In an earlier blog post, The Perks of a Positive Production, I was able to thoroughly document the process of putting together a television program in a short amount of time. As leader of a group of students working on a Healthy Eating round table discussion program, there were several things to consider as I helped my peers move from creating the idea, contacting guests, selecting jobs in studio, and recording our show.
It is nearly impossible to think of every complication that could crop up during a studio production, and if there was a foolproof way to be prepared for every potential obstacle -- chances are there simply wouldn't be time. Even working as a team, as students of production we are still growing and developing our skill set while operating on a tight schedule.
As I look back on the program we created, there are things I have identified as problems, and some things I think went smoothly.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Perks of a Positive Production
What would a studio production class be without content to produce? For one of our last major projects, students were given the option to either work in post-production for the writing center shoot discussed here, or work in groups to produce something new, a program created entirely by the students. Knowing that we needed content, I had been thinking about about potential program themes during Spring Break, and jumped at the chance to present those ideas to the class.
The first of two potential programs I suggested was Healthy Eating, a round-table discussion about eating healthy on Shepherd's campus. How do students maintain a healthy diet, and what could the university do to promote nutrition?
A student perspective on this topic was necessary, but an expert opinion would also be beneficial. I suggested that we contact a professor from one of the Fitness for Life classes on campus, who teach Shepherd's students about healthy eating habits.
The second program I suggested to the class was 2012, a round-table discussion about the theories of the end of the world. Is it possible that the world could end in December of this year? What is the history behind the doomsday prophecies, and what points to 2012 as the ill-fated year? I thought a combination of history professors from campus, who could talk about the source of the prophecies, and science professors, who could discuss the possibility of an end-of-the-world occurrence, would be the best candidates for guests.
I was surprised at how many people were in favor of the 2012 program, and began to grow more and more excited about how to produce the show. However, when the class also decided to produce the Healthy Eating show, an issue presented itself. I could not contribute to the two groups that took on my ideas, I could only work with one. After being assigned as leader the Healthy Eating group, I had to say goodbye to one of my ideas. Letting go was my first lesson on this project.
A student perspective on this topic was necessary, but an expert opinion would also be beneficial. I suggested that we contact a professor from one of the Fitness for Life classes on campus, who teach Shepherd's students about healthy eating habits.
I was surprised at how many people were in favor of the 2012 program, and began to grow more and more excited about how to produce the show. However, when the class also decided to produce the Healthy Eating show, an issue presented itself. I could not contribute to the two groups that took on my ideas, I could only work with one. After being assigned as leader the Healthy Eating group, I had to say goodbye to one of my ideas. Letting go was my first lesson on this project.
LESSON ONE: Sharing your ideas with a team means they are no longer yours alone. If you can't take on more than one program at a time, every now and then you just have to trust someone else with your vision.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Writing Center Shoot
Our first project for the Studio Production class here at Shepherd was to put together a commercial for the Writing Center and its tutors. Having worked as a writing tutor myself, my first instinct was to put forth some of that knowledge in group discussion. For example, when the possibility of using the image of a marked up paper was presented, I informed my peers that writing tutors are actually more than just editors, and work more with developing ideas than just fixing up grammar mistakes. Though we originally planned to use a black background for our shoot, I objected on behalf of the writing tutors, who already worry that they are perceived as being located in the dark, gloomy basement of the library (though it is perfectly well-lit, in reality).
Once we started to put ideas into practice, I had several different roles I filled throughout the week. Although they were not always the busiest positions, I could see how my part contributed to the production as a whole.
PREPARATION
When we began to set-up the studio for the shoot, I was one of the three people who volunteered to work with the script. My job was to make it easy for the talent to read lines to the camera without looking as if they were reading from a prompter. I wrote each line of the script carefully on a giant whiteboard, then made changes as our fill-in talent attempted to read them. Whatever seemed difficult to read in one line would be broken into two or more, until the talent was comfortable presenting the lines to the camera.
DAY ONE FILMING
On the first day of the shoot, I first continued my job of working with the script. As the talent began to read the lines for the camera, there were a few adjustments that needed to be made. I erased lines that were complicated, added some lines when asked by the client, and edited the script until everyone was satisfied with the result. Once the script was in place, however, there was not much more I could do during the shoot.
I was offered the chance to work with audio and immediately jumped at the opportunity. As we set up for a new talent to read lines, I worked in the booth at the switchboard and asked for the talent to read some lines. When I had an idea of what volume the talent might have throughout the shoot, I adjusted the levels on the switchboard accordingly.
DAY TWO FILMING
On the second day of the shoot, I finally was able to work with the camera. I was the first person to do so for the day, so I ran through the entire set-up process. I zoomed in as close as possible to the face of the talent, focused the lens, and made sure we had a clear shot. When the lighting was complete in studio, I had someone hold up a white paper so I could set the white balance. I consulted some others on whether the exposure was set properly on the camera, in the hopes of a second opinion, and when all of these measures had been taken I then began to frame the shot. After some guidance from the director, I altered this slightly, and once the frame was what the director wanted, I locked the camera in place.
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The shoot was a great learning experience, as I was able to take on roles that I hadn't in the studio before. I was lucky to have supportive peers who would answer questions when I had them, or would give opinions when I requested them. I also learned that when the talent shows up, it changes everything! The whiteboard that I worked so diligently on the first two days ended up being discarded when it proved less effective than anticipated. Lines were added back to the script that I would have removed, and there were definitely a few hiccups that needed fixing as we looked back on our first day's shoot. All of this, however, was a really positive experience as a whole. We all worked together and did what was necessary to make the shoot run as smoothly as possible.
Once we started to put ideas into practice, I had several different roles I filled throughout the week. Although they were not always the busiest positions, I could see how my part contributed to the production as a whole.
PREPARATION
DAY ONE FILMING
On the first day of the shoot, I first continued my job of working with the script. As the talent began to read the lines for the camera, there were a few adjustments that needed to be made. I erased lines that were complicated, added some lines when asked by the client, and edited the script until everyone was satisfied with the result. Once the script was in place, however, there was not much more I could do during the shoot.
