The perk of Sundays: I think clearer. The perk of blogging: I share it, I vent.
I could not ask for a better combination to power me through reflecting on something I had been dismissing lately as I worked towards BlendZ.
Okay. This probably sounds cliché or irrelevant, but It’s legit. Last year, we repetitively exercised producing, testing and iterating independently. Because through the Ted talk, the documentary, or even the POL we were basically on our own following the (many times tight) deadlines set by the class, we were pushed to produce almost instantaneously, and thrown out to the real-world of consequences where, evidently, we could fail. At first, it was like throwing a naïve swimmer into the ocean. Here’s where Nike’s slogan applies: “just do it”. Consequently, we learned form our mistakes. Did we drown? No, I’m pretty certain we survived. |
So, why was I having such a hard time taking the leap
into the production of the Kickstarter?
What has slowed down the Kickstater’s trajectory, I believe, is that I’m revolving too much around the same idea; I’m scripting the whole video rather than producing the first section, getting feedback, and later moving to the next. After all, we don’t know for certain what our final proposal in exchange for people’s donations is--a truck? A box? These are all vital details to include. Yet, that certainly does not mean the project status has to be set on hold.
Thankfully, Friday morning as I worked, I ran into Wonga, an “introverted” peer, who caught up in my frustration and called me out:
"Why do you keep reading the script?" Just go for it."
Overall, there are definitely things that I could have priory calculated with better planning as the Go-Pro was initially missing, and people weren’t aware that they would appear in the video—things, that could be easily maneuvered for further effectiveness of the group. But, if anything, Friday served as a practice run and as a lesson. Once we got going, I started getting excited; sometimes when you are stuck in an idea, whether it’s in writing, video editing or even in an essay this is the way to go. I assure you--sooner or later--what you’re looking for will spark from a casual mistake or simply from your willingness to get into the creation mood. |
Here are some highlights from the process:
- Video directing is pretty much like being cheer captain; one-shot scenes, short as they might be, are choreography. I need patience and disposition to maintain the excitement of the participants through the repetitive takes.
- When directing, ideas burst in the middle of the process; one must be open to accept and implement them, adjusting the plan as it goes—of course, only to certain extent. This leads to point 3.
- A director must have the final vision and tone determined; they have to clearly know what they’re looking for, without being afraid of pushing their boundaries in the moment of action. For flexibility with script and frames to be embraced the director must remain relaxed.
*Warning: Excitement can sometimes get’ me too carried away. This week, I have to be careful to find the balance, experiment, yes, but without wasting others time. - It’s exciting to get others excited about the role they play in the making of your idea. I have to remember not to show my frustration when something goes wrong. Because, whether it’s on stage or on camera, Building confidence and good-vibes amongst the group is essential for the efficacy of the production.
*Strategy: To engage others in the Kickstarter, I will go into filming with a clear scheme. For instance, tomorrow I’ll arrive early to school and make sure the set is ready before hand. Cameras are charged cups are set up, electricity works. Check. Check. Check. Nothing’s missing, that’s the goal!