Set Design Creation

Set Design Creation for Our Film Opening

Set design is just as if not more important, as costumes when it comes to building a character’s world. For Layla, her space had to reflect her mental state—messy, chaotic, and filled with reminders of her past. Since the entire film's opening takes place in her room, we needed to make sure every detail added to her story.

Creating Layla’s Space

We designed Layla’s room to look unorganized and neglected, showing how little she cares about her surroundings after her brother’s death. The goal was to make the space feel lived-in but also emotionally heavy. Everything in the room tells a part of her story, from the things she’s abandoned to the items she still clings to.

Key Set Elements

• Messy room: Clothes thrown on the floor, showing a lack of motivation to clean or take care of herself.

• Makeup all over her desk: A sign that she might have once or sometimes cares about her appearance but doesn’t anymore.

• Food wrappers and a pizza box on the floor: Representing the lazyness and uncaring of cleaning the room after snacking. 

• Trophies: A reminder of her past achievements, now covered by the mess, showing how she has distanced herself from who she used to be.

• Pictures with friends: Representing the people in her life, but they seem distant now.

• A picture with her brother: The most meaningful object in her room, showing the connection she lost.

• A bracelet with his initial: A sentimental piece that keeps him close to her, even though he’s gone.

Symbolism in the Set Design

Every detail in Layla’s room adds to the audience’s understanding of her character. The disorder reflects her emotional state, while the trophies and pictures hint at who she used to be. The bracelet and photo of her brother are small but powerful reminders of the grief that defines her world.

Costume Creation

Costume Creation for Our Film Opening

Costume design plays a big part in shaping a character’s identity and showing their emotions. We need Layla's outfit to reflect her mental state, her grief, and how the world around her seems. Since the film's opening focuses so much on her emotional struggle, we wanted to make sure her costume helped tell her story without needing extra dialogue.

Defining Layla’s Look

Layla's outfit has to match her dark and dull mood. Her clothes need to seem effortless, like she didn't put any thought into them, something that is comfortable but also reflects how she doesn't care about anything around her. We liked the darker, softer colors to represent her grief and emotional detachment. Nothing bright or eye-catching since that wouldn’t fit her character.

Key Outfit Choices

• Black hoodie: This represents Layla hiding from the world, almost like a shield between her and reality.

• Gray sweatpants: Something casual that shows she doesn’t care about appearances anymore.

• Minimal accessories: We considered giving her a bracelet or necklace to symbolize her brother, something she keeps wearing as a reminder of him.

• Messy hair & no makeup: She wouldn’t spend time fixing her appearance, so a natural, undone look fit her personality best.

Symbolism in the Costume

Layla's outfit adds to her story. The black hoodie makes her look small, as if she's trying to disappear. The dark colors reflect the weight she carries emotionally. Any accessory she wears would hold meaning, showing her connection to her past and the person she used to be before everything changed.

Casting

Casting for Our Film Opening

Since Layla is our protagonist, we need to have the right person to play Layla. The story has to show all her emotions and struggles, we need someone who can portray those feelings. We need someone who can show emotions with little to no dialogue, her expressions and body language will be important in getting the audience to feel what she's going through. 

What We’re Looking For

Layla is dealing with grief and is isolated from the world, so our actress has to be able to show sadness, frustration, and numbness in a natural way. She also needs to have a certain look, someone who can pull off Layla’s dark aesthetic and make it feel like a real part of her personality.

Since this is a short film opening, there won’t be much dialogue. That means our actress has to be comfortable with silent acting, where every movement and expression matters. We want the audience to understand her pain just by watching her, even without words.

The Casting Process

My partner and I casted our friend for the role of Layla. We thought she fit the part perfectly. She naturally has the right look and energy for the character, and she understands Layla’s emotions and struggles in a way that feels real on screen. Working with a small team, having someone we know and trust to tell them what they are doing wrong and how to fix it, no matter how ever many tries it takes. 

Final Thoughts

Our casting was a big step in bringing our film to life. We made the right choice for our actress, she will make Layla's story feel real and give it more emotion. We can not wait to start filming with our actress!

