Over the weekend, I tried to film myself running…and as we all know this was a complete fail! I am brainstorming new ideas on how to make this possible (thank you to those who have already come up with ideas). I had one of those frustrating Capstone breakdowns, and definitely wished I had someone in the class to help at that moment. That’s why I think we should post on the blog our questions for instant feedback instead of waiting for class on Monday or Wednesday.

I know there will be many more frustrating moments to come- and sorry to say they will happen to most of you too! So here goes my first struggle blog post.

I am trying to shoot a close up shot of myself running from different angles which is really hard to do in motion. Does anyone have ideas on how to make this shot possible? Matt said to film from a slow moving car, and Megan suggested using the glider equipment. Any other suggestions?

Jonah first 7 pages Establishment

Hello fellow Capstoners! (and Professor Sikand)

Attached is roughly Act 1 and about 10 pages of Act 2 of my feature length screenplay “Buying Fate”. Feel free to read more than the few pages I discuss in class. I greatly appreciate all feedback!

Needed characters for in-class table read (scenes 1-6): scene directions, Kyle, Vincent, Brendon, Random People in crowd, Amanda, Mr. Stevens, Mrs. Stevens

Major questions:

1) How does the dialogue read? Does each character have a distinct voice? Does it seem like a 22-year-old girl wrote this?

2) Is the information provided through dialogue to help establish the world subtle or does it feel forced? Does it feel like too much information is provided at once?

4) Does it feel like there are too many characters?

5) Or is it not complex enough? Should it be more futuristic and scientific?

5) Any other comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Feedback? All is welcome and needed very much.

Thank you!

Buying Fate Capstone for Presentation

Ways I can be helpful

1. I can help others working on fiction scripts (Hubert, Cassidy, Nick, Chris, Andrew, John, Matt, Scott, and Li) with story flow and dialogue.
2. I can help people doing documentaries such as Matt (Greek life) or Jess (empathy) by being an interview subject or operating equipment.
3. Because Matt and I are the only two people doing feature length screenplays, I can help him with plot structure, character development, and give him ideas on what works and what doesn’t.
4. I can help Chris by being an audience member for his comedic web series so he has somebody to bounce jokes off of.
5. I can be an open ear for anybody having a difficult time and help them work through issues by providing a new perspective.

I’m currently reading a book about making documentaries for one of my other classes which has been extremely helpful in working on my capstone (although I wish I had read it before starting).  The book, which is called Documentary Storytelling has a section about going from raw footage to rough cuts to fine cuts to picture locks.  Reading more about the process has been extremely helpful in knowing what’s to come and also has made me reflect upon what would have made this project easier.  I think, in the future, given more time and perhaps more manpower, I will start working towards a rough cut through paper editing.  Transcribing interviews, especially when I am working with so many, would be helpful in determining story structure.  Rather than watching each clip over and over and trying to piece together cohesive bits of audio, I would simply cut and paste sections of the transcript into a readable outline of the story.  Unfortunately, I think I may be too far into the process for this to be extremely useful but I think that I will try typing up the audio of my current edit and try reading it to see if it makes sense.

While working on this project, I also hope to be a useful resource to other students.  In terms of narrative films, I am extremely interested in production design and could be helpful in creating props, designing/advising on sets, and a number of other tasks that would normally fall to the art department.  I have experience painting, sculpting, and drafting if any of these skills are needed.  Although I am not experienced in screenplay writing, I do have experience editing (in terms of writing mechanics) and have also read and watched a great deal of sci-fi/fantasy which could be useful for those looking to talk about ideas.  I can also help film if necessary and have picked up a number of useful sound recording techniques that may be helpful to those filming narratives or documentaries.  For those looking for actors, I have a number of friends in the theater department and would be more than happy to direct them towards capstone projects.  I may also be a useful resource for Matt’s Greek life project as I’m in a sorority and for Lauren’s essay in the form of research and editing help.

I have a camcorder, mic, tripod, and lighting kit that all are welcome to use.

I would always be interested in offering feedback on scripts and early edits of footage, and offering moral support.

I can help and be crew on a set.

I can spread the word of others projects if they need crew or cast. Or promotion in general

And I would be interested in being interviewed for any documentaries.

I have a car if anyone needed to use it!

 

• As a WA, I’d be more than happy to look over and peer-review scripts and screenplays for anyone.
• I’d be open to being interviewed for anyone’s documentary.
• I am not a very great actor, but I would be able to act out in small roles or short scenes if necessary!
• I can help film with anyone who might be shooting in downtown or on campus locations.
• I’d also be able to help with audio equipment or equipment set-up/management at shoots

Ways you’ll be able to help others in the class:

-I have a good eye for editing

-I’m a great listener

-I love to give feedback

-I have a photographic eye, so if people needed help setting up sets or getting a good shot of something with cinematography

-I am willing to help in all aspects, want everyone to succeed

I agree that collaborating with the other students in class is very important. We are all in the same boat and could use as much help as we can to make our Capstone’s possible. I know I will want some help in the editing room! I have already helped Matt McCann set up an interview with my mom in late September for his project on Greek Life at Lafayette. I also can brainstorm with Abby and Fabian about our scripts, because we are doing more personal projects that include our voiceover. I think it would be a good idea to meet as much as we can together. Jess’s project is about empathy- and I have definitely been referred to as an empathetic person- not to the extreme but I could possibly be interviewed as the happy medium between the two types of people she is studying. I don’t necessarily love being in front of the camera, but would definitely like to help other students on shoots- whether it’s sound, camera work, etc.