It's Been Nice! (Seventh Post)

Alright guys, I just wanted to inform you that last period I delivered my TED Talk to the class. I was pretty nervous going into it, but I think I performed fairly well. Before I delivered my speech, I has set a few main goals for myself during the TED Talk and they included:

1. Overcome any stage fright I might have- I have to admit, delivering a speech in front of all your peers is intimidating and, or course, I had a little stage fright. Luckily, I don't believe I showed it much, and I was able to act fairly normal. As the time passed, I became somewhat accustomed to my fear, and became more comfortable.
2. Speak from the heart- Of course I had note cards with me on the stage, and I was fine with reading some of the content on there, but I really wanted to focus on establishing my voice and speaking for what I truly believed in. I wanted to show what hard work can do for the audience and I think that my message was pretty direct.
3. Have Fun!- Besides giving a serious theme for my speech, I wanted to show what I went through to get to the point I am now at. I had a lot of fun learning things on my own, and I want to get a project like this every year. I think I did show how much I enjoyed this project with the dedication I put into my presentation.

Overall I think I delivered a solid presentation. I had flaws throughout, but I overcame them by quickly getting back on track. Was I the best presentation out there...NO of course not. But I did give my presentation my all, and that was the major theme of my project. If I were to be grading myself, I would give a 27 out of the possible 30 points. I worked so hard on my project because I am passionate about my work, and I wanted to get that across as well. I have to say that this is one of my favorite projects I was every given, and because of it I could really prosper.

Thank you guys for following m blog over these 7 weeks and don't think these posts won't come any longer. As long as I continue with my cinematography hobby, I plan to continue to post about my experiences and share about what I am doing. Peace.

P.s. As I promised, here is a copy of my final product (short film) that I worked ever so hard on. Although I stated in my presentation that I spent 6-8 hours on this project, I would have to say that is probably an underestimate. I worked a few more hours than 8 and I really enjoy the turnout. I hope you guys enjoy it as well! I loved making it and I would like to make similar products in the future.


 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvnjGcjMvz4

Blogs I Follow/Comment On

List of blogs I follow and comment on:
1. http://stringingskills.blogspot.com/
2. http://quadroflcopter.blogspot.com/
3. http://peartisapunkpalmerisagod.blogspot.com
Week 2:
4. http://theartofwarsc2.blogspot.com
5. http://jspitt.blogspot.com
6. http://samkesgeniusproject.blogspot.com
^They are here they just look invisible
Week 3:
7. http://doingthe3.blogspot.com
8. http://21cmr.blogspot.com
9. http://aslin7weeks.blogspot.com
Week 4:
10. http://wissahickoncompliments.blogspot.com
11. http://designsbyjennyd.blogspot.com
12. http://igotthemagicdansmoi.blogspot.com/
13. http://introtojavaprogramming.blogspot.com
14. http://16jabrams.blogspot.com/
15. http://benowitzianblog.blogspot.com/

Final Product Explanation (Sixth Post)

What's up guys? As you know I have been working on editing my final product for the Genius Project. After using all of equipment and all resources at my disposal, I have worked very hard to create a short film. It is fairly short, but it is a huge improvement since first starting the project. I will later post part of the product  and/or a film a took before undergoing this project (depending if the product is small enough to fit on here. Videos put through the programs I am using typically are multiple gigabytes). There will be significant differences between the two, as you will see, that I will point out.

http://www.researchtrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/RH1-byte-scale.jpg

Anyways, I am going to explain to you the process I underwent and will continue to use to complete my product. First off, I had to begin with an idea (obviously). I decided that the best way to display all of the skills, especially editing, I learned would be through a fictional plot. I then drew up a quick storyboard, and began recording. It is mostly just about a dream, where most anything can happen. I am using my brother as the subject of my video, and I act as a director and shouted commands to him. I also had to set up each shot. I am using my greenscreen as a background to most of my video, so I can make it almost anything I want, and incorporated all the phases I practiced in the shots I recorded (I also planned ahead to incorporate my springbreak destination as a setting in my video). Now that I am done recording, I will continue to edit my clips for the rest of the I have until the presentation. This is the most time consuming part of the process. 

http://ugacreativeconsultants.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/url1.jpeg

Unfortunatly my product will most likely lack an amazing plot that some might expect. Although cinematography is the focus of my project, I did not include storyboarding in my steps. I wanted to focus more on the actual recording and editing aspect of filmaking, and I had to cut storyboarding out of the process if I wanted to make more progress in the designated areas. So there you have it; the basis of my final product. As I have stated I will try to post that once I am done, but for now, peace!

