Here's the shot list
1. Black Background with Production Company Name
2. A Nagovski Production
3. Wide/Long shot of the 1st Car, they are going to steal
4. Low Angle Long Shot of the car they are arriving in
5. Mid Tracking Shot of them inside the car
6. Two Shot of them conversing and arguing inside the car
7. Cut to Long Shot of the 1st Car
8. Cut back to the Two Shot of the main protagonist putting on stealth clothes and him getting out
9. Black Background with Actor Names
10. Tracking Mid Shot of him eyeing the car up close with a flashlight
11. Black Background of Cinematographer and Producer
12. Long Mid Shot of the two near a door, securing it from the outside
13. Tracking Shot of him walking towards the car and squatting to be at the door level
14. Extreme Long Shot of the car and the two characters
15. Black Background of Editor and Director
16. Mid Shot of the Main character breaking into the car
17. Cut back to the extreme long shot of the car honking
18. Cut back to the mid shot and him slamming the door
19. Long Shot of them walking away, with the car honking in the background
20. Medium Close Up of them waiting and talking about what to do
21. Cut to Medium Shot Tilting of him getting back into the car
22. Cut back to extreme long shot of the car, with the other character near the door
23. Close up shot of the car's dashboard trying to turn on (Beeping Noises)
24. Mid Shot of the other character checking the door
25. Cut back to the car dashboard, turning on (car startup noise)
26. Mid Shot of the car's exhaust revving
27. Long Shot of the car driving out of the street, Camera stays in position (Zoom)
28. Black Background of the Movie Name (still haven't decided on that yet)
Friday, February 28, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
a hit is a hit
The music listened to by the main character would correspond with the decade it is put in (1990's in Russia)
Rock artists (Most famous genre for young people and rebellious teenagers in the 90's) during that time: Kino, Bi-2, DDT, Zemfira, Splean, Agatha Christie.
I'm going to email all of the distributors and the bands themselves to gain access to some songs to portray the authenticity of the film.
(Sending out the emails tomorrow)
Rock artists (Most famous genre for young people and rebellious teenagers in the 90's) during that time: Kino, Bi-2, DDT, Zemfira, Splean, Agatha Christie.
I'm going to email all of the distributors and the bands themselves to gain access to some songs to portray the authenticity of the film.
(Sending out the emails tomorrow)
Monday, February 24, 2020
the strong, silent type
Adhering to the essential question, “How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?”
My film would fit every one of my previous conventions provided such as Corruption, Good v. Evil, Power, Morality, Danger, and Fallibility. The main character in the film would learn throughout his time in the criminal world, a naive soldier coming back from a war, struggling to find his purpose, who falls in the wrong path but uses it to his advantage. Political and economic instability along with an abundance of criminal activity, corrupt cops, and relentless gang wars would be prevalent in this film, explaining my character's cause to continue in the criminal world.
Archetypes: Loyalty, Strong, Truthfulness, Strong, and Patriotic. However he would have his own prejudices that are frequent throughout the movie, but he would remain loyal to his family and his beliefs, sacrificing anything in order to protect them.
He would live through hardships of a gangster living in Russia. His character would give the viewers a glimpse on what it was like to live in Russia in the 1990's.
Demographic Characteristics: Young and Poor
Representation:
The main issue that the main character would face would be the reality of the criminal world. He initially sees it as a way to help his cousin, to get himself situated and make some money to live off. What he doesn't see, is the gloomy, dirty, vile atmosphere in Russia. The people he encounters are creepy and horrid with less than desirable motives. He becomes disgusted with the sleaze and the deteriorated environment, and has a desire to do something about it. I would like to challenge the role of a criminal, a naive young man who participates in crime and realizes the undertone of it, making him a stronger person despite his flaws.
My film would fit every one of my previous conventions provided such as Corruption, Good v. Evil, Power, Morality, Danger, and Fallibility. The main character in the film would learn throughout his time in the criminal world, a naive soldier coming back from a war, struggling to find his purpose, who falls in the wrong path but uses it to his advantage. Political and economic instability along with an abundance of criminal activity, corrupt cops, and relentless gang wars would be prevalent in this film, explaining my character's cause to continue in the criminal world.
Archetypes: Loyalty, Strong, Truthfulness, Strong, and Patriotic. However he would have his own prejudices that are frequent throughout the movie, but he would remain loyal to his family and his beliefs, sacrificing anything in order to protect them.
He would live through hardships of a gangster living in Russia. His character would give the viewers a glimpse on what it was like to live in Russia in the 1990's.
