


The genre of drama is broader and larger than I thought writhing the drama genre there are sub genres, such as romance, tragedy, melodrama, etc.. Drama focuses on the emotional and development of the realistic characters. This contrast from other genres because it focused on real life conflicts and struggles, whether it is with another character or within. From this research my OCD idea would definitely fall under this genre.


In contrast, mystery most often focuses on crime and the investigation by a detective.  One of mysteries unique characteristics is its use of music to create suspense. Similarly to drama, mystery also has subheadings such as open-mystery and film-noir.


After this research I think I am going to stick to Drama. I can't wait to start researching OCD and start my storyboard.



"Mystery/suspense." The Script Lab. N.p., n.d. Web. 


"Mystery/Suspense." Genre: Mystery / Suspense. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2016. 

"Genre: Drama Conventions." A2 Film Studies. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.

Another Bright Light

Soon after I posted my last blog I texted Lianna about another idea I had. I don't even know how it came to me, but I thought of doing a film about OCD. My goal is for it to be about a teenage girl that has OCD and her morning routine. The opening would not state that she has OCD, but would be portrayed through her actions.


I was thinking of the opening being her morning routine. It would start be my her waking up and turning on the light three time. Then she would brush her teeth for let's say one minute and twenty three seconds. As you go through her house everything is in a specific other. As she leaves her house always wave to the same guy outside her house on her way to the car. Until the the day she doesn't see the guy...


I presented both the ideas of isolation and OCD to my peers in a class discussion and most of them like the OCD idea and feel it would be easier to portray. Some suggested the use of graphics in the video, so I will consider their idea. Many of my classmates also suggested types of music to include to make it more powerful and engaging.


Using such a sensitive and common disorder I am definitely  going to have to research a lot. I am going to try to interview someone with OCD  to make the film as accurate as possible and not offend anyone with this disorder.


I remember a few month ago I saw a Grey's Anatomy episode that dealt with one of the surgeons, Miranda Bailey, dealing with OCD and refusing to admit it. I feel this episode inspired my decision. I have uploaded the clip ...enjoy!

Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Oter8fDOphtTfPiNICO8w. "Doctor Bailey Ocd Greys Anatomy." YouTube. YouTube, 04 Jan. 2016. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.

Isolation

Before I went to bed last night I was thinking on issues teenagers face. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bullying are some of the first that came to mind. I felt that if the message directly correlated to teens, more people would be excited about it and would reach a larger audience.
Although these are serious issues I feel they are already talked about and well known throughout the media. I was also thinking with so many films about these topics what would make mine special and unique?

I decided to stay away from these topics and focus on other topics that aren't often talked about. From looking around school I realized something very evident, but not really analyzed by many...people crave company. As I was walking around school I was observing students in their social groups during lunch and in the hallway, something I don't frequently do because I am always of in space thinking about everything, except on what is going on around me. It hit me, people don't only want attention, but are scared to be alone. As soon as someone would leave their social clique they would resort to their smart phone for texting and music. They hoped to find the compassion and presence of people in any type of technology.

I started researching if the fear of being alone has been studied by others, and to my surprise there is so much information on this topic. The fear of being alone is also known as Monophobia. While I don't think the average High School student suffers from Monophobia, I do believe it is something people don't realize could be an issue. This article really helped me understand the difference between loneliness and solitude.

As of know I am going to keep researching this issue and think about a story where are girl has Monophobia. I was thinking in the beginning it can just start of as a student always wanting to be with someone and becoming dependent on others to live her life. As she graduates High School she would notice symptoms such as anxiety and shortness of breath until she is diagnosed and has to go to therapy. I am definitely going to elaborate on this topic and hopefully this story works out.

"We are all so much together, but we are all dying of loneliness." Albert Schweitzer


"Loneliness." And the Fear of Being Alone. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.

"Loneliness Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.

The Thinking Process Continues

Today I met with my partner, Lianna, to discuss our idea for the  project. We came to the realization that we want our film to impact and leave the audience thinking. One of the ideas we thought of  would target the topic of divorce. Around 2,400 people get a divorce everyday, making this topic relate able to many of the viewers. We also realized that most of our friend's parents are divorced and it is something that can be challenging as one is trying to figure life out.

The scene would open with a teenage girl seating in the corner of a room. There would be voices in the background and as the scene continues the sound increases  until one can distinguish it is people arguing. One can infer that the voices are the girls parents who are fighting and are on the verge of a divorce. As the film continues the girl would make a connection with someone. We were thinking a boy, a pet, or even and elderly man or women. We wanted our audience to know that there is always someone there for you.

Having experience my parents divorce when I was younger, I feel the main character would be easy to develop.However, it didn't take long for us to dismiss this idea, since we couldn't elaborate more on the story line and didn't think it would impact our target audience or leave them thinking. Therefore, we still don't have a story , but I am sure we will think of something soon.


"Argue Stock Photos, Illustrations, and Vector Art." Argue Stock Photos, Images, & Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.

"32 Shocking Divorce Statistics - McKinley Irvin." Washington Divorce & Family Lawyer. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2016.

The Beginning...

As the project is introduced I feel excited and nervous. My goal is to utilize as many of the techniques that I have learned throughout the year to create a film opening I am proud of. Although I am excited to get started I can't help but feel nervous. I do not have an idea yet, but I do know I want to do something unique and relatable. I am leaning towards a romantic opening, but I want it to be unexpected and not the typical romance film openings.


My main goal for this week is to come up with an idea with my partner. We have talked about mystery and romance, but we are lacking inspiration.  We know we don't want to film in our community so are leaning towards Lincoln Road in Miami. We also know that our target audience is young adults of all social classes.  Both of us have very high expectations for the final result, but I know we can achieve a great film opening together.


As the blog goes... I want it to clearly express how I am feeling and who I am. I want people to understand exactly what I am doing and the ups and downs of this project.