When you hear the word “art,” you immediately think of paintings in a museum, because that’s where a lot of art is. Art is a beautiful thing. However, it is also very deep and complex, and sometimes, it’s more than a person can handle.
How many times have you looked at a painting and just thought “what the hell is this?” or “what does this mean?”
This applies to film too, but in the indie film department. Indie films are where it’s at because it’s where a lot of experimentation and randomness occurs. Also, many famous movies are art films—movies that totally redefine how a movie is made. But sometimes you come across some art film that looks absolutely stunning, but the meaning of it all completely escapes you.
Let’s switch gears.
Entertainment should not need an explanation. Just go to the movie theater and watch one of the movies that are showing. Friends With Benefits, for example. These movies are pure entertainment; they tell a story and entertain the audience with love, scandal, explosions, and excitement. There’s a reason why the movie industry is so powerful: Entertainment sells.
But it doesn’t mean the movie is always good.
The difference between a movie and a good movie is presentation. There are a lot of movies that have little to no artistry to the way it’s filmed. Nothing in the way it’s filmed dazzles you, save for some CGI backgrounds. I mean, who cares about the way lighting is used? Who cares about the camerawork or the depth of the story? Who cares about stupid things like that?
Well, I do.
One of my goals as a filmmaker is to balance art and entertainment in a movie. I know people like to see exciting things. But it doesn’t mean I can’t be creative with how I frame things, or how I light the set. I want to make pretty pictures, but I want it to sell. I want to be able to entertain others while being proud of my work. It’s a balance between earning money and just being happy with myself I guess.
That’s my rant.
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
8/29/11
3/7/11
Posers
I hate it when people say they’re good at something just because they know the basics of what they’re doing. This applies to film, but pretty much anything else art-related out there, like photography or music or whatever.
Imagine: when people say their film is “artsy.” Sure, that’s fine and all. But if the rest of your film is pure crap, you have nothing. You can make a ton of pretty little angles with cool colors and the retarded film focus effect, but if it doesn’t do anything for your film, then it has no meaning.
People associate pretty things with art. Anyone can make something pretty. You can take a photo of just anything, color correct it and everything and bam, you call yourself artsy. You can take a video clip of anything, put in some ambient music and color correct it, and bam, it’s pretty. So what?
What do those colors do for your picture exactly? Does it capture the right emotion? Does your “artsy” video clip do anything for your film other than make it look pretty? Is your video even good? What’s the point of it anyway?
Artsy implies some form of art, expression of the imagination and feeling. Anyone can make a photo or a video clip and make it look pretty. Anyone. It’s really easy actually—just pull a few sliders here and there and voila: pretty pictures. You haven’t proved anything. You just know how to use sliders on your computer.
In my opinion, art needs the extra layer beneath the surface that has the thought and the imagination in it. I enjoy looking at photos that have meaning. I enjoy watching movies that stress the story before visual effects.
I don’t disapprove of ambition. If you’re really just trying to get better and just experimenting, fine. But don’t go around bragging that you’re all that just because you made one pretty picture. If you have something to back yourself up, well then fine, you choose what you want to do with it.
I’m not trying to criticize anyone specific. This is how I feel generally. I just don’t like it when people talk big but have nothing to back it up with.
Imagine: when people say their film is “artsy.” Sure, that’s fine and all. But if the rest of your film is pure crap, you have nothing. You can make a ton of pretty little angles with cool colors and the retarded film focus effect, but if it doesn’t do anything for your film, then it has no meaning.
People associate pretty things with art. Anyone can make something pretty. You can take a photo of just anything, color correct it and everything and bam, you call yourself artsy. You can take a video clip of anything, put in some ambient music and color correct it, and bam, it’s pretty. So what?
What do those colors do for your picture exactly? Does it capture the right emotion? Does your “artsy” video clip do anything for your film other than make it look pretty? Is your video even good? What’s the point of it anyway?
Artsy implies some form of art, expression of the imagination and feeling. Anyone can make a photo or a video clip and make it look pretty. Anyone. It’s really easy actually—just pull a few sliders here and there and voila: pretty pictures. You haven’t proved anything. You just know how to use sliders on your computer.
In my opinion, art needs the extra layer beneath the surface that has the thought and the imagination in it. I enjoy looking at photos that have meaning. I enjoy watching movies that stress the story before visual effects.
I don’t disapprove of ambition. If you’re really just trying to get better and just experimenting, fine. But don’t go around bragging that you’re all that just because you made one pretty picture. If you have something to back yourself up, well then fine, you choose what you want to do with it.
I’m not trying to criticize anyone specific. This is how I feel generally. I just don’t like it when people talk big but have nothing to back it up with.
2/21/11
Justin Bieber Movie
Yeah, I went to watch it, and I’m not ashamed at all. I don’t hate the kid like a lot of people do. I don’t love him either. I’m part of that middle, grey group who no one really cares about.
Overall, as a documentary, it was okay. It told the basics of his story. There was nothing much we haven’t heard though: He came from a small town, he got his fame on Youtube, he’s a superstar now. That’s all that it really told us. So when it came to historical content, it was pretty limited I’d say.
