Saturday, March 28, 2026

CCR research

 Hi blog! Today, I am going to be researching/planning for my A level CCR! If there is anything I remember from last year's CCR, was that it is very important to give myself enough time to complete it so that I am not stressing last minute. As we all know, I suck at managing my time and that is 100% the thing I struggled with the most on my AS level portfolio project. I am definitely going to try and do better this year and that all begins with the planning!

Here is an image of the instructions we were given:    

So, for last year's CCR, we had to make to creative videos that overall cover the four questions we were given that regard our project. This year, we are told to write an essay of around 1000 words that reflects our work that we produce. Once again, our reflection is guided by four questions:

  • How do your products represent social groups or issues?
  • How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?
  • How do your products engage with the audience?
  • How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?


So, let's break down each question so that when the time comes, it is much easier to answer the questions within my essay!!

1.) How do your products represent social groups or issues?

For this question, the main focus is to illustrate the specific examples of representation that is portrayed in the piece of media that we produce. My project heavily represents mental health, specifically anxiety disorder through the character, Summer. In my CCR, I will focus on how her behavior reflects real experience of anxiety in teens. I will also discuss how my piece introduces the issue of a serious illness through Alex's diagnosis of brain cancer, and how this adds emotional depth to the production. I plan to reference specific scenes like for example, Summer's constant fidgeting with her fingers in social settings, as well as tapping her pen on the desk.

2.) How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

The main focus for this question is to explain how I created a consistent sense of branding for both of my trailers by using a similar narrative, genre elements, and visuals. Genre and the target audience for my piece is also a large factor for this question so I will make sure to discuss that.

    3.) How do your products engage with the audience?

    For this question, I will make sure to start off by giving a thorough description of my target audience. I can then explain how my trailers are designed to engage the audience through emotional storytelling, relatable themes, and cliffhangers that make the audience want to actually watch the film. For example, I will hint at Alex's illness without actually giving away that he dies.

      4.) How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

      Here, I will need to explain how my research helped me produce media that accurately represents the convention I was aiming to illustrate. For example, my research into anxiety informed the way I portrayed Summer's character, ensuring that her behavior is realistic and accurate.

      Thursday, March 26, 2026

      Fully explained plot

       Hi blog! So... I am aware that I have not really explained the plot of "One Moment" well enough so here it is!!

      Summer, a senior in high school, struggles with severe anxiety. She doesn't have any friends and never had any her whole life. It's not that she doesn't want any friends, she does. It's just that terrible scenarios are put into her brain causing her to always back out of anything fun. It's her senior year of high school, and instead of spending the weekends hanging out with friends, she stays home, reading a book or exploring nature with nothing but a camera. 

      This all changes when one day, Summer gets the sudden urge to walk up to a group of people at school. Her mind still plays these scenarios into play but for the first time ever, she ignores it. Against all odds, this group of people tell Summer to sit with them at lunch and they become friends. There is one particular boy in this group, Alex. He has always had an eye on Summer. He noticed every time she started to read a new book, every time she would take out her camera to photograph nature, and every time she started tapping her pen on the desk in class. He noticed. Well... of course Summer never knew this. Alex is known as a "popular kid." He is the captain of the soccer team, has a ton of friends, and was dating the most popular girl in school who is always whispering to others anytime Summer walks by. They recently broke up but nobody knows why. 

      Fast forward to a week after they all have lunch together, Alex goes up to Summer in their Marine Science class. The teacher had just announced the new project that they have to complete with a partner of their choice. Alex has always wanted to ask Summer to work together on all the projects but before he could ask, Summer would already ask the teacher to work by herself. This time, he made sure to spring out of his seat and run up to Summer. He asks her to work with him and after about 1 minute of Summer thinking what could possibly happen, she blurts out, "yes."

       A few days later, they go to the beach to work on the project where they take photos of the waves, kayak in the natural river, and overall, just explore the beach together. Surprisingly, Summer actually has an amazing time, and Alex tells her he really enjoyed working with her. 

      They continue to hangout and after 2 months of going on picnics, to the beach, and other fun activities, Alex asks to be Summer's boyfriend. After a ton of hesitating, Summer says yes and from there on out Summer's anxiety lessens by so so much. Summer and Alex are the perfect couple. Everything is going grate! Well... until one day, Alex goes to Summer's house in tears. Of course, Summer starts freaking out and after about 15 minutes of Summer asking what happened, Alex tells her that he got diagnosed with brain cancer and only has 5 months to live.

