FREAK FACTOR

http://changethis.com/manifesto/45.02.FreakFactor/pdf/45.02.FreakFactor.pdf

1.         Eliot starts off this article by the three basic options for self-improvement, which are fixing your weaknesses, building on strengths, and do both. The first step to fixing a problem or weakness is by acknowledging it. It is important to know our weaknesses, but like Eliot states not push for perfection or well-rounded strengths in everything. While it is important to be aware of your weaknesses and not ignore them, we should push to be overall good at many things, but it could be difficult to turn a weakness into a strength.

            Our weaknesses and strengths are also a way we are defined, and could be what we specialize in compared to others. It is what can make us creative or unique. It may be easy to be good at particular areas in school, work, or life; but all around, if we try we could fall below the standards or our strengths may become average while working for our weaknesses. While agreeing with Eliot it is still important to not ignore your weaknesses to only focus on your strengths. This is not being creative, or different. Instead its being consistent, the same, stubborn, or even isolated to new ideas and creations. By acknowledging our weaknesses though, as long as the weakness is not to negative to ourselves, as long as we can take criticism positive or negative in a good way, we can still be creative, productive, successful individuals. Our weaknesses if acknowledged can also lead to our strengths and how we fit in certain roles.

            2.        

Eliot states he is not good in teamwork, unorganized, can’t listen, open to other ideas, and hyperactive. This makes him a great business owner, leader, and public speaker.  As we find out strengths and weaknesses, our weaknesses can also help us discover more strengths and where we may fit in certain roles in our lives.

            I myself, in Media love to create new work hands on, production and postproduction, but preproduction when creating a narrative story, I feel useless. Ever since middle school I have had troubles writing a simple story. I love to work in teams, learn from others, and bring my own set of skills and strengths to them to build off of as I build off theirs. Making my not a writer I find writers to work with and take their stories into production.

            As an editor in Video Production, I find myself sitting at a computer for hours and hours, not noticing how late at night or early in the morning it is. While I hate spending too many hours in front of a TV screen or Computer instead of being engaged in the rest of the world, editing video is a obsession. Naturally I became interested in the process, the more I learn he more interested and better I become which makes me unique to others. In some cases I find this obsession to be a weakness or negative after I think how much time I waste in front of a computer sometimes. After reading Eliot’s article though, I can’t agree more to how it also is more of a strength, passion, and proficiency.

9. Putting Your Quirks to Work

            As a media production student, I try as much as possible to keep myself busy in the work to get better and improve on each project. I have begun to build up so much work; it’s impossible to stay head above the water. I may have multiple projects to work on, finish one, then another project comes up where I take another year to finish. The pain in this, especially when doing alone of for little or no money at all is I don’t enjoy every project entirely. Some projects may seem interesting at first, then my weaknesses kick in and the project goes down hill from there, and it takes more time and energy to complete.

            After reading the Freak Factor though, it’s comforting to know of similar experiences and way to avoid this. Instead of procrastinating or using up more time and energy, work on what interests me the most and uses the most out of my strengths. Instead of letting one activity bring down the quality of my work, work on one where I have the time, energy, strength and interest in to complete an outstanding piece of work. When we enjoy what we are engaged in, no matter how long of a day, little sleep, or energy we have left. If we are interested in it; it’s easier to find the motivation and proficiency needed to complete with high quality.

            As a manger these rules I have seen already been in use in the workplace and in school. Knowing each other’s strengths and weakness to build off of for good work will in the end happen if the right approach is made.

            In the creative process of my own, I have learned of one of my biggest weaknesses with too much work. Being to busy, to many projects, individual or with a team, I have found that quality lowers. The more work, the less time for each project, and less time equals less quality. However this weakness has also created strength in proficiency when producing creative work. In the fast paced media world we work in today, we all don’t have limitless amounts of time to produce our work, or we get beat. I have found by adapting to the amount of time given to work on certain projects has better prepared me for the future one day, with even more demanding deadlines.

