Here is the completed version!

Thanks to YOU !

Hello Class,

I want to thank you for a great semester. I was very impressed with your work. You often made me forget that you were intro and not advanced students!

I hope to stay in touch and look forward to seeing some of you again next semester.

Thanks for the great blogging and all the insightful comments.

Happy Holidays,

Ellen Spiro

Graduate Students Screening

Last night I stayed for the graduate student documentary screening. It was great seeing their finalized products and comparing them to our films. Many of the films were very impressive, with my favorites being "Locomotion" and "Western Brothers' Adventure Story." Both of these were just beautiful to watch and "Western Brothers" was probably the sweetest short I have ever seen in my entire life. I actually wanted a copy of it, but I felt really creepy asking!

I loved having some of the subjects in the audience. It created a very special environment with a lot of unspoken excitement. It was just great to sit back and watch other people docs without having to stress about mine anymore!

Lesson #1: Problems Make Progress

No matter what, each film you make will always present to you a new plethora of problems you must overcome. I have come to realize this. And although these problems may get smoother the more experienced are, they are always there to haunt you...or to teach you, depending on how you look at it (are you a half full cup person or half empty?) For me, I like to look at each and every problem as a step to becoming a better filmmaker, and although I get stressed out at times (I am have been known at times to curse at my computer) I know that I will not make the same mistake twice.

One of the most important things I learned this semester were on the grounds of accessibility: how to confront and get somebody to partake in a project, getting permission to shoot more in depth in your subject's life etc. It terms of confronting, I spent an entire month trying to obtain consent to do a documentary about boxing. It ended up not coming to fruition. Looking back I believe the best way to present an idea is to physically meet the person on the first contact--no email, no phone call. Had I just went to the gym from the get-go it may have worked out. As for accessibility, my second project idea turned out well because I had full accessibility. I could shoot/do whatever I pleased. This left the creative door wide open. Having a solid relationship with your subject is critical.

Lastly, I came to realize that with some docs, especially with event docs like mine, it is extremely important to know exactly the way everything works before you actually shoot. Having a complete understanding of an event, per se, will help you make a cohesive and logical documentary. It was my first time ever at a speech tournament when I went to A&M, and I was flying by the seat of my pants the whole time. I was learning about the event at the same pace the audience was; whatever he said to the camera was new information to me. This should not have been the case, I should have known most everything that was going to happen before it happened.

Overall, there is a huge number of things this class taught me. Too much to name. What is important, however, is that I DID learn a lot, and I know as a result I am coming out of this class a more experienced, and, hopefully, a better filmmaker. I think we all are. Anyway, I had a great semester with y'all and anyone who is taking Advanced Doc. next semester I'll see you in January!

What I Learned

With film being a very recent and new point of focus I have felt very behind in most aspects. RTF 318 was the first time that I've ever really had a camera in my hand, with that being said RTF 366k is actually the first time i've ever really used a camera to tell a story. So for me it was extremely beneficial just to get out there and make a film. This film is the first one I've ever made and really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about cameras and lighting and sound as well. I learned the basics of final cut, through a lot of trial and error, and I got the chance to experience many different styles of documentaries throughout the semester. I learned how important it is to build relatiionships with your subject not, only to learn more about them but to enhance their comfortability on screen. I've also learned how important good sound is since I had so much trouble with wind on my shoot. I recently discovered during the course of this class that I love cinematography. Its something I'd really like to explore further through documentaries like Visions of Light etc. Most importantly I've learned that there is no limit to what a documentary can be. All it takes is a simple idea.

Furthermore, I've not only learned from Ellen and Kim this semester, but also from the many talented people who I shared the class with. I've really enjoyed seeing all of your work and can't wait for advanced doc next semester!

Lifes a Doc...You Learn as You Go...

I have been confused as a potential filmmaker as to which route I want to take. This semester was an amazing eye-opener and ultimately made me realize that documentary and non-fiction is the highway I should be on.

