Starting the Editing Process

 I wanted to start the editing process immediately after filming. I wanted to make sure I'd have some time for some mock trial activities I had soon. I knew that I wanted to edit it on iMovie because it had worked for me before. Before I started editing, I made a list of things that I wanted to do. This to-do list would keep me on track. One of the most important parts of editing comes after the interrogation scene. Here I wanted to display the investigator going insane. I first questioned how I would do that? I took some inspiration from past opening sequences that I watched before. They generally use a lot of non-diegetic sounds, but they are extremely specific. Most of these sounds have connotations with, of course, going insane. Cuckoo clocks, loud sounds, heartbeats, and inaudible whispering, are all examples. I chose to go with heart beating because I believe that suited the scene the most. It wasn't too outlandish, like a cuckoo clock, but added just the right amount of tension. It fit well, the heartbeat would make the scene feel tense, then the outburst from the detective would be a release. I screen recorded a royalty-free sound of a heartbeat, then cut it down to the same amount of time as the clip. Then I inserted the video as an audio file only so it would play over the movie. This took a couple of tries as it kept going in as a video and not as an audio file. Eventually, I got sick of it and used a video to mp3 converter. Imovie is compatible with mp3 files so it allowed it to go over the movie. I then sent it to my groupmates to review.

Wrapping Up Filming (Hopefully)

      This filming day was planned for the 27th and 11:45 AM. I suggested 11;45 AM just so my group would have extra time to change into costume and do makeup. More specifically my makeup, as the scenes we needed were all mine. I wanted to make sure we had enough time considering our time constraints. That time constraint was 5 PM as one of my groupmates had to go to work. I arrived at the filming location with my costume already on and had my makeup done immediately. This time I asked for my makeup to be simpler, not as complex as the last filming day. I thought it would be useless as any close-up shots, or the mugshot of myself was done. The audience wouldn't notice the intricate makeup anyway. So, I settled for one simple black eye. I ended up wearing a sweater over it because we needed to drive to the park to reshoot a couple of scenes. Of course wearing a bloodied shirt, fake or not, in public is asking for trouble. I filmed the scene that needed reshooting, since I wrote the script I had an idea of what I wanted this final scene to convey. Then it came time for my scenes, all I really had to do was bawl and respond to the investigators. I probably could have gotten more into character beyond that, but most scenes focused on the investigator's reaction anyway. After filming all my scenes, I checked the final results and they got my stamp of approval. Be
fore leaving I agreed that I'd help in the editing process.

Beginning to Film My Scenes

      When my group arrived back from the park, I suggested we start working on my costume. I went into the bathroom and changed from my mock trial clothes into the ones I planned to wear. My costume was a plain white tee-shirt and sweatpants. I chose this because I wanted it to seem like I was woken up, unexpectedly, from sleep. Basically, I thought the pajamas would add an interesting element to whether I was guilty or not. After changing into my costume, I went outside to where my groupmates were waiting for me. The plan was to cover me in fake blood, not completely, but a believable amount. I stood in a T-pose while spinning as my members flicked fake blood onto me. I started to have fun with it and suggested they put bloody handprints on my shirt as well. Finally, I put some on my face and arms and I was ready to go. Before filming my scenes, I got my photo taken in a dark room with a flash on while holding a piece of paper. This was to mimic a mugshot, and I think it came out really well.

     Since we were running out of time to film we decided to just do my first couple of scenes. This was comprised of me sitting at an investigation table while crying. The detectives would walk in, and show some of the opening sequence words on the files they gave to me. It was a little awkward for me since I had to fake cry for 30 minutes straight, I decided I would have to deal with this so the scene had diegetic sound. After we were done filming for our first time, and our next date filming would be the 27th.

     

The First Day of Filming

 I awoke on Saturday, the 12th, and knew it would be the first filming day. Although, I did have some scheduling issues with that day. I had a mock trial practice (a full-on dress rehearsal) from 9:30 am to 12:30 am. The issue was, my group all planned to meet at 12:30 am. I conversed will all of them, and they were all fine that I would be a little late. I told them it would be a good idea to film the scenes that didn't have me in them. This was they wouldn't completely be wasting time waiting for me to arrive. I was a little nervous as mock trial practices have a tendency to run overtime, by a lot.

     My anxiety was right, the meeting had run late and I showed up at 2:30, way later than planned. However, upon arrival, everything seemed to be running just fine. I was told that they had just finished filming the scenes without me, so I came just on time. My group all got in the car and drove to the park to film the final scenes. I noticed it was about to rain so I ushered everyone to hurry up. I recorded the two final scenes as the storm started to roll in. Just as I hit the 'stop' button, it started pouring all over us. I decided that next time I film a media project, I should look at the weather forecast. My group arrived back at one of my members' house, and I knew it was finally time to record my scenes.

Creating Our Own Soundtrack

      I realized that the music for this opening sequence is vital. As the first filming day got pushed back, I had a lot of time to think. Most of that was spent on what music would be used. I first thought there were a lot of options music wise. As time went on, that became less apparent. I ultimately knew two ways to include music within the opening sequence. The first was by far the easiest and most accessible option. I could find a royalty free track, so I wouldn't have to deal with copyright. Issue was, most royalty free tracks were not high quality. Even the "scary" or "mysterious" ones did not live up to the name. They were so low quality, they were almost comedic. Those sounds would for sure not fit the tone of the opening sequence. The second option was to find a song, and send emails asking permission to use the song. However, that would be a very long process and I wouldn't be sure they would get back to me on time. I decided before I did that, I should ask my group mates. Turns out, most of the research was void. Of course other than they few sound effects I found that could be used. One of my groupmates' had already been working on making music for the opening sequence. I clicked on the audio file and was immediately satisfied. This is definitively what I going to use in the opening sequence.

