Charlie Taylor
Film Connection Student - Phoenix, Arizona
I guess it's a cliche, but there is nothing short of magic when it comes to making films. Any films. All of it starts from a brilliant mind. But ideas get nowhere unless you put in the effort to reflect those ideas into the screen.
And that takes a lot of effort.
Being a director is not quite an easy job, as I am learning from my mentoring program. It's not just about calling the shots and ordering people around. Even that takes skill because when you're telling people what to do, you've got to do it in a way that's clear so they know you mean business but you must not antagonize them either. You want these people at their best so they do their best and not mess up the project that you are all trying to finish. It's like being the mayor of your very own town. You've got be as diplomatic as you could, but you've got to know when to take the hard line and make sure everyone is doing what they should be doing.
And on top of that, you must now compromise your creativity, vision, and integrity, even with frustrating issues such as location shooting, budget concerns, marketing issues.
But in the end, you get to power through all of that and more, and you have the chance to end up with a wonderful film. Our very own film connection to magic.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Jennifer Garcia - Denver, Colorado
Jennifer Garcia
Film Connection Student - Denver, Colorado
Who doesn't want to be in charge, right? Wouldn't you want to be able to take the reigns and make sure that your vision is brought to life exactly the way you want it to be? Of course, you've also got to be able to command your team into believing in your vision as well. And that is the mark of a good leader, knowing that it's not just about you working to accomplish you mission, it's also about letting the team believe in it that they are inspired to work on it just as hard you do.
And for me, that's pretty much the qualities of a good director too. Without such focus, how else could you make a good movie.
It's pretty easy to be director these days. With the Internet, and YouTube and Vimeo, it's not that tough get your films out there and show them to the world. You won't even be limited to your country, you can have viewable to the rest of the world. The possibilities are endless.
I guess what I'm saying is, aspiring film makers no longer have the excuse of so much going against them, preventing them from achieving their dreams, when there's so much all around us, going for us, as we bring our visions to life. In this modern day and age, we've got the right tools, the film connection that can let us reach everyone. So we better start working.
Film Connection Student - Denver, Colorado
Who doesn't want to be in charge, right? Wouldn't you want to be able to take the reigns and make sure that your vision is brought to life exactly the way you want it to be? Of course, you've also got to be able to command your team into believing in your vision as well. And that is the mark of a good leader, knowing that it's not just about you working to accomplish you mission, it's also about letting the team believe in it that they are inspired to work on it just as hard you do.
And for me, that's pretty much the qualities of a good director too. Without such focus, how else could you make a good movie.
It's pretty easy to be director these days. With the Internet, and YouTube and Vimeo, it's not that tough get your films out there and show them to the world. You won't even be limited to your country, you can have viewable to the rest of the world. The possibilities are endless.
I guess what I'm saying is, aspiring film makers no longer have the excuse of so much going against them, preventing them from achieving their dreams, when there's so much all around us, going for us, as we bring our visions to life. In this modern day and age, we've got the right tools, the film connection that can let us reach everyone. So we better start working.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Aaron Morgan - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Aaron Morgan
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Film Connection Student
It's kind of tough to accept this fact at first, but we've gotta face it. Dreams are not exactly affordable. In fact, might as well say it outright, it's pretty damn expensive. And sometimes, when you go to school, it's not even enough.
With a lot of graduates and dreamers and not enough jobs to give to each and every one of them, it's going to be pretty tough out there. And for a while there, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue something as „unsure‰ as being involved in films. As a cinematographer to be exact.
Lucky for me, I know that that's not impossible. And the good thing is that while I'm still a student and learning the ropes, I also get work experience that I can actually use when I complete a course and try to find work. Future employers would be more impressed by the fact that I know my way around a film set, more than most graduates would be.
It's going to be tough. It's going to be challenging. But with the right amount of determination, confidence, and the smarts to know where to look, I'm going to be okay. I'm glad I took the chance and got myself that film connection to my dreams. It's not that hard after all.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Film Connection Student
It's kind of tough to accept this fact at first, but we've gotta face it. Dreams are not exactly affordable. In fact, might as well say it outright, it's pretty damn expensive. And sometimes, when you go to school, it's not even enough.
With a lot of graduates and dreamers and not enough jobs to give to each and every one of them, it's going to be pretty tough out there. And for a while there, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue something as „unsure‰ as being involved in films. As a cinematographer to be exact.
Lucky for me, I know that that's not impossible. And the good thing is that while I'm still a student and learning the ropes, I also get work experience that I can actually use when I complete a course and try to find work. Future employers would be more impressed by the fact that I know my way around a film set, more than most graduates would be.
