Absentia as a series

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An essential idea the group established when we first brainstormed was to create a series that was entirely independent from the element of time. I realise I haven’t spoken about this concept on the blog, so here we go.

The thought was that if someone was to begin watching the series at any point, there would be no confusion as to what was happening. But the challenge was, how were we going to create coherent material that allowed people to jump around the episode order? So, we took this by the horns and adapted a non-linear sequence which completely eliminated a time concept. The pilot episode, which was established to be important in introducing the characters within a single space, was decided to be Hitch’s funeral. This would then be followed by an organic order of our character episodes, some with Hitch still alive and some (like mine) occurring after his death (in fact, my character flies to Melbourne because of his death).

2. Flame (by Julian)

3. Revive (by Vania)

4. Glass (by Paul)

5. Inhuman (by Darren)

6. Searching (by Tristan)

7. Cross (by Arthur)

We planned to implement consistent motifs and subtle character connections that would only be picked up by audience members who does see the series from start to end. An example of this is Hitch’s relationship with Britney and Max. Even though they all attend the same high school, their lives are quite independent from each other. However, a diligent viewer would discover that Hitch and Britney attend the same therapist, Ingrid, whose role in Max’s tale remains unestablished.

Another challenge we had to face is writing the series finale. Easily enough, we decided to maintain the non-linearity of the series and collaborate on the episode by writing our characters’ last or favourite moments with the Hitch character. Not only does this effectively resolve each of our characters’ plights, we also provide them with an element of closure, by reminiscing on what has been lost.

Final Week with the International Jobs crew

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After five or so hectic weeks of finding guests, stalking them (legally) and schmoozing to the bones, our Media 6 seminar was a success! Although we haven’t received our feedback from the tutors, the fact that there weren’t any major dramas we had to deal with during the seminar was a triumph.

Overall, I was very glad to have been part of this team. A small circle of team members made major decisions with different aspects of the seminar that we led, but every member was motivated to work on their responsibilities. What was amusing to see was that even though we lost a majority of third year Media students attending (it is Week 11 after all), there was a great number of students from other Communications courses AND outside of RMIT that attended, including some old friends of mine whom I didn’t expect to come (nor did I invite them exclusively). I was surprised to see a mature couple enter the lecture theatre (late) and wondered how they heard about the seminar.

Despite the exhaustion, I am very happy with how much time was invested into this seminar and grateful for all the friends of the team members that helped make this seminar a success. I will definitely miss the weekly catchups on Fridays and the crazy followups on Facebook. I can only hope that the audience members saw the positive in our efforts and that we would receive great feedback.

 

I’m a Media graduate, get me out of here!

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It’s been an interesting journey so far of ‘team leaders’ being throned and de-throned, transforming the group to a democracy. Though perhaps the most challenging aspect of the organisation process for me so far was the communication with the guests. Being professionals with their own itineraries and no particular incentive to join the seminar, it was initially difficult to get a commitment. I managed to lock down one within the first few weeks, Josh McNicol, to represent the “Communications” aspect of our course. Being a friend of mine was certainly a benefit, especially since Josh has had experience working with clients in Europe, North America and Asia.

Through intensive LinkedIn scouring I found Lee Rogers (Film & TV), whose education at UCLA led him to a career with ties in the States, the UK and Australia. He expressed some interest in the seminar, but would not commit. On my second email, I provided Lee with a rundown of the seminar, our background as soon-to-be graduates and photos from the TV seminar. Lee confirmed then, and proved to be a lesson for me in garnering trust from strangers and potential acquaintances by providing them with as much information as is available.

The third (initial) guest was Charles Crang, a digital media professional who worked in New York as an RMIT alumnus. The fact that he graduated from RMIT gave promise that he would be willing to help out. Utilising the same persuasion techniques as I did with Lee, with a side of flattery, Charles also gave his commitment. Unfortunately, he backed down three weeks before the seminar, with the promise of helping to find a replacement. The group, however, was quick to take action and invited Bernard Wee, a group member’s friend and emerging photographer from Singapore. Everything had worked out to a tee, and planning the logistics of the seminar kicked off.

A day into the seminar week, specifically last Monday, Charles got back to me and introduced Kate Collinson, a professional of the same calibre as himself. It was an opportunity that was too good to pass, not only covering four aspects of our Communications course but having both gender balance and racial diversity. After a quick consultation with Shelley and the steering committee, the group had to alter every aspect of the seminar including the structure, the questions, even the staging, to cater to four guests. Regardless of the last minute rush, having four guests in my opinion, was beneficial in making our seminar unique and attracting audience from outside RMIT.

My job doesn’t end there, however. Using what ‘connections’ I have, I reached out to friends and acquaintances from Melbourne and Monash University to help promote this “FREE and welcome to ALL” event. It’s now the night before the seminar and I am still promoting the event on Facebook, copywriting varieties of “Free event” and “Welcome to everyone”. I can only hope that tomorrow will go smoothly and that I will have enough energy to maintain a cool composure.