Final movie

Rough drafts

 

Bloopers

Scene 1(original draft)

 We ultimately had to set this original footage aside because the environment simply wasn't working in our favor. While the scene had potential, we struggled with unpredictable lighting that shifted constantly, making it impossible to capture a consistent look. It felt like we were fighting the location rather than using it to tell the story, and it became clear that we needed a more stable space to get the visual quality the project deserved.

​The audio proved to be just as much of a challenge. Constant background noise kept bleeding into the takes, drowning out the nuances of the dialogue and making the audio feel cluttered. Rather than trying to patch over those issues in editing, we decided to start fresh in a setting where we could finally control the elements. Scrapping the scene was a tough call, but it allowed us to focus on the performance without the distractions of a noisy, poorly lit environment.

Behind the scene's

 These are some behind the scenes look,this gives an clean display of what goes on when trying too create our scenes.​These screenshots give you a little behind-the-scenes look at how we’re actually building our scenes.

Editing Screenshots

 

​These screenshots show the editing app (Capcut) we’ve been using to get our movie off the ground. It’s a pretty straightforward tool, but that’s exactly why it works for us it’s helped us nail down the essential editing skills we need without things getting too over-complicated. Instead of fighting with bulky software, we’ve been able to focus on the actual craft of filmmaking.

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The best part is how much easier it makes the whole workflow. Keeping our footage organized is a breeze, and the actual editing process feels way more efficient than it would on a complex platform. It’s been a great way to stay productive and keep the project moving forward without any unnecessary technical headaches.

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One of the things we love most is how the app handles our raw footage. It’s super easy to just drag, drop, and see everything laid out clearly, which keeps the creative energy flowing instead of getting stuck in menus. It really takes the stress out of the technical side so we can just enjoy the process of bringing our story to life.

Equipment (Production)

 iPhone: Our main camera used due to a lack of professional cameras to lock your settings, so the video stays consistent and professional.

 Lighting: We decided to keep it natural. Use the sun or room lamps instead of studio lights. This keeps the look real and grounded.

Microphones: Since iPhone mics pick up too much noise, use a plug-in mic or a second phone hidden near the actor to get clear, close-up audio.

Costumes: Use specific colors like earthy tones or dark blues to make characters stand out. Avoid bright patterns that might flicker on the phone screen.

Editing Software: Programs used are Capcut for editing LumaFusion to add contrast. This makes your natural footage look deeper and more cinematic.

Color/Lighting (Production)

 When it comes to the visual language of our film, we embraced a philosophy of organic realism. Because we were recording on an iPhone with a limited equipment kit, we leaned into a natural approach for our lighting and color. Rather than trying to fight the environment, we used available light to our advantage, allowing the world to feel authentic and grounded. This style of filmmaking often captures a raw energy that high-budget sets struggle to replicate, giving the footage an immediate, documentary-like intimacy.

To ensure the image didn't feel flat or amateur, we focused heavily on contrast to provide the frame with more depth and meaning. By intentionally seeking out shadows and highlights, we created a visual push and pull that directs the viewer's eye to the most important parts of the scene. This heightened contrast serves a dual purpose: it masks the technical limitations of a smartphone sensor while simultaneously adding a layer of dramatic weight to the narrative.

The decision to stick with natural lighting was as much a creative choice as it was a practical necessity. By utilizing the sun’s shifting angles or the harsh glow of a streetlamp, we allowed the environment to dictate the mood of each sequence. This choice reinforces the film's themes, suggesting that the story is unfolding in the real world rather than a controlled studio. The result is a look that feels both lived-in and intentional, proving that narrative depth is born from how you use your tools, not just the tools themselves.

Music(PRODUCTION)

ABOVE SHOWS THE MUSIC CREATED BY OUR DIRECTOR, HERES WHY MUSIC IS IMPORTANT:

 Music is often called the invisible character of a film. While we primarily think of movies as a visual medium, sound and music provide the emotional and psychological architecture that makes the images meaningful.

 Emotional Manipulation 

Music is the most direct way to tell an audience how to feel. Because music bypasses the logical brain and speaks directly to the emotional centers.

• Clarify Ambiguity: A character staring out a window could be sad, hopeful, or plotting revenge. The music determines which one it is.

• Amplify Intensity: In a horror movie, the violins or a low, pulsing bass can trigger a physical response in the audience.

• Subvert Expectations: Using happy music during a violent scene can make the scene feel more disturbing or ironic.

Narrative Continuity and "The Glue"

Movies are made of thousands of individual shots edited together. Music acts as the "glue" that creates a seamless flow.

• Connecting Scenes: A musical bridge can smooth over a jump in time or a change in location.

• Montages: Music is essential for montages, taking a series of disconnected events.

 Establishing Setting and Period

Music provides instant context without the need for dialogue or title cards.

• Geography: Using specific instruments like a sitar for India, a bagpipe for Scotland, or a synth for a futuristic city instantly tells the viewer where they are.