I was offered the chance to work with audio and immediately jumped at the opportunity. As we set up for a new talent to read lines, I worked in the booth at the switchboard and asked for the talent to read some lines. When I had an idea of what volume the talent might have throughout the shoot, I adjusted the levels on the switchboard accordingly.
DAY TWO FILMING
On the second day of the shoot, I finally was able to work with the camera. I was the first person to do so for the day, so I ran through the entire set-up process. I zoomed in as close as possible to the face of the talent, focused the lens, and made sure we had a clear shot. When the lighting was complete in studio, I had someone hold up a white paper so I could set the white balance. I consulted some others on whether the exposure was set properly on the camera, in the hopes of a second opinion, and when all of these measures had been taken I then began to frame the shot. After some guidance from the director, I altered this slightly, and once the frame was what the director wanted, I locked the camera in place.
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The shoot was a great learning experience, as I was able to take on roles that I hadn't in the studio before. I was lucky to have supportive peers who would answer questions when I had them, or would give opinions when I requested them. I also learned that when the talent shows up, it changes everything! The whiteboard that I worked so diligently on the first two days ended up being discarded when it proved less effective than anticipated. Lines were added back to the script that I would have removed, and there were definitely a few hiccups that needed fixing as we looked back on our first day's shoot. All of this, however, was a really positive experience as a whole. We all worked together and did what was necessary to make the shoot run as smoothly as possible.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Don't Worry, Be Lively
When I had a chance to more thoroughly look over the Writing Center script, I was instantly relieved that the studio production class wouldn't have to go the way of infomercials. So many commercials begin with a comment much like the one in the writing tutor script we were provided.
Do you struggle with ______?
However, instead of just providing a solution for the consumer's problems, most infomercials make a mockery of the consumer's failure first. In fact, there's a youtube video dedicated entirely to the overacting of the infomercial actor in need of assistance.
As odd as it may sound, my approach to the writing center commercial would be similar to how a lot of acne medication commercials are produced currently. For one thing, much like acne, trouble with assigned papers at any stage of the writing process is a universal problem. Most of us can identify with those who would be in need of the writing center's services. Instead of making this seem like a doom and gloom scenario, acne commercials tend to embrace the norm and provide friendly encouragement for seeking help.
There's no reason that the writing center commercial can't also be this lively and bright. We might be working in a studio environment, but we have more backgrounds available to us than just the black curtains. Even the bright blue might be more refreshing and positive a color.
Black backgrounds, even with bright lighting, can make it seem as if the person speaking to you in the commercial is floating in space. Also, as was mentioned in class, the brighter you want someone to appear in intelligence (and for a writing tutor, that is a must!), the brighter that individual should be on screen. I think that should be the case for the entire image presented, not only the faces of the speakers.
Needing tutoring can make people feel as if they've failed at writing, even if that is not the case. If the commercial for the writing center is positive, bright, and friendly, it might seem less like a punishment for the consumer, and more like a shared experience he or she can go through without shame, and to his or her benefit.
Do you struggle with ______?
However, instead of just providing a solution for the consumer's problems, most infomercials make a mockery of the consumer's failure first. In fact, there's a youtube video dedicated entirely to the overacting of the infomercial actor in need of assistance.
As odd as it may sound, my approach to the writing center commercial would be similar to how a lot of acne medication commercials are produced currently. For one thing, much like acne, trouble with assigned papers at any stage of the writing process is a universal problem. Most of us can identify with those who would be in need of the writing center's services. Instead of making this seem like a doom and gloom scenario, acne commercials tend to embrace the norm and provide friendly encouragement for seeking help.
There's no reason that the writing center commercial can't also be this lively and bright. We might be working in a studio environment, but we have more backgrounds available to us than just the black curtains. Even the bright blue might be more refreshing and positive a color.
Black backgrounds, even with bright lighting, can make it seem as if the person speaking to you in the commercial is floating in space. Also, as was mentioned in class, the brighter you want someone to appear in intelligence (and for a writing tutor, that is a must!), the brighter that individual should be on screen. I think that should be the case for the entire image presented, not only the faces of the speakers.
Needing tutoring can make people feel as if they've failed at writing, even if that is not the case. If the commercial for the writing center is positive, bright, and friendly, it might seem less like a punishment for the consumer, and more like a shared experience he or she can go through without shame, and to his or her benefit.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Let There Be Light
Upon entering the studio environment for our production class, I anticipated the position of technical director the most. After trying out the role in a basic production class a few years prior, I knew that the inherent pressure of the position, making sure that each take is ready and transitioning properly, was more fun than stressful. On the survey we were provided, I made sure to indicate that I wanted more experience with technical directing - but I also mentioned that I had little interest in lights.
I was wrong.
From the moment we began our test programs, I found myself concerned with what was happening with the lights in the studio, even if it was not my assigned role for the program. Although we had mentioned a basic three-point-lighting set-up should be in place, there were several days when only the overhead lights could be used in the room due to power failures, or the lights were deemed 'okay' quickly in favor of making adjustments elsewhere. I was reminded of the saying "Lights, Camera, Action!" - and how it seems that lights should always come first.
If you don't have your lighting where you want it to be and make changes to it later, then you might be forced to change where the talent is seated, how you've set the white balance and exposure on the cameras, maybe even how you've utilized the space on the set. I didn't realize how much of a perfectionist I would be in terms of lights, but now that I recognize the need in me to be sure that all lights on set are in place, I also understand the importance of that concept.
Each time we discuss program ideas in the classroom, or even in the studio, I continuously ask questions about the lights. There are things I have knowledge of that I would love to be able to bring to each production. For example --
Light Safety - the Ari lights we have on set get very hot, and there should be gloves available for those who choose to use them in the studio to protect their hands. Students should also be told not to touch the bulbs of the lights at any point in time, even when the lights are off, because the oil in their hands can actually cause the bulbs to shatter when the lights come on at a later time - another reason for gloves! Another safety tip is to call out 'Striking!' whenever you turn on a light, because you never know who might be looking toward the light without being prepared for it to turn on. You wouldn't want to blind the talent on the set!