I have learned that it takes patience, knowledge, hard work, teamwork, lack of sleep, creativity, and most importantly PEOPLE to succesfully complete a film. This semester really allowed me to get a hands on lesson with pre-production, production, and post-production that was provided me with important skills that I will elaborate on.

Pre-Production: When I picked my topic, I instantly found out how important researching your subject until the point you almost lose interest in it is. Building the connection with everything directly and indirectly involved with your doc and gaining a great relationship with your subjects makes the experience and the final product better. If I wouldn't have spent evenings out on Harley's Ranch working on the farm, listening to his stories, and just hanging out, I stronlgy believe I would have been pulling my hair out when it came to actually filming and trying to get what I wanted on tape so that my post-production wouldn't be forcing me to go rent the camera again spend all day getting info I could have got before. I also learned that you should be concstantly thinking about every possible scenario you could film that involves your doc's subject matter because you will be even more relieved when you sit down in post and realize what all you have to work with. I most importantly learned that you can never prepare enough in pre-production....because the more you have thought about...the more likely you are to be able to handle any situation that might be thrown at you.

Production: I learned that you need to become intimate with the equipment you will be using. Also know enough about your equipment so that when complications come about, you know different options to take in order to make your day of filming not a waste of time. SOUND IS IMPORTANT. IT IS A BITCH IF YOU DONT GET GOOD SOUND! I learned to be aware of your surroundings, weather,natural and artificial lighting, and your subjects level of feeling comfortable around the camera. Good Idea to get a good creative amount of B roll as well. I learned that we should all know the little details like 9v batteries, camera chargers, blacking tapes, marking tapes, and making sure your crew is comfortable and treated with well respect because you couldn't do it without them. Treat Production like a football game: Leave nothing on the field.... give it your all. You pumped your self up in practice and in the locker room (pre-production) and you should leave the game going home satisfied and ready to positively reflect on your efforts (Post Production).

Post-Production: I learned that if Final Cut Pro skills = ninja skills, Kim Hall would be able to kill us all without any of the world knowing. She is a straight gangsta at that program and has taught me a lot this semester with my first time using it. I transcribed all of my interviews which is as much fun as nailing your arm to a table, BUT it helped me in the end and can see exactly why professionals go through the process....I just hope one day I have a little slave doing it for me! I learned that it is important to take a break for a while before you edit your work and take some time in between editing sessions because as a filmmaker you can become so engulfed in some of your footage that you sacrifice a clear story because you are so fixed on putting that one shot in the film when really the best thing is for it to be cut out. I think it is important to have different people watch your cuts of your work as you go because outside feedback is important because sooner or later there are going to be different people watching your work. So take all of the different feedback, look for similarites and differences between those opinions and use that information to mold your work to create a great piece that will satisfy as many as possible.

Ultimately I learned that you never finish making your documentary. There are endless routes you can go and you shouldn't let it bother you when you get upset at times with the direction you are going. Choose one and be happy with it. Be happy you have the coolest job in the world....telling stories. It is a human activity that has been going on since the creation of humans. Everyone has human expereinces....but few get the privelege to produce and recreate it in the manner we do. Be kind to your subjects. Be Kind to your equipment. Be kind to peoples feelings and experiences and know when not to cross the line and make sure you know when you intentially cross the line..it is for the right thing in the end.

One Love,

Fitch

Nuggets of Wisdom Learned Over a Semester

Wow, what a great semester we’ve had! It seems like these past few months just flew by (probably because we were all so busy scrambling to finish our respective projects). Before I started this class, I thought I knew a good bit about making documentaries. I’d made a few before, and thought I’d figured out the craft (at least to a certain degree). Man, was I wrong. RTF 366k has been a huge learning experience for me, and I’m sure it has been for everyone else as well.

