Blog 9: EQ

1. I have reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.
2. Why the EQs did or didn't meet the rule of three criteria:

a. Yes, since the question is open-ended and requires some sort of education in the field to answer.
b. No, the meaning of the question is not straightforward, however it can be revised and still yield the same answer.
c. Yes, since the question addresses technique and practical application.
d. No, since the question is not open-ended and lacks depth.

     3. Which features best contribute to progress and advancement of an independent film?

November Blog: Independent Component Update

For my independent component, I have been writing a screenplay that I will shoot as my second independent component. As of now, I have 13 pages of dialogue and description. A brief summary of the story (so far) is as follows:
A girl, Kylie, with a stressed businesswoman of a mother has her 1st day of school. She is nervous about making friends, but she meets one boy, Luke, that she can instantaneously call a friend. The students give their teacher a very hard time, asking profound questions that she doesn't know how to answer. Anyway, Kylie and Luke play on the playground for a while after class, and at one point, they hug one another while sitting on a bench. The time period shifts, and now they are 18-year-olds performing the same action. They visit their school to reminisce, and it is established that Kylie is very studious, but has difficulty in her debate class. At school the next morning, their friend, Johnny, asks to borrow the homework. He can be characterized as a lazy, fun-loving friend. As Kylie leaves, Luke tells Johnny that he wants to propose to Kylie, and even shows him the engagement ring. Johnny tells Luke about an upcoming party at another friend, Josh's, however Luke is reluctant to go, as Josh is a drug addict and possible alcoholic. Meanwhile, Kylie is assigned a partner and topic for her next debate. She is comfortable with her partner, Daniel, and is prepared to redeem herself by debating against illegal drugs. Later that day, Luke is working on an essay and texting Johnny about the party simultaneously. He dozes off, and upon awakening realizes that he didn't finish his essay. At school, he frantically works on it, and Kylie assists. After, Johnny arrives and assures Luke that the essay is irrelevant enough to have little influence on his decent grade. To cheer him up, he mentions the party that will be later that day. Meanwhile, Kylie recites her debate speech against illegal drugs, as Luke is shown taking drugs at Josh's party.
For the 2nd Independent component, I am prepared to collaborate with fellow seniors that have topics that can be implemented to fufill the Independent film, or anyone that is interested in helping.

October Blog

Due to several presentations, tests, and quizzes for all classes, making time to watch films has been very difficult. Therefore, my list for next month remains the same:

Donnie Darko

Garden State

Another Earth

Primer

Upstream Color

Cyrus

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

However, I have started writing my screenplay for my independent component. A few pages have been completed, but ideas don't come out of thin air. I'm not quite sure how to show how I've worked on it, but the scene opens with a few kids' first day of school. They all give the teacher a hard time.

Research and Working EQ

1) My working EQ is: "What is the most essential aspect in regard to the creation of a successful independent film?"

2) Some possible answers to my working EQ are:

• To show dedication in exposing a controversial social issue through the use of thought-provoking material, in addition to a unique story and/or characters. 
• To maximize profits by getting a film with a gimmicky idiosyncrasy retained in a film festival.
• To leverage relationships with fellow filmmakers in order to create strategic collaborations that don't compromise the vision.

3) The most important source that I have used that has helped me come up with an answer to my working EQ has been my source #19 in my WB; It is the second scholarly source that I have used, and the author is astonishingly verbose in concisely describing the topic in the greatest of detail. All of my other sources have gradually acquainted me further to the topic.

5) I've decided to have 2 mentors: my aunt and my uncle. They are both independent filmmakers that live together, and work in different departments. My aunt works as a writer and in the art department, while my uncle mostly directs and produces. Having 2 mentors that work in separate departments of independent film should help me broaden my area of expertise on the topic of independent film.

Independent Component 1 Approval

1) For my 30 hours, I plan to write a screenplay of my own, since my topic is independent filmmaking. For the second independent component, I plan on shooting my screenplay after it is perfected.
2) To show 30 hours of evidence, I could submit drafts of my screenplay, on each due date a more refined and completed version.
3) This component will definitely help me explore my topic in depth since the work is hands-on as opposed to repeated research of independent film. This component will also help me apply the research I have done in a cohesive, orderly fashion.

September Blog

Due to extensive research, cornell notes, and studying for tests, I wasn't able to watch all 10 films, as I had planned. In addition to the workload, watching that many independent films would have been emotionally exhausting for me. Nontheless, my interpretations of the films were as follows:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: This film was really remarkable. It could be a bit confusing at times, but the film essentially challenges the expression "ignorance is bliss." Both the characters and the idea that the main character is trapped and lost in his own mind make this film truly unique.

Tiny Furniture: This film will appeal to some, but the plot isn't really sophisticated or complex in any way. Many events do take place, but the film could easily be summarized in one sentence: "After Aura gets back home from college, she finds herself facing the drudgery of everyday life."

True Adolescents: The film details the camping trip of two teenagers and one of their much older, yet equally immature cousins. It has a very distinct and appealing mood to it, and like most independent films this one is very character-driven and the plotline is fairly ambiguous.

I plan to watch and evaluate as many of the remaining films as possible in my next monthly blog:

1. Donnie Darko
2. Garden State
3. Another Earth
4. Primer
5. Upstream Color
6. Cyrus
7. Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Second Interview Questions

1) My mentor is Violeta Duran, and she is a high school teacher in Torrance. She works as a writer/producer, and in the art department of independent short films and web series. The latter is an on-the-side job, but it's pertinent to my topic.

2) 5 questions about mentor's background:

• How does one usually begin the writing of a screenplay for an independent film?
• Do you find that working in several departments is a heavy workload, or would you say it allows you to utilize and apply all of your special skills accordingly?
• What made you want to help produce independent films?
• Is there any department which you find more enjoyable to work in? If so, which?
• Are there any unique and easy tips or tricks in the art department you would like to share?