1st Semester Final Exam 2019-2020

A Sitcom Gone Wrong - Short Film

1. We were to create a video using our "camera skills." This could be any type of film, but we decided on a short film. I'm not exactly sure of the length requirement, but we ended around five minutes.
2. It took around two weeks to create this entire thing, since we had two locations and a lot of editing time. I'm not a huge fan of being the only editor, as it means long hours, but that's the way it has to be sometimes.
3. Our biggest challenge was making it seem like one continual set. The flow had to be perfect for the audience to believe that we were going back and forth from behind the camera and in front.
4. I learned a lot of new editing skills, such as new coloring, audio effects, and sound effects. Also, Max composed the music, which was awesome and I was able to learn from him.
5. We were not given a lot of negative feedback, surprisingly. People complimented us on the comedy and acting.
6. I would re-do some scenes, but for the most part, I'm very satisfied with the result.
7. This is definitely my favorite project that I've ever done. And that's a bold statement. Because it was my baby of an idea, and I knew exactly how to execute it correctly, I think that was reflected in the quality.

La Croix - Commercial

1. We were to create a 15, 30, or 1 minute commercial. We stuck with the thirty seconds, because last year's was too long.

2. I feel like this project was dragged on for so long. First, we had the idea of doing Jimmy John's subs. Then, we moved onto La Croix. Scrapped that idea. Went to Caveman Bar. Then ANOTHER Caveman Bar idea. Then BACK to La Croix. All that time in between we lost for making this film. But we still got it done on time.

3. Our biggest challenge was coming up with the concept, honestly. We had TOO many ideas, which can be a good and bad thing. We also had the challenge of cutting down those precious seconds.

4. I learned how to color grade in black and white, and it looks pretty decent in this one.
5. We were given some feedback of cutting down the length of the shots.
6. I would do as suggested, and also perhaps change some of the timing of things.
7. This was an okay project of mine. Maybe we'll do the Jimmy John's idea before eMagine.

1. We were to create a two to three minute short film with a few restrictions: the theme had to be "lost", we had to incorporate a shoe and bungee cord, and the line "let's do this" needed to be in there.
2. This took 24 hours!
3. The challenge of this was to film in the freezing woods until at least 1:30 that night. Filming was the hardest part because it was pitch black out and we had to keep the fire going.
4. I learned how to write, direct, and edit a film in 24 hours! The process was much more enjoyable this time around because we had a solid concept.
5. We were given feedback on the lighting, but that was pretty much it.
6. I would light the scene a little more and perhaps make the film a little snappier, but I really enjoyed this one overall.
7. I'm proud to say that we won the contest and took home some silverware. It took a lot to make this film.

Time Management

1. I'm always using my time in class to my full advantage. I even stay late after school often for three hours to edit our film, which is almost complete. I'm always focused on something entertainment-related, because I truly enjoy this class and want to do something in this field in the future.

2. If I finish early, which almost never happens, I look on my google drive to see what projects we could do for the future. I've got a lot of potential ideas on there, so that's my number one source.

3. Outside of class, I write A LOT. A lot. A lot. And I watch certain TV shows and films to get inspired to write things. For instance, after I saw Pulp Fiction last summer, I wrote an 80 page screenplay by hand then translated it to computer. After I saw This is Spinal Tap this summer, I wrote my 70 page screenplay. I'm a man at work. Lots of things are happening.

Strengths/Improvement

1. I think I excel at editing and writing. I like camera work, but that's not necessarily my strong suit. I know how it'll flow in editing, so perhaps that help when I'm behind the camera. I truly enjoy writing the films.

2. As for improvement, my camera work. That's why I'm 1st AC this year. To learn. To grow in that aspect. I'd also like to learn more about color grading, as that's one aspect of editing that I'm not particularly good at. I'll look to Hannah the Master next semester to boost these skills.

Guest Speakers

1. Morgan Cooper: Morgan seemed to be just another filmmaker among us. He didn't seem like the big star that he is, which is a compliment to his laid-back nature. He provided some excellent stories about the industry and was a great public speaker.