Demographic Characteristics: Young and Poor
Representation:
The main issue that the main character would face would be the reality of the criminal world. He initially sees it as a way to help his cousin, to get himself situated and make some money to live off. What he doesn't see, is the gloomy, dirty, vile atmosphere in Russia. The people he encounters are creepy and horrid with less than desirable motives. He becomes disgusted with the sleaze and the deteriorated environment, and has a desire to do something about it. I would like to challenge the role of a criminal, a naive young man who participates in crime and realizes the undertone of it, making him a stronger person despite his flaws.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
the big idea
I decided to go with my third idea with just the plot idea. I’m choosing to do this approach to challenge the basic conventions and stereotypes of a Russians (the common stereotype of them being involved in the mafia or political corruption in some way, essentially being the bad guy) & criminals to an extent in the media/movies. Examples of films/shows that have abused this stereotype are, but not limited to John Wick, Lord of War, Rocky IV, Orange is the New Black, etc. However, some films do portray Russians from a different angle, a positive light, such as The Widowmaker. Although only two out of the five listed are crime-related movies, they make my point on the stereotype of a Russian with less than desirable motives. Instead of having a positive portrayal of criminals and a depiction of violence, the main protagonist in the movie would have positive morals that live by a strict code of honor as he goes farther and farther into the criminal realm. Unlike most criminals to kill or steal for money or power, he does it to do good in his community.
More to come soon.. tomorrow morning.
More to come soon.. tomorrow morning.
Friday, February 21, 2020
indecisiveness
Some thoughts for a general plot and run-through of my opening. Keep in mind these are all theoretical, not set in stone yet. All of these are supposed to be historically accurate and authentic to the criminal world.
First Idea:
Group of friends that have to flee the country due to them getting in trouble with the law and drive across Russia while facing corrupt cops and violence with rival mobsters
Opening: Originally, I was thinking of a car theft scene based in Russia. Two friends who are originally on a commission to torch a rival businessman’s car for their boss, however, they decide to take it for themselves. While they are eyeing the car, they get out and block the doorway to the building the car is outside of. However, they manage to set off the alarm to the car they are stealing and are forced to wait by the doorway until it’s finished. They are successful and leave with the car. The whole purpose of the opening is to show the corruption and the crime prevalent in Russia throughout the whole movie, with the people they encounter and the situations they land themselves in. The plot is a bit weak, but it would redeem itself in its production.
Second Idea:
A movie that follows a man through his rise in the criminal world in New York from a local gang to being a boss in the mafia. Loosely based off "Little Odessa"
This is probably going to be the most difficult one to shoot because of the people I would need during this film. The film would take place in the late 90s in New York or Florida (If I don’t get to film it in NY during spring break) Establishing shot: The outside of a Russian restaurant/nightclub. An interior shot that pans left and right throughout of people dancing with live music (would need to obtain copyright music to authenticate the 90’s “vibe” of the movie) playing in the background. The camera lands to the main protagonist drinking with a group of girls and pans to another man, which says something (inaudible to the viewers) to his friend. The protagonist sees this and looks worried. He leaves the table hurriedly and goes to the bathroom to evidently avoid him. The man follows him and takes a shot in the stall, the scene ends there, leaving the viewer to wonder if he survived. Not the strongest idea, but would introduce the setting and context of the movie well.
Third Idea:
Discharged Army soldier goes to his distant cousin he never meant for help to start a new life, ends up working for him, however, he has a moral dilemma as his cousin is a gangster and a killer. He’s soon established in the criminal world and his cousin has asked him to kill someone for him. Similar to "Brigada", a famous TV show with a positive portrayal of criminals in Russia.
The opening of the film would be the main character building a “samopal”, a handmade pistol commonly used in the crime world in Post-Soviet Russia throughout the ’80s to the 2000s. It would film the whole process, filming him making it using different camera angles with specific music in the background (I haven’t picked any yet) The end shot of the opening would be over a specific location where the viewer can infer that’s where he would be going next (example: a particular house, restaurant, or city.)
I definitely know I want to do the crime genre, but there are too many good songs to go with these scenes and I can’t seem to choose one with lyrics that I can base my opening on...
I admire people who do this for a full movie....
First Idea:
Group of friends that have to flee the country due to them getting in trouble with the law and drive across Russia while facing corrupt cops and violence with rival mobsters
Opening: Originally, I was thinking of a car theft scene based in Russia. Two friends who are originally on a commission to torch a rival businessman’s car for their boss, however, they decide to take it for themselves. While they are eyeing the car, they get out and block the doorway to the building the car is outside of. However, they manage to set off the alarm to the car they are stealing and are forced to wait by the doorway until it’s finished. They are successful and leave with the car. The whole purpose of the opening is to show the corruption and the crime prevalent in Russia throughout the whole movie, with the people they encounter and the situations they land themselves in. The plot is a bit weak, but it would redeem itself in its production.
