Crazy Times And Needs For Free Time

Well, let's start with saying hi guys! It's been real crazy for me for the past few weeks, months...basically since September! I've had to do a presentation, go on several shoots for university projects, write a full 50 pages for a screenplay and then there's my part time work (which I still need to finish training for). It's been really hectic!

So basically I've not had the time for myself anymore! To say the least I actually miss last year. I had more time to myself and I could actually take my time to do my work. Now I have to make sure I have everything done in the time frame I'd set for myself! Well at least I don't need to worry about shooting for my own project, that was done last week. Honestly I am so glad I don't have to worry about my shoot anymore, it's such a relief! I mean, for the weeks leading up to my shoot I was so hell-bent to making sure everything was ready and organised and I am so grateful that my cousin was standing by! If she weren't there I don't know what I would have done.

You see, I've had to work with one particular student who doesn't have the initiative to be active on set. Now the reason I say this is because he's a transfer student and he hasn't actually worked in film proper before. So it's understandable he doesn't know. However, I noticed something that has worsened my opinion of him even more. Over the course of the semester, I've tried to make sure he has everything he needs for his own project, just so he can have something noteworthy, but every time I tried to confront him about it, he'd brush me off. Don't worry, I've let my personal tutor know, and it's not just me who thinks he's (for lack of a better word) a "slacker". Not to mention, the way he speaks to me and some of my peers is rather undermining, and does peeve me off. I mean, my peers and I have done this film course for the past two years, and he'd only just transferred because he thought it would be a good idea (he did a multimedia course before this one). Basically, this is what happened:

It was the night before his film shoot for his project, and I'd asked if he needed any documents printed off, and he simply asked for actors release forms. After that I asked if he needed any other documents printed off. Now at this point, I should tell you, we didn't need to hand in any documents for the assignment, but in any job or any project you do need to have the paperwork, just in case! So when he told me he had nothing since we didn't need to hand in any paperwork, I told him it was up to him, but that it would have been very handy, in terms of organisation. After that he told me to print off what I could, what I thought he needed, and I was rather confused. I had expected for him to have it all filled out, for himself, but he expected me to fill out his documents for him and because it wasn't my shoot, it wasn't MY responsibility. I told him so and hoped he'd actually have some way of making up the documents himself, but he didn't have his laptop with him, since he had to stay over at his location over night to secure it. (Now as an aspiring filmmaker, and one that has had some experience in filmmaking this made me roll my eyes - YOU NEVER LEAVE ANYWHERE, ESPECIALLY FOR A SHOOT WITHOUT YOUR LAPTOP! It just does not happen!) So he had no documents at all and I was trying to convince him to find a way to make them happen, but his reply, his backhanded and oh-so-not-classy reply was "just get some sleep"! EXCUSE ME! ARE YOU MY MOTHER! DO YOU HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I don't think so! If someone tells you, you were unprepared for your shoot then DON'T BLAME ME (I was his PA - Production Assistant). I warned you, I tried to tell you! IT'S NOT MY FAULT IF SOMEONE CALLS YOU OUT!

Anyway, on the day of his shoot, we arrived, with all the equipment in tow. Ok, so here's the deal, his crew and I were meant to meet at the university to pick up the equipment and travel together to the location. When I got to the uni, I discovered that he'd been there earlier, to pick up the actors, and it wasn't too far off from when I had to come in and pick up the equipment. His DoP (another female and pretty much my first mate in all this) tried to convince him to wait and stay to help with the equipment, since he was going to take a ride, but he shrugged her off and left! If I were him, I would have stayed, put the equipment in the boot and go to the location with everyone! Or if not, just take the equipment and the crew could travel light! But no, he left without any thought for his crew and we had to drag the equipment onto the train!

