Continuity Project # 3

https://vimeo.com/165922783

"Perfect Strangers" Extra Credit

On Wednesday, April 20^th, 2016 Jan Krawitz screened and discussed her documentary “Perfect Strangers” at Hunter college in the Lang Auditorium. I was definitely present. I had no expectations before seeing this documentary. I love not knowing what to expect because it leaves no room for disappointment.

When the documentary began I knew that I would be in for a treat. I knew that because it was apparent that this documentary was a personal one. I love seeing personal documentaries and films because it really gives you an insight as to what someone could be going through.

This documentary was about a woman who gave her kidney to someone she did not even know. The woman was nothing else but nice. She truly embodies the epitome of a good Samaritan. She just showcased and exemplified the characteristics of what a kind hearted person illustrates and breeds, which is sheer kindness and bravery.

The people in her life were a little apprehensive but she was not. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. She knew that she wanted to go through with this process. She was brave and courageous.

Giving away your kidney is no easy task especially when you are giving it away to someone that you do not personally know. The fact that she did not know the recipient of her kidney was so amazing to me. I mean, who does that these days anymore? It was so beautiful and kind. It is more than a gesture it is life changing and literally lifesaving.

It was altogether a beautiful film that I personally did enjoy.

Museum of Moving Image POST

My visit to the Museum of Moving Image was quite fascinating. I have been to many different museums but I have never been to the Museum of Moving Image or any museum like it either. The museum had sections pertaining to a variety of things.

They had a section that let groups take photos and it turned them into gifs. They also have a section relating to voice overs that I actually participated in. We learned about the art of doing voice overs in class so I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity and try to sharpen my none existent voice over skills. I knew that voice noting didn’t just depend on being timely it also depended on what kind of microphone you used and how near or far you are from the microphone. I recorded a voice over for the movie “School of Rock” starring Jack Black.

Doing a voice over was pretty easy and mostly fascinating. Basically, I had to read the line first and pay close attention to Jack Blacks lip movements. Then I had a chance to record it myself and try to match him exactly. It was pretty fun and I know I did a decent job.

Another super cool section in the museum was the animation section. It was a section named “Stop Motion Animation” and it let people create short animations. My group members made a short animation with a wolf. We moved the position of the would about an inch forward and took a photo of it that was called a frame. After that we put the framed together, and played the selection which made it look like a real short animation.

Blog Post #3

When I first read this blog assignment I was not too sure as to what piece of media I would like to choose. I thought of using a music video, a theatrical performance piece, or perhaps an excerpt from one of my many favorite sitcoms. I began to think about what sources of media I love to engage in and find entertaining. The two main ones are reality television shows and talk shows. As I kept on wondering I thought it would be best to just use a talk show clip. The clip I am using is from The Wendy Williams Show. It illustrates how editing audience members into shots help convey such a clear message as to what they are thinking collectively. Editing the audience’s reactions to certain things that she has said makes a significant contribution on account of portraying how the audience members feel about certain topics. We get to see their facial expressions whether it be confused, happy, or laughing, you can tell what they are thinking about. If the editing did not include audience members the piece and entire show would not be as engaging. It would be perceived as a one-woman show on account of us solely seeing Wendy Williams’s point of view and not the point of view of the audience members. It is a show that illustrates a sense of interaction which conveys a message of inclusion to the viewers who are not present in the audience. The sounds and images are also a part of the tone of inclusion because it adds another element of making an absent viewer feel engaged and part of the production. When Wendy says "Somebody needs a cough drop in aisle three" the camera changes direction and shows Suzanne (a producer on the show) giving the woman a cough drop. That shot-transition illustrates a sense of capturing perfect moments in a piece of media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhRHDsRVRW4

Andrew & Niamh's Audio Portrait

https://soundcloud.com/user-772425535/andrew-niamh-audio-portrait

Assignment #2: What I Hear

When I read everything that this assignment entailed I had a feeling of indifference. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go. I didn’t know what a “soundwalk” was either. As I continued reading and focusing on what location I wanted to choose suddenly, everything fell into place.

In my opinion there is no better place in New York City than SoHo.

As I got off of the N train on Prince Street at 3 PM on Friday March 18^th I started walking on Broadway I looked around and listened to everything I could. SoHo is renowned for the fashion stores that they have. As I was walking throughout SoHo I passed several stores and while passing I would hear music inside of them as their doors opened and closed with every customer. This is definitely a foreground sound because if a certain store was playing one of my favorite songs I would definitely consider walking in, due to it attracting my attention. I noticed that some stores had the same music which meant that they were probably playing the same radio station (something I’ve never noticed before).

While I continued to linger attentively I heard so many sounds like bells were ringing. They were actually the collars of dog chains. I never realized how many people walk their dogs in SoHo.

There is one major background sound that I could not escape. I could not escape the sound of closing a car door. New York City is known for taxis but you never really realize how often you hear one unless you pay attention. With every two blocks there were about 3 people who would either open of close a car door. I cannot forget about the incredible honking I hear as well. There was never a moment that a light turned green and cars weren’t honking. A light turned green for literally a millisecond and cars were honking impatiently.

It is really incredible how much you hear when you are attentive and eager to listen.

Extra Credit: Andrew Bujalski at Hunter College

To be quite honest I was a little apprehensive in relations to going to this screening. I did not know if I wanted to go for sure on account of me having preconceived notions. Usually, when professors list events as extra credit I tend to believe that it will result in something boring. That definitely was not the case here.

Andrew Bujalski screened his film Results for us and I must say it was pretty good. I am in know way shape or form a critic but I do have my own opinions and I do believe that it is somewhat hard to entertain me.

The movie was centered around a guy named Danny who wanted to get fit. He met up with the owner of a fitness company and decided to better his life in reference to getting in shape. Danny was recently divorced and had lots of money to spend. He paid for his training session for 2 years in advance.

Danny ended up helping the owner with finding a new space for the business and eventually became a partner in the company. Danny sold his share to the owners ex-girlfriend which caused a big messy situation. I love mess. Messy situations always intrigue me.

The movie was quite long but nonetheless enjoyable.

I learned a bit in terms of directing and writing by watching this film and I commend and appreciate Andrew Bujalski taking the time out of his busy schedule to screen his film just for us! :)