In COMM 269, Multi-Media Production, I created many pieces of media related work. Through creating these pieces I have gained knowledge on production. Though I feel several of my pieces were strong, I feel as though my video PSA, "Drink Responsibly," was by far my strongest.
In this piece I wanted to let college students realize the risks of drinking. While many college students drink, very few think of the reprecussions of drinking too much. In order to get my message across I used various techniques.
One technique that makes this PSA strong is the point of view. I made the audience feel as though they were in the shoes of the drinker. This made it seem as though they were walking around, drinking heavily, having fun, and getting hit by a car. If I had it in another perspective, the audience could say "this could never happen to me." By putting them in this perspective, it really made it seem as though it could happen to them.
I also used methodic camera movements. Instead of keeping the camera steady, I made movement to insinuate the drunk person swerving. This helped get the message across that even though drinkers may think they have total control of their actions, they don't. If they cannot even walk in a straight line, it's a clear sign they've had too much to drink. Had I used steady camera movements, this message would not have been conveyed.
Through the techniques I used, it is clear that I have gained knowledge in video production. I knew that I needed to carefully choose which clips to use in this PSA. My knowledge in filming helped with this. In order to tell the full story I needed to get a variety of shots, which I did. My knowledge with Adobe Premiere also helped in this. Because I knew how to put clips together, how to transition, and how to edit the music to match the shots, this PSA was effective.
I skillfully worked to make this PSA look professional. In order to do this, I directed this PSA at a specific audience. I made this piece seems fun at the beginning and dramatic at the end to show the audience the entire story. I could have made this completely funny, but that would take away from the professionalism of this piece; it would not tell the entire story. I also show my professional skill through my work with Premiere. I chose the transitions I used very carefully. The one part that truly shows my skills in Premiere is when I have the video fade to white when the car hits the person. It works very well in this piece and looks as though the car's lights are directly coming at the audience. My skill is also shown through the music transitions. I added a cross-fade where the two pieces meet. This allowed the two pieces to meld together without being distracting.
I believe this PSA is my strongest piece, and I really enjoyed creating it. Making this allowed me to get an important message across to college age students. I would truly love to do more projects like this later on.
View Video PSA
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
The Future of Media
In my 21 years on this planet, I have seen many forms of technology and media change. Such changes include the way we listen to music, the size and functions of cell phones, and, of course, the television. Thinking back to when I was very young, I remember having a rather larger television set that had an antenna attached to it. Even when my family got cable when I was about 8, the TV was still pretty large.
Within the past 10 years, television companies have made their products thinner, wider, and more defined. Instead of having a large, heavy box television, the companies now produce smaller, light-weight televisions. With the high definition feature, programs now look more realistic. 3D television allows people to feel like they are part of the experience. For these reasons, I believe the television technology of the future is bright.
With all of the advances in making television look more realistic, I believe we could see a product that actually allows people to become engaged in the movie (kind of like a holoogram television). Not only would people be able to watch their favorite programs with this feature, but people could also have a conversation with other people. It would work kind of like Skype, but it would appear as if the person was actually in the same room. Unlike the holograms in movies such as Star Wars, the appearance of people would be more realistic.
While it may be years before we see this technology become popular, holograms are already in use. Many awards shows have utilized the hologram, and talk of Apple releasing an iPhone with functions that "mimic a hologram" have started (see article). Maybe the day when we have hologram televisions isn't too far in the future. If televisions have come as far as they have so far in my life, I can't wait to see what the next 21 years bring.
Within the past 10 years, television companies have made their products thinner, wider, and more defined. Instead of having a large, heavy box television, the companies now produce smaller, light-weight televisions. With the high definition feature, programs now look more realistic. 3D television allows people to feel like they are part of the experience. For these reasons, I believe the television technology of the future is bright.
With all of the advances in making television look more realistic, I believe we could see a product that actually allows people to become engaged in the movie (kind of like a holoogram television). Not only would people be able to watch their favorite programs with this feature, but people could also have a conversation with other people. It would work kind of like Skype, but it would appear as if the person was actually in the same room. Unlike the holograms in movies such as Star Wars, the appearance of people would be more realistic.
