Ritual

Word Count: 226

Tiffany Maynard

Filmmaking

“Eye” of the Universe

Norms: Individual Vs. Society-Ritual

My Sweet Sixteen

Teenage girls all over America know the meaning of “Sweet Sixteen”. It’s when girls who turn sixteen have the biggest celebration of her life. I have seen so many television shows broadcast this as an important event that everyone parent should spend a large sum of money for their daughter’s party. In today’s’ society the typical party is still held however my party was different.

Instead of having a party where everyone dances like a manic and gets drunk like al those shows fill our young teenage minds with. I had a themed party which was Hawaii to me this was still very fun and everyone I invited had a good time. I really don’t see the point on spending so much money in a birthday that we have every year. Even though we turn sixteen only once there’s still the party at eighteen and twenty-one.

I must agree with the facts that Sweet Sixteen’s are memorable because I vividly remember the cake that I ate, the colors of the balloons that filled the house and the feeling of happiness I felt when all my friends enjoyed themselves. Instead of wasting money and getting that empty feeling, I would much rather have a party where everyone can have fun so that I can have a memory that will always make me smile from years on end.

Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives

This showed me how parallel universes are created and how anything can happen to you and your parallel self. This interested me because this video showed how this man's dad discovered the parallel universe theory and how he implemented it.

Stills for Parallel Universe

Sliding Doors

This movie was about parallel universes and how Alice the main character's life splits in half and she becomes two different people at the same time. Her parallel self ends up becoming a successful women who starts her own business while her "true" self is still living a mediocre life running with 2 part time jobs that wears her out. In the end her parallel self and her true self get hurt causing her parallel side to die and this event allows her to meet the man she was supposed to meet.

Primer (2004) Screening Post 1

After watching the first part of the Primer video I was very confused. At first it started off with a group of engineers discussing about a project someone had to take control of. Then throughout the next few scenes the two main characters start to create a machine that they hoped would let them earn the "big bucks" but they ended up building a machine that stops time and allows the user to go back in time depending on how long they stay in the machine. By the end of the class period I was completely lost because the plot didnt really make much sense.

Primer (2004) Screening Post 2

During the second screening the confusion that i felt earlier disappeared as i began to understand that the machine that they built was a time machine. The two engineers created a parallel universe that they both became obsessed with. Aaron later confesses that he already knew about this machine and he was pretending so he can live perfect life. At the end of the screening it shows aaron in a different country trying to build a new and bigger time machine.

Persepolis

This story basically talks about the islamic revolution and how the narrator lived her life during this time. She disliked wearing the headdress that was forced upon the women. She prayed to God so he would give her the courage to stand up for her beliefs and fight on.

Group Norms Video Stills

Group Norms Video

Individual Norms Video

Individual Norm Stills

Bikinis & Tiaras

This story basically talked about a variety of traditions that have changed now. For example Quinceaneras are no longer extremely important, most girls just take pictures instead of spending money on a huge elaborate party.

Mr. Debt

To me this video was interesting because I was able to understand how people get robbed of their money and why others can never seem to escape from debt. The lawyer really knew what he was talking about which makes the audience believe and pay attention to what he is saying. Although it was a very entertaining video I thought it was very informative and he got his point across to his audience.

Versus

Word Count: 269

Tiffany Maynard

Filmmaking

“Eye” of the Universe

Norms: Individual Vs. Society-Versus

Each Half of Me

All my life I have been able to reap the benefits of being both Taiwanese and White. However, I also have to experience the stereotypes of both races. My parents both view my education in a different light. My mom is the parent that demands good grades and perfect behavior, while my dad is relaxed and thinks that I should get things done at my own pace. Living this way for 17 years has opened my mind and I know what stereotypes can do to individuals and our society.

Asians are typically stereotyped as the smart individuals who don’t have a social life. Well to prove that wrong I can say that my mom’s side of the family holds way more parties then my dad’ side and their Chinese! I enjoy being Chinese because, not only do we have delicious dishes to gobble up but I can experience a culture that’s so different from the United States diverse one. I love listening to the stories my mom tell’s me about her childhood because, it’s completely different from my own. People out of the loop don’t know how people with different cultures think and they make up outrageous stereotypes about Asians that only exist because they don’t understand the culture.

I also enjoy my white part of me because; it allows me to connect with the country I live in. If I had a choice to change my race I would want to be the way I am now because I love having two halves of me that are completely different from each other but very interesting all the same.