Final Step Completed (Fifth Post)

Hello guys. As the Genius Project presentation approaches, I am proud to say that I have completed the final step on my checklist, "Finalize Videos with Transitions and Tweaks." This was surprisingly one of the more simple tasks on my list because this step comes after the the "hard" editing. As I have previously said, I used Final Cut X to complete this step and, having prior knowledge in similar programs, this made the step also simpler than the others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFhk-aM9sM8 helped to show me simple features that I will be using primarily when compiling my clips. This video was extremely helpful as it was clear, concise, and provided a major visual aid. Having prior experience with iMovie, a similar program, helped me to catch onto the basics of this program, such as figuring out when transitions are and are not appropriate. Final Cut X comes with many preloaded features that make my time in the program much more simple than editing in Adobe After Effects (which is more creative-based), per se. http://www.izzyvideo.com/final-cut-pro-x-tutorial/ was also an awesome resource. This website was a hub for multiple tutorials in which I could pick and choose what I needed to work on. I learned more about the advanced featured within the program, such as color correction, that could be useful in my final product or just in the future. It was reliable, as I checked other sources and tested it out, and was an easy source to navigate as well. 

http://pca.tv/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/final_cut_pro_x.bmp.jpg

I also would like to spend this blog post discussing my final product, the short film. I have been recording and also spending much time editing it. This is a very time consuming process, and also condenses clips into shorter amounts of time (making my film shorter). It feels as though my hard work might be undermined because of it. Now of course just because it is a shorter film doesn't mean its worse, but I hope that I do a well enough job, in my presentation, explaining a basis of the work professional video editors must undergo to produce the major motion pictures that are often taken for granted. I am working hard on this final product and will most likely post a vlog or preview of it as soon as possible. Anyway guys, see you later. 

Product Soon to Follow! (Fourth Post)

Hey guys I'm here with another Genius Project update. This past week I have been studying, as you have probably guessed, shot composition and editing effects. What I worked on improving this week was my shot composition. These are a few basic rules that can make your shots seem "more professional", as well as make them look like I spent much more time recording them. Once again, http://courses.iddl.vt.edu/DEDCM001/sa/11sacompostion.html came to the rescue with providing me with substantial information on cinematography. Some basic rules of composition are: simplicity, rule of thirds, and natural framing. All of these rules can help to make you shot look nicer, and easier to edit afterwards. Simplicity means what you think it does, choose a simple setting to record. Rule of thirds basically divides the camera screen into nine equal squares (divided by two horizontal and two vertical lines), and aligns the subject along one of them. Finally, natural framing sets natural "frames" within your shot. http://photoinf.com/General/NAVY/Composition_and_Basic_shots_or_sequences.htm also provided other composition rules more about the subject than the scene. When recording a subject you should never end at a set part of their body (i.e. chin), and also you must give them head room and room to "walk". You will see examples below.

The second phase I completed was video editing. I actually lucked out this week because I got assigned a project in social studies, in which I also have to edit clips. I basically have to make  a commercial for a game that the class designed. So, in essence, I get to kill two birds with one stone. As you also know,  used Adobe After Effects to edit the shots I took for the commercial, and I also used my green screen in a majority of the shots I took thus far. http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/adobe-after-effect-tutorials-beginners-intermediate-advanced-users/ was an AMAZING website I used as a hub to many different tutorials for After Effects. Due to After Effects steep learning curve for its users, it provides a huge array of anything from basic and broad tutorials to advanced and focused tutorials. It was multiple sources in one. Anyway, after learning how to bring clips into the program, key frame them (basically moving, sizing, or spinning objects as a clip can be playing in the background), and keylight clips into other clips. This process involves using a green screen to place objects in different background footage, and was used in my commercial, as you will see below. Editing is a pretty lengthy process, therefore I do not have a ton of examples to show to you guys. Which brings me to my next point: besides the process being lengthy, I am also a low-level beginner, and my work might not seem amazing. However, it definitely is a new skill.

Vlog 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2nF73lq1wM
Well that's all I have this week. Next post I will probably be unveiling my final product. Bye.

Work, Work, Work! (Third Post)

Hey guys! The past few days I spent time learning about my equipment, as well as camera angles, movements, and shot framing. 

Below, I posted the first and second renditions of my vlogs! I will be posting vlogs for most, if not for all, the phases I will be completing. This is opposed to doing one blog mid-project. The first vlog is simply me speaking over a video of myself setting up equipment, to "Understand How to Use Equipment". I wanted to show you I was familiar with my equipment and that I know how they work. I actually do not show me utilizing the green screen in the video, but you will get to see that in action in a future video.

http://youtu.be/9C2iW4URaT4
(I tried to upload this on Vimeo but it was sadly too large. Also, Blogger only seems to allow one video to be embedded per post so this one is a link.)

