Group Meeting #1

    Hey Cambridge! Today in class, my teacher assigned us to groups with six other students, and we shared our ideas/plans and helped each other brainstorm anything we were missing. We had to discuss our story ideas, give feedback, and learn from each other's obstacles/problems. My group included my classmates Macie, Caeser, Gaby, Sofie, Kai, and Nicole. 

Macie was the 1st one to share her plot, which was a thriller opening. She was planning on having the main character as a janitor, who finds his frozen self in the freezer. But she had a few details she still needed to figure out still like where to film. She told us her dad said no to filming in their restaurant, so she didn't know what to do. I recommended she could film in the cafeteria, or she might have to adjust the plot a little bit. She also shared that when she was brainstorming, she came up with a brilliant idea of using a mad lib template (similar to the one below) to develop her storyline.

World's Greatest Research Tool. (n.d.). Survey Edition [Mad Libs worksheet]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.worldsgreatestresearchtool.com/madlibs-survey-edition (worldsgreatestresearchtool.com in Bing)

Next, Caeser shared that he was doing the thriller genre as well but, he couldn't think of a plot/storyline to portray. He was also missing citations on his blog, so our group recommended things he could get inspiration from and showed him how to correct the citations. I recommended that he should figure out what sub-genre of thriller he wants to do and watch films similar to it.

FilmFrame. (n.d.). Thriller subgenres with movie examples [Infographic]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.filmframe.com/thriller-subgenres-chart (filmframe.com in Bing)

After that, Sofie shared that she was doing a drama opening on a boy who runs track. It's going to be about his mental health problems and the struggles of being an athlete. She had mostly everything figured out, even her main character who was going to be her brother. Except for how to show the flashbacks, so I recommended she use color and make it black and white or very vibrant. She was going for an aesthetic of something like the picture below...

Marian Athletics. (2025). High school track meet [Photograph]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.marianathletics.org/photos/track-meet-2025 (marianathletics.org in Bing)

Then, Kai shared his thriller idea of three boys seeing something glowing in the parking lot. It's a good idea but he hadn't thought of everything, so I asked him how he was going to make the back glow and etc. He didn't know, so I recommended using a flashlight and colored tissue paper (similar to what's below) to add a tint of color.

County. (n.d.). Green tissue paper packaging [Product image]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.countycrafts.com/products/green-tissue-paper (countycrafts.com in Bing)

Afterwards, Nicole started talking about her Coming-of-Age genre (just like me!) and explaining the overall gist of what she wanted to do, sneaking out with friends and substance abuse. She just needed to think more in-depth and make decisions, so we recommended she do the mad lib approach.

The Diamond Luxury Rehab. (n.d.). Drug abuse and treatment overview [Promotional image]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.thediamondrehab.com/drug-abuse-info (thediamondrehab.com in Bing)

Lastly, Gaby went and she told us about her thriller opening. She wants to make a family that's grieving and can't see what's truly in front of them, which is an imposter. This is a really interesting idea but will be hard to film, so I asked her up until what point of the film is she going to record until and she realized she needed to discuss it more with her partner.

Innersloth. (2020). Among Us impostor reveal screen [Screenshot]. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.innersloth.com/game/among-us

Finally, this was really helpful for me because they were able to help me consolidate my ideas for a plot (I'll explain below), come up with a title, and see examples of their blogs/what I need to fix or add.

So now, my idea for my Coming-of-Age opening is going to be called "So over it." It will be about a girl who's been pushed past her breaking point and 'over it.' She's going to be hysterical and packing her things to run away. I'm going to use music, voiceovers, mise-en-scene like posters or make up to show her personality. So, the scene is going to go from her room to the stairs, front door, and finally her biking away. I have a really cheesy line for the end of the opening which will be "And that's how this story begins." This shows continuation and alludes to more that can happen. My classmates recommended that I show where she's running away to or give more information about it, so that will definitely be something I discuss with my teacher. My biggest inspiration for this opening is Lady Bird, especially the emotional aspect and realistic feel it uses which I previously analyzed.

