Reflection on Pre-Production

As always, this week has been somewhat exhausting. There is always so much to do.

Found on pinterest.

Same, Chris.

I feel like pre-production week is among the heaviest because I have to pick a topic, do extensive research, and organize everything.

In the end though, the effort put into this week always makes it easier to continue the project over the following weeks.

With that said, it's time for my favorite activity-- reflection!

What were some successes?

• Well, it's Sunday at noon, I am not stressing too much about this week. This is a first.

• I was able to plan out production week and have some buffer room in case something happens.

• I have fully realized this project will be the most difficult for me. The video essay editing and software I will have to use are going to stress me out, there is no doubt about this. But knowing this enables me to be more prepared.

• I pinpointed issues that are important to me and learned a bit more about myself.

• I realized I have gotten better at organizing blog posts, hyperlinking, and creating outlines. Woohoo for these skills

What were some challenges?

• Time!!!! I can never have enough of it. I always have a lot to do and with projects like these, I want to have enough time to just sit and think through my options. I felt rushed to pick a topic and complete everything. It wasn't a fun experience.

• Picking a topic!!! I did not expect it to be this hard. I had a lot of fantastic options to chose from, but I just...couldn't. I wanted to do them all, and it was hard to choose.

• Making the production schedule was difficult, because I realized how much I have to do and how little time I have. It's mildly upsetting. But at least I'm organized about it now!

How do you think next week will go, based on your experience this week?

• I think next week's success is dependent on how I stick to the production schedule and how early I begin finding still images. I think the filming will occur later in the week just because it is more difficult and I still have to think more about what still image:video balance I want.

• Next week will run smoothly though, because I know what my topic is and what I want to accomplish.

• It will still be difficult because I will have to make more creative choices on how to structure the video essay. And I'm pretty bad at making these decisions.

How are you feeling about the project overall at this point?

• I'm excited!!! (like, three exclamation points excited)

• Fun fact, I used to want to be a writer/director/photographer. I used to make "movies" that were somewhat like video essays. I'm excited to pick that up again. 

• I feel like I haven't had the chance to be this creative and to just create stuff in my previous English classes. It is refreshing to do things besides writing essays.

• I am fully aware that this project will be difficult, but I also know it will be fun.

Production Schedule P3

Now that I know what my topic is and have a content outline, it is time to organize my time.

"Clock". 12/24/14 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain.

Every project, this has been my biggest weakness. I always feel like I run out of time.

My goal for this video essay is to not feel so intensely rushed. I want to find enough time to be able to work on it calmly and creatively.

My production schedule can be found here.

Content Outline P3

Have I mentioned before how much I love outlines?

"Compass". 8/27/14 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain.

Outlines make me feel so organized and put together. The process of making outlines is stressful, though.

Anyways, a copy of my outline can be found here.

Peer Review for Elizabeth Hernandez

For the second part of peer review this week, I looked for someone in a different section who is making a podcast, because I made one for project 2 and want to pass on some tips.

"Startup". 5/21/14 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain.

 I looked over Elizabeth's Rhetorical Analysis and left some brainstorming/outlining/resource recommendations, which can be found here.

How my feedback helped the author:

• I left the following suggestions

• Explicitly state argument

• The purpose of project 3 is to make an argument on an issue, argue what the cause of the issue is, or argue for a solution to the issue

• Elizabeth has a lot of content to work with, but I suggested she write her argument down so it can guide the way she constructs her content outline

• Learn how to use audio software sooner rather than later

• I suggested she conduct a practice run so she can familiarize herself with the program

• This will also avoid damaging the podcast halfway through production

•  When making the content outline, add in parenthesis how that information is going to be delivered

• Use this as a checklist to ensure all podcast conventions are included

I hope my feedback helped Elizabeth by bringing up issues she may face in the future and how to tackle them. I think organization is key to success in these projects. By explicitly stating her argument, she will be able to make a great content outline. And in that content outline, she can be specific on what conventions to place where, which will lead to smooth post-production.

How I incorporated course materials into my feedback:

The suggestions I left are based purely on the Project 3 Guide. I felt like the rhetorical analysis was missing a central argument, which is the goal of project 3 --to make an argument. So once that is put into place, everything will run smoothly.

One thing I admired and can learn from:

I like that the content from the rhetorical analysis is broad yet focused. I know I want my project to focus on the media, but I have a lot of ideas floating around. Elizabeth has narrowed her project down to interracial couple representation, which allows her freedom to expand and go in different directions, but it is still grounded on one topic. I can definitely learn from this, by picking something more specific for my own project.

Peer Review for Jianna LoCricchio

I'm so used to peer editing drafts of projects, it took me by surprise to see we have to peer edit pre-production content for this project. There are definitely some benefits to this though, because it allows us to catch any mistakes before we start creating a draft.

"Notebook". 1/8/16 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain.

I looked over Jianna's Content Outline for her video essay and left some outline suggestions, which can be found here.