2. Gordon Lamb: He provided some good tips for interviews and a glimpse at some higher-end equipment we could be using in the future.

3. Leah Wellman: She was very helpful on camera and did a good job of incorporating the crowd.

4. Darby Christensen: Very helpful for storytelling and giving us a road map for our feature film. She gave some good organization tips.

5. Ryan Burnett: Helpful editing tips as well as organization. Showed us how to use Google Drive.

Feature Role

For this year, I chose first AC partly so I would partner with Aidan, but partly because that area always needs improving. I've improved other tools in my set, but not always this one. I also wrote at least four scenes for the feature film, including the opening scene, scene 8, and scene 13 & 14, the final two scenes. One can clearly tell when I'm writing versus when Sarah and Mason are. We all have different styles and approaches. I'm not exactly clear on what Sarah wants out of the film, but I think most of the stuff I wrote she enjoyed. Also, I wrote in the customer scene because I've had an experience quite similar to that one, and I knew other people could relate to that sort of comedy. Finally, I stayed up until midnight to write the final two scenes before the table read this next day (because Sarah hadn't finished the outline until that day) and, although I was drained by the end of it, I truly enjoyed writing for the characters and coming up with a solid ending.

Summary

1. Honestly, I think I enjoyed the first project the most. Because it was by far and away the longest video of the class, and was of pretty good quality, I enjoyed viewing it time and time again. A Sitcom Gone Wrong will always be my favorite because it came out of my writing hands and editing hands.

2. One thing I would change would be the approach on set. A lot of the time, we have a good idea of how we are going to execute that shooting day, we just don't have a solid plan in place. For the twenty four hour film fest, we did. I created a shot list just thirty minutes before we hiked out into the wilderness. For our short film, Wheeler, we did not have that detailed of a plan. We had a script, but nothing else. So although we completed everything, there was a lot of down moments on set because we were at a loss for an idea. For second semester that will change.

3. I enjoyed this semester due to the 24 hour film fest win and A Sitcom Gone Wrong. I took away a lot of valuable skills from the presenters.

4. Goal for next semester... as always... to win eMagine with whatever we can. We've got a documentary, two short films, a commercial, and a future PSA. Plus maybe an animation. Will there be a music video? I have a stellar, moving concept for this project should we ever do it.

5. Final thoughts: one semester until I graduate. I want to make it the best semester yet with the quality ramping up even more.

Junior Video Final Exam 2018-19

Stand By Me

1. I am very proud of this film. And no, not just because I'm starring in it. This was one of the rare occasions where I got to man the camera on a project... I don't think I did the rest of the year! This video was so much fun to make, and the atmosphere was awesome. Just three guys having one last ride before one of them has to move. Emotional. A truly feel-good project. Also, we won a pixel for this so... how could I not choose it?

2. It took around two weeks to shoot and edit the entire thing.

3. Aidan's uncle is very hard to please, so we had to work around multiple schedules to make this possible. That honestly was the toughest part of the project--- scheduling. I remember my agenda being very busy that week as well.

4. I learned more camera techniques and how to be in front of a camera. I prefer myself behind the camera... always. Unless I'm not saying anything, which is the case in this project.

5. We were given feedback on the art direction, such as removing Aidan's watch or my shoes. Other than that, it was mostly complaint-free.

6. We didn't change anything... but... hey! We won a pixel. So I'd say that's pretty darn good.

7. I can honestly show this project over and over to anyone who is willing to watch for three minutes. I can say, "hey, I made that," without feeling ashamed or shy. It's that type of project.

Disconnected

1. This PSA... I still can't believe we made this! It's funny how we shifted from a comedic approach to this award-winner. I chose this as my other project because it is very impactful and has managed to make 90 percent of viewers cry.

2. Took around two weeks with filming and editing.

3. Challenges were mainly in the editing, as that was the longest stage. Also, the pull back shot at the end was very hard to capture.

