This semester in the eCommunications program, I have learned a lot. Being a senior in eComm isn't much different, although it feels very different, whether it is because of the workload or just the 'upper hand', per say, over the juniors, I don't know. But I have enjoyed this year. I have also had the opportunity to work with the 6th and 7th hour entertainment class, as a teacher's assistant. Although I haven't truly done much on the side of assisting the teacher, I have thoroughly enjoyed having an insight into the differences between the two classes, and I even got a small part in their class film (my car did, at least).
To be honest, I did not execute any work I loved this semester. I have mostly been sitting back and learning, to hopefully better my films and myself during second semester. I have had a few ideas floating around for the past 6 months but have not found a way to incorporate them into the class so far. Senior year has truly gotten the better of me for the fact that I have no time on the weekends to film for longer than an hour at a time,, especially when trying to work with others with equally complex schedules. But for this reason, I have kept my camera in my trunk at all times (oops, it's in the negative degrees at this moment in Kansas, sorry camera). But I have truly embraced pulling over to the side of the road whenever I can, to take some pictures or plan out a film. I have also recently gotten into the car community at my high school as well as in the city of Olathe, which has given me a huge chance to meet new people, many of which ask me to take pictures and videos for them. As much as I would have never expected this to happen, in the past 6 months my photography portfolio is much more impressive than my filming portfolio. I also plan on making a photography portfolio somewhere on this site in the near future. But I know that will change in the next semester. I would like to say that my areas of strength this year are cinematography and editing, two things I am most engaged in, and two things I have been practicing as much as possible. In my mind, there is no better feeling than the feeling when you have been envisioning a shot for a long time and it becomes a reality, and exceeds all of your expectations. I think this is the first year I've truly been able to understand that. I have never payed attention to the detail of cinematography until this past summer, when I truly noticed the difference between something shot on an iPhone and something professionally recorded with the right angles and lighting. Editing has always been something I was decently indifferent to, but I have found much joy and satisfaction editing a film which you are truly proud of from an artistic standpoint. It is another thing which could be looked at as unimportant to most but makes a world of difference on the end product. If anything, I would like to improve my sheer knowledge of the film industry. Many of my classmates talk of their favorite movies and actors to which I have never seen, some I have never even heard of. It is crucial to find great films in order to make great films. I have always been a creative person, but I still sometimes find it hard to recieve inspiration. Next semester I want to go out with a last hoorah. I plan I making a mini series with a few friends, part of which is already fully thought out and scripted. I also want to win a pixel award at eMagine, after winning two second-place awards. But most of all, I want to enjoy my last semester of high school, make great memories, and hang on to these last six months as mush as possible. Later in the future, I plan on continuing to love films, no matter where I end up. My goal is to graduate from Kansas University with a major in Business, and a possible minor in film. From there, I have no clue. I have always thought to myself that I would make movies for a living, but have recently found the sheer expertise, time, and committment needed. My dream as of now is to own a business in car modifications, which could easily leas to doing independent work for my company, filmwise. This semester I have grown in three areas: maturity, professionality, and artistic ability.
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As a student of the 21st century interested in film, I am a fan of Christopher Nolan. Not only has he had some incredible ideas, he is fantastic at carrying these ideas out. I recently read an article on No Film School about this.
http://nofilmschool.com/2015/12/christopher-nolan-use-hands-helps-you-think-detective This article tells about how Christopher Nolan uses an abundance of close up shots of hands --- and uses them effectively. It states that he uses these shots to reveal a key element of the plot or character, communicate the emotional state of a character, or simply show an action I am so utterly fascinated by this and I don't really know why. In the article, it says, "a lot can be said with a simple gesture." Its amazing how impactful these little shots placed here and there are. I've never really noticed Nolan's interest in close-ups of hands until now, and even watching the supercut in the article which tells absolutely no background information about the shots can be so interesting and tell you so much. I've always liked close-ups of hands, but I don't think I would have ever realized the information you can get from them without watching this. You can see how much is going on when you don't even know what movie it is. This author refers to Nolan's work as 'cerebral', and effectively shows how and why. Nolan is one of the most influential directors and writers of this century, and this shows how he is different and what makes him influential. In the Christmas classic 'It's A Wonderful Life', a man named George Bailey goes through life and all of his hardships, but in the end, finds out everything he had been taking for granted, realizing truly how wonderful life is.
