Sequence Project
For this project, we had to take various shots at different focal lengths and then compose them into a single video. The two different styles of sequences were a wide shot to extreme close up, then four extreme close ups to a wide shot.
In this project, I did most all of the camera work, shot ideas, and the like. I had some friends from high school come with me to shoot one subject (that I didn’t even end up using the footage for.)
This project taught me that sometimes, it’s okay to not use footage. It’s not a waste of time, and it’ll only help you have more to work with. The things I would are extremely minor, like the exposure on some of the shots. I also really liked the shots I was able to do inside of the movie theater. Honestly? I wouldn’t change anything about this project, except maybe plan it out a little bit more. I think there’s an air about it that says “This is a newbie’s project.” It’s quaint, and I enjoy it very much.
PSA Project
For this project, we had to write, shoot, and film a 30 second public service announcement for a real cause. I chose an environmental theme, as it is extremely important to take care of our planet.
In this project, I wrote the script, came up with the shot ideas and the filming of it. My sisters actually helped me out with a couple of the shots by being in the shots.
This project taught me that a solid idea instead of just “shots that’ll be cool” is imperative for a good project. My favorite part of the project is definitely the shot I did with the littering. I think that it just looked neat, and the whole sequence was good. I would definitely change how I did the audio though. The levels were fine, but the sound and delivery were not good.
Interview Project
For this project, we had to interview someone on a topic. The person had to be knowledgeable about the topic.
For this one, I did all of the filming and all of the audio. Cindy was awesome and answered all of the questions I had for her, and the few clients she had that day were also really cool for letting me film them.
This project taught me that sometimes, just asking is a good thing. I actually had the plan to film Cindy, but I wasn’t sure if she’d be okay with it. I called her the night before I filmed and asked her, and she was just as excited as I was. I went over and got all the footage and interviewed her. Everything on this one went smoothly. I think the best thing about this one is the B-Roll, and how much care went into making it. I think the whole thing also was helped by the energy in the shop that day and how excited everyone involved was to see the final product. I would probably change the audio though. I wasn’t close enough to her with the mic (and I didn’t think to ask for a lav), so a good bit of it is quiet.
Freeform Project
For this project, we could do anything that we wanted to (within reason). So, the decision was made to do something topical.
This one I did the shooting and came up with some of the ideas of things to shoot. My family was a big help in the fact that they were awesome enough to be in it. A few of the activities that were featured were their idea.
This one taught me the importance of truly planning something out, and that finding the positive in situations is the best thing to do. It also taught me that I should become slightly familiar with things instead of just jumping in. My favorite part is how I utilized the close up shots and then how I incorporated the titles in the video. I would change how some of the shots look. I’d also get a couple of more shots of some of the activities in order to get more to work with.
Final Project
For the final project, we had the option of doing a nonfiction or a fiction piece. The fiction piece had to have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
This one, I had a lot of help for. I did all of the filming and the shot set up. My little sister played the puppeteer. My family was in it, and my friend Charley was the voice of the shoe. She also helped me write it and provided some ideas for the plot.
This one taught me that you should just have fun sometimes. This may not be the most polished video or it might not be the most solid concept. I did have a fun time making it though, and that’s what’s important. My favorite part of the project would probably be the video as a whole. The way the editing completes the video and how the acting was believable. I would absolutely go back and redo the audio completely. I would make sure the levels were better and it sounded more consistent.
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