      Of course, Summer starts bawling her eyes out. Alex tries to comfort her, but it only makes him cry more. The two from there on out are inseparable. They spend every moment they can with each other. Whether that is bowling, going to the beach, getting dinner, or even just Summer tagging along with Alex to his appointments at the hospital. Anytime that Summer and Alex were out somewhere, Alex would make Summer take at least 10 photos every time. He saw something in her photos. He saw a uniqueness that he's never noticed before. Alex always encouraged Summer to pursue photography, but Summer always said, "I am not good enough to be a photographer." Of course, Alex disagreed. As time goes on, and the 5-month mark gets closer, Alex grows tired, fatigue, and overall, just not his regular self. This of course causes Summer's anxiety to spike back up.

      It's his last day and for the past week straight, Alex and Summer have been in bed at the hospital together. Summer holding him till he falls asleep overnight and talking to each other as much as they could. Unfortunately, the time has come. Alex could no longer have any visitors. They have to say their goodbyes. 

      Both of them, hysterically crying, hug and kiss each other for as long as they could. Right before Summer is pulled away by the doctors, Alex whispers into her ear, "I want you to know that I love you so much and I hope even though I may not be around anymore, that doesn't mean you get to go back to your old ways. I want you to photograph anything and everything. Especially things that you know I would want to see, and I will be watching over you the entire time. Please, just do it for me. I love you, Summer."

      ______________________________________________________________________________

      Soooo that's it!! I hope now the plot is well explained and established. The main idea that I would like the audience to get out of my film would be to never take any moment for granted. At any moment, anything can happen. In the beginning of my film, Summer doesn't even have any friends, hobbies, or interests. By the end, she has found her soulmate, a hobby, and many interests. Although Alex's presence isn't with Summer anymore, his impact will never leave. From there on out, Summer is a completely different person, all because she stopped listening to her mind for just a second and instead listened to her heart.

      Wednesday, March 25, 2026

      Social Media posts

      Hey blog! Today, I am going to be planning/working on my social media page! 

      The app I will be using for my page is Instagram. I just think that it matches the target audience of my film, and also, I just have a lot of experience with Instagram. 

      Some things that I'm thinking of posting on my page include:

      • Behind the scenes clips
      • Meet the cast
      • Making of-
      • Teasers
      • Surveys
      • Interactive posts
      Here are some notes I took in class!!


      Also, I decided to change the name of my film because I just didn't love "Almost Spoke." The new title is... "One Moment!" The reason why is because I want the whole idea of my project to be that in just one moment, anything can happen, so it's important to make the most of every second. You shouldn't spend your whole life nervous or being anxious. 

      Now it's time to actually start making the posts for my Instagram page!

      I decided that I wanted to make a banner type of thing for my account, so I went on Canva to make it! You can see in the photo that I uploaded it, so it's pinned on my profile. I also made sure to put in my bio that this is for an Aice media studies project so that I have no issues in the future. I decided that I want to have my production company named "CEO productions," because CEO is my initials. I think that it is fitting because obviously CEO also stands for "chief executive officer," and I am the one in charge of this project (+ I'm working alone). 

      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

      I think that for my next post, I want to make a "meet the cast" post. I would just make one for Summer and one for Alex because any other character in my film would pretty much just be a side character. I also know that I want to upload a lot of behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Thankfully, I have been on top of getting stuff like that any time I decide to film so I should have plenty of content to post!

      I think that the main colors I want to use for the social media page as well as for the trailers are blue and purple. After doing some quick research, I saw that blue represents loneliness and sadness while purple often represents emotional depth. 

      (Also, don't mind the username in the picture I put on this post!!! I made the account before I decided to change the title of my film, so I still need to update it!)

      Wednesday, March 18, 2026

      Behind the scenes - production process

       Yayyyy now it's the exciting part... filming!! 

      For some context, Summer and Alex (the love-interest) are in the same marine biology class. Alex eventually asks Summer to work together on a project together. For the project, they have to go the beach, so they decide to make the most of it!! Here is a little behind-the-scenes video I created for this specific scene!!

      bts video

      Tuesday, March 17, 2026

      Character Development - Alex

       Now it's Alex's turn! 


      As you can see, Alex is a lot more... normal. He enjoys sports, especially soccer, and he also has a ton of friends. Although he is one of the "popular" kids, he has a soft spot for the people he loves. Every Tuesday, him and his family get tacos for "Taco Tuesday," where they do karaoke and just overall have an amazing time. Alex is done with all the rude popular girls that bully the kind, shy ones.