Second Idea:
A movie that follows a man through his rise in the criminal world in New York from a local gang to being a boss in the mafia. Loosely based off "Little Odessa"This is probably going to be the most difficult one to shoot because of the people I would need during this film. The film would take place in the late 90s in New York or Florida (If I don’t get to film it in NY during spring break) Establishing shot: The outside of a Russian restaurant/nightclub. An interior shot that pans left and right throughout of people dancing with live music (would need to obtain copyright music to authenticate the 90’s “vibe” of the movie) playing in the background. The camera lands to the main protagonist drinking with a group of girls and pans to another man, which says something (inaudible to the viewers) to his friend. The protagonist sees this and looks worried. He leaves the table hurriedly and goes to the bathroom to evidently avoid him. The man follows him and takes a shot in the stall, the scene ends there, leaving the viewer to wonder if he survived. Not the strongest idea, but would introduce the setting and context of the movie well.
Third Idea:
Discharged Army soldier goes to his distant cousin he never meant for help to start a new life, ends up working for him, however, he has a moral dilemma as his cousin is a gangster and a killer. He’s soon established in the criminal world and his cousin has asked him to kill someone for him. Similar to "Brigada", a famous TV show with a positive portrayal of criminals in Russia.
The opening of the film would be the main character building a “samopal”, a handmade pistol commonly used in the crime world in Post-Soviet Russia throughout the ’80s to the 2000s. It would film the whole process, filming him making it using different camera angles with specific music in the background (I haven’t picked any yet) The end shot of the opening would be over a specific location where the viewer can infer that’s where he would be going next (example: a particular house, restaurant, or city.)
I definitely know I want to do the crime genre, but there are too many good songs to go with these scenes and I can’t seem to choose one with lyrics that I can base my opening on...
I admire people who do this for a full movie....
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
genre research #2
I’m contemplating whether to go with just the crime genre or to go into specifics with the gangster genre, but tonight, I’m going to provide examples and continue my research for the overall crime genre. Are there any good synonyms for the word, genre, I feel like I’m typing genre too much. Okay, back to it.
Camera Techniques: High and Low Angled Shots are used to focus on protagonists or antagonists’ power and authority. Close Up and Extreme Close-Ups to utilize the facial expressions of the characters, for example, a mobster showing his stern and fearless face looking into a person with terror in their eyes. Close up shots of the main protagonist are predominant in the HBO’s show, The Sopranos, a crime/gangster production. Dolly Shots are implemented as well to give a fast-paced feel to incite a feeling of urgency or tension within the viewers.
Production techniques: Set design is a huge thing for films that focus on a specific time period where crime is being taken place, a great example would be the Godfather (1972) trilogy, specifically the first one, where the scenes are being taken place after World War 2, the 50’s. Everything from the costumes to the setting was installed properly. Another example of great production design would be The Sting (1973), consisting of a color scheme of muted browns and maroons. The lighting design composed of old-fashioned 1930s-style lighting along with a wardrobe of period-correct costumes for the cast.
Camera Techniques: High and Low Angled Shots are used to focus on protagonists or antagonists’ power and authority. Close Up and Extreme Close-Ups to utilize the facial expressions of the characters, for example, a mobster showing his stern and fearless face looking into a person with terror in their eyes. Close up shots of the main protagonist are predominant in the HBO’s show, The Sopranos, a crime/gangster production. Dolly Shots are implemented as well to give a fast-paced feel to incite a feeling of urgency or tension within the viewers.
Production techniques: Set design is a huge thing for films that focus on a specific time period where crime is being taken place, a great example would be the Godfather (1972) trilogy, specifically the first one, where the scenes are being taken place after World War 2, the 50’s. Everything from the costumes to the setting was installed properly. Another example of great production design would be The Sting (1973), consisting of a color scheme of muted browns and maroons. The lighting design composed of old-fashioned 1930s-style lighting along with a wardrobe of period-correct costumes for the cast.
Monday, February 17, 2020
film analysis
Staten Island (Little New York) and Sisters (Сёстры). The first one isn’t a great movie, but the opening embraces the gangster genre conventions. The second one is an interesting choice but it perfectly establishes the tone for the rest of the film through its use of music and choice of setting.
