The final project !

 Here goes nothing I hope you enjoy!

Drama Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JpFYNKJWBY&t=1s

Generation trailer 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rH-eWl5fpY&t=1s

Social media 

https://www.instagram.com/officaloceanfilm/

Poster

Critical Reflection

The two trailers for the film Ocean, helps flourish the concept of magic and believing in the unknown. Through the use of three efficient products, Ocean reminds the audience to appreciate their surroundings, and the beauty of nature. To also bring out the inner child in them and reminisce how amazing it was to have so much faith in the mysteries of the world.


Ocean is a contemporary drama film, with the subgenre of fantasy. This film was inspired by multiple movies but the one that really stood out in my mind when creating this piece was Aquamarine by Elizabeth Allen. When forming this idea of what to fabricate I wanted to bring back the same happiness every Generation Z kid felt when observing films that had some sort of magic and fantasy. The research prior to officially having the concrete production, was searching other films Generation Z kids know about that made their heart content. Other films that were in consideration were Narnia, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and Nanny McPhee. The dominant trait of each of these films that intrigued me was the idea of believing in what is not humanly possible. All three movies contain this child like magic. Since the main genre is drama, I needed to incorporate that drama characteristic. Each film also contains a parent being dead. Which automatically opens up the film with a wave of sadness.


However, Ocean does not contain the target audience as all these films do. As well as not focusing on what the present generation can genuinely relate to. For example, when the film Narnia came out, the audience was still young and considered a throw back movie that holds a special place in the target audiences heart. At the time, the film came out in the year of 2008, when most of Gen Z were from the ages five to eight. Still having that mentality of believing in fantasy. While Ocean does not really have that factor anymore because Generation Z is a lot older and times have changed. Most kids at the moment are not focused on being in touch with their inner child. Generation Z focuses more on the illusion of having fun recklessly. Which comes to the second point of Ocean being completely the opposite of what Generation Z likes to do. Ocean is a down to earth person who enjoys being in the presences of creation. She takes pride in art, and being a helping hand to her ecosystem, and not focusing all her time on social media the way Gen z kids do. This change could be critical with the film.


When approaching the target audience it was a decision that would make or break the film. The target audience ranges from the ages thirteen to twenty one. There is no specific socioeconomic status they have to obtain. Its meant to be a film that brings you back in time where life was mich simpler and there was no worries about the future. The target audience are kids who have a passion for movies that remind them of their past, and those who can sit back and look at the exquisiteness of our oceans. Even though not all Gen z kids really put themselves in Ocean’s shoes, there are still features that help grasp the idea of Generation Z kids no longer believing in magic. Through out the trailer there are key moments mentioned where Ocean can’t and wont believe that she is a mystical creature due to it being the 21st century. This helps maintain the mindset that Gen Z kids no longer believe in any of those myths. All three products connect to the audience by having a protagonist now being the same age as them and having a daily life all students can relate too. A regular college student who has problems with her parents the same way many Generation Z kids do in real life. Many kids fight and do not have strong connection with relatives, which is also shown in the trailer with Ocean’s father not being present in her life.


The captivating and alluring ocean essence is the over all brand that is created with all three products. The constant tones of blues used in all three products create the constant image of the sea. Starting with the poster, the font created was researched to give the feeling of reminding people of the Ocean. The white font blending in with the blue sky and the water gives that beach tenderness. The photograph used is Ocean walking across the water with a blue flowy beach dress. Moving forward with the trailers the coloring and the natural lighting makes it more realistic what outside looks like. Along with the sound effect, through out the trailers are all waves crashing on the shore, and the music that gives a tropical ocean sensation. The ocean is constantly being filmed and represented along with the animals that belong to this beauty. Ocean herself is costumed with ocean tones, and her eyes give the over all meaning of the water. Her blue eyes also foreshadowing the representation of the Ocean being the over all message. The social media page is all about behind the scenes of only locations that have the ocean and other places that include ocean creatures. Again the social media page is only shown beach features like sea shells, fishes, and Ocean being the typical beach girl.


Representing social groups was not something I really had in mind. It is definitely a weak spot in the production as a whole. There are no social problems associated with the film. No current events that acknowledge what is going on in society right now. The only representation really was Generation Z going to school and being overwhelmed with family issues. The project was more successful with bringing back old memories and creating pureness with the target audience. To make theme remember what it's like again to believe in the impossible.

Last one for the books

 The last reflective comment 🌎🦀⚓️

So, this is it. The last post before the official release of the production Ocean. The promo package. I want to start off by saying this experience was like no other. I really put in all the time and detail with this project and I genuinely put my heart and soul into it. I have really noticed a lot of growth in the way I produced this project compared to last years. I had so much fun filming a trailer about the one location that brings me happiness in the whole wide world. 