Color Correction and Scrims - it's amazing what you can do with lights if you have scrims available. They usually come in the Ari light kits, and they reduce the harshness or intensity of the light if need be. Color correction gels for lights can change the atmosphere of the set entirely! A CTB gel can make it appear as if the light source is coming from natural light, turning a regular shot into an outdoor-like scene, and depending on how much you use can also make it look like night. A CTO gel can match the lights in the room to tungsten light bulbs of a home.
Power - We have 650 lights in the studio, which require enough power that only one light should be plugged in to each outlet. I actually once had to learn some formulas for determining whether a light can be used in a particular outlet, but I think common sense is enough in this case!
Becoming ill and being absent made me miss some other positions I would have liked to try, and I feel that was my weakness in the test programs as a whole. However, I knew I could make up for what I missed by helping with troubleshooting - like remembering that the microphones on the cameras needed to be unplugged, or making suggestions for camera angles about head room, and I am even more confident in my ability to help with lighting in the future.
I'm looking forward to more opportunities to help the Shepherd University Studio settle in to a good rhythm, with safety and creativity as equal priorities!
I was wrong.
From the moment we began our test programs, I found myself concerned with what was happening with the lights in the studio, even if it was not my assigned role for the program. Although we had mentioned a basic three-point-lighting set-up should be in place, there were several days when only the overhead lights could be used in the room due to power failures, or the lights were deemed 'okay' quickly in favor of making adjustments elsewhere. I was reminded of the saying "Lights, Camera, Action!" - and how it seems that lights should always come first.
 |
| VeldaZ @ Flickr |
Each time we discuss program ideas in the classroom, or even in the studio, I continuously ask questions about the lights. There are things I have knowledge of that I would love to be able to bring to each production. For example --
Light Safety - the Ari lights we have on set get very hot, and there should be gloves available for those who choose to use them in the studio to protect their hands. Students should also be told not to touch the bulbs of the lights at any point in time, even when the lights are off, because the oil in their hands can actually cause the bulbs to shatter when the lights come on at a later time - another reason for gloves! Another safety tip is to call out 'Striking!' whenever you turn on a light, because you never know who might be looking toward the light without being prepared for it to turn on. You wouldn't want to blind the talent on the set!
Color Correction and Scrims - it's amazing what you can do with lights if you have scrims available. They usually come in the Ari light kits, and they reduce the harshness or intensity of the light if need be. Color correction gels for lights can change the atmosphere of the set entirely! A CTB gel can make it appear as if the light source is coming from natural light, turning a regular shot into an outdoor-like scene, and depending on how much you use can also make it look like night. A CTO gel can match the lights in the room to tungsten light bulbs of a home.
Power - We have 650 lights in the studio, which require enough power that only one light should be plugged in to each outlet. I actually once had to learn some formulas for determining whether a light can be used in a particular outlet, but I think common sense is enough in this case!
Becoming ill and being absent made me miss some other positions I would have liked to try, and I feel that was my weakness in the test programs as a whole. However, I knew I could make up for what I missed by helping with troubleshooting - like remembering that the microphones on the cameras needed to be unplugged, or making suggestions for camera angles about head room, and I am even more confident in my ability to help with lighting in the future.
I'm looking forward to more opportunities to help the Shepherd University Studio settle in to a good rhythm, with safety and creativity as equal priorities!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Say Yes to the CMS
It is entirely possible that I am one of the only people left who types every blog entry with html codes for even the slightest change of text. Although I can see how easy it must be to press that B button be done with it, I meticulously type every code required for my text to turn out bold, or my image to be centered, or to separate my paragraphs with a spontaneously underlined phrase -- it's how I've always gone about blogging.
Meticulously typing out every piece of code necessary for a much broader, grander website - however - sounds like a nightmare I would not want to pursue. My fear of overly complicated web development is likely shared by many, which is what makes the appeal of Content Management Systems (CMS) completely understandable.
So, what is a CMS?
CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: a database-driven software that sits behind a website that enables the site manager to quickly and easily update the website pages and structure (the content) {source}
Popular content management systems currently utilized by web developers are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
The Benefits
{with help from webhostinggeeks.com}
DRUPAL LIKES DEVELOPERS - of the three most popular content management systems, drupal is the most known for being developer-friendly. If you are not someone who enjoys working with large amounts of code, it might not be the CMS for you!
WORDPRESS LIKES BLOGGERS - the site is known for being preferred by blog-based sites. WordPress makes it easy to update with articles, entries, and content - and is simple enough for most people to understand. If you aren't someone who plans on updating often, it might not be the CMS for you!
JOOMLA LIKES THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD - the site is welcoming for designers, has some possibility for developing codes, and is simple to understand overall. If you're looking for one extreme over another, this might not be the CMS for you!
Overall, content management systems are popular because there is nothing that web users like more than instant gratification! Easy to use, quick to update, and cost effective - what wouldn't a company love about that?
Meticulously typing out every piece of code necessary for a much broader, grander website - however - sounds like a nightmare I would not want to pursue. My fear of overly complicated web development is likely shared by many, which is what makes the appeal of Content Management Systems (CMS) completely understandable.
So, what is a CMS?
CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: a database-driven software that sits behind a website that enables the site manager to quickly and easily update the website pages and structure (the content) {source}
Popular content management systems currently utilized by web developers are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
The Benefits
{with help from webhostinggeeks.com}
- Cost Effective - rather than paying a web programmer to keep up with updating the company site, any company employee can now easily update content (and quickly!)
- Grants Control - CMS makes it possible to save drafts of content before publishing, moderate who is able to post content to the site, and even manage comments on blog-based sites
- Not Time-Consuming - instead of removing files from the web, altering them, and sending them back up through FTP, changes can be made almost immediately through settings, widgets, and editors
- Allows for Growth - when new ideas are brought to the table, they can be picked up easily by any website wishing to utilize them - a spirit of sharing exists in CMS
I have built blogs with Joomla and I have built shopping cart websites with Wordpress. It just depends on what you need it to do, your familiarity with the system, and how long you have to work on that program. In fact, that is something that is misunderstood by many people - if you don't like using Drupal, that doesn't make it less valuable, it just makes it less useful to you! {source}I have to agree! If you feel comfortable with one content management system and truly learn its ins-and-outs, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that you can achieve anything you want with that CMS. There are, however, a few key differences that can help in making a decision.