Audio in our film

For the sounds of our film, the diegetic (real-world) sounds as well as the non-diegetic (added) sounds will be at the forefront as they are the ones that will be used to create an atmosphere in each scene and to provoke emotions.

We will use nature sounds for the diegetic ones that are relevant to the location. To clarify, in most scenes, Layla's room, where there is not much dialogue, music (which we do not know yet which will be playing) will be placed in the background, having sounds that are subtle but noticeable. We will have location sounds such as the parents walking around the house and Layla placing objects on the counter as foleys. These kinds of small attributes will help to achieve the feeling of presence and realism in the film.

Regarding the scenes where the action is happening outside of Layla’s room, firstly, we thought that the parents would argue in their room. But we came up with the idea of a door that would somewhat reduce the sound from the house. Then, we will probably put them in the kitchen to have a clearer dialogue. However, we still want to go with the initial plan but have a few experiments and see the actual result.

Cold Days - Beautiful *SAD* Piano Song Instrumental

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Mise-en-scene: Costume

 

Layla's Costume Design:

Clothing Style:

Layla is in a dark, gloomy mood, so her outfits should veer toward muted colors. Colors such as black, dark blue, and deep grey would make her look more like a person who is surrounded by the darkness of life—reflecting her aversion to dealing with this grief. Her garments should have a little bit of oversize or disheveled effect as this is a sign of inattention to the appearance traits which occurs in the period of grief. The distant vanishing of herself as well as the bitter turmoil within her are decernible by the ruffled rags, expressing the woman`s broken spirit.

• Tops: A large-sized black hoodie or a basic, worn-out hard rock band tee would be the right picks for her wardrobe. It is necessary to look old, as it would be wrong to assume that she would otherwise be thrilled by these things.
  

  
  
• Bottoms: It makes a great addition to the wardrobe, being both comfy and not really stylish, and it's something she could be wearing in the house. The clutter of her outfit is a metaphor for the chaos in her life, and the faded quality of the item implies how she feels like only a shadow of her former self.

Accessories:

Layla could wear a wristband or a chain that is identifiable with her brother, something very simple but with deep meaning. She should be wearing the bracelet as often as possible, perhaps even without realizing that she is doing so but definitely reminding her of her brother. The audience will notice the strong bond between the two and learn that it still has an impact on her life.

Footwear:

Her indifference and the absence of a will to get a new pair of shoes can be seen from how she wears old worn-out sneakers or boots she got years back. The boots may symbolize her finally let go of the past in which she and her brother used to be together and finally step forward to a new life.

Hair & Makeup:

Layla's hair might be unruly or disheveled and have a natural untidy look. She might wear it loose and maybe from time to time, she might hide her face or throw it up in a quick and messy bun to get the feeling of being practical without her emotions being up to the mark. Layla's makeup will be as uncertain as her hair maybe she would be having a smudged mascara and dark eyeliner giving her an exhausted, raw, and ragged look.

Overall Vibe:

One of the secrets of the figure out of Layla's disguise is that it's quite easy and yet it says a lot about her. The style is secondary only. The point is to stress Layla's sadness, how she has totally lost interest, and how she has become apathetic to everything around her. The way she dresses reflects her inner fight, but also there is an area for the subtle clues of hope and maybe, the nostalgia of the bracelet or the necklace.

This costume design would convey Layla's mental state to the audience immediately without the need for the character to express it directly.

Mise-en-scene: Set

Where it all occurs is one of the most significant things to consider when telling a story using a movie. The story itself depends in great part on the surroundings. It may affect the tone of the story, help us to discern the personalities, and even contribute to the narrative. Consider it as the room that surrounds everything else going on in the narrative.

The set is in my partner's room for our narrative, and it is the ideal site to gather everything. Layla's mental state will be reflected in the room. This is an emotional terrain reflective of the grief and battle of the character; it is not only a bedroom. We are helping to produce a world that seems like it could be of someone you know by giving the scene a living, realistic touch.

Layla's room will not be cheery or light as she is mourning deeply. It will be somewhat disorderly, much like her brain. Her past will reveal ignored awards and forgotten pastimes, which will be evidence of how much she has changed since her brother's death. The room should feel left, a location where Layla has ceased to maintain her surroundings and herself. The lighting and the angles the room is shot will further assist in conveying the isolation and grief.

