December Post

For December the ROP class implemented on working on sound, so the class was instructed on how to properly use wireless microphones for their videos. So to test them out they worked on small interviews. I was able to learn also how to properly sync the audio to the footage, rather than doing it the more tedious way of manually syncing it.

In addition to my independent component m group for the Bill presentation decided to work on a video for the class. This was a bit difficult because we had about 1 week to work on it and finish it. We proceeded to spending a whole day shooting on a weekend and a few hours during school; where then I was given the task of editing and so I spent a good several hours putting together the video. Overall it has been a productive month.

link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7rBmpAl0No

November Post

For November I've continued assisting Mr. Miller in the ROP class for we've introduced lighting to the class having them work on setting it up and taking it apart. For my independent component I've continued with editing a couple of videos. The first video I worked on this month was actually a video for a presentation; the video was not mandatory but we made it for extra credit and so I was given the role of editing the video in which I spent several hours making. The other video I've worked on is actually the PTSA Silent Auction video, where I was asked to film the event and create a video for the PTSA members. This video also has taken me a few hours. I've been doing quite a lot of editing lately and I hope to do more.

EQ

 1.  I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

• Provide a framework
• Take a stance
• Format
  

·

2.Review the following EQs and

·       -Tell us if each meets the rule of three.

·       -Tell why they do or don't.

a.     What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

The question provides a framework of studies by asking a broad question that requires in depth research. It doesn’t take a stance because although it allows multiple answers to be argued with, it’s not a specific question. And is formatted in a way all readers could comprehend but lacks depth, meaning it might be too simple.
 

b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

It provides quite a bit of framework for it asks a question that has many factors for it to be answered. Somewhat of a stance for there could be many points to argue from. And is specific but wording doesn’t make too much sense
 

 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

Lacks depth of research required because the question is more so opinion based from customers. Doesn’t take a stance because there isn’t much to argue about with this question. It does make sense but isn’t specific enough.
 

 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

The studies for this might require a bit of studying only if you don’t know what an anesthesiologist does. It doesn’t take a stance because chronic pain is different and can’t be best treated one way, it has to be treated a certain way. Formatting is simplistic and vague.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.  The senior team will be meeting with students shortly for EQ revision and approval; you are expected to bring your research notebook to that meeting with your EQ draft written inside in pencil.

What aspects of film editing most effectively delivers the emotion of the story?

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

Content:

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?

I am most proud of my ability to engage to the class because of the topic I’m able to talk about. Even though I was nervous up there and might’ve stumbled a bit; it wasn't difficult to get back on track with what I had and continue talking about a topic that I genuinely enjoy talking about.

2. Questions to Consider
       a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation (self-assessment)?

       AE       P          AP       CR       NC

       b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 1 component contract.

I think I deserve a P because I met all of the requirements on the rubric. Although I didn't refer to my prop, I still had a prop on there. I felt I spoke relatively well and explained all my points across


3. What worked for you in your Lesson 1?

I think overall everything went according to plan, I spoke about everything I wanted to, I was engaged to the class and I felt comfortable being able to talk about what I enjoy 
 

4.  (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 1?

I would probably use note cards rather than holding a piece of paper, just so to look more professional. I'd also probably refer to my prop more, even though there wasn't much to refer to, or just in general have a different prop. Probably bring up more examples so that the class could relate, rather than just throwing facts. 

October Post

For the past month the ROP class has been working on screenwriting, and how to properly right a script. After scripts were made, we finally got into working on another project, the class worked on a music video. I wasn't able to act on any of the films this time but I did get to give a lot of input on ideas and shots. What I mainly focused on working was filming behind the scenes. It's part of my independent component as I'll be filming the class for majority of productions and showing what they learn in class and putting it together into one video. I was also working in another video helping out my friend Hasan Khan. He pitched to me his assignment he was given from his college class, to create a video about himself and asked if I could help out. I accepted and I've been helping him since. We filmed about a week ago with a three point lighting setup, and I've been filming small bits for his video since. Today actually, I edited the video for about 3 hours and I'd say it is about 95% done. So my independent component seems to be coming along as I've been working a lot on behind the scenes. Overall, October has been a busy month.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.   What is your working EQ?

