B2.5

Production Proposal (Updated)

PRODUCTION PROPOSAL Ai

TITLE & GENRE(S) : Short Informative Film

WRITER’S NAME: Viktor Fedorov Anglada

SYNOPSIS – OUTLINE THE ELEMENTS OF video

• U.S.P - STRATEGY

My approach to creating an AI-themed short film is to craft an informative video portraying a student using ai for her homework. Innitially she uses the ai to help her with the math homework, and explain how to solve the math problem but later on she uses the ai software to directly get the answers. The ai will be represented as a character and be visible to the viewers but not the student. Making the human interact with the computer and getting a response from the AI. The audience is able to visually see what the AI is doing and how he's responding to create a more engaging video and to add that black mirror aesthetic in this video. The video will include shots filmed from the computer camera to create this unsettling idea that the AI is always watching.

When the student cheats we can see her wearing a dunce cone hat (reference to old school punishments) to symbolise her as a cheater and make it clear that she did something wrong. The Video ends with the student turning on the lights and revealing that the AI is not there. The scenes will be shot in the dark to create an eerie mood and to let the computer screen brightness be the guiding focal point and for cinematic reasons.

To make the video engaging, the key lies in the ideas presented in the scenes. I envision representing AI as a character that morphs its appearance based on the person it is interacting with. Building on the inspiration from Screenlife movies, particularly thrillers, the intention is to instill a pervasive sense that AI is always observing. I plan to introduce this element to highlight the contrasting ways people could utilize AI. Initially, the video will showcase the positive aspects of AI but will gradually delve into how the student misuses AI addressing current issues related to AI and cyber security. The video will be different from other ai videos as it will be very observational and allegory.

Cinematography will be utilized to experiment with unconventional angles and shots, creating an immersive experience where the audience feels the constant presence of AI and hears every click, keyboard type, background noise, will also create a very isolated and uncomfortable feeling.

AI is a complex topic that cannot be solely portrayed as either positive or negative. The use of split screens will be a crucial element, giving the audience the sensation that when interacting with AI on platforms like ChatGPT, it is as though AI is physically present, watching, responding, and learning from their data.

• HOW YOU’VE USED THE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

II have incorporated the assignment brief into my video, where I will explore and showcase the different ways a student uses AI. The video will present the correct way to use ai and the wrong way of AI, and I will include my personal response by portraying AI in a scarry/uncanny way. The short film covers topics such as studying, plagiarism, and lack of learning. Aligning with the brief's requirement to include context related to social and political topics surrounding AI. The video aims to be both informative and conceptual, providing the audience with information about AI while creating a captivating viewing experience for my target audience

• USE OF WORDS / LANGUAGE / TEXT – (TITLES?)

Given that my "real" character will be alone, I won't include extensive dialogue. Instead, I'll incorporate some subvocalization while typing, keyboard noises, and notifications whenever AI responds. To create an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere which will deepen the feeling of the characters being isolated with their computers. I'll leverage AI to generate responses, creating the illusion that it is actively engaging or expressing thoughts. Text on the screen will be used when filming a close-up headshot of the AI. Including a green code text on the side to make it seem like that's how it gathers its information and types it out. There will also be text on screen in the screen-recorded scenes in the Chat GPT site. I intend to use a code title font and color In the end of my video including the words "USE AI RESPONSIBLY" and will include a fact relating to the videos theme. The Title will look similar to the Viewer Disgretion page in movies, because I always think they look important and serious which with the fact would push the viewers to read and think about the fact later on in their day.

• MISE-EN-SCENE – INCLUDING OBJECT / COLOUR CONNOTATIONS

When it comes to mise en scene I will add details to the desk to immerse the setting and give a personality and a make it clear that its about a student. I will make the table look messy as if a student spent hours working and studying. I will include notebooks,pens, snacks, energy drinks crumbs etc…

Color connotation will play an important role in my short film the student will be working with warm tone lighting in the dark in the beginning but when she turns it off the computer will be the main source of lighting shining a cool tone on the face and the desk.

• EDITING / POST-PRODUCTION

I will be editing the video filter to further enhance the mood I want to convey in my video. When putting the videos together I want to show a clear connection between the ai you see on the computer and the AI character. I will be doing this by constantly switching to different angles and shots of the AI, his POV, inside the computer etc... When it’s typing and how it’s getting its information. Taking screen recordings, and filming from the computer will further create the idea of how AI functions, including longer scenes to add to the eerie feel. Sound effects will also be added to the video such as notifications, robotic noises and typing sounds. Changing the voice of the AI character to make him seem like more of a robot.

