Second week
Well, it’s the end of my first week at BDFI and it’s been a great one. Overall, I am beginning to put all the pieces together. I learned a ton and I know that it’s only the beginning.
We started the week off with Producing/Directing class. We watched a clip from David Fincher’s film Seven and began to review how to set up shots; camera angles; blocking and all the stuff that goes into setting up a good shot. There was so much I learned from our discussion that I may have overlooked on my own. But it’s those things that make the movie.
Also during this week, we got our first assignment – prepare a pitch for our first project. We’re beginning to put everything together to be able to write and direct our first film.
Day 2 was cinematography. This was an intro to just become comfortable with the camera and being able to recognize and adjust lighting, focus, etc on the Panasonic HVX200. It’s a good feeling to become more confident in the same equipment that the pros use.
Then it was Screenwriting class which was awesome. We pitched our first projects and got feedback on our ideas. Everybody had something beneficial to contribute and I definitely have a better idea of where I want to go with my story as a result. We began to learn about script layout and how to write and correctly format a script as well as understand script from a director/producer standpoint.
In Acting, we did a lot of improv and learned the basics of acting techniques and how to direct actors. The improv was a great exercise on creativity. All of our classes are really opening my creative juices. It’s amazing how much learning the acting techniques and practicing with improve will make us better behind the camera. We are learning how to work with, and talk the language of actors to be able to give them the best environment to work in while getting the most from our actors.
All of the teachers were great. Each of them have such a different perspective and so much to contribute. They are all very talented and well respected in the industry. And, they are all extraordinarily supportive. I am confident in the quality of instruction and relevance of what we’re learning.
All in all, I had a terrific week. I can tell that I’m going to be very busy this semester. I’m learning a lot already, and I’m definitely starting to watch movies differently and with an even more analytical eye. I’ve already started my script for my first project and I can’t wait to see how it progresses. I know with my hard work and the support of everyone that it’s going to be a great learning experience. I’m excited, scared, nervous, and a whole lot of other emotions. Overall, I’m just ready to learn.