      Monday, March 16, 2026

      Character development - Summer

       Hey blog!! It is finally time to start the production process of my A level portfolio project! 

      I felt like my plot didn't really have a point, like all I had was just it will be about a girl who struggle with anxiety. To add more to it, I decided to turn my film (trailers) into a romance!! It will still fully have the same idea, just now there will be another character involved. So, the final genre for my film is coming-of-age/romance. 

      So, for today's blog post, I am going to go deeper into who Summer is, and how I will make her come to life!


      Summer is the main character for Almost Spoke. She suffers from severe anxiety which causes her to constantly miss out on all the things that other people her age do. Even something so simple as eating lunch with friends at school is impossible for Summer because not only does she feel super anxious around other people, but she doesn't even have any friends. Summer usually wears clothing that consists of muted colors to represent her loneliness. It's not that she wants to feel lonely. Everything inside of her tells her to make friends and be social... except for her head. Her head often creates visuals of what the worst possible scenario could be, and it often takes a toll on her. 

      Since I am the one playing Summer, I really hope I am able to execute her character well! I am not an actress at all, so it is definitely a risk making myself Summer, but I feel that because I understand her, and have partially been in her shoes, I have a shot at being successful.

      Friday, March 13, 2026

      Storyboard

       A storyboard really helped me last year when making my portfolio project, so I have decided that I want to make one again for this year's portfolio project!











      Wednesday, March 11, 2026

      Trailer #1 outline

       Hey blog! Soooo it's time to start creating the outline for my two trailers... very exciting!! 

      First, I am going to explain the basic premise of the first trailer. (I have not yet decided what my exact outline of trailer #2 is so stay tuned!!!)

      A high school girl struggles with severe anxiety, and she finally gets the urge to talk to a group of classmates, but her own thoughts begin to overwhelm her. The trailer will overall introduce the idea that her mind creates exaggerated fears that make simple social interactions feel impossible.

      Trailer #1 Outline

      1. Opening scene

      • Establishing shot of school
      • Wide shot of busy hallway 
      • Mid shot of girl sitting alone in class.
      • Close-up of pen tapping on desk
      *Bell rings
       "Alright class it's lunchtime."

      2. Intro of conflict
      • Establishing shot of lunch area
      • Girl notices group of people talking and laughing
      • Close-up of foot tapping
      • Girl considers approaching them
      • Girl takes a few steps toward people
      3. Anxiety builds
      • Zoom-in to girl's face
      *Muffled voices begin
      *Heartbeat noise
      *Heavy breathing
      • Close-up of girl's face (nervous)
      -Black Screen-
      "I've been told that my thoughts are louder than reality."

      4. Thoughts
      (So for this part, I have not decided if I want to continue with the animation route, or if this will be actually filmed just with some sort of filter that makes the audience understand we are seeing what is going on inside the subject's mind.)
      • Scribbles/chaotic visuals 
      • People laughing
      • Quick cuts between the real hallway and animated thoughts
      • People judging
      (Overall, this scene will exaggerate her fears, showing how sometimes anxiety exaggerates reality.)

      5. "Peak" moment
      • Girl finally reaches group
      • Girl opens her mouth
      -Fast paced shots begin to play while voiceover plays
      ^Worst possible scenarios 
      *Voiceover: "Sometimes the loudest voice..." *pause* "...is the one inside your head."
      (A sample of the voiceover: *click here*)

      6. Title
      (I am not completely sure if I will stick with this title, but it is just an idea)
      In big letters: "Almost Spoke"

      Monday, March 9, 2026

      Research - Print

      Hey blog! It's time to start doing research on the print component for my portfolio project! Since I am pursuing the film promo package, I need to create a poster for the film. The release can either be theatrical or streaming, here are the differences!!

      Theatrical Release:
      • Title
      • Key art
      • Production credits
      • Tagline
      Streaming Release:
      • Multiple thumbnails
      • Title
      • Few production credits
      Something that is important to note is that if I do the streaming release, all of the thumbnails need to have the same font for the title and same coloring overall. The reason for making the different thumbnails is to attract different audiences. 

      I think that for my specific genre, a streaming release makes more sense. 


