Hidden Gem Self-Evaluation

Name: Emily Sherman Name of Production Team: ZELS Inc. Role in Production Team: Editor/Sound Editor and Credits  Roles of the other production team members: Emily Sherman- Editor/ Sound Editor Shelbi Hauer- Director Lindsay Silverberg- Administrator and Project manager Zach Forsythe- Storyboard Artist 1. How do you feel about the title you were given and how well you did your job in this project? Give specific examples of your experience. I was very happy with the title I was given for this project. I do the majority of my school work on my computer so I really enjoyed editing and assisting my group by teaching them certain editing skills I used. I find myself a very organized person so I kept all files, videos and music on my computer quite clear, allowing editing to be an easier process. We filmed all clips on my camera which easily transferred the videos to my computers and used my iTunes to select our background music for the entire video. My group found it very convenient that I had the right programs on my computer to get our video done and done well.  2. How did you contribute to this project? Give at least 2 specific examples. I contributed to this project by contributing my ideas to my group for video. We all agreed that we should have one character who is impacted by what may seem to anyone as an ordinary place, but may mean much more to this one person. After figuring out our final ideas, we filmed all clips in one day and I immediately started editing to get ahead, rather than leaving anything until the last minute. I began editing and my group members helped edit for the next few days in class as well. I put all clips, sound effects, music, and credits together in the end. 3. How do you feel about the contributions from other members of your group and the division of labour (work) for the project? Be specific to each team member. I think that all of my group members contributed an equal amount of work for this hidden gem project. Shelbi was the director. She helped film many clips and contributed to editing as well. Lindsay was the Administrator, filing out daily logs everyday, recording our process of the project. Lindsay also assisted me to create our video script and artistic statement. Zach was in charge of completing the storyboards and did an amazing job. He was also a great sport for being the main character in our video. 4. When it comes to dealing with differences of opinion within your group:  We had a few differences in opinion when it came to figuring out when to film and where to film. A lot of us were stressed out over school and work, which is never an excuse to not work out a project at school that must be done. We could not figure out a date to film that could work for everyone and in the end not everyone was truly happy with the day we chose to film. In the end, we were all proud that we ended up getting it out of the way. Also, nobody was offering up their house to film at which started an argument that was very unnecessary. I believe I just came to the understanding that school is school and no matter how much work and stress we have, creating unnecessary problems are not the right way to deal with these situations. I came to the compromise that my house would be fine to film at and our filming was quick and efficient. 5. In dealing with group members who were not fulfilling their responsibilities: We fortunately did not have this problem in our group. All members fulfilled their responsibilities and anyone who was late for a deadline, due to our schedule we made, we would continue reminding the person to get things done. This was never truly a problem in our group though. Ratings: Overall, I would rate our group's ability to remain on task as: GOOD Overall, I would rate our group's ability to be open, respectful, and communicative as: GOOD Overall, I would rate our group's ability to use the strengths of all of our members as: GOOD How successful is your project? Give specific examples for your reasons. EXCELLENT In the end, I think our project turned out extremely well. I think we chose a different direction to this project, relating our hidden gem to someone who wanted to release stress by going to a place that is special to them, whether or not it means something to anybody else. In our society today, there are too many problems that teenagers and kids must go through with their families and are forced to be treated unfairly. As teenagers ourselves, we thought we could relate to those people experiencing these problems and display how these people can find an escape as a way to express their feelings when they feel they cannot. Though we had a few problems, my group ended up cooperating very well through the filming and editing process of this project, creating an overall amazing product.

Social Media Debate

Overall, I think that our debate went very well. My group's topic was Social Merits Affirmative. There were many pros and cons of our topic. Some cons were that from T.V. and advertisements through Facebook, Youtube and other sites can make violence almost seem acceptable. People see videos or pictures of riots or actions being committed that can make people think that these actions are okay to commit. An example that they used was the G20 and the riots downtown. There were Facebook pages, videos on the news and on Youtube that displayed people lighting cars on fire, smashing windows and more. Many people saw these sites and thought that because it was chaos and not disciplined, it wouldn't make a big deal if they contributed. I found that there were many benefits to our topic including technology, charities and campaigns and revolution. Our group believed that a main aspect of our topic was technology, constantly improving, allowing more and more ways to get a message across to a big group of people. Through social networks like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more, we are able to form groups and opinions. Charities such as Movember have been advertised through social networking sites or even your own television, getting people involved while informing people. A campaign called "It Gets Better", encouraging people to feel comfortable with their sexuality, has been advertised and promoted by their own website, television shows, and more. Without the media, it would be harder to get messages out to many people. An example of this is global change. We create awareness with so many people, becoming more powerful than the actual government. To be honest, I don't think of these issues when I am using these social media outlets. I see them often, and I definitely look into them when I do see them, but they don't seem to be my main priority when using social media outlets. There are certain pages on Facebook that have to do with charities, campaigns, or even just a company that I will like on Facebook to show my support or interest in. I think that all of my peers will always have an issue with privacy but some more than others. I see some of my friends updating their status about themselves everyday, even talking about personal matters. I also have friends who are very private but upload a few pictures once in a while. What I don't agree with are the people who allow everyone to see their profile, even if you are not friends with them on Facebook. There are certain security options that can allow people to search your name but not see your profile until you accept them and some people unable that so that anyone can see everything they have on their profile. 