While it may be years before we see this technology become popular, holograms are already in use. Many awards shows have utilized the hologram, and talk of Apple releasing an iPhone with functions that "mimic a hologram" have started (see article). Maybe the day when we have hologram televisions isn't too far in the future. If televisions have come as far as they have so far in my life, I can't wait to see what the next 21 years bring.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Creating a Video PSA
Before I started making this PSA, I had to think about what my message should be. Being a college student, I have seen the effects of drinking too much, which include being destructive, acting foolishly, and getting sick. Because of this knowledge I decided to send a message to college students about drinking responsibly.
At first, I was going to show a group at a party with one person way more intoxicated than the rest. This person was going to cause trouble and end up falling asleep outside. Instead of focusing on the party, I decided to focus on the person getting drunk.
In my PSA, I showed many different shots that insinuated alcohol consumption. For instance, I showed shot glasses being picked up, beer pong being played, and a person drinking out of a red cup. To make these shots come together to show binge drinking, I sped them up by 100%-150% and put them to chaotic music. By doing this I showed that the person drank a lot over a shot amount of time.
I decided to show not only the repercussions of drinking, but also the person having fun. This shows that even though drinking may be fun it can end badly (i.e. getting sick). To convey this message I also utilized a music change from an upbeat, fun song to a song that's slower.
Drink Responsibly PSA Draft
At first, I was going to show a group at a party with one person way more intoxicated than the rest. This person was going to cause trouble and end up falling asleep outside. Instead of focusing on the party, I decided to focus on the person getting drunk.
In my PSA, I showed many different shots that insinuated alcohol consumption. For instance, I showed shot glasses being picked up, beer pong being played, and a person drinking out of a red cup. To make these shots come together to show binge drinking, I sped them up by 100%-150% and put them to chaotic music. By doing this I showed that the person drank a lot over a shot amount of time.
I decided to show not only the repercussions of drinking, but also the person having fun. This shows that even though drinking may be fun it can end badly (i.e. getting sick). To convey this message I also utilized a music change from an upbeat, fun song to a song that's slower.
Drink Responsibly PSA Draft
Friday, November 16, 2012
Video PSA: Gerbils on a Train
The video PSA "Gerbils of a Train" aims to get children to brush their teeth. It really draws this young audience (and parents) in through a very playful plot. The childlike scene of gerbils riding a toy train around while dressed in hats grasps the attention of children, who would find this funny. Children can relate to this scene because they enjoy playing with toys and many like animals.
The PSA, then, states that children spend a lot of time online watching videos such as the gerbils riding the train, but many do not spend 2 minutes twice a day brushing their teeth. By relating internet use to teeth brushing, this PSA aims to show how little time dental hygiene actually takes.
In the end, this video shows children brushing their teeth with big smiles on their faces. This was done to show kids that brushing their teeth can be fun, not a hassle. Thus, more children will want to brush their teeth.
In addition to the gerbils, toy train, and fun feeling, this PSA also used bright colors and upbeat music. This made it seem like a show a child would watch. By doing so, it not only encourages parents to get their children to brush their teeth, but it makes the child excited to do so.
Gerbils on a Train PSA
The PSA, then, states that children spend a lot of time online watching videos such as the gerbils riding the train, but many do not spend 2 minutes twice a day brushing their teeth. By relating internet use to teeth brushing, this PSA aims to show how little time dental hygiene actually takes.
In the end, this video shows children brushing their teeth with big smiles on their faces. This was done to show kids that brushing their teeth can be fun, not a hassle. Thus, more children will want to brush their teeth.
In addition to the gerbils, toy train, and fun feeling, this PSA also used bright colors and upbeat music. This made it seem like a show a child would watch. By doing so, it not only encourages parents to get their children to brush their teeth, but it makes the child excited to do so.
Gerbils on a Train PSA
Friday, October 26, 2012
TV Production
Monmouth College's TV station (MCTV) follows closely with the production of larger news and talk shows. In the studio, three people run the cameras and communicate with the anchors for the director. In a room close by, the sound and visuals are controlled. The crew in the room and the crew on the set seem to communicate well with each other via headsets.
