Being a film major, it was easy to find deliberation about films scattered across Twitter, but tough to find a profile solely dedicated to discussion with a big enough following. I was eventually able to find some small feeds dedicated to film.
1. What kinds of things do people on Twitter seem to be talking about, debating, arguing about or otherwise engaging in meaningful exchanges of ideas about?
The majority of replies to major film accounts launched into debates on current movie trends, with each participant essentially unleashing his or her inner professional film critic. A good majority of the tweets offer constructive criticism on the state of film in general. "Major studios shouldn't intervene with the director's creative process," or "Reboots need to focus on new material."
2. In your opinion, what are the two most interesting conversations or stories you found in the Twitter feeds?
One short discussion in particular analyzed whether a film's cinematography or editing should come first in production. While the replies aren't exactly dense in terms of criticism, but people seem to be talking about how much contrast there is between the processes of editing and story writing, and debates grow about which is more important.
3. Overall, what impression do you get of your discipline based on what you saw happening on Twitter?
For the most part, I saw many scarcely placed tweets criticizing films from a subjective reviewer's standpoint, and I was expecting this. You never know what crazy characters you'll find on the internet, but the age difference amidst commenters was a large testament to the topics discussed. For every "This movie was a triumph, a great watch!!" there's always a "the academy can lick my asshole."
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Cluster of Stakeholders
My cluster highlighted to main four stakeholders in the film's controversy, those being Sony Pictures, American moviegoers, and the governments of North Korea and the United States. I separated the American government from its people because, while both were very vocal about the situation, the motives behind the government's opinions were fueled by other ideals.
Here's a link to my cluster.
Here's a link to my cluster.
Considering Genre
The week of pre-production was pretty fun, gathering intel and putting my research together with my ideas. After deliberation, I've decided what my genre of choice will be.
I'll be making a video essay for Project 1. I'll be doing this mainly because I feel I can make the most coherent and informative video essay for Project 1 rather than the other ones.
My video essay will feature particular conventions of the genre in favor of others. For example, I will make good use of graphics/clips, framing (Ken Burns effect), voice over, and original images. These conventions will work out in my favor as opposed to live-action filming, since there isn't much to film in regards to my year-old subject. I'll probably take a step back in sound editing as well, since most of the sound will consist of my voice. However, I'll likely add a background track of sorts. These conventions will help me establish each facet of the controversy in an organized timeline-style manner.
I am feeling confident about the upcoming production phase. I'm excited to work with good equipment and try my best to make an appealing product. That takes time and patience, though. I'm somewhat worried that in my effort to create something extravagant, I'll end up scrapping the whole thing and end with a sloppy product. Hopefully my awareness will conquer that possibility.
I'll be making a video essay for Project 1. I'll be doing this mainly because I feel I can make the most coherent and informative video essay for Project 1 rather than the other ones.
My video essay will feature particular conventions of the genre in favor of others. For example, I will make good use of graphics/clips, framing (Ken Burns effect), voice over, and original images. These conventions will work out in my favor as opposed to live-action filming, since there isn't much to film in regards to my year-old subject. I'll probably take a step back in sound editing as well, since most of the sound will consist of my voice. However, I'll likely add a background track of sorts. These conventions will help me establish each facet of the controversy in an organized timeline-style manner.
I am feeling confident about the upcoming production phase. I'm excited to work with good equipment and try my best to make an appealing product. That takes time and patience, though. I'm somewhat worried that in my effort to create something extravagant, I'll end up scrapping the whole thing and end with a sloppy product. Hopefully my awareness will conquer that possibility.
Evaluation of General Sources
As my project will focus on 2014's The Interview, it is important for me to research the entire timeline of the controversy since it took place over the course of several months.
Source 1: Sony hack: the plot to kill The Interview- a timeline so far - theguardian.com
URL: The website is a ".com" which signifies its commercial intent.
Author: Catherine Shoard, film editor, Guardian News & Media.
Last Updated: 31 December 2014 06.35 EST.
Purpose: To organize the events leading up to the film's cancellation in a convenient timeline.
Graphics: Images of cast members, trailers, tweets, and central figures of the controversy.
