Edditing Blog

     What would a trustworthy friend, and group mate, do after missing part of the project work? Well, I would at least try to help in other areas of the project. This is what I did today in class. After missing the filming of our music video, I attempted to make up for it by editing the video. However, not everything went according to plan. Let me start at the top. Overall, we have 46 takes in total for our music video, about half of them are heartwarming, and the other are sad. This is great because we will only need around 20 of them for our music video. We dumped the filed from the SD card onto the main computer that we were using to edit on. Next, we uploaded them to one of our google drives, just to ensure that we would always have them.

     This is when the issues really started to kick in. First, when we attempted to open editing software (Pinnacle Studios 18), It didn't. This resulted in a critical loss of time, and me having to run and get a new computer, twice. Next, on this new computer we had to download all of the files back onto the computer. After this, we again tried to open the program but were un able to do so for another twenty minutes. At this point, we only had about 50 minutes left, and every second counts. Third, when we wanted to import all of the files onto the program, it took all of 25 minutes to load no joke. finally, when we did have the ability to edit on the computer, we only had enough time to select the clips that we wanted to use. We were now going to have to improvise on the editing, and the diving up of work. What the current plan is: is for Kyle to edit at home using the program that he had, and for me to do the reflection questions and sound check. I will primarily be listening to a 10 hour loop of Garry come home.

     While not all together a complete waste of a class, it felt like one. We were supposed to be able to do everything that we needed to do today but I must insist in the school getting a better editing program. We need one that is constantly reliable. We also need one that is fast enough for us to be able to do everything that we need to in one class. I suggest Premier Pro because it is almost the exact same but better in every way. In terms of me further helping with editing, I plan to call of face time Kyle while he edits. In this way I will be able to help and give a second opinion. This Music video will turn out great and I can't wait to se what it turns into.

Filming Blog Two

     As I have mentioned in previous blogs, filming is the absolute best part about this class. However, when you are unable to attend filming with your group it can be less fun. This was the case with me, and to clarify: my group was okay with me being unable to attend. To make up for these shortcomings, I had to do many other tasks. First off, I had to help finalize the storyboard. This was especially crucial because without the extra work, we would have realized that the video was going to be too short. To make up for this, I suggested that we have a shot- reverse shot. This would be easy to do and help add more emotion to the video so it overall worked out. My idea was to have the main character searching for his beloved dog, and at the same time, have flashes of happy memories with the dog. 

      While I was not there to help during filming, I was able to remotely connect with my team as well as testing the equipment. When we were first deciding on a date to film, we agreed that only three people were needed to make film the video. The first would be Jake (the main actor), second would be the person filming, and the final person would work with the dog. So, when the others were “filming”, really waiting for the camera to charge, I asked them to send me a video of it. It turned out that they had that camera plugged into the charging chord but not an actual power source. Even before filming, I was the one who would go through everything and ensure that all was right. I had a previous experience with a missing camera-Tripod connecting plate so I wanted to make sure. All was right and as a result almost everything went well with filming. I made sure that my group was focused be checking up regularly and talking to them about different ideas for different scenes. Next, we started to plan for the future of this video. 

     This came in the form of planning different editing techniques and effects we could use. One such is the idea of slow fades in the start, in addition to short blackouts. This will really help express a sleepy feel to the opening. In addition, this will contrast with the alert fearful and distressed scenes that will be packed with energy and hopefully jumpy. Next, we can add a color adjustment filter to the happy flashbacks. This will help add to the emotional experience because in many films, happy is lighter than sad ones. Finally, we will add fade in and outs to most of our happy scenes to have them blend together with the bad ones and make the viewer feel depressed. Overall, we have a great plan for editing. I am sad that I was unable to attend the filming of this musical video. And finally I will pull my weight in this group in-order to stay in it. 

Filming For Project Two

     Filming has always been the best part about making something in any film class. After about a week of preparation, we were all ready to film. This was until I realized that I had to work on the date we planned to film on. When I realized this, I was crushed as I personally believe that this would help me become closer with my new group. However, that was not to be. So while all of my team mater we’re supposedly filming all of our takes, I was working. During this time, the absence of one of the members was not the only problem that my team had run into. At first, the camera needed to charge for about two hours. Next, Kyle was also unable to make it to filming and this delayed the whole process. Finally, when we were able to film, the camera died after only filming two potential scenes.

