Film student in the e-Communication program, Kansas. Aspiring Ocean Scientist. Strong, independent, woman-atee.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
A Not so White Christmas
This video done by Abby and I was incredible fun to film... We loved our morbid symbolism. The spattered blood on his love letter to his wife Maria (not Abby) is ironic not only because of the song, but because of the message "William" has written to "the love of his life-- shoutout to Brett for the beautiful handwriting. Aside from the message of the video (cheaters never win), our execution was well done, minus the lighting. Due to unfortunate circumstances, we forgot to pick up the equipment we checked out, and resorted to Abby's Rebel. I as the operator, could not figure out the ISO, and under a time crunch, just went for it. I figured the darker scenes could be symbolic to the darkness in Molly's (abby's) heart, but it was simply too dark. All in all, I think the class enjoyed the video and got a rise out of everyone, so I am pretty pleased with the outcome.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Eisenstein- the Einstein of Montage
Before reading the post and watching the various videos of montage, I had assumed that the movie montage only had one purpose: to cheesily show a rapid passage of time in the middle of a story. It's a classic, and almost every film out there has at least one to show people growing over time, aging together, or finding themselves in someway. After exploring the world of montage, it has revealed a much greater purpose, it not only speeds up time, but it can also slow it down, make it more meaningful, or make it unbearable (It being time).
Ultimately, montage in film is the essence of playing with time. Time is an incredibly hard concept to grasp considering it is a manmade concept--really not even tangible. Some dialogue from George Orwell's 1984,
"Does the past exist concretely, in space? Is there somewhere or other a place, a world of solid objects, where the past is still happening?"
"No."
"Then where does the past exist, if at all?"
When put into context like so, the concept of time is completely time bending, but besides the point: my montage. Inspired by the montage in Marley and Me, I thought it would be cute to show the bond between my family and our dog Otis, but it proved much more difficult than I expected. After storyboarding plenty of easy shots to make a clean project, my untrained, 1-year-old Black Lab had other ideas. He is adorable, but his menacing side came out in this project. Rather than focusing on proper technique, tripod usage, and color correction, I focused on trying to get Otis to cooperate. My final project is choppy, but I think the message did get across: no one can replace the brotherhood and love of a dog. His lack of cooperation made for a video that evokes an "awh" and maybe even a laugh. This mesh of poorly composed videos helps you get an idea of what living with Otis is like.
http://youtu.be/b34n87MXExM
Ultimately, montage in film is the essence of playing with time. Time is an incredibly hard concept to grasp considering it is a manmade concept--really not even tangible. Some dialogue from George Orwell's 1984,
"Does the past exist concretely, in space? Is there somewhere or other a place, a world of solid objects, where the past is still happening?"
"No."
"Then where does the past exist, if at all?"
When put into context like so, the concept of time is completely time bending, but besides the point: my montage. Inspired by the montage in Marley and Me, I thought it would be cute to show the bond between my family and our dog Otis, but it proved much more difficult than I expected. After storyboarding plenty of easy shots to make a clean project, my untrained, 1-year-old Black Lab had other ideas. He is adorable, but his menacing side came out in this project. Rather than focusing on proper technique, tripod usage, and color correction, I focused on trying to get Otis to cooperate. My final project is choppy, but I think the message did get across: no one can replace the brotherhood and love of a dog. His lack of cooperation made for a video that evokes an "awh" and maybe even a laugh. This mesh of poorly composed videos helps you get an idea of what living with Otis is like.
http://youtu.be/b34n87MXExM
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Ten Shots that nearly killed me
In all honesty, I feel as if the shots done in my video were mostly done very poorly according to the examples. These images were quite difficult to capture because of the unusual movement with the camera. In retrospect, I considered my cinematography, and I'm coming to realize that I rely too much on editing in my projects. The beauty of film comes from the composition of shots... not necessarily the color balance or order of edit.
Out of these compositions, I struggled the most with Focus Transition and Overexpose Fade, Underexpose Fade. Playing with the ISO and exposure didn't exactly work out for me, so I tried to make up for the shabby camera work in Final Cut, and it just didn't workout as planned. The techniques were also very similar, and debating between the two was pretty confusing. They should've been clear enough to figure out once we imported the footage, but we couldn't even differentiate.
