That's a wrap!

We started off the semester with learning the three types of lighting. Three-point lighting consists of key light, fill light, and back light. Key light is the light directly on your face. Fill light is light from the side. Back light is the light in the back of the object and acts as background light. This process works best when you turn the lights off in the room because you can fully illuminate the object with the three point lighting. It is best to set up shots and then gradually add light. The sun should be behind you to prevent shadows, glare, and the sun acts as a light source.

Throughout the semester we storyboarded. We would take all types of shots to tell a story or we would put them into a youtube video. Each shot should be displayed for no more than three seconds. Four seconds of each photo is too much. I learned that it is important to know your audience and know the message that you want to leave with. Establishing shots allow us to display a location, whether it is interior or exterior. Establishing shots are the first shots we should sow in a storyboard. Other shots consist of closeups, extreme closeups, medium, and full body. Blogging was important to this class because it was a way to share our experiences and what we learned.

One other thing we learned was see a duck say a duck. This is a general writing philosophy when writing a script. If you see something in the script say it, if you say something in your script, see it. It is important to know your audience because you need to know who you are speaking to.

The production process consists of three parts. Pre production includes planning, writing, scheduling, assigning, and location scouting. Production is when you actually shoot or blog. Post production is the editing, uploading and marketing. Location scouting requires looking for outlets, a place that is easy to light, not too shady, and where you can set up equipment easily. The production process was crucial to our class meetings.

Once we grasped three point lighting and over the shoulder shooting, we began to shoot interviews in class. It is important to script questions before filming the interview. Each person had a key role in the interview process. Our class had the opportunity to interview Cynthia Lyles Quinn. It was great to learn about her and what she does on a daily basis. The production process, three point lighting, and scripting were crucial to this interview. As a class, we set up lighting, moved things around, and staged the interviewer and the interviewee. This was part of the pre production process. Mary did a great shop as the interviewer.

      This semester we had the opportunity to work in the Greycomm studio. We all had assigned jobs to contribute to the interview. Myself and Carla had the opportunity to interview Doc Chris. I asked him questions about his life on a daily basis, and his time spent at Loyola. I was not too thrilled to be the interviewer because I personally like to be behind the scenes. This was a really cool experience. I was nervous during the interview because I had to think of questions on the spot. I feel like I grew through this experience. I also got to know Doc Chris better by talking to him one on one in the interview. It was cool to be on camera and speaking to Doc Chris. Doc Chris trusted the class to lead the production process. We also had the opportunity at the end of the semester to interview Crystal L. Bass. We switched up the crew on this interview. Crystal was very inspirational and truly an inspiring woman.

Overall, I enjoyed working with my fellow classmates. This course centered around teamwork. Teamwork is a major takeaway for me personally. Each week we worked with a team to complete our task. We worked together outside of class, in class, and in the greycomm studio. It is important to work in groups because if one student does not understand something, the other group members could show them the proper way to do it. Working in groups allows students to work with other people and become comfortable with them. I have grown as a student by allowing myself to interact with others in a classroom setting. Not all classes allow for this much interaction. I believe that interacting with others is important to learning.
This class would not be what it was without Doc Chris's enthusiasm and encouragement. He believed in us and challenged us by pushing us each week. We were able to broaden our horizons to multimedia because Doc Chris exposed us to different techniques. He introduced us to two influential women, Cynthia Lyles Quinn and Crystal L. Bass. As mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity to interact with Doc Chris on camera.

My experience in this class was definitely rewarding. Overall, I learned how to take different types of shots, the importance of lighting, storyboarding, the interview process, the production process, and how to blog. I had the opportunity to show my family what I learned by filming the Thanksgiving video. I also learned how to edit and put together videos on iMovie and upload them to youtube. I learned how to do things that I didn't know I can do. You never know until you try. I can use shot composition in future picture taking. I think I became a more organized writer through blogging. I will definitely use everything I learned in the future, and I will never forget my experiences in Multimedia. Lastly, thank you to Doc Chris for this experience!

Video Reflection:

Shots:

Chatting with... Crystal L. Bass:

           

Interviews and Crystal L. Bass

Overview of November 30th: This weeks class consisted of interviews. Will interviewed a few of our classmates, along with myself and Doc Chris. Crystal came to our class, and Doc Chris interviewed her. I thought Crystal had an interesting story and she seems like a great individual. 