A lot of it was just geared toward boosting public opinion of the guy. It was mostly sentiments about how he was born with the talent and how he was always a natural showman. They showed baby videos of him, which promptly led the large mass of girls sitting in front of me to go “AWWWW.” Eh. I’m not really affected by baby videos. In my opinion, really, all babies are like that.
I think this movie was more a publicity stunt than a real documentary. Half of it was just portions of his concerts. So, as a documentary, it was pretty average: not great, but definitely not bad. It’s just the fact that it’s Justin Bieber that makes people think it’s a big deal.
Verdict: 6/10
Overall, as a documentary, it was okay. It told the basics of his story. There was nothing much we haven’t heard though: He came from a small town, he got his fame on Youtube, he’s a superstar now. That’s all that it really told us. So when it came to historical content, it was pretty limited I’d say.
A lot of it was just geared toward boosting public opinion of the guy. It was mostly sentiments about how he was born with the talent and how he was always a natural showman. They showed baby videos of him, which promptly led the large mass of girls sitting in front of me to go “AWWWW.” Eh. I’m not really affected by baby videos. In my opinion, really, all babies are like that.
I think this movie was more a publicity stunt than a real documentary. Half of it was just portions of his concerts. So, as a documentary, it was pretty average: not great, but definitely not bad. It’s just the fact that it’s Justin Bieber that makes people think it’s a big deal.
Verdict: 6/10
2/16/11
Improving and Something Completely Different
So what do I have to improve? A lot. Really, any thing I do can improve or change in some way.
Regarding The Blood Exchange, I need to remember to focus on the focus. Half of my shots were out of focus. It honestly pissed me off to see Carlos’ face so out of focused so often. There’s something I can fix.
Another thing I can do? I have to work on my audiowork. I don’t think it was as high-quality as I wanted it to be. I have to work on the balance between voice and music, because, I agree, Roger’s voice was sometimes overtaken by the music.
So, looking forward. I’ll have you know that my next film will be completely opposite from the Blood Exchange when it comes to style. I have no set script, only a storyboard and generally what will happen. I don’t know how I’m going to film it. I don’t know who I want to be in it. I don’t even know how it’s going to end. But I’m gonna film it, and I’m just gonna let things happen the way it happens.
My philosophy is that bad ideas are better than no ideas. Whether or not my future film will be good is completely out of my control. It could be complete crap, and I may forever remember it as a failure. However, doing it is better than sitting here and thinking about what could go wrong. What I’ve learned is that failure is sometimes better than achievement. It tells you where to go next.
As quoted from Paul Arden’s Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite, “IT’S BETTER TO REGRET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE THAN WHAT YOU HAVEN’T.”
Words to live by.
Regarding The Blood Exchange, I need to remember to focus on the focus. Half of my shots were out of focus. It honestly pissed me off to see Carlos’ face so out of focused so often. There’s something I can fix.
Another thing I can do? I have to work on my audiowork. I don’t think it was as high-quality as I wanted it to be. I have to work on the balance between voice and music, because, I agree, Roger’s voice was sometimes overtaken by the music.
So, looking forward. I’ll have you know that my next film will be completely opposite from the Blood Exchange when it comes to style. I have no set script, only a storyboard and generally what will happen. I don’t know how I’m going to film it. I don’t know who I want to be in it. I don’t even know how it’s going to end. But I’m gonna film it, and I’m just gonna let things happen the way it happens.
My philosophy is that bad ideas are better than no ideas. Whether or not my future film will be good is completely out of my control. It could be complete crap, and I may forever remember it as a failure. However, doing it is better than sitting here and thinking about what could go wrong. What I’ve learned is that failure is sometimes better than achievement. It tells you where to go next.
As quoted from Paul Arden’s Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite, “IT’S BETTER TO REGRET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE THAN WHAT YOU HAVEN’T.”
Words to live by.
2/11/11
Editing
I love editing. It’s probably the most unique form of art ever created.
What’s so powerful about editing is that you can take an ordinary movie clip and make it look amazing. You can string together a bunch of ordinary movie clips, color correct, add music, and bam, you have a fantastic movie. It’s a powerful thing.
The thing is, movies are never made perfect. There are a ton of things that happen during filming that can only be fixed with editing. If the microphone picks up some irritating background noise, you can edit it out. If there’s a scene that is too dark, you can brighten it. If you really want to edit someone out because you don’t like them, then you can do it (but doing that takes way too long).
Editing takes a movie and gives it life. There are so many possibilities with editing. The artistic spectrum is ridiculously broad. There are a ton of different styles, defined simply by clip placement, timing, and use of music. It makes movies art.
I used to want to be an editor because I loved seeing movies unravel before me. Every time I make a video, I look forward to editing. Sure, the raw footage sometimes looks good. But editing gives it life—it turns that footage into a living, breathing entity that tells a story. Without editing, movies would not look like they way they do. Special effects could not be achieved. Bad scenes would be preserved. Simply put, editing makes movies what they are.
Some of my videos, like UNDERFIRE War, started off looking like pure crap—we looked like such idiots, running around with Nerf guns and pretending to shoot each other. That video is intense because of editing. The music, the sound effects, the pace of the action, the intensity, are all achieved through editing. It’s unlike anything else.
