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After gathering three out of the four main interviews for my video project, I feel like I’m moving in the right direction for my segment. I still need to gather almost all of the b-roll, but I’ve lined up events in April with BC Hillel and Campus Ministry is okay with me filming the student masses. I’ve also got BC’s Muslim Student Association’s permission to film their Jummah Prayers.
The toughest part this week was getting the interview with Fr. Jack and Fr. Tony all set. We ran into some technical issues including a missed plate from one of the Z-1 cameras. I need to make sure to fully check the equipment myself before leaving for the shoot. Luckily, Dan was able to stop by Campion on the way to Mayflower Road.
The second big issue was that after having everything laid down, Fr. Tony asked if we could reposition the chairs so that Fr. Tony and Fr. Jack could have more ease of interaction. The issue was that a huge wooden table in the middle of the room limited our options in the set up. Luckily, I was able to figure out another set up where Fr. Jack and Fr. Tony felt more comfortable. I was glad that I was able to calmly and quickly resolve the situation.
My big takeaway from the shoot was that I need to make sure I give myself enough time to set up. I had decided early that day to skip my twelve o clock class so I could set up before 1pm. I’m glad I did because I never would have had enough time to set up within the half hour period I allotted myself because of the room quirks and the fact that I was running a two camera shoot. I also enjoy having a partner when I can because it makes it possible for me to delegate and avoid mistakes by trying to do too much. Dan was incredibly helpful with getting everything done quickly. He also was able to quickly pick up on what I was doing and the shots I envisioned. I’d be happy to work with Dan again anytime.
Lastly, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now because I have several projects going on at the same time. I have two news packages in the mix along with this segment, my film is premiering this Sunday (and I had to work on finding a replacement panelist after a last minute cancellation), and I returned to a full course load this week. However, I think as long as I can stay on top of all my projects, I should be able to get through this glut. I did receive some excellent news yesterday that I have been selected as a Fulbright Grantee, and my next destination after BC will be Turkey. It was certainly a great morale boost, and I was glad to get it. Now, time to press on!
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I think one of the big things I learned over the last three years is to begin work on segments immediately. During my shoot first shoot, I waited on calling some of my contacts until I had taken some interviews. It made things incredibly difficult to get BC Dining on camera later, so I ended up settling for a statement released by them that I read on camera and put on the screen with CG. It would have been so much better to call every contact asap, and let them know my deadlines (specifically!)
I feel I've learned from this moment a lot. For my Advanced TV package, I've lined up and gotten confirmation from almost all my interviews already, they are now just waiting to hear for the go or no go for launch. In order to get a more accurate script, I even had some mock interviews recorded so I would have an idea of what would be said in the segment.
I'm sorry that this is an incredibly short note, but I was focused on the script and have been very ill for the last two days.
I feel I've learned from this moment a lot. For my Advanced TV package, I've lined up and gotten confirmation from almost all my interviews already, they are now just waiting to hear for the go or no go for launch. In order to get a more accurate script, I even had some mock interviews recorded so I would have an idea of what would be said in the segment.
I'm sorry that this is an incredibly short note, but I was focused on the script and have been very ill for the last two days.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Treatment - "Most important document ever."
Concept Thinking:
-We NEED to think in pictures
-Treatment is a flavor of what the program will look like
-Show 'em, don't tell 'em!
Creative Concept:
-Visual Idea based on research
-Foundation for story and visuals
-Why is it important?
Two Kinds of Formats:
-Program Format (VERY IMPORTANT-NEED TO FIGURE IT OUT SOON)
-Segment Format (Can be a little different per segment)
-Talking Heads, Narrator, dramatic reenactment
Concept Thinking (Ch. DiZazzo):
-Brainstorming visual concepts based on research
-Brainstorming yields visual ideas
-Use the CDP (Client-Design-Producer) review
-Some ideas may be dropped before final visualization
Visualization:
-Series of events and AV elements that change visual concepts into potential script scenes
What is a Good Visual Concept?