Staten Island directed by James Monaco is a film in the Gangster/Crime genre based in Staten Island… The plot is eccentric… using a nonlinear narrative, however, the film opening establishes a good tone through the use of setting, as it serves where the movie will be taking place, and how it ties in with the main character, a mob boss who aspires to “take over” the island for his illegal activities. It starts off with shots of mobsters outside their homes in Staten Island, the surroundings, and the supposed symbolism behind the street names. The film opening establishes the background story and creates mystery on what Staten Island represents for these mobsters. Monaco definitely used what he knew, as he grew up in Staten Island and you can’t live there without knowing about the mob families who resided there.
Sisters (Сeстры) directed by Sergei Bodrov is about a girl named Sveta, the main protagonist and her half-sister, Dina and their difficulties with each other due to different lifestyles along with Dina’s gangster father. The film opening helps introduce the main character, coming from humble backgrounds who seems to be pitiful and tired of parental figures evident through her phone call with her grandmother. The music (Kukushka - Viktor Tsoi) which plays, later on, is very well-known with defiant teenagers which compliments Sveta’s character. Her character is completely contrasted with her bratty half-sister.
Staten Island directed by James Monaco is a film in the Gangster/Crime genre based in Staten Island… The plot is eccentric… using a nonlinear narrative, however, the film opening establishes a good tone through the use of setting, as it serves where the movie will be taking place, and how it ties in with the main character, a mob boss who aspires to “take over” the island for his illegal activities. It starts off with shots of mobsters outside their homes in Staten Island, the surroundings, and the supposed symbolism behind the street names. The film opening establishes the background story and creates mystery on what Staten Island represents for these mobsters. Monaco definitely used what he knew, as he grew up in Staten Island and you can’t live there without knowing about the mob families who resided there.
Sisters (Сeстры) directed by Sergei Bodrov is about a girl named Sveta, the main protagonist and her half-sister, Dina and their difficulties with each other due to different lifestyles along with Dina’s gangster father. The film opening helps introduce the main character, coming from humble backgrounds who seems to be pitiful and tired of parental figures evident through her phone call with her grandmother. The music (Kukushka - Viktor Tsoi) which plays, later on, is very well-known with defiant teenagers which compliments Sveta’s character. Her character is completely contrasted with her bratty half-sister.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
pilot
Genre Resear…. Zzzzzz
I already knew what I was going to do from the minute I heard about this project. The crime genre, specifically the gangster style. No other genre do I know better (i think) or appreciate more.
The crime genre is defined as... A cinematic genre inspired by and analogous to the crime fiction literary genre… well, I already knew that? Okay, More specifically, it usually features the sinister actions of criminals, mobsters, underworld figures who fundamentally live above the law.
Primary Practices of a Gangster Film: Danger, Justice, Good vs. Evil, Corruption, Power, Morality, Vulnerability of Human Life, Fallibility. Ideal examples would be Goodfellas, Scarface, Casino, Mean Streets and American Gangster (Wolf of Wall Street came to mind as well, however, isn’t in the Gangster Genre). Almost are all directed by Scorcese…
It’s already 11 pm, welp good night fellow blog reader(s)
I already knew what I was going to do from the minute I heard about this project. The crime genre, specifically the gangster style. No other genre do I know better (i think) or appreciate more.
The crime genre is defined as... A cinematic genre inspired by and analogous to the crime fiction literary genre… well, I already knew that? Okay, More specifically, it usually features the sinister actions of criminals, mobsters, underworld figures who fundamentally live above the law.
Primary Practices of a Gangster Film: Danger, Justice, Good vs. Evil, Corruption, Power, Morality, Vulnerability of Human Life, Fallibility. Ideal examples would be Goodfellas, Scarface, Casino, Mean Streets and American Gangster (Wolf of Wall Street came to mind as well, however, isn’t in the Gangster Genre). Almost are all directed by Scorcese…
It’s already 11 pm, welp good night fellow blog reader(s)
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
music marketing
Our Genre was the Alternative Rock, a distinctive genre from mainstream and commercial rock music.
Marketing trends within rock varied from social media to genuine messages used by the artists. Video content from major social media platforms and the artist's website. Communicating with their fans is a significant element. Coldplay, for instance, is very active on Snapchat and you can follow every single move on their tour and in case the fans missed anything the upload Snapchat stories on to Facebook. Ed Sheeran's approach is making teaser videos on his upcoming albums after he took a break from social media. Artist/Influencer authenticity is looked for as well, fans who want to identify with them and their message. Coldplay's latest message would be environmental concerns, announcing that they won't do their shows or go on tour until they find a way they can do it in a sustainable way. Sheeran personalizes his overall marketing, for example, he was sponsored by Heinz due to his love for it. In fact, he’s so much of a fan that he has a tattoo of the Heinz ketchup logo on his arm. So now Heinz is launching a limited edition version of their signature product named after him: “Edchup.” It’s a fun campaign and works far better than many similar influencer marketing campaigns because it’s a sadly rare situation where the influencer in question loved the product long before he was paid to promote it.
