Enrichment Project:Enrichment Project:
After the HeadlinesA short film written and
directed by Aaliyah Miller
After the HeadlinesA short film written and
directed by Aaliyah Miller
Unfortunately the scheduled short film is not ready for viewingat this time.
My Creative ProcessMy Creative Process
My Inspiration for After the Headlines
Writing the script (an outline and timeline)
Pre-productionProductionPost-production (Still in the process)
My Inspiration for After the Headlines
Writing the script (an outline and timeline)
Pre-productionProductionPost-production (Still in the process)
My InspirationMy Inspiration ATH (After the Headlines) is loosely based on a series of articles I read in the Hartford Courant.
Initially I wanted to develop the script as a feature (which I still plan on doing).
I found a short scriptwriting contest online in which writers were given a week to write a screenplay 15 pages or less. My genre was drama and my subject was newspaper clippings.
After the Headlines was born (See handout).
ATH (After the Headlines) is loosely based on a series of articles I read in the Hartford Courant.
Initially I wanted to develop the script as a feature (which I still plan on doing).
I found a short scriptwriting contest online in which writers were given a week to write a screenplay 15 pages or less. My genre was drama and my subject was newspaper clippings.
After the Headlines was born (See handout).
Pre-ProductionPre-ProductionDevelop film budgetPlan three-day shoot Storyboard the scriptFind film locations Hire cast and crewDevelop scene breakdown, shot list, and shooting schedule
Set designRead-thru of script with cast Rewrites to the script
Develop film budgetPlan three-day shoot Storyboard the scriptFind film locations Hire cast and crewDevelop scene breakdown, shot list, and shooting schedule
Set designRead-thru of script with cast Rewrites to the script
Production of ATH Production of ATH
Production: First DayProduction: First DayCrew arrives and everyone loads inSet-up location (props, furniture, and wardrobe and lights for first scene of the night (this can take a while)
Check sound (absolutely crucial)Six scenes were shot on the first nightTwo locations (AFT studios in Rocky Hill, CT and Kim Dorfman’s home in New Britain, CT
We started at 6 p.m. and finished at 2 a.m
Crew arrives and everyone loads inSet-up location (props, furniture, and wardrobe and lights for first scene of the night (this can take a while)
Check sound (absolutely crucial)Six scenes were shot on the first nightTwo locations (AFT studios in Rocky Hill, CT and Kim Dorfman’s home in New Britain, CT
We started at 6 p.m. and finished at 2 a.m
ATH Production StillsATH Production Stills
Day OneDay One
First scene: The script supervisor checks the talent’s clothing. News background will be added in post-production.
First scene: The script supervisor checks the talent’s clothing. News background will be added in post-production.
We watch the scene playback on the monitor.We watch the scene playback on the monitor.
Since there was no director’s clap board, Lawrence, a co-producer,
gets creative and makes his own.
Since there was no director’s clap board, Lawrence, a co-producer,
gets creative and makes his own.
Sound rolling….lights, camera, and then action.Sound rolling….lights, camera, and then action.
Tim (location sound) records audio for news anchor scene.Tim (location sound) records audio for news anchor scene.
I talk to actors about the support group scene.
I talk to actors about the support group scene.
I check out the support group meeting in the monitor.I check out the support group meeting in the monitor.
Cast and crew in AFT studios parking lot for exterior scene.Cast and crew in AFT studios parking lot for exterior scene.
Cast and crew watch a playback of the scene on the monitor.Cast and crew watch a playback of the scene on the monitor.
Brandy begins to apply Mika’s special effects make-up.Brandy begins to apply Mika’s special effects make-up.
The finished product. Now Mika has to wait for the crew to set up.The finished product. Now Mika has to wait for the crew to set up.
Mika patiently waits for action.Mika patiently waits for action.
More special effects make-up for Alexis’ slit wrist’s scene.More special effects make-up for Alexis’ slit wrist’s scene.