4. Feedback: Message unclear, maybe more b-roll at beginning... that's about it. 

5. We didn't change anything. And we won a pixel for sticking with our gut.

6. This project was something I can be very proud of. We've made people cry with this PSA, feel happy about Stand By Me, scared with the documentary, and now will make people laugh with our new short film. Truly amazing.

Time Management

I used time outside class to better my video skills. For example, I did several videos for Cedar Creek Elementary School, my mom's old school. I did a music video and lip dub. I also created "All or Nothing", a short film to enter into eMagine. I've also been active with editing and have made two episodes of "The Green Screen Show". I've been busy.  I watched a lot of editing tutorials, movies for inspiration, etc. to enhance my films.

Strengths

I think I'm a decent editor, so I suppose that's a strength. I can also write well when I choose. If I'm in the zone, that is. I. e., free from outside distractions. I've written several short film screenplays with Aidan that we haven't produced yet. I maximized these strengths by creating "All or Nothing", a short film that Aidan and I wrote and created.

Improvement

Definitely After Effects, editing, things of that nature. I look forward to learning more about After Effects in the summer and will try to implement VFX into future projects. Some other weaknesses could possibly be camera techniques. But that will also be a weakness. Everyone is still learning, no matter how good they think they are. I can ALWAYS improve on my cinematography.

UPM Role/Editor

1. I was in charge of emailing the actors, sending out call sheets, texting them about scheduling conflicts, etc. It was not the easiest job in the world, but also wasn't the hardest. I had to email every time we had cancellations or a new filming date on the call sheet. I got to know the actors through email and text. On set, I actually did clapperboard one of the first days, so that was fun. I was mainly an extra when on set. Around March, I was somehow dragged onto the editing team. Thomas gave me around four scenes to edit, so I had a little fun with that. I enjoy editing, but, as I've stated before, only editing my own things. So I had mixed feelings about taking on these scenes. Nevertheless, Brett and Darby approved, and I'm very glad that they included the entire editing team in the credits. Marvelous. 

2. I got emails day and night from actors (and even after the premiere!). I always responded to them. Also, I edited during class a lot to ensure I didn't have to use extra time outside of class to complete the scenes I was assigned.

Summary

1. I loved getting to work with all sorts of different people. Looking back, I never had the same crew for more than one project! That's pretty special. It wasn't like that was planned or anything. It just happened! I also got to meet and become friends with a few actors from the feature film. I liked the freedom we were given to make each and every project different. I also enjoyed having different roles, ranging from editor to cinematographer.

2. Nothing I would change. Don't have regrets. Of course, the future Colin would warn the past Colin not make Absence, our 24 hour film fest video. But, mistakes happen and you learn from them. Even if I can't think of something right now, I'm sure I learned a great deal from participating in that competition, no matter the result.

3. Take-away: Take your role and do everything in your willpower to execute it. As UPM, for instance, I was a little skeptical at first. There's nothing to say I'm still not skeptical. But, it allowed me to learn about a different (much needed) side of the production that I would have never learned if I had not been selected for it. Also, I've learned that art is subjective.

4. Sweep the eMagine categories. The judges will literally be mad at us by the end! We plan to win at least three categories and bring home some hardware. Also, I plan to co-direct and write the feature film for next year. This year's will be VERY hard to top, but I believe we've learned enough to do it. Big goals, that's for sure, but nothing is impossible.

5. Mrs. Smith: I applaud you for getting this far into my blog. I'd just like to let you know that you have been an outstanding instructor for this year's entertainment class. You allowed us to thrive without being too demanding or strict. You allowed us to have creative license in our projects. I honestly don't think anyone else could teach entertainment video like you do. I know what you're looking for in this paragraph is probably criticism/feedback. I'm not a fan of harsh criticism, so here's some hopefully helpful remarks:

-I know you love to detail each project, but maybe spend less time on explaining things. I know the students I talk to like to get started on their video as soon as possible, and class time is valuable.

-You had the right idea when doing a camera tutorial. Some students truly don't know the basic technical things. So, I would suggest next year doing a "Masterclass" day where you invite Brett to explain cinematography and the camera, Emily to talk about art direction, and Piper to talk about script supervising. It would really help out juniors who haven't heard this info before.

