Reflection: 4/7/11

Reflection
What knowledge is being reviewed? What new knowledge has been introduced?
With the final wave of the music video presentations, the same common knowledge was reviewed one final time. The general descriptions, meanings and uses of the various camera techniques, colors and lighting and the unique and common characteristics of music videos. Some of the new pieces of knowledge I learned originated with Bryce's presentation, whose chosen music video was somewhat unique to normal ones discussed by other students. Instead of common footage, most was flashing lights and if there were footage, it tended to be black and white. Bryce's explanation of the use of lights explaining how the light's contributed to repetition and randomness, as well as how, in addition to the black and white footage, told the story of how something small appeared in the big city. While not ideal, the lights effect in editing can be used to make out a sense of whimsicality. The black and white filter also allows films to be almost a memory, as if recalling sadness or importance.
What film studies skills are being reviewed and practiced?
After the presentations, we continued to work on the music video. Because we needed extra footage due to the inadequacy and qualitative lack, we proceeded to collect the replacement footage required. However, instead of using complex camera techniques, we made static shots to accommodate our group member's setback on dancing skill. Aside from generalized filming, we also practiced editing, finally starting the process. In accordance to characteristics of music videos described as part of presentations and personal research, we crafted the storyline with conceptual clips, and predominantly used short cuts to enhance dynamics of the music.
Evaluation
How successful was I in achieving my goals today and why? How could I/my group make use of time more effectively?
We successfully collected adequate footage and made a fairly good start on the editing of the music video. Even though we did not go very far in part due to the use of splinter cells and the last of the music video presentations, we managed to get on track, entering the final stages of this project. My group and I made excellent use of our time. The splinter cell tactic did inhibit progress a bit because in the case of editing, it is best if there were a team, however, we managed to partition tasks which meant we were able to complete multiple tasks. It would be better if we could be more efficient in the way we make less screw ups particular in filming.
How did I interact in class/group today?
In the entire class, I acted as feedback personnel. To the following members, I gave the following comments:

• Dean - Good analysis, more reading less talking, lack of terminology (most areas), somewhat vague, very descriptive
• Anne: Colors well explained, more talking less reading, explained relevance, rambled a bit
• Bryce: Somewhat unsure, slow speech and rambled a bit, good analysis of music video editing
• Davis: Lack of visual presentation, more lecture, formal, good analysis, more reading less talking.

In group, I acted as the cameraman in filming. I mainly coordinated things on sight while my classmates acted out their roles as characters. I also briefly helped in editing, organizing the overall style and jump-starting the actual editing, putting together some of the first clips.