Scouting the scene: Finding the right location for our film opening

         

    When planning the opening scene for our spy thriller, we knew one thing for sure: we wanted a public space with a crowd. Spy thrillers are all about tension, secrecy, and the feeling that someone is always watching and a busy location instantly creates that suspense. Our two main options for filming was Sawgrass Mall or Pembroke Gardens.

    Sawgrass Mills

    The mall had some clear advantages like it being fully indoors allows for controlled lighting and no worries about weather. The tight hallways, escalators, and multiple levels could create great high angle shots and over the shoulder moments to make it feel like someone is being followed. However, malls can feel visually repetitive, and filming permissions might be stricter due to stores and security. As well as the heavy crowd can make it difficult to film in a setting where the audience would need to hear the actors clearly without too much diegetic sound in the background.

    

    Pembroke Gardens 

    On the other hand, Pembroke Gardens gave us a slightly more open feel while still keeping that crowded, public atmosphere. Even though it’s technically outdoors, it doesn’t feel completely exposed. The layout allows for smoother tracking shots and slow, steady movement shots that really build that secret agent vibe. Natural lighting also adds realism, which works well for a modern spy thriller. The downside is that weather and background noise can be harder to control so we would have to select a day that would add mood to our film like maybe a cloudy day or a sunny day to contrast the scenes that unfold and they also have alley ways in between stores that can add suspense to our spy thriller.

        Reflection

    In the end, we chose Pembroke Gardens because it gave us the perfect balance: public, active, and cinematic without feeling too enclosed. The space allows us to create tension through movement, framing, and crowd interaction while still maintaining that dramatic spy atmosphere we’re aiming for. 

Camera Practice

     Setting the Scene

    When I started learning how to use the camera, I realized it wasn’t just about recording it also told a story with different shots. I practiced using an establishing shot first to set the scene which helped show where everything was happening before doing other clips.

    Changing perspectives

    I also experimented with a high angle shot, which is when the camera looks down on the subject. This makes the character seem smaller and more vulnerable which is important in showcasing in our film because it adds onto the storyline without any dialogue. Contrastingly, we also did a low angle shot, which makes the subject look more powerful and intense, we decided we can use these shots to compare our lead female protagonist to display her power in our spy thriller. It was interesting seeing how just changing the angle completely changed the mood and perspective our audience would have on the film.

 

    

  How to build suspense

    Since I was inspired by spy thrillers, I also practiced using close-ups to capture serious facial expressions and build tension. I also tried over-the-shoulder shots during conversations to make it feel more dramatic, like someone was being watched. To create suspense, I experimented with slow, steady movement shots to give that secret agent vibe.

    Reflection

Learning these camera shots helped me understand that filming isn’t random, every angle and movement adds meaning. Using techniques commonly found in spy thrillers made my project feel more intense and cinematic instead of just basic recording and it also helps the audience associate these commonly found shots with our film. I hope to use these camera skills towards my opening film so that each shot has purpose and meaning.

Reference

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-shoulder_shot?utm_

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-angle_shot?utm_

https://tbclassroomfrankenstein.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/3/7/30377401/glossary_of_film_terms.pdf?

https://www.adobe.com/gr_en/creativecloud/video/production/cinematography/camera-shots-and-angles.html?utm_source

https://tmff.net/basic-shots-in-filmmaking-the-five-essential-camera-shots/?utm_source

Inside the editing process: practice video

    Importing the footage

     When I started editing in Adobe Premiere Pro the first thing I did was import all my clips into the Media Browser Panel. After that I dragged everything into the Timeline Panel, which is basically where all the magic happens!!

 

    Cutting and Trimming my clips

    To put my video together, I used the Selection Tool to move my clips around and line them up in the order that I wanted. If there were parts I didn’t like or didn’t need, I used the Razor Tool which cuts them out. Once I did those steps I trimmed the clips so everything flowed better and made some understanding. I also used the Ripple Edit Tool to make sure there weren’t any awkward gaps between clips after cutting.

