Why did you join this class?
I joined BBA cinematography to learn how to make good films and to learn the art of the camera. I have always enjoyed movies and hope to expand my knowledge of cinema. I have aspired to take this class ever since I discovered its existence. I previously did the camp for 2 years, and was in cinema club last year.
What do you hope to gain from taking this class?
I hope to become skilled with a camera and be able to communicate in the language of cinema. I'd like to be one of the kids who can skillfully work the camera and knows how to film. I want to improve the quality of films I make from crappy, low-effort films, to higher-effort short films. By the end of my tenure here I hope that cinematography can be one of my strong suits.
What do you know about cinematography?
I know that cinematography is the art of movie making. I know it takes time and patience. I've spent time studying certain films but I still have no idea how to work a camera. I've picked up some simple rules like the Rule of Thirds and the 180 degree rule, but have yet to use any of them in context. I spend time studying some famous techniques and shots that directors have used but these are a useless without the camera and lighting skills to support them.
What do you want to know about cinematography?
I want to know how to make a movie that looks, sounds, and is professional. That means how to use a camera skillfully, how to light a scene, and how to create good audio. For me, mastering camera use is another piece of the puzzle to becoming a solid cinematographer and storyteller. Mastering the camera means learning how to correctly set the aperture, manually focus, compose good shots, and getting a well lit scene.
What type of films would you like to make?
Any kind of film (comedy, sports, music, etc.), just as long as it looks good. My goal is to make a film(s) that have a cinematic aspect and look close to professional. the context doesn't really matter to me, as long as I put time and effort into it.
What are three of your favorite movies?-embed trailers or screen shots and explain why you enjoy these films.
Apocalypse now
Why: Really cool movie that's cryptic and good-looking. The way the story arc is shaped is interesting and different. The film pushes the viewer outside of their comfort zone and immerses them in its story. That is what a good film is meant to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkrhkUeDCdQ
The Other guys
Why: Not only is it the funniest movie I've ever seen, but the action is equally as entertaining and over the top. Every single joke hits and the writing is clever. Will Ferell and Mark Wahlberg are some of the funniest actors I've seen in a movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WOoUG1eNo
Pulp Fiction
Why: Different from any movie ever, except for all the imitations. Its stylized and feels modern even 15 years later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EdQ4FqbhY
What is your favorite movie genre?
My favorite genre is Action Comedy. Its the best of both worlds.
What motivates you to work hard?
Doing stuff I truly enjoy and want to improve at pushes me to work my hardest. For example I'm motivated to play guitar by the prospect that I will improve. That through repetition I can play faster and speed up my licks. i have the same mindset towards cinema. That if I can get out and make movies with full effort, overt time they will look and feel better.
What are five concerns that you have now in your life?
- I will fail a class
- I wont succeed a what I do
- I will over schedule myself
- I wont have time to pursue what I want to do
- I'll disappoint someone
What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject is history because it is the most intriguing. there is so much to learn and so many storylines to follow. History is the closest thing to movies in school. I also can excel at history because I just get it. theres no right or wrong answers, just opinions and different ways of seeing things. Nothing is black and white in history and thats what makes it exciting.
What are the three words that best describe you?
Different
laid-back
Hard-working
Biggest Character turn-off for you? (ex. I hate when people are late)
The biggest character turnoff for me is someone who is content with being like everyone else. Someone who doesn't go against the grain and just doesn't see the point in standing out. People who believe they are better off being like everyone else, and thats what will get them the farthest.
