Reflection 27th February 2012

Today in film, we worked on interview techniques and angles. We rotated through several roles as a group of 5 with each member getting a chance to act as a cameraman, camera assistant, sound tech, interviewer and interviwee. We devoted most of the lesson to this, perfecting the phrasing of questions, as well as the correct demeanor and the correct series of camera angles to intersperse in an interview. Though we were productive this lesson, more preperations need to be made before we can go out to the field, we still have to organise interviews and we still have to hone our skills at and in front of the camera.

Reflection February 21st

Today in film, we started by considering interview questions which we would interview our subjects. We then learned an important lesson in note taking: We had previously not taken note of the model of the camera we were using to film. As a result, we were not allowed to borrow another one until we were given the model of the camera (Panasonic HD/HS 900). This informed us that our notes were not as extensive as we had previously belived them to be. After this, we went over the correct procedure for putting away headphones, before spending some time reviewing camera basics We finished up going over the basics of microphone use.

February 17 Reflection

Today in film, we discussed mainly camera operations. We first outlined the components of all camera, namely viewfinder, lens, battery and format. We spent some time going over correct procedure for setting up the camera, as well as how to operate the camera and how to operate the supporting tripod. There was also some discussion of the various features of the camera, such as manual focus adjusting and manual white balancing.  We finished by using the camera and tripod combo to take several shots, a long shot, a medium shot and a close-up. This has prepared us adequately for the physical filming of our documentary, and now all we have to worry about is the actual execution and editing. In short, our troubles are far from over.

February 13th Reflection

Today in film, we prepared a presentation on our film. We went into further detail on the execution of each previously discussed component (beyond the “elevator pitch). We described details such as: the style of documentary we wanted to embody (1980’s David Attenborough-style documentary)and the style of opening scene we would use (parody of a British style documentary, man walking down a street dictating). However, many of our concepts were not thought out well enough, as a result our presentation did not go as well as it could have, with our visual cues not being fully utilized and our ideas not being completely articulated. For the next lesson, we should seriously think our ideas through, so as to be more prepared.

Feb 9 reflection

In film class today, we further discussed our documentary, specifically what we wanted to be in it beyond a concept. After some deliberation, we decided to interview restaurant owners, some CIS staff and some random people on the streets. We also decided to include segments on the history of each dish, as well as delving slightly into the preparation of each dish. We then began thinking about the execution of each of these ideas, deciding to set up our documentary as semi-satirical. Finally, as a result of our ideas being finalized, we were able to come up with a title for our documentary that embodied all of our desires: Lord of the Fries.

Sound of Music

I've been hearing about this movie for a while, but I've had no interest in it. I recently was made to watch it, and found it not lacking. The first half reminded me eerily of Yellow Submarine, with music bringing happiness and joy back into a place previously lacking said emotions. The second half was an interesting statement on the conflicting views of a veteran given the chance to fight again under the command of his enemy. I found however, that the ending seemed rushed, and not well executed. The film was also incredibly cheesy, but then again what is a musical if not cheesy?

Film Reflection 3rd February

Today in film, we began discussing concepts for our documentary. In our group of three, we discussed several topics, eventually coming up with two conceptual ideas: one investigating the gentrification of Sheung Wan and one investigating why onion rings are much less popular than French fries. We aim on making the onion ring concept our final documentary: We will divide up our documentary between interviews with various people (on which of the two dishes they prefer), The history of either dish, The preparation of either dish and blind taste testing (possibly too gimmicky, will discuss). Overall I feel that our documentary, if executed correctly, could be a great piece of filmography, however our main challenge is making it good enough to be taken more seriously than just as a fluff piece investigating food.

February 1 Reflection

Introductory lesson to the film course. We spent some time in the beginning going over the rubrics, I’ve already narrowing documentaries I may use in the coming presentation: Namely Blue Planet, Supersize Me and An Inconvenient Truth. I was intrigued by the concept of setting film-making out as a scale: With Documentary being the Right-wing, Experimental being the Left-wing and Narrative being the center. I have also started to conceptualize potential issues I could focus on with the documentary, but so far have come up with nothing. Will think about that more as classes go on.

Interesting youtube video

No idea who made this, but it's weirdly funny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFCNVvvmxNw&feature=related&fb_source=message