CONSUMER PROFILE (TARGET AUDIENCE) WHO THE video APPEALS TO AND HOW…

My video is designed for people aged 15 to 25, as they often use AI in their daily lives. It follows a creative narrative style inspired by Black Mirror, aiming to be both entertaining and informative. Instead of splurging the audience with information, the video subtly presents the positives and negatives of AI, indirectly teaching viewers how to use AI responsibly. The relatable scenarios, especially for students, are meant to impart valuable lessons. The video also emphasizes the importance of cyber safety and the risks posed by hackers. Through engaging storytelling, the goal is for the audience to connect with the content and learn about responsible AI usage in a straightforward manner.

DEMOGRAPHICS - AGE, GENDER, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS.

Age: 15-25

Gender: Male and Female

Socio-Economic Status: Low Middle class and up (Because students who have MacBooks or laptops and use ai are usually of that socio-economic status)

PSYCHOGRAPHICS.

My target audience will be students who use AI regularly. The reason I have chosen to pick this as my target demographic is because people in my target audience are experiencing a new change in technology and they are the future generation. It's important for me to educate my target audience about the uses of ai and how to use it properly because in my research people have told me they use it everyday, and use it to study and get answers. I want to educate people on the impact of AI dependence and how it affects students' capability to learn if they receive the answer rather than learning how to do things.

RESOURCES:

HUMAN RESOURCES - Talent & Crew list all relevant roles and jobs and who will be doing what:

Ai: Yaya

Student: Yaya

Director: Viktor

Editor: Viktor

TECHNICAL RESOURCES – What equipment, software, rooms do you need

Dark room (no windows)

Capcut

Ring Light

Chat GPT

iPhone Camera

Iphone flashlight

PROPS / COSTUME:

Everyday clothes

Coffee Mug

Notebooks/loose papers

Snacks

Pens

Table

Computer

Story board:

Production Log

DATE:

Feb/1/2024

I Finalised my concept and idea. I used my research and references to inspire me and clarify my idea and what asthetics, and style of video I will be making. I discussed my idea with my teacher (Mr.Fishleigh) and embraced collaborative adjustments.

DATE:

Feb/2/2024

I asked my friend Yaya If she would be my actor for my student scene. At the time she had to study so it was difficult to agree on a time to film. She told me that she would be free the next week.

I asked Amy and Alfie from my media class if they could act as the criminal and worker scenes. There were some issues concerning scheduling as they themselves had to film and were busy.

Overall I got confirmation that they would be able to help later on.

DATE:

Feb/4/2023

In the meantime I scouted the locations to make sure the shots would look good and to give me a rough idea of what props and equipment I will need in order to make the scenes look immersive and realistic.

I wanted to use the sound room for the hacker scene because hackers are presented as people who hide and stay in the dark to portray mistery and anonymity and usually are seen with green lighting. I added green lights to my list of equipment needed to film this scene

When visiting the office for the worker scene I noticed The room next to the location I planned to film in had cubicles. I changed locations because the cubicles look more like a coorporate job environment. I also saw a couple mugs with fun designs or quotes on them so I kept in mind to ask for permission to use the mug as a prop. I also listed printed papers, pens, cable phone as part of the props to create an office-like environment.

DATE:

Feb/9/2023

I asked Amy and Alfie when they would be free to film but still gave me an indefinite answer, same as Yaya as she was still studying. Yaya mentioned she would be completely free next week.

In the meantime I experimented with shots and effects that I will include in my video. I tried out the text tracking effect which ive seen in many movies like unfriended, which is a movie set inside a computer and filmed mostly through the computer camera and the screen.

DATE:

Feb/11/2023

When sharing my idea to my parents and telling them who my target audience is and what the film will include/be about, they gave me some feedback that resonated with me and made me rethink my video Idea. They told me that my target audience and the themes of my idea arent cohesive. For example my target audience is students and Ive chosen to include a criminal/hacker and a 9-5 working man. The characters don't target students as they are most likely not using Ai for criminal use and arent working a 9-5 job.

After reconsidering my Idea I decided to stick to just focusing on the students use of ai as I would be able to create a more focused narrative by just choosing one theme.

DATE:

Feb/12/2023

I changed my idea slightly by removing scenes and adding more scenes/ideas for the student scene. I drew out my storyboard. I kept the same concept of having the Ai Character sitting in front of the student and filming a suspenseful but informative video about AI.

Also realised that reducing the amount of different scenes would mean I wouldn't have to rely on as many actors. Because Amy and Alfie kept postponing or being unsure of when they would be able to act for my video.

