end of semester wrap up

blog question: As our semester draws to a close, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Write down three things that you've learned and how they will improve your video projects in the future. For those that are continuing into next semester, also list three things that you are looking forward to learning in the Spring. Why do you want to learn these things? What do you want to concentrate on doing better? What could you improve? What kind of projects are you looking forward too?

Three things I've learned were how to operate a camera, how to set up a tripod, and how to edit on adobe premiere pro. I hope to take this into next semester and learn even more about these so it can come as second hand nature. I've been able to already take a lot of rules from editing and camera set up into outside projects. I use the rule of thirds for many shots now and apply a balance to the filtering in photos. In the next semester I hope to learn how to edit longer projects, apply special effects into editing without looking tacky, and to learn how to handle time management better. I want to learn these things, because coming in it's what I originally longed for. I'm looking forward to making a short film and writing my own script.

semester wrap up

blog question: What do you feel was the most difficult part of your experience in this class this semester? What are three of the biggest challenges you had this semester?

The most difficult part of this semester was getting motivation. About halfway through this semester I hit a rough patch with my mental health and it was hard for me to do everyday things. I know this isn't an excuse but I let it get in the way of my life and all I can do now is learn from it. As for school work itself I struggled with coming up with creative ideas, time management, and showing up on time.

The Hitchcock Rule

blog question: What is the Hitchcock rule? How does it apply to filmmaking? What is one example of when you put a close up of a detail in your film? Why did you choose it?

Hitchcock's rule is the size of an object in frame should correspond with it's importance in the story at the moment. This applies to filmmaking because it helps guide you towards only capturing the shots and details that you really need. An example on when I used a hitchcock's rule, is in the door scene. My group and I did a close up on the water bottle since it played a factor in the guy tripping over it, making it an important object.

filmmakers and different shots

blog question: What are 3 reasons why filmmakers frame their shots differently?

When a filmmaker frame their shots, they must always pay attention to how much zoom is on the shot, the focus, and how much exposure the camera is letting in (iris). Filmmakers frame their shots differently due to many reasons including the lighting. Lighting is key in filmmaking and filmmakers need to make sure that the amount of light they are allowing in their shot, is not too bright or too dark. To manage this, they use the iris which controls the amount of exposure the camera lens takes in. In the iris, there is the shutter which is basically a little door that opens inside the camera to let a timed amount of light enter. Another reason why filmmakers may frame their shots differently is that their shot is not positioned correctly. Filmmakers tend to follow "the rule of thirds". This helps to center your shot correctly. For example, the horizon line of a shot should always be on the second horizontal line.

zooming vs dollying

blog question: What is the difference between zooming and dollying? What does dollying and trucking add to the shot?

A zoom shot is simply the magnification of the image. When a filmmaker uses a dolly, they physically move through space, displace objects, provides the audience a three dimensional feel. A truck, or trucking shot, is when the camera moves from side to side. There is no depth creation, but it is important to make sure both the beginning and ending shots have are strongly composed. Before turning on the recording, zoom into the subject and check the cameras focus. This prevents the focus from readjusting as the zoom takes place. When the zoom is finished, it is important to hold the shot for an additional 5-7 seconds. When enough room is left on either side, the final edit can still use the footage in case of an all-too-often issue with zooming, in that it's nauseating. Dollying and trucking add a spacial dimension and interesting aspects of movement to otherwise still shots. They can be used to connote a change of pace of the action and story, as well.

rule of thirds

blog question: What is the "Rule of Thirds?" How is it used in video production? How should you compose your subjects in the future in the frame? Why?


The rule of third is added tension. They basically split their canvas, in nine equal parts by splitting it horizontally three times and vertically three time. I should compose of my future frame by adding the rule of thirds to my video, to make it look right.