Learning is FUN!

I have learned a good deal this week I would say. It's been very busy due to CMF, but I have learned a lot during it, even if it may have been the hard way. So apparently 24p means it looks like the movies? but then it when in Final Cut, 24p makes the film look like there is a fold in time taking place? Short depth of field looks pretty sweet and I think I've finally got my head wrapped around it. Recording audio in a booth instead of from the shotgun is money. putting something in the foreground and blurring it out looks nice. Also you can make a room look like its full of people with only a few people and the right angles. Patience, repetition, and attention to detail is key. Filming in the shade is freezing.

Filmmaking Goals

When I got to the University of Alabama, I had no set goals when it came to Filmmaking. I knew that whatever I did with my time here, I wanted to be able to look back and be confident that I spent wisely the time the Lord had granted me. I have a clearer picture now of which path I am being led down. I feel that there is a great need and calling for Filmmakers to use the skills and talents granted them in order to somehow give glory to the most high God. Everywhere I look, I see media being used as a vehicle for sin and filth, this could be my chance to try and reverse that trend. Documentaries seem to be the best way to accomplish this, by filming mission trips and using them to motivate other missionaries, but also feature length films can affect people in an incredible way.

That being said I have many goals for this class. I want to come out of this class very comfortable and confident with a camera in my hands. I want to know the ins and outs of the technical aspects of it. I want to know how to frame and light certain shots for different types of projects. More than just knowing how to frame the shots, I want to be able to accurately tell a story by the way that the shots flow together. Beyond simply filming, I desire to feel confident working with Final Cut. Editing for me has always been a weak point, and I really want to turn that around. Practically for the near future, I want to know how to put a montage of action shots together and put music behind it. I am working as a videographer this Summer doing just that, and I could definitely be more equipped before I head off.

Awe-Inspiring

This picture was taken by a guy I know named Jeremy Cavness who specializes in wedding photography. I find this picture visually compelling because the subject is not your typical model, but instead he is a very young child. This picture perfectly captures the eagerness of a small child in a setting and costume you would never expect a child to be in. It has a kind of old school feel to it with the sharp red bricks in the background and the retro popcorn box and top hat. In a sense it reminds me of the 1920's, which is also my favorite era.

This picture was taken by G.O. Howell. I find this picture to be visually and meaningfully compelling because it seems to sum up an American mentality and mindset. You have an abandoned Christmas day scene with the crucifixion of Jesus on the television, neither of which no one is paying any attention to. We, as Americans, typically are trying to fly through life and we completely miss the purpose and lack the ability to appreciate things that others don't have.

This picture was taken by G.O. Howell. When I first saw this picture it affected me in many ways. What I like a lot about this picture is how it captures an innocent side to a country that can be somewhat wild and dangerous. This is really a picture of my future one day, in that I will hopefully will be working in India spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This picture is also eye opening in terms of how real the poverty is in third world countries, especially when compared to where we live.

Top Ten Films

Ratatouille

Avatar

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Cloverfield

Benjamin Button

V For Vendetta

Luther

Blood Diamond

Sin City

Remember the Titans