So I've been thinking, if I were to create the whole feature film, where would the actual plot of the story be driven towards? I've been scripting the opening with the thought of wanting to depict the plot of the story through mis-en-scene throughout the duration of the 2 minutes. The main story has to do with a teenager trying to reach the astral plane through projection in order to reconnect with his father who had recently passed away. He is undergoing the preparations and the shifting of bodies between the physical and the astral during the entirety of the two minutes. I'm trying to give this film an eerie sci-fi type feel and I'm going to achieve the precise mood through the music and SFX. Lots of rise and hits, stings, and atmosphere textures will play along with the visuals to keep the audience engaged visually as well as auditory. As I am finishing up the script and starting on the storyboard I can say I'm really excited about working on this project and making it my newest addition to my portfolio!

Research & Aesthetics

For astral projection cannot be fully understood and studied through scientific perspectives, I've had to rely my research from sources relating with the occult. Sources such as http://www.crystalinks.com/astral.html , http://www.erinpavlina.com/blog/2006/12/the-dangers-of-astral-projection/ and other's takes on astral travel. These occult researchers define astral projection as an out of body experience where one's astral body (soul, consciousness) wanders outside the body and becomes associated with the astral plane and not physical reality in which we perceive "real life". People are able to execute this process with constant practice, as to some it comes with total ease and are able to undergo this experience with no hassle. As one embodies this astral body one becomes aware of the differences on the new plane. A silver chord is attached as it is the connection to the physical body since one is incarnated and its meant for one not to misplace his/her body while traveling. The astral world also has a very similar feel to reality although some minor differences pertain like constant glares and color enhancements. Descriptions such as these are found in every astral projection experience throughout history and the world, therefore I believe I should include them in great detail in the film.

I've been checking out some images for inspiration for the aesthetic for the opening. Insidious, a James Wan film also having to do with astral projection, has an interesting take on the idea of astral travel. This blue tinted, gloomy, suspenseful look adds a lot of contrast between the real world and the astral plane if done correctly. Although the blue tint is peculiar, I'd like to add my own twist into it and add purple-ish color grading for a more New Age artistic aesthetic. Also the heroin high scene from Breaking Bad, in which jesse undergoes an euphoric high, depicts a cool "hovering" look to the character through practical visual effects. I'd like to incorporate something like this to the scene in which my character leaves his/her body.

I did some research on the topic of lucid dreaming I previously introduced in my last blog. I like some of the content I have found on this subject, like how I've also found some that I don't really agree with and wouldn't like to include in my film opening. Astral projection is a VERY interesting subject as many people throughout history all across the world have experienced this paranormal occurrence. I am going to include more facts on these subjects in a vlog I will be creating shortly. I am actually very excited for this creation.

Throughout my experiences and stressful times at the 2016 Student Television Network conference, I've had various ideas about the center idea of my 2 minute film opening. The idea of lucid dreaming, astral projection, and other supernatural occurrences during sleep fascinate me. I will most likely do something having to do with this idea. I feel like I could play around a lot with this idea, and make something really cool.

My name is Santiago Triana, and I am a videographer. My love for videography began at an early age, not really from the admiration of films or other forms of video entertainment, but from the creation process of a video. Playing around with my parents's handheld camcorder making skits with my friends and using Windows Movie Maker to bring it all together, was what really sparked my interest in videography. Present day, I am a national award winning student videographer, have had various experiences in the industry, and I'm also coming close to the end of my last year of high school. In Mrs. Stoklosa's class I have learned essential content about the media through the AICE course, and I cannot wait to apply it all to my 2 minute film opening.