Critical Reflection Research

HAPPY FRIDAY!

So, we are considerable behind on our filming considering we haven't interviewed the star of the episode and I'm stressed, blog. We have all had so many conflicts and issues, mainly relating to health, during these past couple of weeks, so it's been hard to get together, but I am trying to stay calm and confident in our project. 

Since I can't show you any new film and I have already thoroughly planned the doc, I figured I'd do the next best thing... research for the critical reflection!

From TStok... Critical Reflection

Candidates must write an evaluative essay of around 1000 words. This critical reflection of their work should be guided by the following compulsory questions:

• 1. How do your products represent social groups or issues?

• 2. How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

• 3. How do your products engage with the audience?

• 4. How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

1. Our main topic is uplifting immigrant stories, so we know how our product represents social groups... 

Our product has two target audiences: the main is people who immigrated to the US in hopes of better opportunities, and the second is natural born US citizens. Our doc being produced in the United States is important as the US has the highest number of immigrants in the world. We know that people from foreign countries/ cultures are subject to prejudice, so our product presents immigrants in a positive light, hoping to help break this harmful habit. 

2. To show how the elements of our production showcase a sense of branding, I wanted to take a look at a project I did earlier in the year, the Brand Identity Project. The most important element of this project was the brand identity prism, shown on slide 3.

Slide 3:

Slide 3 Script:

For the brand identity prism, I wanted to focus specifically on self-image, reflection, relationship, and physique. My brand sees itself creative, helpful, and encouraging which is why our reflection is based on people who have a growth mentality. In order for the brand to achieve its purpose of helping people build up, it needs to target people who want to grow. Through our willingness to help, we create a close relationship with our consumers. Additionally, the blue, green tones because green represents growth. stricter lines with a little occasional curve

Personality: simple, modern

Relationship: close to consumers, willingness to help

Culture: honesty, connection, communication

Reflection: people who have a growth mentality

Self-image: creative, helpful, encouraging

What each element means:

I figured I could use the elements of the prism to showcase our portfolio project's sense of branding.

Physique: blue, global, bold

Personality: happy, resilient, outgoing, curious

Relationship: close, family, open

Culture: social causes, connection

Reflection: families, business owners, immigrants

Self-image: empathetic, encouraging

I believe these elements match well with our social media, magazine article, and documentary.

3. Engaging with audiences

source: https://amt-lab.org/blog/2021/1/surveys-interviews-and-recommendations-for-documentary-distribution

Since "Make it Happen" is a documentary based on immigrant stories, it has a relatively small target audience as it falls under the cultural/ societal. Although episodic documentaries are the preferred format amongst viewers in the United States, only 20.3% of people ages 19-29 and 11.10% of people ages 30-45 prefer cultural/ societal documentaries. Young adults watch cultural/ societal documentaries as they tend to provide educational and informative content while providing real-life stories that shed light on foreign experiences. The target age range for "Make it Happen" is 18-40. Viewers of this piece would either be immigrants, social activists, or people looking to expand their world view. It is meant to help audiences stay informed on social issues and challenge their previous beliefs about certain cultures.

4. How research informed our products and the way they use/ challenge conventions:

This question has been answered through a series of blog posts all relating to the research behind each component: the doc, the magazine, and the social media. I will link them below. Feel free to take a look!

Doc: https://marianasmediablogperiod4.blogspot.com/2024/02/genre-refresh.html and https://marianasmediablogperiod4.blogspot.com/2023/12/back-and-better-than-ever.html

Magazine: https://marianasmediablogperiod4.blogspot.com/2024/03/print-component-research.html

Social Media: https://marianasmediablogperiod4.blogspot.com/2024/02/social-media.html

Alrighty, that took quite some time, but I feel so much more prepared for the critical reflection! See you Monday ;)

Making the Magazine Article

Hey everyone!