 The following are ten or so Documentary Commandments I took away from this class:

 

1.         Thou shalt know how to use equipment before beginning shooting.

2.         Thou shalt acquire equipment before scheduling any shooting.

3.         Thou shalt always have a backup plan, as life is unpredictable, and thing can and WILL fall    apart.

4.         Thou shalt take advantage of a documentary opportunity if it comes your way (in other words,     you never know what might make a good documentary, so consider all of your options).

5.         Thou shalt leave enough time for post.

6.         Thou shalt not edit documentaries in a vacuum (get feedback if necessary, as it helps).

7.        Thou shalt make sure that your documentary subject is accessible.

8.        Thou shalt maintain a good relationship with said documentary subject (regular phone calls or e-mails are a must).

9.         Thou shalt think about structure when editing (structure is everything in my book).

10.     Thou shalt refrain from expecting too much, in terms of how a documentary will turn out.

11.   Thou shalt respect Michael Moore as a filmmaker (even if you disagree with his politics).

12.     Thou shalt not take Ellen Spiro’s name in vain.

 That is all. If anybody has any other commandments, feel free to add them!

Thanks for a great semester everybody, and I’ll be seeing many of you again next semester for advanced documentary. Merry Christmas!

 

-Jason

Oh what I've learned...

I came into this class hoping I would develop more skills and better my abilities, and I did. I am mostly self taught in the editing/shooting arena and I love that I can now take classes and learn from those who have done this for a while and see other people's techniques. The open classroom was an excellent part of the class and I only hope that future classes will allow me and others to express opinions and get immediate feedback.

I have a tendency to fight against what I'm not good at. I lack in the storyline area, and that is one of the reasons I take these classes is to push myself to do things differently. I like flashy, crazy stuff; I want to work for a company like Red Bull or video X-Games or do commercials. But while these classes I am taking at UT better me in what I'm not good at, none seem to address what I am good at. Most classes focus on the individual filmmaker and that is great for most, but sometimes I have to ask myself why the hell I'm even in a film school if I don't want to well...make films. This doc class has been the best so far at trying to help me gain knowledge at what I'm not good at as well as somewhat addressing my strengths.

As for my documentary...it fell short of my expectations this semester. I began the semester with a great idea and ended it still chasing that idea. With more time and less problems outside of the project I could have attained that goal, I know it. But other classes got in the way, my family is going through problems, the house I'm renting needs serious foundation work, my surgery problems resurfaced, and the list goes on and on. With the project itself I lost time when my car was down and I missed a key event I was going to shoot at; thats why there was little footage of me driving. Everyone always seems to be plagued with having too little time and that was true for me, but I had planned on that and compensated, but I couldn't have planned for as many things to go wrong elsewhere.

But even though the doc did not live up to my expectations I'm not giving up now that the semester is over. The whole experience making it was excellent. I learned more about sound and image, got experience with different styles of interviews and learned to work around equipment and location issues. There is always something to be learned whether the outcome was wonderful or a total bomb.

In the end the class was a positive experience. We all worked hard on our docs and very few had to be abandoned. I learned from my experience and in the end that is what matters

The what I've learned post.

Documentary is difficult but spontaneous.

What I most learned in this class was to pay attention to the things around me. When we started with our first assignments, I really felt inspired by a lot of the short pieces we all screened. So many little things happen throughout our day that we may take for granted. So I learned to be observant, and lately I've been jotting down anything interesting that I see, to later develop a story or character with.

What I learned about my documentary was, that I needed to give myself more time. I was overwhelmed this semester by the classes that I took concurrently. I ended up scrambling for time and energy as the semester went on. I think this semester has really kicked my ass but in a good way. With my doc, I learned how to make something out of nothing. Literally, when I sat down with my footage, I was stumped. I had no idea how to create a story out of what I had. I knew who my character was, and I just had to figure out what I wanted to tell everyone about him.

