Week 04: Blog Assignment #4 / Brooke Montgomery & Zack Ellenbogen
THE IDEA
The Blender project was an adventure from start to finish. It kicked off with us receiving the prompts: a “Security guard,” “pancakes” as the object, and the phrase “I may be a clown, but I’m nobody’s fool.” These prompts sparked instant creativity in our team. Calla Lily jumped right into crafting a story, Ellery added depth with more details, and I suggested dynamic frame shots to enhance the narrative.
The initial stages were surprisingly smooth. We brainstormed the story, ensuring it made sense and seamlessly incorporated all the prompts. While I worked on organizing the shot list to capture our vision, Calla Lily skillfully mapped out the storyboard for visual guidance. At the same time, Ellery dove into writing and sourcing materials we would need to bring the story to life.
By the end of the first week, we had a solid foundation. Our story was complete, the shot list was outlined, and the storyboard was ready for action. Confidence was high, but then Bliss, our trusted critic, pointed out an issue with the pancakes in our story. It was back to the drawing board! We brainstormed tirelessly, considering even a complete overhaul of the narrative. The brainstorming sessions were a blast, letting our imagination run wild as we explored various plot twists and character arcs. Ultimately, we managed to tweak the original story to give the pancakes the spotlight they deserved.
THE SHOOTING
With a revised storyline, we dove into weeks of filming and editing. Calla Lily took on the role of our protagonist, bringing the character to life with props and charisma. I focused on setting up the recording set and capturing each shot according to our meticulous list. Ellery’s organizational skills were a lifesaver as she kept track of our shots and assisted with lighting setups.
On the highly anticipated “pancake day,” disaster struck when we realized we forgot to get the pancakes (cue collective panic!). However, Calla Lily saved the day by swiftly ordering them online, and Ellery embarked on a heroic mission to retrieve them. To our relief, the pancakes endured numerous falls and even a comical face plant during filming.
THE EDITING & PRESENTATION
The editing process was a whirlwind of creativity. We carefully selected the best shots from each scene, ensuring the video flowed seamlessly. A revised voiceover added a touch of polish to the storytelling. After final touches like color grading, titles, and credits, our project was ready for presentation.
As a team, we tackled challenges, embraced creative solutions, and celebrated successes together. Despite the occasional setback (like forgetting the pancakes!), the journey was incredibly rewarding. It was my first dive into a project of this scale, and the experience taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Seeing the diverse range of videos produced by other groups at the end of the project was the cherry on top—an inspiring showcase of collective creativity and dedication.