Another group's debate I was really interested in was the Facebook debate. I think that their debate went very well and both the negative and positive side had good points. I think that some of the advantages of Facebook include keeping in touch with friends and family, finding old friends, sharing our interests with others, creating discussions with others and you can promote business. Though these are only a few benefits, they really contribute to the many users of Facebook. You can upload photos, videos, notes, and update people of your choice on your life no matter where they live. Though this seems worth it, there are a few disadvantages to Facebook. When I think about the cons of Facebook, I think of two main things; security and cyber bullying. If you don't set up your security settings carefully and properly, anyone can see every picture, video or piece of information you upload about yourself. This can be very dangerous and people must be aware of their settings as well as who they accept as a friend. Cyber bullying has played a huge aspect in Facebook as well. Kids being made fun of, through pictures, statuses, videos and more. For example, when I was in grade eight, there was an application on Facebook called "Bathroom Wall". This was probably the most ridiculous application that put up a discussion topic where anyone could comment. The most viewed discussions were things like "Ugliest Girls at Windfields" or "Sluttiest Girls at Windfields" and obviously every girl, being so obsessed with drama at that age, visited each discussion and gave in their opinion, knowing it was anonymous. Many girls from my school were hurt by what others said about them and created more tension at school. This is only one example of cyber bullying as these types of situations happen daily and cannot be erased by the person being bullied. People believe they have more power while on their computer, posting things they wouldn't always say in person and having more courage to say it to a computer screen. Unfortunately, there are both positive and negative influences from this site but I believe that if you use it properly, it can be a great site. 

Viral Video Evaluation

Name: Emily Sherman
Name of Production Team: ELIS Inc.

Role in Production Team: Editor

Roles of the other production team members:

Shelbi Hauer- Production Manager

Lindsay Silverberg- Director

Irina Ene- Storyboard Artist and Administrator

1. How do you feel about the title you were given and how well you did your job in this project? Give specific examples of your experience.

I was very happy to be the editor of our viral video project as I enjoy using the program iMovie on my computer. I found my job to be very straight-forward as I've edited videos before. I think that I completed my job very well as I had plenty of time to edit our video clips into creating a great video. My group was very helpful as Irina created the storyboards that made filming much easier for Lindsay, Shelbi and I. We stayed on the time plan that Lindsay had created during our first brainstorming class. This kept us on task and gave us plenty of extra time to edit any imperfections, not leaving it until the last minute. 

Next time, I would continue to stay on the time plan and film based on the storyboards as these things allowed us to take our time in creating this project, and getting it done well. 

Next time, I would not film at such a late hour. Our group purposely wanted to film when it was darker out, as our video was supposed to take place outside at nighttime. Unfortunately, we came to the problem that it was a little too dark out to see everything clearly when filming. 

2. How did you contribute to this project? Give at least 2 specific examples.

As the editor, I put all of our filmed clips together to create our video. I had to lengthen and shorten certain clips to fit in with the music which took up a lot of time, especially by adding a reversal into the end of the video. When I first started editing, I began by shortening the karaoke version of "Almost Lover" to fit our clips according to the music. This impacted each clip being placed into the right time frame in the song as more fast, stronger parts of the song were heard over the more serious clips we filmed. After shortening the clips, making them look smooth, I edited the effects of certain clips to make them look cooler. A few examples of this was adding a darkened version of the all the alcohol in our video, as the clip was really bright but the inside of a party would usually be darker. Another example is adding transitions during our video, representing Lindsay blinking while seeing Shelbi over her body. Lastly, at the end of the video, I took many of the clips from the beginning of the video leading up to the crash and reversed them as well as slowing them down to show the true impact of drinking and driving and how it can easily be preventable. 

Next time, I would stick to our time plan as this allowed me a lot of time to get all of this editing done, which was a huge advantage, not rushing. 

Next time, I would not change the song idea so late into the project as this added a little confusion to the clips. Thankfully, all clips went well to the song and the situation really worked out. 

