Study-Maturity

 The Psychology of Maturity: Subverting "The Rite of Passage"

Deeply impactful coming-of-age stories go beyond simple birthdays or graduations; they focus on psychological and moral growth.

• The Loss of Innocence: At its core, the genre is defined by a protagonist losing their naive view of the world—learning that justice isn't always served or that "growing up" is often a bittersweet, non-linear process.
• Identity vs. Community: While older films often focused on a teen’s urge to be popular, modern narratives like "Eighth Grade" (2018) or "Lady Bird" (2017) focus on self-acceptance and finding internal belonging rather than external status.
• Delayed Maturity: A rising 21st-century subgenre explores "delayed coming-of-age," where characters in their late 20s or 30s struggle with the same identity crises historically reserved for teenagers.

Mood Board

 A mood board is a visual tool used in the film production process to convey the intended look, feel, and atmosphere of a film.

We all discussed what styles to include or what themes we wanted to explore. I created the mood board poster. I set the standard for how we will color grade the film.

Here is my interpretation of the styles and themes for the film. Eden also made her own PowerPoint on her interpretation.

Mood Board Blogger.pptx

Here is the mood board poster I created that combines both of our interpretations into the desired styles

I used Canva to create this poster, here is a link to the website I used with my poster:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHB3uri_Pg/8PqaGcnNbQrnYfum3arzfQ/edit?utm_content=DAHB3uri_Pg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Tools/Equipment for Filming

 We decided to film using a Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera, rather than the iPhone we were using before. Initial research was done to better understand how to use it, and we had our instructor teach some manual features on the camera. 

 

 

 

We chose this camera because of its features like focus peaking, a flip-out LCD screen, and a built-in EVF. It has great color and dynamic range, and the 1090 p HD autofocus system allows for aperture adjustments and the use of ND filters to prevent overexposure. The camera's advanced features like the DIGIC8 processor and eye-tracking Dual Pixel Autofocus are some other examples of useful features.

1. Switching to Video Mode 

The mode dial at the top should be set to the film icon and make sure it changes to movie shooting mode. When the filming icon shows on the left, we can begin recording by pressing the red circular button on the top of the right-hand side of the camera. While the movie is recording, the red circle icon is displayed in the upper right of the screen. You can stop filming by pressing the movie shooting button again.

2. Selecting the Right Shooting Mode 

The movie auto exposure sets brightness for the scene. This feature can be modified by selecting the movie logo dial and change it to the camera which is shooting mode. Before recording the movie, the focus can be changed with AF() or for manual (). By default the camera dial movie servo AF is set to enable so that the camera always keeps focusing (). Pressing the shutter button halfway focuses using the current AF method.  

3. Focus on the Exposure and IOS 

ISO speed is set automatically. For details on ISO speed, see ISO Speed in Movie Recording. You can lock the exposure (AE lock) by pressing the AE Lock button (). To cancel AE lock, press the AE Lock button again. Exposure compensation in manual exposure movie recording can be set in a range of up to ±3 stops. You can manually set the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO speed for movie recording. Set the Mode dial to Movies. Press Quick Control/Set button. When the screen above is displayed, tap the recording mode icon. Select [ Movie manual exposure]. You can also select [ ] (Movie manual exp.) from [ Shooting: Shooting mode]. Set the ISO speed. Tap the ISO speed icon. The ISO speed setting screen is displayed. Set with the Dial dial or Left key Right key keys. Set the shutter speed and aperture value. Press the shutter button halfway and check the exposure level indicator. Press the Up key key to select the shutter speed or aperture value, then turn the Dial dial to set a value. Shutter speed can be set in a range of 1/4000–1/8 sec. 

4. Using a Moza AirCross 2 

Please place the camera on the quick release plate, aim the 1/4" threaded hole at the bottom of the camera with the empty slot of the mounting plate. Then tighten the secure screw on the quick release system. Balance the camera by moving the camera forward and backward until you find a position where the lens face front and the camera can keep complete still. Tighten the camera lock-knob and balance the Tilt Adjustment Arm, balancing the Roll Adjustment Arm, balancing the Yaw Adjustment Arm, loosen Tilt Adjustment Screw and adjust the Tilt, and finally the Adjustment Arm until it remains still with the lens facing vertical or toward the ground. Once balanced, tighten the Tilt Adjustment Screw. Loosen the quick Release system adjustment screw, be sure to leave a little space between the camera and the motor, in this case move the quick release plate to the till motor as possible as you can, then tighten the quick Release system adjustment screw. Loosen the Roll Adjustment Screw and adjust the Roll Adjustment Arm until the camera remains still and level with the horizon. Once balanced, tighten the Roll Adjustment Screw. Loosen the Yaw Adjustment Screw and adjust the Yaw Adjustment Arm until the camera remains still and level with the horizon. Once balanced tighten the Yaw Adjustment Screw.  