Today I decided it was time to put together the magazine article! Let's take a look at the process:

First draft of the format (one paragraph has been copied and pasted throughout the article)

I added the name of our documentary/ magazine to the top of the page

I changed the heading to "Gone Global," added a subheading, took away the pull quote, and added content to the magazine

I added a line at the end of the article

I added a frame to the entire article

My favorites are the last two. I am unsure if I want the full frame or just the top and the bottom framed, but I'm leaning toward the top and bottom frame. Please let me know what you guys think by commenting down below. I will do one more magazine article update. It will have the picture of Javier and show the completed magazine. Stay tuned!!

Logo Designs

Hey everyone!

We wanted to focus more on the design of our Facebook page, so we decided to make a new logo that we felt fit the documentary better. I didn't love the old theme; it felt too patriotic. Here is what we’ve got so far:

Option #1

Option #2

I really like this one. It’s option #3. 

Option #4

And I like this one. It’s option #5. 

We made these while we were at the office filming Isa’s interviews. Here’s a pic! 

After careful consideration, we chose option #3. I hope you guys like the new logo!! Make sure to look on our Facebook to check it out! Here's a sneak peak:

Filming with Isa!

HAPPY FRIDAYY!

WE GOT TO FILM ISA’S INTERVIEW!!

Isa was feeling awkward talking during the interviews which made it hard for her to speak naturally. This picture is of her after having messed up while speaking for the millionth time. Why this picture, though? Well this time she was so frustrated that she flipped me off! This picture caught her halfway to the act. 

Anyway, enjoy this blooper of Isa calling Lucas a dog!

This is a clip of Isa closing up after we had finished filming. It was really dark out and pouring rain, but we had fun. 

We’re going to film our interview with Javier very soon! He had to go to a dinner today. He thought he would have time to film with us, but he ended up not being able to. We’re running short on time, but we’re hoping we get to interview him soon..

Best Video Editing?

Hey everyone!

Over the course of the past 2 years, I have used 3 editing softwares: DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, and Adobe Premiere Pro. I’m weighing the pros and cons of each before deciding which to use for this project. 

This Zapier article ranks Adobe Premiere Pro as the best, DaVinci Resolve as the second best, and iMovie as the last. The article provides a chart explaining what each software is best for, it's standout feature, and the price. Here it is:

I like that DaVinci has a generous free option and has two different workflows for editing, so I am considering it as an option. Throughout my experience using it, I have noticed it crashes and freezes less than Adobe Premiere Pro which is a definite pro. However, Adobe Premiere Pro had everything one could possibly need in a video editor. iMovie is simple to use, but it's too simple, and it is ranked last, so I'm removing that as an option.

DaVinci Resolve vs. Adobe Premiere Pro

Redress Compliance states that Adobe Premiere Pro is better for extensive collaboration while DaVinci is favored for its advanced color grading. Since this is a group project, Adobe Premiere Pro's collaboration feature has won me over. I would love for us to all collaborate on the editing, even though Lucas will be taking the lead.

CHOSEN SOFTWARE: Adobe Premiere Pro

Once we finish filming this Friday, we’re going to spend spring break editing (next week). Updates coming soon!

Magazine Spread

Hey everyone!

I wanted to start working on the article for the magazine spread alongside the design, but our class got cut short, so I was only able to start the design. I chose the format and fonts that I wanted. Here is what I have done so far.

I decided on the font "Atkinson Hyperlegible." I really like how the drop cap looked in this font. It also feels professional, but still a little fun.

As for the picture, I want to do a picture of just Javier in professional dress. Unlike this picture, he would be facing the camera directly a little more. If that didn't make sense, no worries, I'll show you all soon enough.

This is Bia. She’s the girl from the picture. She’s in my media class and she’s doing a great job with her project. Go check it out! Here is her blog link: Bia’s blog. 

Since I was already looking at fonts, I figured I might as well look at some for the title, "Make it Happen."

I was between “Gotham” and “League Spartan.” I decided on "League Spartan," it looks longer than "Gotham" which I liked, but it was still very bold and good for our title.

I added the "shadow" effect with 16 offset, 6 blur, and 55 transparency. It made a slight difference yet noticeable difference, and I liked it better than the original effect settings. It make the font look more bold while lifting it from the page.