Even though I am really proud of this project I will say there was some minor set backs here and there. Having to film a lot, with different types of beach shots sounded really stressful but ended up being a breeze. Only complications I really encountered was if I would be able to film on school grounds at my sisters college and that was not even a problem. I already finished the Critical Reflection and I discussed other factors that I could of done better such as representation. Other than that I really hope you enjoy this project. It was a great way to end my last one for Cambridge. 

Ran out of ideas part 2

 So basically, I had to go over my teachers recommended list for my blog again because I am done with everything except the Critical reflection essay which will be completed next week. I am also uploading my two trailers on YouTube this weekend! So let’s get into today’s blog. 

Casting 🏝⚓️☀️

So it was a no brainer that I would cast a family member just because it is a lot more convenient and it’s easier to convince them. With the description of my character I know I needed someone to full fill all requirements and I needed someone that can act. With last year having a little kid which was my cousin acting in my film, I realized that using kids was a lot harder than I thought. So, I knew that my character needed to have light eyes that resemble the ocean, I needed someone who is part of Generation Z who can relate to the audience, and I needed someone who can deliver the part. The first person I thought of was my sister because she has all three characteristics. She goes to a college that is next to the beach and I knew she could deliver the job perfectly. Since I am with her and she is family I know I can rely on her. 

Location Scouting 🐠⛵️

So since we do live in Florida, there are many beautiful beaches that I was trying to see would fit the whole movie description. I wanted to go to a beach where the water was as blue as possible and I found out that the places I should go to where West Palm Beach, Dania beach, Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, and even a little bit of Jenson beach. All five locations have me the perfect image of the movie which helped me get all the amazing shots as well as the pictures included. 

  

So this our last final post before the whole outlook of the project. I am so excited for everyone to see it! I hope you enjoy your weekend and stay tune for the film ~Ocean~ coming to a theatre near you!

So I ran out of ideas

 Well well well, we meet again. 🌀

So as you can see with the title, I did run out of ideas with what to put on my blog. To be honest I am so glad I was able to have my teacher out a blog list ideas to help me on what to put in the blog. So I decided that I am going to talk about the obstacles that I came in with filming and with the production as a whole. 

Problems with developing Ocean is a mermaid. 

So in order for me to develop the plot of the story was really hard without having a tail to uncover Ocean’s secret. I needed a way to show the sub genre of it being a Fantasy film as well as a Drama film. What I did was have the idea to look at as many movies as possible to see how I could match the same entertainment of her having a tail. So I came up with the journal, and the over all idea of Ocean’s mom being a sailor who had this theory of mermaids actually being a thing. 

Filming Schedule 

So since my sister is actually a college student, it was a lot harder and it gave me a little bit of pressure to film everything and have enough time to edit. Also because during the months of the project being assigned, I am an athlete and I had a lot of tournaments for my sport as well as it being third quarter it was a little overwhelming to get all my home work done. So I had to film during the month of March which actually thank God made things so much easier. So I had to kind of film everything with her in one weekend and I knew that I had to go all out for my last project. Another thing was I knew I couldn’t just film my sister I had to find a way to shoot Oceans mom ( my mom) being connected to the sea. I really think time management was put to the test for me because I ended up getting more shots than I thought I could get which helped and made the over all out come amazing. 

Part 4/4

 WE ARE DONE!! 🐳🌊

This is the last part of the critical reflection! The time is finally here where we are officially done with the whole entire project. Next week I will complete the actual Critical Reflection essay and then my work here is done. So, let’s continue the last question! 

How does your project represent social group issues 

I would start off this question by talking about how I tried to represent the social group of teenagers. More specifically about Generation Z. I tried to represent them by having my sister play a character that she can relate to. A character who is 19 years old and is about to turn 20 years old. Who attends daily classes, has the pressure of having a bright future ahead of her.

I also tried representing this Generation as one who has family issues. This is usually the part in a teens life where they don’t really talk to their parents and try to become independent but still makes reckless decisions.

Was it successful ? Was it something you were critical about ?

Being completely honest, no it is not something I was very critical about, I could have represented them in a much better, more efficient and effecting way. I focused more on the idea over all and story behind it then the actual representation of social groups. I could have included more daily tasks that the social groups would complete but I didn’t. 

Part 3/4

 BEFORE WE CONTINUE... 

So, it is with great pleasure that I announce that I have launched the Instagram account, and am posting daily. I have looked at several examples to see what the best way to engage the audience and it’s a whole lot of behind the scenes and other fun things that come along with it. Now for the actual blog post. 

