Process memo
My main goal throughout this term has been to put together an exemplary soundtrack for the documentary about Michael, the Oregon State senior that has been struggling with his sexuality. There are 6 original songs featured in the documentary, all of which I have completely composed, produced, and edited from scratch for this film. I spent a large amount of time, many hours, and put my full effort into these tracks. I employed a number of different musical approaches, and utilized an assortment of instruments. Overall I am very happy with the way they turned out, and think for the most part they added a level of quality that is missing from pre-made soundtrack pro loops.
My second task was to set up the “pride profile” website. The site, which is a wordpress account, consists of a number of interviews featuring staff members from the pride center. I was not in charge of filming or editing these videos, but I did make a youtube account, convert all of the videos to web videos and add them to the pride profiles website. I also devised the layout for the website. I created an original color scheme and coded it in, plus a unique banner. I also wrote some basic information featured on the profile. The pride profiles can be found at:
http://prideprofiles.wordpress.com/
As of now the site is private, but once the pride center approves of it will be released to the public.
Finally, I helped interview Michael during one of the filming sessions, and help edit some video. I am not very proficient at pro tools, and do not know very much about effective editing, so my help was limited to suggestions and criticisms. Through observing my team members editing styles, which were spectacularly fluid, I was able to grasp video editing concepts that had previously eluded me. It was a treat learning about video, since I had always been interested in the craft but never very savvy.
The interviews my group generated were both surprising and interesting. Michael was a very conflicted person. It was very surreal listening to him express such self hate, and spout off about his churches traditions and beliefs in a positive way when his very nature clashes so dramatically. I have previously been unaware that our culture, which in many cases is still very hostile towards homosexuals, could produce such self-doubt and despair. It was eye opening.
I genuinely feel I spent a very commendable amount of time working on the specific aspects of the documentary I had been charged with. I am happy with my contributions.
I would have liked to have been a little more involved with the filming process. The parts I was involved with were fantastic. Due to my schedule I was unable to make a few of the shoots. Altogether, however, I am very happy with my contributions, and the contributions of all my teammates.
