So during week 6’s workshop we were sent out to film a long shot. Basically a sequence all within 1 take. This was quite a fun, interesting and challenging exercise. It was fun, because our group decided to pull off something very cheesy and memey. The hard part was actually setting up and literally acting on the spot for one take. So we had to improvise on the spot, considering we only had like 1 hour to film. So our group decided to film a cheesy sequence about two guys separated by lava, actually they’re just playing the floor is lava and do it all in one shot. It took a couple of takes before we were satisfied with one. But anyways, the video is up on Matt’s vimeo.

https://vimeo.com/211863785

During week 6’s lectorial we were given advice on how to be Media Operators. And by that it means, learning how to organize our productions and handling with the public. Because when we go out to work on a project, there needs to be some procedures we have to deal with first in order to get the production rolling. Such as when we’re filming someone else, it is important to get their permission to film, and also we have to use common sense and not bring certain props that can cause a lot harm for the public eye, even if it really is nothing. Getting permission and letting the public know, is an important job in being a Media Operator. Organization is key when making a successful production.

We also looked at previous student’s interview assessment. I always find these really handy, because when you have an idea in your head, but not sure if it’s the right thing to do. Seeing an example really just confirms whether you want to go ahead with your original idea or do something different. It also lets us see and maybe give us motivation on to one up other students. Well I’m hoping my interview will go well, now knowing the previous competitions and how to work with my interviewee.

In week 5 workshop we where given a camera and asked to go around and shoot footages for an interview. It was our first time using the camera, it was a Sony MC50. It was my first time using this camera, and I was very uncomfortable with it, since I normally use my own cameras. And from what I see, it was a very simple camera, because I’m use to using the Panasonic AG-HPX250 P2 HD, which is a complex camera, so using a simple handy-cam, really threw me off a bit. Our group went out to shoot about RUSU. We were able to o setup the interview and get all out shots needed for the exercise. However there was one big problem, when we got back to the class, we realised none of our sound was recorded. We don’t know what happened, we follwed the manual and all our settings were in order, but our sound wasn’t recorded. What this does do for us, was teach us to double check and triple check our equipment. We should’ve probably apporached the task with more patience and check our footage with headphones on. Well at least we’ll know dor next time.

Week 5 lectorial was actually probably one of the most engaging and interesting lectorial for myself that is. I was really interested and engaged in what Louise had to say. Because I was for once giving my 100% attention, most other days I’m probably around 50% to 70% engaged. But for this, I was engaged and interested in how to conduct interviews. Why is that? The biggest reason is my youtube channel. I would sometimes go out to conventions and film myself giving interviews to con-goers. I already know I’m not the best interviewer and I get nervous as well, but I’m pretty sure we all do at some point, especially when it comes to speaking with strangers. But the tips she gave us in the lecture really helped me grasp a better understanding and gives me knowledge on how to improve my interviewing skills for the future. I love how she talked about the 5 Ws “Who, What, Where, When and Why” It made me realized what I was doing wrong and what I was doing correct. I hope I come out of this next assessment a better interviewer, and I hope I can make a huge step from the kind of interviewing I’m doing casually.

For those curious on what kind of interviews I do, here is a video of me and my adventures at Madman Anime Festival 2016.

Nostalgia is one of those things you just experience every so once in awhile. What is nostalgia, well according to Dictionary.com “a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’slife, to one’s home or homeland, or to one’s family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time:” Well for the last couple of weeks, I’ve been getting this feeling. Mostly because I recently watched the 2017 Disney live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. I must say, I didn’t know what to expect going into this movie. I never saw any of the trailers, nor was I really that interested, until I heard it was a musical. For an adaptation of the original 1991 film, this was done very well in my opinion. The fact that they kept most of the story intact and faithful to the original while also adding more characterization to some of the supporting cast and some the main made this one enjoyable film to watch. I remember watching the original as a kid, singing and dancing to the songs. Now that the live action basically sung the same songs, but in a more modernize version. The songs that were stuck in my head years ago, are now back, because this live action reminded me of how much I love this story. When I was watching this, it just brought back so many nostalgic memories of the original. Unlike the original, where I was going in with unknowing head in the plot. This one I was just literally constantly being reminded of what’s going to happen next, but only in live action, because I remember all these plot and story progression from years ago. This is a great movie for those who loved the original, as it’s very faithful, while also adding more. It’s great for a nostalgia trip, the songs are just as good as I remembered, with a catchyness that just doesn’t leave the head too easily. If I were to rate this film, I give it a solid 4/5.

