CCR research - Question #4

Hey there! In this blog post I’ll be talking about my research and planning for CCR Question 3, which is:“How did you integrate technologies - software, hardwire and online - in this project?”

So, I used some online and software resources to help me make this project and I’ll go through each of them. 

Technologies:

I used the Adobe Premiere Pro app to edit my project and it was honestly super helpful. I didn’t have much experience with editing and had used some other simple apps to edit simpler videos that I did before, but nothing I’ve done before comes close to this big project in terms of editing. Adobe had a lot of resources that I could use and integrate in my opening such as the title text and audio elements as well, so it was really easy to go through the app and edit the way that I wanted. 

To create one of my prop elements (The FBI crime report file), I used a template on Canva. I love using Canva because I’m pretty familiar with it and I have the Canva Premium plan, so I could incorporate even more elements into my prop element to make it look even more realistic like a real crime report that you would see in real life. 

Also, to help me write the script for my project, I used the Celtx software. This resource was so good and so much helpful that it made me feel like what I have just written was like a real film script that you usually see for real productions. The website is super easy to use and it allowed me to add specific information like setting, time of the day and character name and dialogue. Also, while I was writing it, I discovered and learned some new terms that you need to know while writing a script and it was very nice.

My CCR Idea

For this second CCR video, I’m planning to answer the questions with an interview by a journalist / investigator about the production of the case film. While answering, I can show clips from my film, my props or my editing timeline.

Also, this second CCR will include the third and fourth question, so here is the script answering these 2 questions:

SCRIPT:

INTERVIEWER

So you’re the creator behind the investigation film The Hidden Match. Tell me something first, how did your production skills develop while working on this project?

ME
At the beginning of the project I honestly didn’t have much experience with filming or producing something this big. Earlier in the year we did smaller media projects, but this film opening was my first time creating something more complex with a real story.

As the project progressed, I started understanding much more about camera shots and how they affect the audience. For example, I used close-up shots to show important details like the scientist’s eyes or the lab equipment, which helps create tension.

I also started paying more attention to lighting and angles. At first I only had a simple idea for the scenes, but once I started filming I realized that lighting and camera position could completely change how the scene felt.

INTERVIEWER
So your process changed while you were filming?

ME
Definitely! My original plan actually changed a lot during production. After filming some scenes, I decided to change the order of certain shots and even added some new scenes while removing others that didn’t help the story.

I noticed that my second day of filming was much better than my first one because by that time I understood the vision of the project and I felt more confident choosing the shots I wanted and directing the scenes.

INTERVIEWER
And how did you approach filming the scenes themselves?

ME
So, my goal was to make the shots look as professional as possible even though I was filming at home. I used the space in my house to build a small science lab set. I organized the props and adjusted the lighting to create a darker and more suspenseful tone.

I also paid close attention to where I placed the objects and how the camera moved. I think even small changes in the angle or lighting helped the scenes look more cinematic.

INTERVIEWER
Interesting. Now let’s talk about the technology behind the production. What tools did you use to create the film?

ME
Oh yes! So, I used many technologies to complete the project. For editing, I used Adobe Premiere Pro, which helped me organize my clips, add transitions, adjust the color tone and include sound effects.

Even though I didn’t have much experience with professional editing software before, Adobe allowed me to experiment with different tools and create the suspense that I wanted for my opening.

INTERVIEWER
And what about the props and visual elements we saw in the film?

ME
For one of my main props, the FBI crime report, I used Canva. I found a template and customized it to make it look like a realistic investigation file. Canva was very helpful because it allowed me to add details and design elements that made the prop look very real.

INTERVIEWER
What about writing the script for the film?

ME
For that I used a website called Celtx, which is a script-writing software used in film production. Celtx helped me organize the scenes properly and include important details like the setting, time of day and character dialogue.

It also introduced me to professional script language, which made the project feel much more like a real film production.

INTERVIEWER
So overall, what would you say you learned from this experience?

ME
I think the biggest thing I learned was how much planning and creativity you need to have while producing something like that. At the beginning of the project I didn’t know much about camera shots or production techniques, but by the end I felt much more confident using them.

I was even able to explain specific shot types while filming the scenes, which made me feel more like a director guiding the production.

INTERVIEWER
So the investigation wasn’t just in the film, it was also in the filmmaking process.

ME
Exactly! The project helped me develop my skills like filming and editing, but it also helped me think more creatively about how to tell a story using the visuals.