Interested in Entering this Competition? Let's talk!

Project VoiceScape Invites Young Filmmakers to Submit Films
In collaboration with PBS and Adobe Youth Voices, POV has launched Project VoiceScape as part of its efforts to mentor and encourage aspiring filmmakers. The project welcomes filmmakers in grades 7-12 to submit their film ideas, films-in-progress, or completed short films for its 2011 competition. Project VoiceScape will select 15 young filmmakers for the program and will showcase their work in PBS and POV media. Winners will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC. Learn how to enter at
http://www.pbs.org/pov/filmmakers/voicescape.php.
Deadline for submissions is January 14, 2011.

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Lighting, Part 2: Get Moody!

Check the board for our agenda; EVERYONE will be transitioning to Mood Lighting today.

Teams who have NOT completed filming will be working in Room 100 or the Conference Room after we grade Podcast questions.

This Mood Lighting activity will be our last for the semester, and then we'll transition into the semester Vocab test, and reviewing for the final.

MAKE SURE you download all recorded footage to your own computer; it becomes part of your "demo reel", which is evidence of your technical experience.

Squib-a-licious!

So, guess what Special Effects wizard Geoff Martin taught me how to do on Saturday????

Just goes to show....you'll ALWAYS learn something just by showing up to a film set, being nice and hanging around in a helpful way.

This just in: help film a late-night TV show!

From my homie John Grace at DATA Charter School:

1: Chris Schueler asked me to follow up in creating a list of "film ready" students whom he can call upon and that he can distribute to fellow producers. Please send me the names and contact info (with permission of course) of any students whom you feel can hold their own on a professional set and I will compile a list.

2: Finally, we have another series of Steven Michael Quesada's After After Hours Party shows to shoot on December 14th if you have any students who would like to attend as audience members (and maybe be pressed into service). It's at the Wool Warehouse on 1st street from 6-10 p.m. I hope you can make it. There's some momentum building and it's exciting. Thanks for getting the ball rolling!

John

1: What a wicked series of opportunities!!! I've worked with Chris Schueler in the past, and trust me---if he gets your name and number, he WILL call you to work on a location shoot for one of his documentaries or TV specials. This is ONLY for the seriously motivated.

2: I'm planning on attending and helping out with this shoot; I encourage you to do so! This show airs on Channel 27 (remember, the guys from last week?), and you'll probably wind up helping to crew. MAKE A TV SHOW!!!!!!! Sign up with me THIS WEEK if interested.

want to make a facebook page?

The APS Asthma Program is working with UNM to develop a Facebook page for teens about asthma and diabetes and we want YOUR help!

You will get to work with a technology expert from UNM and other students to create and manage a Facebook page.

This opportunity will not only look good on your college and job applications but you will get free food and other fun stuff!

If you are interested please contact:

RuthAnn Goradia

Community Asthma Resource Nurse

Albuquerque Public Schools

Phone: 855.9836

Email: goradia_r@aps.edu

Creating a 3-pt. Example

We're going to divide into teams of 4 to 5 to create a 3-point lighting scenario. Each team member will be assigned a job with unique responsibilities during the project, and will be graded according to the rubric that will be given to your team. We'll review the Project Overview, Grading Rubric, Job Assignments and expectations before we begin. You'll record 10 seconds of footage to submit for a team grade, to accompany your individual grade.

You oughtta be in pictures!!!....or, working on one, anyway...

Two opportunities to volunteer to work on a small film crew, right here at school!

Saturday, Dec. 4th--"Wild Justice" will be here again for a full day shoot in the courtroom. Want to shadow a crew member, or maybe work as an extra? Sign up with me NO LATER THAN THURSDAY so I can give your names to the 1st AD. Call is at 10:45 a.m., and they'll shoot until 6.

Sunday, Dec. 12th--Local producer and actor Brian Lucero (who's also a sub here at Atrisco!) will be bringing in his film crew for a half-day shoot in the Lecture Hall. Call is at 8 a.m., and you have the opportunity to work hands-on with a crew member, AND be an extra in the scenes! Sign up with me NO LATER THAN THURSDAY so I can give your names to the 1st AD.

Remember, these opportunities allow you to see how film crews REALLY work, get some experience, meet professionals and make a GREAT impression, network for your future, and even get FED!!

headed to the lighting lab

today we're going to hang out in the lighting lab, grade your handouts from last week as we learn how to set up lights, and figure out how NOT to blow up the electrical circuits in E building. leave your backpack here, but take a writing utensil.

The Greatest Film 1 Class.....EVER???

I want you to know how proud I am of you as a class for the way you conducted yourselves on Wednesday during my absence. Your class continues to exceed my expectations and demonstrate your sincere commitment to your success. I am truly amazed and grateful to have such wonderful students. WAY TO GO!!!

I wanted to continue lighting labs today, but I have a really sore throat, so talking a lot is not a good idea. Instead, we'll screen your Illustrated Poem movies.

