Reflection #4

This class was different than the others we have had because we began with a discussion of current events, such as the Pope's visit to America and immigrations problems.  Doctor Chris explained how he enjoys how truthful the Pope is about everything happening in the world and expressed his concern for the Pope, by recognizing how these radical ideas could put him in danger.  In addition, we discussed issues that are taking place with immigration and how unbelievable it is that people put their lives in such grave danger in order to cross the boarder.  Following this Doc discussed how bad the drug war is in Central America in order to help us further understand how the media effects the views of these events within politics, technology, different cultures, and other subjects.  Below is the full speech the Pope gave in DC:  

After we discussed the Pope and current global issues, we continued to discussed various companies that act as monopolies.  There are six corporations that own 90% of the media are General Electric, News-Corp, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner, and CBS.  I thought the consolidation from 50 companies owning 90% to 6 companies controlling the same percentage depicts how much media has advanced over time and how competitive the field has become. 

This competitiveness has lead to companies expanding their enterprises to cover numerous technologies, such as hardware, mapping, software, telecom applications, lifestyles, and many other technological tools.  After this conversation, we review some topics that would be applied to the midterm exam and these topics included 3 types of lighting, shot composition, and three parts of the production process.  

Three Types of Lighting:                                           Three Parts of Production Process:

     1. Key Light: straight on the face                              1. Pre-production: planning, writing,

     2. Fill Light: horizontal light                                     and designating positions

     3. Back Light: lighting the back of the subject           2. Production: shooting the film

                                                                                       3. Post-production: editing, marketing

Various Types of Shot Composition:

     1. Extreme Close-up: only the face

     2. Close-up: top of chest and up

     3. Mid Shot: waist and up

     4. Long Shot: full body

After reviewing all these concepts, I felt that I understood them extremely well, especially because of all the applications we have been doing over the past three classes.  Considering this class was more of a lecture, there was not much group work throughout, but Paul and Hemon had some creative answers to Doctor Chris' questions.  I thought Doc did a great job stimulating the intellectual conversation and he discussed some topics I had no knowledge about, which made class even more interesting.  Finally, I think I really enjoy the direction of the class and cannot wait to begin actually shooting for our projects.  

Reflection #3

Our third class was more exciting because Dr. Chris began the class by putting some people are trial.  During the trial he made sure he incorporated the terminology by emphasizing the different types of light before he began.  The trials lasted about ten minutes and most were found not guilty, but it was fun watching Dr. Chris act as the judge.  Here is a video of the first trial that took place.  

After the trials Doc explained that he was going to split us into two groups to work on separate fictional ad campaigns.  The first group decided they were going to work on an ad that promoted swag, and our group decided to work on an ad promoting healthy eating.  Then we began the pre-production part of the project, which entailed designating jobs, deciding filming locations, how we were going to film, and writing the script.  Dr. Chris showed us his impressive writing skills by developing our script which ended up as:

"Food: it's the fuel of our lives. Why not get ambitious with your food choices! Set the edge and take a stand. Whether it's veggies, salads, soups, wraps - all of us can eat healthy. So show us your food. Go to showusyourfood.blogspot.com, and the best dish wins."

My group worked well as some of us began spitting out ideas until be settled on what we wanted to do.  I enjoyed my group because they were able to work well and develop different ideas into one.  Once we felt confident with the pre-production portion of the project we visited the GreyComm Studios, which was the first studio I have ever visited.  During this visit Dr. Chris taught us through application as he described the various lighting techniques they were using for the shot and how the light can be manipulated.  These applications are what make me feel so confident with the material Doc teaches us.  I am more of a visual learner and when I am able to see the ideas applied to a real life situations it makes it easier to understand.  I also learned different techniques one could use when filming and some of the language that is used to signal actions when in the studio, such as "speed."  I think after the first three classes I have learned a lot, especially through application.  The hands on activities allows me to understand when I will use the information and how, therefore I am beginning to understand the techniques of video.  

