Semester 1 Reflection

 Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Semester Reflection on Media and Filmmaking

        With the end of the current semester in sight, I find that I’m reflecting on the work I’ve done not only regarding the assignments that I’ve finished, but also on how my perspective has shifted regarding film. When I began the class, I was simply a film consumer. I may have liked a movie or TV show for one reason or another, but I had never stopped to reflect on how I was being told these stories or why certain artistic decisions had been made. This class has encouraged me to shift from simply being passive in my film experience to one that is thoughtful, analytical, and creative.

        One of the largest developments for me has been my awareness of film language. Tools such as cinematography, mise-en-scène, sound, and editing were words that I knew, but until recently, I did not realize their full potential until I began practicing them. Now, when viewing films or television on my own, things that never caught my attention before, such as shot composition and editing, find me inspecting them, wondering if it is always this deliberate and calculated, always meaning something. The media is no longer random—it is intentional.

        This course has also impacted the way that I think about the responsibility of movie makers. Through the classroom discussions and reflections on representation, I feel as though I have a greater appreciation for the way that movies construct cultural narratives. Now, I find that I think more critically about the way that the voices and stories are being promoted and the way that the groups are being represented. This not only makes my relationship with the media a more complicated one because I enjoy watching the movies, but also think about them, and I also think that it has made me a more discerning viewer.

        On a creative level, this semester has helped me to feel confident. I may not be a master filmmaker quite yet, but at least I feel okay with taking risks. In fact, learning about using cameras and creating scenes has taught me that problem-solving and filmmaking go hand-in-hand. Failure is incorporated into this, and learning through reflection is crucial to this innovation. I feel like this shift has helped to alleviate some of the self-pressure I once imposed on “getting it right the first time.”

        Now, thinking forward into the next semester, I am both eager and a little intimidated. I realize that there is still much for me to learn, particularly regarding lighting, sound, and more advanced editing techniques. Beyond that, it would be a goal of mine to continue working on refining the skill set that I have in regard to projects, especially in relation to something like the opening sequence of a film. This class has provided me with an appreciation for preparation, teamwork, and detail, among other things.

        This semester has changed the way I interact with media, whether creating or consuming. I feel much more confident when leaving the class. I have a better understanding, a more discerning eye, and a clear sense of where to go. Even more, however, is the fact that I feel a drive to learn more. This reflection is less a conclusion than the beginning of the next phase.




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