Some may not enjoy editing as much as I do. But everyone should appreciate how much video editing does for movies. It’s not easy, and it’s not a fast process, but damn, it sure does deliver.
What’s so powerful about editing is that you can take an ordinary movie clip and make it look amazing. You can string together a bunch of ordinary movie clips, color correct, add music, and bam, you have a fantastic movie. It’s a powerful thing.
The thing is, movies are never made perfect. There are a ton of things that happen during filming that can only be fixed with editing. If the microphone picks up some irritating background noise, you can edit it out. If there’s a scene that is too dark, you can brighten it. If you really want to edit someone out because you don’t like them, then you can do it (but doing that takes way too long).
Editing takes a movie and gives it life. There are so many possibilities with editing. The artistic spectrum is ridiculously broad. There are a ton of different styles, defined simply by clip placement, timing, and use of music. It makes movies art.
I used to want to be an editor because I loved seeing movies unravel before me. Every time I make a video, I look forward to editing. Sure, the raw footage sometimes looks good. But editing gives it life—it turns that footage into a living, breathing entity that tells a story. Without editing, movies would not look like they way they do. Special effects could not be achieved. Bad scenes would be preserved. Simply put, editing makes movies what they are.
Some of my videos, like UNDERFIRE War, started off looking like pure crap—we looked like such idiots, running around with Nerf guns and pretending to shoot each other. That video is intense because of editing. The music, the sound effects, the pace of the action, the intensity, are all achieved through editing. It’s unlike anything else.
Some may not enjoy editing as much as I do. But everyone should appreciate how much video editing does for movies. It’s not easy, and it’s not a fast process, but damn, it sure does deliver.
The Sound of Silence
At the end of The Blood Exchange, there will be a period where no one speaks, no music plays, and it’s just things happening. I do this for a reason.
Sometimes, sound, dialogue, and music are detrimental to a scene. Silence is a powerful thing that says nothing, yet conveys so many emotions. Hollywood seriously underrates the sheer power of moments of silence in movies. It’s a shame.
Often in movies, a tense scene is accompanied with heated dialogue and intense music. This is okay sometimes—it depends on the situation. If you’re going for excitement, this is what you want. If you’re going for suspense, then you have to step back and consider how you’re going to achieve this. It really depends on the situation, but I think silence conveys this eerie feeling of realism and loneliness that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand stiff.
Imagine the scene in Pulp Fiction where Butch the boxer is going back to his apartment to retrieve his watch. He does this knowing that there may as well be a hitman waiting for him anywhere. During this scene, there is next to NO dialogue and absolutely NO music. All that this scene shows is Butch walking to his apartment, finding his watch, and finding a surprise in his bathroom. Why is this scene so good? Why is it so suspenseful? They say NOTHING. There is NO MUSIC.
It’s because of the silence.
What a soundtrack often does is build up to the intense part of the scene—it starts out calmer, then builds and builds to the action. That means that you will always know when it’s coming. In real life, there is no soundtrack playing for every suspenseful thing that happens in your life. There is no background music to tell you when something intense is going to happen. That’s life.
What silence does is create realism. This scene worked because it felt real. Butch was just walking through the neighborhood to his apartment. Tensions are high. You felt nervous for Butch because there was no soundtrack indicating anything. Someone could have come outta nowhere and killed him right then and there. Anything could have happened.
I’m not saying to abandon dialogue or music, because a movie is dead without them. But sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. Sometimes the best soundtrack for your life is just nothing. Silence is golden, so shut up and get rich.
Sometimes, sound, dialogue, and music are detrimental to a scene. Silence is a powerful thing that says nothing, yet conveys so many emotions. Hollywood seriously underrates the sheer power of moments of silence in movies. It’s a shame.
Often in movies, a tense scene is accompanied with heated dialogue and intense music. This is okay sometimes—it depends on the situation. If you’re going for excitement, this is what you want. If you’re going for suspense, then you have to step back and consider how you’re going to achieve this. It really depends on the situation, but I think silence conveys this eerie feeling of realism and loneliness that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand stiff.
Imagine the scene in Pulp Fiction where Butch the boxer is going back to his apartment to retrieve his watch. He does this knowing that there may as well be a hitman waiting for him anywhere. During this scene, there is next to NO dialogue and absolutely NO music. All that this scene shows is Butch walking to his apartment, finding his watch, and finding a surprise in his bathroom. Why is this scene so good? Why is it so suspenseful? They say NOTHING. There is NO MUSIC.
It’s because of the silence.
What a soundtrack often does is build up to the intense part of the scene—it starts out calmer, then builds and builds to the action. That means that you will always know when it’s coming. In real life, there is no soundtrack playing for every suspenseful thing that happens in your life. There is no background music to tell you when something intense is going to happen. That’s life.
What silence does is create realism. This scene worked because it felt real. Butch was just walking through the neighborhood to his apartment. Tensions are high. You felt nervous for Butch because there was no soundtrack indicating anything. Someone could have come outta nowhere and killed him right then and there. Anything could have happened.