     As far as I know, while I was not there this is how we planned filming to go. The first thing we were planning to film, was a series of flashbacks in which Jake and his dog are both happy. This would probably take up about one third of our video if we planned it properly. After we were half way filming these, the camera apparently died. While waiting for the camera to charge, Jake and Tim were setting up the moody inside lightings and playing video games. So the next thing we filmed was the scenes in where Jake finds the dog missing. This was not to hard to do as apparently Jake had been taking a nap before hand and when he walked downstairs he already had a sleepy look on his face.  Finally, we filmed the scenes in which Jake is searching for his dog on the streets. The specifics  of what he did I do not exactly know but I am sure it will be great. After I edit it...

     So, the plan for editing is extremely simple and will consist of these steps. First, I will take charge of the editing process to make up for my absence during filming. Second I will load up all of the files onto my school computer. This will save time and help increase efficiency. Third after on the computer, I will upload all of the files to a new google docs. Forth, after all of the files are saved to not than one place, I will dump them all into the editing software Pinnacle Studios 18. After doing this,  we will work together to select the best takes and form them into a video. Finally, we will add cool effects to make the music video more emotional. This will be extremely fun to do and I can’t wait.

Planning for Music Video

     Today November 18th we started planning for our music video. We've recently researched our genre and picked our song. Now all we must do is plan before we commence recording for our music video. First, we needed to think of a location we decided that we would make our music video about a neglected dog, so we decided to have it take place at my friends Jake's house. He just so happens to both live near the school and have a dog, so it works out. On top of that our location won’t have to be changed since we all can come over for the weekend and even if not all of us can come over, we will still be able to film. Plus, we don't have to deal with rain or any problems with this location, as it is inside for the most part. Next to discuss is our health and safety in Jake's house we have a med-kit that will used if anything was to go wrong and we will have an adult at home in case of emergency. Safety comes first. Next is props which ultimately, we will not be using, all were planning to use is fake posters, dog treats, and special lighting nothing much. Our video doesn't require props because the idea isn't too complicated and mainly revolves around the actors. Emotion will be the key factor in making a great video. The next matter at hand is our costumes. We have decided that we should have the main character wear normal clothing. This will give our video a natural feel and as a result produce a better video. In addition, we can have the clothing change to show different days while the pet is neglected and while the main character is searching for the dog. Last is our schedule with our due date being December 19th we have a lot of time. We will film November 23rd and 24th during the weekend. We could also possibly film at school during the week, but we need to ask about this. With us getting it done faster we will have a lot of time to edit and perfect our video. We also chose the 23rd since and 24th since it was a time that we could all come to record. Also, we've decided what the jobs will be well have a person record, a person be the actor, a person working with the dogs, and a person editing. I will probably not be the actor as I am not overly attractive. Since we have everything planned this project will be easy.

Intro to New Project: Music Video

     So yes, our new project is going to be a music video. I also joined a new group, We now consist of Jake, Kyle, Timothy, and me Carter. Before I talk about that, I would like to review what I liked and learned about the commercial project. The best part of the project for me was: the story boarding. This was instrumental for my group when we were filming. we were able to save time and be as efficient as possible when we had a good plan. What I learned from this project was how to edit efficiently while using Pinnacle Studios 18. The trick is to load everything onto the track all at once, then slowly remove what you don't want. The last project was hard but now, with this new team, we are doing to be great.

Now for the most important part: we will be using the song "Garry Come Home" to make our video. This song falls under the category of sad slow ballad. This song is from the popular kids show Sponge Bob. In this show, there is a sponge and he really loves his pet snail Garry. However, he sometimes neglects his snail, and this ultimately lead to him running away. For our play on this episode, we will act like we are neglecting one of our pets, only to come back the next day and "discover their absence". By recording our video in this way, we will really grab the hearts of our viewers, and make a great commercial. This song is a Ballad because it is a song narrating a story in short stanzas.

1. (C) Costumes: in the department of costumes, we will utilize both normal clothes and Pajamas. The normal clothes will be for when we first neglect the pet, and pajamas for when we discover that he is missing.
2. (L) Lighting: We will be primarily utilizing dark and moody lighting. by doing this we will enthrall the viewers and use it to help express the emotions inside of us.
3. (A) Acting: We will be acting realistically and uninterested at first. However, as time progresses and we don't find the pet, we will act increasingly stressed out and depressed, as one would if they lost a loved-one.
4. (M) Makeup: we will not be utilizing makeup if our video. We are a group of all guys and that would not make scene if this was a real scenario.
5. (P) Props: one of the only props that we will be using will be Jake's dog. This way we can express that we will loose something important to us.
6. (S) Scenes: The realistic scenes will follow the main character and his friends on their journey.