Position On Subject: Completely unbiased recollection of events.
Links: Links to most of the individual stories are presented, each leading to another Guardian article.
Source 2: Sony Drops 'The Interview' Following Terrorist Threats - nytimes.com
URL: .com
Authors: Brooks Barnes, Editor, The New York Times. Michael Cieply, Writer, The New York Times.
Last Updated: 17 Dec 2014.
Purpose: To inform on the recent cancellation of the film and provide a detailed analysis of the lead and aftermath.
Graphics: Movie stills, posters, and a trailer.
Position On Subject: Unbiased and informative.
Links: Links to topic pages that contain all stories involved with the subject, for example Kim Jong-Un and Regal Entertainment.
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| BagoGames, "Please Make It Stop | The Interview Review" 2 February 2015 via Flickr Creative Commons Attribution License |
URL: The website is a ".com" which signifies its commercial intent.
Author: Catherine Shoard, film editor, Guardian News & Media.
Last Updated: 31 December 2014 06.35 EST.
Purpose: To organize the events leading up to the film's cancellation in a convenient timeline.
Graphics: Images of cast members, trailers, tweets, and central figures of the controversy.
Position On Subject: Completely unbiased recollection of events.
Links: Links to most of the individual stories are presented, each leading to another Guardian article.
Source 2: Sony Drops 'The Interview' Following Terrorist Threats - nytimes.com
URL: .com
Authors: Brooks Barnes, Editor, The New York Times. Michael Cieply, Writer, The New York Times.
Last Updated: 17 Dec 2014.
Purpose: To inform on the recent cancellation of the film and provide a detailed analysis of the lead and aftermath.
Graphics: Movie stills, posters, and a trailer.
Position On Subject: Unbiased and informative.
Links: Links to topic pages that contain all stories involved with the subject, for example Kim Jong-Un and Regal Entertainment.
Evaluation of News Magazine Stories
My stories were featured in Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. It was difficult to find recent controversial stories that didn't involve diversity in the Oscars, so it may be a recurring theme. The Rolling Stone story was on English actress Charlotte Rampling's comments on the divisiveness being "racist to whites," while the Vanity Fair story is about the contrast in diversity between the Oscars and the SAG Awards.
1. What is the debate, disagreement or argument in the story about?
Charlotte Rampling, who is a nominee for Best Actress in her film 45 Years, stated that the boycott against the Oscars is "racist to whites" and argues that people shouldn't be classified, and combatting racism doesn't mean there "should be lots of minorities everywhere." The other article points out the presence of more diverse actors winning awards at the SAG's after being snubbed by the Academy, including the likes of Idris Elba and Viola Davis.
2. Who is the most sympathetic character in the story?
Rampling herself deserves sympathy due to the fact that her potential achievement is being boycotted, and her comments will likely be reviled because of a few choice words. In the other story, the black actors are seen as sympathetic in the sense that they have gained recognition for their brilliant performances in a situation that some see as unfair.
3. Who is the least sympathetic character in the story?
It is hard to say for the first story, but one could argue that detractors of Rampling's comments are the least sympathetic since a counterargument to her quotes is likely to be biased or closed-minded. For the second story, the least sympathetic character is the voting team at the Academy, as the diversity at another major awards program makes them appear to be behind in that aspect.
1. What is the debate, disagreement or argument in the story about?
Charlotte Rampling, who is a nominee for Best Actress in her film 45 Years, stated that the boycott against the Oscars is "racist to whites" and argues that people shouldn't be classified, and combatting racism doesn't mean there "should be lots of minorities everywhere." The other article points out the presence of more diverse actors winning awards at the SAG's after being snubbed by the Academy, including the likes of Idris Elba and Viola Davis.
2. Who is the most sympathetic character in the story?
Rampling herself deserves sympathy due to the fact that her potential achievement is being boycotted, and her comments will likely be reviled because of a few choice words. In the other story, the black actors are seen as sympathetic in the sense that they have gained recognition for their brilliant performances in a situation that some see as unfair.