This movie is considered a classic because of not only its great story, but also its level of cinematic complexity for a film from the 1940s. It is a movie that people can relate to, even after 70 years. The artistic components combined with the engaging story is what is truly impressive about this film, and what makes it so interesting. In the story, a man named George Bailey goes through life, enjoying whatever he can. He is the manager of a bank, and everything seems to be doing well. Until one day, something happened and George suddenly was down $8,000. He became depressed, and realized he owes many people money and doesn't have much to live for. One night, Mr. Bailey gets drunk, goes to a local bridge, and contemplates the tall jump into the frigid waters. But all of a sudden, another man jumps before him, so George decides to try to help the man. After reaching safety, we find out the mysterious man is George's guardian angel, who jumped to save George. Bailey doesn't believe the man, but mumbles that he wished he had never been born. At that moment, his guardian angel grants his wish. Georger Bailey did not exist. He tried to visit friends and family, but no one knew who he was or what he was talking about. He realizes he truly did not exist, and the mistakes he had made. He reaized how everyone he loved's lives would change drastically, most for the worse. He begs his angel to take him back to his existance, and George had been let go of his depression. He was finally happy again. To most, this story may just seem like an enjoyable, happy story. However, it shows a good life lesson to all. No matter haw hard life gets, just when you think nothing is going your way, everything will be just fine. We as humans take a lot for granted, but often don't realize it. Although this is said to be a Chirstmas movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is an inspiring classic to watch during any season. Opening Image: A woman finds three donkeys standing idly at the side of a quiet country road. The woman pulls over, runs toward the donkeys… and shoots one of them, several times. She then runs back to her car and drives away. We are now primed for a unique story, indeed. It takes place in a world that seems a lot like ours, but seen through a sly, darkly funny lens. So the tone is set. But if we’re looking for an Opening Image that will act as the “before snapshot,” I think the next scene does this job: We meet our hero, David (Colin Farrell), just as he’s being dumped by his wife. She apologizes; she’s met someone else. Set-Up: Immediately after the dumping, David is escorted (along with his pet dog) to a place called The Hotel. Through his intake process we learn the rules of this world: single people become guests at The Hotel, where they have 45 days to find their match. This is a requirement of the laws of The City; single people are not allowed. Theme Stated: His first day there, the Hotel staff rig David with one arm behind his back. It’s only temporary – an exercise to show him “how easy life is when there are two of something instead of just one.” This is what they’re showing: real connection vs. coupling up for convenience. Catalyst: I’ll be honest – I’m not sure there’s a clear Catalyst. I found a few possibilities: 1) Back at the start of the movie, when David’s wife kicks him out. This fits the Catalyst parameters of being something which shakes the hero, and is done to him. Or, 2) At minute 7, David looks out his hotel room window and sees the unconscious bodies of captured “Loners.” These are single people who live as outlaws in the woods, refusing to adhere to society’s demands to couple up. Guests of The Hotel are taken on hunting expeditions; for each Loner they bring in, guests are given an extra day on their stay. This could also be considered the Catalyst since, as we’ll see later, the choice David ultimately has to make is one typical of the Institutionalized genre: join, burn it down, or commit suicide. And seeing the Loners’ bodies is the first time we understand there’s an alternative – however bleak – to the institution that The Hotel represents. Everything at The Hotel is intended to groom the guests to “fall in love” – but really the emphasis is on coupling up, an important distinction in this story. When a guest fails to become part of a couple in the allotted time, he or she is turned into an animal. Hey, the upside is they get to choose what kind of animal they’ll be! Still, no one here wants to fail and this ticking clock establishes urgency. We learn David’s pet dog is actually his brother, who stayed at the hotel a few years earlier and “didn’t make it.” David goes on the record: if he doesn’t make it, he wants to be a lobster. Debate: The debate in this movie shows David making a couple of new friends, 'Lisping Man' and 'Limping Man', and the three of them getting acquainted with each other and the new world of The Hotel together. We meet a few of the female guests: 'Nosebleed Woman', sadly desperate 'Biscuit Woman', and 'Heartless Woman' who is rumored to have “no feelings whatsoever” and is the “best hunter in the hotel – 192 captives.” There’s a fair amount of world-building needed