Module Two Reflection

Key moments in my production process especially came about during post-production when I realized what the limitations of my video would be as a result of my overall methods for creating the piece. First of all, I think that from now on I will forever shoot what seems to be an absurd amount of b-roll. If it seems like way too much while filming, it will probably be just right when it comes to actually putting the video together. Also, I know now that it will be beneficial to have more of a focus or purpose for the video, since that will give me direction when it comes to the filming.

Regarding feedback, I feel that much of the feedback, especially the criticisms, were well justified. I had received a comment regarding the pacing of my video, but that is something that had I filmed more b-roll footage, I would have had greater flexibility and control with. Also, I received a comment regarding the background music not quite fitting the video, which again I agreed with. One of my top reasons for including the music was again a result of having a shortage of b-roll and was an attempt to keep things interesting during the somewhat drawn-out interview segments. Lastly, I realized the risk I incurred by including my opening scene, although I was unsure after discussing it with the class what a better alternative would have been.  On the other hand, I appreciated the positive remarks I had received regarding such things as the specific shots I included as well as the topics covered during the interview. It is interesting to me to receive a compliment about very specific aspects of a shot when that is something that I didn’t even originally articulate myself as to why it was a good shot, but rather something that I sought out and included instinctively. Regarding other students’ work, one thing that I noticed was a mixed review of the interview format, which ranged from the use of subtitles to display the questions, including the interviewer in the video, and excluding the interviewer altogether. It is clear that there is a multitude of factors at play that help dictate which method would be most effective, and it seems it is something that can really only be approached on a case-by-case basis. Since every video utilized a somewhat different style, some of the best overall advice that could be applied to anyone’s work is to make sure that the technical side of the video is well done, such as smooth transitions and good camera work. Without even considering the creative side of the video, this will ensure that distracting elements are kept to a minimum and the audience can focus on the intended message and purpose of the video.

One thing I learned about myself during this project is that I am often comfortable with ambiguity. Although I had a fairly detailed list of the shots I wanted to capture, there was still quite a bit of uncertainty and flexibility going into the filming. However, I do feel that it can be more effective if I spend additional time planning out the details and narrowing down the focus of a project. I also realized that I take an exceptionally long time while working on such a project since I have high expectations. In cases where the post-production dragged on for hours each day, I think taking breaks and revisiting notes for the purpose of the video would be in order.

I can see another audience for my video being anyone within the art community with an interest in Nick and his artwork. Nick may use my video in order to promote himself as an artist, even if it is only until he can afford to have a more professional one produced! I think that this will show others how dedicated Nick is to his craft and reflect positively on him with potential clients.

Somehow, this video took me five nights to film and produce. It was actually somewhat frustrating, but now that I have already tackled this project, I feel more prepared with insight and experience to tackle another project in the future.

Documentary

Module Two Post-Production

One thing I learned firsthand is that filming a documentary requires an extreme amount of excess footage. Much of the footage is not suitable to include, and so it takes a large amount of sifting through mediocre footage in order to find a few clips of good material. One issue I had was regarding the lighting. I had a large light to use during the interview, but it had a noisy fan on it, so I ended up not using it since I didn’t want the sound to be in the video. This drastically changed the look of the interview segments, which I’m not very happy about.

Most of my material at Nick’s house is useable. However, I won’t be able to use a good clip that involves Nick preparing to draw since there were no interview segments that would relate to such a scene. Also, most of the footage from the frame shop turned out well, although I did have a few shots showing various tools and equipment by themselves which I won’t be using since it may be unclear as to what they are and it doesn’t contribute much to a narrative.

I feel the most interesting edit will start at Nick’s frame shop and transition into him working on his artwork.

Since both Nick and I were working under time constraints, I will only have the footage I gathered over the original two day filming period and will not get a chance to reshoot.

My project evolved very little from the original idea through production.

The Documentary Interview

One piece of advice from Hampe’s reading that resonates with me is to focus more on showing the story rather than merely relying on someone telling the story. It would be much easier to just sit down with a person, ask them a series of questions, and construct the documentary out of little else. However, this will most likely create a rather bland and unengaging documentary. 