Overall, this project is looking like it will be a fun one.

Actual Editing Blog

So today, we edited our actual video. we started off uploading all of our video files onto a second flash drive. we did this because we originally lost the first flash drive. this caused friction because we didn't remember who had it and this ended up wasting over 20 minutes of our time. So first, we opened the program and dumped all of our files into the program. while everyone else seemed ok with wating the total of seven minutes it took for the program to load, I was not. having the previous experience with the video editing software premiere pro, this seemed to take forever. However, this previous experience started to help out once we actually had to start editing. Editing, as it turns out is fun...

Once all of the files were loaded onto the program we copied them all onto the timeline and started to delete clip by clip. This was the most effective way possible because we could make up for the lost time and do everything at once. For the first six-second clip that we selected, we ended up going with the last one that we filmed. this was because the people in the background screwed up the take. the next issue that we ran into was trying to line up the first take with the second. specifically, the speed at which I was running. the next clip that we selected was the one of me tieing my shoe, and the one with the biggest Nike symbol. Finally, the last clip that we selected was the clip of me running. this was the most embarrassing part of the video. After seeing my self-run I have realized, I look really bad when I run.

This was all we hade time to do yesterday and today, the program refused to work or even load up. the deadline for this assignment was extended. it is now due on 11/12, and I will keep you updated with any further progress I make on the video. as always thanks for viewing.

Editing blog

Today is October 28. In class today we had the goal of editing our commercials. Just as a reminder the first the last thing that we did last classToday is October 28. In class today we had the goal of editing our commercials. Just as a reminder the first the last thing that we did last class was, dumping all of our files onto the computer. So, when we opened up our computer we were surprised to find that the editing software, pinnacle studios, was not working. When discovering this I tried to open up a secondary computer to see if it was just an issue with that one. However, even after I opened it on two separate computers pinnacle studios was still not working. Next I tried restarting the computer in the program and it still didn’t work. To combat this issue I tried moving the takes onto google drive and saved them for later.

After trying and failing for virtually 30 minutes what I eventually did was start to plan the order in which clips we were going to use. We decided to first do the stair clip. Next we are going to use the running clips. Next, we are planning to use the clips of us throwing the football. Finally, we are going to do the soccer clips, and then the close-up of all four of us. When reviewing the clips that we did manage to access who is out they were all very good and surprisingly steady. The sound that we are hoping to use is in fact a lack of sound but we will add in the sound of somebody panting from one of the videos. We feel that this way the commercial will be more inspirational. Overall we have a pretty good plan for what we are going to do. However interacting with the software might be a little challenging so I will keep you updated in the coming days.

This last paragraph will be a complete overview of all of the video editing files that we have. We have a total of 38 takes. Of 38 I was in 18 of them. 12 of them are on me running. The other six were about me tying my shoe.  Over all this day in class was fun but very challenging. Our task for this class was to try to create a 30 sentence blog. On editing. We couldn’t edit today so I have to apologize but this was the best I could do.

Filming Blog

     On Thursday, October 24, we had to film all of our takes that we could then edit into our commercial. This was especially fun because thanks to a great team effort we knew exactly what we wanted to do. Our storyboard was instrumental in the process of filming. This was because unlike most other groups we knew what we wanted and we knew how to do it. This saved us crucial time, and unlike most other groups we have all the footage we need. This was probably the easiest part of the project. AS well as one that everyone enjoyed. However, we still have a lot to do. First, we must select what takes we want to use for our project. And then we must edit them all together to form a great commercial.

     However, I personally wouldn't say that that was an easy day for me. As we had previously planned in our storyboard, I was to be involved in nearly 2/5 of the commercial. And because this was a Nike commercial, that meant a lot of physical activity. First, I had to run by Eva, and high five her. This was a lot of running because at the time we were still trying to learn how to use the camera. The next thing I had to do, was tie my shoe. Now, this may not appear to be hard, but when you have to do it five times, it starts to add up. The final activity that I had to do was sprint around the track. This was especially hard for me because my team couldn't decide if I should wear the school jersey. This lead to a lot of takes.