for this story, so this debate section really serves to continue our orientation and to show us the scope of the challenge that David is about to undertake. Break into Two: On his first hunt, David doesn’t bring in any Loners. His days are ticking away. If he wants to succeed here, he’s going to have to try harder. What will he do for love? B Story: David’s friend Limping Man is the savviest of the three friends; he explains how they’re turned into animals and tries to impress on them the seriousness of their situation. Fun and Games: We’re shown some hilariously absurd “dangers” of being alone, as demonstrated by Hotel staff. The pressure mounts. David states, “to become an animal that will be killed and eaten by some bigger animal” would be the worst. This reinforces what David must do, and what’s at stake. David comes up with a new strategy: he targets Heartless Woman, who has no other suitors. He pretends to be as cruel as she is. It seems to work; Heartless Woman accepts him and they’re announced as a couple. It’s not perfect, but at least he’s safe. Until… Heartless Woman deliberately kills David’s dog/brother. David tries to keep his horror and grief under wraps, but Heartless Woman sniffs it out. He lied, and she’s going to turn him in. David makes a run for it! The Hotel maid helps him escape, and -- Midpoint: David makes it to the woods, where he intends to start a new life. In classic midpoint fashion the stakes are raised here since living in the woods brings the constant threat of being hunted. David joins up with a band of Loners. They help each other to survive, but there’s no romance or sex allowed in this outsider society; they’re anti-couple. David realizes instantly THIS is who he’s been looking for. But is it already too late? And then David sees… 'Short Sighted Woman', another Loner. The attraction is mutual. And guess what? David is short-sighted too. It seems that David may have found his match, in the most unlikely of places. But now that he’s taken a vow of Lonerism, what can he do? Bad Guys Close In – or, in this case, a Bad Gal! Bad Guys Close In: We get a hint that something big is brewing – a secret plot the Loner Leader is hatching with some help from inside The Hotel. In the meantime, Loner Leader also has her eye on David and Short Sighted Woman. Loner Leader sees them growing closer. And that makes her suspicious, then angry. We finally see what the Loners’ plot amounts to when they infiltrate The Hotel and hold the Manager and her Partner at gunpoint. The Loners force the Partner to choose which one will die – him or her? The Loners don’t kill either; they’re just there to prove that coupling up is a sham. All Is Lost: After the successful mission, the Loners celebrate (by dancing alone, together). Still – right on time! – we’re shown a whiff of death as Loner Leader reminds David he needs to dig his own grave. Literally. Because he’s going to die alone, there will be no one to do it once he’s gone. This is David’s false defeat as it drives home the point that fully throwing in with the Loners means saying goodbye to the possibility of love, for good. Dark Night of the Soul: David sees another Loner man bringing rabbits to Short Sighted Woman (they’re her favorite food). David is instantly jealous and defensive, practically attacking the other man. Break into Three: David can’t deny his true feelings, no matter how much easier that would make things. He finally decides to go for it. David and Short Sighted Woman secretly plot to leave the woods and live in the City together, as a couple. Unbeknownst to them, Loner Leader learns of their plan. Loner Leader takes Short Sighted Woman into the City for a surprise eye surgery appointment. This is a good thing (so she says), as having better eyesight will improve her chances of survival in the woods. Short Sighted Woman can’t risk rejecting the surgery – that might tip the others off. But will the surgery make her incompatible with David? Or is their love true enough to withstand the change? When the surgery is over, the real surprise is revealed: Loner Leader has had Short Sighted Woman blinded. Finale: David and Short Sighted Woman grapple with this new obstacle. They look for any other trait that could create enough of a compatibility to justify being together. They can’t find one. Yet – he still wants to be with her. Do they need more reason than that? They fight past the Loner Leader and make their escape. And just when we think we might get a happy ending, we remember what a weird, dark tale this is. David takes a last look, preparing to sacrifice his own eyesight in order to make this relationship work. Final Image: David and Short Sighted Woman in a diner booth, where David asks to see her profile… her fingers… her elbows… and then asks the waitress for a knife. He takes the knife into the bathroom and prepares to make his “sacrifice.” In the dystopian world of this Institutionalized story, it seems that David must sacrifice his sight in order to be with the woman he loves. One of the most iconic filmmakers ever, Ridley Scott, even at age 77, shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, with his recent release of The Martian.