-Is it PRACTICAL. Can you do it?
-Is it CREDIBLE. Will the audience accept it?
-Is it COST EFFECTIVE?
Why Write a Treatment?
-Script would be longer and more effort; they could reject
-Give clients more opportunity for their two-cents
-Helps you FOCUS!
-Show client you'll include the right information
-Convinces your client that you'll do what's right for the job
-If you write a good treatment, you'll know where you are going for the script!
What to Include?
Descriptions of:
-The Audience
-Demographics, what they want to know
-Will tell you the visual styles you will want to work with
-Objectives
-What is the message you want to communicate?
-What is the program's purpose
-Creative Strategy
-Description of what happens in the program?
-How will you communicate the message?
How do we Visualize "Pride, Power, Progress?"
-Conte fans
-Iconic Images
-Basketball players slam dunk
-Awards
-Debaters Fulton
Distilling the overall format?
-Images, into the voice, into the segment
Distilling the stories?
Master Plan/Recession -Leahy/Surrogate
Diversity - International Students
Spiritual - R.C. tradition, to interfaith, to Eagles Wings (Kicker)
Tech - Social Networking/alumni monitoring
Alumni Mentoring - Externship meeting
Sports - Spaz/Crowley story: mentoring
Concept Thinking:
-We NEED to think in pictures
-Treatment is a flavor of what the program will look like
-Show 'em, don't tell 'em!
Creative Concept:
-Visual Idea based on research
-Foundation for story and visuals
-Why is it important?
Two Kinds of Formats:
-Program Format (VERY IMPORTANT-NEED TO FIGURE IT OUT SOON)
-Segment Format (Can be a little different per segment)
-Talking Heads, Narrator, dramatic reenactment
Concept Thinking (Ch. DiZazzo):
-Brainstorming visual concepts based on research
-Brainstorming yields visual ideas
-Use the CDP (Client-Design-Producer) review
-Some ideas may be dropped before final visualization
Visualization:
-Series of events and AV elements that change visual concepts into potential script scenes
What is a Good Visual Concept?
-Is it PRACTICAL. Can you do it?
-Is it CREDIBLE. Will the audience accept it?
-Is it COST EFFECTIVE?
Why Write a Treatment?
-Script would be longer and more effort; they could reject
-Give clients more opportunity for their two-cents
-Helps you FOCUS!
-Show client you'll include the right information
-Convinces your client that you'll do what's right for the job
-If you write a good treatment, you'll know where you are going for the script!
What to Include?
Descriptions of:
-The Audience
-Demographics, what they want to know
-Will tell you the visual styles you will want to work with
-Objectives
-What is the message you want to communicate?
-What is the program's purpose
-Creative Strategy
-Description of what happens in the program?
-How will you communicate the message?
How do we Visualize "Pride, Power, Progress?"
-Conte fans
-Iconic Images
-Basketball players slam dunk
-Awards
-Debaters Fulton
Distilling the overall format?
-Images, into the voice, into the segment
Distilling the stories?
Master Plan/Recession -Leahy/Surrogate
Diversity - International Students
Spiritual - R.C. tradition, to interfaith, to Eagles Wings (Kicker)
Tech - Social Networking/alumni monitoring
Alumni Mentoring - Externship meeting
Sports - Spaz/Crowley story: mentoring
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Beginning in January 2007 until the early spring of 2009, I worked on a documentary project about the Muslim community in Boston. The process involved interviewing over 25 different people in a variety of settings. As I moved forward, I found that each interview taught me something new. Each time when I went back to log the tapes of an interview, I learned a little bit about better lighting, how to capture better sound, or even just the basic skills in how to pull more information and better sound bytes from my subjects.