Now comes the shoot itself! When we got there, he was already filming, he had a camera for himself and when we set up the second camera, his DoP was made in charge of that camera. I didn't think this was fair on her. She just had to stand there, with the camera while he did everything else! I wanted to slap some sense into him. THE DIRECTOR NEVER TOUCHES THE CAMERA! It just does not happen! It's why they have a Director of Photography! He should have trusted her to do her job, but does he listen? NOPE! Instead, he takes his camera and does every shot that his DoP should have been responsible for. PLUS HE ASKED HIS ACTOR TO HOLD THE CAMERA IN HIS STEAD! IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF HE'D USED A TRIPOD IN HIS CASE! 

Not only that, when our sound guy asked if there was any sound check he needed to do, he would tell him it was fine...I don't know about you, but I do know this...SOUND IS IMPORTANT FOR FILMS! If the sound is bad, then the production itself will suffer, because it means that the director nor the crew put any thought into making the actors sound good. It doesn't matter if they look good. If they don't sound good at all then what's the point in having a movie? Yeah ok, silent films, blah, blah, blah...but if the movie is not designed for silent film, then yes sound is very important.

Here comes my point. I was his PA as I said before, and his script supervisor (I make sure there is some continuity), I did my best to make sure everything is according to the script, but when I saw a few potentials for better shots or for certain movements, and suggested them to him, he did not take one single suggestion. He'd brush me off like I was a fly and I felt very much like it. I couldn't stand it. I really just wanted to up and leave. I didn't care if it looked bad, I really should have left halfway through, because there was no way I was going to take anymore of it. However, here comes my OCD. I always finish what I start. Plus it was bad manners. So there was no help for it. I stuck with it until the very end and well, I just hope he got what he wanted, although my guess is it'll be rather amateurish. Oh well it wasn't my problem.

Anyway, that's just one story, there's loads more, and I don't think I want to make such a long post just because of the grievances I have with one student. The truth of the matter is, I was going to write something or other about me not having free time, but I guess that'll wait until Christmas and this semester is over. I'm rather tired so I'll just say, thanks for putting up with this complaint. I'll see you all next time!

As always, do with this post what you will, and God Bless! (And if I don't see you soon Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)

Why Can't Anyone Sit Still Anymore?

Hello everyone,

So today I'll be talking about films, like I should. However, I warn you, it's not the usual film review and whatnots. I'm talking about film screenings in school or university. You see, as a film student you get the "occasional" film screening, if it's anything to do with the subjects we're learning about. Now, you'd expect that by now, being in university, students would be clever enough to stay still, and watch, take notes and whatever it is we do in screenings...

You get where I'm getting at right? WHY CAN'T PEOPLE SIT STILL! I get it right now I'm not...I'm writing this post, because we're screening The Thin Blue Line (1988), and admittedly, I didn't prepare for this lecture/seminar/screening, but most of the time I do take pages of notes, as I'm watching. However it's a chore having to do so, because of the noise that surrounds me!

I've had to endure long hours of whisperings, jolting of my seats because people constantly have to move! Ok yes, we're studying a production degree, which is a practical degree, but we have a theoretical aspect to it - the academic module - where you MUST sit still, listen, watch and participate when we do discuss the film. I guess it's about how people learn in the end. Some like using their hands, others like to sit still and listen. Me? I've yet to establish mine. I can do a bit of both, and you can tell if you've been to any of my seminars, I'm usually the one talking with the lecturer, I'm the one that takes the notes during the screening, and I'm the one that has to pretty much grate on my classmates' nerves by going "sshh" during the screening.

 

I think, maybe it's time we had a technology boycott. In my week away from Facebook, I realised, I managed to sit still for a little while without being distracted. In fact, now that I'm able to return to Facebook, I miss those little moments. They were like breaths of fresh air. I felt calmer, I felt more at peace, I felt like I was closer to God. I think it's time I took a page out of the book I'm reading, Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly (2002), I need to take some time in that Classroom of Silence, and basically reconnect with my soul. Perhaps you should too. I'll give you a quote, it best explains why:

"If I asked you to go out and find some suitable candidate to be prophets and leaders in the modern world, where would you look? Would you ask yourself, where can I find myself some shepherds? The most common profession amongst the prophets and leaders of the Old Testament was shepherding. Why do you suppose God called so many shepherds to occupy positions of authority and influence? Perhaps it was because they were out in the middle of God's cosmic temple all day, and in the middle of God's cosmic Classroom of Silence they had plenty of time to think, reflect, ponder and listen to the voice of God in their lives."

