BOC Week 9: Dressed Professionally Photo Challenge

This is me dressed in a nice suit. I dressed like this originally for graduation pictures. I thought I would have to dress up for photos, but it turned out I would be wearing the graduation gown over my clothes. I took this photo when I returned home and considered that since I'm dressed up I might as well take a photo of myself in the suit. I may change the suit for the portfolio show on the 22nd, but this is how I normally would dress for a professional career or interview. I tend to think that it may fell like a bit much, but as long as I dress appropriate, and professional, I'm okay for any job. The suit I'm wearing has been with me since my first year here at the Art Institute, but in time I will soon have to wear another suit. Another thing I would do is lose the jacket because it would fit well for summer, and it becomes uncomfortable after wearing it for a while.

EOC Week 8: What is the Producer's most important role?

The role of the producer is to put together all the necessary requirements for the film into action. This includes all agreements, contracts, meetings, and the cast and crew together. They are also the ones who have full responsibility for the film. The job of the producer is to make sure everything is signed and accounted for, or basically, they are the ones who worry about the film the most. Even though this is a tedious job it is also the most highest paying job in the industry, so to some it is well worth the hard work. This is a job I wouldn't want to work in, but I would need a good producer if I am to become a successful director. One good thing is that I don't have to worry about the legal process of film as much as the producer because it will be he or she who gets the notice or the action, but it could be trouble on my part because there are laws that could even threaten my standing as a director. A good example would be if I had filmed a certain scene and the producer did not sign an agreement form for that location, or actor, or product, and I have already agreed to not filming that particular scene it would be my fault, and I will be the one in trouble. Producing is a lot of paperwork and social meetings, it is not my kind of business, but I would take this job if I had no other choice. Besides most independent filmmakers have to produce their own films on many occasions.

BOC Week 8: Picture of Script Cover

The was a Script Cover I did for a Conceptual Storytelling class back in 2009 when I was just learning the basics of writing a script. I remember that class really well, since it was the first class I had Ken Ciao. I remember a lot of details he wanted for my script and even though I knew a lot about writing, Scriptwriting was a completely different lesson. Much different then writing a script for a play. I learned a lot in that class and I also earned the difference between an AV script and a Movie script. The best thing I liked about that class was the creativity involved with writing. It helped me understand my true potential for screenwriting and it strengthened my desire to seek a writing career for the future. Now I'm writing more and more scripts to improve my art and to hope that one day I will be able to sell my work to a producer and see my story unfold at the movies. I had other script covers that I have made later on, but I chose this one because it brings back memories of that class and how I improved over the years at the Art Institute.

EOC Week 7: Keeping it real

When renting an executive office, I need a place close to home where I don't need to drive and waste gas. I chose the Plaza Offices of Summerlin. It is close by has nice office space and rooms for conferences. It even has online offices. It also has front desk staff and an open lobby. It's pricing is only available to those who call for more information.When choosing a good office to rent out it is always important to first look at price, then location, and finally the type of office space offered. I first decided to look at the prices within the Las Vegas community and then within the smaller districts of the city to find an affordable office with a meeting room and internet access. This brought me to several choices in the summerlin community, but I needed one that was cheap. The brought me to a place near Rainbow in the Spring Valley Community. I used to live in Spring Valley so that made my search much easier. Right now I will have to settle for meet and greets at coffee shops in order to do business, but when the time comes to have my own personal office and a need to get a meeting somewhere I will have to rely of these offices.

BOC Week 7: Photo Challenge Visual Effects

This photo challenge was about getting a picture that detailed your ability in visual effects. The photo I chose was an old final project I did for a digital imaging class back in 2009. This was a big project when I was given the details for it. It took a long time to put together all the photos I did in my living room and with a masking effect placed them all in the shot. I was originally coming up with ideas for what my theme was going to be, but I then thought of a photo I remembered in a students portfolio show that had hundreds of copies of himself doing various activities. I then began to plan out little scenarios with different clothing and I came up with this photo. I got me a passing grade for the final and I have used this photo in various other projects, but only as a portrait in a background. Ever since, I have not used this photo in quite some time, and it tends to go overlooked when I'm searching for a good project, but when this week's photo challenged was announced I decided to look through all my old work to find something worthy. This was not my first choice. I had other ideas about using some of my green screen videos or motion graphics, but in the end I decided to look to my older pictorial work for inspiration. It was at that moment that this photo came to mind. I feel proud of this picture because it shows what I can do with simple effects and a lot of patience, and it really describes my diverse character.