-Maybe spend less time on things that won't improve us as video students. I.e. writing things on the board that we will erase two minutes later, or reading an article that we can look up later if interested.  I appreciate that you give us all the resources for success, but perhaps let students decide for themselves if they want to seek out that information (post it on google classroom like you always do). 

6. Words can't exactly describe this year. I met new people, improved my technical skills, experienced experiences, filmed things, and won some awards in the process. 

Yeah, it was a good year...

Next Year

1. 6&7. No doubt. I love having entertainment at the end of the day. A relaxing way to finish out the tough schedule.

2. I know this is just initial thoughts and that we'll do the application process next year. However, here are my thoughts, and perhaps I'll just copy and paste part of this for next year because... my thoughts will remain the same. 

I'd like to be co-director with Mr. Aidan Sherrill. I know him best. I know how to bring the best out of him, you could say. I haven't worked on a single project without him and, for that very reason, every project has been (mostly) stellar. We have been developing this adventure film idea ever since the beginning of the school year. We plan to write the screenplay this summer. The key word here is "we". Aidan and I are both equally invested into this project and the writing portion. Just ask him. He'll ask for the co-director position as well. I feel PREPARED for this role after all I learned this year. Darby has taught me a lot, and so has Brett. Aidan and I have both directed films, and we have the same creative vision. We gel well together on set. We also have the same music taste (which is important, as next year's film will be set in the 60s). The point is, from all my experiences this year, I am ready to direct the feature film of 2019-20. I have done just about every single role throughout my projects, so I have a good understanding as to how things work (Aidan, on the other hand, could use a little bit of help with the editing piece. But, not to worry, I have a little background in the area). I have done cinematography for "Stand By Me" and "Zeit", directed "Crime is Crime" and "Disconnected", done sound for "All or Nothing", and edited "All or Nothing" and "The Marilyn Manor". I also wrote the PSA and "All or Nothing". I feel like I'm well-versed in most of the areas of the production.

Naturally, when it comes application time, I will write a novel on the "why?" question if I have to. Anything to attain the co-director position. 

 

The Marilyn Manor - Documentary

Concept

When I first heard that we were going to create a documentary in entertainment video, I was a little bit skeptical. However, Aidan described to us a paranormal experience his dad had around ten years ago and it sounded quite interesting. He explained that we could build the "b-roll" around this story. And so became our idea. We didn't outline any parts until AFTER the interview, so the audio could line up with the storytelling.

Process

Pre-production: We mainly waited until the day where we interviewed Robert, Aidan's dad. From there, we outlined certain moments in time during the story that required b-roll and eerie shots. It took a lot of work to perfectly time out the shots.

Production: Although I wasn't able to be there, Aidan, Juan, and Thomas filmed at Brett's grandparent's place (which seems to be the location for a lot of film shoots) for the majority of the scenes. Juan gained permission to film the exterior of an old-looking home in his neighborhood. As far as I heard, production went well and all the shots obviously looked good.

Post-production: This is where I come in. Aidan handed me the clips Friday night before the Monday deadline. I wasn't able to edit until Saturday night. For an easier illustration, here was my editing schedule (and it wasn't because I'm a slow editor either. We painfully manipulated each and every scene to be just right).

Saturday: 5-11p

Sunday: 7-11a, 1-6p with Aidan, 8-11p

Yes, it was a lot. My eyeballs were burned. I had heard Robert's voice a million times. But I'd say it was worth it.

Role

As I just described, I was the editor for this documentary. It wasn't originally planned out that way, but nothing ever happens the way it's supposed to. It proved to be the most amount of work, but I learned a ton. The main thing that really kept me excited was the opening title sequence and the credits. I tried to re-create the sequence from "Se7en" with glitchy letters. I hand-wrote all the titles and credits, and then put them into premiere and colored them to create that creepy style. It turned out amazing! Technically, I learned a ton more about premiere and used my previous skills (i.e. sick dad scene, wavy effect) to enhance the project.