What aspects of film editing helps deliver the emotion of the story

2.     What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format. 

      

Pacing and timing is highly useful and is the best to use aspect when editing films

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ?

The most important source that’s helped me answer by EQ was an article called “The Art of Edit” by Janis Lonnquist. In this article she explains that editing is more than just connecting shots together but rather an art. With the right technique and mindset, editing could really help a story become more efficient.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you doing mentorship, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

My mentor is Mr. Miller at the I-Poly ROP video class, and what I am doing it re-learning and practicing filmmaking aspects over to help improve upon that. Although I am more focusing on editing, as a filmmaker it’s important to know all the parts of making videos or movies, maybe not entirely thoroughly but enough. So what I do not only helps my editing improve and help me learn more on the way, I’m able to practice other parts of film production as well.

September Mentorship Post

For the past several weeks I have been mentoring in the I-Poly ROP video class under Mr. Miller. Since I've already taken the class, being a teacher's assistant is helping me get more of an understanding of each aspect of film. So as a TA I have been doing a lot of small work like organizing equipment, charging batteries for cameras, and running small errands. A more bigger role I've done is I have helped with quite a few productions, giving tips, showing groups what to do and how to do it, just overall helping out and teaching a bit of my knowledge here and there. I even played as an actor in quite a few of them. For me personally, Mr. Miller has purposed many ideas for me to do as an individual assignment, furthering my skill and knowledge on film production and more towards my senior project, film editing. So far it's been mostly TA work helping groups and giving input but there are ideas for me better my knowledge of editing to help me with my senior project.

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

I've been working as a teacher's assistant under Mr. Miller of the ROP video class at I-Poly, I've been given the opportunity to help others learn the basics of what we're learning each week and also help with recent productions they've had. 

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

I have done just about 30 hours already attending all his classes for 3 hours a day and twice a week, but to show what I have done I could create a video of what goes on during the classes or have Mr. Miller write what I do for evidence that my hours are real.  

3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

Well since last year I took the class, being a TA could help further my knowledge on not just specifically editing but all around film production. Being a teacher and had worked in the business, Mr. Miller could easily teach me more than I already know. 

4.  Update your Senior Project Hours log.

Blog 6: Second Interview Preparations

1. Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor is Mr. Miller, he is actually the ROP Video teacher at I-Poly but he also has worked on set as a camera operator for NBC.

2. What five questions will you ask them about their background?

• What was your first real job working in the industry?
• Was it difficult getting into doing film? 
• What aspects of film did you work on?
• What was the process getting into film?
• What type of filmmaker did you want to be? 

Blog 5: Mentorship and Research Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship?  

For my summer mentorship I was lucky enough to be connected with Christian Abella, a Productions Assistant at MBS, through my mom's co-worker that works at a nail salon, her co-worker happened to be best friends with Christian so asked him if he could let me tag a long for a whole day and show me all that happens in the set and production of the TV series Revenge. 

Since Christian works 5 days a week for 10 hours it would be hard for me to do my mentorship hours there considering I have to go to school and considering he's always on the move at his job driving here and there. So for my mentorship during the school year I got the opportunity to be a TA for Mr. Miller, I-Poly's ROP video teacher. Since I took his class last year he'll be teaching me more advanced things about my topic and will teach me more about the equipment we have. 

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

The most important article I have read so far is "To Appreciate the Art of Film Editing, You must Start with a Frame of Reference." by Ann Hornaday. In the article it specifies all the things I need to think about when it comes to film editing, considering that I'm leaning towards the film editing aspect of film this article gave me a lot more knowledge to think about when editing, and questions I should ask myself when editing.

