Our film opening plan

During a virtual meeting, my group, and I, consisting of Tori, Melanie, and Daniel, discussed the actors, costumes, props, locations, dates/times, scripts, and film equipment that we are planning to use. 

Actors

For the main character, Betty, we casted our friend Amberina Khoja, partly because of the access we can have to her room. Then, for James, the character who supposedly cheated on our Betty, as of right now, since this part is still a work in progress, we picked Daniel. And finally, for August, the character who helped James cheat on his now ex-girlfriend, we chose Ashley Polo, as she is the person we know the best that would fit the character. 

Costumes

Based on how each of my group members felt the characters behaved and looked like, we all came to a general consensus about what costumes the actor should be wearing to represent that. Betty is going to be wearing a light colored cardigan, which would represent her angelic spirit, jeans, and white sneakers. As for James, we planned on him just wearing jeans and a hoodie, embodying the average teenager. August on the other hand is going to be dressed in a crop top of some sort, ripped jeans, and a pair of classy-ish sandals; we all agreed this would fit her character very well.

Props

Now when it comes to props, the ones we are going to include, represent key details of the story. For example, we are planning to have a ripped picture of Betty and James, as well as a teddy bear, and old love letters from James, inside Betty’s trash can in her bedroom. The camera will show the items in the trash can, helping us utilize the concept of show don't tell (one of my favorite techniques in film). But also some props are just for practical reasons like when the film opening begins, Betty would have been waking up, turning off her alarm clock, which is a prop we would have to use. There is additionally going to be a scene where Betty is brushing her hair and applying makeup in her mirror, in this case we would be using a brush, and perhaps a makeup set, as a prop. Then, in the middle of the opening, where James and Betty have a conversation at her front door, he would be holding flowers to give to her, another prop, one we're probably going to have to purchase.

Locations

The first location in the film opening would be Betty’s bedroom, in which we would shoot her getting out of bed and getting ready in the mirror. The next location will be at Betty’s front door, where she goes to meet someone who is at the door, revealed to be James. There is a short scene here and then James would eventually walk away. Then, we would be shooting James on the sidewalk in the neighborhood, where he walks to the point that he sees August, in her car, telling him to get in the car with him. We would also film a brief scene of James and August in the car.

Dates and times

The beginning of the film opening would take place during a Saturday morning. Betty would wake up at 9:00 AM, as displayed on her alarm clock, she would get ready, and then answer James at the door at around 10:00 AM. James would then make his way to August at about 10:15 AM. 

Script

Scene 1:

  “Quote over black screen”

ALARM SOUNDS

BETTY GETS OUT OF BED

VOICEOVER AND OPENING CREDITS START

BETTY WALKS AROUND

ROOM GETTING READY AND PUTTING ON MAKEUP. 

PROPS THAT IMPLY HER HEARTBREAK ARE SHOWN.

Betty: When I was 10 years old, my mama told me that men can never be fully trusted. I never realized how true this would be until this past summer when I learned that lesson the hard way.

  My name’s Betty. I’m no one special. Just an average girl from an average town. I get good grades, play the guitar pretty decently, and come from a loving family. How could anything be wrong with my life? Trust me, a lot. 

“Men aren’t to be trusted.” Jeez, how could I be so naïve. Didn’t I see the signs? I guess it was always meant to be this way.

 After all, love is a ruthless game, and if you don’t play it right, you end up getting... 

DOORBELL SOUNDS

 Scene 2:

  BETTY HEADS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT, WHERE JAMES IS STANDING OUTSIDE

 Betty: James? What are you doing here? What do you want now?

 James: Betty, I just want to talk to you. About everything. 

 Betty: I’m sorry James, but what’s done is done. I really just don’t have time for this anymore. Go home, bye

 BETTY SLAMS DOOR 

  Betty’s voiceover: …you end up getting hurt…

 

 Scene 3:

 JAMES WALKS AWAY FROM HOUSE AND WALKS ON THE SIDEWALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AUGUST PULLS UP IN HER CAR

 August: Hey hot stuff. Long time no see. 

James: August, I told you that I’m done with this. Get over it. 

August: Oh, silly James, you know you don’t mean that. C’mon hop in. 

 James: No. I already hurt the girl I love enough and I’m not repeating the same mistake.

 August: C’mon. You need a ride home anyway. I’m not letting you walk all the way home. 

James: Well, I’m walking. 

August: James! Stop being so immature and get in the car

James: *sighs* Fine…

JAMES GETS IN AUGUST’S CAR

 August: So, how’s my cutie pie

 James: August! Stop being such an annoying brat and drive!

August: Excuse me?! Don’t speak to me like that. I’m giving you a ride home for god’s sake!

   James: I didn’t even ask for this!

  August: Yeah?! Well, I didn’t ask for this attitude!

James: Oh, come on!

 JAMES AND AUGUST CONTINUE FIGHTING, BUT THEIR VOICES FADE WHILE MUSIC PLAYING FROM RADIO GETS LOUDER, EVENTUALLY DROWNING THEM OUT

PANS UP TO SKY AND TITLE IS DISPLAYED

Film equipment

The equipment we are planning to use to film is either a digital handheld camera or a smartphone and a tripod to take more stabilized shots.