EOC Week 6: How do I see my role starting in the industry?

     I see myself working my way up in the editing and writing industry before I take up any directing positions. I look towards my skill with final cut and premiere pro as my ticket into the industry. I have already edited for my internship and I plan to continue editing for my professional career. Writing has also inspired me to continue doing one of my favorite pastimes. I have looked up information about famous writers and novelists who have taken up pretty good careers. I plan to use my writing skills as a way to get my foot into the directing career. Editing is something I like to continue as a lower career, but it isn't something I intend to make a living out of.

     I look to further my studies in writing and I plan to have several jobs related to editing as well as camera and lighting, but I still see myself working hard to get such a position as director. When it comes down to my professional career I seem to lean more towards the pre and post production aspect of filming, but like I have once stated in a previous blog, I plan to finally get the chance to direct a major motion picture.

     Today, I am glad that I chose to be a student at the Art Institute. It has taught me quite a lot about film making and what I need to accomplish in order to make it in the professional world. I have been introduced to this profession, but I still see myself on the sidelines of this art. Now, with the knowledge I have I can easily see myself in an industry I have only dreamed about working in and getting to know people I have only seen on television or in the movies. I hope this experience has been worth it. Now, I can safely say to the world that I am about to enter this massive family, and I have great ideas that I'm not afraid to reveal in this industry.

BOC Week 6: Director's Chair

I decided to go with a picture on my on a director's chair. This is really a Photoshop image of me on this chair, but it provides the very basic information behind my goal of directing a major motion picture. For years I ave grown up wanting to one one direct a big budget success, but now today that dream is slowly becoming a reality. I enjoy working my way up, but once in a while I would like to have a little fun here and there. This photo shows a more colorful side of myself and how much I truly care for this dream. I first started out with an old photo of myself sitting on a couch in the student lounge of my college. I was going to go for a more authentic and stereotypical director with the hat and everything, but I didn't want to over exaggerate my image for this photo. I then used a directors chair I found on the web and pasted it as a background to my photo. I then added a second background of a set. After some small edits I had a photo of me on a motion picture set. When I see this photo I see myself working for a major studio in Hollywood, California. Although I might be better dressed then what I'm wearing in the photo. My greatest dream is to one day work for a major company like Universal Studios or Warner Brothers and direct a film that many people would talk about. I hope my film is remembered like George Lucas' Star Wars or Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. There are times I would see myself on a chair like this giving out demands on how the film should be and what the cast and crew should do for the picture. I look to one day actually be the image in this picture.

Week 5 EOC: Progress towards my 4 professional contacts and progress networking.

My progress towards meeting my 4 professional contacts is still a working progress, but I am sure to set up these meetings. I already have 2 people in mind, a lawyer, and an accountant, but insurance will take some time. I still need to get business cards and contact information from 20 professionals within the industry. Right now I can make it 17. I already have the contact information and card of my internship manager and my father has information to two other sources. I also recently met with another executive for Sight and Sound productions. I will see to it that I have all these contacts by the due date of this project. I am also taking into account that I go to one or more of these social networking events. I believe they will help me find the people I need to know and I’m sure getting the contact information will be easy. Today in class I got a chance to look up several of these Networking Events like CES, and I will plan to set up a time to go to one of them.

I look to gain more knowledge about these networking events and to meet more people who have a lot of knowledge in the industry. This week I will be working with my internship manager on a massive film project. I'm sure to meet more contacts, and a possible chance to enter another networking event. I also need to improve on my social skills when working with others. I am known to be a bit shy, but this is quickly fading away as I become more in tuned with the industry. I have even undergone work in managing my work and putting together my plans for meeting these contacts. Organization is a very important skill in gaining work and information from professionals.