I’m not saying to abandon dialogue or music, because a movie is dead without them. But sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. Sometimes the best soundtrack for your life is just nothing. Silence is golden, so shut up and get rich.
1/25/11
Why Filmmaking?
Filmmaking is, in my opinion, the best kind of storytelling out there. I don’t know about you, but the reason why I don’t like to read is because imagining things happening simply isn’t enough for me. I enjoy seeing a story in an entertaining way. I like to be immersed in the story, with sound, visuals, atmospheric music, etc. Movies are like my escape. It’s like entering a completely different world and viewing the story firsthand.
Movies can take many shapes and forms. However, the differences between movies and other kinds of media are simple:
Also, have you ever had those moments where you think “Damn, I just did something awesome. I wish awesome music could play to celebrate it.” That might just be me, but honestly, music creates atmosphere. Combine music with motion picture, and you have one entertaining movie.
I love filmmaking because it’s entertaining and it feels more real than just pictures or books or other kinds of storytelling. It’s a medium unlike anything else out there.
Movies can take many shapes and forms. However, the differences between movies and other kinds of media are simple:
- They provide motion, and
- They provide visuals mixed with music and sound effects.
Also, have you ever had those moments where you think “Damn, I just did something awesome. I wish awesome music could play to celebrate it.” That might just be me, but honestly, music creates atmosphere. Combine music with motion picture, and you have one entertaining movie.
I love filmmaking because it’s entertaining and it feels more real than just pictures or books or other kinds of storytelling. It’s a medium unlike anything else out there.
1/18/11
My Biggest Influence
Of all the directors and all their works, no other director has influenced me as much as the big man, Quentin Tarantino. Why?
He’s taught me what makes a good movie.
When I watched Inglourious Basterds,I expected more action than it had. This was because I was used to seeing Hollywood movies with tons of action and suspense. Instead, I was presented with a ton of dialogue that I thought went on forever. However, it was interesting, so I decided to investigate further with his movies, because I had heard good stuff about them.
Reservoir Dogs was where I began to understand Tarantino. The bulk of this movie is just acting and dialogue. But the way it tells the story is incredible. The characters are beyond real—there’s no cheesy dialogue or anything that sounds stupid. It is an intense movie with bits of action and amazing suspense. I learned, right when I finished that movie, that good movies have good stories.
I began to see the emptiness in Hollywood films. I began to ask, “Why are they fighting? Why is it so drawn out? There’s no way all those bullets could have missed him!” While I understand it’s for entertainment, I began to become repelled by the ridiculousness of these scenarios.
Then I saw Pulp Fiction, and I became obsessed with following his tactics.
I’ve seen other directors who are similar to Tarantino, such as Stanley Kubrick (another amazing director). I find so much power in their storytelling that is lacking in many films that come out today. My goal as a filmmaker is to resurrect that power and emulate it in a way that will become successful.
Thank you, Quentin Tarantino, for making great movies. For better or for worse, my outlook on film has changed forever, because of you.
He’s taught me what makes a good movie.
When I watched Inglourious Basterds,I expected more action than it had. This was because I was used to seeing Hollywood movies with tons of action and suspense. Instead, I was presented with a ton of dialogue that I thought went on forever. However, it was interesting, so I decided to investigate further with his movies, because I had heard good stuff about them.
Reservoir Dogs was where I began to understand Tarantino. The bulk of this movie is just acting and dialogue. But the way it tells the story is incredible. The characters are beyond real—there’s no cheesy dialogue or anything that sounds stupid. It is an intense movie with bits of action and amazing suspense. I learned, right when I finished that movie, that good movies have good stories.
I began to see the emptiness in Hollywood films. I began to ask, “Why are they fighting? Why is it so drawn out? There’s no way all those bullets could have missed him!” While I understand it’s for entertainment, I began to become repelled by the ridiculousness of these scenarios.
Then I saw Pulp Fiction, and I became obsessed with following his tactics.
I’ve seen other directors who are similar to Tarantino, such as Stanley Kubrick (another amazing director). I find so much power in their storytelling that is lacking in many films that come out today. My goal as a filmmaker is to resurrect that power and emulate it in a way that will become successful.
Thank you, Quentin Tarantino, for making great movies. For better or for worse, my outlook on film has changed forever, because of you.
1/15/11
Should I?
I'm debating whether or not to change to a Tumblr.
It's not that either site is better. I don't investigate this stuff too much, and I personally like Blogger. However, I want to be able to reach out to more of my friends so more people read my stuff. This will result in more of my friends actually WATCHING my videos.
But man, 110 posts.... It's almost too much to give up.... Which is why I'm debating.
I'll ask around.
It's not that either site is better. I don't investigate this stuff too much, and I personally like Blogger. However, I want to be able to reach out to more of my friends so more people read my stuff. This will result in more of my friends actually WATCHING my videos.
But man, 110 posts.... It's almost too much to give up.... Which is why I'm debating.
I'll ask around.
12/2/10
Film Attempt
Last week was Thanksgiving break. We had the full week off. I wanted to film. Things didn't work out.
