Alright, so this event I just attended and am back from; the midnight breakfast at Shepherd, which is done each semester the Sunday of finals week. I believe it used to be midnight to 2 am, but has changed to being 10 pm-midnight now, so students can get better sleep (and probably so commuters can more easily come).
This year, midnight breakfast was a little different; they did it in dining hall as opposed to the student center, which is a first as far as I've been here. The place was very crowded, there was a huge turnout, much larger than last Fall or Spring, The speakers were also very loud, obnoxiously so, but they weren't playing horrible music.
The thing about this particular event however, and why I chose to write about it, is that for once, everyone seemed pretty happy; it isn't often that there's that kind of atmosphere this time of year at an event at Shepherd, from my experience. Usually, people are pretty stressed about finals, from studying, and final projects, or other things, but everyone was in a pretty good mood it seemed. The atmosphere reminded me of how things were more regularly two or three years ago on campus, and the general mood was reflected in people's appearances as well; for example people didn't seem tired, they didn't come in their pajamas as they normally do, with messy hair; not that there's anything wrong with that, but I noticed people actually fixed themselves up specifically to come to this event.
What this signifies for me, as a cultural event, is the wrapping up of my college career here at Shepherd, on a pleasant note, and it has made me reminisce over times past, some better, some worse. It was nice to be left with a pleasant feeling, a general good mood, and no stress. Hopefully the campus continues to generate this atmosphere of good will into the future.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Comic Shop Frenzy
One of the places I've started to frequent very regularly is Beyond Comics in Shepherdstown. Several of my friends either work or go there, and it's become a sort of haven for me. One particularly interesting day there, was when I had decided to bring a lot of my action figures to go through with my friends. What I thought was just going to be a few people, turned out a little differently.
That day, just so happened to be the day that a comic book artist was signing comics at the shop, so there was a lot more traffic than usual, and there was a game going on (not Magic the Gathering this time, I think it was something Star Wars related). A lot more people came around than I had expected, and it was really cool getting to see this type of cultural event. There was a fairly diverse group of people aside from my friends, some of whom appreciated my figures when they saw what I was up to.
This event is somewhat different for me than the others because I was a part of it in a way, since my things were an attraction to those there. It's really cool to see the look on someone's face when they see something from their childhood that they haven't seen in years, and I was glad to share in it. I was also glad that the other two things were happening, the comic signing and game going on, so there were essentially three events going on at the same time (the third being my toys).
I'd brought around 7 or so star ships, a t-rex from Jurassic Park, a WWII German Panther tank, dozens of WWII figures, a couple hundred Star Wars figures, dozens of Lord of the Rings figures, and countless more. It was fun getting to be a part of everything that was going on, and nice that my friends and others could appreciate what I had, and what made memories for multiple of us as kids.
That day, just so happened to be the day that a comic book artist was signing comics at the shop, so there was a lot more traffic than usual, and there was a game going on (not Magic the Gathering this time, I think it was something Star Wars related). A lot more people came around than I had expected, and it was really cool getting to see this type of cultural event. There was a fairly diverse group of people aside from my friends, some of whom appreciated my figures when they saw what I was up to.
This event is somewhat different for me than the others because I was a part of it in a way, since my things were an attraction to those there. It's really cool to see the look on someone's face when they see something from their childhood that they haven't seen in years, and I was glad to share in it. I was also glad that the other two things were happening, the comic signing and game going on, so there were essentially three events going on at the same time (the third being my toys).
I'd brought around 7 or so star ships, a t-rex from Jurassic Park, a WWII German Panther tank, dozens of WWII figures, a couple hundred Star Wars figures, dozens of Lord of the Rings figures, and countless more. It was fun getting to be a part of everything that was going on, and nice that my friends and others could appreciate what I had, and what made memories for multiple of us as kids.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Prince Night
At the Town Run Brewery in Shepherdstown, in honor of Prince, because of his passing, they threw a last minute celebration of him. It was definitely interesting to go to. There were a lot of people there when I arrived, and even more coming in. People were everywhere once I got inside; dancing, at the bar, out on the terrace, at the tables, at the arcade games, etc.
A good quarter of the people at the event were on the dance floor, really going at it; some were pretty good, others not so much. Everyone was really into though, and it didn't matter if you were bad or good. I didn't dance though, not really my thing, at least at bars. The atmosphere was bustling overall.
