Portfolio Project Schedule

1. Research 

• find out the genre I want to choose

• find examples of films in that genre

• figure out a basic plot

• find examples of existing openings that can be inspirations for mine

2. Planning

• write script 

• find any music/sounds I wish to use

• storyboard 

• figure out if group members want to act or if we want to use actors

• find actors (if needed)

• find locations, dates, and equipment for filming

• find fonts and style for title and credit texts

3. Production

• film all scenes 

• record any foley needed

4. Editing/Post-production 

• edit clips together 

• re-record foley if necessary 

• finalize title and credit font and style

5. Revision

• make any final small changes/edits 

• analyze to make sure every detail is intentional and justified

• make sure everything is up to par

6. Reflection

• research information needed to write reflection 

• create the reflection

• edit and review CCR (critical creative reflection)

Week One (1/16-1/23)

• begin genre research

• choose genre and start planning narrative/script

• 3 blog posts

Week Two (1/26-2/1)

• finalize genre and basic plot

• find opening examples for chosen genre

• start finding possible filming dates, locations, actors

• start writing script 

• 4 blog posts

Week Three (2/2-2/8)

• research media theories to include in script 

• storyboard 

• group meeting to finalize filming dates, locations, etc.

• 4 blog posts

Week Four (2/9-2/15)

• try to get most filming done

• record necessary foley sounds 

• 4 blog posts

Week Five (2/16-2/22)

• start editing 

• finish first cut 

• record any additional foley sounds if needed

• 4 blog posts

Week Six (2/23-3/1)

• revise editing 

• compare changes and make sure they're justified, if not, change back (play around, see what works and what doesn't)

• research for question #1 on CCR

• 4 blog posts

Week Seven (3/2-3/8)

• research for rest of CCR

• finalize project details 

• finalize CCR

• 4 blog posts

Week Eight (3/9-3/17)

• make sure all elements of project are ready (opening and reflection)

• fix/make any last minute changes if necessary 

• post all elements of project

• 4 blog posts

Portfolio Project - Editing Software

 Adobe After Effect

Adobe After Effect is one of the most commonly used tools used in the film editing world. It can be used to manipulate how scenes look beyond filming, and even add extra key elements to make a psychological thriller. It can add subtle tones and shading to scenes to give them that eerie vibe that categorizes the psychological thriller genre. Also, the opening credits mentioned in the previous post can also be made using Adobe After Effect as well. Adobe After Effect is the perfect tool for post filming scene manipulation and has been one of the most reliable options of its time.

Adobe Premiere Pro

While Adobe After Effect may be used for on screen effects and things of that nature, Adobe Premiere Pro While an be used for cuts and combinations of clips. It dictates pacing and the narrative as a whole. It can create fast cuts to maintain that high action feeling, or slower contrasting cuts that control the story. Along with clip combination and cuts, Adobe Premiere Pro also can control sound and all related elements as well. It can do things like remove the background noise from scenes, draw attention to certain sounds, and much more. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most optimal tools used to create all types of film in the media world.

Reference (APA 7th edition):

Castellet, I. (2024, October 31). How coding and CGI have transformed horror films: A Halloween special. Code Week. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://codeweek.eu/blog/how-coding-and-cgi-have-transformed-horror/ 

Reference (APA 7th edition):

Adobe Community. (2014, February 2). Video effects for a horror/thriller trailer [Online forum thread]. Adobe. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-pro/video-effects-for-a-horror-thriller-trailer/1361397 

Psychological Horror - Opening Credit Sequences

Us (2019)

The opening credit sequence for Jordan Peele's "Us" takes a very distinct approach on film openings, one not frequently scene in the media world. It begins with an extreme close up of a bunny's eye, with the bunny being in a cage that is out of focus. As we are shown this, the credits are displayed for the audience to view. While credits are rolling, the camera begins to zoom outwards. In doing so, it is revealed to the audience that the bunny is one of many, showing many cages lined up next to each other in a room full of cages. This technique is effective because it establishes that eerie other-worldly feeling that is representative of what is to come in the film. It also raises questions pertaining to the bunnies: Where are they? How did they get there? Who put them there? The film opening successfully captures the attention of the audience and hooks them for the rest of the film, while doing so in just one scene.

The Black Phone (2022)

The Black Phone takes a very different approach from that of "Us." Instead of using one scene throughout their opening credits, The Black Phone uses a vast multitude of scenes and quick cuts to create a certain style throughout their opening. The film utilizes proper editing skills to make the opening resemble that of an old TV station, which is representative of the time period it takes place in. Editing aside, the content of the opening is also very telling since it provides the audience with a context on what to expect during the film. Amongst the many cuts, newspapers can be seen depicting missing children posters which directly relates to the content of the film. It is effective as a film opening because it introduces the film's narrative world and briefly depicts what the audience should expect throughout it.