3. How do you feel about the contributions from other members of your group and the division of labour (work) for the project? Be specific to each team member.

I think our group worked really well together. At the beginning of our project, we instantly created a plan of our idea, props needed, possible songs, a time plan and possible actions for each scene. This really gave us a head start as we stuck with our original plan and worked everything out smoothly with not many problems. Lindsay created the time plan that kept us on task while Irina drew our storyboards. Shelbi filmed herself, Lindsay and I performing each scene that I would end up editing. Overall, I had no real problems with my group and was happy with the division of work per group member. 

4. When it comes to dealing with differences of opinion within your group:

I don't believe our group had any real problems having to do with differences in opinion. We all had different ideas at the beginning of the project but we basically fed off of each others suggestions and created a main video idea together. We had a few difference in opinions over when we should film but it was nothing serious as we got filming out of the way early, leaving everyone in the group happy with plenty of time left before the project was due. 

Next time, I would organize our night to film at a time to everyone's convenience. Unfortunately, Irina could not come to film the one night we all could. Everyone had things to be doing each night of the week so it was hard to find a night that was convenient for all of us. 

5. In dealing with group members who were not fulfilling their responsibilities:

We did not have this problem in my group. Our group was very easy-going and had no problem finishing each part of the project well and on time.

Next time, I would choose a trusting group and make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines for work. 

Next time, I would not let things slide and accept doing someone else's part of the project, rather than allow them get marked on what they have completed in the end. 

Ratings:

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to remain on task as:

EXCELLENT

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to be open, respectful, and communicative as:

EXCELLENT

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to use the strengths of all of our members as:  

EXCELLENT

How successful is your project? Give specific examples for your reasons.

EXCELLENT

I think our project ended up being extremely successful. We had plenty of time to finish things and we stayed very organized which is how all projects should work. Everyone was satisfied with their jobs and our video in the end. I was really happy with my group as they all contributed to make this video, supporting everyone else's ideas as well as sharing some of their own ideas too. We worked very cooperatively and stayed on task at all times, leaving us with a successful video.

Next time, I would be sure to stay focussed within the group, getting things done faster and not leaving you stressed at the last minute. This project showed the true effect of getting a project done with full potential, staying on task.

Next time, I would not settle for waiting to do certain things when they can be done straight away to get them out of the way, in order to move on. I feel like for many projects people want to wait until certain days to do things that can be done instantly or that day. I prefer getting things done right away so I will introduce that idea to my future groups.

Peer/Self-Evaluation: Spray n' Grow Product

Name: Emily Sherman

Name of Production Team: SEEN Inc.

Role in Production Team: Filmed and edited both radio and t.v. commercial as well as making the scripts

Roles of the other production team members:

Evy- Created storyboards and print ad

Shelbi- Filmed commercial, contributed to radio ad, made script for presentation

Nela- Filmed commercial, contributed to radio ad, made and edited script for presentation

1. How do you feel about the title you were given and how well you did your job in this project? Give specific examples of your experience.

I enjoyed creating and editing the radio ad as well as the t.v. advertisement though it was a lot of work. When we were first trying to create an idea for our commercial ad, we basically just put everyones ideas together, and shortened clips to make everything on time. I believe I did very well on this project as I explored the movie program on my apple computer in further depth.

Next time, I would make the music lower so that everyones voices in the commercials are loud and clear.

Next time, I would not count on the time from the movie program as it was completely inaccurate. 

2. How did you contribute to this project? Give at least 2 specific examples.

My answer above basically answers this question but I can add more detail in what I did. I contributed idea through our brainstorming in class as well as creating the scripts for both commercials. I uploaded the videos onto my computer and edited both commercials as well as putting voiceovers in each commercial. 

Next time, I would like to be there for the preparation classes for my group. I was gone because I was sick but even when I came back, my group still had not started the project.

Next time, I would not hand out the jobs as unevenly.

3. How do you feel about the contributions from other members of your group and the division of labour (work) for the project? Be specific to each team member.

Our group had many problems as a few of us were sick and we could have been much more organized. This taught me a lot for future groups. As for contributions, everyone gave in what they were supposed to but it was a little uneven. I felt as if I did the most in the project and didn’t get much help from Nela, Evy and Shelbi.

4. When it comes to dealing with differences of opinion within your group:

Next time, I would add everyones interests and suggestions into one idea so no one person was in change. I believe our group compromised well.

Next time, I would not settle for things like filming so late as oppose to getting it done earlier.

5. In dealing with group members who were not fulfilling their responsibilities:

Next time, I would continue to be on top of group members to get their jobs done as well as making sure everyone has an even portion of the project to do. Unfortunately, I was sick for a week of this project which could have contributed to the disorganization. However, there were also three other group members in my group who could've gotten started and let me know what I could do from home. 