The bar itself was pretty well surrounded by people, mostly conversing, and on the terrace people were in groups, and on the outside part too, where they have a few tables. What's interesting is that the drinking wasn't excessive seemingly, and generally isn't at the Town Run, in comparison to other bars. People get drunk, don't get me wrong, but it's not as overt. The atmosphere is pretty friendly there in general, and on this night in particular it was even more so.
I didn't end up staying til the end, but left to go to a friend's house. While I was there though, it was interesting to see how people took the death of a music icon, and how they in each of their own ways, were celebrating his music and honoring him.
A good quarter of the people at the event were on the dance floor, really going at it; some were pretty good, others not so much. Everyone was really into though, and it didn't matter if you were bad or good. I didn't dance though, not really my thing, at least at bars. The atmosphere was bustling overall.
The bar itself was pretty well surrounded by people, mostly conversing, and on the terrace people were in groups, and on the outside part too, where they have a few tables. What's interesting is that the drinking wasn't excessive seemingly, and generally isn't at the Town Run, in comparison to other bars. People get drunk, don't get me wrong, but it's not as overt. The atmosphere is pretty friendly there in general, and on this night in particular it was even more so.
I didn't end up staying til the end, but left to go to a friend's house. While I was there though, it was interesting to see how people took the death of a music icon, and how they in each of their own ways, were celebrating his music and honoring him.
Modeling Practice
When I went to MAIA Modeling and Talent Agency to talk about working for them, which I did, they were also having their modeling runway practice. Once I'd finished everything, I stayed a bit since my co-worker from my other job, Johnston & Murphy, was still there and instructing. She's the one who has helped set me up with this agency in the first place.
I got to see an insider's perspective of modeling and runway practice, as they were training for a show that is coming up. This of course is open for people to view, I just so happened to be there, and it was fairly interesting. All the little twists and turns, the head and body movements they make have to be right, and they have to time everything perfectly.
This wasn't the last time I saw them either, and I'm sure I'll see more in the future. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about being a runway model and all that goes into it. I'm looking forward to working with them in the future, though the runway practice going on around will take some getting used to, admittedly.
I got to see an insider's perspective of modeling and runway practice, as they were training for a show that is coming up. This of course is open for people to view, I just so happened to be there, and it was fairly interesting. All the little twists and turns, the head and body movements they make have to be right, and they have to time everything perfectly.
This wasn't the last time I saw them either, and I'm sure I'll see more in the future. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about being a runway model and all that goes into it. I'm looking forward to working with them in the future, though the runway practice going on around will take some getting used to, admittedly.
Deadpool Movie
So probably my favorite cultural event I attended was the Deadpool movie. I saw it three times, and each viewing got better. It was one of those films that was highly interactive with the audience, in that the character breaks the Fourth Wall and talks to the audience.
I was already planning on seeing the film, but the first time was earlier than intended; sort of an impromptu invite by some friends. The second time was as planned, although we also saw Hail Caesar! which was not very good; the pacing was off, and added in too many elements that were either not related or were too short in the film. I think the Cohen brothers have made much better films. After that however, we saw Deadpool, and it exceeded even my expectations, because the second viewing was better. The third time I saw it, I took a couple friends to see it, one of whom was a little skeptical, but came out quite pleased.
The thing about the Deadpool movie, is that it was a passion project by Ryan Reynolds, and although it has a simple story, it's done in a unique way (flashbacks from the main character as he's explaining everything, all the while breaking the Fourth Wall). It also was a hard R, something which was not expected to do well, but ended up being the highest grossing R rated film of all time. What this means is that the R rated film is making a comeback after the reign of PG-13 which has taken hold of Hollywood the last 10 years. Unfortunately what this means, is that studios will think that people just want hard R films, rather than films that are original and well done.
Probably one of the best films I've seen in a theater, and I highly recommend its viewing.
I was already planning on seeing the film, but the first time was earlier than intended; sort of an impromptu invite by some friends. The second time was as planned, although we also saw Hail Caesar! which was not very good; the pacing was off, and added in too many elements that were either not related or were too short in the film. I think the Cohen brothers have made much better films. After that however, we saw Deadpool, and it exceeded even my expectations, because the second viewing was better. The third time I saw it, I took a couple friends to see it, one of whom was a little skeptical, but came out quite pleased.
The thing about the Deadpool movie, is that it was a passion project by Ryan Reynolds, and although it has a simple story, it's done in a unique way (flashbacks from the main character as he's explaining everything, all the while breaking the Fourth Wall). It also was a hard R, something which was not expected to do well, but ended up being the highest grossing R rated film of all time. What this means is that the R rated film is making a comeback after the reign of PG-13 which has taken hold of Hollywood the last 10 years. Unfortunately what this means, is that studios will think that people just want hard R films, rather than films that are original and well done.