Stay tuned for filming this Friday!! Bye blog!

Filming B-roll

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Our subject for this episode of "Make it Happen" is back from his business trip to Venezuela, soooo we can start filming! Here are some clips:

This clip looks at the door for his office building. It is meant to showcase the name of his company, “Sumiflex.”

This clip is a time lapse of Javier working. It’ll make good b-roll for when he talks about his companies successes. 

Filming went very smoothly. Javier is so kind and great to work with! He was pretty tired from his trip, so we couldn’t get too much content, but we are excited to start filming the interviews with him and Isa next week!

Next Week Filming Schedule (Updated):

1. Thursday (early release from school): On Thursday, we’re going to be focusing on Javier’s and Isa’s interviews. 

2. Friday (no school): On Friday, we’re going to look over footage, decide if we want to film more b-roll/ interviews, and start piecing together the doc. Video editing software researching coming soon!

Life Updates:

Blog, I am excited to keep progressing with this project, but it has been a WEEK for us..

Soo that's Lucas and me, both injured...

If you're wondering what happened, Lucas tore his ACL. As for me, I got into a dangerous sword fight, my toe was violently slashed by my opponent as I went to kick him. I was able to take him out, but not without my tragic injury... well at least that's what Tstok told me I should say...

Anywayy, I hope you enjoyed this weeks updates! See you all on Monday and stay tuned for our magazine layout ideas! I'm exciteddd!!

Making it Happen

Hey everyone! Let's make it happen!

We wanted to make sure we got some film to you soon, so we followed up with Javier to see how his business trip was going and when he will be back. He is coming back tonight and wants to film with us Friday!! I'm so excited!

We plan to film mainly b-roll on Friday since he said he does not have too much time, but we decided to spend our class time preparing interview questions just in case. We're ready to move from planning to production and this was our final task.

We have had trouble with our interview questions in the past; not making them open-ended enough, so we're going to try to keep that in mind.

Interview Questions

Major topics: Resilience, success, expansion

Javier's questions:

1. Can you share with us the journey of how Sumiflex came to be? What were some of the key challenges you faced along the way?

2. Could you describe an important moment in Sumiflex's history that tested your resilience as a business owner and how did you overcome it?

3. What do you believe sets Sumiflex apart from other businesses in the industry and how have you maintained a competitive edge?

4. Can you share a story of a rewarding moment you have experienced as the owner of Sumiflex?

5. How do you balance your personal and work life as a business owner, especially as a father of two kids?

6. Do you see Sumiflex expanding? What are your plans for the future?

7. Do you have any advice you would like to give aspiring Latin-American entrepreneurs, especially those facing similar challenges to you?

Isa's questions:

1. Growing up, how did you see your father navigate the challenges of being an entrepreneur? Were there any specific moments that left an imprint on you?

2. What role do you think resilience played in your fathers personal and professional success?

3. As his daughter, what do you think motivates Javier to expand Sumiflex?

4. What are some of the lessons you have learned from watching your father navigate his business?

I’m excited to see how Isa answers that last question. I know she has her own dog walking business and I think it’d be really nice to find out her father inspired her business venture. Here are pictures from her dog walking Insta:

Anyway, comment if you like the interview questions or if you have suggestions on how to improve them! Thanks so much guys!

See you all Friday! AND GO LOOK AT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

Print Component Research

Hey everyone! 

Today we are going to be looking at the print component for the A-Level Portfolio Project. It's a magazine spread! I started off by looking at magazine article conventions! This link was super helpful: Conventions.

Magazine Conventions:

- Headings

- Sub-headings

- Composition: grid structures, balance, use of white space, lead in, drop cap, pull quote

- Page numbering

- Design elements: color, graphics, engaging layout for target audience (TA)

- Text, Image, Graphics: combined, they are meant to create meaning for the TA

I also wanted to take a look at two professional examples to get inspired:

VOGUE MAGAZINE

Seeing Double

Summary of content: Vicki Woods found an undereye cream that works miracles to rejuvenate skin.