In addition to the crew, lighting also assists in the show. By having various lights turned on, it helps fill out features, such as the anchors' faces and the background.
A little bit different from the production of MCTV is the talk show "The Chew." This program involves cooking and conversation amongst hosts and guests. However, this show also utilizes lighting to make everything look appealing to the audience. The hosts also have to watch the floor director to make sure their timing is on target and they hit their ques of when to talk about things.
One major difference in the two productions is the interaction. On MCTV, the anchors never talk to each other; they speak to the audience. On The Chew, the hosts talk to the audience, to talent, and to each other. Because of this interaction, the floor director has to let the hosts know how they're doing on time (i.e. let them know if they need to carry out the conversation or wrap it up).
While the shows do differ vastly, the fundamentals are similar. The group consists of directors, technical producers, camera operators, floor director, hosts/anchors, etc. The onstage setup between the two looks a lot different, but the production, I assume, is very much the same.
Watch an episode of The Chew
In addition to the crew, lighting also assists in the show. By having various lights turned on, it helps fill out features, such as the anchors' faces and the background.
A little bit different from the production of MCTV is the talk show "The Chew." This program involves cooking and conversation amongst hosts and guests. However, this show also utilizes lighting to make everything look appealing to the audience. The hosts also have to watch the floor director to make sure their timing is on target and they hit their ques of when to talk about things.
One major difference in the two productions is the interaction. On MCTV, the anchors never talk to each other; they speak to the audience. On The Chew, the hosts talk to the audience, to talent, and to each other. Because of this interaction, the floor director has to let the hosts know how they're doing on time (i.e. let them know if they need to carry out the conversation or wrap it up).
While the shows do differ vastly, the fundamentals are similar. The group consists of directors, technical producers, camera operators, floor director, hosts/anchors, etc. The onstage setup between the two looks a lot different, but the production, I assume, is very much the same.
Watch an episode of The Chew
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Audio PSA Creation
Before I could create an audio PSA in Adobe Soundbooth, I had to think about what message I would want to send out and who my audience would be. Since I knew that the audience would be college students I thought of problems they encounter on a daily basis. Since I live in a dorm building, I have found that loud neighbors is a common issue. I wanted to send out a message of respect towards neighbors.
In order to do so, I thought about the specific problems I encounter: loud music and loud voices. To show these issues through an audio PSA, I decided to have two roommates trying to accomplish tasks despite noisy neighbors.
When actually making this PSA, I started by writing my script. I thought college students could relate to a casual conversation between two roommates who were obviously annoyed with their current neighbor situation. I also needed to show students that they could be bothering their neighbors with their noise. I accomplished this by having the roommates think about making the noise back. I did this in order to make people realize that if they make too much noise, their neighbors may retaliate and be loud back. I also ended the piece in a sort of call to action by saying "Don't let your fun impose on your neighbors. Respect your neighbors; receive it back."
The actual recording took a few tries. The first time through, while I remembered to turn the microphone pot up, I neglected to turn down the speaker which make the recording echoe. After realizing my mistake, I started recording again. Despite having the right volume levels, I encountered another issue: laughter. Trying to read a script seriously imposed difficulty in this project. The person helping me and myself finally got ourselves together and made a recording that would work.
The next step was finding music that would fit in with my PSA. I needed something party related. In the end I settled on a piece of music in Twisted Tiger that was loud and that people could dance to. Next, I explored the various sound effects to find a group of people. While I thought this part would be easy, I had more difficulty than expected. I found several large groups and singular laughter, but finding the sound of a small group (while still being obnoxious) was difficult. However, I did find the effect I was searching for.
The final step in the process was putting everything together. I went to soundbooth and put my various pieces in different tracks. When every piece was on a track, I edited the clip length, volume, and location. Then, I faded the tracks in and out so they weren't too loud at the beginning or end of the PSA. The final thing I checked was the exact length of the PSA. After making sure it was exactly 30 seconds, I saved and exported the project.