Guest Presentation: UNM's IFDM Program

This morning we'll hear from Ms. Tonya Lashun-Bryant, and Dr. Nick Flor, from UNM. They represent the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media program at UNM, a 4-year degree program that encompasses above-the-line filmmaking, software programming, animation and more.

Please devote your attention to our guests, and listen to what they have to say about college; anyone caught asking an intelligent question during or after the presentation will receive 1 bonus point on their Poem movie! :)

3-pt. lighting: Podcast

Today, we'll view a short podcast explaining 3-point lighting, then transition into the lighting lab to grade last week's reading questions as we get some "hands-on" time with the lights.

A few things to remember:

1. Safety comes FIRST!! Always be aware of what you're doing, and who/what is around you, when working with lighting and electricity. NO horsing around, or you will be immediately removed from the lab, given book work, and will be forced to call your parents explaining your behavior.

2. Don't blow us up! We'll need to spread out when it comes time to plug in lights and 'strike' them, so that we don't overload any circuits. Today, you'll learn the algebraic equation used to calculate loads on a circuit. YES, film people use math. All the time.

3. Teamwork is crucial. Take turns at each station to get the full lighting experience. Become familiar with each type of light, because you'll be using them A LOT.

lighting, part 1

As we wrap up the Illustrated Poem, we'll transition to learning about lighting basics: Parts of the lighting setup, basic 3-pt. lighting theory, and how to assemble lights. You have a pre-test and an in-class reading assignment to complete today before we begin working with light kits; we'll also view a podcast about 3-point lighting.

Peer Evaluation of Project; Poem Project DUE TODAY!

Use this Peer Checklist to evaluate someone else's project. Complete and turn in with your name for 5 pts. today as we get ready to export your movie to Quick Time.

YOUR NAME:

NAME OF TEAM/PROJECT:

____Maximum of 5 text titles and/or voiceover narration that connect to the words of the poem

____Words, visuals and sound tie together to tell your story

____Opening titles and closing credits

____Sources cited in closing credits

____1 to 3 minutes in length

____Creative cinematography/composition

____ Voice-over narration is clear and easy to understand; volume is set properly

Suggestions for Improvement:

Let's Wrap This Up!

We're behind schedule, so today's a fast and furious work day. I'll come around to look at your edit, talk about good editing practices, and make suggestions for the final cut.

You need to finish recording your voiceover, as we're going to complete these films by the end of class on Monday. That means your voiceover has to be DONE before then.

Soon, we'll be moving on to Basic Lighting Equipment and Techniques.

See the links on the right side of the blog for more info.

Location Scout comes to town!

Actually, Cindy McCrossen, Wednesday's presenter, is a local Albuquerquean who's been working here for many years, and is a location scout for the NM Film Industry. The Film Academy brought a total of over 275 students to the presentations, where students heard about industry jobs, necessary skills for the film and media workforce, and what's involved in a production and in location scouting/management. Our thanks to Ms. McCrossen for sharing her knowledge and expertise!

What Time Is It? GRADE-Thirty!!

Better check those SnapGrades, kids...it's the end of the 2nd 6 weeks (yes, already), and some of those grades are dangerously low. If you fail the 2nd 6 weeks, it's going to be AWFULLY hard to dig yourself outta that hole and do well for the semester.

Come see me about missing grades. In the meantime, concentrate on editing every day this week to earn your 5 daily points. Any off-task behavior, like visiting with friends, playing on the internet, etc., will result in a zero AND a really embarrassing phone conversation between you and your parent/guardian during class.

Illustrated Poem Film due Friday Nov. 5th

You'll have today, and Monday/Wednesday to finish editing your project. Team members will vote on the best version of the project, and upload that to our Vimeo account.

You are trying to earn 5 points per day for editing, and the film itself is worth 100 points. I'll be visiting with each of you to review what you've edited so far.

Downloading and Editing

EVERY team member must download footage to their own computer before the team can begin editing their POEM project. You'll earn 5 points every day that we edit; if you are on task, you earn your points. Goof off, waste time, surf the internet, etc.-- 0 points and you must call home to tell your parents what you've been up to.

We'll spend this week editing your Poem project.

Filming Today?

We have some groups scheduled to film today; if they're ready, we'll all head out the door.

If we don't wind up filming, we'll begin studying 3-point lighting, and how to use lighting equipment.

Don't forget--your footage is due this coming Monday, Oct. 25th; after that we'll be editing!

Final Week of Filming

This is the last week of filming for your "Illustrated Poem" project; you need to see me ASAP if you need to film during class time.

Next week we'll get into editing the Poem project, and begin our studies on Lighting.

Free Dental Care Friday and Saturday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Manuel Lujan Building on the NM Fairgrounds. No ID or fees. Tell your family!

The Deadline Approacheth.....(cue menacing sounds)

With only 10 calendar days left to film, it's important that you're communicating with me and with your team about what still needs to be done. Remember, we can always use class time next week; you just have to let me know, and make sure your team is ready to film at that time.

Ladies and gentlemen, there will be NO EXTENSIONS ON THIS DEADLINE. You have been given ample time to complete the production phase of this project. If you miss the deadline, you will call your parents during class to explain why you are failing the second six week term.