Next time, I would not allow group members to leave things to the last minute.

Ratings:

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to remain on task as:

GOOD

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to be open, respectful, and communicative as:

GOOD

Overall, I would rate our group's ability to use the strengths of all of our members as:  

FAIR

How successful is your project? Give specific examples for your reasons.

EXCELLENT

Our project turned out to be extremely good. Our commercial turned out to be very funny and entertaining. I was very happy with our descriptive presentation as it covered all the facts of Spray n' Grow. Next time, I will count on all my group members to help out with many aspects of the project. Next time, I would not wait until so late to start the project. 

Next time, I would count on all my group members to help out with many aspects of the project.

Next time, I would not wait until so late to start the project. 

Social Media Campaign- Budweiser

Budweiser created a campaign this summer in cooperation with the Folds of Honor Foundation to honour the sacrifices of the fallen and support their families through scholarships and other opportunities. Budweiser is dedicating the 2011 baseball season to recognizing their sacrifices with the "Here's to the Heroes" program. For every home run hit during the year's major league baseball season, Budweiser will donate $100 to Folds of Honor. Their goal was raising $2 million dollars through all home runs and cases of Budweiser cans sold (Budweiser is donating $0.05 for each case of beer sold). Budweiser has chosen to send out the message about Folds of Honor through creating a custom Facebook page with a total of how many home runs have been hit this year, and how much Budweiser has donated to the foundation. The partnership between FHF and Budweiser has significantly expanded the mission of FHF to help these important military families. Combining one of the most popular American brands with the most American of sports for a devoted cause has led the campaign to great success. Budweiser is not making a good copy out of a tragedy, but they are putting the power of social media to great use and creating a memorable campaign in the end. This is just one of the examples of brands turning to social media to engage a social media audience for support.

Home run tally from Facebook page

"Miss Representation"

After watching this video, I am truly frustrated. I have seen many advertisements, movies, television shows and articles portraying women in sexually offensive or demeaning ways. I think that through media, there has been zero appreciation for women intellectuals. Everything displayed through the media has to be about someones looks, never their brain. I personally believe that it has caused people to not accept others who do not match the standards of the media, or to automatically judge them. It's just sad that this is what our world has come to if this is how we live our lives everyday, continuously comparing ourselves to an impossible state of beauty. I remember being in elementary school and girls my age were feeling insecure about their weight or body, wanting to look like a certain celebrity when they were older. It is so unfortunate that kids at such a young age don't feel confident with themselves or don't think they're good enough. Even nowadays, nothing has changed since elementary school, everything has gotten worse. I have friends who are constantly working out, or focussing more time on their make-up than homework. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't care about my looks or I don't focus on trying to look good often, it's depressing that our media has to create our consciousness. At one point the video mentioned that at the rate we're going at, women may not be able to achieve parity for 500 years. After learning about gender equality in a bunch of my classes, we still have problems with women equality years and years later. I agreed with the last part of the video, stating that in order to rise above the media we must write our own stories for others to be impacted so we can finally awaken people and change minds. How many women will really stand up to the media and do this though? Overall, this video has proven how the media has strongly impacted all women and even young girls. Unfortunately, our media is everywhere and cannot be escaped. I hope we come up with a better plan to defeat the power our media has on us.

My Future Dreams

As I reach the end of my high school years, I am forced to finally consider my future. The constant questions of "What do you want to do after high school?" from my friends and family have done nothing but stressed me out. I never really thought about what I wanted to do in my future except for in kindergarten, when I replied with "Dancer" or "a pop star." I have been narrowing down my interests throughout the past years and I've come to a few decisions. I am not a math, science or even business type of person so those are out of the picture. I have always been into the arts and psychology. Those are the classes and courses I've always loved the most. I hope to go to university for sociology as I am very interested in this study, after comparing it to psychology and anthropology. I enjoy the way people interact with one another as well as how they've become who they are or how their adolescence has shaped them to the person they are today. As for after university, who knows what I will end up doing. The only thing I am sure of is that the job I want to do is something to benefit others, rather than myself. Last year, I did a co-op placement in a grade one class for half the year. It was probably the most frustrating, challenging but most amazing experience. It taught me how to become a more patient person and how to deal with certain situations. I remember the feeling of such accomplishment the minute I taught a lesson and every kid finally understood. The fact that I was the one who was teaching them something they'll need for the rest of their life such as reading or math made me feel very honoured. Though I am not sure of what I will encounter in my future, I am sure that whatever job or field I end up pursuing, I will be happy and hopefully feel that same sense of accomplishment everyday.