Question #3: How does the stuff you create, create a sense of branding? 

I would start off the question on what the brand even is. The brand is the Ocean. Everything about it, the way it’s calm, beautiful, and the way it really creates tranquility in ones life. I repeat this brand throughout the project multiple times. Another brand is living in the wonders of Earth. 

  I constantly promote the ocean, by having the colors of the water, the Ocean making it look more of the sea aesthetics. I don’t really engage the audience about anything else besides the water. 

How does each component create the brand ?🐳

#1 : The trailers 

The trailers, from the very beginning give the whole ocean vibe. It creates peace and the sound effects of the waves crashing on the sand. It also has the constant color scheme effect of blues and greens. Also with my protagonist, the name of her character, the color of her eyes, and the constant colors she wears are all blues in the trailer. Her major in the film is a marine biologist, and the story of her mother dying because of a ship wreck all intertwined with the ocean. 

#2 : The Poster 

The poster again, is a picture of Ocean walking along the water, wearing a blue dress with the font creating the essence of the water. The font white blending in with the background of the ocean. This constantly creates that not only the protagonist but the whole movie in general is about the water. 

#3: Social Media 

As well as the social media, picking Instagram, with the bio talking about the ocean, and all the posts creating that blue ocean theme. All the posts are about sea creatures, as well as Ocean (my sister ) actually enjoying everything that has to do with it. All the posts include behind the scene footage, mainly at the beach. 

Part 2/4

 ❤ ❤ Target Audience ❤ ❤

We are now going to answer the second question of the Critical Reflection! Here is a disclaimer, I am obviously going to put more information when it comes to the essay, but this all of this that I am going to put are just simple information that will help evolve my essay much more quicker.  LETS GET INTO IT!

Question 2:  How do the products engage with the audience 

So, this is part of the question where I will talk about my target audience, the age range, their hobbies, why this movie would attract them, and why I picked the way my target audience is in general. I am mainly targeting females from the ages of 13-21 with a regular socioeconomic level, nothing special to it. I chose elements that will help the target audience relate to Ocean in many aspects.

The whole target audience can relate to the fact of going to school, knowing how difficult classes and home work can be which is why I put the age range to 13-21. It's the perfect time to show that in that moment school is important because it will dictate what your future will be. I also decided to have events like her waking up in a none pretty perfect way. So my target audience which is Generation Z, can also relate to that when they wake up it is not always a pretty view.

 As you can see this is not a pretty view. But the target audience can relate to this. Another factor that I also searched up about my target audience is that around this age is where they start to rebel and not be so close with their parents in a lot of ways. So in the film I decided to include the fact that Ocean is not really close with her father and doesn't have a relative to count on. 

These posts are going to help a lot because again it will make me answer these questions much more efficient. 

Time for the Critical Reflection

 Its finally that time! ☺

Yesterday in class, Mrs. Stoklosa went over the critical reflection questions that we are going to have to answer in our blog when the project is due. Oh before I continue, she was so generous that she extended the due date from April 12th to April 18th. Anyways, in order for me to write a very good essay for the rest of the project that is left, I am going to report how I am going to answer each question on a new blog post. When it comes to the actual essay I will obviously answer all the questions in one essay. 

Question 1: How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions!

There are four questions to this and to start off, Mrs. Stoklosa said that it is better to answer them in the order she told us to do it. This question is basically asking me about what genre I have, how did I research the genre, and the characteristics I included to embrace my genre.

First part

So, obviously my genre is Drama, and there are many reasons why I decided to pick Drama in the first place. I decided to do Drama, because ti is the easiest way for me to express an idea and I also picked it because it's usually the most viewed genre in film. That and action movies. So obviously there are films that I researched that would help me with this and the main one that inspired me was Soul Surfer. With that being said, I also did Drama last year because in my opinion it is also the easiest way to convey a story. One that has true meaning. So, I looked into the qualities of Soul Surfer was the element of her losing an arm and having to perform daily functions without her arm. I knew I don't have the budget to produce a detail like that so I started thinking even more. My sub genre of the film is fantasy, because of Ocean being a mermaid. So then I started looking at fantasy film that usually have that same element of drama qualities.

I obviously do not have the genre Fantasy, but they all did inspire me to have Drama characteristics because these Fantasy Films also include Drama as one of their genres. So I decided to see that each movies had one thing in common. In the movie the main characters parents, either both or one is dead. So that is when I went into the route of grabbing that idea and using it with Ocean. So I implied that drama effect by creating an automatic sadness in the beginning that Ocean does not have her mother, and does not have that motherly love.

I think this is the easiest question of them all, and with this research and talking about the movies and the characteristics of what I included with the drama effects will make it even easier.