My favorite shot of the ten was undoubtedly the sleepover. The spinning keeps the shot suspenseful despite the lack of movement from the actors. It can allude to nearing death or beauty, and the shot really drew me in. Examples that come to mind are always of sleeping people, and the spinning gives off an idea of uneasiness in the dream or thought, and as a viewer, I always anticipate the opening of the eyes in some sort of fear or discomfort. It is such a simple way to reveal fear or love is within a character.
Out of these compositions, I struggled the most with Focus Transition and Overexpose Fade, Underexpose Fade. Playing with the ISO and exposure didn't exactly work out for me, so I tried to make up for the shabby camera work in Final Cut, and it just didn't workout as planned. The techniques were also very similar, and debating between the two was pretty confusing. They should've been clear enough to figure out once we imported the footage, but we couldn't even differentiate.
My favorite shot of the ten was undoubtedly the sleepover. The spinning keeps the shot suspenseful despite the lack of movement from the actors. It can allude to nearing death or beauty, and the shot really drew me in. Examples that come to mind are always of sleeping people, and the spinning gives off an idea of uneasiness in the dream or thought, and as a viewer, I always anticipate the opening of the eyes in some sort of fear or discomfort. It is such a simple way to reveal fear or love is within a character.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Spoken Word Reflection
The shots making up the Spoken Word project were intended to follow the words of the poem, telling the visual story in a way that the audio would not need to be heard to understand the meaning. My project vaguely followed this path, but in the future I would get more shots pertaining directly to the poem. I chose, "The Road Less Traveled," by Robert Frost, because I am an avid Nature-Lover, and the construction in the growing suburbs that surround me is thoroughly disappointing. A part of me dies every time I see a fallen tree only to be replaced with a concrete foundation. The poem also has another underlying meaning, which is why I love this popular piece by Robert Frost. Normal is boring, and the overgrown path that no one stops to appreciate holds thousands of opportunities just for me. In nature and in life, originality is key to a full existence.
To create the video, Chris and I both searched for poems before deciding on "The Road Less Traveled By," then each got shots. Since I am more inclined to wilderness, I went onto a nature trail with no plan and shot random plants and ponds until I felt satisfied with my collection. I then edited down my camera work while Chris worked on his, then we combined to try and explain the two roads--one being nature and one being the growing city. In the future, I will take more time planning in the future side by side the words of the poem, so that the finished piece makes more sense and is not just visually appealing.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Understanding Codecs (possibly another paradox)
The term "codec" is one I had never heard of prior to watching the informational video. In fact, my mental energy is completely drained after exercising my right and left brain in attempt to wrap my mind around the concept. After 3 years of being an eCommunication student, it's clear I still have barely dipped my toe in the sea of video information, and codec is a concept that my hay-wired brain barely has capacity to figure out. In simple terms--codecs are a key part to video that most cinematographers and amateur videographers never take the time to understand.
Lesson: (key understandings)
1. CODECS ARE NOT CONTAINERS (NOT avi, ProRes, mov, etc.)
2. Types of Codecs:
4. Chroma subsampling- relating to the color (ex: 4:4:4 aka no chroma subsampling)
This represents some of the color being tossed to the side on some pixels. In a square of four pixels, some will be pulling shades from the other.
5. Spatial Compression- divides an image up into blocks (mainly used when one side of the shot is completely filled with one color usually black) Easier for compression. This action can be misused and make a project look sloppy. Only looks okay when used far away.
6. Temporal Compression or Inter-frame Compression- different than Intra-frame compression (all of the previous examples) When continuous shots are only slightly different, so a Codec can store and reserve the shot, because only a small section of the frame is changing. This saves storage on a codec very effectively.
7. Bit Rate- how much date the codec uses. In bits per second (kilo or mega) A byte= 8 bits. Numbers are tricky, so playing with the footage is the only way to see improvement between rates (higher is usually better but it can be overwhelming and take up unnecessary shape and blocking will occur) Compression issues can also occur with a too high bit rate. RAW- uncompressed in a sense, but some formats can be formatted through lossy.
Lesson: (key understandings)
1. CODECS ARE NOT CONTAINERS (NOT avi, ProRes, mov, etc.)
2. Types of Codecs:
- Capture Codec- what the camera is recording
- Edit Codec- different format to edit the recorded project with
- Delivery Codec- the file that gets burned
- Archival Codec- finished project stored in best format
4. Chroma subsampling- relating to the color (ex: 4:4:4 aka no chroma subsampling)
This represents some of the color being tossed to the side on some pixels. In a square of four pixels, some will be pulling shades from the other.