Analysis of techniques:

- Headline: The mirror effect worked really well with the concept of "Seeing Double." It also helped make the image stand out more.

- Lead in: Very engaging. Poses an interesting question about getting rid of eye bags and features subject, Vicki Woods.

- Drop cap: The drop cap fit the headline perfectly. It did not use the same effect (which is good otherwise it would have been too much), but still caught my attention and fit the theme. However, I think it was too big. I don't think the drop cap should be larger than the headline.

- Composition: There is a very clean layout. There is only one picture, and it takes up the entire second page, while the first page is mainly content. I would have liked to see a pull quote to help engage the audience.

- Page numbering: Bottom left corner.

- Design elements: The magazine layout worked well for Vogue's TA. Vogue is a fashion magazine for beauty enthusiasts. Clean layouts and dull colors are very "in."

How this example has inspired me: 

I really like the clean layout of this magazine. It has a very professional feel to it, despite the funky font and picture. I feel that the clean layout will appeal to my TA: Latin-Americans around age 38. 

I like that the picture on the second page had a solid background, it allowed more focus on the subject. For my second page, I want to have a picture of all of the Latin-Americans that will be featured in Season 1 of my episodic documentary.

What really caught my eye about this piece was the font and mirror effect that they used for "Seeing Double." I thought it was really creative, and if it fits the theme, I will definitely use an eye-catching and effect font like this one. The drop cap also fit the headline perfectly while being slightly different, I will keep this in mind when choosing my drop cap.

FORBES MAGAZINE

30 under 30

Summary of content: Forbes' 30 under 30 section recognizes young innovators working to change the world. In this article, the criteria for the 30 under 30 list is shown, alongside recognizes the judges and some of the young innovators themselves.

Analysis of techniques:

- Headline: Bold. 30 under 30 is a yearly feature in Forbes, and a huge honor, so the bold nature of the title is important.

-Sub-heading: above the heading, short, yet informative.

- Drop cap: Smaller drop cap than in Vogue. I like this one more. It leads you into the story without being too aggressive. 

- Composition: Forbes does not have as clean a layout as Vogue. It is more dynamic and will draw the attention of their TA, entrepreneurs and businessowners. There is the meat of the article, a "Criteria" section, an "Our expert judges" section, and a page dedicated to some of the 30 under 30 list with descriptions. This is more captivating for readers.

- Design elements: Forbes main colors are red, black, and blue, which was very apparent through this article. I especially liked the red background for the image, it made the subjects pop. I also liked that the judge section had images of the judges, it made the section more engaging. The red box wrapping the subheading matches well with the red background on the next page and I love the frame the first page has.

How this example has inspired me:

I really like the layout of this Forbes article. I will definitely be using a solid background and dedicating an entire page to our Latin-American subjects. I like that there is a sub-heading and that it is wrapped in the same color as the solid background on the following page, if we incorporate a subheading, it will look similar to this one. I also like that the "Criteria" section has bullets, we may also incorporate this, so that there is more than just a large body of text. Overall, I believe our magazine spread will more closely resemble Forbes but will have elements from Vogue as well.

Story board

Hey everyone, HAPPY FRIDAY!

Here is the long awaited story board!

Story board

On the first slide, we will present the title, "Make It Happen." Then we will introduce our subject and his daughter, Isa. We will show her interview and her point of view of her father's business success. We will also include b-roll over the interview. The interviews with Javier will show how his company has progressed and the skills he has developed as a business owner.

We had a lot of fun making the story board during class. We wanted to show resilience, success, and expansion within the excerpt. I thought it might be too much, but I think we did a good job.

Stay tuned for filming next Friday and follow our Facebook for updates!!

UNITE- Group Feedback

Hey everyone! 

This week, T-Stok, our advisor, thought it would be a fun to break our class up into groups and discuss our projects. We talked about what we had planned, what we liked about each idea, what we didn't like, and so much more. I'm going to tell you guys about the most insightful feedback I got, but first, here's the team!

It was so fun working with them! Our goal was to be able to give everyone feedback, so we gave everyone 15 minutes, and if we had more to say, we had an opportunity to add on at the end. We also exchanged numbers to get further feedback later, if we wanted it!