Stereotyping Picture

Fired Up

Word Count: 330

Tiffany Maynard

Filmmaking

“Eye” of the Universe

Norms: Individual Vs. Society- Fired Up

Tiffany Maynard, 17

My Fast Metabolism

Everyday of my life has been a new experience one day to the next was never the same especially when I became a teenager. I have always been small and skinny but I never had what we call a “weight issue” and never really cared what other people thought about me. I remember when I was younger my cousins would say “Tiffany when you grow you should become a model since you’ll be able to eat everything and not gain a pound” but, I would always laugh their comments off because I knew I was much to short to reach 5’7 in this life time.

High school has been an experience for me because of all the stereotypes that go around. When people see me they sometimes ask “Hey Tiffany do you like to eat?” and I reply with of course I just have a really fast metabolism that burns up all my food before it turns into fat and to prove my point if I have a snack I eat it right in front of them. That is the truth! To me eating is an absolute enjoyment my friends who have known me for a few years have witnessed my huge intake of food and sometimes joke about me eating so much but staying stick thin. The stereotypes about girls who are skinny say that we don’t like eating and starve ourselves but for me that’s completely not the case. Even today I don’t have an issue with my weight, yeah I would love to gain few pounds to fit in that perfect dress because I personally think it would look more attractive and healthy but, I believe you just have to appreciate what you have. It always astonishes me that so many girls would go so far as to starve themselves just to look pretty. I really hope they can wake up and see that they’re missing out on the most enjoyable thing in life, eating delicious food.

No Laughing Matter by Chris Schmader

In this short story Chris Schamader sees two different types of people in his group of friends, He notices that his friend Abe who is very religious doesn't let his peers interfere with his orals and that he doesn't appreciate Jeff and Pete's behavior. While Chris laughs at his friends outrageous behavior and tells himself that he would never do something like that, Abe just shakes his head and looks unhappy that his friends are immature and understands that laughing only boots their ego. This shows how two moral beliefs affect different people in many ways.

At War with Ourselves by John Nikkah

In this story I found out that boys are just like girls they have feelings and are able to express themselves without a problem. The story starts off with he stereotype that boys cant relate to the world like girls. However, Nikkah digs deeper into the stories that he uncovers and realizes that these boys stories help him understand his life better. He even states that all we as a society have to do is listen our boys are willing to speak out.

My Brown Eyes

In this story the narrator Alexander Amador explains his his life of being born and raised in the "hood". He appreciates the things they have done for him because he feels that they have his back and that they are the only people he can trust. His dreams in life is to let his mom live in a nice home and so he can be someone who would influence people to make the right decisions. He know awaits for his dream to come true so he can believe in miracles.

Red by Amy Goldwasser

In this article is shows hoe girls are opening up to the world and breaking out of the "norm". Each teenage girl has her own story to tell and every single one of them are different. Some talk about their individual issues such as cutting suicide attempts and peer pressure while others talk about themselves and what they want to be seen as. The norm differ here due to the girls writing about their life rather then shopping and listening to music.

Curve by Alison Smith

This short story was about a girl who felt abnormal because she was always so skinny. Her friends outcasted her whenever they discussed about their weight problems because they were jealous of her weight. They believed she was just complaining about her "beauty" which made her feel left out and disliked. From her point of view she thinks the girl with more body mass are healthier then herself since she's only skin and bones. However towards the end of the story she reveals that her favorite part of her body are her hips because they are the only things that stick out instead of looking as straight as a ruler.

This is my brainstorming.

Personal Narrative Stills

My So Called Life

This pilot episode of "My So Called Life" is an example of a personal narrative that is based on a girl who has trouble getting along with her family. She feels her life is uninteresting and thinks that by defying her parents she would have more fun. This show shows her personal struggle trying to find herself and learning more about her family in baby steps. Over all I think this movie was helpful because I know have a better understanding about personal narratives.

The Road Warrior, The OC

In this video we saw an example on how a voiceover lets you understand what the person is thinking without them actually saying it on camera. In this clip we saw a girl using a voiceoever to make her life seem more dramatic. Her friend walks in on her and is troubeled as to why her friend would want her life to be any more dramatic then it already is. This leads the audience with the hint that the girl like her life to be all about herself and how she wants to be perceived.

It Might Get Loud

This video was about three muscians who lets the audience venture thier minds so we, could get a taste of what music meant to each of them. They each recall and talk about past event that influenced them the most in thier careear. By watching this video you can see how passionate these three guys are about music, this has inspired me to express myself more in my personal narrative video.