     After we were done filming my part, I tried to convince my team that we should use the tripod. This plan failed ultimately when the plate that connected the camera to the tripod was missing (was not in the bag). After we were entirely done filming I had to get my group to hurry back to the room so we could dump all of our files. Here we ran into more trouble. This came in the form of not being able to find our files. We prevailed in the end because I had saved my notes on my phone. We had to access every file of the camera. Next, we had to determine when we had started to film. Finally, download all files from our period. Again, This project was ultimately very enjoyable and I can't wait to see the results.

Storyboarding

Today in class, we did our storyboarding. We planned out the actions for our commercial. We also talked about the different shots and transitions and how we would place them in our video. Since, we decided on doing a Nike commercial, we are sticking to mostly action shots. Commercials for brands that sell activewear are normally shots of actors performing different sports while wearing and/or promoting their products. We thought it would be a good idea to include a few different sports and broadcast diversity while doing it. For example, we will have actors if different races, body types, Nationalities, etc. doing different sports while wearing Nike clothing and accessories. Our idea is to show the audience it’s multiple different uses. For our first six seconds, we will show a girl sitting on the steps of some stairs and greeting another kid. In the next box, there will be that boy running on the track while wearing Nike sneakers. The next two boxes show athletes playing soccer and football. At the end, we decided on a split shot of four close ups of the actors. We wanted to promote a sense of unity by showing all of them in a singe shit with a voice over of the “Just Do It” motto. While we did the storyboard, we made sure to write down all the types of shots, like high angles and medium long shots. We are really enthusiastic about being able to film.

Editing Lessons Blog

     Today we learned about editing and how to use our cameras and this will be extremely crucial in the coming week. The first thing we learned about was how to use the camera as well as how to use the tripod. The first most crucial thing when it comes to using the camera is making sure it’s charged. To do this, it was recommended that we plug in the camera a day before use this way we will ensure that it is fully charged for one we would like to use it. In order for the camera to charge the video screen needs to be closed. The next thing we learned was how to actually use the camera. Do you particular camera that we will be using features a touchscreen and a silver pause/play button. The next thing we learned how to do, was how to use the tripod. To do this properly we must extend the legs and locking them into place. Next to attach the camera to the tripod you had to remove a small black desk and screw it into the camera, and then reattach it to the tripod.

     The next thing that we learned about today was video editing. The editing platform that we are going to be using is called pinnacle studio and is a lot like Premier Pro, which I am learning how to use in another class. The first thing that we have to do, after loading our computer up and opening the application, is insert SD card reader into our computer and dump all of our video files into a new folder. To find our files we open up the ST card folder of our computer and select the DCIM folder and if this does not work we then select the private AVCHD folder. After doing this we then remove the reader and import our files. Now saved onto our computers, we can start to edit. We will then drag all of our files onto the editing track called AV track two. AV track one will be used for any text that we might want to add on, and AV track three will be used for voice-overs and additional sound. If we wish to only use part of the video clip we can separate the good parts from the bad parts using the razor blade tool. To add transitions we will right click on a video clip, and select editing studio and then select the transition we would like to  add.

     Finally in today’s lesson we learned how to export our videos. To do this we will click the export button and then click on MPG4. For the best video Scilence we will select full size SD. This of course will be from a drop-down menu. After exporting we can close the exporting window but should only minimize our project. This will be strategic because if D recorder has not smooth it out all of our work, we will have to re-export. After doing this we will probably email it to Mr. Katz and Mrs. Katz and then be able to close the application. I am really going to enjoy this first project and as always, I plan to keep you guys updated.

Planning Blog for Nike Commercial

     Today we are trying to formulate a plan for the filming of our commercial. So, last blog i introduced you to some of my ideas and when i presented to them to my group they loved it. As of today the current members of our group include: Evangeline, Joaquina, Lucas, and my self. The first props that we hope to use is a book. We are going to use this to open our commercial. this will be important because it will symbolize that even people who don't play sports, or are athletic, can be a part of the Nike family. The next prop that we are going to use is a soccer ball. we are going to use this because it is a team sport, and this way we can include everyone. Overall the props that we are using are going to help express that Niche is for everyone, and we are using this because it is a main theme of most commercials.
   
