Research is under way. Filming is coming.

Starting today, I have significantly more time to work on all of my projects and already I have begun processing information regarding my topic for my film.

I looked at some research studies linked from news sites regarding the amount of time that people, especially children, and got some insight on how much time is averaged online and also some medial problems that are associated with a new term that I call "Media Obesity." Using these studies, I can use this information effectively in my film and use that to encourage my audience to use discretion with how much time they spend online and encourage a better use of that free time. 

I also finally cleared some space in my room to do the shots of me talking. I plan on getting a black sheet for the background and getting some lights up in there. I will probably release a short trailer for the film and begin filming very soon here! 

So far everything is going very well and I'm excited to work hard on this project and get it looking spiff! With luck, I'll have some actual content to preview here for your viewing pleasure but until then, stay tuned for more! Thanks! 

Documentary Progress: We're getting there!

So, big new for you all!

1) I'm resigning from my job to focus on this project! 

2) I have a Facebook Page for the project to which I also changed the name of the project to Living Life Online!

3) I have acquired some great Adobe software like Premiere Pro, Photoshop CSS and also Lightroom! 

4) And lastly, I'm coming up with some great ideas for this film! 

While filming has not started yet (mostly due to current work schedule conflicts and other classes quick turn around time projects) I have been slowly but surely piecing together my film! 

I have been doing a bit of research on the production aspects of filming a documentary from this great Youtube page called Indy Mogul!

They have tons of great videos on all aspects of filming and production so I can get great insights on different camera techniques, planning guides, interview protocol and more! 

The next step will be getting some research done for the factual aspects of the film and start filming ASAP.

I will be directing this film differently from a normal documentary and in terms of how I will present the information. Since this is a one man project save some interviewees, I dont have the ability to get a lot of moving shots of me, but i have some ideas on how to keep the film visually interesting by doing a mix of motion graphics, location switches and maybe even some sketch comedy. 

October is just about here and Im starting to feel the pressure so I'm gonna get back to work but thanks for checking in! I'll keep you all updated!  

The Research Has Not Been Forgotten!

To be completely honest, academic research makes me uncomfortable. Looking at scientific journals or notes on theory just don't connect with me as a producer, artist, thinker and ect. My mind happens to like to work in the hear and now and I feel that I work better conducting my own form of research.

Originally for this project I couldn't see academic research being too present in my project as most of it was highly opinionated.

Since then, my idea for this project has evolved and I am taking a slight turn with my ideas. My goal now has turned from filming a minimalist crusade ethnography into a more viewer friendly, informative public service campaign advocating a reduction in the amount of media we consume as a nation and some of the pro's and con's of too much, or not enough exposure to the media. This means that I will try to look up stats and numbers on things such as ADHD rates in children over the last few years, health changes, crime rates, educational changes and other research related to my subject.

With these studies and information, I can better inform my audience with more confidence knowing that I studied the "facts" that i will be presenting and hopefully be able to encourage some changes. 

I look foreword to finding out more about my topic of study and I hope that it will strengthen my project as a whole. 

In the mean time, I will be plenty busy with other more pressing aspects of my project but there will be more information on the research in the days to come. 

 

Senior Capstone Statement of Intent

I have been thinking about this project for a long time now and for the last semester or two my brain has been filled with various ideas, possibilities, concerns and mental blocks. Do I want to do a short film? How about a podcast? Maybe even a audio drama? After much deliberation, I asked myself what do I want to accomplish with my work? Then I thought of the perfect idea: A documentary/ inspirational video.

The documentary will be addressing the concept of success and happiness within the American lifestyle. I want to talk about and to people about what we think true happiness is and get their ideas, while throughout the film, explaining mine. 

What is happiness? Can money really buy it? What is the measure of success? What is the point of your happiness? Why do we torment ourselves to obtain a state of living that we can never achieve? These are just some of the questions I would like to ask along with others relating to the potential negative influence of modern advertising and media content.

Graphic I made. Possible name of Documentary.

I want to do something with my abilities and the skills that I have learned that goes beyond entertainment and a few chuckles from an audience. I want people to feel more than just the need to be entertained and try to get them to use their minds more and expand their comprehension of the things that matter in life, so I feel that this would be perfect for my topic of discussion. 

I know this is a lot of deep content here and I know that critical thinking can turn a lot of people off, but even if I can get viewers who want more out of life than what mass society tells them they need in order to be whole, I feel like this would be worth it. I also hope to continue making these in the future, using this project as a spring board for more content in this style. Who knows, I may even communicate these ideas using a different medium as time goes on, but for now, I think this will be a good start. 

-Vince