I wanted to film Sunday, and everyone was set. Until the night before. At about 10 pm, after Carlos went to sleep, Kevin informs me that his house is no longer available.
Well that sucks. I found a replacement location however! So, crisis averted.
The next day I woke up early so I could pack and prepare. I was able to contact Carlos and discuss the situation. However, my other three actors were no where to be found. Filming was planned for 12 noon, and it was 11:30, and I hadn't heard a peep from any of them. Shit.
Finally, after many stressful (and anger-ful) calls, I got an answer. Apparently, all three of these actors went out last night for the midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show. That's fine and all, but they were out until about 4 am. So they didn't wake up till about 12. Great.
Carlos and I headed to Kevin's house to get the lowdown. Upon ringing the doorbell, a red-eyed, loopy Kevin struggles out of the door in front of us. He looks as if he's been hit with pink-eye or something. He could barely stand straight, and he was slurring his words, and his hands were shaking. There was no way he could act in this condition. As much as I hated to say it, I had to reschedule the filming.
Later that day, about 3 pm, Julien texts me, saying that he can't make it to filming because he just woke up. Derp.
So we rescheduled to Tuesday. But then, Carlos got sick. I pardoned him immediately because you can't avoid illness. Plus, he's my main actor, and I wanted to make sure he was 100% before he acted. So we postponed again. But by that time, I just wanted to enjoy my vacation. So I did.
In two days, filming will happen (I hope). I continue to have high expectations for this film. I have a ton of great actors who are ready to be in the film. I are excited.
Anyway, that's my story. Don't tl;dr me or I'll find you and kill you while you're asleep or in the bathroom. :D
I wanted to film Sunday, and everyone was set. Until the night before. At about 10 pm, after Carlos went to sleep, Kevin informs me that his house is no longer available.
Well that sucks. I found a replacement location however! So, crisis averted.
The next day I woke up early so I could pack and prepare. I was able to contact Carlos and discuss the situation. However, my other three actors were no where to be found. Filming was planned for 12 noon, and it was 11:30, and I hadn't heard a peep from any of them. Shit.
Finally, after many stressful (and anger-ful) calls, I got an answer. Apparently, all three of these actors went out last night for the midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show. That's fine and all, but they were out until about 4 am. So they didn't wake up till about 12. Great.
Carlos and I headed to Kevin's house to get the lowdown. Upon ringing the doorbell, a red-eyed, loopy Kevin struggles out of the door in front of us. He looks as if he's been hit with pink-eye or something. He could barely stand straight, and he was slurring his words, and his hands were shaking. There was no way he could act in this condition. As much as I hated to say it, I had to reschedule the filming.
Later that day, about 3 pm, Julien texts me, saying that he can't make it to filming because he just woke up. Derp.
So we rescheduled to Tuesday. But then, Carlos got sick. I pardoned him immediately because you can't avoid illness. Plus, he's my main actor, and I wanted to make sure he was 100% before he acted. So we postponed again. But by that time, I just wanted to enjoy my vacation. So I did.
In two days, filming will happen (I hope). I continue to have high expectations for this film. I have a ton of great actors who are ready to be in the film. I are excited.
Anyway, that's my story. Don't tl;dr me or I'll find you and kill you while you're asleep or in the bathroom. :D
11/17/10
More Movies!
Here are some other movies I've watched recently.
The Social Network: Okay, it was good. It was a solid movie that never strayed away from its purpose. It had good dialogue and good cinematography. The story was non-linear and developed characters. But really, nothing really stood out to me. Yes, it was a technically solid movie, and yes, it has garnered many high reviews, but it didn't wow me, it simply left me content. At least it wasn't a bad movie. The actors were pretty good. The whole process of making Facebook was a drama waiting to happen. But once again, I was failed to be completely wowed. I feel like it was playing it too safe. But that's me. Failed to wow, but was a solid movie otherwise. My verdict: 8/10.
Chungking Express: Okay, now THIS movie was different. It follows the stories of two heartbroken cops and the way they deal with their sadness. I liked this movie because the way it was filmed was completely different from any other. The chase scenes involved low shutter speeds, but you were still able to see the characters' faces through all the blur. My favorite line in the movie is "Do you like pineapples?" That itself should interest you. I liked this movie a lot because it had very interesting dialogue, had a great set of characters, and extremely unique storylines. The cinematography in this movie was very different from other movies so it stood out like a sore thumb. Thing is, it works. There's something about this movie that makes it one of my all time favorites. I could watch it all day long. The "Dreamlover" sequence never fails to make me smile. My verdict: 10/10
The Social Network: Okay, it was good. It was a solid movie that never strayed away from its purpose. It had good dialogue and good cinematography. The story was non-linear and developed characters. But really, nothing really stood out to me. Yes, it was a technically solid movie, and yes, it has garnered many high reviews, but it didn't wow me, it simply left me content. At least it wasn't a bad movie. The actors were pretty good. The whole process of making Facebook was a drama waiting to happen. But once again, I was failed to be completely wowed. I feel like it was playing it too safe. But that's me. Failed to wow, but was a solid movie otherwise. My verdict: 8/10.