Production: Second DayProduction: Second Day10 a.m. call time for cast and crewEat breakfast and set-up first shot15 scenes were shot on the second day (a very long day)
Our two set locations included Brandy Devoid’s residence (Clara’s house) and Black Rock Center (coroner scene, hospital waiting room scene, sessions with Dr. Braxton, and exterior shots)
Changed shot list due to rain
10 a.m. call time for cast and crewEat breakfast and set-up first shot15 scenes were shot on the second day (a very long day)
Our two set locations included Brandy Devoid’s residence (Clara’s house) and Black Rock Center (coroner scene, hospital waiting room scene, sessions with Dr. Braxton, and exterior shots)
Changed shot list due to rain
ATH Production StillsATH Production Stills
Day TwoDay Two
A shot of the table for film continuity.A shot of the table for film continuity.
Looking over the script with Brandy (assistant director) and Melissa (script supervisor).
Looking over the script with Brandy (assistant director) and Melissa (script supervisor).
Crew standing by……..Crew standing by……..
I am not sure what I’m looking at….I am not sure what I’m looking at….
Brandy with Mika in make-up for the coroner scene.Brandy with Mika in make-up for the coroner scene.
Mom takes a picture of Mika before she shoots the coroner scene.Mom takes a picture of Mika before she shoots the coroner scene.
Mika plays dead….Mika plays dead….
Clara meets with the doctor.Clara meets with the doctor.
Watching the scene on screen.Watching the scene on screen.
Jaye (Clara) catches a nap.Jaye (Clara) catches a nap.
Time to eat, where’s the grub?Time to eat, where’s the grub?
Alex sets up a light for the final scene of the night.Alex sets up a light for the final scene of the night.
Production: Final Day
Production: Final Day
Crew call was 9 a.m.Shot 13 scenesLocations were Brandy’s residence, Bridgeport, CT and Kim’s residence, New Britain, CT
Kim made the crew lunch (kudos)Martini shot (last shot of the production) happened at around 7:30 p.m.
Plan to log and digitize the DV tapes
Crew call was 9 a.m.Shot 13 scenesLocations were Brandy’s residence, Bridgeport, CT and Kim’s residence, New Britain, CT
Kim made the crew lunch (kudos)Martini shot (last shot of the production) happened at around 7:30 p.m.
Plan to log and digitize the DV tapes
ATH Production StillsATH Production StillsFinal DayFinal Day
Clara walks through Alexis’ room.Clara walks through Alexis’ room.
Jaye with Mika before they shoot a scene.
Jaye with Mika before they shoot a scene.
Melissa and I are in Kim’s hallway waiting for the next take.Melissa and I are in Kim’s hallway waiting for the next take.
Alexis’ messy bedroom (actually Mika’s brothers room).Alexis’ messy bedroom (actually Mika’s brothers room).
Tim caught in the messy hallway.Tim caught in the messy hallway.
Keith, Elvis, and I watch the take in the cold.
Keith, Elvis, and I watch the take in the cold.
Neal and Melissa look at footage.Neal and Melissa look at footage.
Jaye and I talk about the last scene to be shot.
Jaye and I talk about the last scene to be shot.
It’s a wrap…..It’s a wrap…..
Post-ProductionPost-ProductionFootage has been logged and digitized for the editor (with the exception of the coroner scene)
The editor is working on the first cut of the film (hopefully it will be done by the end of January)
I’ve begun to work with Dmitry, the storyboard artist, on the artwork for the DVD cover
I may need to re-shoot some scenes for continuity and better production value.
Develop a media kit for film festival submissions
Footage has been logged and digitized for the editor (with the exception of the coroner scene)
The editor is working on the first cut of the film (hopefully it will be done by the end of January)
I’ve begun to work with Dmitry, the storyboard artist, on the artwork for the DVD cover
I may need to re-shoot some scenes for continuity and better production value.
Develop a media kit for film festival submissions
THE END….. FOR NOWTHE END….. FOR NOW