DRUPAL LIKES DEVELOPERS - of the three most popular content management systems, drupal is the most known for being developer-friendly. If you are not someone who enjoys working with large amounts of code, it might not be the CMS for you!
WORDPRESS LIKES BLOGGERS - the site is known for being preferred by blog-based sites. WordPress makes it easy to update with articles, entries, and content - and is simple enough for most people to understand. If you aren't someone who plans on updating often, it might not be the CMS for you!
JOOMLA LIKES THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD - the site is welcoming for designers, has some possibility for developing codes, and is simple to understand overall. If you're looking for one extreme over another, this might not be the CMS for you!
Overall, content management systems are popular because there is nothing that web users like more than instant gratification! Easy to use, quick to update, and cost effective - what wouldn't a company love about that?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Everybody Think Inside the Space
Hamish Hamilton is a director who might, at least initially, seem to be on a separate echelon from directors with limited production capability in a studio environment. Sprawling stages, massive crowds, powerful bursts of audio-visual content, and as many as fifteen or sixteen different cameras provide Hamilton with the opportunity to wow even the casual, couch-lounging viewer.
How can two cameras in a small room possibly compete in terms of eye-catching content?
For the purposes of Shepherd University's round table discussion program, two of Hamilton's direction techniques are key: use every body on set and think inside the space.
The Little Details
Hamish Hamilton is merely the head of the caterpillar. Without the multiple segments of the body, and the several working legs, the caterpillar does not move. If a director requests a two-shot from Camera 1, but no one is there to operate said camera, what has the direction really added to the program? When the Studio Production class operates as a team, the entirety of the production benefits.
If Hamilton has sixteen cameras in a space, he also has sixteen people to direct. Sixteen people who could potentially ignore direction or make mistakes. The director has to trust that they will be there to work with him. The Studio Production class must also have this faith in one another. One bad apple, in this case, could end up spoiling the bunch.
The Big Picture
A round table discussion program might not have the dramatics of a Lady Gaga theatrical performance or the overwhelming energy of a rock concert, but it can still be an experience for the target audience. Although Hamilton used one single camera for a significant portion of a Kanye West television performance, he utilized the space he had to make the performer appear first as small as an ant, then larger than life. When presented with a simple box for a stage, Hamilton thought of how to work inside of that box to create a visual journey for the viewer, playing with perspective and lights.
Shepherd University's television studio has a limited amount of space. Instead of focusing on the limitations, the Studio Production class can come together to find new ways to use the existing space instead.
Hamish Hamilton, therefore, sets a great example for the Studio Production class -- Everyone Needs to Think Inside the Space. Not only does this mean that students should find the best ways to creatively use the studio for programs, but they should also literally think about how they influence what happens within the studio environment.
How can two cameras in a small room possibly compete in terms of eye-catching content?
For the purposes of Shepherd University's round table discussion program, two of Hamilton's direction techniques are key: use every body on set and think inside the space.
Hamish Hamilton is merely the head of the caterpillar. Without the multiple segments of the body, and the several working legs, the caterpillar does not move. If a director requests a two-shot from Camera 1, but no one is there to operate said camera, what has the direction really added to the program? When the Studio Production class operates as a team, the entirety of the production benefits.
If Hamilton has sixteen cameras in a space, he also has sixteen people to direct. Sixteen people who could potentially ignore direction or make mistakes. The director has to trust that they will be there to work with him. The Studio Production class must also have this faith in one another. One bad apple, in this case, could end up spoiling the bunch.
A round table discussion program might not have the dramatics of a Lady Gaga theatrical performance or the overwhelming energy of a rock concert, but it can still be an experience for the target audience. Although Hamilton used one single camera for a significant portion of a Kanye West television performance, he utilized the space he had to make the performer appear first as small as an ant, then larger than life. When presented with a simple box for a stage, Hamilton thought of how to work inside of that box to create a visual journey for the viewer, playing with perspective and lights.
Shepherd University's television studio has a limited amount of space. Instead of focusing on the limitations, the Studio Production class can come together to find new ways to use the existing space instead.
Hamish Hamilton, therefore, sets a great example for the Studio Production class -- Everyone Needs to Think Inside the Space. Not only does this mean that students should find the best ways to creatively use the studio for programs, but they should also literally think about how they influence what happens within the studio environment.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
and in my head I paint a picture
It was a horrible disappointment to have the redhead roundup end in failure. Although I put a lot of effort into recruitment and reminders, only one person showed up on the day. In spite of the bad turn out, I learned how to really put myself out there and not be so afraid to approach people, and was also reminded that sometimes? Being a student relying on other students is tough.
It was not, however, a total loss. I had a lot of fun conversing with Matt and think there is great audio to use for my podcast. We discussed a lot of redhead myths at length, taking a full hour just to chat and record.
There is still so much to be done for this project. Having more time to complete things is a huge relief for me. I don't think that I have slacked this semester, but I do think that I approached the project with the sense that I would already know what to do and get it done quickly. Instead I discovered that putting together a podcast with no prior experience is tricky! There are a lot of factors that go into forming an episode, gathering audio and editing, and without any established template to work from - a lot of creative energy and research required.
This week and Thanksgiving break will be spent adding all the finishing touches, of which there are SEVERAL. Making sure the music fits the way I would like it to, cutting down on interview time if necessary, making sure each episode has around the same running time, and posting everything to the web. Although I've worked on this as I've gone along, I know it won't be a short and easy thing.
One surprising moment in the week? Finally hearing back from the ragtime performer about the Redhead Rag music I wanted to use for the podcast. It is entirely possible that he will be sending me an mp3 recording of the music to add in. Hopefully he will be more prompt with it this time.
Still busy, but fun busy. I'm glad I made the decision to try something new!
It was not, however, a total loss. I had a lot of fun conversing with Matt and think there is great audio to use for my podcast. We discussed a lot of redhead myths at length, taking a full hour just to chat and record.
