Entry #3

Feb 9

In this single we revised our Scavenger Hunt tasks.

For our project, the main problem was organization; we did not have any slides that introduced each topic. So I had to explain each of them. 

We evidently had problems with the 'sharp' and 'documentary' feel as well as creating the 'time' sounds. For the 'sharp' and 'documentary' feel, those shots were interchangeable. We had that problem since we did not know how to use the camera as well as the software to change the focus. For time, using bells was not a good idea and was not a good representation of time.

But overall, our main problem was preparation of each shot. Given that this was only an assignment, we did not spend much time on preparing each shot, and also we had some problems with the short time alloted. In the future we will hopefully learn how to use the camera and software better, and definitely prepare each shot rather than just going ahead to shoot it.

Some of the pros of our project were the work and emergency sounds, as well as the Rule of Thirds, and Happy/Angry encounter with the lighting.

Most of the other groups shared the same problems with the 'documentary' feel, and for the same reasons of not having learned how to change the focus dramatically, as well as not knowing how to use the software. In some cases, for the coloring, they abused it or over tinted the frame with red or blue trying to express anger or melancholy respectively. 

I think the main problem for each of the groups was just preparing the shots. When filming a formal movie, this is what we have to do in order to produce a high quality film.

I was a IB learner because:

Openminded: Accepted criticism

Inquirer: Wanted to learn how to improve

Reflective: Considered the flaws of product

Entry #2

Feb 4th

Instead of filming, we spent most of our time editing. From last year I remember that editing was a grueling task, but since we only had 5 minutes of footage, and with a fairly straightforward task, it wasn't that menacing. 

The immediate problem was simply the matter of capturing the footage. We had problems with the software for it wouldn't even open, which we solved by using a different account (Raphael's). Then we got the settings to where to save the files, which we then solved by changing the setting to DV-PAL, (saved it to Final Cut Pro Documents). 

This took up about 20 minutes.

The actual editing was not that difficult but we discovered that we were missing some of our footage. So while Raphael and Chris edited, Andy and I went out to record the missing sounds, which were time, destruction, and work. For time we simply tapped a pencil rhythmically. For destruction we used screams, banged a door, an automatic 'panic' announcement (Evacuate the premises). For work we used typing, writing, and shuffling papers.

When we came back, Raphael and Chris had already cut a large bulk of the 'visual' aspects of the task. The problems we had was the 'surprised' look in which we had to change the color so that the person would be sad in one scene then angry in the other, same expression, different color. We did not know how to change the color using the software, and the camera had limited features, so we basically used what we had. 

The best parts of the visual was the Rule of Thirds and using Lighting to express happiness and anger in an encounter. We showed the Rule of Thirds well with the subject in a 'third' point. We utilized lighting well; a dark, gloomy corridor for anger, and a sunny, bright hallway for happiness.

But what I think is the best part of the whole Scavenger Hunt were the sounds, particularly destruction and work because of how rich and natural they sounded. For time, it could have been done better, because we only used bells. We should have, like how we did for destruction and work, added more layers and created a richer sound. At least now we know how to improve, and apply these skills and knowledge when we encounter a formal project.

I was an IB learner because:

Reflective: Reflected on each clip and see if they were good

Open minded: Accepted modification

Principled: Self-assessed fairly and honestly

Inquirer: Wanted to find out how to improve each clip.

Entry #1

Feb 2nd

Today was mainly an introductory session. We learned that we are going to take on two main topics: Crime/Drama and Wong Kar Wai (Director). I'm very excited being that I'm a fan of those two topics, particularly Wong Kar Wai and his movies My Blueberry Nights and Days of Beings Wild. We would also be taking Film Analysis.

In a more specific note, we will be focusing on Cinematography, Sound Editing, and Video Editing in general, which includes continuity in a lineal and non-linear way. 

For today's class we were given a sheet of scenes and sounds to record. It was an interesting activity and helped us a lot because it helps us familiarize ourselves with the video cameras. It was difficult at first but once we got the basic manual functions like Manual Focus, White Balance, etc., we were able to film the scenes fairly well. I also knew some terms before hand like Rule of Thirds and the 180 degree rule, which I was able to tell my group mates. But I also learned the diffusion technique, in which a material, like a thin sheet of paper, is placed in front of the lens to create an effect, usually a dreamlike state. 

In terms of the visual aspects of the task, we had difficulty with the diffusion technique and lighting. The diffusion technique was difficult to do because we did not have a material thin enough so that the camera would be able to see the subject. In the end though we came up with the idea where we would use a screen from another camera so that it seems that Chris's arms are from another dimension while he is typing. 

The lighting was hard to do because we could not manipulate any lights. In the end we just chose bright spots of the school (hallways) and dark spots of the school (bathroom, corridor...). 

The sound effects were straightforward. For 'work' sounds, we used the keyboard typing, pencil writing, chatter, etc. For joy, we laughed. For danger, we used an alarm as well as Hannah's voice saying "Evacuate the Premises" in a monotone way. We haven't completed sound effects, which we will do next time. 

I was an IB learner because:

I inquired: developing natural curiosity on each task

I was a thinker: I thought about how to apply techniques for each task

I was a risk taker: Even though I had little knowledge, I initiated anyway I relied more on how the product looked like.

Reflective: Thoughtful consideration to own learning