DATE:

Feb 17/13/2023

I got caught up with my music video project and completely forgot about this project. I had to make a lot of props, and costumes for my music video which slowed the production of this video.

This time I was able to get a date to film with Yaya as I asked her and she said she would be free any day this week.

I asked to see her schedule and compared it with mine to see what time and days we could film. Althout I wanted to get it done as soon as possible I decided to give myself a couple days to repair for the actual production of the video. We agreed to film on wedsneday 21 of febuary in our 3rd period as we both have free periods

DATE:

Feb/14/2024

I went up to Ms. Heart (Head of Radio Room) and asked for permission to film my video on the 21st in the third period for about 1-2 hours. She said yes so this means that I will 100% be filming on the 21'st.

DATE:

Feb/15/2023

I brought the props I wanted to use in my video to the radio room and left them in a corner so that I can easily set up tomorrow. I brought, my pencil case, random papers I found in the recycling bin for paper, trash, a mug, and peanuts. I forgot to ask Ms. Heart for permission to use the lighting equipment yesterday and the tripod. Thankfully she was here today and she allowed me. I left the equipment next to the props and left a note saying "do not touch" just in case.

I also confirmed with Yaya just to make sure she is free tomorrow.

DATE:

May/16/2023

I forgot to bring a plastic clear mask which I was going to use for the AI character. I improvised and made a "mask" using black mesh fabric, paper, marker, and pins. I cut out circles and drew eyes in my signature style and pinned them to the mesh fabric. The mesh gave the face a distorted/blurry look.

During break time I went up to the radio room and set up the set. I moved the table, scattered papers all over the desk, added a sandwich, sprinkled crumbs on the desk, Spilled penuts on the table, places markers, highlighters, pencils, and the mug. I wanted to make the table look like a students desk look messy in results of intense studying. I then set up the lights and called Yaya over to film. When she came I thought of making the papers look more realistic and add real writing/ math equations to make the scenes look realistic rather than her scribbling on blank paper.

It was really easy to work with Yaya, she listened to my directions and acted well throught the filming.

When recording on the iPhone I kept the exposure on low to create a bigger contrast of light with the computer screen. It also made the videos look more professional. Although I mostly filmed in the dark the shots looked clear. I used my storyboard to guide me towards the story line and know what shots to film but i also improvised a lot with camera angles, actions, and cinematography. In the middle of recording I remembered that I needed some shots filmed from the computer camera.

The filming took about an hour and I got a lot of shots and good variety.

DATE:

May/19/2023

I Edited the video roughly, placed the scenes in order and cut bits and pieces. i didn't work too much on it today because I had other work to do. But when editing I realised I forgot to film one scene but overall It didn't Impact the video as it still makes sense. The scene with the dune cone hat labeled cheater was supposed to appear in the wide side angle shot featuring the student and the ai but i forgot to film the student with the hat on that angle. The reason why it doesn't impact my video too much is because the hat is a representation of what the ai sees or what the ai portrays the student to look like. The student is compleltly unaware that she has a cone on her head just like she is unaware that the ai is sitting in front of her.

DATE:

March/1/2023

I added more cuts to keep the video active and to shorten the length of my video. I also added the special effects on the ai character (glitch effects) and created the seemless split screen to make the student and ai look like they are in the same room. This technique reminded me of parents trap. Where 1 actor was used to make 2 characters be in the same room. I also added the ai text effect. I used the glitch technique from my test shots when editing the ai to make it look like its glitching by including fast cuts and copy pasting them to create this repetitive jittery gestures.

DATE:

March/5/2023

I added the sound effects. I used this site in my plastinction video campaign and they had a big viarity of different sound effects for free and copyright free. The site is called "PIXABAY" I Downloaded many sounds, such as key board typing noises, white noise, clock ticking, pen writing, water sipping, glitch, distorted electronic noises, paper touching, etc... Some of the sound effects were too loud so I lowered the volume to make it sound more realistic and synced the effects to the video. The distorted electronic sound was too high pitched and fast for me so I adjusted the speed and pitch to customise it how i wanted to. I also did the same for the typing noises and writing (slowed down) to make the sound match to the scene.

DATE:

March/7/2023

I Adjusted the color of the video to make it more cinematic and to create this sense of isolation and uncannyness. I also added effects to some of the scenes with the ai and the scene of the computer camera. To make it look more grainy and low quality like the creepy security camera footage scenes in movies to make it look like the ai is watching the student.

DATE:

March/9/2023

I forgot to screen record the chat gpt screen while filming so and just remembered I didn't add those scenes on my video. I had to copy what the video showed and screen record me interacting with the ai. I then went on capcut and used the text tracking technique seen in the movie unfriended. It took me some time to make the tracking look smooth.