The room will let us know much about Layla's interior world. The dusty, neglected space will reveal just how much she is trying to maintain everything together. We could even see a photo or memory link her to her brother—something that would help us remember who she used to be before everything changed. The collection itself becomes a personality, revealing to us what is happening inside Layla's core.

For this narrative, my partner's room sets will really bring Layla's emotional trip alive. It is an expansion of her mourning, her solitude, and the chance for her to rediscover herself—not just a physical area. The room will transform with the character, therefore making it as vital to the plot as the character herself.

Meet Layla

Meet Layla

I had a hard time choosing a name for my character because I wanted it to fit her perfectly. I checked so many websites, meanings and after a long search I found the name Layla. It means “dark as night” in Arabic and that fits her so well. Layla is dealing with a lot of grief and I wanted her name to reflect that. I kept looking just in case but I knew Layla was the right choice.

Layla’s Look and Personality

Layla has a dark style to match how she feels inside. She was really close to her brother and losing him changed her. My partner and I are still deciding if she’ll wear a bracelet or necklace to remind her of him but whatever we pick will be important to her character.

Her personality will show through her clothes, her room and the way she acts. She doesn’t talk about her grief but you can see it in everything around her. Her room is messy, full of things she used to love but has stopped caring about. She used to have hobbies and interests but after her brother’s death she let them go.

Layla’s Struggles

Because of problems at home and what she’s dealing with inside Layla turns to drinking to cope. It slowly makes her lose herself, pushing her further from who she used to be. Her room reflects this with dusty trophies and forgotten achievements showing how much she’s changed. Her story is about her struggling but we also want to show a small moment of hope – maybe something that hints she still wants to find herself again.

We want Layla to feel real, like someone people can connect with. She’s not just grieving; she’s lost and her journey is about finding her way back.

Storyboarding

The next step in my project is storyboarding. Storyboards help organize ideas and provide a visual plan, regardless of drawing skills. They’re helpful not only in the pre-production stage when you’re developing your ideas but also during production. When you're filming, things can become overwhelming. You might lose sight of the shots you need or what best advances the story. A storyboard serves as an anchor, keeping everything in check by showing the shots you planned and their significance; you might lose sight of the shots you need or what best advances the story. Here is my storyboard:

Film Opening Plot

After having researched the genre and figuring out the tone i want for my film opening, I officially have the plot. The story is going to be sad and emotional with a strong character struggle. I don't really do projects like this but i thik it can be fun to explore new tones and plots.

The story is about a teenage girl dealing with the loss of her younger brother due to suicide. She hears her parents arguing all the time, blaming each other on the brothers death. She has a lot of greif in her and finds an easy way out.

The film starts out with her lying on her bed, surrounded by pictures, hobbies, and things she used to love. She doesn’t do them anymore after the death of her brother she was lost and disconnected from everything. Then she walks out of her room and hears her parents fighting. They yell at each other, blaming each other for their son's death. She can’t take it and runs back to her room, grabbing the last of the alcohol she has, and sneaks out.

She rides her bike to meet someone who has more alcohol for her. The shots focusing on the various emotions she gets the whole time. She isn't just getting away, shes trying to escape reality for as long as she can.

These scenes gives me a lot to work with emotionally and visually in just two minutes. Now that I have the basic plan, I can work on the details and develop the character more. I’m excited to see how this turns out!

Media Theory

Todorov's Narrative Theory of Equilibrium states that is how stories can be structured. A story is divided into three large areas: Equilibrium, Disequilibrium, and New Equilibrium (Media-Studies.com 2024; FilmTheoryExplained.net 2024). 

Equilibrium is the state at the start of the story: everything is normal and characters have nothing to worry about in their lives. This gives life before anything happens.

Disequilibrium is a time when a thing happens to disrupt normal life, such as a major event, a problem, or an inner struggle for the protagonist. This is the most tense bit of the story and drives it forward.