http://nofilmschool.com/2015/11/77-year-old-ridley-scott-emphasizes-power-storyboards-and-written-word In this interview, Scott tells his experience in the film business. He had never made a movie until he was 40, and almost 40 years later, is still making movies at the top of the box office 5 weeks in a row (The Martian has made over $550 million worldwide). He states that GoPro's are quite a helpful tool in the industry, for he put 30 around Matt Damon throughout the movie. He also tells the importance if storyboarding, which seems to be something people I know don't really enjoy. "I storyboarded the entire film, right through everything. they aren’t stick figures, they are wide shots, mediums, etc. With the power of the board — we doubled the budget [of Alien] — we went to 4.2m to 8.4m." It's amazing someone so successful started at 40 and has built up completely, and plans going for as long as possible. Filmmaking is a timeless career, one of the only careers where people don't want to retire at 65 and don't want to stop and relax. That shows signs that the field you are in is right for you, when you love going to work every day so much you want to work that job into the grave with you. Whiplash is currently the #140 movie of all time on IMDb. But it very well could be my favorite. As a learning drummer and film maker, this movie really inspires me. Although I never want to drum until my hands are covered in blood nor get t-boned by a truck, sorry for the spoilers, it drives me to become better at both drumming and film making. From the amazing audio to the fact that you can feel Miles Teller's pain, this movie was so well put together. Every scene had you holding on, and that's what I want to do with the films I make. Let the audience feel what the characters are feeling and sending shivers down their spine and goosebumps onto their skin. This story is about a college kid majoring in music, but it's about a lot more than that. A passion for music, a close relationship with his father, a love interest, and an abusive teacher makes the story different. I don't really believe I could say anything to improve this movie, I have watched it over and over again, once listening to the music, once picking out details in the cinematography, once on an airplane where every curse word was censored by JK Simmons saying the funniest and most ridiculous things. To be honest, I've only used actual lighting correctly once, and that was a couple weeks ago. But after seeing the difference, I was stunned.
http://nofilmschool.com/2015/11/lighting-like-vermeer-create-cinematic-depth-lighting After that day, I've been interested in lighting a lot of my work, although it's quite expensive for a whole kit. This article shows how to light things correctly and show depth in this 2 dimensional field we work in. "Cinematography is basically painting with light -- and painting ain't no easy task." Although it may look easy in the video, when using actual lights, I was astounded by how much of a difference dimming a light ever so slightly made. This article talks a lot about this depth-style lighting, which was first started in the film industry in 1940s film noirs, even though they were black and white. Showing depth on a 2D screen can (literally) make things pop. Although I can't completely relate to the author's love of Vermeer, who I truly don't know about, they did a good job in writing, but it would have been nice if the article went more in depth on what the video talked about, instead of just saying that they liked the video. Lighting is truly an art in the film world, when done correctly. This was my group's entry for the Martin Luther King Jr Contest, and this year's theme was "Love Illuminates Life".
First off, I'll be honest and say this is not my best work. I had been caught up in another project for the last month or so, and didn't put full effort into it, which is not what I had hoped to do. We had this original idea of a bully who keeps beating this civilian down, but the civilian keeps getting back up. He never backs down. This went with the quote that "Hatred darkens life, Love illuminates it." I decided we should go somewhere dark, which probably could have worked better. After we wrote the script and story boarded, we were hoping we could film it outside but weather had changed that for us. Getting close to our deadline, we still wanted time to edit, so we decided to film in out school's workshop behind the auditorium. I think it was a pretty good place, but a man had come in halfway through shooting and stated working on something we weren't familiar with, and putting nails in things quite loudly with a hammer. We finished filming and planned on coming back the next day to reshoot, but he was still there. This caused us to use none of the audio we had captured. Improvising, we used all of our shots, and big thanks to Stockton for finding this very fitting speech by Robert Kennedy. Overall, this project turned out better than we thought it might, and I learned a lot of things I will make sure to carry into my next projects, including some fight scene techniques, low-light shooting and more in-depth color correction, and purchasing the rights to music and things. |
About MeMy name is Graham Petter. I am a junior at Olathe Northwest High School, and I am into cars and films. Archives
December 2016
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