5. Spatial Compression- divides an image up into blocks (mainly used when one side of the shot is completely filled with one color usually black) Easier for compression. This action can be misused and make a project look sloppy. Only looks okay when used far away.
6. Temporal Compression or Inter-frame Compression- different than Intra-frame compression (all of the previous examples) When continuous shots are only slightly different, so a Codec can store and reserve the shot, because only a small section of the frame is changing. This saves storage on a codec very effectively.
7. Bit Rate- how much date the codec uses. In bits per second (kilo or mega) A byte= 8 bits. Numbers are tricky, so playing with the footage is the only way to see improvement between rates (higher is usually better but it can be overwhelming and take up unnecessary shape and blocking will occur) Compression issues can also occur with a too high bit rate. RAW- uncompressed in a sense, but some formats can be formatted through lossy.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Scorseses' Theories (a paradox)
Scorseses essentially claims that the background, underlying morale, and attitude of a main character is much more important than any complex, mind-blowing plot-line. But then, he essentially contradicts himself with the quote regarding the death of the King and Queen to illustrate the difference between plot and story. A plot cannot develop without a character and his/her decisions, but it should be left open to interpretation from the audience. It should also be left open for the character to follow his/her own path and make his/her own decision. When brought to a conflict, a character must make a decision. This decision has the power to alter the "story" completely.
The plot consists of nothing without the character's unique, independent mind. Following the character is how the story is unveiled, his/her decisions is what makes the story into what it is. Throughout this journey, the character hits some sort of self-realization, and his initial voyage becomes irrelevant. Along the way, some sort of moral is hit, and the character's ending goal is changed. A lot of the time, this underlying soul-searching is evident the whole way through, but is highlighted in a dramatic turning-point. Story is not only the cosmetic visual and plot the character follows, but it is also the hidden meaning.
One example that comes to mind (only because of my die-hard love for animated animals) is Disney's The Lion King based off Shakespeare's Hamlet (however not too big a fan of Shakespeares' nonsense). Simba's childish mistakes put his family in danger and leads to the fatality of his beloved father. Unable to face this and comes to terms with his death, he runs from his problems and escapes responsibility as next-in-line to the throne. Without Simba's guidance, the pride-lands fall into drought and a period of starvation. The plot consists of Simba's adventure, but the story includes his emotions and inner-turmoil. Though not enunciated directly, Simba's feelings are implied and left to the viewer to distinguish. Rising above this Cowardly-Lion phase, Simba outgrows his shame and returns. He must admit to his wrongdoing for the good of Africa. In conclusion, a fable is left to register--in life one may not run from his/her fears. One must stick it out and self-evaluate, be susceptible to indignity, and overcome guilt/ fear. This is usually the more fulfilling "story" over the actual plot. S
Name any award winning film, and it's storyline has much more than meets the eye. Audiences and individuals are constantly searching for the sentimental factor--it's simply human nature.
The plot consists of nothing without the character's unique, independent mind. Following the character is how the story is unveiled, his/her decisions is what makes the story into what it is. Throughout this journey, the character hits some sort of self-realization, and his initial voyage becomes irrelevant. Along the way, some sort of moral is hit, and the character's ending goal is changed. A lot of the time, this underlying soul-searching is evident the whole way through, but is highlighted in a dramatic turning-point. Story is not only the cosmetic visual and plot the character follows, but it is also the hidden meaning.