That's it for now, this is FeatherCharm, signing off. As always, do with this post what you will, and I'll see you soon. God Bless!

Exhausting Weeks and Potential Opportunities

Hello Everyone,

New format for this blog! yes, I'll start off with a "Hello Everyone" and basically make this a letter. So what's this post about? Well, I can tell you It's been an exhausting one, because I've taken up my old exercise habits. Not only that, I've had to wake up at 7am (which is quite early for me), nearly everyday. This is because my work had to reschedule my usual day, for this week to Tuesday (it's usually on a Friday).

So yes I'm actually exhausted from waking early and exercising, so I've not had much progress on my book. Although I can say I'm currently on Chapter 7 and I've found a new reviewer:

Please welcome our new Host: Chloe!

However, I'm going to have to wait until next Monday to be able to read her comments and ideas on developments. Remember? I've given up Facebook for this week? So...I was saying, I'm currently working on Chapter 7 for the third draft, and I've pretty much changed the course of the story, and I'm actually proof reading before I continue. (Thank you Ate! - a filipino endearment)

Ok, so the next part of the title "Potential Opportunities", I'm not going to say much, until I actually know if it's not just an idea. Basically I got a call today about a potential job opportunity, which can fill for my work experience module, and not just rely on Extraordinaire Digital Media (my current work experience). So I had a shoot last Friday, organised by my cousin's friend, and I gave my contact details to her employer, to be able to contact me if any opportunities arise, and it paid of! I didn't think it would be this early! I had suspected it would have taken a month or so to remember I even gave it to him. But I'm not complaining! I'm so happy, I really can't contain my excitement (as you can tell by the amount of exclamation marks in this paragraph)

Anyway, so that's it...for now. My mind is going blank, and it took quite an effort to write this, because I am that tired.

Now I leave you with another quote, this time from the world's most famous playwright, Shakespeare:

"I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. Thy Fates open their hands. Let thy blood and spirit embrace them." - Twelfth Night

As always do with this post what you will. God Bless. ^^

Yes this is my new signature - It still needs work, but until I get the courage to use the slow computer and Photoshop, it's going to have to stay.

Working Depresses Me

Sitting here, in a university classroom, listening to the same mumbling lecturer has led me to do this. The stuff that we're listening to is pretty much depressing. It's either "freelance" or "run your own production company". Either way, he's pretty much saying, "Whatever you do, you're screwed!" So basically I'm taking up a degree for no apparent reason anymore. This is just dandy!

At least I'm not going into full out production or pre-production work. My chosen aspect of the film industry is somewhere along the line of distribution or promotion...basically I'd like to acquire films, and I'd like to be the one to get exhibitors (i.e. cinemas) to "exhibit" them. So a showreel would just be an extra of things...I guess. I will make a showreel, don't get me wrong, but I think I just need some time to improve it.

So what now? Well, usually being the vocal one in the lecture/seminar/workshop, I am now the one not paying attention, which is not very good nonetheless. It's because I'm already intimidated by those around me. There are those who will have more success than me. THEY'VE HAD MORE EXPERIENCE!!! I feel like a small fish in a big pond...no wait...the ocean! It's not fair! (As my favourite protagonist keeps saying...in my favourite film)

Yep...I'm definitely not really interested in this...because it's all production, and nothing about distribution...I know I should really be piping up and asking...but I'm really not bothered! I did try to keep interested but it's hard! Of course, there are a few things that I am interested in, but they're few and far between!

I guess I'm more interested in multimedia...which I should have done, but it required maths...good maths GCSEs and A-Levels! But it's not bad...I mean I do love film, and TV Studio Production was pretty much one of my favourite (if not my favourite) modules, but I don't think my place is behind a camera...maybe far behind it...like in the office, or at my home writing reviews, or something...