Evaluation of the Class: Chris was the director, Frank and Paul worked the cameras. Students shared their views on the course, what they learned, and if they would recommend this course to others. This was a good way to reflect on the semester as a whole, what we have learned, and how we have grown. 

Evaluation of the Professor: Doc Chris did a nice job with interviewing Crystal. It was a good idea for him to interview her because he knows Crystal very well. I could tell Crystal felt comfortable talking to Doc Chris. Doc Chris gave our class some feedback and complemented us for how far we have come. I'm glad and proud that our class was able to exceed his expectations and go further than he expected.

What I learned: As I said in my interview, I have learned many things throughout the semester. I would say the most important thing was the production process and how to apply it to interviews. Everything we have learned has been applied to our interviews. I have learned the importance of team work and how crucial it is to this field. I also learned about Crystal L. Bass and what inspired her to do all that she has done. It was inspiring to hear a successful woman talk about how far she has come in life, and the experiences that have made her who she is today.

Expectations: I cannot believe this was the last class of the semester. I hope to take all that I have learned in this class and apply it to my everyday life in the future.

on set with Crystal L. Bass

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always a special time of year. It is a time when we can reflect on what we have and the people that we have in our lives. Thanksgiving day was spent at my house. My mom and dad spent hours preparing for our company. It always gets emotional when grace is said before the meal. We enjoyed a yummy meal with about ten side dishes to go with our turkey. I got to spend break with my family and friends. Over break, my mom and sister asked one another what they are thankful for. Then, my mom asked me what I'm thankful for. 

Here's what we had to say...

 even my dog wanted to join in...

Class: Greycomm Edition

This week we had class in the studio. We all had assigned jobs to contribute to the interview. Myself and Carla had the opportunity to interview Doc Chris. I asked him questions about his life on a daily basis, and his time spent at Loyola. I was not too thrilled to be the interviewer because I personally like to be behind the scenes. I had the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and be at the center of it all. I feel like I got to know Doc Chris better by talking to him one on one. It was cool to be on camera and speaking to Doc Chris. I thought Doc Chris did a good job  in the interview. He trusted the class to lead the production process. I thought my fellow students did a good job at running the process. I look forward to more interviews in future classes. I hope we get the chance to go back to the studio and put forth what we have learned.

Doc Chris and myself:

Doc Chris and Carla:

Class November 9

Today our job was to interview Cynthia Lyles Quinn. It was great to learn about her and what she does on a daily basis. We utilized this class time by taking everything we have learned so far and putting it forward. The production process, three point lighting, and scripting were crucial to this interview. As a class, we set up lighting, moved things around, and staged the interviewer and the interviewee. This was part of the pre production process. Mary got warmed up by practicing an interview with Carla. We then filmed the interview of Mary and Cynthia. After this production, we asked Cynthia questions to learn more about her. Cynthia seems passionate about what she does. She shared with us that its not about what your career is, its what you do with it.

What I learned: I learned how to apply everything we have done so far and produce it in one class. I learned a lot about Cynthia as well.

Evaluation: This class was one of my favorite so far. I thought the class did a good job of taking on roles that were crucial to the interview process. Abby took charge by making up questions, assigning people tasks, and instructing the interview. We had three people filming, Nicole captured Cynthia, Chris captured Mary from an angle, and Lauren captured the two shot. Mary did a great job of guiding the conversation with Cynthia. She approached each question well and caused the interview to flow well. Doc Chris allowed us to take the reigns and put forward what he has taught us. 

Expectations: I expect to continue interviewing and getting more comfortable with it. I look forward to interviewing Crystal Bass in the future.

Class November 2

Overview: Before coming to class, we met with our groups to videotape an interview. It is important to script questions before filming the interview. In class we talked about Schramm's Sender Receiver Model. The sender is the interviewer, and the receiver is the interviewee. A blocker interferes with the communication process. An example of a blocker would be noise. Who the sender is is critical to the communication process. We also talked about Apple as the largest entertainment and tech company. 

What I learned: I learned how to apply the Sender Receiver applies to an interview. I learned the importance of communication. Communication is how we learn. 

Expectations: I expect to continue to work in groups to film interviews. I expect my group and I to get more comfortable with communicating an interview.

Evaluation: We worked well together in our groups to film interviews. We have come up with questions to ask Crystal Bass. Doc Chris explained the sender receiver model and how it applies to the interview process. 

