Assn. #1b

I have done this sound recording project before in 201 so I am familiar with the recording process. I was excited to hear we were going to be recording again in this class because it gave me the opportunity to correct the areas we struggled with the first time. This go round I made sure to be a bit more cautious about our surroundings such as: unplugging the fridge and all appliances, working in a more controllable space (such as an apt instead of the school library) and trying to get a wider variety of sounds.

New things I learned this time on top of the last: 1. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, amd RECHECK ALL of the equipment, including batteries BEFORE taking it home (DUHHH Michelle!). 2. Recording in a bathroom with towels down really does make all the difference in the world 3. Its always better to record more vs. too little (this is just something I need to make habit of…don’t stop recording immediately after the action/sound is finished) 4. This project runs much smoother when completed all together as a group, not in smaller groups within your group.  

As far as post goes:

Again I tried stay aware of my previous mistakes while keeping in mind some tactics I found helped. Previously, my partner in 201 and I ended up having to work at separate times, which surprisingly worked. We would each go in and edit a section, following the guidelines we agreed on, then towards the end of the edit we would come in together and alter anything we thought may need to be changed. I suggested to EK that we do the same and she agreed. Doing this allowed us to freely combine our own sound mixes and also allowed us to create a bridge helping to connect the two chunks. Another problem we tried to steer clear from was unknowingly adding a narrative to the music and personally I think we accomplished that much better than the first.

Presentation Response!!!

I find it interesting to see how films have evolved over time. How films were more experimental and artistic back then where as now they are more narrative based. Its a shame that the appreciation and understanding of these films has decreased over the years. Its fascinating to learn about each film makers life before their career and how they got where they were and the things they had to do to achieve their goals. Also the impact they have made on the way we interpret films and how we appreciate them now.

Each and every presentation given shared something new and exciting for me as an individual. Each day I learn more and more and it reminds me why I love film and why I am so passionate about it. Before I came to UNCW I never would have thought that I would enjoy/ understand experimental film but now, after taking the few classes that I have, I have a completely new level of respect and a much higher knowledge of it all. I love learning about the various techniques used by various film makers and I love seeing how each and every film maker has made an impact on not only their audience but also their fellow film makers.

I do have to say that I feel as if I was the most interested in hearing about Jonas Mekas because if life experiences relate to that of my family. My dads parents were also born in Lithuania and the too were in a concentration camp until they escaped to Germany where my father was born. It is amazing to think that my grandparents could have grown up around Mekas. Yes the chances of that are 50/50 but just the thought makes me wish I could as them about it. And how cool would it have been to hear my grandparents say yes, they did meet him or yes they did know of him. Just like my grandparents, hearing about Mekas's life inspires me but at the same time makes me incredibly thankful!

In the article, Moritz often uses the term absolute film. This term "absolute film" is coined from the term "absolute music" and is a more accurate phrase for these types of films. These films used music to create image and I personally find that fascinating. These films were meant to please the eye and the ear and were never meant to have a narrative form. This reminds me of the sound project we are currently working on, we aren't supposed to make these sound scape have a narrative and that can be difficult for this generation but if we take a step back and think about what Mekas, Ruttmann, Eggeling, Murphy, Ray or any of the others would have done than I know we can accomplish our goals.

Sound Recording Experience Response

I enjoyed recording these sounds again! Having done the project before I felt like I already had a foot in the door! I was more aware of the complications we could have, such as the buzzing from cables and appliances, how much effect wind can have on the sounds we wanted and how far the mic would pick up. At first we had an issue with a buzz/hum but we were able to quickly pin point the cause and eliminate it. I feel as a group we worked well together and I feel as if we got a variety of sounds.

Synesthesia and Cymatics:

Synesthesia and Cymatics are but fun and interesting! I took 6 by 1 over the summer and I really enjoyed the class. My only regret, having taken the class, and my advice to future students would be to take the class in an actual semester. I wish I had more time to experiment with the film strips as well as create more. Its hard for me to say that our synesthesia and cymatics project was my favorite because truly I love all of them. Taking that class allowed me to open my eyes and not only allowed me to express a creative side I never knew I had but also allowed me to see experimental films in a whole new light.

Being able to paint/scratch/bleach/puncture the film strips was such a unique experience. The was certain elements would change the film strip and how different they looked when screened was amazing. I have to say my favorite was how large or small an effect bleach would have on the film. It would either make it completely transparent or just lighten it a little or, depending on the color of the film it could change the color completely!

It was interesting to see/read how music can form art and how people see colors when hearing sounds. It was also interesting to read about the sounds used to create art for the ballet. How these two  elements of art grew is fascinating and the dedication and precise work put into these pieces is something to be admired.