Today I attended what is, ashamedly, my first tutorial with Deborah Tuck. I was surprised and pleased to find that the tutorials are made up of only a handful of students, put in place to give us a much more personal guidance on our journey through the course. I found that students from the previous week were set the task to look into artists who inspire them in their own work, and to look into works they've done. This week I shall do this, as I know I have a number of artists in my head that I feel I should research a little, and this is a good excuse to do so.
During the tutorial, Deborah, much to my embarrassment, asked (in that sort of way in which it sounds like a request, but really it's a demand) if she could play my film. Red-faced, I obliged, and glad of it I am, too. She pointed out, quite rightly, that my entire course is going to be filled with moments such as this, moments where I must present work I have created to an audience. It's quite a personal thing, showing someone something you've put as much creativity into as possible. But I recieved an applause (Pretty sure it was an appreciative clap. Could have been a pity clap. Tough call) and quite a few nice comments, and a lot of helpful criticism.
Pros
Simplicity of the plot - I think that, as a compliment, this would at first seem maybe a little odd. But they are right, and it's what I felt as well. It's a very simple design brief, and to stretch too far in terms of plot and things would only serve to highlight our obvious inability to create marvelously complicated narratives. It was also noted that, given that it is a story about a student in a lift facing a situation every student has at some point, the plot would sit quite well with the audience - students. This isn't something I had considered. Good, though.
Acting - This one surprised me, I have been complimented quite frequently on my acting. I mean, that's great. At least it means that the ideas that work in my head also work on screen, and I'll feel a little more willing to express ideas in the future.
Shot angle was interesting and awesome - This is something I can take no credit for whatsoever, as I was against the idea of shooting it at that angle. However, I am glad we did. It does look interesting and awesome.
Criticisms
Copywright - Unfortunately I failed to credit the film correctly. For instance, I didn't credit the artist who originally recorded 'The Girl From Ipanema'. What I think I shall do next week is contact the Copywright Protection Society and find out how I would go about requesting permission. Deborah was saying how my film would be judged on the length of the song that I use, and the film's prominence. Considering it is just a student's short for a first year project, I imagine they won't charge me, but it would be good to start as I mean to go on with the career: a by-the-book maverick. Another way we could have averted this would be to simply create my own music for the film, which wouldn't be that hard, given all that is required is cheesy lift music.
Mix levels need to be worked on - This is definately true, and I am going in tommorow to sort it out. I feel a little bad about doing so, since the film is already up on youtube and vimeo. Basically, the voice over is a little too loud, and the lift opening is a little too quiet. Another thing I could add in whilst I'm there is to hire out an Edirol and record some light gusts of air to simulate the sound of air rushing over my ears as I listen to the thoughts inside my head. This was Deborah's idea. Pretty good.
All in all, good times. Very happy with the end result of the film, and I am going to find out weather or not we actually have to produce a dvd copy of the film with a box and such. I hope so, since then we could work on an awesome cover, and a sweet DVD menu and that.
During the tutorial, Deborah, much to my embarrassment, asked (in that sort of way in which it sounds like a request, but really it's a demand) if she could play my film. Red-faced, I obliged, and glad of it I am, too. She pointed out, quite rightly, that my entire course is going to be filled with moments such as this, moments where I must present work I have created to an audience. It's quite a personal thing, showing someone something you've put as much creativity into as possible. But I recieved an applause (Pretty sure it was an appreciative clap. Could have been a pity clap. Tough call) and quite a few nice comments, and a lot of helpful criticism.
Pros
Simplicity of the plot - I think that, as a compliment, this would at first seem maybe a little odd. But they are right, and it's what I felt as well. It's a very simple design brief, and to stretch too far in terms of plot and things would only serve to highlight our obvious inability to create marvelously complicated narratives. It was also noted that, given that it is a story about a student in a lift facing a situation every student has at some point, the plot would sit quite well with the audience - students. This isn't something I had considered. Good, though.
Acting - This one surprised me, I have been complimented quite frequently on my acting. I mean, that's great. At least it means that the ideas that work in my head also work on screen, and I'll feel a little more willing to express ideas in the future.
Shot angle was interesting and awesome - This is something I can take no credit for whatsoever, as I was against the idea of shooting it at that angle. However, I am glad we did. It does look interesting and awesome.
Criticisms
Copywright - Unfortunately I failed to credit the film correctly. For instance, I didn't credit the artist who originally recorded 'The Girl From Ipanema'. What I think I shall do next week is contact the Copywright Protection Society and find out how I would go about requesting permission. Deborah was saying how my film would be judged on the length of the song that I use, and the film's prominence. Considering it is just a student's short for a first year project, I imagine they won't charge me, but it would be good to start as I mean to go on with the career: a by-the-book maverick. Another way we could have averted this would be to simply create my own music for the film, which wouldn't be that hard, given all that is required is cheesy lift music.
Mix levels need to be worked on - This is definately true, and I am going in tommorow to sort it out. I feel a little bad about doing so, since the film is already up on youtube and vimeo. Basically, the voice over is a little too loud, and the lift opening is a little too quiet. Another thing I could add in whilst I'm there is to hire out an Edirol and record some light gusts of air to simulate the sound of air rushing over my ears as I listen to the thoughts inside my head. This was Deborah's idea. Pretty good.
All in all, good times. Very happy with the end result of the film, and I am going to find out weather or not we actually have to produce a dvd copy of the film with a box and such. I hope so, since then we could work on an awesome cover, and a sweet DVD menu and that.
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