Post Apocalyptic Studio Production

Group B

Our group was by far the largest one, which was great for having enough people to delegate tasks to, but definitely a pain when it came to making sure no one was tripping over each other or doubling up needlessly on tasks.  The topic we chose is one of increasing popularity: the 2012 theories and the end of the world as we know it.

My part was definitely not insignificant.  The one professor that was able to make it was a contact of mine that I've used before for other classes.  Dr. Conley is a biology professor here at Shepherd University, and I kept her up to date with times and lists of questions after making sure she was available for the video shoot.

The second part of my contribution to the tv show was an emergency guest.  Our second professor bailed, and we could not find a replacement in time for the shoot.  I have fairly extensive knowledge of "post apocalyptic theory" since it's somewhat of a hobby of mine, and by doing a bit more research I was able to stand toe to toe with a professor, and present my points with confidence and accuracy.

It was during this whole process that I realized my place is in front of a camera.  I have never been bothered by being in front of people, or under stage  lights or any other high pressure situation.  I thrive there.

Writing Center Script

It's always difficult to interpret how a scene will look from just reading the script.  Conversations or camera changes that seem jumbled or disorganized on paper flow seamlessly on the silver screen, as long as you have a good editor.

That being said, I completely understand the idea and the scene that this script is trying to get across.  When multiple people and actors repeat the same line several times, it drives home whatever point they're trying to make.  From what I can see, this script will do a fairly good job of that, but may suffer from doing that too well.

Commercials and advertisements need to be long enough to get a point across, but short enough to not lose the viewers attention, and in these days, that attention span is remarkably short.  The ad may suffer from being a bit too wordy and long, much longer than it should be.  By cutting out some of the repetition, we can condense the commercial into something much easier to follow and pay attention to without losing any of the overall idea.

Concrete Jungle

In the same vein as "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns'n'Roses, Black Label Society's "Concrete Jungle" is a bleak and rather dark look at life in the big city.  More than that, however, is the look at society and corporate greed and the way it has affected us.

The lyrics throughout the song are fairly simple (and mildly repetitive at times), and illustrate the hopelessness that accompanies the times.  The description that they give is almost apocalyptic in nature, talking of freaks in the streets and rampant death.  The will of the damned is the only thing that matters here, and no one gets out alive.  The visual track that the video takes illustrates the details of the lyrics almost literally, with each phrase being represented.  In this way, the words back up the visuals, rather than contrast them or add a deeper meaning.

This brings us to the visuals themselves.  As I stated before, the video solidifies the lyrics and gives them a visual form rather than enhance their meaning, which is already fairly apparent.  The rhythm and beat is heavily supported, however.  This adds a pounding feel to the experience, not unlike a heartbeat or pulse.

The band themselves are all represented as characters within the concrete jungle.  All take on heavily stylized forms, with exaggerated illustrations abound.  They are also represented as being in some form of bondage, be it a cage, prison cell, or bound in chains.  This is not a representation of real life (I hope...)

Studio tyme!

Yes, I know I misspelled that.  It was intentional.  Moving on.

Admittedly, I've always been somewhat of a ham, so no matter what I do, whether it be behind a camera, in an audio booth or directing the entire process, I feel the most natural and at home in front of the lense.

I've always had a natural talent for talking, the gift of gab if you will.  Conversation comes easily, I'm not shy around people, and large crowds rarely get me nervous.  Filling gaps in interviews and transitioning in between subjects is my strong suit.

I suppose I get these qualities from my father.  He's always been a charismatic salesman, talking to everyone he meets like an old friend.  He has this incredible ability to put people at ease (both their nerves and their wallets) that I've tried hard to match.  Even though I'm not quite there yet, I believe it gives me an edge on screen.

Of Cameras and Lighting

My first experiences in the new Shepherd Studio have been nothing but enjoyable.  Despite near constant problems with lighting, and a few issues with sound and having everyone know exactly what they're doing (still haven't gotten that one yet...) the process has gone as smoothly as it could have in such an early stage of the learning process.  I for one have had an absolute blast, and I feel as if I've been bitten by the studio bug...

My classmates seem to be getting into this ongoing project as well.  After a few initial reservations, everyone fell into each role they were given in turn and tackled every project and problem with growing confidence.  Furthermore, there was a growing enthusiasm and passion that seeped into everyone present, and I truly hoped our instructor sensed that.

In essence, we're not so different than Hamish and his powerful, passionate and innovative style.  We may be many levels below him in experience and professionalism, but truthfully we represent him in miniature.  We are on the same path, even if we're far behind.

Video Killed the Radio Star?

Music videos, specifically the advent of MTV, certainly changed the face of music forever.  But as the classic song goes, did it truly kill the raidio star?

Before music videos came into the limelight, music (and the artists that created it) was transported primarily through the medium of the radio.  Though the sound had an intimate feel, as if you were right in front of the band and they were playing this song just for you, they remained a faceless entity comprised only of sound waves.  MTV and all of its followers and subsequent copycats put a face to the name and sound, forcing an entirely new dimension and medium onto the artists and industry.

The simple answer here is that music video stars outshone the counterparts that weren't "pretty" enough to make the jump from radio, but the truth is far more complicated.  Former radio stars had to adapt to and embrace this new medium in order to survive, and many of them did just that.  Likewise (at least in today's world) an artist or band cannot survive on music videos alone, and must have radio play as well.  The music must be able to stand on it's own for radio play, and be flashy enough (and have a good enough video) to be a hit on TV as well.  Video did NOT kill the radio star.  The video star IS the radio star, and vice versa.  They are one in the same.