Over the last 13 weeks, I had a number of inspiring moments over the media 1 course. Perhaps the first interesting moment for me was in week 3, where a lecturer named Kyla Brettle, who gave me some interesting advice regarding how to be a filmmaker, namely, forcing myself into uncomfortable and strange situations in order to get the best stories and shots one can. I also learnt important information regarding release forms, RMIT helping out with various legal troubles, and it being a good idea to build good relationships with landowners (as it would allow us to avoid any filming issues down the road).
http://www.mediafactory.org.au/oliver-clark/2015/03/17/weekly-reflection-3/
I think perhaps one my biggest “light-bulb” moments of creativity came to me with my Project Brief 2 – this one-minute, brief video showcased my basic personality traits, hobbies, and basic editing skills. Despite low-quality camera and editing equipment, I was able to produce a fairly high-quality short video. I used quick-witted humour mixed with epic, trailer-sounding voice-overs (I was very pleased to hear my classmates praising my voice and wanting me in voiceover roles when they make films in the future). The general surrealism and skill presented in this video was well received amongst the class and teachers, prompting me to decide to do a similar style for future projects.
http://www.mediafactory.org.au/oliver-clark/2015/03/25/project-brief-assignment/
When week 6 started, I received a 70% grade for my project brief 2, which I found pleasing and also an encouragement to continue with my style of quick humour mixed with false grandeur. I thought the potential use of found footage in my project brief 3 would be the perfect way to just that, and to a greater degree as well. However, I later found those thoughts to be poorly placed.
http://www.mediafactory.org.au/oliver-clark/2015/04/14/weekly-reflection-6/
When I submitted my project brief 3, I thought it was a good piece of film. However, the feedback was less so. I only got 63% on it, so I was curious as to what I could have done wrong. I learnt face-to face from Mr. Rowlands that I needed less found footage, and more of the person I was doing a video on. On top of that, I was informed that my voice-editing skills were less than perfect, with echoes from the voice-overs clearly present.
http://www.mediafactory.org.au/oliver-clark/2015/04/18/project-brief-3/
By week 9, it was clear I had entered a rhythm of simply writing any and all information I heard in the lectorials and workshops as my weekly blog reflection. I found this a useful way to retain that information as well as to present what I was learning throughout the week in a clear, chronological process. Classmates even say they follow my blog just because it is such a excellent record of the lectorials.
http://www.mediafactory.org.au/oliver-clark/2015/05/05/weekly-reflection-9/
I learnt a lot about editing, film legalities, and the need for criticism if I want to progress and succeed in the media industry. I learnt best from writing knowledge and getting information explained simply. I will have to look at other styles and skills if I want to grow within the media course.
Declaration and statement of authorship
- I have not impersonated, or allowed myself to be impersonated by any person for the purposes of this assessment.
- This assessment is my/our original work and no part of it has been copied from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made.
- No part of this assessment has been written for me/us by any other person except where such collaboration has been authorised by the lecturer/teacher concerned.
- I have not previously submitted this work for this or any other course/unit.
- I give permission for my assessment response to be reproduced, communicated compared and archived for the purposes of detecting plagiarism.
- I give permission for a copy of my assessment to be retained by the university for review and comparison, including review by external examiners.
I understand that:
- Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to exclusion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited.
- Plagiarism includes the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy my work.
I agree and acknowledge that:
- I have read and understood the Declaration and Statement of Authorship above.
- I accept that use of my RMIT account to electronically submit this assessment constitutes my agreement to the Declaration and Statement of Authorship
- If I do not agree to the Declaration and Statement of Authorship in this context, the assessment outcome is not valid for assessment purposes and cannot be included in my aggregate score for this course.
Oliver Clark