DOORS (A Short Film)

DOORS (A Short Film)

Awarded 1st Place in Motion Media: Drama at The University of Houston's RedFest 2023

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Motivated by the popular Roblox game "DOORS," I sought to capture its excitement in a film adaptation. “DOORS” immerses players in an abandoned hotel, where they must navigate a series of numbered doors in sequential order, dodging dangerous monsters and solving puzzles to progress towards "Door 100."

My creative process began by exploring the game itself. Playing the game and listening to its soundtrack allowed me to choose the crucial elements and emotions that would be instantly recognizable to the game's atmosphere. Finding keys, hiding in closets, encountering puzzles, and traversing dark rooms all became focal points in capturing the overall feel of the game. Seeking feedback, I met with my actor, Andrew Price, who shared a mutual love for the game. His insights and ideas further enriched the story during the revision process, enhancing the authenticity of the adaptation.

With the story finalized, I transitioned into crafting the script, incorporating both visual and auditory elements. Drawing inspiration from the game's first-person point of view, I wanted to incorporate shots that would convey that immersive experience of the game. By intentionally excluding the main character's face from several frames, I created a narrative space that would allow viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of "DOORS" and envision themselves as part of the protagonist's journey. Recognizing the logistical challenges of filming in an actual hotel, I sought an alternative. An empty office space emerged as an ideal setting, giving off a mysterious allure that paralleled the atmosphere of the eerie hotel. On the day of filming, we faced the constraint of a limited three-hour window. However, our commitment remained unwavering. Although some shots had to be modified due to the limited crew present (consisting solely of myself and Andrew), we resourcefully tackled challenges such as replicating light-flickering scenes to maintain the desired atmosphere.

During post-production, I meticulously edited over 150 shots to mirror the protagonist's emotional journey. I aimed to mirror the character's state of mind, I used longer cuts at the beginning to convey confusion and gradual awareness of impending threats. As the character gained confidence, rhythmic cuts, and a lively soundtrack paralleled his growing self-assurance. With encounters with monsters, the pace quickened to intensify the character's uneasiness and eagerness to escape. Finally, I applied color correction techniques with a distinct yellow/orange tone, evoking an eerie atmosphere. To bring the monsters to life, I extracted the actual PNG files from the game and utilized Adobe After Effects to animate their presence, simulating their appearance through the cracks in closet doors. For the pivotal green monster towards the climax, I implemented a color filter in Adobe Premiere Pro.

I take great pride in the final result of this film adaptation. And I sincerely hope that you get as much enjoyment from watching it as I did in the process of its creation.

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