Week 4 EOC: Executive Summary brief draft 1

This Executive summary details that my goal is to start my own business in filmmaking. I favor a range of different film genres, but mostly within the category of Fictional Narratives such as Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. I look to establish my own company, but in order to do so I need the experience. I look forward to working my way up in the industry and using my skills in editing to accomplice my needs to achieve my goal. I am also skilled in cinematography, graphics, and I have experience in acting, both within and outside of the Art Institute of Las Vegas. My experience comes mainly from the Art Institute, but I have undertaken an Internship for Glen Brook Studios and Das Film Works. My education also extends to the Rainbow Company’s classes in Lighting, Acting, and Stage Managing. I try to follow the footsteps of many independent filmmakers to achieve my all time goal in Hollywood.

I’m not at the moment looking to start a new trend, but I look forward to putting my creative ideas together with others who share my same passion for film. My main competition would be other graduates who are using this same system to acquire work, and other small companies of the same business that could rival my own. I look to seek work with a professional business and to gain better insight in this field of work. I also look to mix and mingle with other professional and to get their point of view in the industry and to understand the politics and guidelines they follow to make it in the bigger studios. One of my greatest dreams in the industry is to work for the biggest one of them all, Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. Along with a job at Universal I plan to also write and direct a big-budget motion picture.

Photo Challenge Week 3: Storyboard

My storyboard is on the Boardstone. A made up commercial I did for Advertising Production last quarter. In this assignment I had to find a use for a Clapper without using it for it's main purpose. The commercial is on a special tombstone for pets where you can write anything you want on the tombstone, and not have to worry about paying large amount of cash for an old fashioned stone tombstone. The board was a typical dry erase board with an umbrella to keep the rain from ruining your writing.

The Commercial featured a family of three mourning the loss of their dog spot. The young daughter in the family suddenly announces that they need a tombstone for their dog, but the mother tells her that they don't have the money to buy one. The father then tells the daughter not to worry and rushes into the house to get the boardstone. He surprises the family when he presents it to them and gives out the necessary details about the product. He then places it on the mound of dirt where they buried their dog, and he kneels down to write the dogs name. He then hands the marker over to the daughter and she scribbles a few hearts and stars on the board. The family is then silent until the logo and the narrator explains more to the product including a product shot with the family's writing before fading to black.

I chose this type of commercial for two reasons. First, was to display as dry humor to the characters and to the product that was being sold. I was thinking a lot of the false commercials that were on SNL and Family Guy. It was a weird and almost black humor based ad, but it did what it was supposed to do. I received a good score for the project and it got a lot of laughs. The other reason I chose this was because it shows a humorous side of my work that I normally don't experiment with, and I think it helps when showing an employer your diversity. Diversity is really important in the professional world.

Week 3 EOC: Where are you and where are you going?

Right now, I'm in class looking forward to my graduation. I am looking forward to working in a studio. Right now at this moment I see myself in a period of waiting. I still have no true idea as to where I'm going, and I know that most students at this point in their life are feeling the same thing. I can see my future, but I still don't see the path I will take. When it comes to planning your future, you can make many steps and prepare a long drawn out map to where your going, but you still will not know if it is the right path. Opportunities come by us at every turn and there are always obstacles to our destination. We have no idea if one path is right or wrong, but we learn through experience. I believe I am heading down a right path. I know what I doing at this moment, I care a lot about getting there. I can see the problems in my sight, and I plan ahead for future projects and assignments. I dream of a day where I am walking out of a nice house and looking at the collection of films I have made from a long career and all the success I have gained from them, but It is a reality that will not come if I lose sight of my goals and stop dead in my tracks. Today I am writing a blog as a part of a weekly assignment, but this blog could easily become more then just a simple project. Right now, it can be the very first step to a life story, or a plan to mapping out my career. If I were to be more blunt with this question I would have to say that right now I am in Vegas planning my future, but I will soon be going to Hollywood, to make it all a reality.

Photo Challenge: WEEK 2 working photo

Here I am showing off some of my editing and graphic skills. One great passion behind my work is putting it all together. It is very hard to believe, but 2 years ago I never wanted anything to do with editing, but after finding it less physically demanding then camera and lighting it has quite grown on me. This photo shows me keying in a green screen effect with after effects. I also know how to key with Avid, Final Cut, and Premiere Pro, but After Effects works so much better, and keys the image much cleaner.

