After completing Video Essay, three VOs and VOSOTVOs, I feel less nervous about my performance, writing and editing skills. However, no improvement will be noticed if Dr. Collins did not give us a critique.
Our first video assignment was a Video Essay. It probably sounds easy and not a lot of work to do; however, I felt I had to do my best to show Dr. Collins my filming and editing skills. I did not have issues filming this video essay; I actually enjoyed it because I spent a couple of hours at South Park filming children playing and having fun on a warm day. When I began editing my footage, I did not have any troubles. For some reason, I felt confident. Though, my challenge was to pick good shots. I always tend to have a lot of footage, which makes it harder for me to pick the best shots. Despite this, I put b-rolls together and began writing my script. I will admit that it was challenging to keep 3C's in mind. I revised my lead and tag several times to make it more concise and conversational. But, I think I was able to accomplish it. When it was the day to present, I did not feel as nervous as I felt during my first VO and VOSOTVO. After Dr. Collins gave a critique to me based on my work, it was mostly a positive feedback. I felt happy inside because I was able to accomplish the first goal. However, more work was ahead of me; I faced many challenges.
Our next assignment that was slightly different from a Video Essay was the first VO and VOSOTVO. This assignment also was quite challenging for me to complete. As Dr. Collins said at the beginning, 'You always need to have a plan A, B, C, and D.' So, since that day I try to follow her advice. When I decided to film my VO and VOSOTVO on the Virtual Reality event, I got so excited. I reserved the equipment, contacted a coordinator two days before the event began, and had a good spirit. However, when it was the day to film, the coordinator emailed me and said that the event got postponed. I felt desperate at that moment, but I had to follow with a plan B. So, I decided to do a story about this year's flue activity. First I contacted the Watkins Health Center, but the administrator told me that all the physicians were busy and could not have time for an interview. After I heard it, I began to panic. I only had half of the day to find a story idea and film it. Then, a couple of my co-workers told me that there was a Career Fair going on at the Union. So, I rushed to grab my equipment and go to the Union. I got a lot of footage that day; but I didn't know how it turned out. When I got back to my office, I checked my footage right away and felt some sort of relief. Next day, I began a writing and editing process. When it was the day to perform, I felt nervous. I was not confident in my story. I read through the script so quick, I believe, and I stumbled a couple of times. My timing did not work out either, and I also did not have a patting at the end. Another problem was overlaying a SOT with a b-roll that didn't make any impact on the video. I also realized after watching my video that my edits were too quick. But, I learned something new and keep carrying it on with me.
https://youtu.be/xoH9hDpO8e0 – VoSotVo
https://youtu.be/FsqcI51-vmQ – VO
The second VO and VOSOTVO felt less stressful or challenging, though I experienced some troubles as well. What I liked the most about this assignment was the individual time that we had with Dr. Collins. She was able to explain each student what she or he needs to improve or continue working on. Personally, I found it beneficial to my work. The original idea for my second VO and VOSOTSO was supposed to be a celebration of Chinese New Year at the Plaza Library. However, this plan fell through because I was not allowed to film inside the library. Then, when I came to Kansas City for the weekend, I had no choice but to film something there. Fortunately, weakened turned out to be nice and warm; that's when I realized that it could be a great story to film. I came down to Loose Park in Kansas City and began gathering footage. It was an enjoyable time. My next step was to write a script. During the process, I repeatedly read out loud to make sure I sounded conversational. However, as Dr. Collins noticed in our Skype meeting, my script was slightly written for a meteorologist rather than an anchor. Then, Dr. Collins began giving me various ideas on how I could improve it. While we had only 30 minutes, we had accomplished a lot. I revised my script a couple of times and made sure everything was clear and concise. When the writing part was done, I began editing. After a couple of days, Dr. Collins sent us a document with her critique to each work. I believe it helped everyone learn something new from each other's work. What I had to improve for my third VO and VOSOTVO was to let shots breath for a second or two because viewers have to see a story not a number of different b-rolls. Also, I learned that I need to avoid cutaways.