Chungking Express: Okay, now THIS movie was different. It follows the stories of two heartbroken cops and the way they deal with their sadness. I liked this movie because the way it was filmed was completely different from any other. The chase scenes involved low shutter speeds, but you were still able to see the characters' faces through all the blur. My favorite line in the movie is "Do you like pineapples?" That itself should interest you. I liked this movie a lot because it had very interesting dialogue, had a great set of characters, and extremely unique storylines. The cinematography in this movie was very different from other movies so it stood out like a sore thumb. Thing is, it works. There's something about this movie that makes it one of my all time favorites. I could watch it all day long. The "Dreamlover" sequence never fails to make me smile. My verdict: 10/10
11/10/10
Analysis of Nickelodeon
I've watched shows like iCarly, Big Time Rush, and True Jackson enough and I think I now know why I don't like these shows and why I think it has a negative impact on the viewers.
The thing is that in these shows, stardom seems to just come one day when they choose to. iCarly begins with three teenagers who want to make a web show. That's all fine and dandy, but then, out of the blue, they have their own studio with expensive equipment and everything. This is where things start going off track. The thing is, viewers at this point don't watch because they relate to the story. Instead, they're brainwashed that success appears at your doorstep when you want it to. I don't like this depiction of instant success because it's simply not what life is. Also, no one cares who dates who. It blows up the magnitude of relationship drama that is incredibly poisonous to younger viewers who strive to be like Carly, i.e. yelling at every moment that you want to get your point across. Come on, this show isn't even funny.
Same with True Jackson. When would a big company pass their executive position to a teenager? Are they stupid? Not only does it immediately stray away from reality, but then it shows viewers that it's okay to screw around when you supposedly have a high position in a big company. Once again, how does this relate to anyone? If people mess around in school, they get in trouble. Success doesn't just show up one day, and even if it does, it shouldn't lead to goofing off. Once again, these shows fail to relate to life and the viewers and only brainwash young viewers into thinking that this is actually how things work.
Let's go back to the days of Drake and Josh and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. Why did I like these shows? Why did everyone like these shows? Because they depicted the lives of relatively ordinary people in ordinary situations (albeit excluding Megan). Drake and Josh was about two step brothers who have to deal with each other and life in high school. This was something that everyone could relate to in some way. It's just life, even though it gets silly. They don't just jump straight to stardom when they want to.
Ned's Declassified was the same. It had goofy characters, yes, but it also dealt with common occurrences in middle school and school in general. Everyone could relate to this show, even though it was pretty silly. It depicted the school lives of ordinary people and exemplified the stereotypes, like the bully and the jock, and placed them in an environment that people could relate to.
I feel like those older shows had more heart behind them. We could watch Ned and feel like "Hey, we're not alone. Other people deal with similar things in middle school as I do." We could watch Drake and Josh and laugh because brothers did act that way, and the two different personalities would always clash in some way, much like they would in real life. But shows like iCarly and True Jackson have no relatability factor. It's simply a means of making people wish that they could have success like they do. It is for this reason why I hate these new Nickelodeon shows the most. I'm still waiting for a new, organic show that doesn't have to be disgusting to appear.
The thing is that in these shows, stardom seems to just come one day when they choose to. iCarly begins with three teenagers who want to make a web show. That's all fine and dandy, but then, out of the blue, they have their own studio with expensive equipment and everything. This is where things start going off track. The thing is, viewers at this point don't watch because they relate to the story. Instead, they're brainwashed that success appears at your doorstep when you want it to. I don't like this depiction of instant success because it's simply not what life is. Also, no one cares who dates who. It blows up the magnitude of relationship drama that is incredibly poisonous to younger viewers who strive to be like Carly, i.e. yelling at every moment that you want to get your point across. Come on, this show isn't even funny.
Same with True Jackson. When would a big company pass their executive position to a teenager? Are they stupid? Not only does it immediately stray away from reality, but then it shows viewers that it's okay to screw around when you supposedly have a high position in a big company. Once again, how does this relate to anyone? If people mess around in school, they get in trouble. Success doesn't just show up one day, and even if it does, it shouldn't lead to goofing off. Once again, these shows fail to relate to life and the viewers and only brainwash young viewers into thinking that this is actually how things work.
Let's go back to the days of Drake and Josh and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. Why did I like these shows? Why did everyone like these shows? Because they depicted the lives of relatively ordinary people in ordinary situations (albeit excluding Megan). Drake and Josh was about two step brothers who have to deal with each other and life in high school. This was something that everyone could relate to in some way. It's just life, even though it gets silly. They don't just jump straight to stardom when they want to.
Ned's Declassified was the same. It had goofy characters, yes, but it also dealt with common occurrences in middle school and school in general. Everyone could relate to this show, even though it was pretty silly. It depicted the school lives of ordinary people and exemplified the stereotypes, like the bully and the jock, and placed them in an environment that people could relate to.
I feel like those older shows had more heart behind them. We could watch Ned and feel like "Hey, we're not alone. Other people deal with similar things in middle school as I do." We could watch Drake and Josh and laugh because brothers did act that way, and the two different personalities would always clash in some way, much like they would in real life. But shows like iCarly and True Jackson have no relatability factor. It's simply a means of making people wish that they could have success like they do. It is for this reason why I hate these new Nickelodeon shows the most. I'm still waiting for a new, organic show that doesn't have to be disgusting to appear.