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Blu-ray cover]. A24. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.a24films.com/films/lady-bird

Analyzed Coming-of-Age Credit Sequences

Hey Cambridge! Today I'm going to be analyzing Coming-of-Age films credit sequences. So, when I first started, I wasn't really sure what a credit sequence was but now that I've searched it up, I found out it's just the opening title when all the names appear. I also found out that typography is the design of the text like font, color, timing, and etc. Anyways, here's the website I used to get background info...

Heckmann, C. (2020, May 17). Movie opening credits: How to make a great title sequence. StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/movie-opening-credits/

So now, here are three Coming-of-Age credit sequences I analyzed.

Legally Blonde (2001):

Legally Blonde Opening Credits. (2019, July 22). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbpy7tIedKY

The opening credit sequence was very immersive. It immediately starts with an upbeat song, a barbie-like font, and her blonde hair being brushed. They used a lot of warm lighting, pink colors, and close-ups of Elle's morning routine, applying her lip-gloss, to show her world. So, far we can already tell she's very feminine. The typography (vocab word!) has a handwritten/cursive look. It's white with an outline of pink which matches her personality. 

MGM Studios. (2001). Close-up of Elle Woods brushing her hair with the “Legally Blonde” title overlaid in pink cursive font [Film still]. Legally Blonde. 

The Edge of Seventeen (2016):

The Edge of Seventeen – Opening Scene. (2016, November 14). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMMrp4-zOJE

This movie begins with showing the main character Nadine rushing into school very stressed. It also has fast-paced music playing in the background which adds to the stressful mood. The lighting is very natural which makes it look like a "typical school morning." Aswell as the camera focusing on her face a lot so we can see how nervous she is. Also, the typography is very simple which fits the film's realistic teenage mood. 

STX Entertainment. (2016). Nadine walking down steps in a park during autumn, wearing a blue jacket and orange skirt [Film still]. The Edge of Seventeen.

Eighth Grade (2018):

Eighth Grade – Opening Scene. (2018, May 1). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JEwSi_TjXI 

This movie begins with Kayla's phone playing music and waking her up. The song is very upbeat and happy which contrasts with the mood of her room which is very dark and she looks super tired. Next, she's putting on makeup while watching a tutorial (the one below) and she looks very awkward and like unsure if she's doing the steps right. The typography is super simple, it's just plain white, and it's shown in the bottom left kind in a small text size. This helps immerse the audience into the movie and also kind of show how insecure she is in her life.

A24 and IAC Films. (2018). Laptop screen showing a YouTube makeup tutorial titled “Everyday Makeup Tutorial” with Kayla watching [Film still]. Eighth Grade. 

How do I develop lighting schemes?

Hi Cambridge! I've been having trouble, making decisions about what to use for my project, and one of the things I need to decide is the type of lighting I want to use in my opening, so today I researched all the methods I can use in my Coming-of-Age genre.

So, in the Coming-of-Age genre, lighting is very important because it helps establish the tone, show how the character is feeling, and make things more realistic. Here are some of the most commonly used techniques...

Natural Lighting: When you use sunlight in a scene to make it have a more 'everyday' feel.

- If I use this technique, I would have to film outside during the day, turn off any overhead lights, and uses a sheet to lessen how sharp the sun is.

One example of this being used is in Lady Bird (2017) when she's sitting on the hotel bed.

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Film]. A24.

Soft Lighting: Spread out light that creates light shadows and makes a nostalgic tone.

- If I use this technique, I would have to put a cloth over a lamp and put the lamp in a corner so it bounces off the walls.

One example of this being used is in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) when they are driving through the tunnel.

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film]. Summit Entertainment.

High-key Lighting: Using bright lighting to create the least amount of shadows and make it feel open.

- If I use this technique, I would have to use multiple lights and film in a room with white walls.

One example of this being used is in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) after Harry dies.

Yates, D. (Director). (2011). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 [Film]. Warner Bros.

Low-key Lighting: Darker lighting with strong shadows that's used for emotional or tense moments.