3. Who is the least sympathetic character in the story?
It is hard to say for the first story, but one could argue that detractors of Rampling's comments are the least sympathetic since a counterargument to her quotes is likely to be biased or closed-minded. For the second story, the least sympathetic character is the voting team at the Academy, as the diversity at another major awards program makes them appear to be behind in that aspect.
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| lukeford.net "Idris Elba at a 2007 American Music Awards after-party" 19 November 2007 via Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution license |
Evaluation of New York Times Stories
I've looked through the Arts and Politics sections of The New York Times and picked out two stories with interesting topics and characters. The Arts story by Marie Tae McDermott focuses on the controversial "whitewashing" of the Oscars, while the political piece by John Leland highlights the differing views between voters of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders.
1. Does there seem to be a "main character" or "protagonist" to the story?
The Oscars story, while not directly mentioning much of a main character, infers the Academy voters as the primary subjects of the story since they are directly responsible for the nomination process. The political story revolves around Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, but the primary characters are the voters of each candidate, since the article focuses on their motives, concerns, and ideals.
2. Where do the specific events in the story take place? Is there a specific setting?
The Oscars story takes place around the world by the controversy that encapsulates it. The political story takes place solely in America because it concentrates on American citizens as voters. Iowa is mentioned as a central location because of the upcoming caucus.
3. Is there any kind of disagreement or debate happening in the story?
The Oscars story is fueled by the disagreement of racial diversity in the prominent award ceremony. Film audiences and critics alike are either lambasting the Academy for its lack of "inclusion,"or defending their decisions and accusing detractors of raising divisiveness. The political story features the age-old Republican vs Democrat debate, but also highlights the opposing views held by two men of a similar nature in an area of similar tastes, that being the Midwest.
1. Does there seem to be a "main character" or "protagonist" to the story?
The Oscars story, while not directly mentioning much of a main character, infers the Academy voters as the primary subjects of the story since they are directly responsible for the nomination process. The political story revolves around Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, but the primary characters are the voters of each candidate, since the article focuses on their motives, concerns, and ideals.
2. Where do the specific events in the story take place? Is there a specific setting?
The Oscars story takes place around the world by the controversy that encapsulates it. The political story takes place solely in America because it concentrates on American citizens as voters. Iowa is mentioned as a central location because of the upcoming caucus.
3. Is there any kind of disagreement or debate happening in the story?
The Oscars story is fueled by the disagreement of racial diversity in the prominent award ceremony. Film audiences and critics alike are either lambasting the Academy for its lack of "inclusion,"or defending their decisions and accusing detractors of raising divisiveness. The political story features the age-old Republican vs Democrat debate, but also highlights the opposing views held by two men of a similar nature in an area of similar tastes, that being the Midwest.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Course Projects
What am I most confused by or nervous about in regards to the four major projects?
I'm mostly nervous about gathering the appropriate research for each project, specifically the Controversy Post-Mortem and the Rhetorical Investigation, and whichever one I'll use for the Quick Reference Guide and Video Essay. These genres would require the most research with the least amount of BSing, since they're visual and laid out for the purpose of being informative.
What are you most interested in or excited by in regards to the four major projects?
I'm excited to stretch my writing to its informative limits and translate said writing into vocal projection in the Video Essay and Podcast. I usually don't write to inform in my free time; I'm glad that I'm given a deep and extensive opportunity to do that now, and with my choice of four interesting genres. I've been listening to podcasts and watching video reviews/editorials for some time now, and I'm excited to do something similar myself.
Based on your understanding of the four major projects, what are the elements of this course that you have to plan ahead for? How will the coursework described in the four project assignment sheets challenge your time management skills this semester?
The Rhetorical Investigation will take a good amount of time to plan ahead, primarily because of the time it will take to set up interviews around campus. I also plan on doing the Quick Reference Guide for this project, and I don't plan on cutting any corners in regards to research. It may also be difficult to come up with an enticing and interesting topic for discussion in projects 1 and 3.
How has your past English coursework in high school or college prepared you for the challenges of this course? What skills will you take into the course with you?
