Holiday Lights with Adobe After Effects

Enjoy! I hope you have a safe and warm winter break! Also, if you can find more videos like this I'd love to see them, comment with the link...earn extra credit!

Fitz TV Production on YouTube!

It's finally happened! Miss Kelter created a YouTube page for the TV Production classes. On there you will find some of the best videos created by the Advanced and Intro classes this year. :) Make sure you login to YouTube, subscribe to the videos and add FitzTVProduction as your friend/contact. Leave comments on videos, or link to related videos. Under the "favorites" you'll find videos similar to class assignments, so check those out as well. Enjoy!

Inspiring Student Video

Young student Dalton Sherman delivers an inspiring message to teachers and students at the opening to his school year. Watching this video from a broadcast speech background, what speaking skills does he employ? What delivery tactics does he use to deliver his message and involve the audience in his presentation? How can you observe professionalism, and preparation in his performance? What tips about speaking in front of an audience can you learn from this remarkable boy? Your comments are welcome...

Interactive Dobpler LED Wall Turns Shadows Into Light

This past year, people walking through the pedestrian tunnel in Sandnes Sentrum, Norway were faced with the unique opportunity to watch their shadows transform into a beautiful luminous art show. Constructed as part of the city's European Capitol of Culture 2008 event, the Stromer is an interactive LED display wall that weaves a wonderful mixture of art, energy-efficiency and play into the fabric of a daily existence.

So, what do you think about this interactive art? What else might you consider interactive art? How might this concept transfer to video production? Your comments are welcome...

Shoot For A Scholarship

Become a "Courageous Persuader"... Just create a commercial to warn middle school students about the dangers of underage drinking. The competition is open to high school students only, who compete for scholarship money and a chance to air their commercial on TV.
Click for An "Official" example

An example geared toward college students:

A simpler concept:

An example from SADD:

Simple and the the point, I like this one:


So, think you have what it takes? Create your own 30 second PSA to stop underage drinking (your target audience is middle school kids). Check out the official rules at courageouspersuaders.com. Some things are not allowed (showing people drinking, brand name labels, names on tombstones, etc), so make sure you check it out.
Entry deadline, February 2009. Submit your videos to me in class, or directly online. Good luck!

Virtual Ball Pit

Fun with computer vision and 2D physics. Kevin Atkinson at work. His first solo exhibition opens in July at ArtSpeak Gallery.

Check it out...


How about this one called "Bouncy Pixels"...


I just thought this was pretty cool. How do you suspect he is making this happen? Can you find any other videos like this to share? If so, post them up!!

Michigan = The New Hollywood?

"Lights, Camera, Northern Michigan.” That is the buzz right now as the region is being considered for five major film projects with A-list producers, directors and actors. Currently a movie project starring Ray Liotta (Youth in Revolt) is being filmed in Frankfort in Benzie County. The interest in Northern Michigan for major film projects is due in part to the new film incentives package introduced by Governor Granholm and the legislature this past spring.

Another big attraction to Northern Michigan is the “film culture” created here by the Traverse City Film Festival. From the inception of the Festival its organizers, New York Times best selling author Doug Stanton, photographer David Williams and Oscar winning filmmaker Michael Moore envisioned their efforts would showcase the region as perfect for film projects. Moore’s Hollywood connection has helped to attract several producers, directors and stars to the Festival, all who have raved about the region.


Producer Bob Brown of Charity Island Films has been making movies in Michigan for 10 years and believes the state is perfect for film making. He worked for five years to get the incentives passed. Brown will be filming his latest movie “The Bassmaster” in Traverse City this September and October. He will have A-list actors and director Angelo Pizzo of “Hoosiers” and “Rudy” fame.

To help Northern Michigan communities prepare for the film industry, Stampfler is collaborating with Deb Havens of the West Michigan Film Video Alliance to host the Northern Michigan Film Forum, July 21-22. The two day event will include industry experts and a session titled “When Hollywood Comes To Town.”

To learn more about the July 21-22 Northern Michigan Film Forum contact Deb Havens at 616-885-2961. If you are interested in registering your services to be a part of the film industry in Michigan check out www.wmfva.org. To view the agenda and scheduled speakers visit michiganfilmnews.blogspot.com or mpami.org where you can register for the event. (Article by Rick Coates).

SO, what do these film incentives mean for Michigan? How will the economy be affected by the opening of production houses in our own state? Will Hollywood flock to the Mitten State? As a film student, you may be luckier than you think...how will you take advantage of the potential for opportunity right in your own backyard? Post links, discussion and advice for those looking to get involved...

Stop Motion Graffiiti to the Extreme!