            After learning more in depth on audio, music, listening framework, and working with others who strengths are in the area, I have seen how much I have more to learn in that area which I thought to be somewhat of strength. Comparing and contrasting strengths and weaknesses with others also help create a way for teamwork and leadership, which I never realized I have had much of.  When working with a friend on certain projects, which I have had experience and strength in, seeing their interest to learn where I may have been years ago, gave me a chance to build a relationship, and teach them in certain ways and how my creative process works towards the project.

            In certain areas, there are strengths here, in other areas the same creative process part can be a weakness they’re creating a gray area for my strengths and weaknesses. Finding out where I fit in, and where my attributes fill certain roles has been a learning experience in the creative process, and I only hope to continue with a open mind, and learn more everyday in and out of school.

Brainwashed

http://changethis.com/manifesto/66.01.Brainwashed/pdf/66.01.Brainwashed.pdf

The Acknowledging the Lizard is our fear inside us of being creative, different, or standing out in the wrong way. The resistance is the opposite though, where we oppose authority, instructions, rules and standards to gain attention, gain a louder voice or individualism.  Shipping is getting things done, pushing forward, no matter who or what problems or fears rise. Shipping is adapting and overcoming, instead of fear and never in the end shipping, which gets us nowhere. Fail is important for us to learn from and create who we are. Without failure creativity would not be as good, and we would not learn from our mistakes. Seeing us fail, creates a standard to improve and avoid repeating again.

As a student, artists, individual I have already related to many of these blog ideas of Brainwashed subconsciously.  These ideas do make me a better artists or person when thinking about them. While I have been practicing many of these exercise and ideas already, a better understanding to take advantage fully will benefit me as I move forward.

Before even thinking about majoring in Video Production or Media, creating art was always a different way to communicate a meaning or message of mine to others. My goal would always be to raise a certain emotion after I shared the art or work with someone else. Connecting with others was on of my major interested when coming to Ohio University, gaining others views, ideas, and new knowledge which individual I cannot obtain as easy. Taking others positive or better traits to benefit my artwork has also been useful. Personally connecting and connecting over the Internet as a tool for learning others ideas to build off of have also been helpful in the learning experience.

Now, with more knowledge, experience, and fear of failure from previous experiences, shipping is even more difficult to achieve when I worry about all the new things I never thought of before in my previous work. After working in a project or on a video with the final product, I look back and see all of my mistakes or failures which I would like to fix in the future, avoid repeating, and get better from there.

Today the world is changing rapidly, markets are changing, and people’s thoughts are changing as well as standards and interests. To be successful in our work we must always be learning, and never closed to new ideas. Even as some of the most experienced people I know say they learn something new every day. School is not the end for learning; it is important to stay open to be creative and new.

Scene Deconstruction

The theme in the scene from the movie Dark Knight is active with the Joker character. Right away he walks off the elevator in force, fires a shotgun to pull attention from the crowd.  As he is calling for Batman his actions of violence and way he carries himself, even if not thought of to be a mad man from viewing his physical traits, will hint the chaotic theme for the character. The scene also has a rise of tension and release to show the helplessness of the people without Batman and fear in the Joker.

            In the scene, the cinematography is trying to give the audience a up-close and uncomfortable feel with the Joker like the characters in the room may feel. By following the camera movements with the Joker, over the shoulder, close ups the audience feels more personal in the scene.  As the Joker turns, the camera pans with the Joker The speed of the movement is very rapid to create a chaotic feel where the audience cannot be comfortable viewing.  The camera breaks the 180-degree line while circulating around the two characters, but stops to a shot to slow down and point focus on the characters dialogue, but still give a uneasy feeling. The camera is close to the foreground objects (Joker and Rachel Dawes) while the people in the background out of focus watch in awe to point focus to the character and dialogue they are speaking, and actions with the knife the Joker has in hand.  

