Commercial
1. We were to complete a 30 second to 1 minute commercial advertising a product of our choice.
2. Since this video was short, it took around a week and a half.
3. We faced challenges cutting down the video! It was originally 1:20. We needed to get it close to 1 minute.
4. I learned how to tell a short story in 1 minute or less, which is a valuable skill. I also learned about the importance of music and graphics!
5. We were given feedback on the coloring... as to show the toothbrush better. Other than that, it was pretty well-received!
6. We would change the lighting a little bit. For me personally, I would get to the point quicker.
7. I loved this project as it was a quick one. I met knew people along the way and wasn't stressed.
Music Video
1. We were to create a music video to the song of our choosing. The time limit was a little lenient.
2. This was a tougher project, so it took around 2 weeks.
3. Oh man... we had a lot of setbacks on this one. When we were getting the "golden shot" with the silhouettes, the SD card didn't work and we ended up not being able to shoot that day. We also had scheduling conflicts with sports and work.
4. I learned how to tell a cohesive story through the use of music. I feel that our tune really enhanced the old feel of the video and brought a sort of charm as well. I also learned how to (somewhat) act, as this was one of the first times I was in front of the camera.
5. Almost nobody had a problem with it, except for Aidan's watch and my shoes not matching the time period. Other than that, it was amazingly well-accepted!
6. We would change the watch and shoes. Maybe more close-ups! There becomes a point where you simply can't make anymore changes, but the apparel is definitely one of them.
7. This project has been my favorite to film thus far. Was it because we didn't need to worry about sound? Ha, maybe... But I also just loved the music and style of the video. It was a clean look overall.
Short Film
1. We were to create a short film, meant to be around 5 to 7 minutes. Telling a solid story can, well, be somewhat difficult.
2. Well dang. This took nearly 3 weeks to complete, as our group decided to take on a massive script, running 30 pages.
3. Many many challenges. It doesn't get easier, folks. Actor problems, scheduling problems, editing problems, you name it. We barely had our first act done by the time that the deadline came around.
4. I learned new camera techniques and technical aspects! For example, lenses, lighting, that sort. I also was able to collaborate with the more experienced, so that's always helpful, yeah?
5. We were given feedback on the audio and black spaces. Hey, I agree. Aidan and I specifically mentioned these things to Brett. But, it's his short film. I would want to do the same if it was my baby. So I let that argument rest.
6. We would heighten the audio, as well as cut black spaces. I loved the music, though. Well done.
7. This project was definitely the toughest, but I can't say I didn't learn anything. I mean, it looked good. That's one aspect of film, though, and storytelling is a large factor that we didn't quite have down in this one.
Time Usage
1. I would say that I stay mostly productive. Even if there are dead moments where I have nothing to do, I talk about movies or write down my ideas for a new short film I would like to do. Or, better yet, a feature film.
2. Like I mentioned, I would often collaborate with Aidan, Thomas, and them lot to get a video idea together. I've done this often. Even on the day of... ha. Improvisation! I've been working on a short film idea with Aidan for a while now and have started on a feature film with him.
3. Outside of class, I finished writing my first feature film (113 pages), titled Smuggler's Blues. Watch out box office. I also completed a music video for my mom's school and have created my own show, starring Thomas and Aidan. I've been busy, you could say.
Strength/Improvements
Strength: I'd like to say that I'm a good writer. Only when I want to be, though. When I'm motivated, you could say. I love cranking out screenplay after screenplay. I would also say that I am a decent editor. Again though, there's a catch to this. I have actually found that I only really like editing when it's my own video. I learned this from "Zeit". If you are editing your own project, YOU only really know how it's supposed to go. So you'll make it good, and you'll be motivated. Otherwise, you don't care much and editing is often difficult. Don't get me wrong. I love editing! But only when it's my own film. That's when I go crazy. I also feel that I am good with the camera. On "Stand By Me", 90% of the film was my camera work. I like to be an all-around guy, dabbling in as much areas as possible. I think it helps to better understand each crew member and how you can help direct them later on. Catchin' my drift?
Weaknesses: Writing. We all make a joke about the 24 hour film fest. Since I was under pressure during that time, I wrote a line that was so bad it ended up funny. So in reality, I'm only joking about my writing. Maybe writing under pressure, you could say. Another weakness would be using After Effects and efficient planning. Of course, I've never really had the desire to do anything in After Effects, so I suppose that is out the question. Regarding planning, though, what I mean by that is storyboards and shot lists... jeez. In German, they would say "langweilig". Boring. However, having a storyboard really helped our group in "Stand By Me", so I can't completely knock that. All I'm trying to get across is, I severely dislike storyboards, shot lists, call sheets, and the like. I'm a creative person, or so I like to believe. Not a robot. Not a businessman.
Guest Speakers
1. Gordon Lamb: I learned that it is illegal to shoot on railroads. Also learned that film moves smoother without all the "mundane" shots. And I agree. Every shot should matter. Every one should bring a new piece to the puzzle.
2. Brandon Priest: I learned that you don't have to be older to start a business and be successful. Brandon's business is full of young guys, trying to find their way in life. I also learned how big of a role social media plays in our everyday lives. Especially for advertising.
3. Drew Conners: Best speaker. Even though I hadn't known Drew prior to that day, he felt like one of our own. He had a great presentation, and underlined the importance of characters in a film. I will definitely focus more on characters and their backgrounds before putting my cursor in Celtx.
UPM Role
Like I said, I don't necessarily function like a robot. I'm not a huge fan of mindless work such as storyboards and call sheets. But, everything happens for a reason, and that's alright. What I'd really like to do is have an influence on the actors, script, or shots. Something of the sort. Creativity. Yet, if I'm called upon to create call sheets and be the back-up guy to someone, I'll try my very best to execute that. Even if I don't see it now, I know that having this role will benefit me down the road. The UPM works with the directors and manages the non-existent budget of the film. They also work on call sheets, every kid's dream. I'd like to have an influence on the set of some sort, if possible. I've been thrown behind the covers for the past couple of projects, even if it doesn't seem like it. To be needed is all anyone can ask for.
Summary
1. Favorite part hands-down was creating my show, "The Green Screen Show". It displays who I am, my editing style, and what making a video with friends is all about. I also really enjoyed "Stand By Me" and all of what it had to bring.
2. I would change every single one of my projects if I could; especially "Zeit". They say not to rest until you've done your absolute best work. Next semester, I will change my work habit regarding independent projects. I haven't made enough. I simply haven't. Maybe it's my fault that I haven't had the time, but I need to get on the stick. I plan to make several independent videos next semester, whether it's "The Green Screen Show Episode 2" or another short film.
3. I can now say that I have closer connections with everyone in the classroom. At the start of the year, I was a little offset. Now, though, I have confidence in saying that I can speak to every single one of them without worrying about judgement. I also learned a ton of new camera techniques and aspects, as well as editing stuff.
4. One goal: eMagine. Of course, it's all subjective. But I'm going to work until I don't even know what the word "work" means in order to win this thing. We can do it.
5. It's crazy to think that one semester has passed already. Screw the mentality that, "oh, you have senior year to develop your skills and do all the important stuff." No! The time is now. The time is NOW. I can't just sit on my cushy computer chair right now and expect for things to magically get better, for me to magically make an amazing film. Junior year is just as important as senior year, if not more important. And I plan on making some wild stuff with the time remaining.
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