     The costumes that we are going to use are primary athletic gear. The first example of this that we are going to use are Nike leggings and a Nike lanyard. Joaquina will probably be the one wearing this for the opening. Next, will be a Nike shirt and a pair of Nike shoes. This athletic outfit will be worn by Lucas. Third, will be a Nike jersey warn by Evangeline. Finally, I will be wearing Nike shorts and shoes. I might have to wear soccer cleats but that is okay.

     The order of events will be starting with the reading of a book. Then transition to a high five scene. Next will be a short scene of me running, but then tagging the next group member. from here, they will probably kick a ball to the stairs. After a short stair climb the camera will transition to a group shot of all of us. the locations we are hoping to use include: the library stairs, the track and another stairway. we aren't done planning but i will keep you updated in the coming days.

Research Blog. Commercial Conventions

     For our commercial, we are going to focus on promoting the athletic brand, Nike. We chose this because this brand is everywhere and because two of the four people in this group are athletes. n addition to this throughout the 6 commercials we have watched there is a theme of everyone can do these activities featured in these commercials. For instance, in the first commercial I personally watched, there was a highway scene with the cars standing still because of traffic. The commercial appeared to take place in a Latin-American country, where gender equality is still in its early stages, with women doing sports that are primarily played by men. This includes boxing and other Mixed martial arts. In the last ten seconds of the commercial, all of the running women are stopped by a roadblock with men chuckling on the other side. This is until the group (of women) gets through and keeps going, smashing through the roadblock. Overall, one of the reasons why we picked this brand to represent is gender equality and women empowerment.

     Another reason why we picked Nike is the fact that it will be easy to engrain in our video. This is ultimate because of their popularity as well as their widespread appeal. Nike produces products for sports, cold weather, warm weather, and even just regular attire. As a result of this, we can make a compilation of different people doing different things, all wearing Nike, and call it a commercial. Another main theme of most Nike commercials is a great performance. This oftentimes includes people winning. However, I believe that the company is trying to impose a never give up attitude so that will definitely be a part of our commercial.  Overall, our commercial needs to be inspirational and express equality.

    In this paragraph, I would like to try to create a rough draft for our commercial. This will, of course, be revised once I bring these plans back to my group. So, it starts off with someone wearing a Nike hoodie, reading a book, this can be me or someone else. Another walks in and high fives the reader, this results in the camera transitioning to the new person and featuring their Nike gear. From here, the camera slowly raises showing the face as well as the activity that they are doing. If this is basketball, the camera will zoom into the ball. Next, it will zoom out and the player will be different, from here the person falls down. Finally, they are helped up by the others and they pose for a slow zoom out. The caption "anyone everyone, we are Nike".

Introductory Blog

         Hello my name is Carter and I am a sophomore at Fort Lauderdale High School. As you can probably determine by my name I identify as a male and my personal pronouns are him and his. I have had friends who have issues with this and I just wanted to clarify. I am an extremely busy high school student with a typical day filled with accelerated classes, school clubs and sports. I am 15 years old and while not born in Florida, was raised in Hollywood FL. When asked what hobbies I enjoy doing I would answer scuba diving, boating, robotics, and biking. However, I also run cross country for my school. Now you may ask why this is not with the list of my other hobbies, and I would respond: running hurts, but the athletic physique is well worth the struggle.

     My middle school was extremely small, and as a result I knew everyone, but while this was nice at the time, I was not prepared for middle school. During freshmen year I was an introvert, but i manged to make enough friends to be happy. Now, In tenth grade, i would describe my self as a loving friendly person who any one can talk to. I have three different friend groups, and i am a part of and am a part of the top 5% of my graduating class in terms of academics. Currently my favorite class is pre-calculus, and my least favorite Aice English. In my journey that is life I have dabbled in personal philosophy and realized that our lives are absolutely meaningless unless we have a positive impact on others. Because of this i decided to take an unconventional rout and actually try to save the environment form humans, so that humans can use later. but that is enough about me and my past now for my future.

      I am hoping to continue my education for another ten years, and get a Engineering Doctorate. With the advancement of technology this is the best path in my opinion. I will be able to keep up with the best technology, and not be threatened by automation. In the Future I would like to be employed so i must be better than a machine. From this class i am hoping to be able to understand and perceive media in a more in-depth way. 1 movie = 1,000,000 pictures and 1 picture =10,000 words. I love both TV and movies and so I believe that this class will be great for me. I am ready to dedicate my self to this class and here I go...