Three point editing is one of the many important methods and tools that can be used with Final Cut Pro (and its previous installments) that can seamlessly fit any clip into an existing film project. The editing process begins by marking the "in" and "out" points in our movie, thereby setting out the eventual duration of the clip we wish to insert. After doing so, you can drop your clip in between the in and out points, shortening it to fit your own needs. At any point thereafter, if you wish to add a different clip, you can just insert another file in between the points.
By utilizing three point editing, one can try out multiple different clips in the same spot without having to re-edit, or go through the entire process again. It allows the creator to go through a trial and error process, with his or her artistic freedom unhampered by the red tape of an over complicated editing process.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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...)
Monday, February 13, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Major bummer dude...
First off, I'd like to apologize to any readers who also happen to be in my class for making you do this assignment, but you get to read Cracked articles, and that's always fun.
Except in this case, however. Cracked almost always has hilarious articles relating to everything from narcotics to fish to spy gadgets, and has a tendency to build and title articles around a "List", such as the 7 Biggest Reasons that Squids will Take Over the Planet (I just made that one up).
The story goes that I was reading through a couple of Cracked articles after/during working on some homework assignments. As always, the clever and somewhat raunchy humor had put me in a pretty fantastic mood, until I stumbled on the little patch of shadow that is the article in question. Go ahead, read it and be depressed like I was.
I couldn't help but feel terrible after reading this article, like someone had kicked my puppy on my birthday and stolen all my presents. Reading this really broke my mood, and it felt horribly out of place in such an environment. There was no warning, no disclaimer that this would be a much more serious and dark read than what we're used to seeing there.
I'm not saying that these types of articles, even on humor blogs/websites, aren't ok. It's just that the writer needs to be able to blend it in seamlessly with the rest of his works instead of letting it slap you in the face with your own wallet, which it just stole.
Except in this case, however. Cracked almost always has hilarious articles relating to everything from narcotics to fish to spy gadgets, and has a tendency to build and title articles around a "List", such as the 7 Biggest Reasons that Squids will Take Over the Planet (I just made that one up).
The story goes that I was reading through a couple of Cracked articles after/during working on some homework assignments. As always, the clever and somewhat raunchy humor had put me in a pretty fantastic mood, until I stumbled on the little patch of shadow that is the article in question. Go ahead, read it and be depressed like I was.
I couldn't help but feel terrible after reading this article, like someone had kicked my puppy on my birthday and stolen all my presents. Reading this really broke my mood, and it felt horribly out of place in such an environment. There was no warning, no disclaimer that this would be a much more serious and dark read than what we're used to seeing there.
I'm not saying that these types of articles, even on humor blogs/websites, aren't ok. It's just that the writer needs to be able to blend it in seamlessly with the rest of his works instead of letting it slap you in the face with your own wallet, which it just stole.
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