            The entire scene with audio, camera movement, rhythm all have a increase in tension until the point where Batman comes in to release the scene in hope for the hero to save the day.

Animation Deconstruction

In the animated Batman series, Batman has many different styles and colors used which show what type of character he is in the specific cartoon. The hue red is used with Batman Beyond, a younger Batman character placed in the future. Red is used to show anger or loss of control this young batman in training has to deal with. True dark black is used other than red to give Batman the famous Dark Knight appearance.

To contrast or stand out in the background, a darker more purple background sky is placed behind Batman Beyond on the right. The other two Batman characters are older versions of Batman. Lighter, brighter shades of black are used for a less dark, intimidating Batman character like the recent Batman’s have been seen as.

The position in the animation, the characters are all above the skyscrapers of the city in the sky. The camera takes a low angle view, looking up into the sky at Batman. This angle gives the characters more power, control, and some intimidation. The lower horizon emphasizes the subject, but does not represent the size of the object, but rather add depth or distance.

            In this picture of the animation from Toy Story 3, the comical Toy themed animation is very emotion in this scene. The red, warm hue and saturation gives the scene the intense feeling to the audience of danger and heat of the fire. A lighter shade of orange is in the bottom of the frame with advance and appear closer to the camera, as the darker shade close to red, which is cooler, makes the objects seem farther away from the camera.

            Shadows are shown in the rubble the characters are in to show how deep the pieces are, and establishing where the light is coming from in the environment. A parallel line is established to show the characters unity and friendship. Wherever the characters fate is, they are in it together, closely touching one another. The horizon line is placed behind them to take away their power and appear hopeless or out of their own control what happens to them, complete opposite of the Batman image above. To add even more lines to show how the characters are small little toys in the larger world, additional vertical lines in the background are added to give reference and weight to the scene.

Storyboard Imitation

In the ending battle scene in Saving Private Ryan the framing and cinematography are shot and edited to engage the audience or viewer in the chaos of the battle. In majority of the scene the rule of 180 is followed, but in certain parts, to show action and throw the viewers eye for a spin to complicate the view and action feeling the camera flips 180 degrees to view where the action is taking place.  

As Tom Hanks fires his pistol at the armored tank, the camera faces him in a long shot on the ground, then turns 180 degrees Over the shoulder to the tank. Since the viewer is aware that when you fire a pistol at something, it will hit that way; the shots are not as confusing when breaking the line. An action also can make it possible for the line to be broken. As planes fly overhead, the camera tilts up and over with the planes flying by, also not following a 180 degree rule because of the motion of the planes. If the 180 degree line was followed in each shot, with or without action, a easier feeling to the audience would appear, and not a chaotic battle with bullets flying everywhere like they should feel.

To prevent jump cuts, the director used the rule of 30 degrees.  When ever a new shot was made and still on the same line of 180, 30 degrees or more is added or subtracted from the angle of the camera to keep the subject in place, without jump cutting and confusing the viewers eyes more than needed.

Throughout the scene the rule of thirds is followed very well for a complicated battle scene. One example where the rule of thirds is not followed is around 2 minutes and 37 seconds of the scene where Private Ryan is shown in the bottom middle of the frame. This framing is to show sorrow or sadness in Ryan. By placing him in the middle of the shot, power is taken away from him as a solider and man, and everything around him is overwhelming or towering over him after the battle. A different emotion is added in the scene as it begins to slow down from the chaotic battle to a slow emotional ending. Viewers attention is drawn all around Ryan, but still focusing on him as he stands up in awe of what just happened.

Listening Framework - Pumped up Kicks

Over the summer a new upcoming band known as Foster The People have released a song last winter known as Pumped up Kids which grew to popularity this summer on the radio and television. The song has a relaxed mood like jazz or blues song would have, but more upbeats. With influences of a strong bass to create a tempo and drive the song with compliments of a drum. The vocals are adjusted, with some echoing and a megaphone effect, but not loud enough to overpower the instruments, and at the same tempo to match an andante time.