We chose to develop our artist, Sam Fulton as an authentic rock musician who is media savvy yet stays true to his message, connecting with his fanbase. He is made to appeal to his independent, rebellious millennial age group as music has a huge impact on their lives.
Our Marketing Products consisted of using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to post upcoming tour dates on, tease the audience with music clips and share your music experience on IG and mixing personal stories with music-related announcements on both platforms. We had him emphasize on word of mouth marketing, use the website as an outlet for the details and use the merchandising to let the fans show their continued support. Collaboration with local artists such as Shinedown is another addition to his authenticity and continued promotion.
The production of music videos shows the amount of work that goes into one, and how it emerges as one of the best tools in the music industry for digital marketing. A Site like YouTube allows artists to create visual content and post it for millions to see, helping launch many aspiring artists.
A marketing campaign is a key component in turning an artist into a star. It amplifies a musician's hard work and talent to millions of potential fans, and now with the digital age, it's possible through social media outlets and digital music platforms. The development of a marketing campaign has many factors that go into an artist's choices. Many bands use social media marketing since, for many up-and-coming bands still playing concerts in mom's basement, it's been a real game-changer. With the potential to reach an audience of millions through a retweet by an influencer, artists can launch their career before it even starts. Mobile marketing is tremendous as well since it offers a unique ability for musicians and bands to engage fans at times they may have previously been unreachable. When they are at school or work, they can check their mobile device and suddenly discover an artist or song they've never heard of before, extending a new fanbase for that artist. Today's marketing campaign world revealed to me how digital marketing has undoubtedly become the music industry. It became a huge opportunity waiting for artists and their teams. From social media to word of mouth to videos, new talents have never had so many tools.
Marketing trends within rock varied from social media to genuine messages used by the artists. Video content from major social media platforms and the artist's website. Communicating with their fans is a significant element. Coldplay, for instance, is very active on Snapchat and you can follow every single move on their tour and in case the fans missed anything the upload Snapchat stories on to Facebook. Ed Sheeran's approach is making teaser videos on his upcoming albums after he took a break from social media. Artist/Influencer authenticity is looked for as well, fans who want to identify with them and their message. Coldplay's latest message would be environmental concerns, announcing that they won't do their shows or go on tour until they find a way they can do it in a sustainable way. Sheeran personalizes his overall marketing, for example, he was sponsored by Heinz due to his love for it. In fact, he’s so much of a fan that he has a tattoo of the Heinz ketchup logo on his arm. So now Heinz is launching a limited edition version of their signature product named after him: “Edchup.” It’s a fun campaign and works far better than many similar influencer marketing campaigns because it’s a sadly rare situation where the influencer in question loved the product long before he was paid to promote it.
We chose to develop our artist, Sam Fulton as an authentic rock musician who is media savvy yet stays true to his message, connecting with his fanbase. He is made to appeal to his independent, rebellious millennial age group as music has a huge impact on their lives.
Our Marketing Products consisted of using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to post upcoming tour dates on, tease the audience with music clips and share your music experience on IG and mixing personal stories with music-related announcements on both platforms. We had him emphasize on word of mouth marketing, use the website as an outlet for the details and use the merchandising to let the fans show their continued support. Collaboration with local artists such as Shinedown is another addition to his authenticity and continued promotion.
The production of music videos shows the amount of work that goes into one, and how it emerges as one of the best tools in the music industry for digital marketing. A Site like YouTube allows artists to create visual content and post it for millions to see, helping launch many aspiring artists.
A marketing campaign is a key component in turning an artist into a star. It amplifies a musician's hard work and talent to millions of potential fans, and now with the digital age, it's possible through social media outlets and digital music platforms. The development of a marketing campaign has many factors that go into an artist's choices. Many bands use social media marketing since, for many up-and-coming bands still playing concerts in mom's basement, it's been a real game-changer. With the potential to reach an audience of millions through a retweet by an influencer, artists can launch their career before it even starts. Mobile marketing is tremendous as well since it offers a unique ability for musicians and bands to engage fans at times they may have previously been unreachable. When they are at school or work, they can check their mobile device and suddenly discover an artist or song they've never heard of before, extending a new fanbase for that artist. Today's marketing campaign world revealed to me how digital marketing has undoubtedly become the music industry. It became a huge opportunity waiting for artists and their teams. From social media to word of mouth to videos, new talents have never had so many tools.
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