An example of what I mean is illustrated in how I conducted one of my first interviews compared to my last. One of my early interviews with the Islamic Society of Boston's Imam was in his office. There was not too much light, and I tried to do my best with the light kit I brought a long. However, I didn't take into effect a number of things:
-The brightness of LED screen and the importance of Zebra lines
-Disconnecting the phone in the office
My first problem was that I only judged my picture by the color LED screen. I did not use Zebra lines to see if the light was actually a set right. I did not White Balance correctly, (albeit I could always tell when the picture was really off by the screen). I adjusted the gain too high, when I probably would have been better checking the iris or ND filters first.
Second, at one point in the interview, the phone rang during a very bad time. I wish I had simply asked about the phone and to see if we could have disconnected it in the office for the duration of the interview.
However, by the end of the film process, rookie mistakes like these were behind me. I was in much more control of the lighting for each shot (versus the shot in the dark process it had been early on), and I was more aware of my interview surroundings.
If I had not had critical incidents like the experience in the Imams office, I would not have learned from mistakes and improved my skills as a film maker and journalist. It's good for me to remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn. This rationale keeps me staying positive and motivated to do my best work while also be willing to take risks.
An example of what I mean is illustrated in how I conducted one of my first interviews compared to my last. One of my early interviews with the Islamic Society of Boston's Imam was in his office. There was not too much light, and I tried to do my best with the light kit I brought a long. However, I didn't take into effect a number of things:
-The brightness of LED screen and the importance of Zebra lines
-Disconnecting the phone in the office
My first problem was that I only judged my picture by the color LED screen. I did not use Zebra lines to see if the light was actually a set right. I did not White Balance correctly, (albeit I could always tell when the picture was really off by the screen). I adjusted the gain too high, when I probably would have been better checking the iris or ND filters first.
Second, at one point in the interview, the phone rang during a very bad time. I wish I had simply asked about the phone and to see if we could have disconnected it in the office for the duration of the interview.
However, by the end of the film process, rookie mistakes like these were behind me. I was in much more control of the lighting for each shot (versus the shot in the dark process it had been early on), and I was more aware of my interview surroundings.
If I had not had critical incidents like the experience in the Imams office, I would not have learned from mistakes and improved my skills as a film maker and journalist. It's good for me to remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn. This rationale keeps me staying positive and motivated to do my best work while also be willing to take risks.
BC Spiritual Atmosphere Options
-Interview with Howard McClendon (Director of Interfaith Affairs at BC) and leaders of Student Faith groups
-Look at a Jewish student/Muslim student, why they chose BC?
-Spiritual Safari and Kraft Interfaith Initiative
Why are these important?
-I don't think we've addressed this issue fully. It's a unique topic for BC's character and tradition.
Father Leahy Interview
-What will be changing on campus?
-Light the World: Capital Campaign
Why do we need this?
-Alumni clearly want to hear directly from Fr. Leahy. We need to do a very,very good treatment of this interview, and make it a very poignent message about the future of BC.
-Interview with Howard McClendon (Director of Interfaith Affairs at BC) and leaders of Student Faith groups
-Look at a Jewish student/Muslim student, why they chose BC?
-Spiritual Safari and Kraft Interfaith Initiative
Why are these important?
-I don't think we've addressed this issue fully. It's a unique topic for BC's character and tradition.
Father Leahy Interview
-What will be changing on campus?
-Light the World: Capital Campaign
Why do we need this?
-Alumni clearly want to hear directly from Fr. Leahy. We need to do a very,very good treatment of this interview, and make it a very poignent message about the future of BC.
Client’s Imagination of the Video:
-Link of keeping alumni involved with BC
-Also find out what’s new, what’s been going on
-From Student’s view
-Wide age range of alumni
-Sports stories and Fr. Leahy (TOM WANTS)
-New football coach; niche sport
-Hockey
-Women’s Bball coach – Coach Crowley
-What are the two coaches like in life
-Financial collapse; does that effect the campaign;
-2% of each dept budget going to student financial aid
-Alumni Mentoring
-BC Connections (Mentoring program)
-Externships
-Students shadow people in New York and Boston
-Student Life
-Changing technology; social networking and jobs; across campus
-Keep the people in the story
-Diversity of school
-On Eagles wings – Spirituality Inter faith
-2000 Engaged alumni volunteers; association approaches volunteers
-SOFT SELL! Two sided conversation vs. “Hey can you help me!”
