August Blog

In an effort to gain some more engaging insight on independent films, I will view and evaluate 10 over this next month. Most of the films were recommended to me by my mentor, with plenty of variety in terms of big names and big budgets. The question I plan to keep in mind while viewing these films is, "What is the most important aspect consistent within independent films?" Here are the films I plan on watching:

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2. Donnie Darko
3. Garden State
4. Another Earth
5. Primer
6. Upstream Color
7. Tiny Furniture
8. True Adolescents
9. Cyrus
10. Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. I plan to interview my aunt, Violeta Duran, who also happens to be my contact for my summer mentorship. I plan on interviewing her because she is experienced in the film making industry, and I know she could help provide me with some insight on my topic. 
2. Additional questions I plan on asking:

• How would you define independent film? Do you believe the term applies to how the film was financed, or the content of the film?
• Does co-financing generally constitute profit boosts in films?
• In what ways have independent films shaped our lives and society as a whole?
• Would you say that independent films have created a culture that many tend to overlook, or that it gives anyone with a camera and an imaginative idea they want to express an outlet to do so?
• What are some independent films that you would recommend?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1. Independent Film making
2. To show growth in each of the ESLRs this year, I plan to apply my knowledge of my topic and synchronize it with a balanced amount of each of the iPoly ESLRs.

• iPoly Citizen: I will get more involved in school activities, and I will frequently pitch ideas to help support the school as a whole. For the topic specifically, I will ask my peers for feedback on assignments and I will graciously return the favor as needed.
• Effective Learner: As I mentioned earlier, I will as others for feedback. I will utilize their suggestions and correct my work accordingly. I will also help others with their assignments in order to practice the material and thus become more skilled with it.
• Effective User of Technology: I plan to continue using the blog to stay updated on all my assignments. Additionally, I will use Google Drive and Microsoft Office programs generously throughout the year.
• Effective Communicator: Between now and model assembly, as well as the senior project and other presentations, I plan on practicing my speech and exercising my presentation skills. I also plan on being more assertive in order to have my voice heard to a greater extent. 

Summer Mentorship Component

Literal:

1. Mentorship Log
2. Violeta Duran (626) 252-6536
3. Questions that were raised because of mentorship:

• What are some ways that funds could be raised to accommodate all the needs of an independent film?
• Who finds the cast and crew for each film? And by what means?
• How does one attain a position in the film industry in which one can make a living?

Interpretive

     4. The most important thing that I gained from my experience was hands-on training for several roles involved in the film making process. Aside from the training, I worked with professionals who undoubtedly knew what they were doing. This was a nice way to get used to the feel of a movie set.

Applied

     5. What I did helped me choose a topic since I am genuinely interested in independent film making, and practicing different roles helps me find what I'm most interested in and shows me what I may well be getting myself into.