Final Lookback...

Look back at your experience over the last two years here at Film/Video Production. Reflect on what you've learned, accomplished, the friends you've made and compose a letter to yourself on the first day of class in the beginning class. Imagine that this letter couple be delivered to yourself on that day and he/she could read it.

What advice would you give your past self?
Would you tell them they are going to have a great experience?
What would you warn them about?

Try to wright a thoughtful reflection to yourself on this last day of class.

Dear Megumi,

I won't give you advice or tell you what your experience is going to be like in your class at SVCTE. That's for you to discover. The experiences here were valuable because I didn't know what to expect.  The experiences here were valuable because of the mistakes you made and the lessons you learned from it. So that's why I won't warn you of anything. One thing I can tell you is that this class is a little more than you'd expect. Have fun! You'll be alright.

-Megumi

Least Valuable Unit

What is one unit this year that you felt was the least useful? Why? How could it be improved? If there was one unit in the entire year that I could strike from the schedule, which would you suggest? Why?

For me personally, the directing unit was least effective. I won't call it least useful because some of the blog questions genuinely opened my eyes to the role of a director. However, because I was not working on any projects specifically geared towards directing, I was not able to put that knowledge into use, and therefore it felt like an ineffective unit. Since there are always going to be few Advanced students and there are so many different aspects to filmmaking, it is important to allow more flexibility for the student. The first year was a time for the student to be exposed to all different aspects of filmmaking and so I see no harm in letting the advanced students be more specialized. For example, if the student is interested specifically in audio, the student can find an article or video talking about audio and write a summary paragraph about it for a blog. You can specify what kind of article they research by giving them a topic such as "audio levels" or "audio mixing."

3 Valuable Things

If you had to pick three things that you found the most valuable from this class experience, what would they be? What do you feel overall that this course has helped you prepare for?

The classmates I met, how I found what I specifically love about filmmaking, and the unique experience of having access to so many opportunities was the most valuable thing I gained from the class. The demographic back at my homeschool is significantly different from the class demographic at SVCTE. I was able to interact with people from so many different backgrounds and it opened my eyes to the world outside of my homeschool. I was also able to discover my love for post production. I love finding new techniques in After effects and editing just about anything. Hopefully, I would be able to find what exactly I love about post production in my college years so that I can specialize even further. The opportunity to speak in front of so many people, participate in Skills USA and CreaTV, volunteer at film festivals, they all became experiences that became an important part of SVCTE.

Revisiting Goals

Look back at your goals for the Fall and Spring Semester blog posts. Were you able to achieve your goals? Why or why not? What could you have done differently? Looking back at them, what could you have done to focus more on your goals in the course?

1. Have an Understanding of how Adobe After Effects works

I am happy to say that I have a relatively good understanding of how After FX works. Although there are still features that I have yet to figure out, I am able to work my way through the software without much confusion.

2. Understand  all of the color correction panel's functionalities.

I meant to understand more about the Premiere Pro color panel, but I ended up having a better understanding of Lightroom. I am hoping to learn more about Photoshop so that I can perform basic functions when needed.

3. Created Varied projects outside of class

I have been making cinemagraphs often outside of class mainly in order to improve my skills on After Effects. Working with still images allow me to focus on the effects without worrying about rendering issues. However, I also work with videos whenever I want to practice a certain skill.

Developing Strong Characters

What are three key pieces of advice from this article that you can implement in your directing going forward?

1. Include the actors in the filmmaking process

Allowing actors to collaborate in creating the story will allow them to have a in-depth understanding of the characters. They may also have the opportunity to skew a character in a way that is better fit for them as an actor.

2. Table read

While rehearsals can serve a part of the purpose of a table read, this process is vital in developing a character. This is especially effective because the actors are able to read the script without worries about blocking and they are also able to ask questions whenever they are confused.

3. Think about the character's overall picture

A character must be sculpted from the ground up. They are real people with reasonable motivations. Getting feedback for their acting is vital for the actor to understand the director's vision.

Blocking Actors P.3

What choices in the room com take changed the scene? What choices in the sitcom take changed the scene?

Although the room itself did not change, the actors moved around the room in a way that altered the setting so that the actors are confined into a setting that no one else can see. By creating a confined setting, the tension of the scene increases, thus creating an environment that forces the character to interact with one another. The characters in this scene must solve a problem, and the scene that locks them in without outside help reflects the situation they are currently. in.

Blocking a Scene P.2

How did camera movement change the scene? What was the difference between handheld and the steadicam? How were visual metaphors used?

Camera movement is able to assist the emotion of the scene. This scene, for example, was able to create tension within the scene by moving the camera along with the actors so that the idea that they are in a hurry in conveyed effectively. The handheld camera, on one hand, jerks the camera with the footsteps. As a result, films that are shot hand held can look more like a documentary or the Office. On the other hand, a steadicam would absorb all of the shocks coming from footsteps, creating a more cinematic look. Visual metaphors can be incorporated into the use of stabilizers by connecting their emotional stability with the stability of the camera.

Blocking a Scene P.1

What is crafting the performance in the edit? How does he do this with the first cut of the scene? What is "business?" How does this help the scene?

Crafting the performance in the edit requires careful consideration of the camera angle, camera settings, and blocking. The use of or the lack of motion can create different emotions. The first cut used the least motion and only used simple cuts between characters who barely moved. For simple cuts, the editing becomes more important. The close up, for example, can create tension that is not present in the acting. However, simple relying on editing wastes talented actors. Business is referred to what an actor should be doing when they are not delivering dialogue. Business adds a secondary objective for the actors to interact with while they are not speaking.

