Last eComm Final

So here is the last final exam I will ever post here. Before I get too emotional, here we go.

The first thing we have to do is reflect over all 4 years (geez, it feels like 2) and connect it to our 5 guarantees: Communication, Collaboration, Project Management, Technical Skills, and Leadership.

Communication

This program has definitely made me a better communicator. Before eComm, I was just a shy kid who liked to make stories. If you would of asked me what my story is about before eComm, I probably would've said something along the lines of "I would tell you, but there's too much too it." In eComm, I learned to explain myself precisely and concisely by practicing elevator pitching, created loglines, reading synopses in front of the class, etc. Being able to convey your ideas is an important skill for any creative career, and I'm glad to improve my communication skills in order to do that. They aren't perfect, I'm still pretty shy and socially awkward, but I can definitely sense an uphill curve from the past 4 years.

Collaboration

Something that goes hand in hand with communication, eComm has made me a better collaborator. In any creative career, and basically life in general, you're going to have a collaborate and compromise with people. Something I was not that good at, but eComm has helped me improve. I know how to listen to other's ideas in an environment where people also listen to mine, and I've practiced that a lot.

Project Management

This is something I've struggled with a lot over my whole life. I'll be honest: I'm a great procrastinator. I put projects off until the last minute, use the time pressure to motivate myself to finish a project, and manage to get a good grade. But when I got to high school, and especially with filmmaking, the projects got more extensive, and I had to learn how to pace myself. You truly can't make a short film (pre-production, production, AND post-production) in one night. Currently, I'm either suffering a bout of senioritis or am still learning how to properly manage my work. It's better to improve than learning nothing from your shortcomings, I guess. I should keep improving.

Technical Skills

When you make films, you learn the whole process. That includes using a camera and editing footage, which is where this skill comes in handy. We're lucky to work with this equipment at our school, so we make sure to take care of it. Everyone in the class knows how to use a DSLR camera professionally and how to edit in either Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, including me. It makes a great career opportunity, or freelance work or a hobby. Once you master technical aspects, it can expand your creativity, since you can do more with a camera or editing.

Leadership

One aspect I wish I'd worked more on is leadership. If there's a takeaway from this, it's that sometimes you need to be a leader. At heart, I'm still the shy kid I always was, so this is probably the guarantee I fell at the most. I've had the occasional call to lead that I've taken, like being the lead sound person on set for this year's feature film. But one thing I would change is too be more of a leader. I guess I'll make that resolution for college.

There's the first part of this post. Now onto the usual individual project reflection for this year.

My Favorite 3 Projects

We're not reflected on all our projects, just our top 3. So here they are.

1. Feature Film: Get Real

Woah, we made another feature film! So, since The Hidden, a lot of us have wanted to break away from the typical thriller/action we've been doing a lot in eComm. My friend and director, Darby, pitched this whole idea to the class. It's an 80's movie with a twist. No spoilers. Don't spoil the Get Real. It should be uploaded in full to YouTube @ONWStudios sometime this summer. So wait and see. Anyway, I was boom operator, and occasionally sound supervisor when our regular sound supervisor, Keenan, wasn't on set. I'm really proud of this. I love this movie.

2. PSA: Keep it Free

So here's another thing I worked on. A public service announcement on an issue not brought up enough in PSAs: Handicapped parking. [Sigh] We get it Brenda, you made the conscious decision to wear high heels to the supermarket, and you need to park closer to the entrance or your feet will literally explode. Seriously though, it's not cool to park in handicapped spots if you don't need it. Anyway, this project went fairly swell. The only problem is well, I did sound, it was a very windy day...It was an issue. But, the end result isn't that bad, so take a look!

3. Mini Documentary: From Farm to Café

My most recent project and last time I ever held a camera for eComm. So, I'm also a horticulture student, and we talk a lot about produce sourcing and fair trade. So I sat down with Jon, the owner/founder of Broadway Café and Roasting Company and made a little documentary. It went fairly straight forward, but I'm glad I was able to do a project all by myself. Everyone in eComm is great and all, but it's just been something I've wanted to try. It went well, and Broadway even shared it on social media. Thanks Jon and the rest at Broadway!

In Conclusion

So here we have come to the last time I say "In Conclusion" at the beginning of the conclusion (sorry to all my English teachers). Well, it's been a great ride. Although I don't know about continuing in film, being in eComm has allowed me to discover myself and my interests, and has taught me important skills not only in film, but in life and work. Fare thee well all, I might see you again!