It's going to be tough. It's going to be challenging. But with the right amount of determination, confidence, and the smarts to know where to look, I'm going to be okay. I'm glad I took the chance and got myself that film connection to my dreams. It's not that hard after all.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Emily Walker - Richmond, Virginia
Emily Walker
Richmond, Virginia - Film Connection Student
I was an only child, and although my parents did their best, a lot of the time they were out working. So I was basically left by myself and my dolls, and to keep myself entertained, I would create stories. After a while, this used to be a way for me to break out of my shell. Because I didn't have any sisters or brothers, I was too shy to interact with any other kids. But with writing stories, and getting them to read these, I could still show them that I wasn't boring or mean at all. This was also how I got to bond with my parents. They'd read my stories, sometimes I'd act it out in front of them, and we get to really bond despite the short time we spent with each other.
Of course, when I was eight or nine, I stopped doing it, but I'm still very fond of memories of these.
And in school, joining the theater club and helping them bring these stories to like (and some of them even happened to be mine!) I finally knew just what I wanted to with my life. There's just something about starting with nothing and bringing out something that everyone can appreciate. And now that I'm working my way to making my dreams come true, I'm glad I've got this film connection to make something for myself out of that which used to be just a way for me to pass the time while waiting for my parents.
Richmond, Virginia - Film Connection Student
I was an only child, and although my parents did their best, a lot of the time they were out working. So I was basically left by myself and my dolls, and to keep myself entertained, I would create stories. After a while, this used to be a way for me to break out of my shell. Because I didn't have any sisters or brothers, I was too shy to interact with any other kids. But with writing stories, and getting them to read these, I could still show them that I wasn't boring or mean at all. This was also how I got to bond with my parents. They'd read my stories, sometimes I'd act it out in front of them, and we get to really bond despite the short time we spent with each other.
Of course, when I was eight or nine, I stopped doing it, but I'm still very fond of memories of these.
And in school, joining the theater club and helping them bring these stories to like (and some of them even happened to be mine!) I finally knew just what I wanted to with my life. There's just something about starting with nothing and bringing out something that everyone can appreciate. And now that I'm working my way to making my dreams come true, I'm glad I've got this film connection to make something for myself out of that which used to be just a way for me to pass the time while waiting for my parents.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wanda Collins - Carson, CA
Wanda Collins
Carson, CA
Oh wow, it's a brand-new year, and a brand-new decade at that. Time to work on my new year's resolutions. And definitely on the top of the list is to not give up and continue with my course so I can one day get to produce a film.
I believe in dreaming big, that's why even though I'm still a student, I'm also envisioning myself that I will one day be a producer of a movie. Of course, I know that's still a long way to go, and I've got so much to learn. And boy, do I ever. It kind of gets tough at times, dealing with so much information. Everything we're learning here is just so important, it pays to really pay attention. Then again, it's not that tough to do so. Given that our classroom is a film set, it's such a great motivation to work harder. Being able to see just how films are made and assisting in behind-the-scenes work really gets you pumped up to be a better student and to learn more.
Being behind the scenes this early on in my career is a great inspiration to keep doing well here. Hell, I'm still a student, and already I can feel that I'm starting a career. That's just amazing, isn't it? I've got this film connection that just pushes me to do harder and be better. Keeping that resolution won't be too hard this year, that's for sure.
Carson, CA
Oh wow, it's a brand-new year, and a brand-new decade at that. Time to work on my new year's resolutions. And definitely on the top of the list is to not give up and continue with my course so I can one day get to produce a film.
I believe in dreaming big, that's why even though I'm still a student, I'm also envisioning myself that I will one day be a producer of a movie. Of course, I know that's still a long way to go, and I've got so much to learn. And boy, do I ever. It kind of gets tough at times, dealing with so much information. Everything we're learning here is just so important, it pays to really pay attention. Then again, it's not that tough to do so. Given that our classroom is a film set, it's such a great motivation to work harder. Being able to see just how films are made and assisting in behind-the-scenes work really gets you pumped up to be a better student and to learn more.
Being behind the scenes this early on in my career is a great inspiration to keep doing well here. Hell, I'm still a student, and already I can feel that I'm starting a career. That's just amazing, isn't it? I've got this film connection that just pushes me to do harder and be better. Keeping that resolution won't be too hard this year, that's for sure.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sally Peterson - Columbus, Ohio
Sally Peterson
Film Connection Student from Columbus, Ohio
It's Christmas time once again. And I‚m sure that we‚re going to be seeing Christmas classics. Personally, I prefer the Home Alone series. Kinda lame, I know, but it just takes me back to my childhood. It brings back so many good memories. Plus, it‚s really funny. I barely get to watch it now, save for this season, and I end up laughing so hard at the same thing. Despite the fact that I've seen it before.