There is still so much to be done for this project. Having more time to complete things is a huge relief for me. I don't think that I have slacked this semester, but I do think that I approached the project with the sense that I would already know what to do and get it done quickly. Instead I discovered that putting together a podcast with no prior experience is tricky! There are a lot of factors that go into forming an episode, gathering audio and editing, and without any established template to work from - a lot of creative energy and research required.
This week and Thanksgiving break will be spent adding all the finishing touches, of which there are SEVERAL. Making sure the music fits the way I would like it to, cutting down on interview time if necessary, making sure each episode has around the same running time, and posting everything to the web. Although I've worked on this as I've gone along, I know it won't be a short and easy thing.
One surprising moment in the week? Finally hearing back from the ragtime performer about the Redhead Rag music I wanted to use for the podcast. It is entirely possible that he will be sending me an mp3 recording of the music to add in. Hopefully he will be more prompt with it this time.
Still busy, but fun busy. I'm glad I made the decision to try something new!
a Scottish play and no mention of Brigadoon
Watching Saturday night's performance of Macbeth was incredibly similar to watching a foreign film with only a slight grasp on the conversational language. I desperately longed for subtitles. Every so often I'd be able to pick out a word or phrase, make a connection, and grasp that someone was dead and someone wanted revenge or felt remorse about murder and so on. Mostly I just liked the sword fighting.
There were some things that already biased me against the play, that is true. One was that I have a dislike of Shakespeare's tragedies and much prefer the comedies, and even if people laughed at points during the performance, I have a feeling that it wasn't at any intended comedic moments. Another was that the play lasted for two and a half hours without even the shortest intermission. In the age of 140 characters, sound bites, and "multi-tasking" - it's a bit difficult to keep up the attention span. It would have been much easier accomplished if I understood half of what was occurring at any given moment.
The worst was when the guy seated behind me started reciting a monologue of Macbeth's loudly and at a different pace than the actor. I appreciate a theater enthusiast but that was a bit much. Eventually someone shushed him, but how rude!
For all my complaining, I could appreciate the quality and the effort that went into the performance itself. I loved that they stayed true to what would be a Shakespearean performance - minimalistic sets but with big energy, music that suited the time period, even the language and mannerisms were carefully thought out and executed. It was also a great way to look back on what was the birth of so many common expressions we have today. OUT DAMN SPOT! and something wicked this way comes, just to name a few.
CULTURAL EVENT 02
There were some things that already biased me against the play, that is true. One was that I have a dislike of Shakespeare's tragedies and much prefer the comedies, and even if people laughed at points during the performance, I have a feeling that it wasn't at any intended comedic moments. Another was that the play lasted for two and a half hours without even the shortest intermission. In the age of 140 characters, sound bites, and "multi-tasking" - it's a bit difficult to keep up the attention span. It would have been much easier accomplished if I understood half of what was occurring at any given moment.
The worst was when the guy seated behind me started reciting a monologue of Macbeth's loudly and at a different pace than the actor. I appreciate a theater enthusiast but that was a bit much. Eventually someone shushed him, but how rude!
For all my complaining, I could appreciate the quality and the effort that went into the performance itself. I loved that they stayed true to what would be a Shakespearean performance - minimalistic sets but with big energy, music that suited the time period, even the language and mannerisms were carefully thought out and executed. It was also a great way to look back on what was the birth of so many common expressions we have today. OUT DAMN SPOT! and something wicked this way comes, just to name a few.
can now certainly get some satisfaction
The first thing that stood out for me about Thursday night's performance of In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) was a sense of nostalgia. Not because I've ever been diagnosed with hysteria, or suspected love and science couldn't co-exist, but because of the routine I got into in my freshman year of college. Every other week I had to attend a play performance for my Playwriting II course. Some were large scale productions in prominent theaters on Broad Street (Philadelphia). Others took place with minimal sets in a room above a restaurant that sold nothing but crepes (and the crepes were delicious). That year I discovered just how much I enjoyed seeing a play with only a few other people around, with the actors so close they might as well be sitting with you at your dinner table.
In the Next Room really felt like you were in an intimate space. Although the theater was pleasantly crowded - I like to see a full house in support of the arts - there was no sense of grandeur. It suited the content of the play, which focused not so much on the invention of the vibrator, but the period of misunderstanding in the upper classes about love and sexual gratification in the 1800's. The wet nurse, for example, understood more about intercourse than the aristocratic women, who thought of sex merely as a man's need and a means for reproduction.
Big sets, dance numbers, and multiple cast members weren't necessary. The emotion of the play was the important thing, with the humor acting as a relief system. I admit it was pretty uncomfortable to watch women act out an orgasm every couple of minutes surrounded by strangers. It kind of made me wonder what it was like for the first audience to ever watch When Harry Met Sally. It was the jokes, the hilarious expressions on the faces of the actors as the new experiences changed things up for them, that made all the discomfort worth it.
I felt as if the entire audience loosened up their corsets and let the message sink in. Love is a much happier thing if both parties get a little somethin' somethin' out of it (and that includes same sex relationships too!).
CULTURAL EVENT 01
In the Next Room really felt like you were in an intimate space. Although the theater was pleasantly crowded - I like to see a full house in support of the arts - there was no sense of grandeur. It suited the content of the play, which focused not so much on the invention of the vibrator, but the period of misunderstanding in the upper classes about love and sexual gratification in the 1800's. The wet nurse, for example, understood more about intercourse than the aristocratic women, who thought of sex merely as a man's need and a means for reproduction.
Big sets, dance numbers, and multiple cast members weren't necessary. The emotion of the play was the important thing, with the humor acting as a relief system. I admit it was pretty uncomfortable to watch women act out an orgasm every couple of minutes surrounded by strangers. It kind of made me wonder what it was like for the first audience to ever watch When Harry Met Sally. It was the jokes, the hilarious expressions on the faces of the actors as the new experiences changed things up for them, that made all the discomfort worth it.
I felt as if the entire audience loosened up their corsets and let the message sink in. Love is a much happier thing if both parties get a little somethin' somethin' out of it (and that includes same sex relationships too!).
