THE STUDENT 7 A GUIDE TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEDIA PRODUCTION EDUCATION Reading Response

This article presents advice for those in film school or any other type of media production studies.
It is able in research and input from faculty and students across the U.S. The article presents seven useful guidelines to assist media production students in making original and impressive work.

1. Exposing yourself to new media is highly important to gain new perspectives and thought processes
2. The way you present your story matters. You must put your own views into a work and be mindful how its presented
3. Working together with your team is highly important for a collaborative success
4. Understanding the history, form, equipment, and philosophies of your medium are essential to producing quality work 
5. There are rules you learn as a student and If you don't learn to break them there is nothing special about your work
6. Expressing yourself is key
7. Always be willing to improve 

This is the ,majority of what I got out of each of the seven sections. 

Maya Deren's Amateur Versus Professional Reading Response

In this article Maya Deren the differences between a "Professional" and "Amateur" are explained according to Deren. Professionals have a lot of expectations to meet that also come along with perks. Professionals must stick to strict schedules, organize crews, and meet all sorts of deadlines in order to complete the product on time. In return professionals are rewarded with trained actors, sets, large budgets, extensive crew members with various talents, and equipment. Professionals make films that are sold as product and if the product is successful they are paid. Deren states that the word Amateur should not be frowned upon. She reminds the reader that the latin root of the word translates to lover. "Amateurs" make film out of necessity and love. The passion is what drives them. There won't be a budget or profit or fame, but the filmmaker has what professionals don't. They have freedom. In return there is a lot of work put on the shoulders of a director but passion often alleviates the sense of work. Amateurs can truly do whatever they want within their limitations. This is arguably a more pure experience when compared to a professional's line of work. I would personally take the freedom over fame and success because I am studying cinema out of passion. I think this is a thoughtful article.

Fred Camper's Naming, and Defining, Avant-Garde or Experimental Film Reading Response

Fred Camper's article explains Avant-Garde cinema by presenting six tendencies (not rules) that are common in the film form. Not all Experimental films fit these criteria but the threads presented are common throughout the filmography of many artists. 

1. Experimental films are mostly created by a single artisanal filmmaker. I think that this is something that is instantly noticeable when introduced to Avant-Garde Cinema. On occasion filmmakers in the experimental community collaborate but this seems like something that occurs more sparingly. Financial success is not a likely outcome.
2. The artisanal filmmaker takes on writing, directing, cinematography, and editing into their own hands. They are in complete control of their own films. When I make films I tend to fit this guideline. I enjoy taking all the reins of a film into my own hands
3. Experimental Cinema isn't a mode that usually presents a linear story. This is what is the most instantly striking quality of the Avant-Garde for me. I have seen some experimental films that do present a story but most do not. 
4. Experimental Cinema often draws notice to the medium of film. For example many filmmakers draw on film and manipulate limitations to draw attention to film. An example of this I can relate to is Mothlight. 
5. Experimental Filmmakers have an oppositional relationship to film style and convention. This seems to be another vital quality that is mostly shared in any film that fits the Avant-Garde label. There are no rules or limitations to what an artist can produce. They can do anything they want that is within the realm of possibility because there aren't typically any expectations to meet. I strongly align with this sentiment of freedom. I want to be able to defy the rules I learn because the rules only hold you back. 
6. Avant-Garde Films often seem to have an unclear message. Most films have a message of some sort but when it comes to this cinema the message may not be easily understood all the time. One film could be an allegory about war while containing images of goldfish while another could bluntly state its about enjoying the act of clapping. Messages are only as obvious as the filmmakers choose them to be. 

Introduction/BIO

I am from Asheville, North Carolina. From a very young age I have had an obsession with film. I now want to take my passion for film into a career path. My goal is too someday teach film on a university level. I take inspiration from many artists of different backgrounds and mediums. I am always striving to push myself out of my personal boundaries and to learn as much as I can. I am interested in experimental cinema because there has not been another mode of film that has made me constantly reevaluate the possibilities and different perspectives of cinema. I hope to use my knowledge to create my own films as well. I have always desired to create narrative films. Aside from film, I am very motivated by visual arts as well as music.