Tilt - Yaw follow mode: The Tilt and Yaw Adjustment Arm follows the movement while the Roll Adjustment Arm is locked.  

All lock mode: All three Adjustment Arm are locked.  

Roll-follow mode: The Roll Arm Adjustment Arm follows the movement while the Tilt and Yaw Adjustment Arm are locked.  

One quick press: Yaw-follow mode. Start/Stop recording.  

Double quick press: Tilt-yaw follow mode. Photo-taking.  

Triple quick press: All-lock mode. Auto-center. 

Four times quick press: Roll-follow mode. Enable roll control.  

Long press/quick press again: Enable sleeping mode/wake up. Power on/off the Moza AirCross. 

Normal turning on, then hold down the joystick while quick press the power button: Auto-Tune.  

Normal turning on, then hold down the joystick while three times quick press the power button: Six direction calibration.  

 

 

 

 

Study-The Meaning of Color

 The Sensory Language of Cinema: Using Sound and Color to Define Growth

In a coming-of-age film, the audience shouldn't just watch the protagonist change—they should feel the world shifting around them. This is achieved through the sophisticated use of sensory motifs.

• Sonic Evolution (Sound Design): Use sound to mirror a character's internal state. At the beginning of a film, the world might sound muffled or overwhelming (high-frequency hums or distorted dialogue) to represent a child's lack of understanding. As they mature, the soundscape often becomes "sharper" and more grounded. Strategic use of silence is also vital; it can emphasize a moment of sudden, painful realization better than any dialogue.
• The Emotional Palette (Color Theory): Color is a silent narrator. You might start your film with highly saturated, "storybook" colors to represent the safety of childhood. As the protagonist faces the harsh realities of the world, you can gradually desaturate the image or shift the color grade toward cooler, more clinical blues and grays. Think of how Lady Bird uses warm, nostalgic tones to reflect the lead's complicated love for her hometown.
• The Power of the Soundtrack: Music in coming-of-age films often acts as the character's "inner monologue." Whether it’s a lo-fi indie track or a swelling orchestral score, the music should evolve. A recurring musical theme that changes instruments or tempo as the character grows can subconsciously signal their transformation to the audience.

Color Wheel Study

 To do some studying on colors I completed my own color wheel chart using the Canva app. I researched what each color means and the effect each one might have on the audience. This could contribute to choosing color themes later on in the film and help us decide what lighting and color grading to use in order to maximize the desired impact on the audience.

Study-Modern Coming of Age

 Studying Modern Perspectives and Inclusivity

Modern coming-of-age cinema has expanded to include a wider range of voices and identities. Films like "Moonlight" (2016) and "Eighth Grade" (2018) move beyond stereotypical high school "phases" to explore race, socioeconomics, and complex identity struggles. Experts like those at Bloomsbury Publishing even identify specific subgenres, such as the Queer Coming-of-Age Film, which explores how these experiences extend into emerging adulthood.

Study-Evolution of Coming of Age

 Studying the "Brat Pack" and the John Hughes Era

The 1980s marked a major shift when director John Hughes transformed teen cinema into a standalone, commercially viable genre. Through classics like "The Breakfast Club" (1985) and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"(1986), filmmakers began exploring the specific emotional and social trials of high school. This era established many modern tropes, though it often focused on a narrow demographic, paving the way for later, more diverse narratives.

Study-Cinematography in the Power of the Camera

 Visual Storytelling: The Cinematography of Isolation and Intimacy

Cinematography in this genre must act as a window into the character’s changing worldview.

• Camera Angles as Power Dynamics: Filmmakers use high-angle shots to make a protagonist appear vulnerable or small, while low-angle shots can suddenly signal a newfound sense of confidence or intimidation.
• Spatial Symbolism: To visually represent a character feeling "boxed in" by their hometown or family, cinematographers might use a 1.66:1 aspect ratio (a narrower frame) or 14mm wide lenses to warp the environment.
• Intimate Lenses: Close-ups and "push-ins" are essential tools to highlight raw emotional shifts, allowing the audience to witness the private, internal moment an epiphany occurs.

