Posts

Film Opening Scene

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Seytan is a gripping film that delves into the dark world of black magic and incantations, shedding light on a social issue rarely explored in mainstream media. The story revolves around a young girl who finds herself entangled in a sinister mystery one that blurs the lines between guilt, manipulation, and the supernatural. As the film begins, she wakes up in the early hours to offer Fajr prayer, but something feels eerily wrong. Unexplainable paranormal activities surround her, hinting at an evil presence lurking in the shadows. Before she can make sense of it all, she becomes the unwilling subject of a chilling ritual performed by five women, each consumed by an intense hatred for her very soul. Who are these women, and why do they seek to harm her? Is she truly guilty of something, or has she been trapped in a web of deception? More importantly, what terrifying secrets from her past have led her to this horrifying fate? As the ritual unfolds, the tension rises...will she make...

CCR #1

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Question: How does your product use or challenge conventions, and how does it represent social groups or issues? Answer part one targets how my film challenged conventions, which includes hiring a women-based crew and reversing women's roles by being objectified to ruling and having authority. Even in a negative manner, women's role has broken the convention of being shown just as an object. The second part discusses social groups that are involved in certain activities, and it includes the lower-class conservative women and social issues like black magic that are faced by the women in this class due to jealousy, hatred, revenge, and overall bad intentions. To watch the complete answer, click on the link below! CCR.q1.link

CCR #2

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  Question 2: How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text? The answer discusses how my film, being a horror movie will be engaging to the audience and how will it be distributed as a real film to the audience of today's world, in a way they appreciate and admire it. A 3-way plan is introduced to market and distribute the film in a way it reaches potential audience and typical repeated behaviours are reasoned as an explaination to why people will be intrested in watching seytan ! To hear out the full Answer... Click on the link below! CCR.q2.link

CCR #3

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  Question no.3: How did your production skills develop throughout this project? The answer to this question cannot be direct as it talks about a whole process of filmmaking. when we talk about production skills, it includes various aspects of filmmaking including camera work and editing techniques besides other general detail,s such as problem solving strategies and attention to detail are also included, furthermore, critically analysing things and taking out mistakes can also be in the skill set you develop while producing a film. In addition to this, important life lessons like time management and teamwork are learned too!  An award show awaits your view! To learn about my experience.. Click the link below! CCR.q3.link

CCR #4

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Question no. 4: How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project? Shooting my film opening was an incredible and immersive experience, blending creativity with technology in ways I hadn’t imagined. It wasn’t just about filming it was about implementing a variety of tech elements that brought my vision to life. From setting up a PC for editing and organizing files to experimenting with different software tools, every step of the process felt like a hands-on learning journey. This project wasn’t just about filmmaking, it was about merging technology and storytelling to create something meaningful. Every tool, from hardware to software, played a crucial role in shaping the final product, making this experience both educational and deeply rewarding. To watch me answer the full question, click below! CCR.qno.4.link

Our Reaction!!!

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We all watched our film opening together, and it was such an exciting moment!  Our reaction video is here, and we were honestly so happy with how it turned out...Seeing everything we worked so hard on come together was amazing experience, We loved every bit of it, from the editing to the final scenes. All the time and effort we put in really paid off, and we’re hopeful that it shows in the final product. We truly hope our hard work gets the recognition it deserves because we gave it our all, and we’re proud of what we’ve created. Reactionn.link

My role as a Editor!

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When we talk about my role as an editor, it goes beyond just cutting footage and it's about guiding my team members through every stage of the project ensuring we’re all aligned and working towards a common goal.  Whether it's assisting with technical tasks or giving feedback, or helping with creative decisions, I make sure everyone feels supported. We mainly focused on CapCut Pro and DaVinci Resolve for editing, as these tools provide the precision and flexibility we need to bring our vision to life. With CapCut Pro, we can easily handle transitions while Davinci allows us to color grade and settle overall production quality.  My experience helps me ensure that each edit is seamless and helps me teach my fellow members all details too. I’m always available to offer guidance on techniques, problem-solving, or refining our work. As we execute our film opening... I will lead by example, sharing my knowledge and making sure the project stays on track, both creatively and technica...