      One of my favorite films ever is The Perks of Being a Wallflower I think that it really resonates with the idea that I have for my portfolio project because it follows a teenager and their struggles throughout their life. My project won't have nearly as much of trauma in it because The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a VERY heavy film/book, but it will have a similar idea. This film was originally a theatrical release but then was later on moved to streaming services. I think that for one of my thumbnails, I want to create something similar to this one where there are multiple characters in it. I also really like how the background behind the characters is very bright because it stands out rather than if it was just a plain white or black background. I will probably also do something like that because it is just something different!!



      I have never heard of the film, Eighth Grade but after doing research on films about mental health and anxiety, I stumbled across this one. I really like how for this poster, it is an extreme close-up so that the audience knows that the film will mainly focus on that one specific character. I also really like how the title is very bold and stands out. I think that if I do something similar where the poster is pretty much just an extreme close up of a character, then I will also make the title bold, and vibrant so that it stands out. I have yet to actually watch Eighth Grade but after doing research on it, I think that it has some sort of a similar concept to what I'm thinking of doing. The film follows a young girl and how she navigates through the last week of middle school, the catch is... she struggles with self-image and social media pressures. I honestly think I might watch it to possibly get some inspiration!!

      Saturday, March 7, 2026

      Research on anxiety

      Hi blog! So, for today's blog post, I have decided to do some research on anxiety as it is a very real thing, and I want to make sure that the character is portrayed realistically while still being respectful!!

      ____________________________________________________________________

      To begin with, what is anxiety?

      According to, Anxiety.org "Anxiety is a physiological and psychological response that occurs when the mind and body encounter stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It manifests as a feeling of discomfort, distress, or apprehension before a significant event." While anxiety is mostly common, people with anxiety disorders experience these feelings not only more often, but also more intensely. According to What is anxiety disorder? and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a common type is Generalized Anxiety disorder, and it is where a person constantly is worrying about everyday situations. Another common type is Social Anxiety Disorder, which is when someone feels extreme fear of being judged in social situations. One more type is called panic disorder which involves sudden panic attacks.

      ____________________________________________________________________

      I also need to know the basic psychological and physical symptoms so when I am creating my character, I can make sure to portray anxiety correctly.

      Psychological symptoms:

      • Feeling overwhelmed easily
      • Constant worrying (overthinking)
      • Difficult time concentrating
      • Fear of social situations
      • Idea that something bad will happen

      Physical symptoms:

      • Sweating
      • Shaking
      • Fast heartbeat
      • Shortness of breath
      • Stomach pain
      • Nausea
      • Feeling dizzy

      Symptoms & Causes

      ____________________________________________________________________

      Now, because the character that will be having anxiety is going to be a teenager, I need to do specific research on anxiety in teenagers because it could be very different from anxiety in adults.

      Anxiety in teenagers:

      According to GAD in children & teens, anxiety is very common among teenagers because adolescence is a time when people experience social expectations, academic pressure, and identity development. School environments are known to increase anxiety because of pressure to succeed socially and academically.

      Teenagers with anxiety often avoid speaking in class, isolate themselves from friends, heavily fear of being judged or embarrassed, and overthink conversations.

      Wednesday, March 4, 2026

      Brainstorming

       Hey blog! It's officially time to decide what I want my story to be about. Meeting with Mrs. Stoklosa really helped me get the basic idea of what I want my portfolio project to be about, but I was not able to actually get the full idea. ... Ok I wrote that like 10 minutes ago and I just sat here in class and completely changed my story... yay!

      So, because I am creating two trailers, I first need to create an outline for the actual film. This is the part that I struggle with the most because unlike the distribution project we did, I actually have to create the outline and idea of the film, and then from there, I create the trailers.

      Sooo, let's start with what we know...

      The film (trailers) will mainly focus on a girl that suffers from severe anxiety. I really want to do some sort of animation for when she is having these anxiety moments/attacks, but my problem is, I have NO IDEA how to do animations!!! I am going to have to do a tonnnn of research if I really want to execute this. 

      An example of this would be the girl sitting at a desk and she is tapping her foot non-stop, fidgeting with her pen, and breathing heavily. There would be animations surrounding her that basically describe what is going on in her brain

      Here is a picture I drew to represent the vision that I have!! 


      Sooo that's my idea but I obviously have to add much more to it in order to make this idea become actually entertaining. I also need to have some sort of plot to it. It can't just be about a girl with anxiety. It has to have a deep meaning and message. So, what will that message be?                        