Location Scouting for Love Loyola: Some of my classmates suggested that we film in the Humanities building. It would be nice to film outside, maybe on the quad or outside of one of the buildings. We could also film at the FAC.

interview:

October 26th with interview

Overview of Class:

Today we planned our Love Loyola storyboard. We threw out ideas such as the different locations that we will shoot. We discussed the questions we will ask Crystal Bass (5 Ws and How). The Love Loyola storyboard consists of establishing shots of the quad, student center, and classrooms. It will be important to show the cultures  of our campus and people's ethnicities. Slogans will consist of "Its all about the love" "we got the love" and "thats why we go here." We can show people hugging and giving high 5s. We should show how different people interact and become united on our campus.

What I learned:

I learned that when formulating questions for an interview, you should begin with the 5 Ws and how. 

Expectations:

I expect to finalize questions for the Crystal Bass interview. I expect to work well with my group.

Evaluation of the class:

As a class, we agreed on a draft of our storyboard for Love Loyola. We agreed on questions to ask Crystal Bass in the interview. As a group, we put forward ideas and compromised.

Evaluation of the professor:

Doc Chris presented many ideas for our Love Loyola storyboard. He encouraged us to share ideas for the storyboard

Interview with Michelle:
This is an interview with my roommate Michelle. I ask her a few questions about herself.

October 19th

Overview of the Class:

This week we divided up tasks amongst groups. My group is in charge of the Crystal Bass interview. Our job is to get in touch with Crystal and plan an interview with her. We talked about lighting for this interview. We need to brainstorm questions we might ask Crystal. Other groups are in charge of the love Loyola campaign. 

As a class we discussed future things we are going to do. In the next few weeks we will video Doc Chris. This will involve us instructing him on camera. We will also be putting together a Thanksgiving video. We will interview our friends and family, and ask what they are thankful for. The backdrop is important in this case. Doc Chris also suggested that we watch Enemy of the State.

What I Learned:

I learned that production meetings are based on planning. I learned that we write blogs so that we can layout what we have learned in each class. 

Expectations:

I look forward to the Crystal Bass interview and asking her questions. I look forward to hearing what inspired her to write. I expect to film and produce more videos inside and outside of Multimedia class. I expect to work with people in the class that I have not worked with before.

Evaluation of the class:

As a class we successfully divided up the group work. Students got on board with the Crystal Bass interview and Love Loyola campaign. This will be a good opportunity for us to work with other students in the class. I think that we will all work well together when doing these tasks.

Evaluation of Doc Chris:

Doc Chris did a good job of dividing up the tasks amongst groups. He informed us of the layout of the rest of the semester, as well as our future tasks. He posted a syllabus to keep us up to date with future blogs.

Storyboard

Fall break: On thursday afternoon, I went on a field trip to a brewery with my microbiology class. I went home this weekend and got to see my family and also celebrate my birthday. My dog was sick so we had to take him to the vet. Here are some pictures from this weekend.

college center before I left for break

brewery in baltimore 

with my microbiology class on thursday afternoon

food with friends

2 shot dinner date

3-shot with my sister and friend

birthday celebration

two shot

birthday celebration

 two shot

 Over break I saw my dog

We took him to the vet

"Surprise Party" featuring Abby & Cassandra

Abby and I met up to film a conversation using reversals. We talked about my surprise party from this past weekend. We were able to borrow a camera from a friend. Here are 2 videos: one video was recorded with an Iphone, and the other with a camera.

"Surprise Party"

using an iphone:

using a camera:

Week 4

October 5th

Overview of class: Prior to class, we divided into groups and took photos for our storyboard. I documented these photos at Starbucks with Abby, Sarah, and Paul. In class, with the direction of Doc Chris, we broke into groups and practiced over the shoulder shots. Next, we took footage of conversations between two of our peers. In each group there was a director, video taper, and actors. Our group had to come together as a team to produce this footage.

Evaluation of the class: It was interesting to see how the conversation flowed between two students while being videotaped. It was nice to practice something new in class that we hadn't before. I enjoyed seeing how each group interacted. I think all the group members worked well together to produce the footage. The conversation flowed between the group members. If the group messed up a line, they were able to start over. Most people in the class learned over the shoulder shots for the first time. Overall, I think my classmates did a great job at applying these skills.

What I learned: I learned how to take over the shoulder shots. I learned how to apply this to shooting a video. I learned the roles that are involved in shooting video footage. When we practiced over the shoulder shooting, my job was to videotape the footage. I am now comfortable with capturing an over the shoulder shot. I learned to not leave too much empty space in the shot. I zoomed in on Abby and Paul to do so.
 Smart phones are a third screen.  We also learned how to direct, how to apply light, casting, producing, and camera skills. The ceiling lights acted as our three point lighting. Lastly, it's all about the conversation. It is important to have good conversation between the actors.