Audio PSA Draft: Respect Your Neighbors
In order to do so, I thought about the specific problems I encounter: loud music and loud voices. To show these issues through an audio PSA, I decided to have two roommates trying to accomplish tasks despite noisy neighbors.
When actually making this PSA, I started by writing my script. I thought college students could relate to a casual conversation between two roommates who were obviously annoyed with their current neighbor situation. I also needed to show students that they could be bothering their neighbors with their noise. I accomplished this by having the roommates think about making the noise back. I did this in order to make people realize that if they make too much noise, their neighbors may retaliate and be loud back. I also ended the piece in a sort of call to action by saying "Don't let your fun impose on your neighbors. Respect your neighbors; receive it back."
The actual recording took a few tries. The first time through, while I remembered to turn the microphone pot up, I neglected to turn down the speaker which make the recording echoe. After realizing my mistake, I started recording again. Despite having the right volume levels, I encountered another issue: laughter. Trying to read a script seriously imposed difficulty in this project. The person helping me and myself finally got ourselves together and made a recording that would work.
The next step was finding music that would fit in with my PSA. I needed something party related. In the end I settled on a piece of music in Twisted Tiger that was loud and that people could dance to. Next, I explored the various sound effects to find a group of people. While I thought this part would be easy, I had more difficulty than expected. I found several large groups and singular laughter, but finding the sound of a small group (while still being obnoxious) was difficult. However, I did find the effect I was searching for.
The final step in the process was putting everything together. I went to soundbooth and put my various pieces in different tracks. When every piece was on a track, I edited the clip length, volume, and location. Then, I faded the tracks in and out so they weren't too loud at the beginning or end of the PSA. The final thing I checked was the exact length of the PSA. After making sure it was exactly 30 seconds, I saved and exported the project.
Audio PSA Draft: Respect Your Neighbors
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Buzzed Driving Audio PSA
Buzzed Driving Prevention
This audio PSA depicts the dangers of drinking and driving. In order to convey this message, this PSA has two subjects who both had too much to drink. One drove home while the other took a taxi. In the end, the one who drove hit a man. By doing so, this caught the attention of the audience through emotional appeal.
Overall, this PSA worked well. It was simple and held the interest of the audience throughout. It also directed its message at a specific group: young adults who drink.
One thing I would have done differently had I created this is add more emotion to the voices and/or add some sound effects. While the two women have different tones of voice, I feel that the one who hit the man does not sound very remorseful. I also think that by adding the sound of a crash would make it seem like this instance truly happened. However, the message is easily understood with the PSA the way it is now.
This audio PSA depicts the dangers of drinking and driving. In order to convey this message, this PSA has two subjects who both had too much to drink. One drove home while the other took a taxi. In the end, the one who drove hit a man. By doing so, this caught the attention of the audience through emotional appeal.
Overall, this PSA worked well. It was simple and held the interest of the audience throughout. It also directed its message at a specific group: young adults who drink.
One thing I would have done differently had I created this is add more emotion to the voices and/or add some sound effects. While the two women have different tones of voice, I feel that the one who hit the man does not sound very remorseful. I also think that by adding the sound of a crash would make it seem like this instance truly happened. However, the message is easily understood with the PSA the way it is now.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Photoshop Digital Image Creation
I also decided to add a brick background (which was not originally in the picture). I thought doing so would make it look darker than the trees and building that were originally there. Darkness was important in this image because the thought of anger isn't bright and happy; instead, it is dark and gloomy. In order to make this image darker I added a black and white filter and chose the "darker" setting. The darker setting allowed me to manipulate which areas of the photo were darker than others. I felt that having the stone he's sitting on being lighter made him and the brick wall really pop out.
The last thing I did was added text that is associated with anger. I played with multiple fonts, but settled on one that looked neat and boxy. This allowed me to put the words in the bricks and make it look like they belong.