        
The cover by Cris Cab has more of a reggae feel with the electronic or keyboard beat, clapping of hands, and trumpet. A smooth relaxed flow in vocals and way he pronounces each lyric adds to the reggae style as well. Cabs version of the song adds a little more upbeat, or happiness to the song, as reggae songs tend to feel. There is a slightly faster tempo between andante and moderato speeds. The quicker pace makes the song a little more fun and shorter as he sings. Instead of multiple backup vocals, Cab shows a little more talent in his vocals using it throughout the song with an echo to mimic the backup vocal layers in the original. The most significant difference Cab adds to the song is a trumpet and light acoustic guitar he is seen playing throughout the video.

       
  Cris Cabs lyrics add a little more to the song, with summer theme, and less depressing story, but still sticking closely with the chorus. Besides an indie rock to a reggae style, both of these songs have similarity in balance. Height of pitches are similar, majority of the song is medium-to-medium high pitches. Width is balanced overall, and the depth is anywhere from 5 to 6 layers of instruments at the most.

            After listening to both, and breaking down both songs, unexpectedly I enjoy the Cris Cab cover version over the original. Not only is it a little more up beat and energetic, but adds a little more happiness as well.

Sound Design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twS9UtJaw7s

In Saving Private Ryan, the film is one of the most realistic World War II stories audiences have to experience. Sounds from the film audiences are listening to in “Listening Mode” are all very casual, and realistic. Many of the sounds may have been prerecorded of the actual gunfire, or engine roaring to be as close to representing the sound as it really sounds. Representation of the space the scene is taking place is established by echoing noises from the battle. Where ever the camera focuses on, such as the solider being shot, rolling, and falling in the water. The splash sound is more noticeable, than the background audio to direct the audience’s attention.

In this action scene, bullets are constantly flying by the camera, the subject, and sound comes into play to simulate this for the audience. Gunfire is heard from a distance if off screen or on screen. As the bullets fly by, the distance of an object is changing with sound, known as Proximity and Similarity. As a bullet flies past certain proximity, the pitch is increased. As the planes fly overhead, illusion of where the sound is coming from is created. The engines have a soft low tone, then as they fly in closer, sound is less soft and louder.

Finding Your Howl

Issue 51 - 01 | Finding Your Howl
By Jonathon Flaum 

http://changethis.com/manifesto/51.01.YourHowl/pdf/51.01.YourHowl.pdf 

Flaum tells a story from 5^th grade on a paper his class has to write. A boy comes up with a story about a tiger attempting to escape a cage at the zoo. After time the tiger gains the skill and knowledge to escape, the tiger eventually gets out. Only for the tiger finds himself in another cage, back to step one. The message or lesson of the story is to show how no matter how hard we try to escape our problems or fears we can end up right back to dealing with them again until we learn to take a step back and become aware of the obstacle and ourselves.
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Favorite quote:

Dream as you live forever live as if you die today – by James Dean

My favorite quote, which inspires me as a creative person, I originally heard from my favorite athlete Eddie Wall. In an interview in a magazine he quotes “Dream as you live forever, live as if you die tomorrow”. After some research I found this quote was originally from James Dean. He said “Dream as you live forever. Live as if you die today.”

Hearing this motivates me more than another group of words together anyone has ever said for motivation. This quote reminds me to dream big, and work hard for your goals. Never limit ourselves to do less than what we think we can achieve. In our lives nothing is out of reach. If we dream like we live forever, stay open minded, and work hard for our goals, we can meet great expectations, if not greater. These words tell us to never fear to fail. It’s always better to fail reaching for our goals, than achieving or succeeding for something we never wanted in the first place.