Getting on Set

For my summer mentorship I finished all my 10 hours with an additional hour at Manhattan Beach Studios. At MBS I was able to go in the office of the production for the TV series, Revenge. I was able to meet with the graphic designer, set designer, and the production manager. I was mentored by the production assistant where he first showed me around the office where everything happens behind the scenes. My mentor showed me a bunch of small aspects of film like the prop part, I got to learn a lot about product placement and how each prop used needed to be given the okay in order to be used, and how the design of the set would always have to be worked out a long time before it's actually time for the set to be set up. Christian Abella brought me into the warehouses where they have all the sets, I was able to touch all the cheap made set. I say cheap because they don't really use any authentic things to make, let's say the houses or bar. I even got to see a metal Asylum that was actually made of wood. Manipulation plays a key role in certain types of shows and movies, making the audience feel as if the actors and actresses are actually in a beach house or roof top but are actually just in front of a blue or green screen. Even though it was mostly shadowing because it was actually quite a slow day of production, I was able to bring props around and helped Christian bring some of the props to a scene they were shooting. It was a great experience to be able to go on but for me I am leaning now more towards post production, specifically editing. Though I do enjoy how it's like to be able to be in the chaos of setting up a scene and whatnot, but I will be focusing more on putting together a show or movie.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why

I plan on interviewing I-Poly's ROP Video teacher, Mr. Miller. I took his class last school year and learned a lot of aspects of film making I didn't think about before, Miller is experienced in the field of film production as he used to be a camera operator and has a Bachelor's in Film. Not only will it be convenient for me but having him for a year makes it easier to ask any questions I personally want to know and what would help for my Senior Project.

2. You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?

Since I basically know his personal work experience, I'll strive more towards questions involving aspects of film editing, directing, or camera directing. Considering I have to narrow my choices down from film making because there are many aspects of it, I'll be asking quite a few questions for each of the choices I have.

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Working EQ

1. List your topic here: Film Production

2. Write a question that helps to focus your research this month.

What are all aspects of film production or film making you should know before proceeding to get into the industry?

3. Post the working bibliography (WB) on the right hand side of the blog and share it so anybody can view it.

The Working Bibliography is posted on the right hand side of my blog and will send you straight to it once clicked.

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

1. Link to Mentorship log:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnNXjVogCP5NdFowVGsxenhNaS1IanQ1SHZkT0otM3c#gid=0

2. Manhattan Beach Studios Contact Info:

• Location: 1600 Rosecrans Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
• Christian Abella - (951) 310-4985

3. Questions Raised

• Is organization key to a successful production?
• What's necessary to do before getting or attempting to get into the film industry?
• Is it possible to work your way up in the production business?
• How many aspects of production is there?

4. Most Important Thing Gained from Experience:

• I learned that in order to be in film production you need to be very organized with everything. Everyone has responsibilities, to handle their things and to be organized with them. My mentor for example, he handles the props for the sets and when they're not being used he organizes them and labels any type of prop, whether it's small, big, valuable, or useless and puts them where they could possibly used later on. Productions are always thinking ahead of time before going into the scenes. When the scenes have to be set up, the props should be put where they'll know to get and place. So organization and planning ahead is so very important in the aspect of film production.  

Senior Project Topic:

• From the beginning of being introduced about the Senior Projects I knew I was going to do Film. The only problem I had was what about film I was going to talk about. For me I understand somewhat every aspect of film from pre-production to production to post-production. Before my mentorship I was mainly leaning towards post-production where it all comes together and where editors get to work. But since going to my mentorship at MBS, I'm more so leaning towards just production and being on the set and having everything prepared, there's so much going on during production that it's hard to cover all. So though what I did didn't really change my mind about Film at all, I have a better understanding of it now and it has made me more confident in doing Film for my Senior Projects.

Blog 1: 2-Hour Presentations

1.  What presentations did you see?

• Insurance
• Basketball
• Occupational Therapy 
• Film Production
• Real Estate
• Graphic Design
• Music Performance
• Acting
• Piano
• Theater Tech
• Biochemistry
• Linguistics
• Business 
• Theater acting
• Business Management 
• Fire Protection 

2.   What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? This can be about the senior project in general, any components or about a presentation topic you saw or what they said.  

• Is it bad to go over the time?
• What's the most important factor to the presentation? Time? Engagement? Sources?

3. What has the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?

• I believe all the research that was done for the seniors throughout the year was very important because without it, they'd obviously wouldn't have much to say. 

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?

• I'm considering doing Film Production because it's a topic I am most interested and passionated in and I feel like in order for me to do well in the presentation, I not only have to inform the audience but engage and teach them something they don't know.  

5. What are you doing for your summer mentorship?

• Well I have already acquired a mentor but from what I heard, I can get plenty of hours from being a TA in his ROP class next school year but if that doesn't work out I can see and ask if he's able to give me any opportunities.