Probably one of the best films I've seen in a theater, and I highly recommend its viewing.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Auteur Theory and My Future in Film.
Auteur Theory is the theory that the "director is the author of the film." In a sense this is true; in a sense this is not. In films, there is a joint effort to make the story, between the writers and the director. The director is in charge of interpretation of the writing, and thus should share credit with the writers, but in Auteur Theory, does not. I personally do not agree with this non-sharing.
In the case of my film, since I actually wrote it, I'm both the writer, and the director; however, other people suggested ideas, so I am not the sole author of the film, though I am the main author. Other people had suggestions, and I listened to them, because they were good. I didn't put in every suggestion, and some I tweaked, but ultimately, while I was in charge of authoring the film and its direction, I was not the sole author anymore. I think Auteur Theory is very interesting, and has a lot of truth to it, but at the same time disagree that the director is the only author of the film, since they are not.
I made an effort to make the film being portrayed seem like something that could happen in real life, but because of the subject matter, a hitman, it is unlike everyday life, thus falling into Formalism as well. I think that Auteur Theory does a good basic job of explaining the director's authorship of a film, in general, and would agree that I am the primary author of my trailer, from its writing, to its direction, and with its editing as well. It was portrayed the way it was because of my interpretation, and it was interesting seeing these three theories play out in actual practice.
The project itself was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I got to do my first film. It's made me want to make more fake trailers, and go on to doing short films, perhaps even feature length at some point. I'll be working with the same people in the future as I did with this trailer too. It was a lot of work, but wasn't overbearing, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.
The trailer itself is not perfect, but is a good first step in my journey in film making I think.
For those who wish to see the trailer, just go to Breath Taker under Nathan Yessler on YouTube.
In the case of my film, since I actually wrote it, I'm both the writer, and the director; however, other people suggested ideas, so I am not the sole author of the film, though I am the main author. Other people had suggestions, and I listened to them, because they were good. I didn't put in every suggestion, and some I tweaked, but ultimately, while I was in charge of authoring the film and its direction, I was not the sole author anymore. I think Auteur Theory is very interesting, and has a lot of truth to it, but at the same time disagree that the director is the only author of the film, since they are not.
I made an effort to make the film being portrayed seem like something that could happen in real life, but because of the subject matter, a hitman, it is unlike everyday life, thus falling into Formalism as well. I think that Auteur Theory does a good basic job of explaining the director's authorship of a film, in general, and would agree that I am the primary author of my trailer, from its writing, to its direction, and with its editing as well. It was portrayed the way it was because of my interpretation, and it was interesting seeing these three theories play out in actual practice.
The project itself was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I got to do my first film. It's made me want to make more fake trailers, and go on to doing short films, perhaps even feature length at some point. I'll be working with the same people in the future as I did with this trailer too. It was a lot of work, but wasn't overbearing, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.
The trailer itself is not perfect, but is a good first step in my journey in film making I think.
For those who wish to see the trailer, just go to Breath Taker under Nathan Yessler on YouTube.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Formalist Film Theory
Formalism is sort of an opposite to Realism. Unlike Realism, Formalism holds that "the art of cinema is possible precisely because a movie is unlike everyday life..." according to Salisbury Edu.
What this means for me, is that the film I'm making, about a hitman, that while it has elements of realism, such as it not being fantastical, and it being grounded in something that could happen, at the same time there are elements of formalism, because this subject matter is not like everyday life for most people, and may not be realistic in many situations at all, as it is an interpretation of reality. My job as the director is to make this subject matter which is fantastical, appear to be realistic, so that the audience can see this happening in real life, but at the same time is being entertained because it is not something that typically happens in real life.
What this means for me, is that the film I'm making, about a hitman, that while it has elements of realism, such as it not being fantastical, and it being grounded in something that could happen, at the same time there are elements of formalism, because this subject matter is not like everyday life for most people, and may not be realistic in many situations at all, as it is an interpretation of reality. My job as the director is to make this subject matter which is fantastical, appear to be realistic, so that the audience can see this happening in real life, but at the same time is being entertained because it is not something that typically happens in real life.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Realist Film Theory
In Tony McKibbin's article on Realist Film Theory, realism is “a response to the genuine need to see men for what they are, with humility and without recourse to fabricating the exceptional; it means an awareness that the exceptional is arrived at through the investigation of reality," according to Roberto Rossellini.
In an antithesis to Hollywood and its glamour, realism in this aspect isn't trying to embellish the world.