Bruce Springsteen Personal Narrative Video

Bruce Springsteen reflects back to his past and thinks about the things he had done and experienced when he was a starting his pass t become a musician. he remembered how hard he worked to become who he is today. All his lyrics mean something to him, he made sure he stayed away from all the cliched words because he wanted his lyrics to be original. This personal narrative shows the life f a man who achieved his dream though hard work and determination.

This American Life

In this video different individuals from different age groups and backgrounds talk about their life and how they perceive things. This boy named Joe stated that he would never fall in love because he doesn't want to become a fool and feel the pain that comes with loving someone. All he cares about is playing games and is completely uninterested in his family which worries his mother. This personal narrative gets the viewers involved because it makes them wonder why this boy acts the way he does and how he will over come this "loveless" life. I have to say i don't agree with that the boy is thinking because sometimes you just cant control that emotion, this video made me realize that through my personal narrative I can get the audience to ask why? how? who? or what makes you believe the things you do.

High School Confidentail

This personal narrative video, showed three examples using three different individuals. As high school students their lives are much different from the norm. They each discuss how they experienced their high-school career and how they overcame their difficulties, while trying to have a positive outlook on life. I learned that if you use a personal approach and incorporate it into your video it will let the audience understand your point of view more clearly.

Personal Narrative Poem

1. I Belong to you – Muse 2. Always – Blink182 3. Forever and Always - Bullet for My Valentine 4. Heart Bursts Into Fire – Bullet For My Valentine 5. Time of your Life – Green Day 6. Clair de Lune- Debussy 7. First Date – Blink182 8. Here In Your Arms – Hellogoodbye 9. I’m Alive - Becca

10. It’s Just You – LMNT 11. You’re Everywhere to me – Michelle Branch 12. Hero – Skillet 13. Safe With You – Skillet 14. Say it loud – Skillet 15. Yours to hold – Skillet 16. Heartbeat – Stereo Skyline 17. Flavor of Life – Utada Hikaru 18. River Flows In You - Yimura

Sweet Amour

A sweet journey is to be remembered forever

I’ll always keep you in my life

No matter how far away we are

Ill always remember that first date we had together

People say that the flavor of life is bitter

But I wont give in to the trifles of life

In this chaotic world you are my hero

The anchor that keeps me on my feet

Because I feel safe with you, here in your arms

Having you by my side makes my heart burst into fire

Together we will have the time of your life

When I dream your everywhere to me

When you’re close it raises my heartbeat

I’m alive because you believed

When I say it out loud

I mean it

Forever and Always

My Amour

My Impression Now by John Stellar

The story basically explains how John Sellers found his way through the help of iTunes. Before he never payed attention to what he was listening to until he took a look at his most played list on his iTunes. . He had a brief flash back and remembered specific bands that had caught his attention as a young man.He realized that he enjoyed listening to Indie Rock and is now able to fully enjoy himself whenever he listens to music.

Play by Olive Panter

In this short story Olive Panter shows how her childhood experiences with music developed her passion for music. Her whole life has been centered around music and she enjoys sharing what she loves with other people around her. She know that everyone likes different things and fully supports their taste for music.

Indie Film Article Summary

This article is helpful to filmmakers because it provides tips to young filmmakers. Basically in order to become a successful filmmakers you have to keep practicing repeatedly and post your works on youtube to grow a audience and introduce your works. Show screenings of your movies at home and ask your audience what their opinion is. Taking these steps will enable you to grow as a filmmaker. Below is the link to this article:

http://filmindependent.org/content/indie-film-q-heidi-van-lier-i%E2%80%99m-high-school-what-should-i-be-doing-right-now

Barely a Mix Tape by Katie Krentz

This short story was based on a college freshman's memories of spending her summer vacation with her friend Luke. They both have known each other since childhood and feel very comfortable around each other. When Luke decides to give her a mixed tape she wonders what it means. As the years pass she realizes that the songs on the tape don't remind her of Luke and she is pretty sure that the songs don't remind Luke of her. Instead the songs reminded them of their respective friends they missed during the summer away from college.

Summary of Roller Boogie

This story is narrated by a thirteen year old boy who loves rock music. At first he is very unsociable and only has life references to music. However he overcomes his obstacles by running for student council so he could be part of the social activities committee. This enabled him to create a playlist for dances and he also overcame his fear of girls. Towards the end of the story he was able to speak to a girl and borrow one of her CD's which to him was a big deal since he never thought a girl would talk to him.