I haven't taken an English course since high school, but my teacher from 11th-12th grade was extremely helpful and pivotal in the advancement of my writing. She taught me to use my own voice in my writings and use humility rather than a false sense of entitlement. I'm excited to use what I was previously taught to help me in this course, such as the use of expansive detail and forming my essays interestingly.
Do you have any questions about the four major projects that have not been answered by the assignment sheets? What do you still want to know?
No questions, thank you.
Reflection
I feel more confident after reading of the struggles of my classmates (which sounds bad, I know). Julia and Nicolas brought up good points in regards to preparation, and it makes me happy that so many of us are excited for the work we will be doing this semester.
I'm mostly nervous about gathering the appropriate research for each project, specifically the Controversy Post-Mortem and the Rhetorical Investigation, and whichever one I'll use for the Quick Reference Guide and Video Essay. These genres would require the most research with the least amount of BSing, since they're visual and laid out for the purpose of being informative.
What are you most interested in or excited by in regards to the four major projects?
I'm excited to stretch my writing to its informative limits and translate said writing into vocal projection in the Video Essay and Podcast. I usually don't write to inform in my free time; I'm glad that I'm given a deep and extensive opportunity to do that now, and with my choice of four interesting genres. I've been listening to podcasts and watching video reviews/editorials for some time now, and I'm excited to do something similar myself.
 |
| Soosay, Surian. "MS Paint Doodle / Kiddy Batman Slightly Confused" 9/13/2010 via Flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License |
The Rhetorical Investigation will take a good amount of time to plan ahead, primarily because of the time it will take to set up interviews around campus. I also plan on doing the Quick Reference Guide for this project, and I don't plan on cutting any corners in regards to research. It may also be difficult to come up with an enticing and interesting topic for discussion in projects 1 and 3.
How has your past English coursework in high school or college prepared you for the challenges of this course? What skills will you take into the course with you?
I haven't taken an English course since high school, but my teacher from 11th-12th grade was extremely helpful and pivotal in the advancement of my writing. She taught me to use my own voice in my writings and use humility rather than a false sense of entitlement. I'm excited to use what I was previously taught to help me in this course, such as the use of expansive detail and forming my essays interestingly.
Do you have any questions about the four major projects that have not been answered by the assignment sheets? What do you still want to know?
No questions, thank you.
Reflection
I feel more confident after reading of the struggles of my classmates (which sounds bad, I know). Julia and Nicolas brought up good points in regards to preparation, and it makes me happy that so many of us are excited for the work we will be doing this semester.
Investigating Genres
My investigation will be on the Quick Reference Guide. Partially because it's the option I'm least familiar with. But mostly it's because the examples have such pleasing graphics to look at and I'm scared as to how well I could emulate such fancy-looking articles.
1. What purpose(s) does this genre usually serve?
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| Bowden, J. Albert II. "elements-of-design-quick-reference-sheet-print-posters" 7/8/2013 via Flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License |
A QRG serves to display a wide array of information, usually on a central topic that is somewhat difficult to comprehend, on a well-organized web page. The QRG uses a combination of graphics, charts, and data to explain its topic in extensive yet coherent detail.
2. Where, how, or in what context do readers usually find this genre?
Users typically find this genre on any informative medium, such as newspapers and magazines. However, with the wide range of possibilities that computers have in regards to design and research, most QRGs today are found on news websites.
3. Who is the typical audience for this genre?
QRGs are typically intended for an audience that desires to be informed. They could be very useful for students or managers for research purposes.
4. What are some of the key features or characteristics that are unique to this genre, distinguishing it from other texts?
What makes the QRG so accessible is its use of various forms of media (photos, graphs, videos) in relation to the informative text, which contains helpful subheadings and links to follow the data presented. All of this is displayed in a manner pleasing to the eyes.
5. Based on your answers to the questions, come up with a definition in your own words.
A quick reference guide is a single-topic article that contains the relevant background, data, and graphics in a single page.
Reflection
After reading and commenting on Ellie and Tim's posts on video essays and podcasts, respectively, I'm happy to have more insight on each of the topics, since I was mostly skeptical on their execution. Ellie brought up how the video essay can be useful in assisting visual learners, while Tim detailed the informative nature of podcasting. I'll be sure to focus on these points during my projects.