10/30/10
A Tale of Unspoken Revenge Reflection
I was going to do a video reflection but I'm being lazy so I'll just stick to this for now.
A Tale of Unspoken Revenge was technically a very neat film. Other that some less-than-stellar Steadicam shots (by me), every angle benefited the film and showed exactly what needed to be shown. I dedicated a lot of our film time getting the tripod down and getting exactly the angle I wanted. Even if they were a teensie bit off from where I wanted them, I asked to start the take over again because I wanted to be picky.
I realize it starts out slow, but that's what I like about it. The story begins with two guys walking to someone's house, and then they break in and beat the crap out of him. Then it settles, talk talk talk, babble babble babble, whoa what the hell, Ryan escaped and beat up Julien! That's when it got good for me. It starts out slow, and I'm not sure how many people can sit through it, but if you watch till the end, it turns out great. I loved the scene where Ryan untied himself. I couldn't have asked for a better turnout than that.
The fight scenes were awesome. We made up those fight scenes on set and on the spot between each consecutive take. I think it ended up very smooth-like and was a good ending to the video.
The tackle scene was accomplished by placing a ton of pillows in front of Julien. Once again, taking time in between takes for scenes like this was crucial.
I loved how Jared was able to pull off his talk scene with Ryan. Albeit, it took a few tries, it was extremely funny in the end. I would have never been able to pull such a scene off. Special thanks to Jared for being awesome there.
We took our time because we had a lot of time. For longer videos, I can see filming spanning multiple days, but for now, I won't go over two days for a video. The filming for World War Z was ridiculously tiring because we were so short on time, and frankly, it just was not fun at that point. When you're in a small group, taking your time, and focusing on quality, I find it a much more enjoyable experience. Lesson from World War Z and Blood Exchange, do not rush your videos, and do not sacrifice quality.
Overall, I'm mucho proud of this video. It sets another standard for me in quality. Taking the scenes slowly with care pays off massively in the end. It showed me the power of the tripod and that I need to practice more with the Steadicam. Until next time, with my next big feature!
A Tale of Unspoken Revenge was technically a very neat film. Other that some less-than-stellar Steadicam shots (by me), every angle benefited the film and showed exactly what needed to be shown. I dedicated a lot of our film time getting the tripod down and getting exactly the angle I wanted. Even if they were a teensie bit off from where I wanted them, I asked to start the take over again because I wanted to be picky.
I realize it starts out slow, but that's what I like about it. The story begins with two guys walking to someone's house, and then they break in and beat the crap out of him. Then it settles, talk talk talk, babble babble babble, whoa what the hell, Ryan escaped and beat up Julien! That's when it got good for me. It starts out slow, and I'm not sure how many people can sit through it, but if you watch till the end, it turns out great. I loved the scene where Ryan untied himself. I couldn't have asked for a better turnout than that.
The fight scenes were awesome. We made up those fight scenes on set and on the spot between each consecutive take. I think it ended up very smooth-like and was a good ending to the video.
The tackle scene was accomplished by placing a ton of pillows in front of Julien. Once again, taking time in between takes for scenes like this was crucial.
I loved how Jared was able to pull off his talk scene with Ryan. Albeit, it took a few tries, it was extremely funny in the end. I would have never been able to pull such a scene off. Special thanks to Jared for being awesome there.
We took our time because we had a lot of time. For longer videos, I can see filming spanning multiple days, but for now, I won't go over two days for a video. The filming for World War Z was ridiculously tiring because we were so short on time, and frankly, it just was not fun at that point. When you're in a small group, taking your time, and focusing on quality, I find it a much more enjoyable experience. Lesson from World War Z and Blood Exchange, do not rush your videos, and do not sacrifice quality.
Overall, I'm mucho proud of this video. It sets another standard for me in quality. Taking the scenes slowly with care pays off massively in the end. It showed me the power of the tripod and that I need to practice more with the Steadicam. Until next time, with my next big feature!
10/10/10
9/4/10
Drama Drama
For the past MONTH or so I've been trying to think of a new movie idea. I wanted to make a drama.
Sad part is, I can't think of anything good.
We tried to make something last weekend, and we filmed, but I really don't see where the story is going to go from where we stopped. So I'm dropping the project. I guess that's me in search of something amazing in the raw footage. I'm dumb sometimes.
So here's where I go now: Action, suspense, and mystery. I find that so much more interesting. I'll figure something out soon. Post later!
Sad part is, I can't think of anything good.
We tried to make something last weekend, and we filmed, but I really don't see where the story is going to go from where we stopped. So I'm dropping the project. I guess that's me in search of something amazing in the raw footage. I'm dumb sometimes.
So here's where I go now: Action, suspense, and mystery. I find that so much more interesting. I'll figure something out soon. Post later!
7/29/10
100th Post!
I'd like to make a point to celebrate my 100th post on this blog!
Woo!