What this means for me, in my research, and my application as a filmmaker, is that in exploration of realism, that I try to remain understated in my portrayal of people, but at the same time make the cinematography interesting and stylized without taking away too much from the realism, since I want my trailer to show realism. It's an interesting balance to try and keep, but one well worth the effort I think.
In an antithesis to Hollywood and its glamour, realism in this aspect isn't trying to embellish the world.
What this means for me, in my research, and my application as a filmmaker, is that in exploration of realism, that I try to remain understated in my portrayal of people, but at the same time make the cinematography interesting and stylized without taking away too much from the realism, since I want my trailer to show realism. It's an interesting balance to try and keep, but one well worth the effort I think.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Formalism vs. Realism
So in making my trailer I have to decide whether or not I want to present it in a more formalist or realist fashion. According to Tom Eiland, formalism "is the tendency for the filmmaker to make the moviegoer aware that she is watching a movie." Film such as Titanic or Sense and Sensibility would be examples, because they have more of a staged feel. Realism on the other hand, would be exampled by making scenes feel as though they are observed as they happen, and settings are typically real rather than staged.
The trailer I'll be making will utilize cinematography that is more based in realism, although the trailer itself may seem a bit more staged, since it's about a hitman. Often, movies have a mix of both, and lean more towards either formalism or realism, but seldom are one or the other completely. Mine I'm working towards would lean more into realism, as everything is being shown to the audience as the character experiences them, such as in Night Crawler or American Psycho. This will be interesting to see where things go, but I'm using natural settings and natural lighting as well, with very little being staged.
The trailer I'll be making will utilize cinematography that is more based in realism, although the trailer itself may seem a bit more staged, since it's about a hitman. Often, movies have a mix of both, and lean more towards either formalism or realism, but seldom are one or the other completely. Mine I'm working towards would lean more into realism, as everything is being shown to the audience as the character experiences them, such as in Night Crawler or American Psycho. This will be interesting to see where things go, but I'm using natural settings and natural lighting as well, with very little being staged.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Hang ups and new planning
So we were supposed to start filming this week, however, we had to get a couple things for our camera and wait for them, as well as wait for a couple of our props to be finished and well, the weather to clear up a bit more for some of our shooting goals. We should pick up this week, and as we don't have too much to film, it shouldn't damage our shooting schedule too much. I decided on a different costume as well, for the main character. Other than that, there's not much else going on aside from getting ready to shoot this week.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Script Writing and Ideas
So now that I'm almost to filming, and that the preparations for this are almost complete, I've been continuing to work on my screenplay; I've still been working on my narration for the trailer, though have the outline done, and will be filming out of order and then editing after filming. I'll be filming Thursday sometime in the morning, likely at the Hagerstown Park.
Aside from that, there's not much going on save for preparation and hoping that the weather doesn't make filming impossible.
Aside from that, there's not much going on save for preparation and hoping that the weather doesn't make filming impossible.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Costuming and getting things together
So this week I focused on costuming; I got the main outfit for the main character for the trailer, as well as his Walther PPK (it's an airsoft gun), and various accessories, such as black latex gloves. Some of the clothing will need a bit of fitting, but that shouldn't be a problem.
We spent a considerable amount of time on the main outfit; it's a light grey suit with a somewhat blue hue; the tie he'll be wearing is also grey, but has various shades, even marble and beige/cream. We went so far as to discriminate with the kind of cuff links the character would wear. The only thing now is to find a decent pair of shoes; something elegant rather than most of the clunky ones being made these days.
I also wrote a little more with scenes for my script, and although I'm not even halfway done, we haven't even started writing it for class, so I'm ahead in that respect. I do have more of an idea of what I'd like to do for the character narration in the trailer though, and will be writing that out soon.
This coming week, I'll probably be getting some of the clothes fitted for the main actor. Only one article hasn't come in, which is the white turtleneck, but I'm not worried about the fit for that.
We spent a considerable amount of time on the main outfit; it's a light grey suit with a somewhat blue hue; the tie he'll be wearing is also grey, but has various shades, even marble and beige/cream. We went so far as to discriminate with the kind of cuff links the character would wear. The only thing now is to find a decent pair of shoes; something elegant rather than most of the clunky ones being made these days.
I also wrote a little more with scenes for my script, and although I'm not even halfway done, we haven't even started writing it for class, so I'm ahead in that respect. I do have more of an idea of what I'd like to do for the character narration in the trailer though, and will be writing that out soon.
