1C Response and Cucalorus Pre-Event Intentions

- Response to 1C -

I learned a lot shooting on film. First, I learned the importance of lighting. A lot of our realistic shots were overexposed, and it ruined the entire photo. Since you can’t see your photo until it is developed, it is so important to understand how the lighting is going to affect your photo when shooting on film. I felt like everything was much harder shooting on film because I could not see the outcome immediately after I took the picture and adjust for mistakes. However, it really made me think about and apply the basics that I learned in Intro to Production whereas when I shoot with a digital camera, I just shoot what I think looks good without really studying the elements of my composition and how the light falls on them. Also, I learned to be very careful when loading and unloading the film so that it does not accidentally get exposed to light.

- Cucalorus Pre-Event Intentions -

Intentions:

I hope to get a lot out of this experience—that’s why I chose to volunteer as a Screen Coordinator instead of just buying a pass/tickets. Through this experience, I hope to connect with other filmmakers and volunteers. I want to see a lot of wonderful short films because I think it will help me become a better screenwriter (Professor Monahan told us the best way to learn to write short films is to watch them). I also want to start thinking about Visions Film Festival & Conference. Since I will be taking the class in the spring, I want to use this opportunity for “research,” to take notice of things I like about Cucalorus that could potentially be applied to Visions. Lastly, I just want to go to have fun, talk to other filmmakers, and enjoy the experience of spending time with others who have a passion for film.

Plan of Action:

As a Screen Coordinator volunteer, I know that I will be attending several screenings including the “Paw Paw Shorts” on Thursday night, “Burning” and “8 Slices” on Friday night, and “Pink,” “Saint Bernard Syndicate,” and “United Skates” on Saturday night. Since I was not scheduled to volunteer on Sunday and I will be given a Film pass for volunteering as an SC, I will also go that day to see “Wild Nights with Emily” with a friend. I am also interested in seeing “This Changes Everything” as well as “Kumquat Shorts.”

3 Actionable Challenges:

1. Talk to the filmmaker(s) of every screening that I will be screen coordinating for.
2. Take the time to make friends with the people I will be volunteering with.
3. Explore every venue to see how things are set up instead of just going straight to the screening locations.