Sunday, April 27, 2008
Digital Storytelling
Well, it took a couple of attempts, but my digital story is now part of the blog. I thoroughly enjoyed creating it, even though the process required me to learn iMovie---something I did not want to do at this time. The tutorials on Lynda.com were a great help; iMovie has a lot of features not mentioned in its Help menu and lots more features---like the use of the "Option" key---which make the software very versatile.
I have seen everyone's stories, and I am really impressed. This project reminds me of UCLA Film School (decades ago) when a Super-8mm short film was a graduation requirement. The digital stories done by my classmates in ITEC 800 rival those I saw at UCLA---for a group of non-film majors, they created some impressive work.
I add that last thought because it speaks to a major shift in our history and society: multimedia tools are accessible and usable by everyone; just as the Web and HTML made it possible for anyone to publish their writing, these media tools have made it possible for anyone to create a film (okay, video) and "release" it. What had been the exclusive domain of book publishers, film studios, and, starting in the 1950s, television broadcasters, is now a flat playing field---or at least a "flatter" playing field. Just as a decade ago anyone could be a publisher, today anyone can be a film studio or TV station.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Leslie's Digital Storytelling Workshop
What an enjoyable evening! Two reasons: Leslie's presence; also, hearing from peers on topics not usually discussed in a seminar setting.
Leslie's insight into storytelling is remarkable; I spent 24 years editing stories for film and television, and I cannot say I ever met anyone like her. Her ability to categorize the content, extract its theme, and provide feedback on the execution---from one reading to the next---amazed me. Her talents rival those of my old friend, Chris Vogler, whose expertise contributed to the simple but elegant design of "The Lion King" some 12 years ago. If you never viewed the animated film, do so; the storytelling is masterful, not to mention enjoyable. (Yes, it is for adults, too.)
Life as teacher... A father's advice, the loss of a friend, the loss of a parent, leaving home, the tragedy of illness, flight from persecution---just a few of the topics I heard during the workshop.
I see everyone in the classroom in a different light, in a personal way. The evening was a rare occasion in an academic setting; moreover, the result is profoundly different from the typical, if not mandatory,"introduce yourself" session.
Leslie's insight into storytelling is remarkable; I spent 24 years editing stories for film and television, and I cannot say I ever met anyone like her. Her ability to categorize the content, extract its theme, and provide feedback on the execution---from one reading to the next---amazed me. Her talents rival those of my old friend, Chris Vogler, whose expertise contributed to the simple but elegant design of "The Lion King" some 12 years ago. If you never viewed the animated film, do so; the storytelling is masterful, not to mention enjoyable. (Yes, it is for adults, too.)
Life as teacher... A father's advice, the loss of a friend, the loss of a parent, leaving home, the tragedy of illness, flight from persecution---just a few of the topics I heard during the workshop.
I see everyone in the classroom in a different light, in a personal way. The evening was a rare occasion in an academic setting; moreover, the result is profoundly different from the typical, if not mandatory,"introduce yourself" session.
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