This coming week, I'll probably be getting some of the clothes fitted for the main actor. Only one article hasn't come in, which is the white turtleneck, but I'm not worried about the fit for that.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Screenplay, props, and ideas
So I'm still working on my screenplay, I've written the first few scenes, and I've ordered some props and costumes that I'll be using for the trailer. I got to see Norman again, and told him, where I was so far, and in passing he had a couple of ideas I think would actually work very well for the character, which I will leave for surprise as to not spoil it.
I'm still working on what I'll have the voice over be in the actual trailer, and what the main character will be saying, but I think I'll be able to figure something out.
I also met with my director, Jason, on Friday, and we spent a good 45 minutes discussing my proposal and where I was with the script, as well as ideas for my trailer.
I'm still working on what I'll have the voice over be in the actual trailer, and what the main character will be saying, but I think I'll be able to figure something out.
I also met with my director, Jason, on Friday, and we spent a good 45 minutes discussing my proposal and where I was with the script, as well as ideas for my trailer.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Outline for Trailer
So I finished the outline for my trailer; I still need to work on the details, but as far as basics for scenes and what I want, that's done. Norman came over again on Thursday, and we threw around ideas a bit more. The trailer will be narrated by the character (playing with the name David Austerlitz), and will have several transitions.
Norman and I looked at the way modern movie trailers are made (which I must say, neither of us are much of a fan of), and the way films used to do trailers. I think it would be good to do a hybrid of both. We watched Red Letter Media's video, All Trailers Are The Same (which is true)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc71YvWG0GQ and then watched a channel that has classic movie trailers, predominately from movies made in the 70s-90s.
I also finished my character profile, the basics of it at least, and Norman and I came up with a few locations that would be good for shooting. I also need to order a couple costume pieces and props. In the mean time, I'll be polishing some of the already established work, and coming up with new ideas.
Norman and I looked at the way modern movie trailers are made (which I must say, neither of us are much of a fan of), and the way films used to do trailers. I think it would be good to do a hybrid of both. We watched Red Letter Media's video, All Trailers Are The Same (which is true)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc71YvWG0GQ and then watched a channel that has classic movie trailers, predominately from movies made in the 70s-90s.
I also finished my character profile, the basics of it at least, and Norman and I came up with a few locations that would be good for shooting. I also need to order a couple costume pieces and props. In the mean time, I'll be polishing some of the already established work, and coming up with new ideas.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Trailer for my screenplay
So basically for my capstone project, I'll be doing a movie trailer; while I haven't decided what my movie will be exactly at this point, I'll have enough time to work on it. I'll do location filming, and along with the trailer, have a movie poster, and stills from the film.
I'll be working with friends on this, as filming is a big undertaking; my friend Norman Guice will likely collaborate with me the most, as he and I have discussed doing films before. The trailer will probably be 1:30-2 minutes in length, like a real trailer, and try not to use too many special effects, if any.
My idea for my film is something starring someone like Michael Fassbender, and it would be a character driven film. Right now, I'm thinking of having him as an amoral character who gets paid to "clean up" different situations or tie up loose ends. I'm not sure where exactly I'll take it, but I would like something of a character driven story like Taxi Driver or American Psycho.
This will be interesting for me, because I love film and the idea of working on it, and while I've been in some films as an actor (not a very good one), this will put me where I would like to be, as the writer and director, so I'll get to try my hand at that. I'll be open to suggestion and guidance from friends and others though, as this is my first project of this sort, but will have the ultimate final say in the decision making process.
While this will be very intensive, I'm really looking forward to this, because it's the type of project I've been interested in doing for a while, so it'll be fun too (hopefully).
I'll be working with friends on this, as filming is a big undertaking; my friend Norman Guice will likely collaborate with me the most, as he and I have discussed doing films before. The trailer will probably be 1:30-2 minutes in length, like a real trailer, and try not to use too many special effects, if any.
My idea for my film is something starring someone like Michael Fassbender, and it would be a character driven film. Right now, I'm thinking of having him as an amoral character who gets paid to "clean up" different situations or tie up loose ends. I'm not sure where exactly I'll take it, but I would like something of a character driven story like Taxi Driver or American Psycho.
This will be interesting for me, because I love film and the idea of working on it, and while I've been in some films as an actor (not a very good one), this will put me where I would like to be, as the writer and director, so I'll get to try my hand at that. I'll be open to suggestion and guidance from friends and others though, as this is my first project of this sort, but will have the ultimate final say in the decision making process.
While this will be very intensive, I'm really looking forward to this, because it's the type of project I've been interested in doing for a while, so it'll be fun too (hopefully).
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