Teacher's Feedback

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Our amazing teacher taught us some invaluable lessons and provided insightful feedback that really helped us improve our project. He made sure we stayed on track and guided us in the right direction. In the end, he was very satisfied with our progress and wished us the best of luck with any future adjustments. Be sure to watch the full video to hear his detailed thoughts… We followed his suggestions carefully and executed our project exactly as we had envisioned. Thanks to our incredible teacher, we had the freedom to explore our ideas, create with full creativity, and maintain our own style. We were able to fine-tune the details without overcomplicating the process. His guidance truly made all the difference. Tchr.feedback.vid.link

#First Cut

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We Are Done With The Shoot!!! We’ve finally reached an important milestone! After waiting for the shoot to be completed, the only thing left is editing. Today, we gathered together and worked on our very first draft. We were really excited about how it turned out, but we also saw a lot of areas where we could improve. Our teacher gave us some great suggestions, like reshooting a few scenes. Even though there were a few small mistakes, the overall outcome was amazing. It was so close to what we had imagined, and we feel that with a bit more effort, this project can be truly outstanding. Now, we’re planning to reshoot certain scenes and then focus on editing our final draft. We’re all super excited for the film’s opening. The thrill of it all is definitely worth the tiredness we felt during those two long days of shooting. Hopefully, when the final version is ready, we’ll be able to share the exact vision we had from the beginning. Click here! to watch our first cut... First Cut!

Behind The Scenes

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Behind every serious project, there’s a mix of hard work, laughter, unexpected mistakes, and even a few heated debates!Seytan was no exception it brought us both stress and joy in equal measure. The two intense days of filming were packed with energy, excitement, and countless lighthearted moments. We pushed through every challenge together, turning even the toughest moments into memories worth cherishing. From behind-the-scenes bloopers to bursts of uncontrollable laughter, no words can truly capture the fun we had along the way. This journey was about more than just reaching our goal it was about enjoying every step, every laugh, and every shared experience that made it unforgettable. Our funny food breaks were some of the best moments, no snack was eaten without jokes and laughter echoing around us. But nothing topped giving the film crew makeovers! Everyone looked terrifying, and we couldn’t stop making fun of each other. Trying to shoot scenes seriously became impossible bec...

We have some problems:

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~**Issues & problems we faced**~ During our shoot, we encountered multiple challenges, most of which were related to our crew members. The pick-up and drop-off situation was exhausting due to the timing and distance from our homes. Since we were shooting on a weekday and a few weekends, we had to coordinate our schedule with the school timings of the students, who were coming directly from school. Additionally, we had to manage their meals, which was another issue as it was not included in our budget. The villa we chose for the shoot belonged to a family, and our extended timings disrupted their routine. Aside from these logistical problems, we also faced issues with the internet connection. We were unprepared for having no signal and had not downloaded any necessary materials in advance, which created another setback since we needed those resources for the shoot. The only place with a bit of signal was the rooftop. Despite all these challenges, the most concerning issue was travel...

Shoot Day#2

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Day 2 was packed! We returned home late at night , and our exhaustion manifested in tears and a few arguments we had on set. However, through effective communication, we were able to resolve all our issues. As we expected, it got extremely cold, and we were freezing. The most challenging part was that the Day 2 shoots included scenes on the rooftop and veranda, which made everything twice as difficult. Late that night, when our parents called, worried about us, we told them that we wouldn’t come home until everything was filmed. We had to manage our time very efficiently, since we could only shoot during daylight and had to wrap everything up before it got very late. After a hectic and stressful day, we finally went home, only to realize that we had college the next day. All the fatigue from two consecutive days of shooting had to be dealt with in just a few hours of sleep. Anyhow, at least we had our footage and hopefully the first cut very soon!

Shoot Day#1

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  Day 1 of our shoot, 17th January, was not only a day we brought our vision to reality but also a day where we learnt to work as a team, manage time, and deal with problems as well. We shot our scene 2 act#2 till scene 3 act#2 and dealt with all rising problems as well including one of our crew member dropping out at the last minute due to terror. Filming multiple scenes in one day was challenging, but teamwork made it possible. The high energy on set helped us stay on schedule, and effective direction ensured each scene flowed well. We quickly gathered props and adapted the space for different settings. Our camera techniques proved invaluable as we captured each moment with the right angles and lighting. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we were proud of what we accomplished together. We arrived early on set, excited to set everything up before our cast arrived. Our first task was gathering mud to create a realistic grave, which we carefully shaped. We then added aged paper to the ...

Changes in the Script~

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Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned, and that’s precisely what happened to us on this project. Several of our initial ideas were impossible to execute due to challenges like time constraints and limited resources. Faced with this reality, we had to make some last-minute adjustments to the script. Our goal was to ensure that these changes not only fit within our available capacity but also enhanced the overall realistic vibe we wanted for the opening. These adjustments allowed us to maintain a sense of authenticity while keeping the story engaging for our audience. 1. We initially planned to incorporate a lantern, but after considering the risks of our lead getting hurt or possibly burned, we decided to opt for a candle stand instead. It fit within our budget and created the exact impact we wanted for the scene. 2. We also abandoned the idea of using a red light distraction and smoke tendrils around our lead actor, as they were barely visible on camera in complete darknes...

