After my consult with Paul I have a more positive outlook on what I’ll be making for the rest of the semester. Whilst initially we had discussed the idea of the hidden struggles of sandwich making in class, I confessed to Paul that my interest in this had dissolved. Prior to the consult I had been floundering to think of an alternative idea. I was still interested in the phenomenon of learning a new skill or craft. That’s when I thought about creating media about surfing as I had recently started to learn to surf. I had always admired surfers and surf culture but hadn’t embraced it until recently as I was not very confident in the sea and knew very few people that surfed. However, not long ago I was thrust into the world of surfing and discovered and struggled with things I had never considered before. I pitched my idea to Paul and described not only my first experiences of surfing but where I had surfed. I was glad that Paul took this idea on board and inquired more about the small township of Sandy Point where I had first surfed. From here Paul suggested that I make my product not only about surfing but Sandy Point too. He also encouraged that I make it very personal after I had told him about my simple struggles such as tripping over the leg rope and putting on a wetsuit.

Prior to and throughout the consultation Paul reiterated that the class wasn’t making a short film. This did perplex me slightly as I was confused as to what I would be making exactly. It was then that Paul suggested I make 10 short exercises. I was excited at this prospect because it meant I didn’t have to make a longer sequence but could rather put together smaller clips that flowed naturally. This also meant I could include slightly more diversity which appealed to me as I can often become bored with one idea.

The consultation was incredibly helpful as I find that conversation is the best way to come up with ideas or solve problems. By talking about my ideas with someone I’m able to build upon them from their suggestions and then by expanding on these. Whilst my ideas are ambitious, they revolve around a topic which I’m passionate about which will help to spur me on.