   

                                        

    Adding Music

    Once my clips were all in place, I added music. I imported the audio of my choice into the Project Panel and dragged it down onto the audio track in the Timeline. To make sure the music didn’t overpower the video, I adjusted the volume in the Effect Controls Panel. I also added a smooth fade using the Constant Power transition from the Effects Panel so the music didn’t just randomly start or stop making it sound more cohesive.

  

  Exporting

After that, I watched everything back in the Program Monitor to see how it flowed. When I was happy with it, I exported it using File, Export, and Media.

Reflection

This practice editing run helped me understand how to properly use this editing software better which will prepare me for when i complete my actual film opening. I was able to learn how to flow clips together and adding music over clips that didn't seem abrupt or random, this is important to our opening film because I don't want there to be audio cuts which would remove that thriller aspect and suspense since it makes the film seem less realistic. In general I am excited to edit my film and I'm sure I can learn other things but I feel like my foundation has been set down to edit our opening film with confidence.

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO52Tx60Keg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDq3ij-oHJA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsxuSRBUTOM

My Project Proposal

     Hello! I'm Jazmine and I've been researching on Spy thrillers for the past couple weeks. My team members (Alejandra and Connie) and I decided on this sub genre for our film opening since we can create suspense and tension from the beginning which is perfect for hooking in an audience.

    Our Target Audience 

    This film will be geared towards Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z  both male and females since those are the most prominent demographics that watch these types of films. This audience shares usually share interests in action and mystery films, which is ideal for spy thrillers that thrive on curiosity and suspense. 

    Representation

    We decided to have a Female lead which will address representation of women which challenges the traditional spy stereotypes. 

    

    Usage of Premier Pro

    We plan to use Adobe Premiere pro which is a software that allows us to edit our videos seamlessly. For equipment we plan to use Canon Camera and Tripods for certain scenes as well as an SD card. Whoever edits would need to learn how to use Premiere pro correctly so that the scenes match up and are continuous, as well as the photographer would learn how to properly do certain camera angles. 

    Generalized Plan for our Opening Film

    An overview of our opening film would be creating a spy thriller with a clear mission based plot, tension building sequences, and a character driven suspense which will be our female lead. Our next blog posts will consist of more planning such as our script and costume design.

    References 

 previous info from my own blogs

Behind the Scenes of Mission Impossible: Producers, Studio, and Distribution success

     When people talk about Mission Impossible they think straight to the stunts and iconic actors yet they don't realize the real success actually begins behind the scenes. The producers, production company, and studio play a huge role in the creation of this global franchise.

       

        The Producers and Production

    The OG Mission Impossible was produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner through their production company, Cruise/ Wagner Productions. This was a major move for Tom Cruise since it was one of his first big projects as a producer not just the lead actor, which gave him creative freedom including the hiring of Brian De Palma as the director. The decision to turn the 1960s TV series into a high budget spy thriller was strategic due to its already high popularity. Instead of copying the show exactly they modernized it with bigger actions, international locations, and a more cinematic style. Also the inclusion of Tome Cruise guaranteed star power which greatly increased the films marketability.

    The Studio Behind it

    Mission Impossible was produced and distributed by the well known Paramount Pictures which already had a strong experience with block buster films so backing Mission Impossible gave it major financial and marketing support. Having a major Hollywood studio meant that the production budget would be admirable, allow global marketing campaigns, wide theater release, and strong promotional partnerships. This studio allowed the film to become more than just a mere remake of an old TV show.

    Distribution and Why it was Successful

    Paramount distributed the film officially in 1996, using a wide theatrical release strategy which meant that the film opened in many theaters all at once creating hype and strong opening weekend numbers. This marketing was heavily focused on Tom Cruise star image and the high risk action scenes, which ended with it becoming a huge box office success earning over $450 million worldwide. That strong financial performance proved there was a demand for spy thrillers which led to sequels and eventually turned Mission Impossible into one of the longest running action franchises. This film was successful due to the recognizable brand (the Tv series), a global star, respected director, a powerful studio, and a strong marketing and distribution strategy.