Anyway, that's it for now, so yeah...I know it's stinted, but it's because I'm still in a seminar...

By the way...WHY ARE ALL MY DEPRESSING POSTS THE ONE THAT GETS THE MOST VIEWS!!!! I feel used!

Why Am I So Tired?

It's fine! I'm not ill or anything, I've just been on my feet all day, and yes, I know why I'm tired. It's just...I feel not just physically but mentally and emotionally drained!

Today is my workshop for TV Studio Production. Don't get me wrong! I love it! In fact I hope, one day I get to work on a TV Studio set, because it's awesome! But...it's literally draining! All the meetings, all the discussions, and arguments! It does take a toll. Thankfully I'm not director and I'm not directly in charge of everything. I mean...I am...it's just I'm not the one that makes the big decisions like what shots to use, or where to put things. I just keep everyone organised, make sure the director gets what he wants...needs...and the production goes smoothly. That in itself is exhausting!

I mean, I have to follow the director wherever he goes, and keep up to date with his decisions. I have to make sure every team knows what they're doing, and I have to make sure they give in their reports and lists, so that we have a foundation for the work. UGH!

So tiring. Even now as I write this, I'm still on my toes, trying to make sure we can still have a rehearsal for Monday! But I can't complain, it's all part of the job right?

Anyway, here's the update for the story:

So far I've finished four chapters and the prologue. I'm proof reading it now, so I don't make any mistakes later on. I've got my reviewers on the job and it's going well (FINALLY they're communicating!), plus with my chapter a day motto, I'll probably be done with this draft by the end of March or April...depending on whether or not I can stick to my own deadline.

Now that's done! I'll just post up a picture I found on the internet, as inspiration. This is actually my inspiration for one of the scenes in my story, it's right at the beginning, and when you read it, you'll understand why:

As always the link to the origins of the picture is on the picture itself.

And so I end with a metaphor I read in Of Dreams and Broken Things (not sure if it's the original place it came from, but it's where I read it):

"Men will fight for power, but men will die for love."

Do with this post what you will, and God Bless. ^^

Restful Revision and Work

Well hello everyone. I've actually survived work! Yesterday was my first day. As promised I went at the usual 9:30 AM, and finished around 5:00 PM. When I started I didn't know what to expect, but having experienced it, I think I'll be at this company for a while. It's rather interesting and I am quite intrigued by the work we do. I can't say much yet, because I'm still starting out, but I am working on promoting awareness for Dyslexia.

I don't quite know much about it yet, but hopefully, over the next few weeks I'll be able to learn a lot more. The work I was tasked with, was editing things such as webpages, newsletters, icons and a little bit of video editing, although what I do is mainly organise the media into their respective folders, but it's a good start!

For the most part I was quite bored, because there wasn't much to do, just admin stuff, but hopefully soon we'll get more things going. So that's all I have to on that. Right now, I'm going to be working on my university assignments. Although...one assignment is more of a group thing and I need to film for it. The other one...I need to approve with my lecturer the topic of my essay and the last...I need approval for the subject of the script...so mainly what I'm doing today is background reading and such.

I've already started. Just now I have finished watching the documentary Nanook Of The North. It is such a cute documentary I have to say. Watching an entire family try to live out the cold in the Arctic is such a brave thing, and I was so moved by it. Don't worry, I'll write a proper review later, but if you haven't seen it, and you are into documentary, it is one for you. It is one of the oldest documentaries in the history of film, and I do suggest it, because it is a really good example of how documentaries began.

Anyway that's all I'll be saying for now, and I hope you take my advice. God bless. ^^

Back In The Film Industry

Hello everyone, today, Monday 22nd September, is the day I officially start my second year at university. Yes I'm back in uni, so the story updates and editing will take a little longer due to projects and exercises that I'll have to do, since this year counts towards my final grade...So...wish me luck!

Anyway, so far I'm nearly halfway through editing the second draft of this story, and as a consequence new chapters have been added, because the first draft wasn't quite up to scratch, but I have refined it, and it's probably going to be longer than I initially thought it would be. So far, I have around 250 pages (A5)...not sure if that is an average book size but it's getting there...I think.

