Time for a recap.....ACTION!!!!

Well, there's not enough to be said about last week's class, considering that it was dedicated completely to discussing how our short film projects were coming up. For those who had started, it was a good time to let us know what their successes were, as well as what drawbacks they encountered. They did a really great job by giving all of us some very good advice in order to make good use of our shooting time.

And oh...before class, a senior honors/film major student showed us the final piece of his movie he had been working on for almost a year,if I got that right. Honestly, for a movie that was written and directed by this student,I feel that there is something to definitely love about it. Although it was obvious that this movie didn't win the hearts of many in the class, I love the enthusiasm with which the student presented and answered the questions that were thrown at him after the movie. On one hand, I was grateful that he showed this movie at a time that we are preparing to do something similar, although within a relatively shorter time. First of all the movie made me think for a second about the importance of lightning, in our short films. Although I'm not sure if that was done on purpose, the main problem with the movie, in my opinion was the lightning. Although the best was done, I still think that it could have been much better. Also, it looked as though the complete thought (plot) of the story was not made elaborate enough in the movie. It was when he told us about the story, that I could understand the movie better. Maybe I was just too slow. :( Overall, I think that he did well, although it could have been better.

Next, Eric went through some movies with us online, pointing out things that were worth knowing; shots, sound effects, etc. Class was much dedicated to all the things to expect or do whilst getting the project done.

About an hour to the end of class, we divided out into our respective groups, where we discussed what the present and future plans concerning our projects were. Our group used this opportunity to make final touches to our script, as well as make sure that we had al props ready for the project. Although we don't start shooting until April, I feel that we are ready to get this done. Goodluck to whichever group is shooting now...and Happy long awaited Spring break to all of us... :)

Scene 8 Take 1......ACTION!!!

For a movie that started off very nicely, got me interested and kept my interest up until somewhere past halfway, it is hard for me to admit that I didn't like "The Player." In last week's class, I deeply appreciated the importance and the relevance of the discussions we do in class after watching a movie. Thanks to these discussions, I would have had no idea what "The Player" was all about.

The movie started off with really wonderful shots and the interesting signature of Robert Altman; people constantly talking. It was interesting to see how this feature was maintained throughout the movie, with every scene leading on the other spontaneously without a trace of suspicion. However, as the movie came to a close, I paused, took a look at my "critical viewing guide", shook my head in shame and thought to myself "why is this paper still blank?" I had written nothing except for the words "Nudity, Language and romance."

"The Player" talks about a movie producer who had to have the time and the patience to listen to a countless number of writers, who all wanted their scripts to be picked for a movie. However, after receiving several postcards that threatened him, Griffin tries to find whoever it was. In the anger and his quest to achieve his aim, he ends up killing an innocent writer, and eventually fell in love with the victim's girlfriend. As interesting as it might get, Griffin Mills gets away with his act.

It was during the class discussion that I realized that although the movie had a lot of romance, nudity and other forms of languages, it belonged to the Film noir genre. It then made sense to me, why the parts of the movie were put together, the way they were. Robert Altman, the director also seemed to bring to the audience, the reality behind the movie business and what goes on in getting a movie studio running. He tried to explain the uncertainties that come with the movie businesses and the risk associated with being involved in the movie-making business.

Overall, the class discussions helped a lot by clearing up the confusions that I had whilst the movie was about to end. There is without a doubt,a lot to learn from this movie. It does bring the competition that goes on and the risks involved in getting into the business. No matter how confused I was, I came out of class with one thing learnt ; HUMILITY and PATIENCE conquers ALL!!! Thanks to Robert Altman!!
*CUT*

Scene 7 Take 1......ACTION!!!

So last week, we had a short film planning workshop. Eric showed some videos that really proved to be helpful by the end of class since most of us got a lot of ideas from the videos that were shown. A variety of videos were shown; from those that gave ideas as to what films to make, to videos that gave important ideas on how to make a movie on a small budget and others that exposed us to props, special effects and other things that would definitely be useful, as we prepare to begin our short films.

I should admit that I have wonderful, and understanding group members and I am really excited to be working with such a group of hardworking intellectuals. :) During the small group meetings in class last Thursday, our group got together to discuss what we have so far and in what direction we are headed. As always, we had a successful meeting, because we were able to do some editing on our script, decide on certain important factors like sound, locations, etc.

Although a final decision has not been made as to what our script should be like, I believe that our group is on the right track and in a good position to start shooting. Being the last group to take our shots, we have adequate time to prepare in order to make the best of this advantage. Once again, I am really indebted to my group members, and I can't wait until we start shooting..Fun....Fun FUNN....*CUT*