- If I use this technique, I would have to turn off the lights, use a lamp as the key light, and keep the background darker than the subject.

One example of this being used is in The Hunger Games (2012) after Rue dies.

Ross, G. (Director). (2012). The Hunger Games [Film]. Lionsgate.

Backlighting: When light is placed behind the subject to create a glow or outline.

- If I use this technique, I would have to put my actor in front of a window and shoot it from a good angle where the light comes in to make an outline. 

One example of this being used is in Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Davis, J. (Creator). (2011–2017). Teen Wolf [TV series]. MTV.

Motivated Lighting: Lighting that looks like it comes from a real source in the scene.

- If I use this technique, I would have to use a prop and add a hidden light to increase its shine.

One example of this being used is in Eighth Grade (2018) when Kayla is laying on her bed.

Burnham, B. (Director). (2018). Eighth Grade [Film]. A24.

Here's a little trial photo of me testing out the soft lighting technique on one of my stuffed animals. I covered the lamp with a tissue and the light bounced off the wall and the desk.

Resources:

Provost, R. (2025, April 25). Film lighting — The ultimate guide (w/ video & cheatsheet). StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-lighting/

MasterClass. (2021, August 23). Film 101: Understanding film lighting. MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-understanding-film-lighting

Roberts, E. (2023, December 14). Film lighting, explained: Techniques, advice, and examples. Backstage. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/film-lighting-techniques-76277/

Project Schedule!

Hi Cambridge, to prepare for the portfolio project, I'm going to be making a schedule so I can stay organized and never be overwhelmed throughout these next 8 weeks (hopefully)!

Before I divide things up into each week, I wanted to have an outline of what I have to do for this assignment. First, I need to research Coming-of-Age film openings and focus on how they introduce things like characters and the story. Then, I have to plan the plot, the script, the storyboard, the locations, the actors, and any sound elements I need. After that, I have to film, record any audio I need, and get all the footage I need. Next, I have to edit a rough draft, add my titles and credits, and fix any sound parts. Finally, I have to revise everything and create my CCR.

So, with all of that, here's my schedule...

Week One (1/16–1/23): 3 Blog Posts

- Choose a genre and study openings

- Research key conventions I might use

- Brainstorm ideas for opening

- Create notes for characters and setting

Week Two (1/26–2/1): 4 Blog Posts

- In‑depth research into Coming-of-Age openings

- Study structure of real title sequences

- Finalize style and plot of my opening

- Make my project schedule

Week Three (2/2–2/8): 4 Blog Posts

- Write the script for my opening

- Create a storyboard for every shot

- Make a list props, wardrobe, and other mise‑en‑scene elements I’ll need

Week Four (2/9–2/15): 4 Blog Posts

- Finalize characters, locations, actors, and filming dates

- Get all of costumes, props, setting, and lighting organized

- Plan audio parts like voiceovers and foley ideas

Week Five (2/16–2/22): 4 Blog Posts

- Film scenes and any extra ones

- Record foley and voiceover sounds

- Create my production company logo

- Re‑shoot anything that didn’t work

Week Six (2/23–3/1): 4 Blog Posts

- Edit the rough draft together

- Add production company logo and all the required credits

- Add music, sync audio, and adjust volume

Week Seven (3/2–3/8): 4 Blog Posts

- Re‑edit scenes that need to flow better

- Fix any audio issues or re‑record if needed

- Be completed with the final film opening

- Start CCR planning and research

Week Eight (3/9–3/17): 4 Blog Posts

- Film/record CCR

- Edit CCR and finalize visuals and audio

- Double‑check film opening (titles, credits, sound, pacing)

- Upload final film opening and CCR

- Complete final reflection and submit everything by 3/17

Reflection:

    This was very helpful for me to plan out and hopefully it'll help me throughout the project. I also created a calendar template on Canva that I printed out, and I've been writing down what I do each day to keep track. So, here's image of the template if you want to see. I color-coded it with my school calendar so it's even more efficient.