Wow! When someone sent me the link to this amazing video I had to sit and reflect for quite a while after viewing it! I was so impressed with the fluid motion of the video, the incredible amount of time the video took to create and the awesome artistic vision that this artist posesses. Impressive! The video is seven minutes long (remember how hard it was for your one minute stop motions?!) and takes up an entire city block in Buenos Aires. Imagine the labor! I think the people who occasionally sneak into the shots actually add to the effect and realism of the video rather than detract from its technical ability. If the video does not appear below, then just click on the title of this blog to be taken directly to the video. After viewing let me know your reaction and your first thoughts...


MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.


Also, check out this new one I just found, kind of combines the sand art from an earlier post with the stop motion and cartoon theme from the wall art above.

Picking A Topic

One of the most difficult tasks in creating a video, writing a speech, or even blogging online seems to be getting started! Well, there are a wealth of online resources created to help you, it's just up to you to determine what qualifies as a "good" topic, and what is just garbage! In order to determine what a good topic is, you should ask yourself these questions:
1. What is the purpose of my speech/video/essay? Make sure your topic fits within the purpose or specific assignment. Good informative topics tend to include items from your favorite activities, recipes, etc. Good persuasive topics tend to include controversial issues, volunteer opportunities and major causes.
2. What do you already know about? Some of the best topics are those with which we are already familiar! Think about your daily activities, groups, clubs, etc. How can you expand on what you already know?
3. What would my audience like to hear/see? Remember that your purpose may be to entertain, inform or persuade an audience, so analyze the audience you will be targeting. What are their demographics? Interests? What topics might appeal to them? What information do you feel they NEED to know?

Where can you look for topics? Try brainstorming your own interests first. If you are still stuck, pick up a newspaper and glance through some of the headlines. Surf the web to find some ideas online.
Remember that good speech/video topics are ones you are interested in yourself, and ones that are easy to research/film!
Good Speech Topics
List of Speech Topics
Video Ideas
Video Project Ideas

What's Next? Options after High School...

I just received an email that inspired me to write this blog. Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts has developed a new program specifically for graphic design. The program is 12 months, but you only attend class twice a week. The rest is done at home on your own copy of Adobe Creative Suite 3! Last night I attended the open house to promote the program and I was very impressed. The current trend in the industry is a strong push for editors who can write flash and work with video content online. If you find yourself versed in Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator and Flash you could have your pick when it comes to jobs or freelancing. Potential employers like Grace & Wild (post production house in metro Detroit) are offering incredible starting salaries for editors with a versatile demo reel. Employers at local news stations are asking for people who can help keep their web sites up to date with video and streaming media. I can't stress to you enough the importance of building a broad portfolio. What you experience at Fitzgerald is just a taste of the opportunities that are out there. During your classes in Advanced TV Production I try my best to bring speakers from different walks of life who represent various career pathways associated with TV/Video/Graphics/Animation/Etc. Here are some links so you can peruse online and maybe determine where your post secondary years will lead you. Good luck and remember to always stay in touch!

Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts - Students who have taken TV Production at Fitzgerald High School are eligible for the $2500 scholarship and an accelerated course schedule. Specs Howard is an 8 or 12 month technical school located in Southfield with classes in Radio, Broadcasting, TV, and Graphic Design.

Motion Picture Institute - This one year technical school focuses specifically on film, and is geared toward aspiring directors and filmmakers. Their site also has sample student films. Check it out!

Full Sail - If you don't feel like staying in Michigan, Full Sail has already housed some of Fitzgerald's graduates. One of the best film schools in the nation, this school is located in Orlando, Florida!

The Art Institutes - Now with a campus in Novi, the Art Institute offers a private university setting for specific concentration on TV Production, Graphic Design, Art, Photography and more...

Central Michigan University - Being an alum, I am partial to the broadcasting program at Central. The campus is smaller than Michigan State or UofM but still gives you that "going away to college" experience. With state of the art Radio, TV and Broadcasting facilities, their program is top notch for those looking for a four year degree.

College for Creative Studies - Perfect for those who want to stay local with a focus on the artistic aspect of design. You need a strong portfolio to be accepted, but this is definitely one of the top art schools in our area.

Wayne State University - Again for those who want to stay local, but still get that four year college degree, Wayne offers a great TV Production and Broadcasting program, and you can live on campus or commute!

I will come back and update this blog with comments as other programs are developed and promoted. Please feel free to provide your own links and share feedback with your experiences at these institutions.