New equilibrium is when the story arrives at a resolution. Things will not be as they were, but a new balance is created. Characters have altered or adapted in some way. This scene is used to close and finally give an ending to the audience.

Todorov's theory inspires many films, books, and TV shows to develop attractive storytelling. These three stages will also direct the narrative flow and audience engagement (Media-Studies.com 2024; FilmTheoryExplained.net 2024).

First Group Meeting

The first group meeting brought together people from different groups to share ideas, help each other improve our film openings, or even suggest new ones. This helped us develop our stories and get useful feedback. Some ideas they suggested for my film opening were:

To open the film with pictures scattered on the floor. This will create a sense of loss or chaos. The visuals will help show the main character’s emotions and hint at her past.

To get the protagonist grab the alcohol she has in her room and put it into a bag and sneak out with it. This will help show the bad things she is doing to get over the death of her younger brother.

The story should show how it will build up into the rest of the film. Even though its is only the opening, hinting at how the protagonist’s journey will develop, starting in a dark place but showing the change for a better life.

They shared the idea of hobbies and interests she gave up after her brother’s death. This could be shown with old drawings, sports gear and trophies, or instruments on her walls, untouched. This will show the grief and lost identity, the character is going through.

Now with all of these ideas i need to get with my partner and share with her these ideas and she can share hers with me and we can pick and combine ideas together for our film. While I am not sure if these ideas fit our vision, they helped me think about different ways to tell the story.

Music Research For My Film Opening

A film's tone is greatly influenced by its soundtrack. I need music that complements the sadness, tension, and escape moments when the girl sneaks out for my story about her coping with her brother's death. I want music that reflects the tension from her parents' conflicts, her anguish over losing her brother, and her sense of liberation when she escapes all the chaos. 

I'm searching for instrumental music that enhances the narrative without drowning out the conversation. I like a slow tempo that captures the scene's tension and grief while combining raw and calm sounds that show the protagonist's inner suffering and her sense of freedom as she escapes away.

Examples of Music That Might Fit

• Lorde – "Liability" (Instrumental): This track’s emotional tone mirrors the protagonist's grief and sadness.

• Max Richter – "On The Nature of Daylight": This piece builds gradually and has a sorrowful, emotional quality that would suit the story's mood.

• Ólafur Arnalds – "Saman": A gentle mix of piano and electronic sounds that creates a calm yet intense atmosphere.

• Ludovico Einaudi – "Experience": This piano composition unfolds over time, perfectly embodying the protagonist’s journey through pain and escape.

Next Steps

I'll start listening to songs by new artists or think about some well-known songs that fit now that I know more about the kind of music I want. I want to make sure the music complements the dramatic parts because it has a big influence on how the viewer feels about the narrative.

Timeline

To stay on track, I’ve assigned specific tasks to each week leading up to the final submission.

Week 1 (1/27 - 2/2)

• Research film openings and movie plot examples.
• Start developing my movie plot.
• Think about possible filming locations.
• Consider potential actors.

Week 2 (2/3 - 2/9)

• Finalize the script.
• Complete the storyboard.
• Decide on and secure filming locations.
• Confirm cast and set filming dates.
• If possible, begin filming.

Week 3 (2/10 - 2/16)

• Continue filming.
• Record voiceovers (if needed).
• Start recording foley (if needed).

Week 4 (2/17 - 2/23)

• Assemble the first rough cut of the film.
• Incorporate any necessary foley or voiceovers.

Week 5 (2/24 - 3/1)

• Review and analyze the first cut.
• Re-edit if necessary, exploring alternative approaches.

Week 6 (3/2 - 3/8)

• Finalize edits and revisions.
• Research and write the Critical Creative Reflection (CCR).
• Edit and review the CCR.

Week 7 (3/9 - 3/16) - Buffer Week

• Use this week for any last-minute adjustments or unexpected delays.