I certainly wish I had more time to devote to this project, I feel like I could of done so much more, however, shorter and tighter sometimes is better. I feel like I may have overcomplicated the story if I had had more time.

I certainly stand by the idea that you can't learn how to make a documentary without making one yourself. I liked the rawness of it all, and the uncertainty almost killed me but at the same time it allowed me more creativity.

In all, I learned how to develop stories through my point of view.

what i've learned...

This is one of my attempts to catch up on my blog posts, which I've been pretty behind on lately. And when Ellen offered a good opportunity the other day in class, I thought I'd take it...so, here's what I learned about making my documentary this semester.

#1 You can't hope to address all of the world's problems in five or ten minutes.
When I first thought about an idea for a documentary, I wanted to tackle almost everything ranging from the Iraq War to other current occupations to "soft" propaganda to the media and mainstream news to the effects of such media on the behavior and culture of American society to natural disasters in the US like hurricane Ike and Katrina to lack of electricity and water and food in the world. It didn't take to long for me to realize that I would have to narrow my topic down quite a bit.

#2 Your documentary never turns out as you expected it to.
What I thought was a "documentary" that I was working on turned out to be more like a video essay. I didn't end up having any footage that I recorded myself, and as a result, the whole piece was from my own voice. Probably the thing I didn't expect the most was how emotional the tone of the video ended up being. But I guess given the topic, the outcome makes sense now.

#3 It's hard to branch out from your own conventional style.
One thing that I'm a little disappointed of is the fact that I never employed conventional skills in making my documentary: recording B-roll and interviews, dealing with light and recorded sound, etc. So I did what I have already learned to do: take already recorded footage and edit it to make my own story. I posted a while back a 2-3 minute video that I edited last year, and I noticed that it had a very similar style (and even similar topic) to my final project. So, I hope to make something very different next time.

#4 It always helps to get feedback.
Usually, for some reason, I don't like to tell people what I'm working on or at least give away the details of a project. Maybe it's because it sets up an expectation that I'm afraid of not being able to meet. Whatever the reason, this habit results in less feedback...which is what I know now that I really need. I showed my documentary to my roommate with two optional soundtracks before I turned it in on Thursday...and her response helped me see something in the music choice that I didn't consider before, which made a pretty big difference fortunately.

#5 There is less time to work than you think.
Enough said :)

And that's all! Good times :)

A scene from Pulp Fiction dubbed en espanol

This is the scene about foot massages at the beginning of the film. I directed, and edited it for my friend Camilo (he plays Jules) for his upper division spanish class. I got the script from script-o-rama.com and Camilo translated it. I then ripped the scene from the dvd, recorded the vocals in my basement, and edited it. The whole process only took about 2 hours. I thought it ended up being pretty funny, so i decided to post it on here. This is also my first attempt at dubbing a film in another language, and Ray Bans Productions is his group's name not mine. Mahalo.

Sherman's March

In Sherman’s March, Ross McElwee invites his viewer into his life and thoughts through an oral and visual account of his Southern journey. His documentary is a wonderful example of the interactive documentary mode. First and foremost, Sherman’s March takes it shape around the filmmaker, Ross, and his subjects. He takes an active role in the film, and his commentary and experiences drive the film. He is both the filmmaker and the main character, for whom the audience feels close to. McElwee’s verbal testimony gives the viewer a second hand account into his world. Although the viewer does not know of his past relationships, McElwee orally fills them in on his history. The use of “talking heads” in the film, including McElwee’s, occupy its central theme. The interactions, places, and people all affect Ross and the audience knows this through his present-tense narration. The film isn’t just a documentary about Southern life, love, and nuclear war. It is about McElwee’s life. The audience shares his embarrassing, disheartening, or pleasant experiences with him. The viewer is reliant on McElwee’s testimony and trusts him.

