Post-Programming

This week was especially difficult in terms of class relations. There are so many conflicting ideas of what a good film is, no matter what genre. Needless to say, when people disagree on films during a nine-hour time period where we are all in the same room together, it was bound to be slightly difficult. However, I am happy to say that I believe there is no bad blood between myself and any of the other members of the class. In fact, I thought it was funny when I was talking to other class members that I had disagreed with and they expressed their relief that I didn’t hate them for their opinion. I think it’s important to acknowledge how stressful deciding moments like that can be in any career. Especially when you have to work with people on a regular basis. But, that’s neither here nor there. The class itself was stressful, draining and long, but we got through so much material that it was totally worth it. I am excited to contact the filmmakers so I can to get the proper format of their work for Lumina and also tell them congratulations. But this is where the real work starts in terms of my job as Lumina tech. Now I need to start making sure our plans are rock solid before the festival. When Sandra Jackson confirms our reservation and we can really start planning, things will start to move along much quicker. So, from one stressful class to the true beginning of my operations job, I’m ready to take on the work to come.

Week Seis

The film discussion this week was easier than I anticipated it to be. We all agreed on most of the films and the discussions for the ones still in the running was short. This week, however, I don’t think there is any way that the discussion won’t get heated. The operations staff has been working on the video race specifications and getting that all squared away, but the other part is not coming along as quickly. Doing the Lumina Contract is an integral part of our festival and, after making numerous changes to the original contract (V5), it is not ready to take to Sandra. This is where the process has stalled since Sandra is a very busy woman with a limited amount of time and hundred of e-mails a week. The real work will come into play after this weeks class period when the filmmakers who have been accepted have to send in their mediums. In this respect, the operations department will be in overdrive to get the proper playing materials from filmmakers who have class, jobs, and various other responsibilities. This will be increasingly difficult with spring break approaching because not only will both Rob and I be out of the country, but I’m sure other students will be enjoying their holiday as well. Not only is that something to consider, but also the after party technical inquires. I’m positive that Kebba has taken care of 99.9% of all of that, but I want to make sure that she does not want any additional projection or technical equipment.

Sail On.

Another week gone in the world of Visions6. The V-Day party was a success, bringing in more money than goal and just being a fun time in general. Aside from a few disruptive, but hilarious patrons the night was awesome. The night was a combination of simple, fun games, drinks, music, and donuts (which is obviously the most important). There wasn’t much tech to be examined or set up at the party, so I assume most of my duties will be confined to tech on campus. I’m completely okay with this as most of my job outside of Visions is centered on knowing what technology and mechanisms are needed to make things work. This segways to my other position, which is Lumina tech., I’m still waiting on confirmation from Sandra Jackson that the recent changes are acceptable and we also have to see if there is an increase in cost. At this point I’m not positive over any budget changes, but the real work is going to come within the next two weeks when the films are finalized. Rob and I are going to have to contact all the filmmakers and make sure that we receive their films in the right formats. I could foresee some issues, but I would hope that everyone would respond in a timely manner if they are chosen. In situations like this I’m grateful that my personality allows me to be tactful and firm when communicating without feeling guilty for ‘laying down the law’ in an e-mail.

Week Cuatro

This week was a bit harder with all those papers that were read. Other then that things are starting to pick up. Now that I'm the party tech, it has become busier for me. Now I have responsibilities to Kebba and Rob as well as my DIS. There is a big rift between both of those jobs, but I'm still worried about both of them. I continue to split time between my DIS and Visions and it's easy as long as I know what I'm doing. If I'm unclear or unsure, it takes me a longer  period of time to do. This week I have to go with Kebba to do more scouting for venues to help with the presentation on the budget increase. In addition to that, the revision of the Lumina contract is immensely important and I want to make sure I stay on top of that. I worked with Anthony, Rob, Sandra, Kebba, and Hayley to try and get all of this done on Friday. This week we have the V-day party and the bake sale, so that's something to stay on top of. Overall, I'm excited and nervous for all of this to start and I want to make sure that everything is perfect to make sure we get the most money for our time.

Weekly Check In 3

This week was more stressful than the last with the films we had to watch. It's not difficult, but when watching films at the end of the night it is easy fall asleep and think that you're done with the assignment. I had to watch the German documentary at least three times before actually getting what it was. All and all, I finished a bit late (9:24am) but I had an okay grasp of what they were and remembered the ones that I liked. There was also a point in class where I was terrified that I actually missed a film, but remembered it when explained. I liked once we started to explain the films before we voted because, at one point, I voted for a film that I disliked and voted against a film that I did like. I'm also a little bit worried about my recent addition as Tech Assistant for the parties. It's not that I'm not confident per say in my AV abilities, but I don't have all the experience that's needed outside of the spaces at UNCW. I work in the buildings reserved for students and understand most of the tech there. Overall, it's stressful, but I'm happy to do it. Being busy is probably my favorite thing apart from my dog >_>