What happened today

 What happened:

    Around 9PM yesterday I had a realization, I will only be getting out of the SAT at around 1PM. This was a big issue since I was working from 11AM-3:30PM today as well. I immediately messaged my workgroup chat to see if anyone could cover me. This was slightly risky as it was so last minute, literally the day before. Luckily, I was able to switch shifts with the person closing today.

    This was a little unfortunate as it meant I would have a way smaller window to film. I would be getting out around 1PM, the keyword "around". After driving home I would have to get set up, drive out to the film location, and then walk all the way to where I would film. The drive to my house is around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic from school. Then the drive to the film location from my house is around 7 minutes. And lastly, the walk takes around 10 minutes.

    Adding that up, just transportation would take 30 or more minutes. Not to mention the time it will take to set up and actually begin filming. I could safely say I would actually start filming around 2PM. This means I would have an hour and 30 minutes to film, go home change/shower, and then go to work. Last time, it took me around an hour 45 minutes to get 4 solid shots. I knew that I wouldn't have enough time and I would start rushing. 

    Keep in mind, I am thinking about all this while studying for the SAT at 9PM. I would have to film on Sunday for sure and this is something I predicted in my last post^^. 

Some more research:

    I work at a gym so using the computer for some research is no problem. There were two specific elements I wanted to look into. First, I wanted to see what proper tracking shots in a forest landscape look like. To get a sense of this, I tried to find a video entirely based in a forest with several different shots including tracking. Maybe I could get some inspiration for some other shots as well. After some searching I found the amazing video below.

    This video was a real insight of the technique used for the shots. Something I really liked was the use of shadows throughout. It gave depth-especially to the long shots-which is something I took note of. Shadows are an element I will be sure to focus more on during production. There were also many beautiful tracking shots, some stabilized some not, that I will take inspiration from. 

    Next, I wanted to look more at how to edit with After Effects. I have years of experience with Sony Vegas and PhotoShop so the transition won't be too difficult. I more so want to know how to navigate After Effects rather than learn how to edit. The workflow in After Effects is also different than Sony Vegas programs and is something I will have to adjust to. In order to get a sense of both these factors, I found the useful video below.

    This video was so useful to my understanding of After Effects. It gave me a sense of navigation while using the program. On top of letting me find the features I knew, I also came across some new features Sony Vegas didn't have. I also gained a sense of the workflow on After Effects. I now know several key elements of my post-production. These include color grading, text, compositing, and overall use/technique. This is not to say that I won't use Sony Vegas if it sees fit. Right now, however, I think I am in a good place with my knowledge of the software. 

What's Next?:

    I will be sure to research more into the post-production utility of After Effects. I also want to start testing 3D text elements from Cinema 4D. The main thing I want to work on next is the sound. I want to get samples of the outdoor environment and the music choice situated. I have some idea of the direction I want to take the music. Whatever direction I go, I will have to make sure I use non-copyrighted music. Wouldn't want to get sued:)

    Overall, there were many challenges I had to face today. From the 3 major tasks that were completed for me today SAT, work, and of course, working on this project. I'm so lucky I didn't have any more homework today. Third-quarter is coming soon so I can't wait for summer. My junior year presented me with many tasks like this project. It's been an eventful year so far academically, I'm glad to top it off with this project. Today was a really good day for research and tomorrow I will start filming!