One example that comes to mind (only because of my die-hard love for animated animals) is Disney's The Lion King based off Shakespeare's Hamlet (however not too big a fan of Shakespeares' nonsense). Simba's childish mistakes put his family in danger and leads to the fatality of his beloved father. Unable to face this and comes to terms with his death, he runs from his problems and escapes responsibility as next-in-line to the throne. Without Simba's guidance, the pride-lands fall into drought and a period of starvation. The plot consists of Simba's adventure, but the story includes his emotions and inner-turmoil. Though not enunciated directly, Simba's feelings are implied and left to the viewer to distinguish. Rising above this Cowardly-Lion phase, Simba outgrows his shame and returns. He must admit to his wrongdoing for the good of Africa. In conclusion, a fable is left to register--in life one may not run from his/her fears. One must stick it out and self-evaluate, be susceptible to indignity, and overcome guilt/ fear. This is usually the more fulfilling "story" over the actual plot. S
Name any award winning film, and it's storyline has much more than meets the eye. Audiences and individuals are constantly searching for the sentimental factor--it's simply human nature.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
My Personality Type
Personality quizzes and horoscopes have always been interesting and fun, but I have never taken a test that has given me such accurate results. It's a little scary looking at yourself from a scientific POV, and seeing exactly what you are. ENFJ, which is what I guess I am to a tee, consists of a person who is driven by emotions. It is easy for an ENFJ to sympathize the people around them and read their emotions, then do all they can to help. They push others to be the best that they can be and also their self. Confiding in their closest friends and having them take refuge in their comfort in return is what makes them the most comfortable, while also having many friendly acquaintances. ENFJ's support honesty and take evaluation both positive and negative into perspective. They are always thinking of the end of a situation and planning their actions now based on how it will turn out in the future, which can sometimes restrain them from being spontaneous and taking things easy. ENFJ's prefer to lead and are quite good at it because they are trustworthy and inspire others. My celebrities that I am alike include Jennifer Lawrence (which honestly thrills me because I have always had a huge girl-crush on her), Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. Both of those men are world-changing leaders, and I have always looked up to their bravery and selflessness.
A) The description of the ENFJ type fit me almost perfectly. The more and more I read about it, the more accurate it became. My whole life, I have felt this underlying need to do the right thing and stand up for my morals even if it meant standing alone. I have never been afraid to look dumb if I felt like I was doing the right thing. I enjoy my alone time, for it gives me space to think, but I pull comfort from my close friends. It seems selfish at times, but I feed off of others confiding in me. At the same time, it is unselfish because I am trustworthy and loyal to my friends, and strive to be the best friend I can be. Friendly to everyone, I also have many acquaintances. I think all too often people get overlooked, especially in a High School setting. The extra effort to just converse with anyone around you, as different from you as they may be, is surprising as to who you could find a friend in. While many enjoy my presence, I am not at all a people pleaser. Though I sympathize for many and try to be understanding, I also have made enemies. Sometimes my vision can be clouded. When individuals do not sympathize for people in the way I do or think they are above others, I lose my respect. I think I need to realize that everyone is the way they are for a reason and there may be underlying causes for their lashing out. Another thing that I instantly connected with was a list of random facts about ENFJ's.
The exercise thing actually freaked me out, because ever since I was little if I was angry or had pent up stress I would run.
B) The personality quiz did help me solidify why I am the way I am, but I don't think I have realized anything about myself that I didn't already know. Adversity and hardship changes a person, but it has the ability to bring out the worst or the best in you, and I choose to let it bring out the best in me. Everyone goes through struggles, and going through your own cures the blindness to what the real world and pain is. I am sure of myself more now than I have ever been before, and I now realize that my observation of body language and sympathy is why I easily sense when others are hurting.
C) In sports situations, I have always been one to keep the positivity going and lift my teammates up to be the best that they can be by hard-work and determination. That is truly the only way I see a team to work, is by leaning on each other and finding strength in one another. A team that works together and jives is a team that wins. Hard-work beats talent when talent does not work hard. As much as I hate to admit this, because the act of being humble is very important to me, I have always been chosen for captain whatever team I am on. Some people have great potential to be good leaders, but power easily corrupts. I think a reason that I am often elected is because I don't let it go to my head. I am subservient to my teammates, and work for them. If a coach or team needs me to play a role, even if it may not be the role I want to play, I will endure it with a smile on my face and always support my peers. The same goes for classroom situations. Being flexible and kind is extremely important in creating a peaceful environment, which is what I most enjoy.
D) I think my confidence can sometimes come off as cockiness, though I am just very proud of the person I am. I realize I have my faults and there is always room to improve, but it takes confidence and bravery to stand bold and be the leader that I consider myself to be. It even seems cocky to admit to that, but it is just an honest observation. My brute honesty can be a turn off to some people, but my close friends accept it and like that I can say it how it is. People realize I am never lying to them or being fake, which some people prefer versus the truth. I guess I am just a realist. I know these things are harsh, but I like them about myself. My faults are what make me, me, as well as the better parts of me, and I wouldn't change for anyone or anything. What you see is what you get.