As for university and work...well...(*smirk*) In uni we are going to be working on documentaries, something I haven't had the joy of experiencing. Hopefully this year, it won't be horrific, and I hope my group (whoever I work with) and I will be able to come up with something a whole lot better than last year. Well that's one module, the other two, for this semester are Screenwriting and Recording Reality, I'm not quite sure what these modules involve, but when I do find out, I'll let you know, although, one of them seems to be pretty straightforward...the other, I'm guessing is a theory based one, since it's the same lecturer I had for the theory last year.

Work-wise, I'm actually pretty excited. You see, just before I took to blogger, I had received a phone call from an employer I'd contacted earlier this year (calendar not academic), and he has invited to speak to me personally about an internship role that I was applying for! I think I might get the job (it's unpaid, but hopefully if things go well I might end up getting paid); it's too early to tell, but if I do, I will have the experience I will probably need to one up others in my course! I really want this job, I would love being production assistant, you know researching, planning, and all that. I do like that stuff, since it's pretty much my area of expertise. Anyway, I really do hope I can get this job, because my sister already has one (a part-time in a Ryman's shop...it's still a job!) and well it just much more pressure to get one, and I don't like being compared to her, so hopefully I get it! Well, wish me good luck you guys! I'm going to need it.

That's it for now, I'll probably write another post by the end of the week, and I'll let you know what happened. For now, over and out! ^^

Film Pitches, Red Noses and Yoga Poses

Well hello there! It's been a while, I know, it's just I've been quite busy recently. I started my university course, about 2/3 weeks ago and it's been one hell of a ride. I'm not joking. When we started I told myself to look up everything I needed to know. Well, I did, and was confused at first. We have assignments due for the 6th/7th/8th week of teaching, and I was confused as to how to start them. Seriously! What do I do! But I spoke to some of the other students and my confusion has been satisfied. So now I'm like, I'll start them soon, because we haven't had much materials in order to start them. So perhaps this weekend I'll start writing.

Anyway, so far we've had "homework" to do, both of them are pitches, and well a little bit of reading. OMG!!! PITCHES!!! Granted I can speak in front of people, but when I hear "Pitches" I get really nervous. That's why I'll be using flash cards, thank you very much. Thing is, I don't want to be a producer, I just want to be an editor or a cinematographer, or even director (if possible, I really need to grow a backbone first, before I start ordering people about) because I don't want to come up with the ideas, I just want to be a part of shooting or post-production. Budgeting is not my strong point, and to be honest, I don't like research, but I know I have to. So I just have to "grin and bear it". Right?

So now the "Film Pitches" part of the title's done, it's time for "Red Noses". The reason I say "Red Noses" is the fact that for the last two weeks I've been ill. How? Well I had direct contact with a person that was ill, in one of my lectures, but to my logic, defying any biological lessons I took in A Levels, I blamed it on the alcohol I had on a Thursday night, on which I went out, with my cousins, to attend a comedy night. Of course that's my logic, I blamed it all on the alcohol.

Now for the fun part the "Yoga Poses"! Well I had a yoga class yesterday, it was my first and I loved it! Seriously, after it finished, I couldn't move, not because my limbs ached, but because I was so relaxed I just wanted to sleep! That was an awesome lessons. And I finally know now how to breathe throughout a routine. For those of you young people, and older (if you are still flexible enough), I do recommend practicing yoga, it isn't hard, well if you do it correctly, and if you have someone to teach you properly. It's really good and it does help you, in so many ways, such as:
1. Strengthening your muscles (WITHOUT HAVING TO SWEAT IT OUT!)
2. Relaxing you (if need be, you know, after a long stressful day, just a small routine)
3. Keeping your flexibility and balance (seriously, some of the poses require a lot of concentration and balance)

Now, all that is said and done, I bid you farewell. And until the next time we meet, be good, and as always, do with this post what you will. God Bless!! ^^

This is one of the many photos taken on a holiday to Japan. I like this photo, it boasts nature.