5 Guarantees

Technical Skills: Premiere. 15 hours on premiere does something to a person. I learned how to paste my handwritten letters on the screen and inserted previously known effects into this film.

Communication: It took a lot of communication to make this project come to fruition. I spent a few hours at Aidan's house detailing the shots, and he came over for five hours to help edit.

Leadership: We were all leaders here. I was the leader of the edit, Thomas was the leader of the camera, Juan lighting, and Aidan directing. Without one of those, we could have never made this.

Collaboration: Essentially the same. Our group gelled well together, having previously worked on the PSA together.

Project Management: We worked tirelessly to turn the project in on time!

Different/Same

There is truly not much I would change about this project, other than possibly using a boom mic for Robert's audio. It was very unnoticeable, but, as an editor, I could tell that the audio wasn't as pristine as normal. As for same... everything. I am proud of this project and what we as juniors have accomplished together.

Experiences/Conclusions

I had the experience of working with premiere for 15 hours. So I learned a thing or two. I also will definitely implement the handwritten titles/credits into future projects! All in all, this was an amazing result. I keep telling the rest of my group, "We've made people be happy (Stand by Me), sad (PSA), and scared (The Marilyn Manor). Our next step is funny." And that's what we plan to do. Wheeler, coming out this summer, is an eMagine winner.

Disconnected - PSA

Concept

We wanted to do a public service announcement surrounding the issue of spending time with family. Aidan and I felt that kids in today's world often place technology and other objects above their own family members. So, this issue was close to our heart and we drafted a short three-page script. We wanted to describe the guilt a kid felt after his grandparents died. He spent too much time with other things and not with family, so he deeply regrets it.

Process

Pre-Production: We went through several ideas, ranging from hunting to family. Something close to heart was a lot better. Aidan and I wrote the script and he created a storyboard. Emily casted Logan as our main actor.

Production: We filmed at Katie's grandparent's house for around four hours on a snowy night. The filming process was rather smooth, with Aidan working as the director and Katie cinematographer. Juan was the gaffer and I could be considered the 1st AD. Thomas was the PA/sound guy. The shots that took the longest were the ones with the grandparents. It was hard to communicate with them the emotions we wanted them to convey. Logan was on point every time with his delivery, and I dare say that we had him re-do the lines three or four times.

Post-Production: Emily edited it all in a span of around two days, but it was at least three or four before we were finally satisfied. Looking back, the final product completely changed after our suggestions and several re-edits. The music was definitely a major factor in pulling the heart strings, and we had to place the highs and lows of the music in certain points to accomplish that.

1st AD/Writer/Technical/Professional

Aidan and I worked on the original concept for several days, wanting to really create a serious PSA. The final three pages of script were completed around two days before filming. On set, I worked as 1st AD to help Aidan with the lighting, placement, and movement of the shots. All the things a first AD would do. I didn't learn much new as far as Premiere, as I wasn't editing, but I worked with a new camera and realized the importance of lighting. As far as professional skills, communication was a large struggle in this project. Aidan wasn't the best in communicating his ideas, so I provided support. Technical skills were used in working with Katie's camera (as opposed to a school 80D). Leadership was used in directing their grandparents to produce certain emotions. Collaboration... well, collaboration all around. Our group really gelled well together and didn't have any conflicts. We also completed the project on time.

Different/Same

We could stand to add more b-roll shots in the beginning, as I sort of felt the intro dragged on a bit. Also, the ending shot could have been more smooth, but the DIY filmmaking we implemented with a cardboard box sufficed at the moment. As for keeping things the same, most of all the video I would keep the same. 99% of my audience that I've brought this project to has either A. cried or B. said it was very powerful. And THAT's powerful.

Experiences/Conclusion

Getting to work with new faces on each and every project has really shaped my style. Every video this year has been different. I realized the importance of lighting (I feel the lighting was very strong as well as cinematography). I also learned about the importance of being well-rounded when it comes to film. No matter the role, you will always have to implement other aspects of other roles into your own. I loved this project, and it has been my favorite thus far. Stand By Me is in second.