E) Through this personality quiz and research, I have learned why people always take comfort in me. All too often people tell me secrets and ask me for advice, and sometimes it is unfulfilling for me in return. It stinks to always be there for someone and know they may not have your back in return. In time, I hope to train myself to accept this and don't expect anything in return, just be selfless. Wearing a smile is the best way to inspire others and stand up for what you believe in is essential to leading a happy life. As hard as this can be, I have to stay true to my values and morals: even if it means losing friends. I couldn't be more proud of my hard-work and determination, but I have always tried to hide it because being humble is a good virtue. Reading on ENFJ's has made me understand more of how to show this but limit it while remaining a good and trustworthy leader. Nelson Mandela and MLK had to start somewhere.
A) The description of the ENFJ type fit me almost perfectly. The more and more I read about it, the more accurate it became. My whole life, I have felt this underlying need to do the right thing and stand up for my morals even if it meant standing alone. I have never been afraid to look dumb if I felt like I was doing the right thing. I enjoy my alone time, for it gives me space to think, but I pull comfort from my close friends. It seems selfish at times, but I feed off of others confiding in me. At the same time, it is unselfish because I am trustworthy and loyal to my friends, and strive to be the best friend I can be. Friendly to everyone, I also have many acquaintances. I think all too often people get overlooked, especially in a High School setting. The extra effort to just converse with anyone around you, as different from you as they may be, is surprising as to who you could find a friend in. While many enjoy my presence, I am not at all a people pleaser. Though I sympathize for many and try to be understanding, I also have made enemies. Sometimes my vision can be clouded. When individuals do not sympathize for people in the way I do or think they are above others, I lose my respect. I think I need to realize that everyone is the way they are for a reason and there may be underlying causes for their lashing out. Another thing that I instantly connected with was a list of random facts about ENFJ's.
B) The personality quiz did help me solidify why I am the way I am, but I don't think I have realized anything about myself that I didn't already know. Adversity and hardship changes a person, but it has the ability to bring out the worst or the best in you, and I choose to let it bring out the best in me. Everyone goes through struggles, and going through your own cures the blindness to what the real world and pain is. I am sure of myself more now than I have ever been before, and I now realize that my observation of body language and sympathy is why I easily sense when others are hurting.
C) In sports situations, I have always been one to keep the positivity going and lift my teammates up to be the best that they can be by hard-work and determination. That is truly the only way I see a team to work, is by leaning on each other and finding strength in one another. A team that works together and jives is a team that wins. Hard-work beats talent when talent does not work hard. As much as I hate to admit this, because the act of being humble is very important to me, I have always been chosen for captain whatever team I am on. Some people have great potential to be good leaders, but power easily corrupts. I think a reason that I am often elected is because I don't let it go to my head. I am subservient to my teammates, and work for them. If a coach or team needs me to play a role, even if it may not be the role I want to play, I will endure it with a smile on my face and always support my peers. The same goes for classroom situations. Being flexible and kind is extremely important in creating a peaceful environment, which is what I most enjoy.
D) I think my confidence can sometimes come off as cockiness, though I am just very proud of the person I am. I realize I have my faults and there is always room to improve, but it takes confidence and bravery to stand bold and be the leader that I consider myself to be. It even seems cocky to admit to that, but it is just an honest observation. My brute honesty can be a turn off to some people, but my close friends accept it and like that I can say it how it is. People realize I am never lying to them or being fake, which some people prefer versus the truth. I guess I am just a realist. I know these things are harsh, but I like them about myself. My faults are what make me, me, as well as the better parts of me, and I wouldn't change for anyone or anything. What you see is what you get.
E) Through this personality quiz and research, I have learned why people always take comfort in me. All too often people tell me secrets and ask me for advice, and sometimes it is unfulfilling for me in return. It stinks to always be there for someone and know they may not have your back in return. In time, I hope to train myself to accept this and don't expect anything in return, just be selfless. Wearing a smile is the best way to inspire others and stand up for what you believe in is essential to leading a happy life. As hard as this can be, I have to stay true to my values and morals: even if it means losing friends. I couldn't be more proud of my hard-work and determination, but I have always tried to hide it because being humble is a good virtue. Reading on ENFJ's has made me understand more of how to show this but limit it while remaining a good and trustworthy leader. Nelson Mandela and MLK had to start somewhere.
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