I appreciate the emphasis Hampe places on preparing for the interview. Again, it would be easy to just sit down with the interviewee and go through a list of questions, but without specifically catering your questions to the person as well as the overall feel you are going for, the piece will not be as effective. I have certainly tried to keep this in mind as I revise and expand upon my own list of questions which I plan to use in order to ensure their consistency with my vision of the project.

I also took note of the idea of overshooting the interview. Although this is a simple concept, Hampe’s example of 30 minutes of footage to produce a 1 minute clip is something to think about in order to get a large amount of material from which to choose.

Module Two Production Stage

As the author/creator of the video, I have chosen to remain completely absent within the video. There will be a standard interview, although I will encourage Nick to answer the questions in a way that sounds natural and not as a direct answer to a question.

I would like to include Nick’s background, especially the fact that he is a graduate of the American Academy of Art. I will ask him open-ended questions regarding why he is currently working at a frame shop, what his process consists of when producing artwork, and how he first got started with art.

Overall, I will have shots at the frame shop and shots at Nick’s house. At the frame shop I want a close up shot of a phone, followed by a zoomed-out shot of Nick answering the phone. I definitely would need to get various shots showing his daily work of assembling picture frames. At his house, most, if not all of the shots will be in his room since that is where he works and where most of his artwork is. I need close-up shots of him working, as well as various shots of his artwork. I also would like a medium/farther away shot including his dog lying next to him while he works, preferably with dramatic lighting.

One concern I have is regarding the lighting. Although I have a decent camera and technically could still get the shot, I know that Nick doesn’t have the greatest of lighting arrangements in his room and I am concerned that the lack of strong lighting will reduce the video quality.

form&content

For my documentary, I will be interviewing Nicholas Pershey as he reflects on his budding art career and shares his vision for the future. My plan thus far consists of an almost even distribution of standard interview format paired with footage showing his daily routine. I will be focusing on his talent and progress thus far, but also keep an exciting and hopeful tone throughout. I have not yet decided upon any motifs to draw upon, but will hopefully establish some during the course of the creative process.

My Week

This past week has been busy as usual. I had three job interviews, all of which I think went fairly well. I am still waiting to hear back from two of them, but I have already been accepted for one which is for an opportunity to intern abroad.

I think last week was my final week of staying up late. For this entire semester, my average time for going to sleep probably has been about 4 am, with the past couple weeks often approaching 6 to 6:30 am. Needless to say, this has been an exhausting semester. Much of my time has been spent in the job search process and planning for my future.

This past weekend, I started my first diet. Since I have been sustaining on primarily Easy Mac, Pop-Tarts, and Pizza Rolls recently, I figured it was time to give my body a break.

Unofficial was this past weekend as well. It was nothing at all like my experience last year, which is both good and bad, although I still got plenty of good stories out of it.

Module Two Project Pre-Production

The topic of my video will be the artwork and art career thus far of my friend Nick Pershey. As an artist myself, in addition to being a student enrolled in an art class currently, I am always interested in hearing the story of other artists regarding their beginnings in the art world and what their own goals, inspirations, struggles, and working processes are like. Although I already know much of Nick’s story, I thought it would be interesting to share with the class.

Most likely, the only character in the video will be Nick. The only other characters might be customers at his frame shop. Also, I will purposely not include myself as an interviewer.

I will be filming the video in two locations: the frame shop where he works and at his house. Essential gear includes a tripod and an external microphone. Also, I most likely will be using some lighting while filming at his house.

For b-roll, I plan to include footage of Nick working at the frame shop, most likely assembling picture frames, in addition to footage at his home, where I intend to do the majority of the actual interviewing, as well as showcasing much of his artwork.

I think one of the main takeaways I would want as a result of my video is to properly show the time, dedication, and talent involved in being a professional artist.

Interview Questions

1) Do you have any long-term dreams, goals, or aspirations?

2) As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

3) Has that changed? If so, why?

4) Are you working towards any large goals right now?

5) What drives you to succeed? What motivates you?

6) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

7) Is there any one thing you would like to achieve in your lifetime?

8) What does your own idea of success look like?

9) Are there any successful people you admire?

10) What would be your dream job?