First Assignment: Completed

Hana and I turned in our first assignment today. I'll upload it tomorrow from the school's server, but today it was running really slowly because of all the students frantically editing before the noon deadline. It turned out just alright, not great. The subject was fine and his interview was good, but the lighting in the bar was worse than expected and the sound was a slight problem as well. Hana, for it being her first time filming and not just being the journalist, did a great job trying to think of creative shots and interesting editing styles. I felt bad that as an experienced photog and editor I took over sometimes, but she insisted she had something to learn from me. I hope that's true. I hope I was a better teacher than a bully.

For all you Broadcast J students at MU, this will amuse you. I thought of Greeley the whole time I was editing. We had shakey shots and more than one jump cut. Writing to video was difficult because the subject's girlfriend wouldn't be on camera, and she plays a rather important role. Customers in the bar yelled at us to get the camera out of the pub. "Ya make me look like a bloody alcoholic will ya?"

Greeley would have just looked at me, and said "So?" There's no excuse. I should have found a way to make the story better. I could have, thinking back. There were plenty of opportunities I missed. I can't blame it on not knowing the area, not knowing the language, having an inexperienced partner. I can only look at myself and the mistakes I made. I can only move forward and make fewer mistakes next time.

People here joke that the life of an international student is hard work, all the parties and bars. It's true, we do have so many opportunities to go crazy, and everyone is quick to point to the fact that we only have so long in this new city. It's easy to make friends and go out every night with them, because we get pass/fail grades. As long as we're not failing, we're fine. But it's so much more than that. If I miss the opportunities to make great TV, especially while I only have one responsibility, no work, no other classes, then I may as well have gone to any school. But I am going to resolve to remember that I am here to do great work, and try to make my other projects professional quality.