Filming: Rain or shine!

I do a lot of different things at Franklin Pierce, whether it is television station work, my own radio show, writing for the Pierce Arrow, or even the Exchange (which is what I'm doing right now). But something that relates to one of my majors that I do only a little bit of is in Media Production. In other words, I film! That's right. This idea came to mind in this blog because I have been helping a good friend of mine film a movie that he's working on right now. I have been helping him since last semester and I can say that I've been through a lot with filming. This even includes projects that I've done in the past for my media production classes. Here are a few tips to help all of you budding filmmakers out there who want to get a movie made (and for those of you who aren't interested in filmmaking, then you can laugh at some of the things that I've done with the whole 'filming' process).

1. Develop a good script and storyboards

Every good young filmmaker needs to come up with a good entertaining script to keep the audience interested. For those of you coming up with a film idea, make sure that you have elements in your script that will get people interested in your story. When I came up with ideas, I always seemed to think of something at the last minute (maybe that's why my last couple of films had the same typical elements to them). I went with the whole "mission" plot line. Whether it was trying to recover a stolen wallet, which was a ludicrous idea from the beginning and one of my actor's heads kept itching from that ski mask which he hated. Then there was my poker movie "Chipped". That was a good movie and I got a lot of funny bloopers from that, especially with one of my actors who kept making hand movements every time he spoke. It was awesome! But try to come up with original ideas and you'll be surprised with what you can do. And storyboards, well if you can draw, you can draw. Myself, I make stick figures. Enough said.

2. Get the equipment prepared and be ready for the shoot

That's right! Every good filmmaker should be prepared! DV tapes, camera, lighting kit, batteries, tripod, microphones, cords, the works! Get a lot of that and you'll be ready for anything...well, at least until the unexpected happens! Always prepare for the unexpected because you never know when anything will go wrong! Sometimes a light burns out, the microphone batteries die on you, the tripod becomes as droopy as a spaghetti noodle after its been boiled in hot water, the batteries for the camera are only half charged (that has never happened to me) and the tape has only five minutes of recording time left. Be prepared and always have replacements! Too many times I have had to run back to the depot! Make sure it doesn't happen to you!

3. Wherever necessary, get actors

Actors are what make the movie. But remember this: the more actors you have in your movie, the more complicated you make it for yourself. People have different schedules and you have to make sure that their schedule can fit into yours. In most cases, you'll have to find someone else or even go for the last resort by putting yourself into the movie (something that I've done many times!). So think before you use actors in the movie. And if possible, reduce the number of actors you have in your movie. You'll be thanking yourself later!

4. Shooting

Filming is not always perfect. You have to closely monitor everything you do. Whether it is the shot by zooming in or out from your camera, the audio levels, the props, the right reaction and lines read by your actor(s), it all has to fall into place at the right time. Otherwise you end up with many takes. With all of the films that I've been involved in, I can say that you really need to expect that it will be a long shoot. Heck, one scene involved about 10 takes alone because of messed up dialogue. Get ready for the long haul! And film no matter what, even if it is rain or shine (just like the post says).

4. Editing

That's all there really is to it. Just edit your piece together. But make sure you have ahard drive that has at least 160 GB to it and know EXACTLY what you're doing. Myself, I'm not the best editor out there, but I can at least do a little more than the basics. The only thing that you have to worry about is if the editing program crashes (ah, Avid!). But if you know what you're doing and you know what you want, then you'll be all right.

So those are the bare bones to filmmaking. When I leave college, I'm not sure where I will be with film as a job. But it should be exciting, especially with the skills and experiences that I've had. So for all those young filmmakers out there, get shooting! See you all later!

Patience is a virtue!

There has been a problem that has always affected me in my life. It's nothing really bad. It's just something that I have to work on. In fact, it's a problem that most of us have every time and again. I have a problem with being impatient. Now it might sound ridiculous to a lot of people, but it is something that I have to overcome. Whether it comes down to waiting in line in the cafeteria, a class to finish or even for the next day or week to arrive, I have that problem. And I cannot do that anymore. Although I may not realize it, impatience weighs so much on me, it becomes hard to function mentally. I keep thinking about concentrating, but instead I'm doing the complete opposite. It's like saying you'll never do something again and, guess what? You do it again! Here are some tips for everybody who wants to be patient (I know I do!).

1. Think about what makes you impatient

The urge is there. You want to get to it done or want it that badly. But the most important thing to think about is why you feel like this. Analyze it thoroughly. Yes, it does sound like a lot of deep thinking, but when you understand why you become impatient, then you can think about it and make better decisions. A good example would be waiting in line in the cafeteria like I do periodically. But I would be impatient like that because I would be really hungry at the point where I would start nibbling on my own arm and whatever I'm waiting for (let's say Teriyaki chicken wings) would be gone faster than a Nintendo Wii shipment getting sold out (I still have yet to see one for sale in a store!). When you understand why, that's the first step toward doing something about it.

I could just walk out of line and go somewhere else. But at the same time, if I leave the line, I could miss out on what's being served. So it really all depends on how you feel in that situation.

2. Think about the choices/consequences

Now when we're put into a situation, we don't have time to think about the consequences of our choices or the choices that lead to our consequences (my goodness! I should never say that again!). Or can we? If we have a few (or several) minutes to think about different scenarios, then we'll be all set. In the situation with the wings, I could just walk and get the next best thing, pizza or salad. Mmmmm! Pizza and salad! What am I saying? Teriyaki wings come once in a blue moon. If I wait in line long enough, I can reap the benefits! In this type of a situation, no matter how desperate, I would go with the wings. So by thinking about the choices and the possible consequences that come with them, then we can make better decisions (and get the wings in the end!).