I filled in the blanks and included the screen recording on my video.

DATE:

March/13/2023

My computer shut down and restarted which resulted in the screen recording file to go corrupt. I had to redo the tracking of the text from the screen recording. It didn't take me as long as the first time since I had some practice before. I also added the ending text in green like the ai typing scene.

I wanted the ending to look like a "Viewere discretion page" As they always seem very serious and professional. Instead of adding view disgression I added a tittle "Use Ai Responsibly" with a fact underneath to make the moral/point of my video come across directly in case someone didn't understand and to also give the audience a shocking/big fact about ai. I do think I want to change the fact and want to include something more impactful or bring out 2 different facts, one positive one negative as I personally am on the fence for ai and so is my target audience (survey participants)

DATE:

March/20/2023

I finished editing the video. I change so small things and adjusted the sound effects to make them sync perfectly. I also adjusted the color a bit more to make some scenes look darker and change the tone of other scenes.

Production Log

Final Cut

Reflection

What was your original idea, how did you create this idea and why did you think it suited your target audience?

My original idea included a mix of scenes, each scene including different uses of AI; for learning, for criminal use, and for working. What stood out from my video idea was that I was going to portray AI as a character, that sits in front of the user using the computer. The AI is not visible to the human as it is there just to create an uncanny feeling and a sense of not being alone/someone is watching. I created this idea from my research and surveys as I asked what kinds of aesthetics and visuals my target audience would like to see. I also used movies like Unfriended Dark Web as inspiration, and other sci-fi/dystopian movies to further inspire me with the visuals in my video. I also questioned what AI looks like and developed my idea in this video. As Ai is progressively getting better and more realistic it created a theme in my idea... Thriller/suspense because of dystopian references. I also asked myself and my focus group how they use AI and many said to study, generate images, help with ideas or grammar, etc... I then started to think of how different types of people use AI, for example, businessmen, or criminals, which completed my final idea. I thought this Video suited my target audience because it is an informative video about the uses of AI and sending a PSA about the dangers and how to use AI correctly and showing the consequences. To teach younger ages how to use AI correctly when it comes to studying and doing work.

How did your research help you to change or develop your idea?

My research and focus groups helped me change my idea. I was initially thinking of doing 3-4 scenes with different characters and scenarios but my focus group mentioned that it doesn't fit my demographic when discussing the themes of criminals, and businessmen/workers. This made me slightly change my video as I included only one scene and was able to capture more details and make a more straightforward narrative to my video. It also made the video more suitable and relatable to students. It allowed me to pass off a message about how to use AI correctly.
My research also helped me to generate an aesthetic and style in my video and I used inspiration from movies like black mirror, unfriended, futuristic movies etc... I let my survey respondents give me ideas and tell me what they would want me to include in my video to please them and to get inspired.

What video/conventions/techniques did you plan on using and why?

I planned to use different shots that would help create an empty atmosphere to make the character look isolated, to strengthen the concept of the AI character sitting in front of the student. I planned to use wide-angle shots, long shots, Dutch tilts, etc. I also planned to include a POV of the computer's camera to make it look like the AI is watching the student.

When planning camera movements, I wanted to use pans and tracking shots to create transitions to the computer screen recording. I wanted to keep the camera movements simple and slow to further enhance that empty and creepy atmosphere.

When experimenting and filming test shots, I was thinking of having hues of red or green lighting on the AI's side, but I couldn't manage to find any red or green lights. I then experimented using the ring light and hiding it behind the computer so that it would light the student's face and look like the computer screen. It turned out to be too bulky, so I planned to use the iPhone camera as light and the computer screen. I wanted the lighting in the room to be dark so that there would be a focal point in the video and to make the AI character look more mysterious.

I planned to use very desaturated colors to make the video look dystopian and bland, as my research and I portrayed AI to have that impact/feeling.

I planned to have a scene filmed on the computer camera and have the actor get close to the computer and switch to a colored tab to reflect the color onto the face to insinuate that the student is doing something wrong as the color red is portrayed that way.

For sound, I planned to use white noise, keyboard mouse-clicking, breathing, and mouth sounds with a bit of echo to make the environment of the video feel empty and isolated, as I mentioned before. In my Plastinction video, I found this site that offered many sound effects, and I listened to some sounds that I was happy with. I also thought of possibly recording my own sound effects if needed (post-production).

For visual effects, I planned to use the tracking technique I used in my music video to follow the letters and mouse because I've seen horror movies and videos using Screenlife as a technique to use in a video. I also planned to include green code text being written when the AI is typing to make it distinct from the student character."

