"Gabriel's AICE Media Studies Blog"

 Sound Recording Experience The experience during the recording of the sound for the film can be summarized as funny and easy to do. For this film, my team and I wanted to represent the struggle and thoughts of a Hispanic young man, so it would be adequate to present this in Spanish, which is also our first language. This made the recording of the voiceover we wanted to include much easier and left our focus on other details. Isabelle Urey, the Director and Screenwriter, worked all the way with me, the Sound Designer, to ensure the quality and precision of the sounds and voices. And, of course, differences appeared, but we were able to overcome them in order to guarantee the BEST final product. (None of the movie personnel was hurt during the recording) 

The filming of our movie took place, but there were some significant changes in the distribution of roles. These changes were due to the fact that, as we worked on the production, some of the members felt more identified with other roles and performed better in them. These changes included that I took the charge of the Sound Designer's role and redacted the subtitles, Sofia became the Co-editor and Co-sound designer, Isabelle remained as the Director and Screenwriter but assumed the Cinematography also, and, lastly, Idhra remained as the Main Editor. Isabelle was also part of the cast, with a minor apearance as the Interviewer within the last scenes of the opening film. Despite everything and every change, everyone fulfilled their responsibilities and excelled in their participation during the creation of this project

  On the days of shooting, I was not required to be present, as my role was limited to recording a voiceover following the director's instructions. Isabelle, then, took care of the filming process, with the team's help and feedback via a WhatsApp group. She recorded every scene and ensured that the script was followed in detail. Idhra and Sofia were not idle, even though their roles were to edit and polish whatever was recorded; they were constantly in touch with Isabelle while she was filming, like I was.  The WhatsApp group previously mentioned was essential as it permitted us, as a team, to provide feedback on certain shots, suggest small changes, and discuss what would work better visually. This was very useful because it allowed the rest of the team to start thinking about the editing, sound, and other details in advance. By watching the several clips and updates Isabelle sent while she was recording, we could imagine how the scenes would fit together and how we could str...

  During the elaboration of this storyboard, the synergy between the team made a stand as if all of us had the same idea about what the final project would be. Personally, I provided the idea that the camera should emphasize the feeling of loneliness and longing of the character through long reflections, paced movements, and marked anxiety. These suggestions stuck to the end of the discussion and are planned to be in the actual film.

  Our final team members and roles are: Director and Screenwriter- Isabelle Urey Director of Photography - Sofia Mendez Editor - Idhra Tueros Sound Designer - Gabriel Alvarez  Isabelle chose to be Director and Screenwriter because she developed the original concept and understands the message and tone of the story, so it made sense for her to direct both the script and the overall vision. I am Director of Photography because I am deeply interested in the visual aspect of storytelling, composition, lighting, and camera movement, and how these choices influence the audience's emotions. Idhra took on the role of Editor because she is patient, detail-oriented, and comfortable with editing software, which will help shape the final version. Gabriel is our Sound Designer because he has a good feel for music and sound and understands how sound can completely change the mood of a scene. For the smaller details like wardrobe, hair, makeup, and props, we collaborate to ensure everything ...

  Both of the guys casted are part of my friend group, and they were interested in acting for the project, so I thought they would be the perfect option to cast and start the project. Although they were both good, I chose James to interpret the main character because he has a serious and strong presence. His face is capable of showing a lot of emotion, even when he remains in silence, which is perfect for a character who feels lonely. He has a powerful look that is the best to represent a character who lived through a hard experience, like feeling alone in another country. This deep look will help the audience understand his internal struggle without him needing to say a word. His style is great because he looks like a regular young man with no need for any embellishment. He counts with the acting ability to remain calm during high-pressure scenes. My peers and I knew right away he was the best option to interpret our main character. Alejandro James

*Location Scouting* The Bathroom Mirror This is a small, this is a small, quiet place where the character can be himself without anyone watching. It is the perfect spot to show him fixing his clothes or looking at his face before the big interview. Since the clip will start in pitch black, the switch to a bright white bathroom makes the moment in which he appears feel very intimate and meaningful.   The Outside Street This wide view shows how large and busy the city (Miami) is and how small and powerless the character feels. The plain buildings and dull landscape make the area look lonely, with little life in it, which matches his feelings of identity loss. Job Interviewing Setting The room looks neat and expensive, which shows the kind of successful and comfortable life the character wishes to have. Because the room is so nice and organized, the character looks more nervous or unfitting while waiting for the interview.

  Title and Meaning: "Where No One Knows My Name." When someone migrates, they often go from being "someone" in their home country to feeling invisible in a new place, losing their identity. Synopsis: The story follows a 20-year-old man who has migrated alone from Cuba to Miami in search of a better life. The opening two-minute clip begins in pitch black, silence, hearing only the character's thoughts through a voiceover. These inner thoughts serve as a monologue reflecting his deep internal struggle to survive on his own and find his footing due to his migration status and background. As the monologue reaches its peak, the darkness is cut, and we transition to a visual scene. We see the character in a private, quiet moment, perhaps in a small, sparse room, as he is preparing himself for a job interview. The visual focus is on his detailed movements, like straightening a collar or practicing a greeting, showing the physical weight of his aspirations and the stak...

  This is the final Two-Page script for my project. Isabelle Urey, my peer, was the one who gathered all the information the team offered and put it into a single, polished document that's ready for filming.

  This is my independent film script, I'm not sure if I would like to film it in the future, but it's a good representation of a social realistic scenario that's relatable to a good proportion of young students throughout the world. It is not a personal story, but I'm aware of the situations many students like Mateo face, so I wanted to give this type of story an opportunity to be seen by others.