https://youtu.be/bmUIpajejTU – VoSotVo
https://youtu.be/rsnxtJw154Q – VO
The third VO and VOSOTVO was an opportunity for us to show what we have learned so far based on Dr. Collins's feedback and critique. This time we had to do a VO and VOSOTVO on a sepearte subject. For some reason, maybe because I had a good spirit, I was lucky to schedule an interview with an assistant general manager of IHOP on Tuesday when the National Pancake Day happened. I did not struggle with filming, plus my interview seemed to go smooth. However, as soon as I checked my footage when I got to school, I noticed that audio of the interview disappeared by itself. I was almost crying. I tried various ways to improve the audio, but nothing seemed to work. Therefore, I decided to reschedule an interview. Next day, the manager did not seem happy, and she strictly gave me 2 minutes to film the interview. I felt nervous. Though, I was able to ask some good questions and even pick a good soundbite. When I began my writing, I did not struggle with writing conversationally. I always pretend that I am talking to someone and telling him a story of what happened today. Actually, I learned that from Dr. Collins. When I presented my VOSOTVO in class, I did not feel too nervous. Though, I could have slowed down a little bit while reading my script. My other mistake that Dr. Collins pointed out was spelling. So, this means I need to always double-check my spelling of lower thirds. Overall, I am satisfied with my third VOSOTVO. For my VO, I chose to do a story about kids exploring their DNA. I was lucky enough to be able to film children; but before that, I had to ask a permission from their parents. Whenever I deal with children I enjoy filming. Therefore, I had some good shots to pick for my VO. Also, as I began writing my script, I felt that there were moments where my writing could have been written more concisely. I thought it was not as conversational as it could be. Also, I think my VO is quite lengthy. I did not get a chance to present my VO in class, but I hope Dr. Collins will be able to provide a critique to us again.
https://youtu.be/UxCzElfTouk – VoSotVo
One thought on “Aksinya: Video Projects’ Progress”
Aksinya Kichigina,
Awesome job! I can tell you’re really dedicated and organized in your work. Your Video Essay was very fun to watch! You had great shots and had good transitions to tell the story. The only thing on this I would say is let it breath just a tad longer and don’t use so many transitions. There seemed to be a transition after every video and you had a lot of video to show!
Moving on to your VO/VOSOTVO 1 I can see you struggled just like me. I agree with you, your shots were way to quick. I think even though this was a last minute idea it still turned out okay. You had a nice variety of shots but I could have saw more wides. The soundbite started a little weird but got better towards the end. Make sure to go back to her if you do a cutaway. Great nat sound, watch filming people that look at the camera (I know were can’t always control this). I can tell you rushed in your script with the pace of this video, but this was our first one so I hope you weren’t too hard on yourself. For your VO your lower third should have came quicker. You tend to not show it or allow it to go on for multiple shots, I’m not a fan of this but it could be personal choice. Good nat sounds and shots, I saw lots of reaction on children’s faces (these are money shots). Your script was good but watch wording.
On your second VO/VOSOTVO you chose a great topic! I can see tell you like shooting things outside or maybe not? I thought you had beautiful shots but once again let those shots breath. Your soundbite was great! Her title might have been too long but you definitely hit the “say it, see it” rule with that. I liked your script but there were some parts that sounded just a little strange and watch those jumpsuits/cutaways!
VO/VOSOTVO 3 was a great topic! Nice variety of shots, my favorite was the close-up of the pancakes. I got to enjoy some of those pancakes myself so I know how hard you worked on this! I know you had trouble with your soundbite and the interviewer was not happy to do it again, but it turned out just fine! I thought your script was very conversational and told the story. I think you also let the shots breath a little more this time and had good nat sounds. Shots were breathing here and I only saw one shaky shot.
I know you struggle with taking critiques a little, we all do, but I think you have embraced it! I see nothing but improvements and great things down the line for you. I’m so glad you’re my partner and we get to learn from each other! Keep up the great work!
' Jasmine Keys