    Reflection

    Researching the distribution of this film helped me realize how important the business side of film really is. Paramount Pictures didn’t just release the movie they strategically marketed it as a summer blockbuster and used Tom Cruise’s star power to build hype worldwide. That wide global release helped turn it into a major box office success. For my own film project, this showed me that distribution and promotion matter just as much as production. 

    References 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission:_Impossible_(film)

https://www.paramountpictures.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramount_Pictures

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tom-Cruise

        

Dissecting conventions of Spy thrillers : Mission Impossible

     When you think of spy thrillers Mission Impossible is basically the blueprint, the opening sequence and credits instantly establish the genre through the classic spy thriller codes and conventions. Even before the plot develops the audience they're stepping into a world of secrecy, danger, and high stake missions.

    The Hook

    The opening sequence begins with the iconic burning fuse, which is a major visual code of the franchise. This symbolizes urgency and countdown indicating something explosive is about to happen. It reflects the idea that every mission is time sensitive and dangerous. The fuse works in a metaphoric way during the film once it starts there's not stopping it. The sequence also includes a fast pace editing and quick flashes of action scenes which is a common spy thriller convention because it creates suspense without giving too much away. The audience is able to see glimpses of danger, weapons, disguises, and chasing scenes but not knowing the full context yet leaving them on the edge. 

    Credits 

    Unlike some other genres where the credits feel separate from the story, in Mission: Impossible the credits are integrated into the visuals. The typography is bold and sharp often appearing over moving images, the red and black color scheme is also important. Red suggests danger, risk, and violence while black reinforces that feeling of unknown and secrecy which are classic colors found in spy thrillers.

    Sound and Music

    The iconic theme music is one of the strongest conventions, the fast rhythmic beat builds tension and almost mimics a ticking clock reinforcing the urgency of the mission. In spy thrillers music is used to increase anxiety and anticipation which mission impossible executes perfectly.

    Establishing Genre Expectations

    Through editing, color, music, and symbolism, the opening sequence clearly signals that the film is a spy thriller. We expect deception, hidden identities, advanced tech, and impossible missions. The conventions prepare us for action but also for twists and betrayals. 

    Reflection

    Overall the opening sequence and credits in Mission Impossible serve to build suspense and establish tone. Looking at the opening sequence really allowed me to grasp and understand important codes and conventions and how they shape audience expectations. I learned that the opening sequence isn't just about introducing characters but also establishing tone, tension, and genre. In my own film opening I would definitely want to incorporate symbolic visual and focusing on quick cuts to create mystery.

References 

https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/mission-impossible/?

https://spymovienavigator.com/video/mission-impossible-pre-title-sequence-decoded/?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opening_credits?

https://screenrant.com/mission-impossible-opening-credits-sequence-ranked-worst-best/?

Whos watching? Breaking down Mission Impossible

      If you've ever watched a Mission Impossible movie you know that they are the kings of making you forget how to breathe. In this blog im going to deep dive on who's in the seats for these types of movies.

    The Core Crowd

 The more popular people who watch this particular movie are OG fans like Gen X and Older Millennials who grew up on Tom Cruise in the 80s and 90s. This crowd enjoys that nostalgic feel and the fact that the stunts are all legit. Since the plot moves so fast it pulls in another type of audience, adrenaline junkies. This also includes tech nerds due to the movies "ticking clock" and high tech gadgets.

 The Change

The game changer in mission impossible began with Tom cruise dangling from a Dubai building almost 1,700 ft in the air in real life. Prior to this these movies were interesting and cool but this stunt really made this movie a global hit with no green screen being use or a double. This turned the franchise to become a "must watch" experience, this wasn't a movie anymore it drew in dare devils who didn't even care for the spy feel.

    Reflection

 

Learning about the rise of mission impossible allowed me to see that one scene can influence and change the outlook of a movie which can negatively and positively impact it. It also gave me an insight in what the crowd looked like for this particular spy thriller and what the crowd might be in general for other spy thrillers. I look forward to researching about this sub genre further.

References

https://missionimpossible.fandom.com/wiki/Burj_Khalifa

https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-box-office-mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one-sound-of-freedom/

https://medium.com/b-stories/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-gives-audiences-the-most-impossible-mission-yet-even-if-d2373bb117da