Reflection
After reading and commenting on Ellie and Tim's posts on video essays and podcasts, respectively, I'm happy to have more insight on each of the topics, since I was mostly skeptical on their execution. Ellie brought up how the video essay can be useful in assisting visual learners, while Tim detailed the informative nature of podcasting. I'll be sure to focus on these points during my projects.
My Writing Process
1. What type(s) of writer do you consider yourself to be?
My method of writing definitely falls under the "Heavy Planner" category. Which is weird, considering that I almost never did the obligatory "essay outline" from about 6th to 11th grade. But over the past couple of years I've definitely understood the importance of drafting an outline, getting your ideas on paper as a solid skeleton to go on. I've conditioned myself to generate ideas and think about my writing regardless of the time or place- which helps tremendously when you think of all the time I could be sitting at a desk counting sheep until one of those sheep veers off course and missiles into my face with a good thesis. Not saying that doesn't happen, though.
2. Does your writing process include several of the above approaches?
I think you can sprinkle a bit of "Sequential Composer" in there. I reread and reword strenuously as I write my first draft. I'm not afraid to make the process drawn out in order to ensure a finely-crafted product. That being said, I hate rewriting with a fiery passion, so almost all of my revision comes during the process, rather than after. Anything I do afterwords is related to form or word polishing.
3. Does your writing process seem to be successful? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your approach?
I thank God for my style of thinking because I enjoy it more than anything else I've seen. I'm damn proud of my writing process, and how I have the capacity to generate more ideas than the paper is ready for. I've been somewhat athletic throughout my life and I apply the same principles of planning as I do here. You need to work out, get your cardio in and study the game hard. And this gets me more than ready to write something freaking awesome. Of course there are instances when my creativity high gets to me and my work isn't really freaking awesome, so I suppose my sort of lack of proper revising can be disadvantageous at times.
4. Do you think it would be beneficial for you to try a different approach?
No. My creative process in intrinsically constructive and my memory is intrinsically anterograde, and the more time I spend on post-production the more I'll start to hate what I wrote and then I'll become a grumpy old man who thinks he wasted his time and curses the apathy that has cheated him of even a smidge of happiness. No one wants that.
My method of writing definitely falls under the "Heavy Planner" category. Which is weird, considering that I almost never did the obligatory "essay outline" from about 6th to 11th grade. But over the past couple of years I've definitely understood the importance of drafting an outline, getting your ideas on paper as a solid skeleton to go on. I've conditioned myself to generate ideas and think about my writing regardless of the time or place- which helps tremendously when you think of all the time I could be sitting at a desk counting sheep until one of those sheep veers off course and missiles into my face with a good thesis. Not saying that doesn't happen, though.
2. Does your writing process include several of the above approaches?
I think you can sprinkle a bit of "Sequential Composer" in there. I reread and reword strenuously as I write my first draft. I'm not afraid to make the process drawn out in order to ensure a finely-crafted product. That being said, I hate rewriting with a fiery passion, so almost all of my revision comes during the process, rather than after. Anything I do afterwords is related to form or word polishing.
3. Does your writing process seem to be successful? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your approach?
I thank God for my style of thinking because I enjoy it more than anything else I've seen. I'm damn proud of my writing process, and how I have the capacity to generate more ideas than the paper is ready for. I've been somewhat athletic throughout my life and I apply the same principles of planning as I do here. You need to work out, get your cardio in and study the game hard. And this gets me more than ready to write something freaking awesome. Of course there are instances when my creativity high gets to me and my work isn't really freaking awesome, so I suppose my sort of lack of proper revising can be disadvantageous at times.
4. Do you think it would be beneficial for you to try a different approach?
No. My creative process in intrinsically constructive and my memory is intrinsically anterograde, and the more time I spend on post-production the more I'll start to hate what I wrote and then I'll become a grumpy old man who thinks he wasted his time and curses the apathy that has cheated him of even a smidge of happiness. No one wants that.
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| WorldIslandInfo.com "Planning session" 12/9/2006 via Flickr Attribution 2.0 Generic- www.futuristmovies.com |
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