DD Shift

I am hearing the theme song from Underdog.

Here is a nice, short video called “Font Conference” that demonstrates both good and bad filming technique.  I have to admit that I laughed out loud when I watched it.  It might be a good thing to show students during the  technology filming unit to demonstrate:

• Use of stereotype in humor (not always funny – why or why not).
• Creative use of common settings to create a totally different atmosphere.
• Show that you can create something in 3 minutes with a definite beginning, middle and end
• Look at timing and detail – how often does the font name play a role?  How much time does a font name need to be on the screen for you to really absorb it?  Did they do a good job with each one?
• Use of specialized knowledge as humor — does it work?  Why or why not?  Is it good for the general public?  Why or why not?
• Camera angles:  especially with Times New Roman.  Why did they film the way that they did?
• Camera shots:  when shooting people, did they always do it “correctly”, or are we missing any body parts in places that make you feel uncomfortable as a viewer?

I am hearing the song “A Real Religious Man” by Mister Loco.  Ahhh Nacho…

This is just a footnote in my quest to find good shorts…  Here’s a list (actually a series of listsl) from Mental Floss called “Shorts that Don’t Suck“.

I am hearing the song “These Eyes” by Guess Who. Why this popped into my head, I will never know.

One of my favorite independent filmers of all times is Robjn Taylor. He and his friends have a blog. I’m marking it for posterity and convenience here. He put together a film back in the day called Pistachio Pudding. I have to grin when I say this film is inspiring.

I am hearing the song (quite against my will) “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne.

I found a cool blog that gave me some inspiration to learn more about the blue/green screen in filming. The blog is called Knight Shift. Mr. Knight spent some time with a group of elementary school kids and did some creative things with it. I have seen tutorials on how to use the screen with one of the pieces of software that I have, but I wasn’t inspired until I saw his blogs on the matter. I think I will try it out this summer!!  I need a relaxing project.