Speak No Evil (2024)

Speak No Evil takes a different approach from both Us and The Black Phone. In utilizes its film opening to introduce the main characters present in the film. It highlights the key qualities of each character, drawing attention to the things exclusively unique to them. It does this while providing context on the current events in the story. These methods are effective as an opening credit scene because it introduces the characters whilst reeling the credits on screen. The film correctly matches elements like font and text color with what is being presented to the audience to successfully create a certain tone within the film.

Initial Plans For Portfolio Project

 After hearing about the portfolio project, many ideas rushed into my mind. I became quite excited about the whole project and could not wait to make it. I decided to work in a group with 2 other people, and we all had began brainstorming ideas amongst ourselves. We had also tried to figure out the logistics of the whole thing, like who had the cameras, where we would film etc. After hashing out some necessary details, we spent more time discussing what we wanted our project to look like. Luckily, all my group members had shared the same overall passion towards the project and were all also excited. That being said, it had quickly been established that we all wanted to submit quality work for our project. Soon after we began refining our ideas before we officially decided on an approach. At the time of this blog post, we still have not finalized our concept for our project, but have about 2-3 valid ideas on our minds.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 Genre: Thriller

Target Audience:

The typical target audience for the thriller genre are represented by those in the age group of 15-40. The genre targets people in this age group by creating a complex plot that leaves the audience in constant anticipation of what will come next. The age group for the thriller genre is generally older then other genres since the plot may be harder to follow for some; that being said, this appeals to the thriller audience who are typically looking for something with more layers then your typical action film.

Genre Conventions:

Content - Things usually seen in thriller films are high stakes situations, mysteries, and danger. These concepts usually follow the protagonist of the film as they navigate around the challenge while leaving the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The characters in the film are usually shrouded in secrets and mystery in their respective world. The film is usually darker and more serious then other genres, which is why it has more traction with older audiences.

Techniques - Thriller films usually use close ups and other camera techniques that are effective at capturing characters emotion at any given time. They also use the handheld camera technique; however, not in the same way as an action film, for example. They use them to build up tension and fear in a way that keeps the audience glued to the screen. Thriller films also utilize dark colors like blue, black or purple to create a serious feeling in the audience as well.

Institutional Conventions:

In the media world, marketing a thriller film heavily relies on its trailer to attract its audiences. The trailer should leave audiences wanting more, with questions unanswered. It should be very dark, and introduce our protagonist and their obstacles. The trailer should also develop the films narrative image, meaning it should explain the brief context of the story and narrative world.

The Matrix

Bullet Train

Sources:

Thriller (genre). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)

Camera angles used in thrillers. (2015, September 23). Windsorgirls Weebly (Gemini Productions). Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://windsorgirls.weebly.com/gemini-productions/camera-angles-types-in-thriller-films

Portfolio Project Genre #1

 Genre: Action

Target Audiences:

The typical target audience for the action genre are represented by those in the age group of 12-35. The genre targets young adults with fast pacing excitement to keep them on the edge of their seats as they watch their favorite films. This style would not resonate with those in older age groups since they typically prefer calmer films that they can enjoy at their own pace. Viewers younger than 12 also may not enjoy the film since it may be too complex for them to understand since it does not spend much time spiraling over the plot.

Genre Conventions:

Content - The typical content seen in action movies is good vs. evil and life vs. death. These are depicted surrounding a protagonist, usually one who has to overcome many obstacles and develop as a character. Characters aside, they may also include subplots which develop alongside the main plot with the protagonist. These are used to maintain constant activity within the piece.

Techniques - There are many film techniques that have become almost an industry standard in the action world. One of these are the use of quick cuts and shots to create a feeling of intensity and urgency in the audience. In an action film, even the way the camera is held follows the norms for said genre. A handheld camera is usually seen in most films to capture things like fight scenes or intense chases. This is because it creates a scene that is more realistic and immersive in the film world.

Institutional Conventions:

Looking at action films from a bigger picture, institutions mainly want to convey action films in a certain manner to attract the audience previously mentioned above. Expanding on this concept, many institutions use visual elements like posters and trailers to instantly attract viewers since they typically contain things like explosions or other thrilling elements. 

Alien

Watcher

Sources:

Action film. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_film

Wolfe, A. (2019, May 29). Classified: Action cinematography. Film Comment. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/classified-action-cinematography/