AUDITIONS

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AUDITIONING CREW: Today, we gathered for an exciting meeting to finalize and cast our crew for the upcoming filming project. The atmosphere was buzzing with creativity, as everyone was eager to showcase their talents. Despite the rigorous audition process, it turned into a fun experience, highlighted by numerous cuts and bloopers that brought plenty of laughter among the team. Our lead actors, Neha Qumar and Hamna Fatima, delivered exceptional performances that exceeded our expectations. With just a few pieces of guidance, they truly embodied their characters, bringing depth and authenticity to the roles. Meanwhile, Hamna Sheraz auditioned for a sample role, impressing us with her skills. We plan to showcase her performance to the other five side actors to ensure a cohesive chemistry on set. During the meeting, Eiman Tanzeem, our talented director, took the lead in analyzing camera angles and perspectives. Her insightful feedback and directing skills were invaluable, as she precisely o...

The Costing & Budget :

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Costing Our Expenses     Items:                 Quantity:              Total Price:   1. Candle (red)             1                      650.00 Rs 2. Candle stand            1                    1045.00 Rs 3. Tripod                      1                      950.00 Rs 4. white Candles          12                    450.00 Rs 5. Skulls                       2                    1170.00 Rs   Further Calculations:  Subtotal: 426...

Risk Analysis Before Shoot!

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As the clock ticks down to our shoot days on January 17th and 18th, it's crucial to consider a few risks and issues we've identified.  Firstly, the weather forecast indicates that while the days will be clear, nighttime temperatures will drop significantly below freezing. This could make managing camera work and the shoot challenging if crew members start to feel cold. Additionally, there are gas supply issues in the area, which means we cannot arrange for heaters. The strong winds in the region may also pose difficulties when shooting outdoor scenes, particularly when it comes to lighting the lanterns. We had initially planned to hold auditions over two days; however, due to our packed schedule for shooting the main scenes, we will need to consolidate auditions into just one day. Finalizing the cast will rely on our judgment and the associated risks. We are also experiencing slight delays with some online orders, and we hope that everything will arrive before our shoot. Furthe...

Prop Making Meetup

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 Our Props are ready!! Today, we came together to prepare for our upcoming shoot. We did a great job making the props we needed, and we also thought through how we would use each one during our filming. Most of the necessary items, including our cameras, lights and equipment are now all set. Moreover, we prepared the spell book and voodoo doll as well, now we're just counting down the days until we can finally head out for the shoot. Taking care of these small details is really important because we want everything to go smoothly and avoid any issues while we are filming! I'm excited to see our ideas come to life!

Crew List: people we found!!

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CREW LIST: We are glad to announce that we have the volunteers who will participate in our film opening and help us throughout the process! We will be holding auditions and finalizing the cast later, but for now, our crew includes the following wonderful people: Neha Qamar~ Lead actor, basically our main person, and producer. Faatima Saadia~ Side actor as the women performing the rituals. Hamna Fatima~ Second Lead, will play the major role of the leader of the 5 women. Eiman Tanzeem~ Camera Director managing the overall visuals! Hamna Sheraz~ Editor and Prop-Manager to create a realistic set! Victoria Victor~ Side actor as the women performing the rituals. Huzaina Victor~ Side actor as the women performing the rituals. Azqa Fatima~Side actor as the women performing the rituals.

Storyboarding: Åžeytan

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We are planning to create "Seytan" with a clear and engaging storyline... Our goal is to ensure that every scene connects well with the other scenes making it easy for the audience to follow along. We want to build a sense of fear and suspense that keeps viewers suspenseful and curious until the very last scene. To achieve this, we will mainly use static and wide shots. Static shots will help focus attention on the characters and their emotions, while wide shots will show the surroundings, adding to the tension of the story. Additionally, we will use dark and cool color grading throughout the film to create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. This will help to set the mood and indulge the audience into the chilling world we are trying to portray.

Mood Board:

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My mood board for the film opening shows the dark and creepy vibe of Turkish folklore especially around black magic. It is inspired by films like Dabbe and Sijjin. The theme is all about hidden evil like old rituals curses and jinns. One image shows blood in the sink indicating satanic activity. Another shows a woman praying alone during Fajr which represents our script and start of paranormal activity. There is also a scene of satanic symbols drawn on walls. Everything feels off and uncomfortable. I wanted it to feel real like this could happen in a normal village. It is raw scary and deeply unsettling .

The script development meeting!