I think in future drafts I will add a little bit of color to this image. Having a little bit of red in this would really make the message of anger clear.While the darkness of this image works well to convey the message, a little color would make it a bit more interesting.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Messages Through Photo Illustration
The subject, herself, gives off the impression of anxiety. The blank stare on her face shows that her mind is preoccupied with worry. Her body looks as though it could not move if it needed to. The alignment of her jaw and mouth lacks emotional appeal.
Overall, this illustration depicts anxiety well. One thing I would have done differently was given the subject a body stance that made her look like she was pacing or frantic. I feel like doing so would make her look like she was truly being controlled by her anxiety.
Photo from: http://surc.biz/collage/douglas-alves-illustration-3-weare-488x557/
Thursday, September 20, 2012
An Analysis of "The Washington Post" Online Edition.
"The Washington Post" is a daily newspaper which can also be accessed online. This newspaper provides great information when it comes to anything from breaking news stories to sports columns. I typically visit the website in lieu of reading the newspaper because of the accessibility and ease of going online.
The layout of "The Washington Post" website follows a well organized grid. The visual dynamics flow left to right and top to bottom. Three columns of stories run down the page, making it easy for readers to find stories that appeal to them. Along the left column, the titles and leads of stories draw readers in without giving too much information. This way, the reader decides what he/she wants to read and can then follow a link to the full story. The middle column also shows the leads of stories, but, in addition, has a larger picture to draw in the audience. The right column is mostly made up of advertisements and discussion pages. I, as a reader, find the separation of the advertisements very helpful. On some websites, the advertisements get in the way, and I accidentally click on them. Having them in a different column prevents that.
The organization of the tool bar parallels that of the columns. All of the navigational links are organized across the top of the banner, allowing readers to find information quickly. Finding information quickly online is important, because if readers cannot find information quickly, they will leave the site.
Consumers of online newspapers also find the overall appearance important. One thing that stands out to me when visiting this site is how clean everything looks. I say clean because the page is done in black and white, thus, giving it a very pristine look . The use of black and white contribute to the feeling of seriousness of the newspaper. While "The Washington Post" includes sections for entertainment (i.e. music, horoscopes, and comics), the main focus is on news. When comparing this website with one utilized for entertainment purposes, the difference in color schemas is noticeable (many websites for entertainment are brightly colored and flashy).
The organization and appearance of the website make it a good one to visit. It invites the readers in without being overdone and busy. The content is scannable, which makes information easy to access. The division of information seems natural, which makes the page flow very well. While these aspects of web design seem futile, they contribute to making "The Washington Post" one of the most visited online newspapers.
The Washington Post Online
The layout of "The Washington Post" website follows a well organized grid. The visual dynamics flow left to right and top to bottom. Three columns of stories run down the page, making it easy for readers to find stories that appeal to them. Along the left column, the titles and leads of stories draw readers in without giving too much information. This way, the reader decides what he/she wants to read and can then follow a link to the full story. The middle column also shows the leads of stories, but, in addition, has a larger picture to draw in the audience. The right column is mostly made up of advertisements and discussion pages. I, as a reader, find the separation of the advertisements very helpful. On some websites, the advertisements get in the way, and I accidentally click on them. Having them in a different column prevents that.
The organization of the tool bar parallels that of the columns. All of the navigational links are organized across the top of the banner, allowing readers to find information quickly. Finding information quickly online is important, because if readers cannot find information quickly, they will leave the site.
Consumers of online newspapers also find the overall appearance important. One thing that stands out to me when visiting this site is how clean everything looks. I say clean because the page is done in black and white, thus, giving it a very pristine look . The use of black and white contribute to the feeling of seriousness of the newspaper. While "The Washington Post" includes sections for entertainment (i.e. music, horoscopes, and comics), the main focus is on news. When comparing this website with one utilized for entertainment purposes, the difference in color schemas is noticeable (many websites for entertainment are brightly colored and flashy).
The organization and appearance of the website make it a good one to visit. It invites the readers in without being overdone and busy. The content is scannable, which makes information easy to access. The division of information seems natural, which makes the page flow very well. While these aspects of web design seem futile, they contribute to making "The Washington Post" one of the most visited online newspapers.
The Washington Post Online
Monday, September 10, 2012
Web Banner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)