Sunday, November 6, 2011
lighting a fire beneath my chats
This week is going to be madness, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. All the pieces of my project are finally starting to come together. There is still a lot to be done, but I'm enjoying the work. This week's tasks include finishing all audio recording, wrapping up each podcast episode, the tri-fold board, and getting the website up.
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT
This week I managed to --
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT
This week I managed to --
- Complete the set-up of a conference room for my redhead roundup. Emailed all those I'd previously recruited with the time and date, but plan to find a few more people before the interview.
- Collected audio for other segments of the podcast and organized them in garageband. Made many a person sign a release form.
- Registered a domain name, secured a webhost for the website.
- Watched Lynda.com videos to learn more about WordPress.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
faithfully updating though still feverishly working
THE FIREHEAD CHATS WEEKLY UPDATE
- Printed off several release forms in order to record more audio for character and celebrity segments. Thinking about adding 3 more questions to round podcasts out.
- Heard about Lynda.com and plan to get the free trial to learn about WordPress.
- Added new info to the Sports episode - Congrats Andy Dalton! Terry Bradshaw's pick for best rookie quarterback.
- Worked more on layout of tri-fold board with input from director.
- Continued redhead recruitment and should meet with several redheads for audio recordings this week.
- Experimented with music in podcasts, still finalizing sound.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
preparing for a modern day redhead roundup
Lack of time and stress has definitely started to catch up to me this week. I am, however, pushing through to the best of my ability, and I have some new tools on my side.
THIS WEEK'S PROGRESS
Recording should continue this week, but I will also be working on the website portion of the project.
THIS WEEK'S PROGRESS
- Started recruitment of redheads for round table discussion. Plan to continue into this week and book the conference room in the library.
- Purchased a digital audio recorder in order to get some sound bites around campus for character and celebrity segments of each podcast.
- Started adding music to the sports episode.
- Was granted permission by photographer to use photos of redheads for website summaries and tri-fold board.
Recording should continue this week, but I will also be working on the website portion of the project.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
over 9000 (royalty free songs if you register and pay with your first born)
Instead of doing an entire podcast revolving around the history of redheads, which could have taken some serious time to research and obtain interviews for, the history podcast will now be a segment of each podcast that is a FUN FACT! kind of scenario. I think the actors/actresses episode will now also be incorporated into the podcasts as a "guess the natural redhead celebrity" game. Hopefully this enhances the other three episode themes and makes the podcasts a fun, easy listen, not just a very cut-and-dry information + interview format.
I spent a lot of time this week working on finding royalty free music to use as intros to the podcasts, as well as general background and additional sound for episode segments. My days looked something like this--
Classical music should be easier, but with the way copyright laws work, certain performances of the classical public domain pieces are copyrighted. Finding anything from Vivaldi (a redhead composer!) was practically impossible unless I wanted to add the song to my cart and pay an extravagant fee.
Meeting with my director helped me find some great royalty free music without cost. Hopefully, with just a bit more searching and some pure luck, I'll have everything I need to give my podcasts some life.
I spent a lot of time this week working on finding royalty free music to use as intros to the podcasts, as well as general background and additional sound for episode segments. My days looked something like this--
Although it's not too terribly difficult to find royalty free music, or music under a creative commons license, a lot of music out there is not necessarily right for a podcast. You wouldn't play a song with lyrics loudly in the background of an interview, for example, and unlike This American Life, I don't have the rights to use Yann Tiersen's instrumental pieces whenever I please.
Classical music should be easier, but with the way copyright laws work, certain performances of the classical public domain pieces are copyrighted. Finding anything from Vivaldi (a redhead composer!) was practically impossible unless I wanted to add the song to my cart and pay an extravagant fee.
Meeting with my director helped me find some great royalty free music without cost. Hopefully, with just a bit more searching and some pure luck, I'll have everything I need to give my podcasts some life.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
it is not something discovered, it is something molded
This week I mainly spent my time sending emails about permission to use music within my podcasts, as well as doing research for potential guests for upcoming episodes. While I was unable to accomplish much, I feel as if I learned a lot from this week. I took a moment to look back on what I have managed to finish so far, which helped me plan for what comes next.
I began to make decisions about what I can reasonably expect to complete come presentation time, and now will have to make adjustments. If I could focus 100 percent of my time on capstone, I think my original goals would be attainable, but unfortunately college doesn't function that way. Quantity does not make up for a lack of quality. I want to put my best effort into my project.
I am going to spend a few days regrouping, potentially changing 5 themes into 3 or 4. Sports, for example, had a great interview but not much extra information outside of football. I might be able to incorporate the sports information into a broader theme and expand some more. Or, I might scrap the idea of reaching out to actors and actresses, as it might take time away from contacting people who are more readily available.
I want to give myself time to really look into sound editing, and to give the podcasts the best look possible when uploading them to WordPress.
Time management has not always been my best friend, and if now is a time I can learn to adapt, then I'd like to do that and move forward. I think it was important for me to identify what I can reasonably handle. For the sake of redheads everywhere, I will continue to do my best!
I began to make decisions about what I can reasonably expect to complete come presentation time, and now will have to make adjustments. If I could focus 100 percent of my time on capstone, I think my original goals would be attainable, but unfortunately college doesn't function that way. Quantity does not make up for a lack of quality. I want to put my best effort into my project.
I am going to spend a few days regrouping, potentially changing 5 themes into 3 or 4. Sports, for example, had a great interview but not much extra information outside of football. I might be able to incorporate the sports information into a broader theme and expand some more. Or, I might scrap the idea of reaching out to actors and actresses, as it might take time away from contacting people who are more readily available.
I want to give myself time to really look into sound editing, and to give the podcasts the best look possible when uploading them to WordPress.
Time management has not always been my best friend, and if now is a time I can learn to adapt, then I'd like to do that and move forward. I think it was important for me to identify what I can reasonably handle. For the sake of redheads everywhere, I will continue to do my best!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
gingers do have soles
The most exciting development for my capstone this week was conducting my very first interview. I brought my Blue Snowball microphone and laptop with me to meet Neal, the redhead football player, and recorded our conversation in the Academic Support Center. I remembered to bring a release form for Neal to sign, and he also agreed to meet up again if I need to rerecord any questions I had for him. It was a pleasant, relaxed interview session and I'm thankful to Neal for being so friendly and open to the project.