Speaking of which, did you realize that we're at the 9-week mark in the semester? Guess what THAT means......

Holey Moley! Who's interested in an internship????

I received this email last night from our Principal, Mrs. Griego:

OPPORTUNITY : APS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE WOULD LIKE US TO INVITE “ANY OF OUR” STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN INTERNING AT CENTRAL OFFICE WITH THEM (IT WOULD BE WORK WITH THE WEB EDITOR AND OTHER MEDIA PEOPLE) IF YOU HAVE INTERESTED STUDENTS SEND THEIR NAMES DIRECTLY TO LESLEY MOLECKE ATLesley.molecke@aps.edu .

Okay okay okay so that's YOU!!! Ladies and gentlemen, the people that design the APS Website, take the photos, do the interviews, FILM ALL OF THE SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS AROUND ALBUQUERQUE AND EDIT/POST THE FOOTAGE are looking for high school aged students to intern with them! Ohmigosh this is AWESOME!

Of course, they will want to work with students who have reliable transportation (mom loves driving you around, you have your own car, your cousin will give you a ride, you love the public bus, etc.) and a strong interest in Media/Communications/Creative Technologies.

See me, and we'll start working on an application statement; I'll submit your name to Ms. Molecke.

Storyboards Due Today!

Your team will need to complete and submit a 12-panel storyboard (that's both sides of the Storyboard Form) by the end of class today for 36 points.

Requirements:

1. At least 6 different shot types must be used in your storyboard.

2. Do not repeat the same shot across 2 panels; visual variety helps make your film interesting!

3. Don't draw shots you don't intend to use. Keep it realistic.

4. Label each shot with the SHOT TYPE and a short description of the action taking place.

Make sure team members' names, Period 1 and today's date are on the storyboard.

T&O Due Today; Can you pass the Tripod Post-Test?

Work with your partner/self to finish the Treatment & Outline form completely; check with Ms. T when you think you're done.

Also...do you remember the parts of the tripod? What if there were a quiz?????

FEES ARE DUE, and we need SD Cards and Headphones!!! If you can't make today's deadline (jeez, you've had 7 weeks!!!), come talk with Ms. T please.

Project #1: Illustrated Poem

Video Poem Project checklist

This project explores the relationship between the text of a poem (or song), and the symbolic images that are associated with the meaning and intent of the piece. The poem or song should convey the moods or emotions associated with an idea, issue, or interest that have some personal or meaningful connection to you.

Don't be scared---we'll look at examples before we begin!

Requirements:

1. Original video footage and still frames

2. Soundtrack of collected sounds or instrumental music (must be original--no copyrighted music)

3. 1 to 3 minutes in length

4. Creative cinematography/composition.

5. Creative camera angles and movement.

6. Some use of dramatic lighting.

7. Use of at least two special effects and transitions between clips that add to the meaning or mood of the piece.

8. MAXIMUM of 5 text titles that connect to the words of the poem.

9. Narration of your poem.

10. Opening titles and closing credits

Step 1: The Poem or Song

· The poem for this project will become the script for your piece, so it is very important that you choose something that will allow for creative visual representation.

· You can choose a poem or song written by someone else or write one of your own.

· Your poem can have a story line or can be a collection of shots that relate to the mood.

· Make sure your poem is long enough to create a developed piece and appropriate for school. Poem should be a minimum of 15-20 lines.

· Brainstorm a list of at least twenty “dream” shots or images for your project.

· Write your own poem, search for poetry sites and see what you can come up with, choose one you are studying in English, or go to the library.

· Have poem and brainstorm approved before moving forward.

SHOT LIST FOR TRIPOD ASSIGNMENT

STEP 1: Watch the video, "Attaching Camera to Tripod" first. PRACTICE in class.

After you have your ID and Agenda complete and ready, go to the next step.

FIELD:

You and your partner will take a camera and tripod out to the commons area between the sophomore buildings (to the south of our classroom), and EACH of you must complete your own sequence of the following shots for an individual grade. (10 points total per person.)

Make sure you say your name and the shot type when you begin recording.

XLS

Pan Shot

Tilt Shot

Camera Superior

Camera Inferior

CU

XCU

Combo Pan/Tilt Shot

Can't remember what some of these shots are? Look in your textbook, pgs. 85-90!!!

The camera MUST be mounted to the tripod at all times!!! You'll be graded on the stability of your shots (8 pts) and proper use of the tripod (2pts).

Steady, Now: Here comes the Tripod!

Watch this training video with your teammates as often as necessary until you're comfortable using, and identifying, the parts of the tripod identified on your pre-test.

Be aware that this is a 2-part video; the second half covers attaching the tripod to the camera, which we'll attack later this week.

EVERY STUDENT must test out on the Tripod with Ms. T in order to be able to use this valuable piece of equipment for our next filming assignment. Like the Camera Quiz, you'll have to name, and demonstrate the use of, all of those lovely parts on the quiz & video. Good luck!