Media Reflection #5

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As a filmmaker, I understand that I have a big responsibility when it comes to showing different groups in movies. In my project, I chose to represent teenagers, and I think I did this in a fair way without using stereotypes. I wanted the characters to feel real and relatable instead of exaggerated or unrealistic. My goal was to make the story feel true to real life while still keeping the excitement and mystery of the murder mystery genre. When it comes to the kind of movies I watch, I like both big studio films and independent films. Big studio movies usually have bigger budgets and look more polished, but independent films take more creative risks and tell unique stories. The film I made is more traditional and follows the usual style of murder mystery movies. I used classic elements like suspense, plot twists, and surprises. While I respect movies that try something new, I wanted to stick to a familiar style so that my film would be enjoyable and easy to follow for people who like this genre. My skills as a filmmaker have grown a lot during this project. At the start, I had a basic idea of how to tell a story and use a camera, but actually making a movie was harder than I expected. Since the beginning of the school year, I have learned more about film terms and how movies are made. I now understand things like how to frame shots, use lighting, and edit scenes to make the story flow better. Working through all the different steps of making a film has helped me see how much effort goes into it and how important small details are. This project has also changed how I see movies and media in general. Before, I would just watch films for fun without thinking much about how they were made. Now, I pay more attention to how scenes are put together, why directors make certain choices, and how different groups of people are shown on screen. I also have a new respect for independent filmmakers because I know now how tough it is to bring a creative idea to life with limited resources. Overall, this project has been a great learning experience. It has shown me how important it is to represent people in the right way, made me think more about the kinds of films I watch, and helped me grow as a filmmaker. It has also changed the way I interact with media, making me more aware of the thought and effort that goes into creating movies. Moving forward, I want to keep telling stories that are thoughtful and meaningful, making sure that the films I create have a positive impact.