Critical Reflection

Creating a film, especially within the sci-fi genre, involves a complex process that spans from conceptualization to promotion. Over nine weeks, I embarked on a journey to bring “Shutter” to life, crafting two trailers, maintaining a blog documenting my progress, designing a key art poster, and establishing an Instagram presence to engage with the audience. In this reflective essay, I will discuss the challenges, triumphs, and insights gained throughout this multifaceted creative process. “Shutter” revolves around themes of technology, identity, and surveillance in a dystopian future. The inspiration for this project came from a film called Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen where the main character travels back to a different era every night while in Paris.  This idea of living in a different time and being exposed to famous authors, painters, and writers in the early 20th century changes the protagonists’ perspective on life.  After viewing the film, I knew that I wanted to create a similar experience. As Midnight in Paris used a car to bring the main character back and forth between the times, I used a digital camera in “Shutter” for this same purpose. The trailers serve as a window into this world, offering glimpses of the narrative's complexity while enticing viewers with suspense and intrigue. As the project began, I found myself grappling with the task of reducing the most important parts of the film into short, captivating trailers. The first day of filming took place during daytime hours but after looking back at the clips, I realized that some of the shots would look better at night. Nighttime shots would fit better with the genre and theme of the trailer. Research into sci-fi genre conventions helped me understand audience expectations. We used this knowledge to both adhere to and challenge conventions strategically. By rejecting some expectations while embracing others, we aimed to create a unique and thought-provoking narrative experience for our audience. Throughout the process, I constantly revisited the question of how the trailers would represent social groups or issues. The dystopian setting of “Shutter” allowed me to explore themes, such as the consequences of your actions.  Societal issues like privacy and technology's impact on society were addressed. The trailers hinted at a future where surveillance and technology intertwine, reflecting concerns about privacy invasion and societal control. By weaving these elements into the narrative and visuals of the trailers, I aimed to provoke thought and spark conversations about these issues. The target audience for “Shutter” is teens and young adults because the characters are teens which makes them relatable. The main character is also a female which will identify with other females in the target audience. This film would most likely appeal to those aged 13-25 based on our research. Maintaining a blog proved to be an invaluable tool for documenting my progress and reflecting on the challenges encountered along the way. Through weekly updates, I shared insights into the creative process, discussed hurdles faced, and celebrated breakthroughs achieved. This transparency not only provided me with a platform for self-reflection but also allowed me to connect with fellow creatives and obtain feedback from readers. One of the key takeaways from the blogging experience was the realization of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. As I navigated through setbacks and creative blocks, I learned to embrace the sometimes stagnant nature of the creative process and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Additionally, the blog served as a storehouse of knowledge, allowing me to track my progress and identify areas for improvement. The key art poster serves as a visual representation of the film persuading viewers to delve deeper into the world of "Shutter." In designing the poster, I sought to create a sense of branding that would resonate with the target audience and convey the tone and themes of the film. The poster shows the main character in black and white with a digital camera in front of her face.  I chose to create the poster in black and white instead of color as I felt that it portrayed the film darker than it would seem if the poster were in color. Elements such as typography, color palette, and imagery played a crucial role in establishing a cohesive visual identity for "Shutter." By incorporating futuristic elements and subtle hints about the narrative, I aimed to pique curiosity and leave a lasting impression on viewers. Additionally, I ensured consistency across all promotional materials, reinforcing the film's branding and creating a sense of anticipation among the audience. In today's digital age, social media platforms offer filmmakers a powerful tool for engaging with the audience and generating buzz around their projects. With this in mind, I created an Instagram page for "Shutter" and curated a series of posts aimed at promoting the trailers and providing behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process. The Instagram page served as a platform for direct interaction with the audience, allowing me to share updates, respond to comments, and foster a sense of community among followers. By leveraging features such as Instagram stories,  I was able to offer exclusive content and further immerse viewers in the world of "Shutter." Additionally, I utilized hashtags and targeted advertising to expand the reach of the promotional campaign and attract new audiences. The trailers, key art poster, and Instagram posts all shared common visual elements like color schemes and fonts. These consistent elements helped create a recognizable brand identity for Shutter making it easier for the audience to associate with the film. Throughout the creative process, engaging with the audience played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the project and refining the final products. Feedback gathered from blog readers, social media followers, and test screenings provided valuable insights into the audience's expectations and preferences. Through the blog and Instagram, I interacted with the audience by sharing updates, and behind-the-scenes footage, and responding to comments. This direct engagement fostered a sense of community and anticipation among viewers, making them feel involved in the filmmaking process. One of the key challenges faced was striking a balance between honoring genre conventions and challenging audience expectations. Through research and analysis of existing sci-fi films, I gained a deeper understanding of the genre's conventions, which helped craft my approach to designing the trailers and promotional materials. By rejecting certain conventions while embracing others, I aimed to create a fresh and compelling narrative that would resonate with both fans of the genre and newcomers alike. After working “Shutter” for a little over two months, I realized that I was on a journey marked by creativity, collaboration, and growth. From the conceptualization phase to the promotion of the final products, each step presented its own set of challenges and opportunities for learning. By engaging with social issues, establishing a cohesive visual identity, and actively connecting with the audience, I sought to create a trailer that would captivate and inspire viewers and make them want to see the entire movie. As I look back on these nine weeks, I am proud of the work accomplished.