      Monday, March 2, 2026

      Social Media Research

       Media text: 

      To All the Boys I've Loved Before

      Social media tool:

      Instagram

      Description of types of posts:

      The posts for @toalltheboysuvelovedbefore revolve around visuals tied to the To All the Boys fandom. For example, there are fan edits + art, scene screenshots, behind the scenes reels + pictures, and posts that focus on a specific character. The Instagram account uses hashtags like #alwaysandforever and #psistillloveyou because there are 3 different To All the Boys films. This helps the audience know what posts are focused on which film. The account also posted the soundtrack that lists all the popular songs that the film used. The caption says, "the soundtrack is finally now streaming on all streaming platforms! which song is your fav?" 

      Description of how branding is developed (or not):

      The branding is heavily fandom-driven, focusing on emotional, nostalgic, and romantic elements from the To All the Boys franchise. The branding stays consistent with the use of visuals, character names, and series hashtags. The use of all that builds an identity that aligns with the actual film, and it all as a whole strengthens audience engagement.

      Analysis of how you will use this to develop your own social media presence:

      I can use the @toalltheboysivelovedbefore Instagram by using similar consistent visuals that are on theme, as well as relevant hashtags that directly tie to my content's theme. By posting content that resonates with a specific audience, I can build emotional connection. For example, audience-focused captions and engaging visuals.

      ______________________________________________________________________________

       Media text: 

      Eternity

      Social media tool: 

      Instagram

      Description of types of posts:

      The posts for @eternitymov are mainly promotional based content that is tied directly to the Eternity movie. For example, character highlights, release announcements, cast photos, reeks from promotional videos, and captions about the film's theme and narrative moments. The posts also include scenes from the film and interactive questions to followers. An example is, "Which Eternity would you choose?"

      Description of how branding is developed (or not):

      The branding for the Eternity Instagram page is professional. It uses high-quality visuals, a consistent tone, and promotional materials (posters and movie clips). The account reinforces the film's theme of love, the afterlife, and making decisions.

      Analysis of how you will use this to develop your own social media presence:

      I can use the "professional promotional strategy" that @eternitymov used when I am creating my own social media page. I will do this by releasing behind the scenes photos, character introductions, and because I am creating trailers as my project, I can release teasers! I will also use consistent visuals just like the account for Eternity did by using on-theme colors, logos, and taglines.

      ______________________________________________________________________________

       Media text:

      Stranger Things

      Social media tool:

      Instagram

      Description of types of posts:

      The posts on @strangerthings.things are overall just show-related content. There is a wide variety of content like images, fan edits, clips from the show, polls, merch, etc. Overall, the account posts content regularly, and it all appeals to the fans of the Stranger Things series. 

      Description of how branding is developed (or not):

      The branding is very consistent and highly recognizable. Every single post on @strangerthings.things relates back to the Stranger Things universe. The accounts' visual style leans into 80s style vibes and creepy suspense. A common branding technique that the account does is interactive content. This engages the audience and attracts a large crowd to the show.

      Analysis of how you will use this to develop your own social media presence:

      I will use this account when making my own social media page by creating a clear theme for my Instagram. I can do this by consistently posting visuals and interactive content that directly relates to my project's identity (the scenes, characters, & behind the scenes clips). Overall, I will just stay very consistent with a specific theme the same way the Stranger Things Instagram does.

      Sunday, March 1, 2026

      Romantic Comedies Research #3

       Romantic comedy trailers use specific visual techniques and editing styles to communicate the genre to audiences. These techniques often highlight both romantic and comedic moments to attract viewers.


      The trailer for To All the Boys I've Loved Before illustrates a lighthearted and youthful tone through bright colors and playful editing. Key techniques include: 

      • Montage editing showing both romantic and humorous moments
      • Pop music soundtrack to create an upbeat mood
      • Close-ups that highlight the characters' emotional reactions
      The fake relationship idea is also clearly introduced in the trailer to establish the main storyline.

      You've Got Mail focuses more on emotional connection and romantic tension. The trailer highlights the relationship developing through anonymous online messages. Techniques used include:
      • Establishing shots of New York City to create a romantic setting
      • Dialogue clips that reveal the characters' personalities
      • Slower pacing to emphasize the emotional storyline


      Both trailers show common rom-com visual elements like warm lighting, comedic & romantic scenes, and music that reflects the lighthearted tone.

      In my own trailer, I plan to use similar techniques such as upbeat music, montage editing, and close-up shots to highlight emotional reactions.

      Final Submission

      Instagram link:  Instagram Extra Instagram vid:  Link to trailer #1:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QJBRKG6mibmetFutjx47yp2ZNCEaUxWv/view...