I'm quite proud that I've dedicated part of myself to this blog long enough to reach 100 posts. It's quite an accomplishment for me, and 100 is a big number. I'll keep posting so stay tuned for more!
:D
Woo!
I'm quite proud that I've dedicated part of myself to this blog long enough to reach 100 posts. It's quite an accomplishment for me, and 100 is a big number. I'll keep posting so stay tuned for more!
:D
7/25/10
New Picture
Oh, I made a DVD compilation of all the videos my cousin and I have made together. Here was the DVD menu picture:
He bought that hat for $40. He has been "trying to find a hat like that for months." And he wanted to have it in the picture.
Hell, I got a laugh from it, so why not? It's not a complicated picture. It serves as a standalone picture and the menu for our DVD. Two birds with one stone.
He bought that hat for $40. He has been "trying to find a hat like that for months." And he wanted to have it in the picture.
Hell, I got a laugh from it, so why not? It's not a complicated picture. It serves as a standalone picture and the menu for our DVD. Two birds with one stone.
5/13/10
Pasta: My Guilty Pleasure
So I'm sitting here, it's almost 10, I haven't showered, I have my Speedo on still, and I'm doing nothing productive. Why you may ask?
I had a big plate of pasta for dinner. I decided to eat it as fast as I could, and now, over an hour later, it's sitting in my stomach, NOT digesting. It's like, it's trying to tell me that I'm gluttonous and I eat too much.
Yeah well I joined Nova swimming this week, and I work hard. I god damn deserve some god damn good food!
Still, this good food is still sitting here, and I'm afraid if I lie down, I'll barf it out. Those grapes next to me are winking at me though.... NO, NO, NO, IT'S A TRAP CARD. IT'S A TRAP CARD. MUST RESIST.
Which reminds me of this:
"NO, NO, NO NO NO, THERE WILL BE NO GAY SEX SPRAYS"
Team Fortress 2 Griefing. Classic griefing for those who love to see people squirm :)
Oh man I think I'm gonna throw up soon. Post later.
I had a big plate of pasta for dinner. I decided to eat it as fast as I could, and now, over an hour later, it's sitting in my stomach, NOT digesting. It's like, it's trying to tell me that I'm gluttonous and I eat too much.
Yeah well I joined Nova swimming this week, and I work hard. I god damn deserve some god damn good food!
Still, this good food is still sitting here, and I'm afraid if I lie down, I'll barf it out. Those grapes next to me are winking at me though.... NO, NO, NO, IT'S A TRAP CARD. IT'S A TRAP CARD. MUST RESIST.
Which reminds me of this:
"NO, NO, NO NO NO, THERE WILL BE NO GAY SEX SPRAYS"
Team Fortress 2 Griefing. Classic griefing for those who love to see people squirm :)
Oh man I think I'm gonna throw up soon. Post later.
5/6/10
Good Fortune
I would like to say, right out, that as someone as amateur and young as me, I am very fortunate to have the materials I have to pursue my passion for cinematography.
One of my idols is James Rolfe, also known as the Angry Video Game Nerd. One of his videos, Cinemassacre 200, explains his long history of video production and the obstacles he faced. I consider him a great model for an aspiring cinematographer as I. I consider myself very lucky to have some of my materials, like a good computer. The things that James had to do just to make a short video is crazy, and I'm happy I have the materials to pursue such a dream.
Cinemassacre 200
Thanks, James, for the inspiration you have given me. I hope I get as big a break as you did.
One of my idols is James Rolfe, also known as the Angry Video Game Nerd. One of his videos, Cinemassacre 200, explains his long history of video production and the obstacles he faced. I consider him a great model for an aspiring cinematographer as I. I consider myself very lucky to have some of my materials, like a good computer. The things that James had to do just to make a short video is crazy, and I'm happy I have the materials to pursue such a dream.
Cinemassacre 200
Thanks, James, for the inspiration you have given me. I hope I get as big a break as you did.
4/27/10
Oh Baby!
Alright gais, I currently have three planned videos!
One was the poker one that we didn't get to film yet. The second is the one with just Henry, Ryan, and me. No details on that one yet, but we know what it's about. Third is the summer video I will film with my cousin. I also have full details on that one, but no details pour VOUS!
I'm so stoked for filming.
Also, Adobe CS4 is working for me baby. I have the full Adobe CS4 Master Collection at my fingertips, waiting for my command, waiting for the magic to begin. Special thanks to Ryan for the help! I love the new interface of Premiere, and I can't wait to start editing on my new software!
GO VIDEO PRODUCTION!
GO THEOREM 42!
One was the poker one that we didn't get to film yet. The second is the one with just Henry, Ryan, and me. No details on that one yet, but we know what it's about. Third is the summer video I will film with my cousin. I also have full details on that one, but no details pour VOUS!
I'm so stoked for filming.
Also, Adobe CS4 is working for me baby. I have the full Adobe CS4 Master Collection at my fingertips, waiting for my command, waiting for the magic to begin. Special thanks to Ryan for the help! I love the new interface of Premiere, and I can't wait to start editing on my new software!
GO VIDEO PRODUCTION!
GO THEOREM 42!
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