Storyboard

Most of the group had at least started their storyboard, so we really need to get on that. We weren't able to get feedback about shots and composition as we did not have a story board ready :/, but it's okay they really liked the topic of immigrant stories and the idea for our episode being about a Hispanic business owners success.

Outline

Since we didn't have a storyboard, I used our outline to guide the group through the documentary. They really liked the outline, but they were a little confused. Since most of them are doing a short film, they didn't understand that this was just an excerpt of the documentary, so it felt incomplete... but it's supposed to be. Besides that they felt the main topics of resilience, success, and expansion were well thought out, but they thought the expansion topic would be a good place to end the episode. I agree honestly, so this excerpt is probably not going to be near the end, but going to be the actual end of the episode.

View outline here.

Voiceover

Danny thought it would be super important to include a voice over in our documentary to move the story along better, but I feel that the direct interviews will do that as the subjects are a father and a daughter, so the interviews will be very insightful. The council (also known as Isa, Lucas, and I) will take this into consideration, but we aren't really feeling it. There's no harm in giving it a shot, but it'll be something we think upon further as we create our storyboard!

I hope you guys enjoyed this insight into our group meeting! Bye guys, remember, follow our Facebook page!

Facebook

Hey everyone! It's class meeting time!

During this class meeting, Lucas, Isa, and I knew we wanted to discuss social media. We only have a couple weeks left of this project, so we need to get started now. We want to make sure we have a larger fan base by the time the documentary is posted, so social media promotion is a MUST! 

Facebook is the platform we chose, if you're wondering why, I covered it in this blog post!

I'm not going to lie I have never used Facebook and I felt so old trying to figure out how it worked, but we did it, we made an account AND POSTED!

One could say we... made it happen... get it like the name of our documentary... ha ha ha! 

Thank you, thank you. Anyway...

Make it Happen

Facebook

This is what our page looks like! I'm so excited to see it grow, we are currently working on a permanent logo, but we thought the USA theme would be cool for right now. It was our goal to get the page up and running before the end of our meeting and we did!!

Isa made this "coming soon" post, so that viewers that saw our page would know that it is active and more posts are coming. 

Spicing it up

I want to make sure our social media wasn't just full of flyers and pictures. I really love seeing videos of people talking on social media, it is so much more engaging, so I had the idea of doing a "faces behind the doc" post. This would be a separate video about Lucas, Isa, and I, detailing why we are passionate about spreading immigrant stories. I felt this would make our page feel more personal and make our viewers feel as connected to the topic as we are. 

We'll work on it next class, but who knows if it'll be a blog post... so look at our Facebook page... now... and turn your notifications on... go on... right now.

Another idea we had during our meeting was doing a giveaway for "Make it Happen" merch. To enter, the viewer has to follow us, have liked every post, and reposted the link to our documentary on their account. Their name will then be selected at random and we will send them the merch! We feel this will help boost our engagement! If it works, we will definitely be doing more giveaways, so follow us!

Our social media is also going to be updated with our blog links so you guys can find your way back and discover Isa and Lucas' blogs.

In case you haven't noticed the Facebook links every time I write "Facebook" or "follow us," here it is again! 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265820408

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Also, I'm sorry you guys, but filming is canceled for this week. Javier had a last minute trip to Venezuela, and I don't think our content would be very good without the subject in it... I promise we will be filming and giving you all sneak peaks soon, but for right now, stay tuned on our blog and Facebook!

B-roll

Hey everyone, HAPPY FRIDAY!

This week I’m on a trip for a competition, but I knew I had to keep you guys updated!! We need to start storyboarding, but before we did, I wanted to create a vision for the b-roll. I want Javier to be seen working at Sumiflex, traveling, being with his family, and planning his expansion as these are the main part of the documentary. 

B-roll outline

This is just a rough outline of b-roll I will be including in the documentary, but no worries, soon we will have an in-depth and completed story board! Wish me luck with my competition! Bye guys, enjoy your Friday… I know I’ll be stressing…