"Tinder" Account

In the opening we really wanted to show Elana opening a dating app, since its a crucial point of the plot. To do this we first tried to actually make a tinder account... but that didn't work as we would have to have the fake message which would mean chatting with strangers which is weird. So that was a no go. But then Juan had the great idea to make it on Canva which is an online graphic design platform. 

First we needed to find stock pictures. That was HARD. Because we wanted to choose attractive natural  looking guys and most stock images look very fake. After picking out the best ones. But after that it was easy to place fake messages with dates and profiles. 

Here is the final result. 

fake blood fiasco

Okay so we ran into some issues during filming BUT we found a solution.

We already had fake blood that we bought. BUT it stained like really bad, and we didn't have like any other fake bloods with us so we were stressing. Then we realized red light makes colors look different. So we used something super random to make blood that wouldn’t stain my floor… soy sauce and Taco Bell sauce! 

We experimented with ketchup with vinegar first but it looked like water on camera… so I raided my entire pantry looking for the darkest sauces, and that’s when I came across the soy sauce. But the sauce by itself was wayy too watery so I mixed in some Taco Bell sauce and it looked awesome on camera.

Of course without the red light it seriously looks silly .

But here is an image of it under the red light: 

(More) Planning

Story Board

(Hopefully) My last planning post as we are filming this weekend!! Excited!! Here is the story board for the opening: 

Okay so as you can see I don't really have any artistic abilities BUT that doesn't matter because storyboards aren't for others to admire but to help yourself. This makes the filming process like a million times easier since all the shots are planned out. Now I have this a a reference while i film, and all group members are on the same page regarding the cinematography.

Character Development

Okay here is the whole shabam: 

Our main character Elana is a murderer. But she obviously has to a have a motive for all the men she has killed. We were thinking, Elana is trying to find the perfect person for her (using an online dating app). But she is just set up for disappointment over and over again. Most of these men prove to be disrespectful and disappointing. So she rids them from the world by luring them for dinner at her house. Until she meets Jackson. We will have development happen when Jackson comes over for dinner. 

She has everything ready for the murder. The knife, the cleaning supplies, the food. Yet something will make her change her mind, and make her realize she shouldn't continue doing what she is doing. Jackson will be the one to help do this. He is actually a really nice person. He is sweet, thoughtful, and respectful. He will help change her perspective on men. She will come close to killing him, but ultimately decide not to.  

Elena will have growth and realize she's made mistakes. And decide "hey, not all guys are disappointing"

More mise-en-scene: Lighting

Red VS Warm Lighting

In this post I will delve deeper into what kind of lighting we want/need for the opening. Here are our two top picks: 

Red lighting is often associated with emotions like excitement or fear. In fact, it is proven that the color red increases heart rate and evoking strong emotions. In films, red lighting is used to create drama, mystery, or even an ominousness. Which are environments we are aiming to create in the film opening. It can also reduce details, since it is a low light environment. This is extremely useful for the flash back scene as the body cant be recognizable and the blood has to look believable. 

Credit: cinematography.com

Warm lighting on the other hand typically ranges from yellowish to amber tones. It creates a sense of warmness and coziness, and is perceived as inviting. It is most often used in homes, restaurants, and any place that has hospitality. Which is why we want to incorporate warm lighting in "setting up the table/dinner" scene. It is meant to feel safe for the victim, so they don't suspect what is to come. Unlike bright white or blue, warm light can enhance the audiences mood, making them think everything is normal.

Credit: talalighting.com

We will achieve these lighting effects with an RGB light kit from my TV production class. I seriously love lights and color theory so I am excited.

Credits 

Mack Sennett Studios. “How Lighting Affects Mood in Film.” Mack Sennett Studios, 25 May 2021, macksennettstudios.net/how-lighting-affects-mood-in-film/.

Filmmakers Academy. “Filmmakers Academy Premium Education.” Filmmakers Academy, 5 Feb. 2025, www.filmmakersacademy.com/blog-movie-color-palettes-red/. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Audio!!

Foley is officially my new best friend. In order to elevate this film opening I have to include a lot of natural sound. It will give it that personal feel. I don't want the opening to feel artificial. To achieve that I will be incorporating tons of foley!! There are great databases full of royalty free SFX out there. For example, I often use Pixabay to find the perfect foley sound. You just type in what you are looking for like "chewing" or "footsteps on grass" and Pixabay will show you a variety of top results.  

They have a great variety to choose from. They also have a lot of different ambiences, perfect for making your own soundscape. I will be using this website to find some generic SFX like stings and risers, and some really basic foley. But I will for sure make my own foley for any effects I cant find on the data base/ foley I need to be really specific. I want the footsteps of Elana's heels to sound exactly like they would on my dining room floor. And I also want the cutting sound of the cucumber to be precise. 

Link to Pixabay here

Props

Hey blog!! 

Sooo after going through the script, Bella made a list of props that we need for the opening. The good thing is we have most of these props so we do not need to go out shopping.

In the beginning we want Elena to play a vinyl on a record layer, we will be using my navy blue player, and this really nice Queen vinyl in a red pressing. We think the color red definitely makes a statement to the story. Since red gives off "dangerous" and "passionate". We also want her to wear a black dress, as this is still a dinner date. We chose black because its mysterious.

 

Elana is setting up a dinner, we gathered a bunch of stuff we think would be incorporated into a house dinner. 

- Place mats

- Tablecloth

- Napkins (2)

- Fork+knife (2)

- Plates (2)

- Flowers in a vase

- candles (2) 

- Glass cup (2)

- Wine bottle

- Wine opener

To make sure everything was coherent I set up a mock look of dinner. Here's a picture of it!!

Lastly, for the kitchen scene: 

- Rotisserie chicken

- Sauce for chicken

- Platter for chicken

- Cucumber

- Cutting board

- Bowl

- Cutting knife

- Fake blood

- Cleaning gloves

- Towels

We will be buying a rotisserie chicken and fake blood. The fake blood will be smeared onto the towels and gloves (which will be placed in the trashcan). That's it for now!