Boost Mobile Commercial

Check out the behind the scenes video for the making of this Boost Mobile Commercial featuring Young Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri and Mickey Avalon. Click the title of this blog to be taken to the YouTube video site. After asking these artists to create a song to feature, production began to work on creating the ultimate commercial. Filming in front of a green screen, each artist was then added to a background created using Adobe After Effects, using the camera and lighting features to create a 3D effect. As an additional editing program, we have barely tapped the resources of Adobe After Effects. You may want to spend some time with this useful tool and figure out how you can spice up the flavor in your videos! Some helpful links...
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects Tutorials
Creating an Explosion
You Tube Examples of Adobe After Effects
Check it out. If you find any other examples, post them! I'd love to see us utilize this program more! All it takes is a little time and a little interest...

Video Contests

So you've made a bunch of videos. What's next? Well, how about putting your videos to work and entering into a film competition? It's really easy to enter, and we might be able to help pay any entry fees! Just make sure the video is in the required format. You can create a new video to meet the requirements, or use a video you have already made. I know you've got it in you, now why not win some money and recognition as well?! Here are a couple of contests currently underway...

2nd Annual Green Screen Environmental Film Contest

MADD Sponsors "Party Safe, Party Sober"

Student Filmmakers Listing of Contests

SchoolTube Monthly Contests

Design a T-Shirt for Honest Foods ($500 scholarship)

Make a Video. Win $10,000. Fuel the Change Video Contest

I Heart Tap Water Student Video Contest

Also, if you find any other video contests that you would like to share, please post the link. Let me know what you are thinking of submitting and I can help you fill out the application and all that fun stuff. We can even ship it right from school or upload it from our studio. Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you decide to submit!!

Novi High School prank leads to Lifetime movie

Novi grad has the last laugh,'Queen Sized': Film pays off; teen is no longer butt of joke. Click the link above to read the Free Press article about a Novi High School student's experience that became a made-for-TV movie. Find an interview with the star Nikki Blonsky by clicking the link at the end of this blog.
After reading the article and watching the video, what is your reaction? If there was a made-for-TV movie about your high school, whose story might they tell? Who might be cast in the leading role? What do you feel are the benefits of this movie? How might the movie influence students and their behaviors toward each other? What else do you think television can do to help students learn how to be successful and respectful adults? Can you find any other Michigan students who have influenced television or film? Let me know what you think...

Sand Art

Check out this sand art video. How cool is that?! What kind of board/surface do you think they are using? Could you create something like this? Have you ever seen anything like this before? If you find any related videos, post the link, I would definitely be interested in seeing that! Does this inspire you? What did you first think when you read the title "sand art"?

Job Opportunity

U-Score.net is an online high school sport community where you can view games, player stats and track your favorite schools. They are also hiring sixteen high school filmers! Get paid good money to go to high school sport games and film local teams. Then, publish the games online. The supplies (laptop, camera) are provided. In order to be considered you need to put together a resume. Use Microsoft Word's Resume Wizard and include the TV Production classes as your experience. Also, include a 1-2 paragraph explanation of why you want the job and why you would be the best candidate. Make sure you have reliable transportation...you can't call in because you don't have a ride that day. If you are interested see Mr. Carter in the Career Center by the end of this week! Check out these interview tips ahead of time... http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgtw4c6m_1dtvvh5c4

School Tube Videos

Check out this awesome site geared toward high school broadcasting and video production classes. It's like YouTube...but it's SCHOOLTube!

http://www.schooltube.com/default.aspx

Teachers can upload videos created by their students with a link to their high school. Navigate your way around the site and witness the many different genres of videos. There are also monthly video contests with specific guidelines for entry and there is always a general entry contest as well. Your video just might be good enough to be featured and win prizes!

http://www.schooltube.com/page163059.aspx (Contest Link)

Let me know what you think about the site. Check out four or five videos and if you find one that impresses you, post the link in your comment so we can all check it out. What makes the video good? Does it give you an idea for a video you may want to create in the future?

There's also a cool section with tutorial videos and web resources... check it out for reference!

http://www.schooltube.com/page1314728.aspx

How about uploading some of your videos to represent Fitzgerald? If you have a suggestion for a video we should upload, let me know! Then I can login and post it. Also, can you find the videos we have already shared on School Tube?

Let There Be Light!

Click the link in the title for an article from WIRED magazine.

Check out this concept - "colorful light graffiti comes to life without leaving behind any paint". This creative team has set out to revolutionize street graffiti and independent video. Sampled here, their shorts have given light to new concepts in stop motion and digital video.

What do you think of their creations? How do you think they produced these videos? What do you think went into the production process during filming and post? If you were to borrow this concept for your video what might you do? Can you find any related videos that utilize the same fundamental elements? Or add any articles that seem to be related to this discussion? OR give your review - are you impressed? Why/why not? Educational and professional critiques only please!