North by Northwest

The movie North by Northwest did not keep my attention, in all honesty. I liked the idea of the plot, but I don't really like how it was executed. It was about a man that has been out in the middle of a government operation against federal criminals. He's trying to clear is name and ends up falling in love. I'm honestly not really sure what else to say about it. It was very bland in my opinion. I don't know if this is because it is an older movie or if it just didn't tickle my fancy. I'm desperately trying to think of some intelligent critiques, but I'm not finding any. Maybe a better script? I don't think I really like how it was written.

Music Video

Jason and I did our music video in the style of "2 Guys 600 Pillows" by Rhett and Link. We took a long time to decide on what video to do, but eventually we agreed to do a video backwards. It was fun filming at Emerald City Gym. Sometimes we would disagree on shots or we would get distracted for a bit, but we got back on track fairly quick. Some shots were really difficult, but I do believe that it turned out great. Looking back, I wish I took more time to make sure the shots were in focus and making sure that the lighting was at least similar on all three days. The lighting was able to be fixed, but it would have saved timed to do it before hand. I wouldn't change the shots or anything about how we put it together. It was fun, a learning experience, and all of the hard work really paid off.

Gallup Strengths Finder

     When I took my Gallup Strengths Finder, my top 5 strengths were Input, Restorative, Individualization, Adaptability, and Intellection.

1) Input - These people tend to collect information and facts, along with physical collections. I love          trivia. I know facts about all sorts of movies. I also used to collect stuff animals and dolls. Now, I        like to collect books and makeup. Obviously, there is a pattern of collecting.

2) Restorative - Restorative types love to solve problems and can easily come up with a solution.              While I love to solve logic problems and exercise my mind, I don't particularly enjoy solving real        life problems. I can do them easily, however.

3) Individualization - These people are fascinated by the individuality of other people. I love learning      about psychology and personality and traits. I like to learn how people tick.

4) Adaptability - Those strong in adaptability can take what comes at them and can adapt to                      problems. I have learned over the years that things just happen and sometimes you can't do                  anything about it. So, I try not to wallow and just get things done.

5) Intellection - These people tend to be more introspective and enjoy deep or meaningful                        conversations. I'm very introverted and I try to do personal inventories as much as I can. I can              truly appreciate good conversations and I find them entertaining.

No Film School

     The article I read was about a SFX makeup that depicts a person that has no skin. The makeup was for a short film called He Took His Skin Off For Me. The title is pretty self explanatory as to what the film is about.

     The article said that the makeup affect cost less than $250. The article also included a video depicting an arm with makeup in low light with less blood and more blood, and in regular light with less blood and more blood.

     It is amazing that one can create such intense makeup for such a low price. $250 may seem like a lot, but in the world of makeup, that's practically nothing. It gives someone starting out in the makeup world a little hope that money doesn't always have to be a giant issue.

http://nofilmschool.com/2013/08/affordable-mindblowing-sfx-tutorial

Montage

This is the montage that Ciara Murphy and I created.

Montages provide time lapses for the audience, so they don't have to see every detail of every small event. Though a montage is not supposed to evoke emotion, rather just adds to the film. The creator of the montage is Sergei Einstein, a writer, editor, and director from the 1920's to the 1940's. His most famous montage scene was the Odessa Steps from his movie Battleship Potemkin. The scene wasn't originally planned, put was put together in post-production. 

My Spoken Word

My spoken word project actually means a lot to me. I told my story and poured my heart out into that poem. The editing was slightly frustrating, but I'm extremely happy with the way this turned out. I feel like this video truly represents who I am and how I came to be. It describes my struggles and my fight to overcome them. I have never had a project that I have been more proud of.

Film Roles

My film role is the Producer.

Producer - I would be a good producer because when I want to get something done, I want to get something done. I could keep my group on task and get things done.

Director - I have a really creative mind and eye, but I have issues actually executing my creative ideas. It is almost too stressful for me.

Cinematographer - Let's face it, I really don't know my way around a camera properly enough to be able to be a good cinematographer.

Editor - Again, I don't know my way around the editing software we use. I could learn, but it would take time to be really good at it.