Short Film / Final Reflection

"Drive Safe" - Short film

For this project, we had to make a 5:00 minute short film. It took about a month to finish. Some challenges we faced was sticking to the script and making the project make sense. We had to add a dialogue scene in the middle in order to move the story along. My team worked well and I liked how this project turned out. I did all of the editing, and actually came in Saturday morning to finish everything. 

Our film is a drama, with a little comedy. I wrote my own script that got produced by another team, and that was tough. It's hard to come up with a good story, and even harder to put that into motion. The synopsis, treatment, and script-writing is long and tough, but it's worth it when you see everything produced!

"Breakfast Club" - Trailer Recreation

       This is a project that I honestly wish I could try again. It had so much potential and all of our shots were turning out really well, but we had an unfortunate happening with the camera and tripod and had to split our filming up into two days. The problem with that, was that all of our actors were crazy busy and we never found a time to film the rest of the project. :(

       However! What we did have I think is very good. This project was to recreate an old movie trailer shot by shot. My team was assigned with the classic Breakfast Club. It was actually a lot of fun to make, and I enjoyed this project. 

       Our team worked diligently during pre-production to get everything done early, and we did that. The actors that we found fit each roll perfectly, (though they were busy people). We had a script written up, as well as a costume sheet for everyone to be prepared. All of our production sheets (sequence sheet, project sheet, etc.) were done early and helpful during filming. We shot in a library with shots that are very similar to the original trailer. The actual filming was really good, and I learned a lot about framing and focusing. Our actors were really into it and wanted to keep filming which was a surprise. The problem was with the camera, as it unhinged from the tripod and fell to the floor, the battery breaking. I've learned to next time be more careful with the equipment, and constantly check to make sure it's functioning properly. I also wish I would've put a filter over the footage to better match the original. That's something I want to work on for next time!

Work Ethic in Class

Video is the e-comm class that I definitely worked harder in of the two. Often I'd stay after to edit my team's projects, turn equipment back in, film, etc.  I also helped organize filming dates and locations and I'd rarely miss those, only with a good excuse of course. :)
For the short film, I broke into the school on a Saturday to edit the entire project, and I'm really glad I did! I'm proud with the way it turned out.

Strengths

My strength is definitely in my editing skills. I absolutely LOVE using Premiere Pro! It's so much fun to me. I love the puzzle aspect of piecing everything together and figuring out what works and what doesn't. I like talking to teammates or going online to research solutions to problems that I'm facing. I think I'm also a good team player, and I work well with everyone around me.

Weaknesses

The cameras. I really just need to learn more about them. I don't know what the camera does outside of the basic functions. I'd love to take more time to really become accustomed to all of the bells and whistles it has, and really learn how to make my footage the best it can be.

Summary

This semester was really really fun, as I got to tap into my creative side. I got to act on a few projects which is something I've never done before! I wasn't a big fan of script-writing, but it was fun to try. I also got to edit rhythmically and creatively. Even thought entertainment isn't my favorite, I got to dive in and experience something I've never done before. One thing I would change would be finishing my trailer. I really think that could've been a great project.

I'm so excited for SID next year too! My goal for next year is to do EVERYTHING! I want to try commentating, working behind the cameras, talking in front of the cameras, working on the control center, all of it!! I'm very excited for junior year and I'm thankful for everything graphic design taught me! :)