During this unit on video, I gained a deeper understanding of the various methods used in filmmaking and how they contribute to the overall storytelling process. I explored different techniques that go into creating video, from cinematography to editing, and had the opportunity to apply these skills through a series of digital bank assignments. This hands-on experience allowed me to experiment with different approaches and better understand the creative decisions behind video production.
Additionally, this unit encouraged me to take a closer look at the subtle yet essential techniques often overlooked in film and television. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the effort, precision, and artistry that go into bringing a visual story to life. I now see movies and TV shows with a greater awareness of the intricate details that shape the final product.
Reading Movies – For my assignment “The Art of Reading Movies,” I read Roger Ebert’s How to Read a Movie and explored how films communicate meaning through different elements like composition, framing, and movement, which taught me how to analyze these elements in movies. I also learned and wrote about how Ebert highlights left-to-right dominance and how cultural differences can influence viewers’ interpretations in movies.
In this post, I also watched Kubrick’s video on One-Point Perspective and how using this method in film creates symmetry and depth while highlighting a visual focus.
I also watched D. Hulbert’s video on editing techniques and wrote about different key methods he introduced, like jump cuts, slow motion, wipes, freeze frames, and many more.
Lastly, I watched Ian Kammer’s video on The Shining – Zooms and how zoom-ins in horror and thriller movies intensify tension, while zoom-outs create a sense of isolation.
Look. Listen. Analyze. – For my assignment Look, Listen, and Analyze, I analyzed the famous “Here’s Johnny” scene from The Shining and examined the camera work, audio, and how it all comes together. I focused on how fast cuts and subtle camera movements amplify the terror of this scene, as well as the importance of wider shots in creating vulnerability and loneliness.
I also learned that music plays a big role in this scene, along with eerie silence, which adds to the psychological terror. Finally, watching it all together—camera work and audio combined—shows why this scene is so famous and unforgettable for audiences.
A Day in my Life -For my first digital bank assignment, “Follow Me!” I created a video that takes viewers through a typical day in my life while making it an engaging and enjoyable watch. I incorporated voiceover, video clips, and background music to add personality and keep the pacing dynamic.
I made this video on TikTok, which made it easy to capture moments from my day while also allowing me to experiment with various editing techniques. Using TikTok’s built-in tools, I was able to seamlessly add transitions, effects, and audio, enhancing the overall flow of the video. This assignment helped me practice storytelling through video while making an everyday routine feel more creative and entertaining.
Where do you Wanna go – For my second digital bank assignment, “If I Could Go Anywhere,” I created a video on Canva that blends pictures and videos from Easter Island and Santiago to illustrate why I would love to visit these places, weaving in a story about the longing to travel. Using a mix of visuals, wipe transitions, and other video techniques I had learned, I aimed to create an engaging and visually appealing experience that was both informative and easy to watch.
Although I have already traveled to these locations, this project gave me the opportunity to revisit and showcase the moments I captured. By incorporating my own photos and videos, I was able to craft a more personal and immersive narrative, allowing the video to reflect not just a destination, but the emotions tied to exploring new places. This assignment helped me refine my video editing skills while also giving me a creative way to relive and share my travel experiences.
Summary – Overall, through the different readings, videos, and assignments I completed, I was able to take a deep dive into video editing techniques and the various methods used in video production. The assignments allowed me to apply these editing techniques myself, which gave me a hands-on experience in creating engaging content.
The digital bank assignments, in particular, helped me refine my video editing skills while giving me the chance to experiment and express my creativity. I gained a better understanding of the technical aspects of video production, which enhanced my appreciation for the process behind creating content.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this unit. Learning about film, something I already watch often, allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the medium, and now I’m able to appreciate the artistry and techniques involved at a much deeper level.