What I Learned:
Meeting with my capstone director this week was also incredibly helpful. I was able to discuss some of my concerns about my schedule, my final proposal, and how to put together my podcasts. I now have a better idea of how I should go about finding people to speak with for each episode theme, and feel more comfortable with taking the time I need to make sure this project brings out the best of my abilities as a communications student.
What I Learned:
- Group Study Rooms in the Library are now first come, first serve. This proved somewhat problematic, as Neal and I didn't have a quiet space to record. The background noise should be able to be removed in Audacity, but I hope to find a better environment for recording next time around.
- Redheads have softer skin on the soles of their feet. After asking Neal about the commonly accepted theory that redheads bruise and bleed more easily than those of other hair colors, Neal revealed to me that actually redheads blister more easily on their feet. I am constantly facing issues with the soles of my feet when other members of my family don't, but never connected the dots.
- Letting conversation flow naturally is a good way to go about podcast interviews. Although I came prepared with a series of questions to ask and an idea of how I hoped the interview would go, after the interview 'ended' I actually started to record once more because Neal and I had plenty more to say to one another. Being prepared, but also being casual and letting conversation go where it wanted made for a better environment overall. I'll remember that for next time.
Meeting with my capstone director this week was also incredibly helpful. I was able to discuss some of my concerns about my schedule, my final proposal, and how to put together my podcasts. I now have a better idea of how I should go about finding people to speak with for each episode theme, and feel more comfortable with taking the time I need to make sure this project brings out the best of my abilities as a communications student.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
tie your ginger kid down, sport
After deciding that the first episode of The Firehead Chats would revolve around redheads in sports, I spent most of this past week organizing information and contacting my interview subjects. I finally managed to get in touch with Neal, a member of the Shepherd University Football Team, and he and I will be recording an interview about his redheaded sports life this week.
I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I found the speculation about Andy Dalton's football future completely ridiculous, but I also knew that while unfounded, the bias against a redheaded NFL player couldn't have popped out of thin air. A brief conversation with my father sent me in search of more information on a previous NFL player, Todd Marinovich.
Turns out, Esquire Magazine had an article dedicated to--
The Man Who Never Was
As the brief introduction states, Todd Marinovich was "drafted ahead of Brett Favre. Today he's a recovering junkie." Todd was a dream quarterback, until he crashed and burned. I'll ask Neal what he thinks about Todd being used as an example for all redhead football players.
But football isn't the only sport where a redhead stands out. Shaun White used to be called "The Flying Tomato" and has since rejected the nickname. I'll discuss why, and how Shaun embraced his red hair from another angle entirely.
I've got a rough draft of a transcript/outline completed for the first episode, will revise parts of it after the interview if necessary, and plan to record throughout this week.
Other Items Completed This Week:
I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I found the speculation about Andy Dalton's football future completely ridiculous, but I also knew that while unfounded, the bias against a redheaded NFL player couldn't have popped out of thin air. A brief conversation with my father sent me in search of more information on a previous NFL player, Todd Marinovich.
Turns out, Esquire Magazine had an article dedicated to--
As the brief introduction states, Todd Marinovich was "drafted ahead of Brett Favre. Today he's a recovering junkie." Todd was a dream quarterback, until he crashed and burned. I'll ask Neal what he thinks about Todd being used as an example for all redhead football players.
But football isn't the only sport where a redhead stands out. Shaun White used to be called "The Flying Tomato" and has since rejected the nickname. I'll discuss why, and how Shaun embraced his red hair from another angle entirely.
I've got a rough draft of a transcript/outline completed for the first episode, will revise parts of it after the interview if necessary, and plan to record throughout this week.
Other Items Completed This Week:
- Final Proposal for the Podcast Project
- Rough Draft of a Project Schedule
- Looked into Web Hosting for the WordPress Page
- Picked up two books from the library, one on Podcasting, one on the Erotic Power of Redheads
Sunday, September 18, 2011
not catching anything redheaded
It was a good week to be a redhead, or maybe it became easier to notice the redhead happenings around me with some focus pointed that way. A brief encounter with a classmate gave me inspiration for the first of The Firehead Chats.
Andy Dalton's Impending Doom
Who knew that a quarterback could be judged by the color of his hair? I found this ridiculous enough to want to devote some time to redheads in sports. Hopefully, by the end of this week I'll have spoken with a member of the Shepherd University football team, a redhead player, to hear his thoughts on this topic.
I know have a more focused goal for podcast themes after this week. Sports, Beauty, History, Quirks & Stories, and Actors & Actresses. Though I will specifically focus on one podcast at a time, the last episode will take a bit more effort than the others in terms of interview availability, and so I've begun putting some feelers out to see if any celebrities would be interested in making comments on how being a redhead or dying their hair red has influenced the characters they've played.
Plans for this coming week include finalizing my project proposal, coming up with a reasonable schedule of work, focusing on the sports theme for the first podcast, and digging a bit more into how to create a podcast.
Andy Dalton's Impending Doom
Who knew that a quarterback could be judged by the color of his hair? I found this ridiculous enough to want to devote some time to redheads in sports. Hopefully, by the end of this week I'll have spoken with a member of the Shepherd University football team, a redhead player, to hear his thoughts on this topic.
I know have a more focused goal for podcast themes after this week. Sports, Beauty, History, Quirks & Stories, and Actors & Actresses. Though I will specifically focus on one podcast at a time, the last episode will take a bit more effort than the others in terms of interview availability, and so I've begun putting some feelers out to see if any celebrities would be interested in making comments on how being a redhead or dying their hair red has influenced the characters they've played.
Plans for this coming week include finalizing my project proposal, coming up with a reasonable schedule of work, focusing on the sports theme for the first podcast, and digging a bit more into how to create a podcast.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
the myth, the power, the... revilement
"For red hair has fallen on evil days and the possessors thereof suffer a revilement to which the flames of the Egyptian altar were perhaps preferable."
