10/ 06/05

For my portrait project, I started out with a very detailed plan. I found that this allowed for little experimentation during the filming process. With projects I have done in the past, I have had the luxury of off-camera editing, and this has allowed me to take more risks. In this project, when I planned out all the shots and had to do in-camera editing, I felt there was less room for inspiration later in the process.

The off-camera editing also made for a more painful shooting process. This was not only because the awkwardness of the process, but because the decisions I made about takes were final. Although the project overall went quickly because there was not any editing to be done later, shooting took a long time because of all of the extra decision-making necessary.

Because the project is a self-portrait, the content is a little difficult for me to judge. I think the resulting piece says a lot about me, but it implies I talk about myself more than I do. While my process—choosing three objects that I think represent me—was an effective study, watching the film in class made me feel immodest.

Other student’s films were more experimental. Some were studies in colors, shapes, and movement. I have an urge to attempt this kind of filmmaking, were I can learn about some of the more sensuous qualities of video. In this case my approach was documentary style; I just recorded myself talking, and presented the subject matter as straightforward as possible.

I also think video has a lot of power for artifice, and this is something I have not explored.