The show is going to be really good, and will be performed in the theatre department's little blackbox theatre in the Moulton Center next week (starting Wednesday). The size of the small theatre means only 50 people or so can see each show. Luckily we have a half a dozen shows, so it should all work out.
It's been a little interesting coordinating this show with my other film duties and obligations; I'm actually missing out on an Audio Techniques Bootcamp next week (a three-hour session outside of class where you come in and get trained in all the audio equipment and programs, including ProTools) because of these shows. I worked it out with my professor, however, so that I can do a separate assignment to make up for it. Teachers are generally forgiving and willing to work with you if you prove you're worth it to them. Most of my film professors know I'm a double-major and can help me to work around stuff. If not, I might talk with one of my advisors, InsideTrack Coach, or a professor I connect well with and have them help me figure out what to do. Usually it all works out fine regardless, however, I just have to make sure to stay on top of things like that.
A quick note about bootcamps: they're essential in a film production major. You usually won't have time in class to learn what's necessary about the equipment and applications associated with various production aspects, like editing (Avid), audio recording and mixing (microphones, ADR booths, ProTools), the cameras, the sound stages, tv studios, various digital arts programs, etc. SO we have bootcamps. They're a few hours long and are scheduled often in the evenings or on weekends. There's usually a selection of times (or repeated throughout the year) so that you can be sure to make one of them. Some are required for classes (as my Audio Techniques one is) and others are optional (mandatory if you want to work with something complex like the sound stages, but not required as part of a class, per say). They are guided sessions where you get to play around with and learn the equipment or computer programs, and they're invaluable.
In your first semester alone, one of the first weekends you will be required to participate in a Visual Storytelling Bootcamp for your Intro Visual Storytelling class. You'll learn Avid (the standard for video editing and our standard here at Dodge) and be handed a small DV camera in a group for your introductory videos. So we MEAN it when we say you get your hands on the equipment day one. Obviously, it's no $100,000 HD camera, but it's experience nonetheless. You do, of course, have acess to all of our facilities, and are encouraged to get involved in student films right from the start. I did about a dozen last semester (nearly wore myself out, but had a good time) and found for me that I really almost learned more from just being on set than anything else. So I really was filmmaking from day one. Not all schools can say that.
Intro to Visual Storytelling is an experience in itself. It's a really great intro class, a way to start off your filmmaking here: basically, you're creating a short (1-4 minute) dv film every week or week or two. You focus on small, non-dialogue (for the most part) themes and stories, usually fitting a one-line assignment such as "A chararacter makes a difficult decision." In one way it can be very easy because of the freedom and creativity allowed (plus the short length and limited resources; you can't go overboard) but it can also be very challenging and thought-provoking. The class watches all of the projects and talks about them, and begins the foundations for storytelling through a visual medium like film, the focus on connecting with the audience, making a point, making it clear, and visually appealing. I really think it's a great class for a lot of majors, not just Film Production, but essential if you're ever thinking of Directing, Writing, or filming a video or film.
Anyway - back to work. I'm especially tired this morning since I helped a close friend of mine last night to clean up and sumbit a selection from her feature-length script to a competition (First Cut) awarding one million dollar budgets to the top five scripts. We have our fingers crossed. She's finished the script (primarily about relationships, predjudices and racism in the South) and we're in pre-production regardless of standing in the competition - we have a few chapman professors signed on to be part, and are hoping to shoot it in L.A. / Virginia / NYC the end of 2008 or early summer of 2009. Will keep you posted!
No comments:
Post a Comment