Study-Protagonist/Main Character Crafting

 Making the Film: Crafting the Protagonist's Arc

A compelling coming-of-age film relies on a maturity vs. immaturity scale rather than just a linear plot. To make your character feel real:

• Give them visible flaws: Characters who are "perfect" have nowhere to grow.
• Balance internal and external journeys: While your character might be trying to win a sports game (external), their true growth is usually internal, such as learning self-responsibility.
• Use motifs: Employ recurring images, like a specific item of clothing or a place, to symbolize their change from innocence to experience.

Study-Character Arcs

Evident story arcs: 

Lieutenant Dan’s Redemption Arc-Dan begins as a hard-core solider who wants to die in battle. Instead, Forrest saves him, and he becomes a very physically disabled veteran. His arc involves him accepting Forrest’s help and finding purpose in his new life. 

Jenny’s Arc-Since childhood, her story involves a long downward spiral of abuse and eventually self-destructive choices as she navigates life. She tries to find happiness in the world before finally returning to her roots. 

Forrest’s Consistent Arc-While characters around him change; Forrest remains the same in his morals and values and beliefs. He stays consistently innocent and loyal, while following his mother’s saying; “does his best with what God gave him.” 

Bubba Gump Arc-Forrest proves his dedication to a promise he made to a friend. He completely transforms the small business into a successful business empire, and he overcame the loss of his friend. 

American History Arc-Forrest interacts with many historical figures and events throughout history, such as JFK, Elvis Presley, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. The film serves as a panorama of the 1960’s-70’s and the story arc of American history. 

Todorov’s narrative theory: 

(Initial equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to repair, and new equilibrium.) 

Lieutenant Dan’s Redemption Arc-Lt. Dan at first had initial equilibrium, where he was fully committed to his way of living. He was a soldier with a mission to die in battle and serve. His disruption was being severely wounded in battle and rather than dying, Forrest saves him and he becomes a disabled veteran. Lt. Dan becomes embittered and depressed about his situation. He recognizes his issue and is resistant to accept it, while Forrest recognizes his problem with a different attitude; attempting to repair and help him. Lt. Dan finally accepts Forrest’s help and his new life, reaching new equilibrium. 

Jenny’s Arc-Jenny first had initial equilibrium for the most part of childhood, blissfully ignorant and innocent alongside Forrest Gump. Her disruption begins when she experiences the outside world and grows up; she is abused and becomes self-destructive. Jenny recognizes her issues and constantly explores new areas and realms, attempting to repair her issue by discovering new heights and finding happiness in the world. She finally decides to return home to her roots and reunite with Forrest, reaching an imperfect but new equilibrium.  

Bubba Gump Arc-Initial equilibrium is when Bubba and Forrest meet and become friends as soldiers in the Vietnam War. Disruption occurs when Bubba dies in Forrest’s arms during the War. This prompted Forrest to honor his best friend’s dream in recognition of the disruption. Forrest then attempts to repair by purchasing a shrimping boat and partnering with Lt. Dan to grow the business.  New equilibrium is reached when Forrest makes it the famous “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.” and gives a substantial number of profits to Bubba’s mother. He overcomes the loss of his friend and allows for his dream to become a reality. 

Other storytelling techniques: 

Forrest’s Consistent Arc-This arc is a flat character arc in an episodic structure. Forrest acts as an anchor and instead of changing his values, he remains the same in the chaotic and transforming world around him. He is honest, simple, and persistent throughout the entirety of the film, and his traits are revealed in episodic events. 

American History Arc-This arc is told through a frame narrative. It uses digital effects to blend the fictional character Forrest into footage of real events in history, creating a chronological journey through 20th century American history. 

Main narrative in relation to story arcs: 

The main narrative of Forrest Gump is a retrospective, episodic journey of an intellectually disabled but kind-hearted man. Historical integration in major cultural milestones is seemingly coincidentally related back to Forrest. The love story arc with Jenny, parallel to his adventures; the central narrative is the emotional and unconditional devotion to Jenny and is in alignment with his journey. Interactions with Forrest Gump and arcs in other characters like Lt. Dan and Bubba also contribute to his baseline narrative of innocence and loyalty.