Canva. (2024). Canva [Software]. Canva. https://www.canva.com

Analyzed Coming‑of‑Age Film Openings

Hey Cambridge, over the weekend, I finally decided which genre I want to use in my portfolio project... Coming-of-Age! So, now that I have that decided, I'm going to start researching more openings! I'm going to watch the first 2 minutes and analyze what techniques they use.

Mean Girls (2004):

Paramount Pictures. (2004). Mean Girls [Film still]. Paramount Pictures.

At the very beginning, we see the Paramount logo, then a black screen showing "Paramount Pictures Presents," the producer credited, and Lindsey Lohan's name.

The first shot is a close-up of Cady's parents speaking right to the camera and saying things like "you can ask the big kids" which are typical words for a little kid's 1st day of school. The twist is then revealed when we see Cady for the 1st time, and we realize she's a teenager, and it creates a humorous tone. Her parents are dressed like typical parents and holding a paper bag as a prop. Cady is also in a normal teen looking outfit.

The film then continues with Cady's voiceover and mid-shots of her in Africa while she explains she's home-schooled. These shots have natural and warm lighting to make it seem realistic. We also get to see medium shots of stereotypical homeschooled kids whether they're "freaks" or "weirdly religious" which contrasts with visuals of her in Africa with different animals.

Next, she's dropped off at school and non-diegetic music is added to make it seem more chaotic and energetic. The tone shifts here because she's trying something new and unfamiliar.

So, after analyzing this movie, one technique I definitely want to use is a voiceover. It was a perfect was to give Cady's perspective on the move from home-schooled in Africa to high school.

Clueless (1995):

Paramount Pictures. (1995). Clueless [Film still]. Paramount Pictures.

At the very beginning, we see the Paramount logo, then a colorful screen showing "Paramount Pictures Presents," and the title of the movie. Aswell as some upbeat early-2000s band music playing in the background.

It starts with a lot of quick shots of teens driving in a jeep, all crowded together, and laughing a lot. There are palm trees in the background which helps the audience infer it's set in California. Then it cuts to Cher with lots of shopping bags, and after that, another cut to a fun pool party. These fast cuts make a 'montage' which shows us how social her life is.

Next, Cher's voiceover starts with her saying she has a "normal life for a teenage girl". This is super ironic because of how lavish her life is. We see her fancy computer that picks out outfits for her, which backs up how wealthy she is. 

Then, we get introduced to her father, who is a litigator. We see their expensive house and even them having a maid named Lucy. The camera shows Cher and her dad in the kitchen now in a tracking shot. They have mini disagreement about him having his vitamin C and her having to see her stepbrother.

So, after analyzing this movie, I really like the idea of making a 'montage' and having a lot of quick shots of her life to introduce the character.

10 Things I Hate About You

Touchstone Pictures. (1999). 10 Things I Hate About You [Film still]. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

The movie immediately starts with rock music playing over a black screen that introduces "Touchstone Pictures," followed by "Touchstone Pictures Presents" and the producer credit. The credits are all shown in a hand-drawn font which makes it feel less serious. Next, the film credits the main actors while the camera pans across different parts of Seattle.

Then, we see a group of girls in a Volkswagen, dancing to upbeat music and smiling as they're driving. But then, Kat pulls up in her car with song "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett blasting which makes the tone shift. There's a shot-reverse-shot between Kat and the girls of them all rolling their eyes at each other.

The credits are still going, and the movie transitions to the high school. The students are all doing different things which makes it look very realistic. The camera tilts upwards as Kat walks through the crowd. Her outfit is very alternative compared to everyone else. She also tears down a prom poster which reinforces her rebelliousness.

So, after analyzing this movie, I like how the music and costume choices highlighted Kat's differences from everyone else before she even says anything.

Reflection:

All in all, analyzing these three openings helped me understand how Coming-of-age films introduce the character, tone and setting. Also, this blog post really helped me practice looking for things to analyze like in the Media Text essay.

Transition into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

    Hi Cambridge! This week my teacher introduced the portfolio project, so from now on, all my blogs are focused on preparing, doing, and reflecting on my film opening. I'm super nervous to start because there are so many different genres and stories I could choose to portray. However, I'm excited to use everything I've learned this year and make an interesting opening. 