I believe my first major job in the industry will probably be an editing job. I already have an internship in editing for Glen Brook Studios. As much as I now like editing, and I have earned a lot of experience in the last three years, I don't see myself in a permanent job editing. I still have a goal in mind and I hope to keep it. Editing is fun, but I look forward to directing as well as writing my own screenplays.

Week 2 EOC Where would you go for Copyright Law?

After searching the web, I have discovered various websites on the internet that would educate and introduce you to copyright law. My first website was www.copyright.gov this site gave me detailed information on copyright law in the form of PDF documents and texts. It taught me a lot about the copyright laws and the process on which the court handles each situation regarding the law in court.

Another Website was labeled smallbusiness.findlaw.com, this was a website that offered information on lawyers who could deal with copyright cases and it gave out an organized list of lawyers, their locations, and what type of property and copyright law they deal with such as internet, film, and literary property. This website is important because it can be used for those seeking a lawyer if their work is stolen or if they are being sued for property theft.

Finally another interesting website is www.benedict.com. This site gave me an introduction to the history of the copyright law and why it became so important to the careers of others. It explains the first laws that were made to the current changes and added laws today. It explains it's origins, the people who made these laws possible, and those who either supported or were against it. It is a great site to find information behind these laws and learn on what prompted the creation of these laws.

Napoleon and Winston Week 1 Film Festival Movie

Animation Week 1 Description

My film is a parody in itself. It is a simple little story on Napoleon and Winston Churchill discussing their history but only having a limited time to do so. I decided to do this blog because it would introduce the audience to two historical figures, and give them the intention that what they will say is very important, only to fake them out with a lack of time within the story. I also gave them a small joke about them having nothing to do.

Ever since I became interested in film, one of my favorite genres was comedy and sometimes my favorite style was dry humor and sarcasm. This gave me a great opportunity to experiment. I decided to us Napoleon and Winston because of their popularity in historical culture. When you present someone with a character of high importance, and you display a parody out of their image and significance, it happen to be quite hilarious.

The basic story is both Napoleon and Winston are in London to discuss an educational story behind their life, but what we get is the fact that they are running out of time, and only have a few seconds to explain something, so the two decide to give up and go have a drink of coffee. It is also quite significant because the two historical figures were known for doing completely opposite achievements. One was a conquering emperor, and the other was a prime minister who defended his country from invasion.

Week 1 EOC: What sacrifices are you will to make for your career?

     When it comes to a career, I understand that I have to make many sacrifices in order to get ahead. Sacrifices are hard to make, but in the long run they can be extremely beneficial to what you do. They also teach new lessons from your profession and give you the chance to make better judgments. Sometimes sacrifices will get you on top, but there are choices in life that have no definitive answer and no possible sight of a decent future. Some can confuse and leave you wondering where it will take you and others would bring you straight to a dead end.

     I see myself as a driver going down a highway with many stops, delays, and forks. If I exit off one ramp it will take me to a place I might enjoy, but there could be a chance I will never go back on that road. If I continue driving down that road, I may be passing up so many interesting places, and I may not like where the road would truly end, and if that is true, then I have gone through so much and made so many sacrifices for nothing. I will never know where the road takes me and, intellectually, I will never know the right from wrong choice.  

     As we go about our lives we tend to survive not just on knowledge and common sense, but also on guesses and gut feelings. I believe that when it comes to making sacrifices within my professional life, I would have to simply go with my gut when intellect and common sense doesn’t work. As a person who enjoys filmmaking I would make the sacrifices necessary to reach my goals, but I would never accept anything that would endanger my health or future. Because even though there are many opportunities in life, there is only one me.

Week 1: BOC Will you be living in Vegas after 5 years?

      I believe I will still be living in Las Vegas 5 years from now, unless I am given a job that requires me to move. This looks unlikely, since I have only recently brushed the surface of meeting professionals here in Vegas. I think somewhere at the end of this decade I see myself in another city. It would probably be Los Angeles because that is the place to go for filmmaking. I have meet several people here in Vegas who have been everywhere, but it will be a while until I go to the places they have been to.