Evaluation of the teacher: Doc Chris helped us use the lighting in the room for our footage. He showed us how to take over the shoulder shots. Doc Chris interacted with us to show us how each person can contribute to the filming process. Doc Chris gave us direction. If we did something wrong, he showed us the proper way to do it. For example, he told me not to leave too much empty space in the shot. With this advice, I zoomed in on Abby and I was able to get a better over the shoulder shot.

Shots

over the shoulder footage

Over the shoulder shots

Midterm Assignment

Midterm

1. Production Process:

The production process consists of three parts. Pre production includes planning, writing, scheduling, assigning, and location scouting. Production is when you actually shoot or blog. Post production is the editing, uploading and marketing.

2. Three Point Lighting:

Three point lighting consists of key light, fill light, and back light. Key light is the light directly on your face. Fill light is light from the side. Back light is the light in the back of the object and acts as background light. This process works best when you turn the lights off in the room because you can fully illuminate the object with the three point lighting. It is best to set up shots and then gradually add light. The sun should be behind you to prevent shadows, glare, and the sun acts as a light source.

video of three point lighting

key light:

fill light:

back light:

photo credit: Frank Bellia

3. Types of shots:

extreme closeup- face

photo by: Matty Lodispoto

closeup- face with neck

medium- above waste

  

full body~long shot- persons entire body

two shot- two people

three shot- three people

establishing shots (interior and exterior)- set the scene

- the exterior shot is usually first because you go from outside to inside

4. See a duck/Say a duck:

This is a general writing philosophy when writing a script. If you see something in the script say it, if you say something in your script, see it. It is important to know your audience. You need to know who you are speaking to.

5. What I've learned so far:

I have learned how to apply shot composition and three point lighting when taking pictures outside of class. I have learned how to add light to make a picture look better. I have learned how to take photos in an outdoor and indoor setting.

6. Working in groups: 

Working in groups is a common theme within this class. We demonstrate three point lighting and take pictures of/with one another. It is important to work in groups because if one student does not understand something, the other group members could show them the proper way to do it. Working in groups allows students to work with other people and become comfortable with them. I have grown as a student by allowing myself t interact with others in a classroom setting. Not all classes allow for this much interaction. i believe that interacting with others is important to learning.

7. Evaluation of Doc Chris:

Doc Chris provides us with the opportunity to interact with others and learn from each other. Doc Chris goes over the information from the previous classes so that we learn better and understand the material. Talking with the professor is a good way to learn the material. Doc Chris understands that we are busy students and he allows for flexibility with due dates. Doc Chris is dedicated to speaking to students and making sure they understand the topics of discussion.

Week 3

Photos before class:

A journey through boulder

September 21st: This week we talked about storyboarding. Each shot should be displayed for no more than three seconds. Four seconds of each photo is too much.  I learned that it is important to know your audience and know the message that you want to leave with.

Evaluation of the class: As Doc Chris said, our class is moving at a fast pace and is ahead of the syllabus.

Evaluation of the professor: Doc Chris taught us simple mathematics. For example, if you have 10 photos that are displayed for three seconds each, your video will be 30 seconds long.

Expectations: I look forward to future use of storyboarding in this class. I hope to get to know other students in the class.

15 seconds of why I love Loyola:

Class 2

In class shots

2 person:

 3 person:

telling a story:

internal establishing:

external establishing:

medium:

3 point lighting:

key light:

fill light:

back light:

Video:

Overview of class/ What I learned: Before entering the classroom, we worked in groups to practice taking different shots. This week we discussed the three types of lighting. Key lighting lights up the face. Fill light adds extra light needed to illuminate. Back light illuminates the object from behind. We also discussed the three part production process. Pre production includes planning, writing, scheduling, assigning,and location scouting.  Location scouting requires looking for outlets, a place that is easy to light, not too shady, and where you can set up equipment easily. 

Evaluation: Doc Chris enthusiastically spoke to the class about three point lighting and the production process. As a class we worked in groups to learn how to appropriately use the three point lighting system. Doc Chris went around the room to make sure each student learned how to properly use the three point lighting system.

Expectations: I expect to apply the three point lighting system to the shots that I take in the future.