After about 10 takes class ended and we left the studio.  It was cool seeing Dr. Chris critique Greg and give in advice as to how he should portray himself in front of the camera, and I hope we can continue to do more hands on things.  I am definitely still enjoying the direction of the class and cannot wait to begin really filming.  Below are some pictures from the studio experience.  

Greg on set

Lights used in the studio

Using a board to bounce the light for fill light

Video Reflection and Group One Take

Here is my reflection to our second class in video format.

My group one take was the story of my roommates and I getting ready for bed!

Second Day Reflection

         Thursday was another exciting class during which we focused on various types of lighting and reviewed the blogs.  When we began reviewing the blogs, I learned that white is not a good background color because it is too bright and is difficult for the audience to view.  We not only learned about three different types of lighting, but also applied them by taking shots of a partner with key light, fill light, and back light. The key light is when the light is shining directly on the subject, and in this case was directly on my partner's face. The fill light is the light that comes from the side, or the horizontal lighting, which was portrayed in the side of my partner's face.  Finally, the back light is the light that lights up the background, and for this demonstration my partner held her flashlight behind her head as I took the picture from the front. Then once we did the examples we took another field trip to Newman Towers to learn further about establishing location through various shots.  

         I am a better visual learner so I think performing the various types of light on my partner really helped me understand the differences.  My partner was Kelley and she was a great partner because she had taken multimedia the semester before, so even if I got confused with the different lightings she had learned it before.  Also, she is always really easy to work with and understands all the concepts really well.  I also thought Professor Judge made the class really enjoyable and easy to understand.  I think the way he teaches is extremely beneficial, as he not only teaches you the concepts, but also has us apply them through in class examples.  Overall, I think the direction of the class is great and I am so excited to get working in the studio, doing various shoots.  

Key Light

Fill Light

                                  Back Light

Volleyball Courts

Extreme Close-Up

Close-Up

Medium Shot

One Take Project

Here is the one take project of me making my pasta dinner.

First Class Overview

     Why did I choose the class?

            I chose this class because I am a Communications digital media major and fascinated with editing.  I think that the class will allow me to gain experience and be able to further understand various concepts and techniques. 

     

Expectations from the class and what I want to learn?

            I expect to expand the amount of knowledge I have not only by shooting, but also through editing and dealing with the little details of the photos/videos.  I want to learn how to edit the film and I want to be confident with what I have learned through my experiences.

     

What I expect of him as a professor?

            I hope the professor will be amicable and extremely helpful during the shooting by providing tips to help me handle the content to the best of my ability. 

     

Overview of what we did in class?

           During the first class we discussed various types of production – pre production, production, and post production.  After that we discussed the various types of closeups – extreme closeup, medium closeup, and closeup – before we went out and shot various situations.

     

 Evaluate the class and what I learned specifically?

            I loved the class and I thought being able to go out and learn through taking shots was extremely beneficial because I am a more hands on person.  I learned the three types of close-ups, the types of production, and how to establish a shot.    

    

  Best parts of the class and what I would recommend as improvement?

            I think the best part of the class was going into the field and I think the class was great the way it was.

      Evaluate my group’s performance? 

            My group was great and it was nice to be able to meet/work with other people. 

      

Evaluate my growth so far based on what we did in class?

            I think I have just started so my growth has just begun, but based on the first class I feel this will make me confident with my video skills.

      

      Evaluate Professor’s performance and cite what I liked and what would like to see him do more/and or less?

      I think the professor was great with welcoming the class and making them       comfortable/informed with what they will learn.  I enjoyed how he went around to each student and got to know then and what they expected from the class. 

     

  Based on class what are my expectations for the rest of this semester and my expectation of the professor?

       I expect to get to understand the techniques of filming, editing, and analyzing all aspects of video.  I expect the professor to help as much as possible by providing his knowledge through example and experience. 

       

Do I like the direction of the class?

             I like the direction of the class and I think I will really enjoy it!