Oh how this week went. After watching Cal Newport talk about how “Follow Your Passion” is a bad advice, it got me thinking on what he really meant, because I have always been following my passion. The thing is I had always wanted to do something in film and media, ever since I picked up a camera at age 10. I use to record short films on my phone back then in the lowest res quality, but I though it was an achievement because I was able to make a story come to life. I have always had a passion in the media industry. My parents being the stereotypical Asian parents have always told me to try and pursue a career of being a doctor or a lawyer, but I have always refused that path as it’s something I’ve never been interested in. I’ve always stuck to my goals, and every little thing I do, I always think as its a step closer to my goal. I have Youtube channel, even though I know my content maybe boring and definitely not appealing to the majority of the audience, but it’s one way to let my creative side out, by just simply making content. I just really like making videos, and it’s always my passion to keep going from it. So I’m exactly 100% agreeing on Cal Newport, but I can see where he is coming from. I’ve had a goal since I was very young, I have always been following it and improving myself along with it. I think the moral of the story is, never give up on your goals, no matter hard it is. Push through it and think of ways on how it can be done, because nothing is impossible, don’t let your dreams be dreams. Now I just sound like Shia Labeouf. But to be honest, that speech a couple of years ago, even though it’s a great meme, it was actually pretty motivating.

One thing about me is I’m a huge Jpop Idol fan. Although I don’t follow many groups in the idol industry, the ones I do follow, I follow to a point of worshiping them. For those who don’t know, Idols are basically pop stars, usually in the Japanese or Korean music industry. However it’s not just limited to them, other countries throughout Asia have them as well, its just that Japanese and Korean are the more noticeable ones. Idols are usually presenting as pure celebrities, meaning they can’t be a scandal or even be involved in a relationship. Because idols are for the fans and their fantasy. Every idol is required to meet the requirements of being pure, although there are some exceptions to some idols. Why do I love idols? Well maybe because their music is catchy, or maybe because of the cute girls, but honestly I kind of just love the culture and sometimes the fanbase. I’ve been to an idol concert, in fact I’m the picture above. I’ve been to screenings with other idol fans and cheered the group with many other fans. Honestly its the fandom which I can get behind, because the majority of us are so supportive to them, we feel like we’re part of the group, because we can also make the concert a show by using the penlights to light up and chant in rhythm with the singing.

You’re probably wondering why I’m talking about Idols all of a sudden. Because in our Media lectorial a couple of weeks ago, we talk about how media is everywhere and influences us. Idols are part of the media industry, the media wants to present them as pure celebrities, we can always look up to and not worry about a scandal, because they bring smiles to our hearts. But also Idols have a lot roles to play as well, besides singing, they are often asked to participate in many other activities, such as advertisement and game shows. Because Media is everywhere and it got me thinking, Media is also within other Media, and the cycle can just continue.

So in week one we talked a lot about hyper and deep attention, and it got me thinking on where I fit in this category. I remember growing up I have always been Hyper attention. I remember during the days after school, my mum will always tell me to do my homework straight away. I would do them, however I would never do it in silence, because when the room is just quiet and there is no sound to be heard, it just bothers me and I cannot focus properly. Maybe it’s because I have a short attention span, I usually can get bored quite easily. So I would always turn the tv on, and have some music playing in the background. I know right, you’re probably asking yourself, how could this guy focus on his work when all these noise and distractions are playing. Well it’s true I do get distracted sometimes, but I’m able to multitask efficiently with entertaining myself while also boring my self with homework. I could never really get down to focusing on one task at hand. I remember the days where I would have to write essays in silent, and I would literally get bored and start dozing off while writing it. However, with the addition of something playing in the background, I was able to finish properly. Even in Lectorials now, I sometimes can’t focus properly, unless I’m checking the time every once in awhile and pretending to sing a song in my head. I try to resist the urge to check social media, but it’s just a part of me now, so I’m always checking it up. I think with growth of social media, most people tend to be hyper attentive, because it’s now just in the palms of our hands, considering the majority of us have phones.

So I came to class a bit late today, I miss out on the reading discussions.

So today was finally the last day for us to get feedback on our project brief 2 self portrait. We were all able to share what we have created and able to give feedback to each other. The point of this workshop was to let us show our finish product, although finished is an understatement. Because of the criticism and suggestions we got from each other, most of us, if not all of us went back to our editing timeline and made the few adjustments we heard from our fellow peers. I myself enjoyed my criticism and they were able to answer the problems I had with my self portrait. So I went back to Premiere Pro and began editing and touching up the parts my fellow classmates picked up on. With clock ticking down on our first assessment, I can already feel some pressure towards my last minute touch ups before submitting.