10:The overalls experience
I would consider my time at DOM an extremely rewarding experience. This is the first experience I’ve had in the art community, where I’ve actually felt like my goals were closer within reach than I had previously though. Instead of talking about how I want to learn how to make my own video productions one day; I’m already working on two. One of them being a solo production.
Before starting I had assumed everything would be far more complicated. I had imagined a very busy and fast pace environment when in fact, everything was quite calm. There was nothing I needed to know that someone wouldn’t be happy to teach me. I also didn’t expect to meet so many cool people. The environment turned out to be far more diverse than I had expected.
The most important learning I did in my time there would be editing. The only thing holding me back from producing work I had planned before was the resources and knowledge required to edit the videos i wanted to make. But now that I’m learning to produce my own work, I’ve become my only limit to success as an independent artist until more is to come of it.
9:inspiration
I wouldn’t say it’s just one thing I’ve seen or experienced during my time at DOM that inspired me; but just seeing different artists come with such different passions but the same drive. The communication amongs the members is phenomenal. Whenever I get a chance to sit and listen to someone explain what is it they do and why they do it, I can’t help but find a way to relate. Also the attention they give me whenever I share my passion, just shows that shared respect and acknowledgement amongst artists. These interaction alone constantly inspire me. But with good conversation come an expansion of perspective. This has led me to try and incorporate other people’s passions into my own in a way to stay true individuality but relate to a larger spectrum.
8: Final project progress
My internship project took a last minute turn but I feel far more optimistic about the outcome. The project began as a documentary about police brutality and accountability; which was to be followed up by a live show post production. When I spoke with my sponsor about the project she gave me very good advice regarding skills and techniques to be used in field cinematography, photography, and live productions. But the advice that stuck with me the most and actually led me to change my project in the last month of my internship; was from one of our guest speakers at out monthly Bringing Back the Arts meeting. She mentioned that one of the most important things to do when working in an artistic environment, is to fall in love with the process. This is why I’ve decided to record a short that shows what’s behind a production and all of the work that results in a 45 minute masterpiece(sometimes). At my internship when working with the youth group is when I would be able to learn and improve on my videography and build all of the skills I will have to incorporate into my final project. There are also a few more things I have to learn in adobe premier and audition before I can edit the video as intended. Which means taking more classes (slowly claps hands with the mentality of a graduate). Unfortunately I haven’t gotten into deep discussion with Ann about my project. Mostly because she’s always dealing with a thousand problems and doing her best not to wrinkle her cape. But without the time spent talking about my project, our connection is evolving to more of a collaborative mentor ship than teacher-student. I feel like this will continue after my internship as well. The only trouble I’m having regarding my project would be the internet at DOM always shutting down. But I should be able to get around this if I do the editing at school on my own time.
7: Independent projects vs. creative business.
Whenever I start an independent project each step I take is at my own pace. But most importantly, I have creative control over what I’m doing. They’re all my ideas and plans. In my time at open media I’ve been forced to learn how to take an idea you’re assigned (Hired for in the actual work force) and roll with it. All of my skills, knowledge and creativity are being directed towards that foreign idea. Not to mention I have to plan every step within a deadline. For example, at this point in my internship I do not know who I’m going to be interviewing in the live show/ one on one interviews… but I know I’m going to be interviewing someone within the next three to four weeks. Working on my own projects I’ve never been forced to stand face to face with a deadline so short. Fortunately I get to work with I team which has brought me to learn far more professional communication habits than I had practiced before. To sum it up, I would say the difference between an individual art project and working for a creative busines, is the task being focused on, the time you have to do so and most importantly your motive.
6: Treatment in the work place/what I’ve learned
whenever I go to open media I’m welcomed with the same expression and greeting (all of which are very polite). I’m treated with a level of respect somewhat competitive to my own. Asking for help is the easiest thing since whoever I ask seems to be more than happy to run me through anything I haven’t learned yet which really makes my life easier. I can easily say that open media is unlike any work environment I’ve been in. That’s saying a lot considering the various work places i’ve been a part of (probably not a good thing). But for future reference; if I were to ever hire an intern, I could only hope I could show them the same patience as I was shown. Yet I have no doubt the the respect would be equivalent. I’ve learned a bit about editing and more about cinematography and the actual art integrated into a production. All of which was taught to me by my coworkers. But being around artist younger than me has been the most beneficial learning experience so far. I’ve learned a lot regarding the broadcasting portion as well. I’ve spent a lot of time learning to ingest new material and schedule shows for days to weeks ahead. Every once in a while I’ll pick up a new skill or technique in premier or photoshop from one of the other interns. This is pretty much the easiest job when it comes to socializing.