As you can see, I undetstand how to set up the camera, tripod, and green screen. Now, of course, I must utilize their abilities. Some helpful tricks I learned specifically about a tripod from http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-your-tripod-its-not-as-simple-as-you-think, will overall improve my shots. These basic tips, such as placing one of the tripod legs at the subject to open up the shot, are simple things that most people don't know can improve your shot.

Anyway, the next phase I completed, Phase 2, was "Learn Appropriate Camera Angle Use/Camera Movement". As I previously explained (blog post 1), http://courses.iddl.vt.edu/DEDCM001/sa/index.html provided me with a majority of the camera angles and movements I can use in my recordings. Listen to the vlog for further explanation of each angle and movement. Not only did I learn about what the purpose of basic camera angles and movements, I also learned some helpful shots that I can possibly use in my final product, mostly from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jURepXxuiGE. For example, one of these shots is called the "zolly" shot. In the "zolly" shot, the camera is moved away from the subject while the videographer zooms in at the same speed. This provides a very cool effect of the frame opening up although the subject and/or camera does not seem to be moving. Unfortunately I do not have a dolly which is required for this shot, but I can use a the trick of sliding my camera aross a tabletop while it is on a towel, that I learned from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbeVSx1Gf4k. A attempted to perform this below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZi5bGhE_7c
(I tried to upload this on Vimeo but it was sadly too large.)

There you have it. The majority of the shots and movements videographers use in real movies. I will be using them as well in my final product and movies I make on from here on out. Each of these outlined frames, movements, and angles have very different uses. With camera frames, for example,  an extremely long shot (ESL) can be as an establishing shot before getting into the heart of a scene. This is unlike the extreme close up (ECU), which is more used to feel better connected to the subject. In terms of camera movements, a dolly shot or truck shot, for example, can be used to spruce up a scene, as opposed to stationary shots throughout the whole scene. Finally, with the camera angles, as I explained, a higher angle can portray the subject as weaker, and vice versa with a lower angled shot. 

Ok then, I guess that is it for this blog. See you guys soon! Peace.

Blogs I Follow/Comment On

List of blogs I follow and comment on:
1. http://stringingskills.blogspot.com/
2. http://quadroflcopter.blogspot.com/
3. http://peartisapunkpalmerisagod.blogspot.com
Week 2:
4. http://theartofwarsc2.blogspot.com
5. http://jspitt.blogspot.com
6. http://samkesgeniusproject.blogspot.com
^They are here they just look invisible
Week 3:
7. http://doingthe3.blogspot.com
8. http://21cmr.blogspot.com
9. http://aslin7weeks.blogspot.com
Week 4:
10. http://wissahickoncompliments.blogspot.com
11. http://designsbyjennyd.blogspot.com
12. http://igotthemagicdansmoi.blogspot.com/
13. http://introtojavaprogramming.blogspot.com
14. http://16jabrams.blogspot.com/
15. http://benowitzianblog.blogspot.com/

Material List (Second Post)

Hello blog readers! As you know I am practicing the art of cinematography and I would like to give you a rundown of the materials and software I will ultimately be using for the duration of this project.

Camcorder (Sony CX260V):

http://www.costcentral.com/product-images-new/sony-hdr-cx260v-b.jpg

To record the videos I will be taking I will be using the Sony CX260V. This is an HD camcorder that records in qualities up to 1080p. 1080p is often to referred to as "full HD", and is known for having 1080 horizontal lines of vertical, distinct pixels. Basically, it provides a crisper and more clear image than non-HD recordings. This camera has a 55x optical zoom, meaning that it can zoom in on an object 55 times more than regularly recording with it, and also 8.9 megapixels. A pixel is a small, square shaped objects found on displays that, with many, produce images on screens. Pixels make up your television screen, computer screen, and so on. The greater amount of pixels, my camera having a high amount, the more clear the image is once again. This camera can also be screwed onto a tripod, which brings me to my next material I am using for this project.


Tripod:

http://photocrati.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/sunpak-ultra-757-tripod.jpg

I will be using a 50" tripod, with a mini-tripod, to record steady shots for the videos I will be taking. Tripods allow the user to move their camera in a smooth pattern, so the shots aren't steady and unprofessional.  Camera motions can make or break a video and a tripod will make my shots much nicer.