How my feedback helped the author:

• I left the following suggestions

• Pick transitions that give the audience a quick break between content sections

• Consider including self into video

• Think about how to open and conclude the video essay, these are very important segments

• Add in parenthesis how that content is going to be presented in form, this will make production easier

I think I was able to help Jianna by suggesting she combine content and form into her outline. I think this will make it much easier to begin production next week. I think she has all the necessary content and probably doesn't need to do much additional research, so the form is definitely priority now, especially since it is a big part of the overall grade for the project.

How I incorporated course materials into my feedback:

I mostly left suggestions based on the form and conventions I saw in the Video Essay examples on D2L. Jianna has the content down, so it is best for her to move onto form and start thinking about that, especially the transitions, music, and whether or not she wants to appear in the video.

One thing I admired and can learn from:

The content was wonderfully displayed. It is very organized. I like that she added links to her sources, this will help production week run smoothly. I should definitely add this to my outline.

Rhetorical Analysis of Project 3

Project 3 is a public argument. One thing I like about this project is that we can pick any topic that interests us, regardless of its connection to our majors.

On the one hand, this is awesome! I can pick whatever I want, anything that excites me or that I feel strongly about. On the other hand, I feel strongly about a lot of things, how will I ever decide?

"Possibilities". 7/19/14 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain.

In order to decide what topic works best for me, I have to rhetorically analyze my current situation and figure out what unique perspectives I can bring to an argument.

Author

What will you draw on? Be specific about how your plans for project 3 connect to some previous, current, or burgeoning interest of yours.

• I watch a lot of TV.
• I know a lot about Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, and countless other shows I can watch on Netflix (and I remember a lot of details)

• I have recently become more interested in film, so maybe media portrayal is something I could argue for under the right circumstances

• I've always been interested in animal rights, I used to have a blog on a website for it (I think it was dodo). It never became popular and I didn't write much, but its an issue I've always been passionate about

• I used to photograph a lot, but I stopped after freshman year of high school. It would be cool if I could find something related to that.

• I know a lot about psychology, so I could definitely focus on something revolving it.

• Social justice is a big topic, and I try to stay on top of current events concerning it. 

What are some preconceptions, previously held opinions, or potential areas for bias that you should be aware of?

• I tend to be very opinionated on the TV shows that I watch, so I am kind of scared I will end up arguing for something and then realize my bias is getting in the way

• I already think the media does not entirely portray mental illness in the best way, so that is one thing I should keep in mind.

Audience

How are you thinking about your audience? Who are they?

• I am thinking of my audience as the general public, to be honest. I don't think a particular group will be more interested than others. 

• I want to pick a topic that most people will care about because it is present in their lives. I do not want it to be too specific to one group, I feel like this will reduce the effect.

• I am generally thinking of my audience as being my age, or somewhere between 16-26.

What beliefs and assumptions might this audience already hold? What positions do they hold on this issue? How will you respond to that position?

• I think a lot of people have already heard of social justice movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, and have already formed their own opinions on it, which can be either good or bad. I will have to respond to this by explaining the movement first and then going on to make my argument.

• If I focus on media/TV, I have to think about the fact that some people will have seen some shows and some won't. I have to be able to explain it and then move onto my argument. Also, like myself, other people may be firm in their chance, so I cannot focus on changing minds. Rather, opening room for thought should be the goal.

• If I focus on animal rights, some people may not know about all the laws and regulations that impact animal rights issues. Sometimes they won't even hold a position. I need to address this by explaining the background as thoroughly as possible.

• Overall, I need to focus on the fact that regardless of how much the audience knows about a topic, it is very probable that they already have a stance on it. So I have to give background information, allow them to take a stance there, and then make my argument and focus on explaining it. I cannot openly try to change minds, that will backfire.

How might they react to your argument?

• My main arguments for the possible topics I might cover are as follows (put as simply as possible)

• TV in the media

• Criminal Minds - responsibility of both audience and producers to prevent desensitization

• How I Met Your Mother - the finale was terrible, the writing shows poor flexibility

• Grey's Anatomy - it should probably end soon, I love the show, but there are not a lot of places to go 

• Reaction to these- half and half, people will either agree or disagree, there is not middle ground unless you have not seen the shows

• Animal rights

• Ringling Bros - needs to shut down elephant shows ASAP

• Reaction - I think most people will agree, especially since there is a lot of footage of the animal abuse

•  Mental illness in media

• Criminal Minds - ehh, could do better, but at the same time, the audience is also responsible

• Grey's - kind of dismisses these things (Arizona's PTSD, Dr. Dixon disappeared)

• Reaction - also half and half, people will probably believe one side has a bigger role than the other though

How are you going to relate or connect with your audience? Specific words, ideas or ways of arguing?

• I think establishing credibility through personal stories/involvement is the way to go

• I should mention my interest in the topic and show I know a lot about it within the first few minutes and last few minutes of the video essay especially

Think of one specific person or set of people you know personally or professionally who fall within the definition of 'target audience'. What can you tell them in order to convince them of your perspective? What would need to happen for them to agree with you?