Cultivating Respect with your Crew

What are three key pieces of advice this article gives on cultivated respect with your crew? Look back at your own behavior on set and compare these suggestions. How did you behave compared to them? How can you begin using this advice?

1. Make Room for Communication

Having shared respect for one another can bring about the best performance from the cast and crew. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively to an actor can help build a healthy relationship between the actor and the director. The director must respect the cast and crew's artistic vision while also implementing the director's vision of the big picture.

2. Avoid Micro-managing cast and crew

Because most of the big decisions are made during preproduction, the director, at times, needs to sit back and trust the process.

3. Build a Reputation

Throwing a tantrum when something doesn't work out will never be an effective way to solve a problem. Placing blame on one single person will also ruin relationships with the crew.

Directing Subtext P.3

What does "Good artist borrow, great artists steal" mean to you? How can meaning and subtext play into this?

A great artist would "steal: from another artist by putting in their own interpretation in order to create something that is entirely theirs. In the end, art is a remix of what is already there. One's own interpretation changes what that art means. By adding these references to other works of art, it creates a subtext that may allude to the subtext of the original piece of art. Stealing art from something thatis relevant for your own art will ultimately enrich the art itself.

Subtext P.2

What are the three rules of subtext mentioned in this film? What does each mean?

 Subtext can be created through a multitude of visual elements. One of which that is introduced in the video is the X on the screen. The X, though often subtle, foreshadows death that is coming in the end. Another strategy is to add an object to every shot in order to provide social commentary. Cinematography, makeup, sound design, and screenwriting ultimately creates the deeper meaning within the film. The first rule, is that the subtext must be organic to the story. Second rule, being that the undefined is much more powerful than the defined. The mystery of a scene is what invites the audience to engage in a film. The third rule is to think laterally (linear thinking.)

Directing Subtext

What is subtext? What is the role of subtext in your film? How does the director play into creating subtext?

Subtext refers to what is happening under the direct conversation of the actors. Subtexts add dimension to the character so that the audience is able to sympathize with the character more. Everyone is responsible for creating subtext because cooperation is vital to create an effective story. The creator of the story must put into consideration the motivation behind the character so that the sympathy by the audience is maximized. Putting this into consideration, the director can specify how the scene is shot or how the charactered should be directed.

Bad Directing

What does the director need to keep in mind with their scenes? What made the first scene shown an example of bad directing?

The director must always keep in mind what and who is important in the story as a whole. A character or scene may make an impact on the story, but the director must be able to recognize what the story is ultimately centered around or what the audience needs to focus on. Techniques used to emphasize a scene should be used scarcely so that they are able to have an effect on the audience. Using too many techniques that are ineffective for the scene can be distracting. This is what made the first scene shown as bad directing. Hitchcock, on the other hand, did not use any camera movement or movement in actors, forcing the audience to listen to the judge.

How Speilberg introduces a Character

What methods does Spielberg use to introduce characters on screen? What role does action and fraction play with charaters in your film?

"First impressions is the most lasting." In a similar way, a character's first impression is very important. His use of action and fraction is vital to his introduction of character. The characters must show their emotions through their actions and display their character through their reaction to certain life scenarios. The character does not necessarily have a long screen time, but rather their impact on others is wha holds importance. Fractions refers to the way Spielberg focuses on a specific portion of the character that speaks for the whole. This can be either a body part of something that the character wears or treasures. This technique can create a mystery for the audience to be engaged in. this technique also allows the character to feel larger than life.

Auditioning Actors

How do you prepare for your audition? What are the physical resources you'll need? What are some other great tips that you've learned in this video?

In order to holding a casting call, you must know the script front and back. It is important to know all the terms and setting of the scene. You must list the specific information about the casting and production as well as story setting of the character. The audition should be well organized and assume that many people will not show up to the audition. Booking several people for a certain time slot is smart so that the casting manager will not be too bored. The atmosphere, rather than the location, is important for the actors. They should be comfortable in the waiting room and be able to audition in a blank space. A large role should be around 3 pages while smaller roles could have a page and a half. Is is important to record them so that you don't forget their performance.

The Trap of Assumption

What is the trap of assumption? How can you deal with your assumptions?

The trap of assumption is to assume that others will have the same reaction to a certain work a you did. Something can be clear to one person and can be difficult to understand for someone else. At the end of the day, what someone feels is going to be different for everyone because a script is nothing more than a cumulation of words. Assuming that everyone's reaction to a piece will be the same is a trap that must be avoided when directing. The director will know how the scene will play out but it must be conscious that his assumption is right but the opinion ultimately do not matter. In the end, the only assumption that matter in the scene is the assumption of the character.

Director's #1 Job

What is the directors primary job? What is the relationship of story and character in this? What role does "the machine" play into this?

As a director, the most important job is to be a storyteller. Everyone surrounding the director is supporting the director to tell that one story. They must take care of the story and tell the story in the most authentic way. At the end of the day, they must know that the character is telling the story. Performance can make or break the story. Casting is crucial to the film because the actor cannot interfere with the character. Finding someone that can fully act out a character is of great importance to a great film. The director can get distracted by all of the problems that they forgot that the most important part of the story--the performance.

Directing Characters

What is directing the characters? How does this work? Why is is a useful technique?

For a moment, the director must forget the character for a moment and interact directly to the actor. The director must find a way for the actor to find the same emotions that are within the same character. The director must face the fear of director and the actor must face their own fear. Having the courage to know that he is able to maintain authority over the actor while also communicating with them is important in the role of directors. Actors needs to give up their desire to control their acting and the directors need to give up their desire to control their directing.