Add caption

Software (Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro X):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Adobe_After_Effects_CS6_Icon.png

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAjBFyx0BEo668n9iT9i7Yj2Kxv2g-g7p31jY31v787eFt-244fcPuuoHyR1H7gJUG3PKtWvtqcXAFAa6AKHIuURYSTBKrDkaep07w79FTU4JB7xLdFcsctXVaJT1vyaV64guGhRpTag/s1600/final-cut-pro-x-logo.jpg

After I record the videos I am making, whether for a test video or my final product, I will do the editing in Adobe After Effects. The possibilities in After Effects are endless! With a creative mind and general knowledge of the program, I can create an explosion, make a man get struck by lighting, or anything else I can think of. This program will be challenging to use but with the help of reliable resources I will be able to figure it out. After I have recorded and edited my video clips, I will compose them in Final Cut before exporting my completed video. Both programs are a major step up from the default iMovie my mac provides me with.


Clamp Lights/External Microphone?

http://videocontestnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Reflector-Clamp-Light1.jpg

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/86469-a9dae2917d35d8b246d6ade5801c6f17.jpg

I am still yet to decide if both the clamp lights and external microphone are necessary for my project. The clamp lights are a substitute for expensive photography lights that are not in budget for this project. If I were to buy the clamp lights they would help me to light up my inside recordings and could only enhance my videos. The external microphone I am considering getting would also be a cheap purchase to increase the sound quality and range for my videos. The boom pole that I would get with it would allow for better sound pickup then the built-in microphone on my camera. Both purchases would be cheap, but I do not feel they would be completely necessary for the goal of this project. If I do find that I have time to use them and that they would be effective in my videos, I will sway further into buying them.

There you go, a complete list of the materials I will be using for my cinematography project and why. I hope you found this interesting and make sure to check back soon for my progress updates! Bye for now...
                                                 

Cinematography Introduction (First Post)

http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/worshiphousemedia/resource/images/main/s/cd/gra/cd/oldfilmreelcountdown.jpg



Hello, my name is Ethan. Approximately two years ago I received a small, non-HD Insignia camcorder for my birthday. This irrelevant, insignificant object slightly peaked my interest into the cinematic world. As I began to fool around with the camera and watch short films on Youtube, I would quickly grow to enjoy this hobby.

Almost one year after that day I received the second installment to my new videotaping collection; a big green screen. I had no idea what I was to do with this piece of equipment and, just as the use of camcorder, my interest of this hobby started to slowly die off. My ignorance in this category caused my disinterest.

Time passed and dust collected on my green screen until one day, I came across a video displaying a true understanding of camera techniques, special effects, and editing. It looked so professional that my interest was rejuvenated before I could grab my green screen and now broken camera.

Today I begin documenting my 6-7 week road to improving in cinematography for my 6-7 week long Genius Project!  My intentions at the end of the project are simple: create a short film utilizing filming techniques I will read and learn about. It will be jammed pack with higher-quality shots and edits than I have ever done. To make sure I meet where I would like to be at the end of the project, I will soon set myself time frames to work on certain aspects of cinematography. If I stick to a schedule, it will make the project much more enjoyable so I can do the work over a long period of time and create a fantastic end result. At the end of my project I will show my final product (short film) and compare it to a similar shot without technique, to measure my growth in cinematography.

The steps I will take to improve:
1. Understand How to Use Equipment
2. Learn Appropriate Camera Angle Use/Camera Movement
3. Understanding of Editing and Effects
4. Shot Composition
5. Finalize Videos with Transitions and Tweaks

To help me reach my goal of improving evidently on each of the steps listed above, I will use many sources I read about online or in a book. One major source I read today that I will be using is, http://courses.iddl.vt.edu/DEDCM001/sa/index.html (pictures below taken from here), is in association with Virginia Tech University and explains the purpose of specific camera angles, camera movements, and framing. For example, image A you see below is taken at a “high angle”. This is used to show lack of power, which is unlike image B showing a “low angle” shot used to display power or someone as sinister. This will be a great website to refer to when recording. I also browsed tutorials on http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials. They have a huge library of Adobe After Effects, one of the main editing software’s I will be using, which will be very helpful to refer to after recording.

A

B

It seems that this project will be challenging because I obviously will not be able to master cinematography in a matter of weeks. Besides the fact, I am greatly looking forward to starting and I think this will be very fun all together.

Well, that's all the information I gathered this week. I have gathered most of supplies I need and I am ready to start practicing with my new information. Oh before I go, I would like to share my first project checkpoint. On this upcoming weekend I plan to broaden my knowledge of my equipment and when to use it, but during the following week and weekend I would like to start storyboarding and film my original movie, before I incorporate any of the new things I will learn. Once I have this complete I can work on improving it and make a similar movie for my final product displaying how I can greatly change it and make it better. Until next week...