For this semester I learned a lot of new techniques for filming and editing. I learned the different types of angles to film, different types of editing, and how to use editing apps such as Premiere Pro and Rush. I enjoyed learning how to create a project that will capture other people’s attention. After taking this class, I have an urge to film and edit more. I hope one day I can edit YouTube videos for fun. I think editing and creating videos makes you feel like you are there in the moment. I can’t wait to edit videos of my summer.
Our first project for this semester was the six word story project. The goal of this project was to tell a story by using only six clips. This was the first time we filmed as a group. I felt that I had a good group and that everyone was creative. We came up with the idea of filming a man with Alzheimer’s disease and how he has the ability to make a new friend everyday. After filming the clips for our project, we got the opportunity to use Adobe Premiere Pro. This was my first time using this editing app, so I was a little confused with where some of the editing tools are located. Luckily, Mr. Mitchell did a great job at showing us where everything is. I felt confident with my editing skills after this project. Due to the COVID-19, we started to learn through online school. It wasn’t a new experience, however it took a little while to get use to. Our first home project was learning the different types of lighting. We did an exercise where we have to use home remedies to create a lighting set. Our next project was called Split Ends. We had to use L cuts for our hospital scene. Using L Cuts helps create emotions in one character while the other one is speaking. My Mac has issues so I had to use Premiere Rush on my iPad. This was my second time using the Premiere Rush app. I remember self teaching myself how to use the app because I had to use it for another class. After editing the Hospital scene for my Filmmaking class, I payed more attention towards the techniques I learned. This made me more confident with using the Premiere Rush app on the iPad. Our next project was learning how to edit match action cuts. The goal of this project was to edit a shot that has the actions match from one shot to the next. This project taught me to pay attention to details and to make the transitions seem smooth. Our second to final project is to learn how to edit to compress time. We edited shots of a woman getting ready for battle. Instead of a five minute setup, I had to edit the scene to speed it up and make it look intense. Since this was an action movie, I wanted the pace to be fast. My final project is to edit a music video for “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. I am currently working on my final project for this class.
I really enjoyed this filmmaking class taught by Mr. Michell. I learned a lot of new things about editing and how to film. The only challenge I had in this class was learning from home. It was a challenge because I didn’t have all of the editing tools/equipments needed to film and edit. It was kind of a bummer that COVID-19 took away my learning experience. The only thing I would like to practice more is filming with a camera. We only had the opportunity to use a camera with our introduction and the six word story project. I would learn more about camera techniques by watching YouTube videos as demonstrations. After taking this class, I felt that I have improved a lot with my editing. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to take this filmmaking class. I want to thank Mr. Mitchell for a fun year!
