September Blog

Due to extensive research, cornell notes, and studying for tests, I wasn't able to watch all 10 films, as I had planned. In addition to the workload, watching that many independent films would have been emotionally exhausting for me. Nontheless, my interpretations of the films were as follows:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: This film was really remarkable. It could be a bit confusing at times, but the film essentially challenges the expression "ignorance is bliss." Both the characters and the idea that the main character is trapped and lost in his own mind make this film truly unique.

Tiny Furniture: This film will appeal to some, but the plot isn't really sophisticated or complex in any way. Many events do take place, but the film could easily be summarized in one sentence: "After Aura gets back home from college, she finds herself facing the drudgery of everyday life."

True Adolescents: The film details the camping trip of two teenagers and one of their much older, yet equally immature cousins. It has a very distinct and appealing mood to it, and like most independent films this one is very character-driven and the plotline is fairly ambiguous.

I plan to watch and evaluate as many of the remaining films as possible in my next monthly blog:

1. Donnie Darko
2. Garden State
3. Another Earth
4. Primer
5. Upstream Color
6. Cyrus
7. Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Second Interview Questions

1) My mentor is Violeta Duran, and she is a high school teacher in Torrance. She works as a writer/producer, and in the art department of independent short films and web series. The latter is an on-the-side job, but it's pertinent to my topic.

2) 5 questions about mentor's background:

• How does one usually begin the writing of a screenplay for an independent film?
• Do you find that working in several departments is a heavy workload, or would you say it allows you to utilize and apply all of your special skills accordingly?
• What made you want to help produce independent films?
• Is there any department which you find more enjoyable to work in? If so, which?
• Are there any unique and easy tips or tricks in the art department you would like to share?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon:

1. Positive Statement: As a result of what I have completed so far, I have undoubtedly learned a great deal of information on how to advance, create, and manage an independent film.
2. EQ Content: My 4th source in my working bibliography has helped improve my understanding of my topic, since it details and analyzes how a film is financed, which is essentially how most define an independent film.
3. So far in the senior project, everything has worked sufficiently well. The research checks haven't been too frequent to keep up with (although good sources will gradually become harder to find as the year progresses), and the designated time to take cornell notes on Fridays is relieving. Additionally, the class blog is incredibly helpful for us to keep up on assignments.
4. Like I said, quality research will become harder to find as the year progresses. Although the research checks have not been too frequent yet, we will soon have to dig through the internet and spend hours upon hours hoping to find quality sources and trying not to stumble on an article that we already found.
5. Finding Value:

• A potential question I would like to study this year is: What is the most essential aspect in regard to the creation of a successful independent film?
• For my mentorship, I will help my mentors on the set whenever they need help, and I will keep up with film festival research that they need me to assist with.