April Blog

Some interesting news I recently found out: one of the films that my mentors worked on, and I served as a production assistant and extra for, will be featured by a film festival. The film will be exhibited at the TCL Chinese Theater at a date I have not yet learned. I'm really excited to see how everything goes, and it's astounding to see my 3rd answer in action. The film was completed on a low-budget and now it will be shown at one of the most famous locations in Hollywood. I didn't have any speaking parts and I wasn't a full time production assistant, but I'm glad to be a part of what my mentors have created.

Blog 20: Exit Interview

(1) What is your essential question and answers?  What is your best answer and why?

 My EQ is "what is most essential to creating a profitable independent film?" My answers are:

• In order to compose a profitable independent film, good dramatic presentation must be present and the film will be a satisfactory investment for both the filmmaker and the viewer.
• In order to compose a profitable independent film, one must be in the mindset of seeking profit in the form of monetary gain by taking advantage of distribution and marketing techniques.
• In order to compose a profitable independent film, one must collaborate with an ideal ensemble of fellow filmmakers.

My best answer is my 1st answer because filmmakers and viewers alike will enjoy a film that has throught-provoking material and good composition, from both a technical and dramatic perspective. I arrived at this answer because it's one of the most basic fundamentals of filmmaking. Although the most "profitable" films on a monetary note are always everyone's favorite, independent films typically generate less revenue, are more provocative with complex themes, and are not made for the general market like a blockbuster film.

(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?

I arrived at this answer as I was defining "independent film" at the beginning of the year. Between my research and an interview with my mentor, I learned that the term signifies the means by which the film was financed. This is how most people define independent film, however some would argue that unlike blockbuster films, independent films have the freedom to express themselves. With that, I researched the psychological background on the enjoyment of films to deduce that dramatic presentation makes audiences feel more empathy, immersing them in the story.

(3) What problems did you face?  How did you resolve them?

The only problem I have is that my senior project grade has not been updated nor posted in months, so I have no idea how it will be reflected in the rest of my grades. Additionally, the grading system transition has made some other classes less punctual to be reported. The issue is out of my control, but to attempt to resolve the problem, I have asked when the senior project grades would be available, let alone up to date.

(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?

My two most significant sources were psychologist Dolf Zillman's scholarly journals titled Mechanisms of Emotional Involvement with Drama, and The Role of Empathic Distress in the Enjoyment of Cinematic Tragedy. The sources applied to my best answer, analyzed the role of empathy in cinema, and provided psychological insight on film/viewer relationship. The research was fascinating and informative, a combination generally not evident in research.

Blog 19: Independent Component 2

(a) I, Richard Reinaga, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.
(b) Since my independent component 2 was a film trailer, my sources would be my interviewees: Philip Miller, and Violeta and Miguel Duran.
(c) My Independent Component 2 Log is up to date.
(d) I completed a trailer for the screenplay I wrote for my 1st independent component. The link to the copy can be found under Blog 14: Independent Component 1. Through the trailer, I wanted it to allude to what I had written but didn't want to give away too much. 

As I worked on my 2nd independent component, I updated my log with a quick but detailed summary of exactly what I did each day. 

I have the trailer on my flash drive which is available upon request. I am posting it on Youtube, here is the link.

This independent component helped me answer my EQ by supporting my 3rd answer: In order to compose a profitable independent film, one must collaborate with an ideal ensemble of fellow filmmakers. My two main actors were individuals who I have worked with in the past and have grown close to. The experience was undoubtedly enjoyable and I love the product.