• Time Period: A harpsichord suggests the 18th century, while a jazz saxophone might place you in 1940s New York.

Character Identity 

A leitmotif is a musical phrase associated with a specific person, place, or idea.

• Presence without Sight: Think of the two-note theme from (Jaws). You don't need to see the shark to know it’s there the music is the character.

• Character Arc: A character’s theme might start as a simple, melody and into an anthem as they become a hero.

Shot list

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1. Establishing shot (the lake)

​What it does: It acts as the intro to the scene. It tells the audience where they are and when the scene is taking place.  

​Narrative Function: In a drama, this sets the vibe. A wide shot of a still lake can suggest isolation, reflection, or a calm before the storm. 

​2. Mid Shot with Tracking Movement (Liam) 

​What it does: A mid shot keeps the focus on the character’s expressions while still showing their environment. The tracking movement (the camera moving with actor) creates a sense of forward energy.  

​Narrative Function: It makes the audience feel like a silent companion walking alongside Liam. It emphasizes his personal journey or his state of mind as he approaches the end of the deck.

​3. Master Shot to a Two Shot (Introducing Arianna)

​What it does: A master shot captures the entire scope of the action. Transitioning this into a two shot where both characters are in the frame together physically links the two people.  

​Narrative Function: By using one take, the audience sees exactly how Arianna enters Liam's world. This is crucial for showing chemistry or conflict because you see both of their reactions.

​4. Side View Mid Shot & Long Shot

​The Side View: This provides a profile perspective, which is often used to show a character's vulnerability or a specific look that feels more and less like a standard movie.

​The Long Shot: This pulls back to show the characters full bodies in relation to the environment.

​Narrative Function: The long shot shows subtext. For example, if the characters are standing far apart in a long shot, it visualizes emotional distance. If they are close, it emphasizes their bond against the vastness of the lake

Why these shots matter for Drama

​Visual Storytelling: Drama relies on the shift, from a lonely tracking shot of Liam to a shared two shot with Arianna visually tells the story of an encounter without needing a single line of script.

​Pacing and Tension: Using a master shot in one take keeps the audience locked into the moment. It prevents the viewer from looking away, which builds social tension between the characters.

​Aesthetics and Mood: The shots shows that the visual beauty is meant to complement the emotional weight of the scene. In drama, a beautiful setting often makes a tragic or difficult conversation feel even more in the moment.

Representation

 The show, "2 Birds 1 Stone" represents how high expectations can crash into the hard truth of reality. The title suggests that while the two teenagers are separate "birds" flying toward a shared dream, their differences act as a single "stone" that brings them both down at once. It’s a story about the transition from the excitement of a first crush to the realization that love requires more than just a spark it requires two people to actually fit together in the real world.

The show feels very similar to "Never Have I Ever," especially in how it explores the clash between different backgrounds and personal struggles. Just like in your show, the characters often fall for the idea of each other but then struggle when their different family lives or cultures get in the way. Both shows capture that specific, bittersweet feeling of realizing that even though you care about someone, your differences might be too big to ignore.

By showing the couple falling "out of love," the show represents the painful but human process of growing up. It tells the audience that failing at a relationship isn't necessarily a mistake,  sometimes, it’s just the natural result of two people discovering who they really are.

Project update 24: Storyboard in the works

You might be wondering where the story board is well, we have not fully completed our story board. Let's dive deeper into storyboards, A storyboard is essentially a visual blueprint for a video, film, or animation. Think of it as a comic strip version of a script, where each panel represents a specific shot or scene. It includes sketches of what’s happening on screen, along with notes about dialogue, camera angles, and action.

Why They Are Important

 It is much easier to show someone a picture than to explain a complex visual idea with words. It ensures the director, crew, and clients are all imagining the same final product.

 Fixing a mistake in a drawing takes minutes, fixing a mistake on a film set costs thousands of dollars. Storyboards help identify "plot holes" or technical issues before filming begins.

 On the day of a shoot, the storyboard acts as a "to-do list". The crew knows exactly what shots they need, which prevents them from forgetting crucial scenes.

 Seeing the story laid out frame-by-frame allows you to see if a sequence feels too rushed or too slow, helping you adjust the flow of the narrative early on.

It helps the cinematographer plan lighting and camera movements (like pans or zooms) and helps the editor understand how different shots are intended to fit together.

(Changes made)

 There has been an abundance of changes taken place to optimize the time we have to finalize our movie and fix any error throughout the production. For example, a few days ago we decided to remove a character, due to a lack of time and the absence of one of the main characters this past week. The character removed was De'Andre because he wasn't as important in that specific scene. Another change taken was the location of our first scene due to a lack of space, this was vital because the first location lacked what we needed to make the scene as professional as possible.

Our new location as different areas where we possibly should more than one scene and the space was much larger with other activities and more people to ensure success of our first scene; we also changed the color of the main characters clothing from red/black to white to signify their importance and their innocence in the movie.