Opening Credit Sequences in Coming-of-Age Films

Opening credits establish the setting and the mood for a film. In coming-of-age movies, they show the main characters's emotions, the theme of the film, and the overall tone. Three films I used for the research of the opening credit sequences:

1. Eighth Grade (2018)

• The credits use a plain, modern font that feels minimalistic and casual, matching the awkward and realistic feel of the movie.
• The text appears in small, subtle letters at the bottom corner of the screen, not drawing too much attention away from the scenes.
• No flashy effects—just simple fades that keep the focus on the character’s experience.
• The director’s name and production credits appear early, followed by the main cast.
• The simple credits make the film feel more authentic, like we’re watching real life unfold rather than a polished Hollywood story.

 

2. Booksmart (2019)

• The font is bold and fun, with bright colors that contrast against the background. It show the film’s high-energy, modern feel.
• The credits are separated throughout the opening, appearing at different moments in a playful and natural way.
• The text sometimes moves slightly or appears with a quick pop, keeping up with the film’s fast-paced and comedic style.
• The lead actors’ names show up first, followed by the creative team.
• The colorful and dynamic credits make it clear that this film will be upbeat and full of personality.

3. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

• The film uses a handwritten-style script font, adding an artistic and nostalgic touch.
• The credits are centered on the screen but do not distract from the beautiful visuals of the Italian countryside.
• The text gently fades in and out, making it feel smooth and timeless.
• The film title is introduced first, followed by the cast and crew in a traditional order.
• The elegant and slow-moving credits set a dreamy, romantic tone that fits the film’s story of love and self-discovery.

Final Thoughts

All of these films use different credit sequences to match their themes. Eighth Grade is simple and realistic, Booksmart is bright and playful, and Call Me by Your Name has a more elegant, nostalgic approach.

For my own project, I need to decide whether I want my credits to be subtle and understated or bold and eye-catching. The tone of the story will help determine what fits best.

Film Openings Analysis

Film openings set the tone for the story, introduce key characters, and establish themes. In the coming-of-age genre, openings often focus on the main character's world and hint at the personal growth they will experience. I researched these next films based on their openings.

Clueless (1995): The film opens with a montage of Cher's luxurious Beverly Hills lifestyle set to the song Kids in America. Her voiceover presents her personality, high school viewpoint, and privilege. In addition to hinting at Cher's future character development, the film's funny, lighthearted tone is immediately established by its vibrant colors, quick editing, and lively soundtrack.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Charlie narrates his thoughts while writing a letter in the opening. The tone, which is serious and reflective, establishes his loneliness and presents the story's main themes of connection and acknowledgment

Lady Bird (2017): The film opens with Lady Bird and her mother listening to an audiobook of The Grapes of Wrath in their car. Lady Bird suddenly loses her temper and throws herself out of the moving car following an intense argument. The humor, drama, and main theme of the movie—her fight for independence—are all captured in this scene.

Choosing a Genre for My Project

For my portfolio project, I’m deciding between two genres: coming-of-age and mystery. Here’s what I’ve learned about each one.

Coming-of-Age

This genre centers on a young character's development or a significant life lesson. Usually, the plot revolves around friendships, change, or personal struggles.

My project might be about a character going through a significant transition, such as changing schools, navigating friendships, or making a significant decision, if I choose this genre. To convey feelings, I would use close-ups and warm tones.

Mystery

Mystery films focus on finding the truth, solving a mystery, or revealing secrets. They typically contain shocks, suspense, and hints.

If I decide on this genre, my project might have a character attempting to solve a minor puzzle, uncovering a secret message, or learning something surprising. To create tension, I would employ close-ups and darker lighting.

There is good storytelling potential in both genres. Whereas mystery is about solving a problem and keeping the audience guessing, coming-of-age is more about characters and feelings. I'll choose the best possible option for my project shortly. 

Watch the site for updates!

Starting My Cambridge Portfolio Project

As we begin the Cambridge Portfolio Project, I’m thinking about ideas and how I want to approach it. This project will take planning, creativity, and a good understanding of film to make a strong final piece.

Right now, I’m deciding on my story and what genre will work best. I want my project to be interesting but also realistic with the resources I have. I’m choosing between coming-of-age and mystery, two genres that tell very different types of stories.

Next, I’ll focus on planning my idea, researching genre rules, and thinking about locations, props, and how I’ll film. In my next post, I’ll go over both genres and how they could shape my project.