-Reconnect: Largest gathering of AHANA alumni; tease at end of show
-Capital Campaign: Increase giving from 21 to 40%; increase rankings
-150th anniversary of the college;
Production Music:
-Hosts? VO?
-Music, think about it before.
No Question to do:
-Fr. Leahy, Master Plan/Capital Campaign, Spiritual Issues
-Link of keeping alumni involved with BC
-Also find out what’s new, what’s been going on
-From Student’s view
-Wide age range of alumni
-Sports stories and Fr. Leahy (TOM WANTS)
-New football coach; niche sport
-Hockey
-Women’s Bball coach – Coach Crowley
-What are the two coaches like in life
-Financial collapse; does that effect the campaign;
-2% of each dept budget going to student financial aid
-Alumni Mentoring
-BC Connections (Mentoring program)
-Externships
-Students shadow people in New York and Boston
-Student Life
-Changing technology; social networking and jobs; across campus
-Keep the people in the story
-Diversity of school
-On Eagles wings – Spirituality Inter faith
-2000 Engaged alumni volunteers; association approaches volunteers
-SOFT SELL! Two sided conversation vs. “Hey can you help me!”
-Reconnect: Largest gathering of AHANA alumni; tease at end of show
-Capital Campaign: Increase giving from 21 to 40%; increase rankings
-150th anniversary of the college;
Production Music:
-Hosts? VO?
-Music, think about it before.
No Question to do:
-Fr. Leahy, Master Plan/Capital Campaign, Spiritual Issues
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
-Simple and elegant presentation; inspiring, informative (Dan)
Vision of the themes addressed in the video: (DAN)
-Pride (in the tradition), power (academic and athletic institution), progress (BC's impact in the changing the world
Thinking about 6 two minute segments. (DAN)
What has been the audience for this video? Demographics? (Sean)
What sections have worked the best, what hasn't worked as well(what would you like us to avoid)? (Matt)
Do you think an anchored show or narrated show work best? (DAN)
What do you want to achieve with the video? (Mallika)
Do you have any ideas for the video? (Olivia)
What's critical for this years? What do alumni want to know about BC? (Olivia)
Politics and BC segment? Time permitting (Matt P.)
What are our deadlines? (Matt M.)
How are you guys going to help us in the end of the process? (Matt M.)
Vision of the themes addressed in the video: (DAN)
-Pride (in the tradition), power (academic and athletic institution), progress (BC's impact in the changing the world
Thinking about 6 two minute segments. (DAN)
What has been the audience for this video? Demographics? (Sean)
What sections have worked the best, what hasn't worked as well(what would you like us to avoid)? (Matt)
Do you think an anchored show or narrated show work best? (DAN)
What do you want to achieve with the video? (Mallika)
Do you have any ideas for the video? (Olivia)
What's critical for this years? What do alumni want to know about BC? (Olivia)
Politics and BC segment? Time permitting (Matt P.)
What are our deadlines? (Matt M.)
How are you guys going to help us in the end of the process? (Matt M.)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
An overall focus:
"A tradition of change."