Some of us might think we will live forever, and have plenty of time to do what we like, but if we believe this everyday, before you know it, your time is up. Live everyday like it is your last. Don’t let life pass you by, get up and do something worth the time we have. All of these messages are being sent by Dean’s quote. Life is short, go in the direction of your dreams, live the way we imagined. We can dream without limits, we should be proactive and get out there to accomplish what we inspire to become or do. It is in our hands to make life what we want it to be.

As a creator, student, and creative person this quote motivates me for perfection. When my work is finished, I never like to look back and wish I had done something else to make it better. Not being perfect though, it still happens. Living life, and working for perfection is always a good goal to have. Working to not half attempt what we work for or on is never a way to go about things.

Many of us can relate to the quote in our lives. Sometimes we may not realize how important sometimes time is, and then they could be gone soon, with time wasted. We might put off a time of a lifetime we could have had to the next year, or longer, or eventually never. Again life is short, we should always try to take what time we have and make the best of it instead of thinking we are too busy all the time, or have more time in the future. Staying on top of your work, responsibilities, and your goals in life.

In the end of my life, whether expected or not. I hope to work so I don’t have a list of things I say I should or wished I could have done. James Dean ironically died before he knew his life was at an end in a car accident.

 

Deconstructing Characters

For the antagonist character:  Dr. Cavity is an evil dentist composed of green and red. His skin is green to resemble a sinister, uncomfortable, rotten theme or feeling. The triangular shape has many meanings, in this case the triangular shape to his head and body represents a sinister, trickster type character. Tri meaning three also gives him many meanings or elements, such as being inviting to children, full of color and detail, but also very obsessed and crooked for being a dentist. After drawing him out, I realized how much he resembles the famous antagonist from Batman: the Joker which is a similar character as a mad man. 

        The dentist tool was chosen not only because the antagonist is a dentist and uses the tool in his work, but also because of the shape and style the tool is. The long skinny pick, relates to the characters body, but also deceiving on how much harm the tool can actually cause. The end of the pick may seem harmless, but can be lethal if used right. Like Dr. Cavity who may seem to clean teeth, he is really out to take your teeth, and an every day visit to the dentist could turn out to be deceivingly painful.

             The blood in the character represents his obsession for teeth. Red represent anger, passion for his work, and also anger as a mad man. Red also shows joy in the character, and how much he enjoys his line of work, evil or not. The red bloodthirsty idea of his need for teeth resembles also represents chaos. Instead of a perfectly clean look he should have, adding red gives him a gruesome twist and ironic style for the character. The lighting chosen for the character gives him a darker image. When outside work he can only to be seen hidden in the shadows.

      The protagonist: Davey is very different from the antagonist Dr. Dentist. He appears to have no special powers, but always has his favorite candy in hand. The color of a rainbow is used to give a happy feeling of joy, and wonder of what might be on the end of the rainbow. Davey is always on an adventure and off to find something out. The circular shape of the lollypop also signifies the characters shape and with a softer style. Always on the go the circle represents his speed and youth. These traits are an advantage Davey has over Dr. Cavity, but not knowingly.

    Smurfs are always cheerful, cute, and innocent, similar to Davey. With the same cartoon style, and circular shape of the characters are both used. Blue is also used to represent energy, but calmness and relaxation. Davey has an easy flow in his motions and way of going about things in his typical day. Blue also represents goodness and peace in the character. High saturation and low contrast show a very welcoming character used on Davey. The Pillsbury dough boy also resembles in his smile and shape the joy shared with Davey. The Pillsbury dough boy gives you a feeling of taste, hunger for candy, and sweet delicious sugar.

 

The red scooter is not only what Davey chooses for transportation, but to avoid harm and represents his speed and agility. Red represents the caution he needs when danger is near, love and passion for candy. The classical style of this character also is shown in the traditional old school scooter, instead of picking a more modern style. A flashy hot rod looking scooter like this represents Davey’s style and attitude from the 60’s. A small scooter like this also shows hints Davey’s age as a young boy. While still holding a casual and mellow attitude, Davey has a look to show off with style on his shiny scooter.