Shot List

With the character designs, personalities, and casting all wrapped up, it’s time to get this film in motion! Today, I’ll be planning the camera shots I’m going to use—heavily referring back to other coming-of-age movies and chick-flicks for inspiration.

1. The Close-Up

This type of shot is used extensively within this film genre to create dramatic and emotional impact. It is especially used to zoom into characters’ faces to highlight tender reactions. I actually want to use this shot to begin my film. I want the beginning sequence to start with Lihi's character—the girly girl—waking up for school to an upbeat pop song. The first scene will be her opening her eyes, and I can use an extreme close-up to effectively capture this moment.

2. Wide Shot

After this, I plan for a wide shot to be used to show Lihi sitting upright in her bed. I want to use this shot & a deep depth of field to fully showcase her room. I plan to use my own bedroom for the set—which is all pink and cutely decorated, matching the character! This way, the viewer can get an idea for the character’s personality and vibe, using film stereotypes and atmospheric cues to establish she’s the “bubbly popular girl.”

3. Title Card

However, in this same scene, I plan to include the title of my film! In many films, title card scenes are introduced separately before or after the film’s opening. But, I think it would be fun and unique to include the title from the get-go with a fun song plays in the background.

An iconic example of this is in the coming-of-age film Lady Bird! Instead of having the title at the beginning or end of the film sequence, I can incorporate it smoothly into the opening itself. 

4. Smash Cut

After Lihi's character wakes up, I plan to cut to an abrupt, less calm scene of my edgy character waking up to a rock song. I want to make her morning routine less organized and more “realistic” compared to Lihi's, with my character impatiently shutting her alarm off and rolling out of bed. Using a smash cut emphasizes the difference between these two characters, with a jarring transition being used to contrast them instead of a seamless one. Unlike Lihi's character, the girl I play is more alternative and falls into the stereotypical “punk” trope. 

5. Montage 

Something I love about this genre of film are the common getting-ready sequences. I plan to have one for each of my characters, depicting them brushing their teeth, picking their outfit, fixing themselves up, and leaving for school in the morning. 

6. Match Cut

Using match cuts, I may interrupt each montage to provide a glimpse into the other character’s life. For instance, as my character is brushing her teeth hurriedly in the bathroom mirror, I can cut to Lihi's character calmly doing her hair in the same setting. I plan to add comedic effect and underline the contrast between these two characters through doing this! 

Conclusion 

Shot types are an integral part of cinematography. Different shot and cut choices set different moods and have different effects. By mapping out the ones I wish to include in my own film, I have a clear-cut idea of how it’s going to look! These are cuts that are specific to the beginning of my film’s opening. I still need to decide how I want the rest of my film to appear & be shot, so look out for more updates!