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Brandon's Exploratory Journey

Brandon's Exploratory Journey

Arts & Humanities

Film / Theater

Start Date

September 2024

End Date

Ongoing

Sessions Completed

20 sessions

Assets

<div class="assets-links"><a class="assets-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-hC7aew4LI"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Trailer</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVK2jIz6A=/?share_link_id=680318872101"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Planning Board for Short Horror Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zus3fJ5sCKo&t=188s"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Final Short Horror Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/2cbc90a4-c786-4c83-88f1-dff09c1ec282/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">First Draft of New Phone Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/7f8d237d-a6a0-46cf-86c2-2b7912404a15/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Final Script Short Horror Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://youtu.be/oH9N33zp-wM"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Signal PSA</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVK2jIz6A=/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Miro Board</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/0872cfdc-3e10-4991-8740-d397a48f40fa/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">1st Draft of film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/19e733a9-8d4a-4aab-b6f1-a485af44a0ce/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">2nd Draft of Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/f5ed91ad-bd90-486c-8d2d-5c4ca8fc566b/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">3rd Draft of Film</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/80dfeacb-0f0a-4813-b401-cb2c60f2442e/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Final Shotlist and Final Script</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://youtu.be/cL44Kas4dmk"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Signal Official Trailer</div></a></div>

Gallery

No items found.

Student & Mentor

Student

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Brandon</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">High School Student</div></div>

Personality
Interests
Mentor

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Arjun Govind</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Pomona College</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Computer Science</div></div>

Personality

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Patient</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Supportive</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Creative</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Organized</p></div></div>

Interests

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Film Production</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Video Editing</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Theater Arts</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Creative Writing</p></div></div>

What They Set Out To Do

Learn the necessary skills to brainstorm, write, shoot, direct and edit a film.

The Perfect Match

<div class="case-study-match-wrapper"><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Creative Synergy</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Brandon and Arjun's shared passion for film and theater fostered a collaborative environment that propelled Brandon's creative projects forward.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Guided Exploration</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Arjun's patient mentorship allowed Brandon to explore his artistic interests deeply, leading to significant personal and creative growth.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Strategic Filmmaking</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Arjun's expertise in film production provided Brandon with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of filmmaking.</div></div></div>

Project Milestones

Film Project Direction Selected
October 2024
Finalized the creative direction for the mentorship, choosing to focus on narrative filmmaking with elements of horror. This decision established a clear path forward and allowed for targeted skill development in storytelling, camera work, and production techniques.
Horror Film Concept Developed
November 2024
Selected a horror-themed short film concept involving a shadow figure and time loop element after evaluating multiple creative directions. The concept combined various storytelling elements into a cohesive narrative structure with clear plot points.
Character Development & Symbolism Established
November 2024
Created detailed character backstory and incorporated symbolic elements to enhance the film's narrative depth. These foundational storytelling elements elevated the project beyond basic horror tropes and prepared the groundwork for a more sophisticated film.
Film Script Completed
November 2024
Finalized the script for a horror short film featuring a boy encountering a creepy clown on Christmas Eve. The script incorporated the three-act structure with carefully planned tension points and visual storytelling techniques.
Shot List & Production Schedule Created
December 2024
Developed a comprehensive shot list detailing camera angles, movements, and framing for each scene in the horror film. Established a production timeline spanning multiple shooting days, with specific technical requirements for lighting, sound, and effects.
Principal Photography Completed
January 2025
Successfully filmed most scenes of the horror short film, including complex shots involving the antagonist and environmental elements. Overcame technical challenges through creative problem-solving and applied learned filming techniques to capture the intended atmosphere.
Advanced Sound Design Implemented
January 2025
Mastered layering multiple sound effects to create an immersive horror atmosphere, incorporating environmental sounds, tension-building elements, and strategic audio cues. This sophisticated sound design significantly elevated the film's professional quality and emotional impact.
Film Trailer Produced
February 2025
Created an engaging trailer for the horror film that strategically reveals just enough content to build suspense without giving away key moments. Refined timing of jump scares and carefully selected scenes to maximize audience interest while maintaining mystery.
Short Film Completed & Published
March 2025
Finalized all aspects of the horror film project including editing, sound design, color grading, and credits sequence. The completed 10-minute film represents the culmination of months of planning, production, and post-production work.
Film Festival Submissions
March 2025
Submitted the completed horror film to multiple film festivals, including the All-American High School Film Festival. Created a comprehensive spreadsheet of potential festivals with submission requirements, deadlines, and entry fees to strategically maximize exposure opportunities.
New Film Concept Developed
May 2025
Conceived a new film project about a phone-addicted teenager who discovers creativity while attempting to retrieve his confiscated device. The story incorporates symbolic elements and character growth while building on lessons learned from the previous film project.

Skills Developed

  • Film Concept Development
  • Sound Design Techniques
  • Creative Writing Skills
  • Editing and Post-Production
  • Project Management

Challenged Overcomed

  • Navigating film festival submissions
  • Balancing academics with creative projects
  • Overcoming writers block
  • Transitioning from ideas to completed films

What’s Next

Brandon has made significant strides in his filmmaking journey, completing a horror short film and getting selected for festivals. He aims to continue developing his skills by exploring new film projects and building out a portfolio of work that he can then hopefully use for college.

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