Author: Mia Swanson

Since we finished our first short film last week it was time for us to start our second short film. This film is about youth violence prevention. So we went through the same steps we took during the last film, however this time production went a lot faster since we didn’t have to go through training. We brainstormed ideas and began to write our scripts. We also were given a more strict assignment. In our film we need to have a narrator, story that is more informative, and we need to break the fourth wall. So far this new task is fairly simple though it is a step up from last week’s film. I’m looking forward to being given more challenges.

Today was the last day of film making meaning that we spent the whole day editing. When we first started editing our fellow co-workers would stop by to look over our shoulders. A few of them said that they didn’t understand it and that changed once we finished editing. It’s always fun to see all the miscellaneous clips turn into the film you imagined it to be. I’m very proud of the short film that my group and I created.

Today my favorite part of making a film happened, production.  Today was the time we had to film, which means everything had to be done quickly. I enjoy having a short deadline because it makes everyone focused and I find it exhilarating. My job was cameraman, co-director, and an extra if needed. I was comfortable in these positions  , though next film I hope to do something that I’m more clueless about. After a long day of rapid rounds of “Quiet on set! Camera! Action! Cut!”, our group final got to “That’s a wrap!”.  From what was captured today I have no doubt that the footage will come out well for our group’s very first short film.

Today felt almost routine. Everyone knew each other to a certain extent and at this point we understood what was expected of us. Today was a special day however, we got into our groups (audio, graphics, and film)! When we got into our groups it felt as though that we were actually working as in, hands on about to make something happen, kind of work. It felt good to be given a project to drive you though the day. Today was the first step to making change.

Saturday was different from the other two days this first week. For one, we meet at a different location, and from working in an office the majority of our job week, the change in scenery was nice. The past two days were more informational while Saturday seemed more like taking action. We split up into groups on the oddly chilly summer afternoon and went door knocking. We promoted B.A.L.L (bicultural active living lifestyle) by going door to door asking people for permission to spray paint Asian Media Access’s logo along with the word “Exercise” in different languages on the sidewalk. Doing this act was very bonding to the community and my fellow coworkers. Although that act was fun I’m more excited to actually get my hands on some spray paint.

Today was more productive and lively than yesterday. We started to bond more with each other. Everyone is slowly but surly becoming more comfortable. We talked about the difficulties of maintaining a budget and how many people in the United States have a hard time balancing their money. We talked about the meaning of culture and being bicultural. At the very end of the day we took a survey on which group we wanted to be in for the rest of the summer; film, audio, or graphics. This was particularly exciting because this meant the physical work was about it begin.

Much like the first day of school, my first day of work was very similar. You get to hear everyone’s names, even though there are too many to fully grasp in one day. After that you get the run down of what is going to happen. Followed by the expectations. This introduction piece of the day lasts for only a short period of time. The rest of the day consisted of the majority gazing at their phone screens. While others draw, stare off into space, or desperately attempt to make small talk. Overall, I believe that there’s not much to report. Today was a typical first day. I particularly enjoy these days, because you’re still unsure of what is actually going to happen. I’m excited of the days that are to come.