Receiving Feedback On Opening Credits and Time (Blog #37) PRODUCTION

After finishing my first rough draft, I made several changes before sending an updated version of my film opening to my friends for feedback. This version was noticeably different from the first version of the film, as I began to properly explore how the opening credits would work within the film. I included clips that still showed the written credits on objects such as flashcards, notes and paper, but followed these with text layered over the footage of a similar shot to indicate where the edited, on-screen credits would eventually be placed. This approach allowed me to test both ideas and see how they might work in the final version. 

(The credits physically included into the scenes)

When designing the opening credits, I intentionally chose a font that looks like messy, handwritten text. This was a deliberate creative decision, as I wanted the credits to feel personal, raw, and slightly imperfect, which reflects the tone of the film and the emotional state of the character. The handwritten style helps the credits feel more connected to the visuals, rather than feeling overly polished or disconnected from the story. The messy handwriting also highlights how the character’s tiredness takes over even simple everything stuff such as her handwriting style.

(The credits edited onto the scenes)

When creating the opening credits and deciding how to credit people, as someone who chose to work by myself, I obviously did everything that went into creating this film. However, a few months ago I had a conversation with my teacher and asked her what exactly I was supposed to include in my credits. She told me to research older movies within my genre, as well as to create fake names when crediting people, since it’s unrealistic for one person to create an entire movie (and also pretty near impossible, speaking from experience). 

Because of this, when creating the credits, I credited myself as the director and producer. I used the name Isabel Pina for the writer credit, which is made up of my middle name and my second last name. All of the cast names remain the same. For cinematography, I used the name Victoria Morera, which is my sister’s name and my dad’s second last name. The music credit will remain the same, depending on the sound I decided to include in the film. I thought this was a cool and unique way to include a little piece of my family members since they were all a huge support throughout the entire process and it saved me time when making up fake names. 

The feedback I received on this version was particularly helpful when it came to pacing. My friends pointed out that some scenes felt a bit too long and suggested trimming them down given the 2 minute time limit the film opening requires. After shortening several sections, I realized that even with these edits, the film opening currently runs at 1 minute and 27 seconds… and there are still more important moments missing that will need to be added onto the opening, which might have lead into me cutting some scenes or shortening them by a lot but that will be the futures me problem. 

(Some of the feedback I received from a friend)

Another important point of feedback focused on how the credits were presented overall. Although this version included both physical credits and the edited text overlays, my friends felt that fully integrating the credits digitally would look better and fit the overall vibe of the film better. This confirmed that moving forward, focusing on edited credits rather than physical ones will improve the overall look and flow of the film. 

(Some of the feedback I received from a friend)

Overall, sharing this revised version helped me see how much this project has evolved since the first rough draft. Comparing the two versions made it easier to identify what is working and what still needs improvement. The feedback has given me a clear  direction for the next stage of editing, including refining the pacing, adding missing scenes, and continuing to develop the opening credits so the final film opening feels cohesive and intentional. 

(Additional feedback)

(The second rough draft (the one sent to my friends for feedback))