February 27th

Melissa and I are really starting to get the hang of Final Cut Pro. Today we figured out how to trim footage, and how to undo the trimming if we make a mistake. We have also figured out how to quickly upload footage, and how to combine clips to make a sequence. Yesterday, we started analyzing data that was collected through surveys. We also descivered lights with umbrellas in the library. These look very professional and we were very pleased with the way they made interviewees look when we filmed practice footage. Lastly, today we talked to mr. Hartman about entering our documentary into film contests. This is something that we had never considered before and could be very rewarding.

Christine

2/11/2014

On Monday, February 10th, we presented our project idea to the heads of every department in the school. Our original intent was to begin filming shortly after the meeting was held, but that will not be possible. While talking to the staff, a variety of questions were asked. In answering, we found that we lacked clarity regarding vital details about the project. This took us by surprise and as we reflected on the discussions held that day, it became apparent that our purpose for our project needs to be better defined but not necessarily changed. The ultimate goal was explained to the department heads, and while they seemed supportive about the general idea of connecting the staff and students, we must be prepared to compromise on how exactly to go about reaching the goal. We talked to Mr. Casas and Ms. Kelly today during class which helped to calm our feelings about the meeting. Monday was the first experience any of us had in pitching an idea to a group of our superiors and receiving constructive criticism. It was a valuable learning experience and it opened our eyes to various perspectives about the project that we otherwise would have neglected to notice. The big question we have now is "Where do we go from here?". I purchased thank-you notes that will be given to each staff member present at the meeting which will express our appreciation for their time and feedback. We also plan to meet with each department head individually after they too have had time to reflect on Monday's event. By doing this, hopefully we will get a clear understanding of their feelings on the project and the next steps that should be taken in order to get back on track.

February 8th

On Friday, Melissa and I made great progress with Final Cut Pro. We figured out how to convert the program so that it could upload our files, and then we practiced uploading footage. We found a few websites that are helpful and also checked out 2 books from the library about Final Cut Pro. Melissa and I also started a document that lists instructions for doing simple things on the camera, such as removing the battery and uploading footage. This way, any of our group members can have access to this knowledge, even when we're not present. Kennedy, Maya, and Laura went to go look for lighting. We never heard back from them so we're hoping they found some. Lauren was sick so Melissa and I were on our own in the library. Mr. Eizyk said he would be willing to volunteer for a practice interview if we ever need him. I haven't heard anything from Maya, so I'm assuming mr. Lopez hasn't responded yet. I'm hoping he will be able to give us feedback before we need to start filming. Carter said he potentially has a mic we could use. We still need to find curtains, although I've decided we should check the prop closet first, just in case. On Monday we are presenting to the department heads and on Tuesday we are hoping to start filming. Let's hope everything goes well!

February 6th

              During this project we have chosen to create a documentary that highlights stereotypes within Bettendorf High School. In order to prepare for this we have met with professionals in the Quad Cities to be able to ask for advice and guidance that we may need during our process. Also, we have secured software, some equipment, and a room so that we have a location that we can interview students and staff at the high school. A meeting with Mr. Casas, the principal at our high school, we have worked on permissions and asked for advice so that the process and editing goes smoothly. In order to be able to take students out of class easily and efficiently, the administration recommended that the TAG students receive badges so that we have constant identification and permission to do our project with us at all times. Recently, we have borrowed a camera that will be up to par to create HD footage at the level that we want. Using a Panasonic HD Camcorder we have been doing 'dry-runs' to better prepare ourselves for when we give the actual interviews. Testing positioning with spike tape, height of tri-pod, light and sound settings, we have been able to grasp a better understanding of the camera and how it works. We plan to meet with team leaders to finalize permissions for our project so that we can take students out of any fourth block class to interview and not run into any metaphorical walls that block our progress and productivity. That meeting is set to take place this coming Monday, and after that we are clear to begin interviews whenever we are ready. Once interviews are underway we will start to organize and edit footage for the future when we assemble the documentary, using Final Cut Pro. --Kennedy

Prezi

Hi this is the link to the prezi we made that will be presented to the staff or team leaders on Monday 2/10/14. Everyone has a slide and information to share.

How Our Peers Think: Prezi

Progress

We have nailed down the basics of what our project will consist of and have created a presentation to present at the group leader staff meeting. We have met with Mr. Lopez once and plan do it once again to have him review our work so far and give his professional advice. We have gotten a high quality camera and have begun practicing using it, but need to get better lighting. Also we have learned some of the basics of using the editing software. Our questions are finished but need some fine tuning.

I personally used spike tape to mark our initial placements for the camera and both the interviewer and interviewee seats.

February 5th

It's becoming clear that making a high quality documentary certainly is possible. Yesterday we received the camera from Mr. Howard and we have started to shoot practice videos. Today we started to plan out the logistics of our interviews, and are taking care of details such as taping the floor for camera placement and planning out how these interviews will unfold. We emailed Mr. Lopez and are hoping that he will come give us feedback on our set up. Tomorrow we plan to practice downloading footage to the computer and to start learning how to use the editing software. On Monday we are presenting the plan for our documentary to department leaders after school. Filming will start on Tuesday. Before Monday we still need to create a sheet of instructions to read to the interviewee and a list of the rights that they have. We also need to get professional lighting from Laura's dad and find a way to cover up the windows in the library. We're starting to really make progress and the project is continuing to pick up speed. -- Christine