Yikes. Thanks for the warning, Lowry Charles Wimberly. Even though you wrote "The Red-Headed Man" in 1929, I think your words still apply.
As I have fallen on evil, evil days indeed. Many evil days of the most insufferable head cold known to man. It has aided in the lateness of this progress report, and for that I am sorry. However! I have accomplished much on the research front! Apologies for the lack of excitement to follow.
1. "Red Hair and Outlawry" -- Philip J. Rasch
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (Nov. - Dec. 1947)
Interesting Because: He debunks the idea that most criminals of the Wild West were redheads, but... he doesn't deny that there was some redhead tomfoolery going on!
2. Ugly Duckling to Swan: Labeling Theory and the Stigmatization of Red Hair --
Druann Maria Heckert; Amy Best
Symbolic Interaction, Vol. 20, No. 4 (1997)
Interesting Because: Interviews were conducted with redheads about stereotypes! I'd like to do something of a similar nature, so I think this will be a highly useful resource for me.
3. Judas's Red Hair --
Paull Franklin Baum
The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, Vol. 21, No. 3 (Jul. 1922)
Interesting Because: Where the discrimination of redheads began ~ if Judas hadn't been such an awful redheaded man, then maybe we wouldn't all be labeled deviants. Thanks, man.
4. Shame and Glory: A Sociology of Hair --
Anthony Synnott
The British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 38, No. 3 (Sep. 1987)
Interesting Because: In some polls and surveys done by Glamour magazine, redheaded women were described as "physically unattractive" while redheaded men were considered "effeminate" - neither did well for % of interest compared to other hair colors. Ouch.
5. The Red-Headed Man --
Lowry Charles Wimberly
Prairie Schooner, Vol. 3, No. 4 (FALL 1929)
Interesting Because: Fierce defender of redheads! See above.
The roots of desire : the myth, meaning, and sexual power of red hair
Marion Roach Smith
AMAZING OR WHAT?
Love, Lucy
Lucille Ball
Not a natural redhead, but there's an important cultural redheadness here!
Podcasting with audacity creating a podcast with free audio software
Scott Mazzoni
I have not forgotten I am doing podcasts! Proof.
This week I plan to --
- Meet with my director to discuss project progress and next developments.
- Do more research on the PODCAST aspect of the project - not just listen to RadioLab and This American Life.
- Organize the research material into "shows" so that each podcast has a theme.
So that is all for Sept. 4 - Sep. 11!
Friday, September 9, 2011
By the Numbers
Scott McCloud's The Right Number (1) (2) was greatly enhanced by its format. Although there are subtle things happening throughout each part, the action isn't nearly as emphasized as the narration and character development in each panel. Instead of allowing the sense of action to suffer in the back seat, McCloud provides the reader with a way to fill in the gap. If the reader were presented this in a printed comic book or graphic novel style, the eye would scan from one panel to the next with the occasional page flip in between, a slow and potentially boring pace given the highly textual nature of the piece. Because McCloud formatted the story to be told one panel at a time, and the reader needed to click to access each panel, the reader became the active, working balance to the protagonist's passive, thought-heavy storytelling.
Not only does The Right Number allow the reader to progress the action through clicking, it actually gives up control of the sequence to the reader by offering individual panel number options at the bottom. Much like the protagonist of the story experimented with numbers to try and find his perfect woman, the reader is able to experiment with panel numbers to create the perfect story.
The Korean comic does the exact opposite. Most readers will follow the story at their own pace, comfortably scrolling along the page. At first the zombie character doesn't seem so terrifying. You can tell by the cliche setting that the creepy figure in the distance is, in fact, going to be creepy as anticipated. But then you lose control of the pace of the panels, and the creature turns unexpectedly quickly. The result is an instant shock to the system, a surprise that pulls the reader in to what might not have been such an enticing story otherwise.
Are these two stories following the rules for what a comic should be? According to Le Holy Grail de Wikipedia, and our course textbook, it is the deliberately sequential nature of the pictures that defines the medium. If that's the case, then The Right Number forfeits its credibility as a comic, as the reader can easily destroy the intended sequence of panels. What most people agree is that comics and animation are NOT the same, but does that mean the quick moving panels of the Korean comic also disqualify it from being a comic?
For me, comics are an interactive medium, much like a film that has been slowed down and over-edited in order for the reader to jump in and actively participate in the telling of the story. But then, what differentiates a graphic novel from any other novel that gives the reader some sense of inclusiveness?
I hope by the end of the semester, I'll be able to define comics more clearly. Otherwise, anything visual could be a comic... or not.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/jezpage/5057940107/ |
Not only does The Right Number allow the reader to progress the action through clicking, it actually gives up control of the sequence to the reader by offering individual panel number options at the bottom. Much like the protagonist of the story experimented with numbers to try and find his perfect woman, the reader is able to experiment with panel numbers to create the perfect story.
The Korean comic does the exact opposite. Most readers will follow the story at their own pace, comfortably scrolling along the page. At first the zombie character doesn't seem so terrifying. You can tell by the cliche setting that the creepy figure in the distance is, in fact, going to be creepy as anticipated. But then you lose control of the pace of the panels, and the creature turns unexpectedly quickly. The result is an instant shock to the system, a surprise that pulls the reader in to what might not have been such an enticing story otherwise.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamblue/2638690797/ |
Are these two stories following the rules for what a comic should be? According to Le Holy Grail de Wikipedia, and our course textbook, it is the deliberately sequential nature of the pictures that defines the medium. If that's the case, then The Right Number forfeits its credibility as a comic, as the reader can easily destroy the intended sequence of panels. What most people agree is that comics and animation are NOT the same, but does that mean the quick moving panels of the Korean comic also disqualify it from being a comic?
For me, comics are an interactive medium, much like a film that has been slowed down and over-edited in order for the reader to jump in and actively participate in the telling of the story. But then, what differentiates a graphic novel from any other novel that gives the reader some sense of inclusiveness?
I hope by the end of the semester, I'll be able to define comics more clearly. Otherwise, anything visual could be a comic... or not.
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