• One of my best friends, Keisha, is studying Psychology and Family Studies at CMU; she knows A LOT about social justice and mental illnesses

• She is the same age as me and watched a lot of the same shows and follows the same social justice movements as I do

• To convince her of my point, I would set up the background and then move onto the first claim

• Then, I would move onto proposed solutions, because I think this is what will really resonate with her the most because it offers a solution (as opposed to me just writing about why an issue is an issue)

• In order for her to agree with me, I will have to demonstrate I know a lot about the topic, aka I need a lot of resources that will help me address the issue from all sides and viewpoints

Purpose/Message

What do you want to accomplish with project 3? What affect do you want it to have on your intended audience?

• I do not think it is realistic to expect my project to change most of the audience's minds. I want to provide the audience with accurate, interesting information that will allow them to think of an issue from a different perspective and come up more additions to my proposals or something along those lines.

• I want the audience to also consider the cause of the issue and how to "nip it in the bud"

• In addition, I want to convince the audience of the importance of an issue, and to convince them that some sort of change (possibly the solution I have to offer) is necessary

What still needs to be accomplished?

• Other research

• I need to find videos and still images! I looked through a lot of print media sources just to gather possible sources, but now that I have narrowed down the topics that interest me the most, I need to make sure I will have enough to work with once I commit to a topic.

• I should find more primary sources, to make my arguments stronger and more credible.

• People will need to be reminded of

• The fundamental truths of the topic as well as definitions

• For example, if I decide to focus on animals rights, I will have to define animal abuse and remind the audience of what laws have been passed as well as which ones are in process

• Perspectives that need to be addressed

• Definitely first hand/primary accounts 

• For example, if I focus on the portrayal of autism in the media, I should incorporate the opinions of film critics who are autistic because they provide a unique perspective.

• Info left to gather

• Background info! You can never really have enough of it. The background info is what usually leads to the underlying cause. And from there, possible solutions can arise.

Genre

• For this project, I am making a Video Essay!

• I expect the audience to be around my age, so I feel like they will have rather high expectations. I should add all video essay conventions in a sophisticated, clean manner, because people my age can really pick up on those details. And also, the more aesthetically pleasing a video is, the easier it is to become engaged in it. 

• My history with this genre is...limited. When I was younger, I made a of of those Windows Movie Maker videos. I made the digital version of scrapbooks. I would play photos with background music and a few videos I think. So, I am familiar with the program, but I still need to learn a lot more to succeed on this project. 

• Comfort level? Feeling like Piglet from Winnie the Pooh right now. Extremely nervous. I am not tech savvy at all. But at the same time, I am excited! I think I will learn a lot about whatever topic I choose and I will also figure out a new way to portray information in a new way. I am actually kind of glad we haven't only been writing essays in this class. Sure, that would have been a lot easier, but also a lot less fun. 

• Top two most effective conventions of the genre

• Visual stimulation

• If done properly, this will make it 10x easier for the audience to become engaged and pay attention. I love documentaries because of this. I feel like I learn more by seeing things.

• Transitions

• I can transitions to break the project into segments. This will make my argument easier to follow and will give the audience small breaks in between to process all the info and form their opinions. 

When

Are there any historical events that might impact how your audience perceives your argument? Or necessary background information?

• The background varies depending on the topic, which I have not yet chosen. But I have narrowed it down to media.

• Information that is necessary for audiences to know include:

• Background of shows, laws, bills, etc.

• Definitions of keywords such as "mental illness", "voluntarism", etc.

• What groups are involved in the issue and what they think

Who else is talking about this topic? (hyperlink over each one)

• CNN
• Social justice 

• The Artifice
• So much info on TV shows

• Psychology Today
• Anything on mental illness can be found here

• New York Post
• Endless Reviews

What are 3-4 major counter arguments you'll have to respond to?

• Watching violent TV leads to desensitization.

• Response: People can choose what to watch. If something is too violent, can always watch something else.

• Found here

•   Why is there such an emphasis on this #BlackLivesMatter movement? Why isn't is #AllLivesMatter?

• Response: Yes, all lives do matter. But statistically, more people of color are arrested and subjected to more police brutality. The "Black Lives Matter" movement does not disregard non-black lives at all. 

• Found here

•  Volunteers only travel internationally to get good Instagram pictures.

• Response: Is it really all that bad to share one's experience? The pictures being shared are raising awareness. Not every person posts pictures to raise awareness, but a lot of people do. We cannot label an entire group of people this way.

• Found here

Research Report

You know that quote from Spider-man? With great power comes great responsibility?

Found on "Mean Joe".

That's kind of how I feel right now. I have the power to choose whatever topic I want, but that is a lot of pressure! I don't know what topic to commit to.

Well, I compiled a list of possible sources and analyzed them independently.

The beautiful list can be found here.

Hopefully having all sources and topics organized this way will help me make a choice!