    To start preparing, during class we took notes and completed activities on a Nearpod about film openings. We learned about the different approaches filmmakers use to develop a purpose and watched a lot of openings to give us inspiration. Here are my notes below...

    So, connecting this back to my project, one approach I want to use for the opening is developing the character. This covers everything from posters in their room to the way they speak. I like the idea of showing subtle things to show the characters personality. For example, especially in the Coming-of-Age genre (I'm leaning towards using this genre for the project), their wardrobe can show their style/current identity, having an accent can show that they moved, and also their actions towards other characters can show their temperament. These tiny details help show the audience who the character is.

    Another approach I'm interested in is establishing the tone. We learned film makers do this through color, techniques, and lighting. For example, warm lighting and handheld filmed shots create a very nostalgic and memory type of feeling. So, if I were to do a Coming-of-Age film, I would use natural lighting, softer colors, and slower pacing to make it realistic. Here's an example from Gilmore Girls that would be my inspo.

Sherman‑Palladino, A. (2000). Gilmore Girls, Season 1 [TV series still]. Warner Bros. Television.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Coming-of-Age!

Coming-of-Age is a genre that focuses on a character growing up and learning something important. It portrays real-life situations. I chose to research this genre because it's relatable and easy to film with typical settings like school.

Typical Target Audience: 
Most Coming-of-Age films are made for teens and young adults from ages 12-25. The audience is split between males and females because the themes are enjoyable for both. People enjoy watching this genre because its personal, and the characters go through relatable things. 

 
Content Conventions: 
Coming-of-Age films usually follow a character who is dealing with a personal problem. They have a teen protagonist, personal problem, friendships changing or ending, family tension, and a turning point for the character. 

 
Technique Conventions: 

 

Typical camera shots:  
- Close-ups to show emotion

- Medium shots during conversations

- Natural lighting to make scenes realistic

- Wide shots of everyday location (bedrooms, hallways, parks)
 
Editing: 
- Slower pacing to match the emotional moments

- Cross-cutting between characters to show relationships

- Flashbacks or memory-style shots in some films

Sound: 
- Soft background music

- Indie or acoustic songs

- Silent scenes to increase the tension or awkwardness
 
Mise-en-scene: 
- Everyday clothing

- Realistic settings (schools, homes, cars)

- Personal items to show their personality (posters, journals, photos)
 
Institutional Conventions: 
 
Narrative Image: Coming-of-Age posters usually include the main character alone or with a friend, a simple background, soft colors, and soft lighting. 

 
Marketing: Studios market these films by highlighting the emotional moments, character relationships, relatable situations, and popular songs from the soundtrack. 
 
Distribution: These films usually premiere at festivals, but they also do well on streaming platforms since audiences enjoy watching story-based films at home. 
 
Here's a few examples with the movies The Edge of Seventeen and Call Me By Your Name:

The Edge of Seventeen | Official Trailer | Own it Now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ & DVD

STX Entertainment. (2016). The Edge of Seventeen – Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube.

Sony Pictures Classics. (2017). Call Me By Your Name [Movie poster].

 
Examples of Films: 
 
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): 
This is a very popular Coming-of-Age movie. It follows Charlie, who's a shy freshman dealing with trauma, friendship, and finding his place in high school. The movie uses soft lighting, close-ups, and emotional music to portray his feelings. 

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film still]. Summit Entertainment. 
 
Lady Bird (2017): 
This movie focuses on a teenage girl who is trying to figure out who she is. She has to juggle fights with her mom, school, and friendships. The film uses natural lighting, everyday settings, and realistic dialogue to make everything feel authentic. 

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Film still]. A24. 

  
Reflection: 
I chose Coming-of-Age as one of my genres to research because it's very realistic and personal. I like how it focuses on the small moments because for my project I would be able to mimic it. If I use this genre, it'll be hard to make the script well but I'm excited try out the other techniques like lighting to convey the character's feelings. All in all, that's why I chose to research Coming-of-Age.