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A CHANGE OF SCENE? As the script reached its final draft and our filming location was confirmed, we decided to hold an online meeting to map out the development of our project. With excitement in the virtual room, we shared ideas and built upon our initial vision. During our discussion, we reflected on a recent viewing of the film "Sijjin," which showcased incredible cinematography!! that truly opened our minds to new creative possibilities. One significant change we proposed was to modify a key scene. Instead of having a pot fall to the ground due to a cat's antics, we envisioned a more chilling moment: a hand gently patting someone on the shoulder before vanishing into thin air. This frightening interaction would heighten the tension and give a sense of dread, making the audience question what they just experienced. Furthermore, we dove into a discussion about the visual language of horror films. We learned that static shots and close-up framing are frequently used to a...

Location Risk Analysis

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 ~The First problem is here~ The location is at risk! We had picked Mungi Wali village and its beautiful mansion as our ideal filming location. However, we recently discovered that it’s a two-hour drive from our home. When we subtract the travel time from our total stay, it turns out we won’t have any time left for filming. Plus, we can’t shoot in the evening because the area has been known for theft and kidnapping, which is quite concerning. This leaves us in a bit of a bind since our entire script hinges on that evening shoot! We’re now thinking about taking advantage of the early morning hours instead. The lighting could resemble the evening vibe, and it might actually work for our scenes. If we go this route, it would make for a tighter shooting schedule, but it’s worth a shot. If this doesn’t work out, we might have to stay overnight at the location, which means putting in extra effort. On top of all this, we’ve found another potential location that could fit our needs. Howeve...

Update: Equipment is here~

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  WE HAVE THE PROPS! Yesterday, we received an exciting call from one of our friends who generously offered to lend us some essential equipment for our upcoming shoot. He has a lighting setup, a sturdy stand, a reliable tripod, and even a smoke machine. All are crucial elements that could elevate the quality of our project! We are absolutely thrilled to hear this, as it will drastically cut down our budget for the shoot... Equipment rentals can be quite expensive, so having access to these items for free is a game-changer. We plan to use this gear for our pre-shoot first and if we find any adjustments or enhancements, we can reuse the equipment later on. After coordinating the details, we successfully secured the equipment, and now we're eagerly awaiting the permission for our shoot...  We can hardly contain our excitement to get started! With this support, we feel more prepared and confident about bringing our vision to life. We can’t wait to dive in and start filming~ Hopefu...

The Hidden Message: Practice Task!

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A Pre-shoot Practice:  Click here to watch The Hidden Message! Me and my Team members gathered to practice our learned shots in a project we were assigned. That included a hidden message so we executed this little film opening together! STORYLINE: The rain softly drizzles in the background as a girl sits on the roof, writing in her notebook. Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder catches her attention, prompting her to stand up and pack her belongings. She walks into the rain, enjoying the gentle drops that sprinkle down on her. Feeling happy and giddy, she decides to take a few pictures of the stunning scene in front of her, so she heads towards the guard shelter.  As she angles her camera and adjusts her position, she frowns when something in the grill obstructs her view. She notices a crumpled note shoved into the grill. Reaching for the note, she opens it and reads something she absolutely did not expect!

Sounds in Filmmaking~

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Micro-Elements of Sound: A surround sound system utilizes speakers placed at various locations to create immersive cinematic sound effects. Diegetic Sounds:  Derived from the term “diegesis,” diegetic sounds are those that originate from the film's world. Non-Diegetic Sound:  These are added sounds or sound effects that are not part of the film's world.   Internal Diegetic Sound: Thoughts expressed aloud by a character or the mind's internal monologue.   Synchronous Sound: Sounds that sync with on-screen actions, such as the screeching of brakes during a car accident. Non-Synchronous Sound: Sounds that provide context but do not match the visible actions on screen. For example, police sirens heard while a character is hiding. Sound Motif:  A specific sound associated with a particular scene or character. For instance, the Pink Panther theme plays whenever the character appears. Sound Bridge:   A technique where sounds from one scene transition into a...

Cinematic Composition?

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8 Steps to Cinematography! 1. Apply the Rule of Thirds:      - Position subjects on focal points.    - Place authoritative subjects in the center.    - For landscapes or horizons, align them with two horizontal lines.    2. Depth:     - Shoot from a lower angle for a more amateur feel.   -  Use blur to add depth and eliminate distractions from the background.   - Pull the subject away from the background to enhance depth.   - Incorporate elements in the foreground, such as leaves or flowers.     3.  Leading Lines:        - Use leading lines to draw attention to the subject.   - They guide both the viewer and the character’s direction.   - If the leading lines disappear, the audience may feel lost, just as the character does.   4.  Symmetry:      - Audiences appreciate order and balance...