3. The power of patience

The power of patience is extremely important when applied to any type of a situation. But the question we have to ask ourselves is whether the thing we're waiting for is worth it. That is entirely up to the person and what they're waiting for. The only advice I can give is to follow your heart and choose wisely. And be smart about it. But everyone who waits patiently should get rewarded in the end.

So there you have it! Patience is a virtue if you can control doubts and negative feelings and turn them into something positive. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm still suffering from a virus (maybe with some bronchitis). But if I take good care of myself and stay in good spirits, then I can get through. Once again, another good example of why you should be patient! And I didn't even mention the wings again! Ah, I just contradicted myself! I'll see you next time!

Day after Valentine's Day...and beyond!

Hearing about all of the special Valentine's Day festivities going on around campus and all of the events that people have planned, its no wonder that there is a lot of love going around in the air. But to myself, Valentine's Day is just another ordinary day. February 14th has been an ordinary day in my mind for the past 8 years. In fact, the last time I really appreciated the holiday was back in middle school when I still recieved Valentines. I have nothing against Valentine's Day whatsoever. I think its a great holiday, but it will be a while for me to have an actual reason to enjoy the holiday. By the time this blog goes out, Valentine's Day will be over (hence, the name of the article!). But for those who are single like myself and would like to meet someone special, here are some tips that will hopefully help you out when getting to meet new people, and maybe possibly get into a relationship. But take it one step at a time!

1. Get to know some people (possibly new)

Obviously if you stay reserved to yourself then you are not going to meet anyone out there. Think about all of the people that you could get to know through classes, clubs, social gatherings and any other activities that you do. You can do activities with people that you know and even try new things and meet new people. But only spend time with people and start to get to know them. Don't just go into it right away, which leads right into #2...

2. Spend some time with the people you know

After you get to know some people (after taking some sweet time), spend time with them. That can be through projects or just doing something fun outside just as friends in a whole group. You shouldn't even be thinking about the next step right now. Take time to get to know people and don't rush things. But if anyone is REALLY curious about the next step, here it is...

3. Asking the person out

Only do this step if you are really sure about what you having going with this person, which
means that you're:
-Really good friends with this person
-Have spent some time together
-Are comfortable around one another
Just talk to them and ask if they want to go out and do something with just the two of you. It does not have to be anything romantic. Just have fun and see how things turn out from there. The possibilities are endless if things work out. But you can only get here if you take it one step at a time!

And after that, you'll just have to wait and see what happens. I've never really gotten that far and I say to take it one step at a time because I tried to take it fast and completely skipped steps 2 and 3 mostly. Some role model I am! But the point is to get to know new people and get to know them over a period of time and fate comes into play from there. So good luck out there to everyone with knowing new people and hopefully, you can have a special someone for the next Valentine's day! As for myself, I think it will be a while before I consider a relationship (so busy with everything I do and I'm in my last semester in college right now). Someday I will celebrate Valentine's Day just like everybody else, but for now, its just another ordinary day to me. I'll see you next week!

Must...get...better!

February is a good time to have fun in the snow and an excellent time to savor winter for all its worth. There are times when I like to go outside and experience it. But the thing that I dislike the most about the month of February, and a few months after that is getting sick from either the common cold, a random virus or even the flu. I cannot stress how much care is needed to deal with illness like this! If you do nothing, bad things can happen. But if you do too much then you'll go through all of the unnecessary stuff and worry yourself over when you'll get better from whatever illness you get. A lot of people can easily forget just how simple it is to get sick. Seeing as how I'm sick, I might as well give some insight on what to do about any kind of illness and how to stay healthy (somewhat) if you do get sick.

1. Get plenty of rest

This is the most overlooked area when people get sick. Everyone says "Aw, sure! I can do that!". But its not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people try to resume their regular activities and it takes even longer for them to get better. Since we're all in college and we have a lot of activities that we like to do, the best advice I can give is to GET plenty of rest. It is recommended that you try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. But if there are things that are crucial out there for you, try to get rest when you can. But 7-8 hours of sleep is recommended because your body can fight whatever you've got.

2. Drink plenty of fluids

Now this part to me is easier said that done. Just drink plenty of water, orange juice and any other liquids you can to keep yourself hydrated. I know for a fact that I drink 3-4 glasses of orange juice every day and it helps a little bit (and when I say that, all of the orange juice in the cafeteria will be gone. I've created a monster!). But for those who have a different type of illness, its better if they have Gatorade/Powerade, tea, coke and ginger ale at room temperature, chicken broth and canned apple juice (if the problem is related to the gastro intestinal tract).

3. Take medications (if needed)

If you have a fever, body aches or anything that is making you uncomfortable and irritated, take some Tylenol, nasal decongestants and anything that will help your symptoms (though be careful when you take these things! Do not take them unless you really need to! And look at the warnings ahead of time on the box!). Beware of side effects too, like drowsiness for example. When I take something like that, afterward I feel as if I'm a zombie from a B-horror movie and want to let out a faint OOOOHHHHHHH! But enough of this, watch what you take!

4. Always monitor your progress

It is extremely important that you monitor your progress every day when you are sick. If you're not treating yourself right, you could end up with something more serious. So just make sure to watch out for any changes in your sickness.

That's going to do it for me this week. I need to rest right now and take my Coldezze (a good homeopathic method for colds), maybe some Tylenol and anything else that will help me. Time... to...rest!