Don't get ahead of yourself...

In my last blog posting, I came up with a possible genre and idea. I was inspired by the Blair Witch Project (TBWP) and came across many other "lost footage" films. The only thing I'm still trying to decide is if I want my project to be like TBWP in the sense that it is lost footage, or in the sense that kids are exploring the woods and something bad happens. I think if I did both, my film would be too similar to TBWP. Putting that aside, I'm continuing to do research on thriller/horror genre conventions and I will share my research soon. But, before I get all excited about my idea and everything, I NEED a good plan. That's just the type of person I am. So, I made myself a very detailed document with reminders, my schedule (ideally), blog post ideas, and a progress marker. Here is my schedule:

Planning outline:

Reminders:

-Don’t get overwhelmed

-If you can’t do it on the specific day that is written it is okay, just get it done

-If you think it is fitting to change what week you do something that is okay, just don’t fall behind

-If you need help ask

-Be realistic 

Week one (2/8-2/11)

Start brainstorming

Write an introduction blog post (Thursday)

Watch student film openings

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week two (2/12-2/18)

Pick a genre

Make a planning post (Tuesday)

Pick Genre

Make a post about genre research (mise-en scene, fonts, credits,editing) (Thursday)

Make a post about other short film research (professional) (Sunday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week three (2/19-2/25)

Choose idea for sure

Choose who you want to be in film

Choose approach (mystery, introduction, background etc)

Research film openings in genre and that use approach (Monday)

Story Outline/ Brainstorming (describe, analyze, reflect) (Wednesday)

Do research on script writing and begin script (Friday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week four (2/26-3/3)

Create shot list/ storyboard and make blog posting (Tuesday)

Research filming locations (Thursday)

Create filming/ editing schedule (Sunday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week five (3/4-3/10)

develop mise-en-scene elements (monday)

try to film this week but if not have a plan for when you’re going to film

summary/ analysis of research and mise-en-scene elements (wednesday)

document filming process (whatever day you film)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week six (3/11-3/17)

continue documenting the filming process (Tuesday)

begin editing and documenting the process (Thursday)

research editing techniques and things you want to incorporate (if necessary) (Sunday)

alternate: start thinking about responses to the creative critical response questions.

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week seven (3/18-3/24)

Research for critical reflection (Monday)

Document editing process/ reflect on editing process (Wednesday)

Finish editing film opening

Get feedback on the final edit

Discuss peer feedback (Friday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week eight (3/25-3/31)

Finish research for CCR questions

Create one CCR project and document process (tuesday)

Create other CCR project and document process (thursday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

Week nine (4/1-4/2)

Create final project reflection (monday)

Post project on blog (wednesday)

Post CCR on blog (Friday)

Was this Completed? Yes or No

YAY YOU FINISHED!!!!!!

I made this so that I could break down the project into pieces. In my mind, it makes it less overwhelming and more manageable. I also made reminders to myself like "If you can't do it on the specific day that is written it is okay, just get it done," to remind myself that this isn't a strict plan I have to follow, but more a goal I want to achieve. I also put at the end of each week " Was this Completed? Yes or No" to track my progress as the project goes on. It gives me motivation to finish each week's agenda because then I get to highlight "Yes". I made something that I know works for me and something that will help me be successful. I am going to check in with my schedule when I'm writing blogs and at the end of each week to make sure I am on track. I'll be back soon with information about my possible genre!