A Change of Plans

      My group originally decided to have our first filming day on the 27th of Sunday. At least, that was the original plan. Before, it looked so obvious to me this would be the perfect day to film. The filming location would be completely empty. That filming location was one of my groupmates' houses. The reason why that's relevant is that their parents would not be home. Therefore, It would make it easier, at least for me, to film. Especially considering some scenes can get really loud and intense. Additionally, it originally fit within all of our schedules. All four of my groupmates' could make it, but some factors got in the way for all of us. The prior week was especially busy for all of us. Tons of homework, tons of studying, and a lot more where that came from. It became increasingly more and more obvious that all of us would be booked for the weekend. However, what needed to be settled is, what would I do about it. I decided to ask everyone if they really think they could make it. The answer, including mine, was unanimous; no. I was not stressed, I went into this project wanting to learn how to roll with the punches. This was a good opportunity to do so. I asked everyone when they would want to reschedule. My group came to the decision that we should reschedule for next Saturday. 

Storyboarding Mystery Opening Sequence

 Scene 1- Our establishing show shows investigator 1 in a medium shot at eye level. Diegetic office sounds are heard INV 1 has to make upon to make them look tired. The actor is dressed in semi-professional clothing. 

Scene 2- INV 1 is then seen in an over-the-shoulder shot showing multiple files thrown over a desk. Acting seems like they are stressed and working hard. Diegetic Sounds can still be heard from the “office.” The lighting is very bright within the office. 

Scene 3- INV 1 is shown from a close-up, low-angle shot kicking a file desk harshly and angrily.  

Scene 4- The shot cuts to a close-up of INV looking at a crime case file with a sign that appears later in scenes. Slowly zooming into it.  

Scene 5- The camera pans to a side profile of INV. A voiceover is used to say “I can't be crazy” 

Scene 6- We then use a shot-reverse-shot to display a conversation between INV 1 and 2 in their office setting. They are both dressed as semi-professional investigators.  

Scene 7- This ends with an over-the-shoulder shot/medium long shot, where INV 2 hands INV 1 a new case file. INV 2 seems very uptight, and angry; she walks off into a room. 

Scene 8- In a long shot, INV 1 walks into the room finding INV 2 staring at a caser bored filled with connecting dots. 

Scene 9- There's a tracking shot of the two INV following them from the chest up with short dialogue. The lighting is dark to emulate a sort of mysteriousness. Ominous music is used here. 

Scene 10- A close-up shot of INV 1 with a voice-over simulating an inner monologue. Her face is blank, objective, no one can see what Shes thinking. 

Scene 11- The camera will be a close-up of Investigator 1, as they turn around and close the door of the investigation room. When she closes the door, it will look like it slams in front of the camera's ‘’face’’. 

Scene 12- The camera will dissolve into the next part where Daniel will be seen. He will be sitting at the table while investigators 1 and 2 slap a file down at the same time. He will be shown at a high angle to symbolize a power imbalance. 

Scene 13- The camera will now show the investigators at a high angle from Daniels' POV. Daniel is still at the table and starts to get overwhelmed. He cries and says ‘’I did not do it!!’’ while the investigators are standing. 

Scene 14- Both investigators sit down, and investigator 2 looks through the files to search for clues and evidence. They will show titles like producer, editing, etc here 

Scene 15- A close-up shot between INV 2 and Daniel. INV 2 is acting sweetly. Daniel is tired and stressed makeup is used to portray this. Dialogue between the two characters ensues.  

Scene 16- Scene 17- Close up shot of INV 2 hand grabbing Daniels, then a low angle of INV 2 face; “then help me find out who killed her” 

Scene 18-Pov shot of INV 1 spotting the same sign the spotted earlier 

Scene 19- Investigator 1 sees the symbol in the file multiple times, as the interview continues, and she gets very frantic, showcased in an extreme close up of their eyes 

Scene 20- Tracking shot of Investigator 1 stomps over and slams the file down on the table. She grabs Daniel’s collar and says angrily ‘’ What do they mean!’’. 

Scene 21- A tracking shot shows INV 2 standing up to pull INV 1 off Daniel. She pushes INV 1 out the door. 

Scene 22- In an over-the-shoulder shot, INV 2 takes INV 1 outside, and shoves coffee into her hands. INV 2 says to INV 1 “Oh my god, what is wrong with you, someone died! This is not one of your conspiracy theories. Get it together.” 

Scene 23- IN a two-shot, INV 2 leaves INV 1 outside. When she walks through the door, she slams the door, hard. 

Scene 24- Jump cut to INV 1 sits down on an empty bench, sipping the coffee by themself, a medium close-up shot of their face. 

Scene 25- A stranger approaches and sits next to INV 1, the camera zooms out to show their figure slightly, she takes a cigarette out. 

Scene 26- INV 1 takes out her own cigarette, turns to the stranger, and asks, “can I get a light?” 

Scene 27- the stranger proceeds to hand over the lighter, the camera zooms in to show it engraved with the same modus operandi that INV 1 notices all day, the camera will become canted.  

Scene 28- The camera then shows a long shot to a tilt slowly up  

Scene 29- Slowly, the sky fades out into the darkness from the bottom up. Non-diegetic sound can be heard as mystery-type music from the soundtrack plays. 

Scene 30- For the end of the opening, the sky will do a fade out. The opening credits will start to show. (Directed by)