 

Last Production Report (Speech & Debate)

Over the last two weeks I've been getting some more footage of Joe and Speech & Debate. Unfortunately, after the last week of editing I've realized that much of what I had shot will not fit into the documentary, and that I should focus exclusively on the tournament at A&M. Nonetheless, it was good to at least try a different direction. Anyway, I've just about wrapped editing. It's a fairly simple documentary, not too flashy. I took into account the feeback I got and I appreciate it! I hope everyone is doing okay, and I look forward to seeing the projects!

Honesty is the best policy?

Well, my documentary has been all super mysterious and whatnot. My original documentary was about a Mr. Trey Ratcliff, but unfortunately, I don't think I could fit all the material I want onto a 10 min documentary. But also, I want to learn how to mess with After Effects better in order to illustrate his photography better. He's already posted information about my documentary on his blog...and it's definitely something I want to get to.

But over the break I decided to make a "personal documentary" of sorts of my family, basically trying to establish my own cultural or individual identity. I don't think this will be the final draft but definitely an intro to something that I'll be working on throughout my life.

I asked 12 or so of my family members 3 of the same exact questions. Each of the individuals vary between where they were born and when they were born. I'm trying to illustrate the various similarities and differences between all of them---and the questions themselves don't necessarily have a very tangible answer. At the same time I'm trying to give a small glimpse into my family Thanksgivings.

Maybe I'm trying to bite off more than I can chew (like always); I am having a hard time parting with some of the clips--I wish I could show all footage I captured.

rose i love you

I made this for my 1930's Cinema class project. It's a re-edit of a re-edit. The original was called "East of Borneo" (1931). Joseph Cornell's re-edit was called "Rose Hobart" (1937). This one is called "Rose I Love You" (Today). Thanks for watching.

Production Report (Come on, it's not too late)

After weeks of not hearing from this Health Education Promoter who does talks about study drugs, he got back to me and I was able to get an interview. I've cut about 8 minutes worth of my documentary and now the question is do I put him in? This is always the problem when putting together a short film on a complex topic. Since my doc is looking more like a portrait of the study drug phenomenon, with the voices of the people involved, he might end up looking like a bluntly authoritative talking head. I guess I could use his audio as a voice over for topic exposition. But I wanted a more technical sounding figure and he didn't end up embodying that.

The archival footage I thought was so awesome and so vast ended up looking really strange intercut with my interviews so I had to throw it out. A good interview also went down the drain when I discovered that the audio (even though I used a lav) sounded horrible. I keep experiencing the lessons Ellen and Kim tried to steer us clear of.

These are just some problems I'm having and I thought you all might find comfort in my misery since you might be having them too. With this little time left I'm sure I'll be forced to throw myself onto the right track. I just hope a train isn't coming.

Experimental Doc

I've been searching for different types of docs, I'm having a hard time making my project into something that has a story. I feel like its all fragmented, and not as fluid as the docs I'm used to watching, but somehow I think the fragments tell so much about my subject. I'm having a hard time piecing this together. Anyway I've been searching for examples of different types of Doc, and here is something I found on Youtube that I thought some of you might enjoy, I guess I should elaborate on WHY I enjoyed it and what it did.

Well obviously the visuals are amazing, but more so I'm interested in the way the film maker created a story with them. I don't think the story is literal, for me it was more about the emotion. The story for me had to do with the different images I was reading and how they changed corresponded to the way I felt when I watched...

I appreciated this doc, because it was unlike anything I'd watched recently. Although, I love conventional doc and what it does, its refreshing to see things that aren't so easy to read. I'm fine with having to make up my own assumptions based on what someone wants to show me. Maybe its too late to be updating this post, and I'm a little over emotional and lacking sleep, but it was something really great to watch and I think its definitely worth watching.



PRODUCTION REPORT-

I suck at recording sound. I flubbed up one of my most important scenes, and now I'm going to have to rely on the little creativity I have left in me to save me....Hope everyone else is having better luck. I'll post a bit of what I do today, its going to be a little experimental, we'll see what comes of it.