Where were  you, where are you and where are you going?

At the beginning of this semester I was a slightly experienced film maker. I could only do very minor editing tricks in Final Cut Pro. I knew how to use the green screen and also how to quickly cut and piece together a film. I knew a few quick keys like blade is the B key and curser is the A key. Right know I know how to make things feel a certain way with different filters. For example how to give things a dark look while keeping the colors with combat filter. I also know how to do minor special effects. Such as making eyes glow red. I have learned how to do time lapses and slow motion as well. In the future I would hope to learn more about special effects and also to have successful films. I hope to learn more about sound enhancing and camera focus. 

What have you learned about working with equipment (camera, lights, sound...)?

I have learned to keep all the focus on auto that way things don't look grainy. Also If you go to camera settings you can turn off or on the zebra stripes to show where the light is focused. You can format the SD card by going to the file management section in the menu and choosing format. From there you chose which slot you want to format. Always plug in a mic or else there won't be sound on the JVC and use a lav mic if you are doing dialogue. 

What have you learned about working with Final Cut Pro X?

When working with final cut pro I learned how to color correct and how to use hot keys. I also learned how to use luma keyer to replace the dark spots with something that I would prefer. I also learned that using Gaussian with a text over the effect makes it so you can see what is happening in the background while keeping the focus on the text. 

What have you learned about working with actors?

I learned that you have to be willing to listen to everyone's ideas and also that you have to be able to work with anyone. Also that you have to give them specific instructions because if you don't the film won't turn out the way you want it to. Working with actors made my people skills better as well. I learned that sometimes you have to show the actors physically and also be willing to change your plans to something that works. 

What have you learned about working with a film a crew?

I learned that there is always something to do between working a light a mic or the camera itself. There is no such thing as a small job on a film set. Every song has an impact on the outcome of the film. Everyone thinks that holding a light is the most unimportant job when it is actually one of the most important jobs because the lighting makes everything look better if done right. The director is the one in charge and everyone needs to listen to them. The director should never have to run and get another battery or light. 

What have you noticed about television, commercials or motion pictures since you started this class?I pay more attention to the colors and the effects that could be being used. I also pay attention the the number of cuts and the camera angles. I notice the over the shoulder shots. And when the 180 rule is broken I notice that as well. I also notice that some of the better films don't have as many words. There is also a feel to every film that has to be given in post production with effects. I also notice when there are really bad commercials and films.