Planning blog: Balance in the chaos

 


Introduction


This short film follows a high school junior struggling with an overwhelming workload. As they push themselves to the limit, exhaustion takes over—until they make a choice to prioritize their mental health instead. Through personal storytelling and a raw, intimate approach, this film highlights the importance of balance in academic life.

Filming Schedule

Date

Task

Location

Jan 12-14

Finalizing script & shot list

At home

Jan 15-18

Location scouting & test shots

Bedroom, park, café

Jan 19-22

Rehearsing & planning camera angles

Various locations

Jan 23-27

Filming: Park scenes

Local park

Jan 28-30

Filming: Home scenes

Bedroom, desk setup

Feb 2-4

Filming: Café scenes

Local coffee shop

Feb 5-9

Extra shots & reshoots if needed

Various locations

Feb 10-15

Rough editing

Editing software

Feb 16-20

Sound design & final editing touches

Editing software

Feb 21-25

Feedback & adjustments

Peer review

Feb 26-27

Final rendering & submission

Editing software

Filming Locations

• Park – Represents the stress of being overwhelmed and a moment of reflection

• Bedroom – Showcases burnout through clutter and exhaustion

• Local Coffee Shop – Represents a shift towards self-care

Participants

• Amiya/ Me (Main & Only Actor) – Playing the overworked high school junior

• Mu Mom – Assisting with filming, lighting, and setup

Health & Safety Considerations

• Park Filming: Be mindful of public spaces and ensure minimal disruptions

• Outdoor/Location Shoots: Bring necessary permissions and stay aware of surroundings

• Avoid Overworking: Since the film deals with burnout, scheduling breaks during filming and editing will be key

Props

• Laptop & Homework Papers – Represents workload stress

• Sticky Notes & Planners – Highlights disorganization and pressure

• Coffee & Energy Drinks – Symbolizes exhaustion

• Alarm Clock & Phone Notifications – Shows time slipping away due to stress

Costumes

• Casual School Clothes – Reflects everyday student life

• Hoodies & Messy Hair – Shows the effects of burnout

• Relaxed, Cozy Outfit – Represents self-care and recovery

Backup Plans

• Weather Issues: If an outdoor scene at the park is disrupted, shift to indoor filming or wait for clear conditions

• Scheduling Conflicts: Since the cast is just Amiya, flexibility is easier

• Location Conflicts: Have alternative indoor spaces ready for scenes

• Technical Issues: Backup footage on multiple devices to prevent loss

Final Thoughts


This short film is deeply personal, as burnout is something so many students experience. With a minimal cast and a focus on storytelling, this project aims to be both realistic and relatable. Time to bring it to life—without burning out in the process!


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