How did your feedback (from peers/clients/anyone else) affect your video?

My peers' feedback had a significant impact on my video. Initially, I had planned to film three different scenes covering unrelated topics that didn't resonate with my target audience and felt somewhat random, such as the hacker and office worker scenarios. However, the feedback helped me refine my idea and develop a more focused topic that is relatable to my target audience and could effectively convey the message about the dangers of AI dependence.

Additionally, I received valuable tips on how to portray my characters better and was advised to focus on the details to make my video look more realistic and relatable. For instance, regarding set design, my peers suggested making the student's desk appear messy to reflect the reality of students' study habits.

Furthermore, feedback on the first cut highlighted that some scenes were too long, and there were technical effects that needed fixing, as well as sound effects. They recommended adding more sound effects and ensuring they synchronized with the actions. For example, typing sounds should continue even if the actor is not typing, or the typing speed should match the actor's pace. Addressing these small details had a significant impact on the video, making it more realistic and engaging.

Reflect on your work ethic – how did this affect your video?

I would say my work ethic for this video was poor as I was prioritizing my music video as I had to spend a lot of time making things and filming and was overall more passionate about making the music video.

I dedicated too much time to the music video and left the AI for last which made me fall behind and create a video that isn't as good as my other work. In the beginning, I had a lot of ideas and was engaged in the research and building the ideas for the final video but when having to film I wasn't keeping up with my schedule and planning properly when I needed to film. I also struggled with time management when filming. I left it to the last moment and kept procrastinating to film and edit. A small factor to why I didn't stick to the 3 different scenes was also because I knew I wasn't going to be able to film 3 different scenes in time but also because It didn't fit the target audience. You can tell from the video that i didn't put as much effort in this video compared to my music videos. If I did I would have set up a better set, made a mask for the AI, Write better on the dunce cone hat, and taken my time perfecting some of the scenes.

Is your final video fit for purpose? Will it suit your target audience? Explain and use SPECIFIC examples.

How technically effective is your music video – you should discuss editing and cinematography here.

This video serves its purpose well, informing my target audience (students) about the correct and incorrect ways to study with AI. The slightly unsettling Black Mirror style comes through in my informative video to somewhat scare the students into choosing to study with AI the right way. The last scene includes a fact that might surprise my target audience and make them realize that copying and using AI to get an answer won't help them learn and will increase their dependence on AI. The title "Use AI Responsibly" is a way to prompt them to choose between being responsible or not, giving them a choice rather than demanding or telling them what not to do. My video is very effective technically. I managed to create a seamless split screen that includes the same actor in student form and AI form in the same scene together. I layered a glitchy and grainy effect on the AI character to make it look like a hologram and to differentiate it from the student. The scenes where the AI is facing the camera and green code text appears and switches to a screen recording of the app resemble how the AI uses code to generate its answers. Moving from different perspectives of the AI, from the side profile, front profile, inside the screen, and POV through the computer camera, shows how the AI functions, thinks, and what it sees, while the student only sees the chat GPT site. I think the cinematography was done well with the goal of making the AI feel like it's in the room with the student. The cool-toned computer lighting on the face creates an empty and isolated atmosphere, and the sound effects of the clock, keyboard, and air conditioning make the feeling more tense and suspenseful. Scenes like the fast forward of the computer camera nudge the viewers to understand that the AI is constantly watching every move in real-time, and the computer camera angle was not just for cinematography but also to evoke that "stalker" vibe. The scene where the student's face lights red was very effective to convey the topic of her doing something wrong, as red is connoted as a mischievous color.

Overall, how happy are you with your video?

Overall I would say Im happy with my final video, Im not extremely pleased because I know that If I managed my time better I would Have been able to put more effort and create a better video. Considering that I was rushing to finish this video Im proud of what I've done. I took my research and inspirations and applied them to my video and made an AI video with a different take by characterizing the AI. I am very pleased with the sound effects, I think they make the video feel more observational and detailed. I really liked some of my shots and was surprised to see that my video looked good even with no light other than the computer. I think I did a good job with cinematography. My favorite scene has to be the one where the screen turns red when you hear a mouse click. Editing was also not bad but some of the screen recording effects weren't as cleas as I hoped, and some were blurry. The overall editing is good, but i do think I could have cut down some scenes. The narrative to me is clear but I see how it might confuse people. If I had the chance to refilm I would make it clearer by adding bigger titles on the paper and adding math books to make sure the audience understands the context. The Message is clear although I think some people won't get the reference of the dunce cone hat on the student's head as it's an old-school reference.

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