5:Highlights,lowlights and connections…
I feel like my internship has been the most hands on learning experience I’ve had in production. My time there has gotten gradually more comfortable with each visit. The greatest highlight of working at open media is working with the youth group. This is the only chance I really get to put my creativity to use and have an impact on an entire project. This is also when Anne and I probably enjoy each others company the most. I feel like I’ve made connections with most of the melenials I work with since it’s easy to relate to them, but I’ve probably made the greatest connection with Anne. When we get a chance to discuss our current project our creativity collides and we often times end up having conversations with each other while unintentionally disregarding everyone else. The only lowlight to my internship is my lack of preparation. I feel that it would’ve been very useful to have learned the basics to adobe premier before having started interning. Fortunately, all of the information I need in order to operate the program efficiently is in johns brain. Which means all I have to do is find time to take a class. To improve my experience I should be more knowledgeable of the things I don’t know, so that I can begin learning them for when the knowledge is required. Like trouble shooting before the trouble arrives.
How I’ve benefited from open media
First I have to apologize for the title but I have to save a little creativity for later. Now that I have reached a comfortable position at open media my days there seem a lot easier. But I’ve noticed a large increase in confidence, not necessarily in myself but in my work. Not only have I been obsessing over how much I have to learn in order to take full advantage of what Denver Open Media has to offer; but I’ve been writing new material and setting learning goals according to what I plan to produce. I’ve been extremely inspired to be so close to people who’s daily lives are surrounded by art. More specifically my preferred form and outlet. Anne has also become one of my favorite human beings. Both because of how easy she is to learn from, and the example she sets in her work place. I’ve already learned a lot from her that I know will become routine very quickly. The experience in general has been great so far.
How do your actions effect your work place? Do you contribute positively? How do your co-workers actions affect your internship? Which ones are you connecting with?:
Lately I feel that I’ve only been helpful on Wednesdays when I get to work with the youth group. Tuesday’s require me to be an expert in areas I don’t have experience in. With the production staff always busy and John always having s class to teach, I haven’t gotten a chance to learn much. I’ve been trying to direct my actions towards finding tasks when there’s nothing for me to do. Being able to talk to my coworkers about art is always beneficial when it comes to maintaining motivation. However I do have to be around people I have very little in common outside of our artistic mentalities. The only two interns I had a chance to get to know are no longer there on Tuesdays since they’ve both finished the required 200 hours for the membership so I have to start from scratch getting to know two knew interns. I’ve been feeling optimistic about it.
Highlight of the week: we got a few new members to work with at the youth group and had a pretty good time on Wednesday. Everyone got a chance to transition between jobs in the studio for a live show practice. We worked with graphics, sound, lighting (which was kinda difficult), and floor managing. By the end of the meeting we got a chance to watch the edited footage of our short narrative from the previous week. It was a very good feeling being around people younger than me who have developed similar passions. Most of them tend to be pretty introverted so I try to be a lively example to make things more fun and force conversation and interaction amongst new members. Hopefully our next project will force us to all to grow on each other and lead to a good live show towards the end of my internship.
So far so good: In the last couple weeks at open media I’ve been able to meet both new and long term members of the organization. I’ve also had a chance to get to know a bit about their art as well. I’ve seen culinary artist come in and record demonstrations and lessons. I’ve also seen pastors come in to rent out equipment to record their services. The most interesting part of open media has to be discovering other people’s passions and leaning what drives their art. The second best part would have to be the fact that I get to completely geek out on adobe and learn new editing software. Along with that I’ve just been continuing to get familiar with the production equipment and usage of each device/accessory. On Wednesdays when I get to work with the youth group, not only do I have the chance to be a part of a fun learning environment but I get a chance to improve on my own production skills and take advantage of my individual creativity. lately we’ve been working on shorts that we can write shoot and begin editing in one day. After a very unenthusiastic conversation we decided on our first story to be about a 23 year only man who still believes the floor is lava. As you can probably imagine it was a lot of fun for all of us to shoot and a good chance for me to get back into the swing of improv, which I haven’t practiced since my last performance my sophomore year. I’m looking very forward to tomorrow.