Two Things we need to do: Sports and Fr. Leahy
Recession at BC
-What are we doing
-Scholarships for students/Keeping staff and faculty in house
-Dining Halls
Obama/Convocation
-Change message; drop the silly stuff; unite
-Sustainability issues an example
Career Center and finding jobs
-Spark Lunch-Alumni helping students find jobs/network
Sports
-New Coach
-UNC B Ball game
-Major sports, major wins, and an in depth look at an unique sport
-Point system for "loyalty"
Fulton Debate Team
GLC
-Tolerance
Student Media
-Their voices being heard; NYK, WZBC
-Baldwin Awards
ITS Capabilities
-Wired campus
Student Achievement Montage
Research Grants
-HPV
The Visitor
-Best Actor nominated in Oscars
-Directed by Tom McCarthy
Comedy Groups
Jesuit Life
-Lunch with Jesuits
PULSE
Burns Library for good B-Roll
McMullen Museum
ROTC
-Joe Migliccio
Diversity of BC
-Campus Experts
Seth Jacobs
New Bookstore
An anchored show or not?
"A tradition of change."
Two Things we need to do: Sports and Fr. Leahy
Recession at BC
-What are we doing
-Scholarships for students/Keeping staff and faculty in house
-Dining Halls
Obama/Convocation
-Change message; drop the silly stuff; unite
-Sustainability issues an example
Career Center and finding jobs
-Spark Lunch-Alumni helping students find jobs/network
Sports
-New Coach
-UNC B Ball game
-Major sports, major wins, and an in depth look at an unique sport
-Point system for "loyalty"
Fulton Debate Team
GLC
-Tolerance
Student Media
-Their voices being heard; NYK, WZBC
-Baldwin Awards
ITS Capabilities
-Wired campus
Student Achievement Montage
Research Grants
-HPV
The Visitor
-Best Actor nominated in Oscars
-Directed by Tom McCarthy
Comedy Groups
Jesuit Life
-Lunch with Jesuits
PULSE
Burns Library for good B-Roll
McMullen Museum
ROTC
-Joe Migliccio
Diversity of BC
-Campus Experts
Seth Jacobs
New Bookstore
An anchored show or not?
I was thinking we could do a package/segment that would overview some of the many accomplishments by BC students. We don't need to go in depth on any particular one, and I think it should definitely be given a more earnest tone unlike the cursory tone that was given in previous editions of the newsletter.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sustainability is definitely an issue we should look at. We have a new director, BC's farmer's market, our campaign to reuse and recycle more than any other college in the area, and also take these practices with us beyond BC.
Theme of service and change - Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteers
Barack Obama and John McCain at BC - Politics at BC and the work by students on the campaigns.
Economic crisis and students moving into non profit work?
Theme of service and change - Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteers
Barack Obama and John McCain at BC - Politics at BC and the work by students on the campaigns.
Economic crisis and students moving into non profit work?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
After class today, I feel very excited about creating the BC Alumni Newsletter. I agree with Professor Stanwood that this class has a very wide ranging "tabula rasa." I'm not familiar with all of the experiences of my classmates yet, but I felt by the critical eye we all had for the previous newsletters, we all will bring a wealth of experience to the table.
With that said, I do think we need to watch out for the negative traits of perfectionism. I don't disagree that a strong attention to detail that will make our product shine, however at the same time, I think it will be crucial that the team stays positive. Creating a video that will be concise and illustrate "all" of the shining aspects of BC is surely a Herculean task. Although we were very critical of the previous videos, I do think those classes gave a superb effort. Clearly, they all had a method to their madness, and I think we will have to stay positive throughout this whole endeavor.
Positivity, persistence, attention to detail, and the determination to put our best foot forward will be the foundation we need to "wow" our clients at Cramer.
With that said, I do think we need to watch out for the negative traits of perfectionism. I don't disagree that a strong attention to detail that will make our product shine, however at the same time, I think it will be crucial that the team stays positive. Creating a video that will be concise and illustrate "all" of the shining aspects of BC is surely a Herculean task. Although we were very critical of the previous videos, I do think those classes gave a superb effort. Clearly, they all had a method to their madness, and I think we will have to stay positive throughout this whole endeavor.
Positivity, persistence, attention to detail, and the determination to put our best foot forward will be the foundation we need to "wow" our clients at Cramer.
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