Sometimes, I even laugh before a funny scene is shown. Knowing it's coming up and remembering how funny it is will just crack me up. And I think I just told the whole world of just how lame I am when it comes to my favorite movies.
Still, aren't these films the greatest. It doesn‚t have to be the Home Alone series, just these films that turn into such classics. They're the kind of films that you could watch over and over again, and you're still going to react to and love it the same way you did when you first show it. And no matter how many times you've watched it, you still want to see it.
This is why I want to be a part of the film-making process. To be a part of something that will last longer than any of us could possibly imagine. And even though I'm still a student and I'm still learning, with me getting my lessons in an actual film set, I get to see firsthand what it takes. It makes me so excited. I am getting this film connection to be a part of the next classic that people will enjoy for years to come.
Film Connection Student from Columbus, Ohio
It's Christmas time once again. And I‚m sure that we‚re going to be seeing Christmas classics. Personally, I prefer the Home Alone series. Kinda lame, I know, but it just takes me back to my childhood. It brings back so many good memories. Plus, it‚s really funny. I barely get to watch it now, save for this season, and I end up laughing so hard at the same thing. Despite the fact that I've seen it before.
Sometimes, I even laugh before a funny scene is shown. Knowing it's coming up and remembering how funny it is will just crack me up. And I think I just told the whole world of just how lame I am when it comes to my favorite movies.
Still, aren't these films the greatest. It doesn‚t have to be the Home Alone series, just these films that turn into such classics. They're the kind of films that you could watch over and over again, and you're still going to react to and love it the same way you did when you first show it. And no matter how many times you've watched it, you still want to see it.
This is why I want to be a part of the film-making process. To be a part of something that will last longer than any of us could possibly imagine. And even though I'm still a student and I'm still learning, with me getting my lessons in an actual film set, I get to see firsthand what it takes. It makes me so excited. I am getting this film connection to be a part of the next classic that people will enjoy for years to come.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Angeline Walters - Seattle, Washington
Angeline Walters
Seattle, Washington Film Connection Student
What would a good movie be without a good soundtrack? Admit it, movies would have less of an impact without the music. Visuals are not enough, especially not to an average viewer. The perfect soundtrack gets them in the right mood to be able to appreciate what the movie is trying to show them.
And it’s not just the music too. Every sound you hear in a movie is as well thought out as the blocking of the scenes or the delivery of the line. If the accompanying sound comes a minute too soon or a minute too late, the difference is just phenomenal.
Though not as much of a big deal as the other parts of the film-making process, being part of the sound department is still a hugely important part. You need to be on your toes both technically (handling all the equipment) and creatively. It is a rather fascinating process, one I’m learning so much as my internship goes on.
And what’s interesting in this internship is I get to effectively strike two birds with one stone. For one, I’m already seeing my mentor in his element, seeing him apply his years of knowledge to helping the movie be as great as it could be. For another, aside from learning from what he is teaching me, I’m also helping him with his work. It’s as if I’m already working. I get to apply what I learned right away.
I’m getting that film connection to be a part of the success of the movie, even when I’m basically just that background sound that you won’t notice. But you’ll definitely miss it if it’s not there.
Seattle, Washington Film Connection Student
What would a good movie be without a good soundtrack? Admit it, movies would have less of an impact without the music. Visuals are not enough, especially not to an average viewer. The perfect soundtrack gets them in the right mood to be able to appreciate what the movie is trying to show them.
And it’s not just the music too. Every sound you hear in a movie is as well thought out as the blocking of the scenes or the delivery of the line. If the accompanying sound comes a minute too soon or a minute too late, the difference is just phenomenal.
Though not as much of a big deal as the other parts of the film-making process, being part of the sound department is still a hugely important part. You need to be on your toes both technically (handling all the equipment) and creatively. It is a rather fascinating process, one I’m learning so much as my internship goes on.
And what’s interesting in this internship is I get to effectively strike two birds with one stone. For one, I’m already seeing my mentor in his element, seeing him apply his years of knowledge to helping the movie be as great as it could be. For another, aside from learning from what he is teaching me, I’m also helping him with his work. It’s as if I’m already working. I get to apply what I learned right away.
I’m getting that film connection to be a part of the success of the movie, even when I’m basically just that background sound that you won’t notice. But you’ll definitely miss it if it’s not there.
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