I thought I'd use "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" by The Doors because it has a high-energy feel that I knew my clips would match perfectly with. Plus, The Doors have great soundtracks for just about any film. Right as the song hits the main chorus, I had the idea of zooming into the footage using an effect to create the illusion of "breaking through to the other side."
Branding
I think it best branded me as an editor through the style of the reel, as it's hard to brand as a writer through a film reel. The cinematography was on show as well. I tried to pick a variety of shots that told a story even if seemingly disconnected. I showcased all the main principles by choosing shots with fluid movement but also still shots that have great colors and acting.
Editing
On the verses, I selected low-energy shots that would flow together such as the setting down of a drink and the picking up of one in the next shot. Then, once the chorus hits, the high-energy shots kick in (such as Thomas running or Wheeler frantically wheeling the wheelchair down the hallway). Done this way, everything has a purpose.
Different/Same
Different: I would perhaps make the title animation more seamless in some way. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoy the reel.
Same: I think the song does wonders for the feel of it all and makes the viewer anticipate what's to come from me in the future.
Completed Reel
All that's left is adding the beautiful music video shots, which will transition very nicely in the reel due to the music video being a period piece and The Doors coming from the 60s.
For Pink Floyd's "Childhood's End", the main message was protesting the war in Vietnam. The slogan of the 60s and early 70s was "make love not war", so this piece seems to be dumping the war. Intercut with recording studio sessions, I think this video serves as a good reminder for what life was like back then and the culture they had.
As far as music videos go, the video itself is not all too technical. It's mainly historical footage from the protests and street rallies, so it can't be judged too harshly. Yet, I think they made the message clear, which is a highlight. The gas masks are a great symbol and the images of people getting hurt at the rallies is haunting.
Elements
As far as applying to my own work, I would take the strong images and clear message and make it a point to include those aspects in my film. I want my audience to understand the message instead of straining to grasp the concept. Something I have already learned is the black and white film and grain. Naturally, this was an element to some of the music videos in the 60s, but it still looks great.
Improvements
Did well: Pink Floyd did an excellent job editing to the beat and intercutting band footage with music video. I always appreciate when artists do that so it gives the audience some insight into how the music was made.
Improve: I would vary the shots a little, but it's hard to critique because it's Pink Floyd.
Thoughts
The build up in the beginning shows that we are in store for something good. Pink Floyd hardly ever disappoints. A strong ending as well!
For this project, we originally planned to shoot "2020", Aidan's feature film concept. However, when the weather didn't look like it would cooperate, we resorted to making "Wheeler", a concept we created around a year ago but never got to making it. It took inspiration from "Misery" and "Front Window." The concept: with two broken legs, Mr. Wheeler can't do much. Bored, he gets out of bed for a midnight snack only to find his house being robbed (he thinks).
Process
Pre-Production: Thomas created the storyboards, while Aidan and I finalized the script. We gathered our three actors: Mr. Rink (Thomas's stepdad), Thomas, and Abby from Get Real last year. We had three filming dates planned (all indoors).
Production: The first filming day, we settled on shooting act 1 in the bedroom when all the exposition is provided. For the second, we got most of act 2 but Abby didn't show due to a miscommunication. So, working our way around it, we filmed with her on day three, which worked out a lot better. Day three went well and was fairly fast (three hours or so). I think the crew worked well together.
Post: This was the most arduous part of the process. I stayed after school and during Power 50 several times to perfect this ten minute short. So much so that I had the entire film memorized (I had seen it too much). It was becoming my life... ha ha.
Role
I co-wrote this film with Aidan as well as did first AC on set and edited the entire thing. Editing, as aforementioned, was the most stressful aspect of Wheeler. Being first AC I enjoyed. I feel like we got mostly clean shots as compared to other peer projects. I also, as always, enjoy the writing part. Creating the idea.
Five Guarantees
Technical Skills: I learned more about Premiere Pro, as always. I also learned from Aidan (camera-wise). The biggest thing with Premiere Pro was messing with the audio and the new LUTs which I have never used before.
Communication: This group always communicates well, except for the fact that Abby didn't show that one time. But, we got it fixed the next day so all is well.
Leadership: I had to take command of the editing ship. This ten minute film was daunting, to say the least. I didn't realize that until I got into the thick of it. I also had to stay calm on set and lead everyone else to Wheeler victory.
Collaboration: We all worked together well. From Juan with the lights, to Thomas with the directing. Aidan and I on camera, Jose on sound. We worked as a collective unit and made a good product.
Project Management: We turned the video on time... so that was good. Of course, we had to jump through a few hurdles to get there. As aforementioned.
Different/Same
Different: I would have lit the act 3 a little different, as well as fix the score on the intense act 2 scene. Some of the sound effects and audio would need to be changed as well.
Same: Most of it. I'm proud of this project and the way it turned out. I'm also glad we got to it after waiting an entire year to do so.
Experiences/Conclusions
Through this project, I got to work with Mr. Rink again, which is always a joy. This was also my second time working with Abby. They're both kind of the De Niro to Scorsese actors for our films. We have a lot of recurring actors, but we try to mix it up every project. I'm glad that we were to create a fun thriller after not having done so before. Finally, I'm glad that I got to work with the same group of creative individuals.
