Video Project: Bad Service


https://vimeo.com/166850916

Blog #3: Relationships Between Shots

I first found this assignment to be rather difficult, but after searching through Netflix, cable television, and Youtube, I found something. Rather than choosing a clip from a short film or documentary, I chose a format that I do not think about as much in our class; a late night talk show. The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore is a political based comedy, news, talk-show on Comedy Central. The video I chose to analyze is Larry Wilmore and his panel of guests discussing Donald Trump's abusive relationship with the media. In terms of sound, I think the most obvious and single sound is the reaction of audience members. Laughs, boos, cheers, and sighs. I find it obnoxious and difficult to watch in a way that there are no camera shots of the audience shown. Unlike other shows where audience members are shown on camera, such as the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The shots are close ups of each member on the panel, and an overhead dolly shot. I find the shots to be free-flowing, easy to the eye, and fairly nice shots. There are moments where the overhead shot is a bit distracting when cutting from a close-up to the overhead. I would like to see more of the eye level shot that is used around 5:12; this is more seamless and attractive looking in my opinion. I do like how quick the cameras change, I think it is smart and effective when watching and depending on who is speaking. Audience shots would make it more effective and convey more emotion when watching, but I really enjoy the use of camera angles and it is a good pace.

Interview

https://soundcloud.com/billymedia160/interview160

What I Hear

I stepped off the subway and onto the platform, I began speed walking immediately up the stairs when I remembered, for this assignment, I was to listen to my surroundings. In this moment I realized that my day-to-day encounter with this city is a rush. I may miss out on sounds simply due to my eagerness to get from one place to the next in a New York minute. 

I stood at the top of the stairs of the 6 train at Astor Place. I began walking past the Starbucks, and I heard birds flying away off of the sidewalk, a taxi honking their horn, and two girls chatting on the corner as I walked past them, they soon walked past the street; adding to the sound of streetwalking.I

I arrived at Washington Square Park, and sat down on a bench. Rather grossly, a rat scurried past behind me in the grass, and two men playing chess could be heard as I recall the sound of pieces hitting the table. Groups of students passed, a loud group noise of chatter, and then died down as they left; group after group passed and the same loud banter and laughter could be heard, and once again silent; among other sounds of course, the constant traffic and breeze was in the background.

The sounds of the city may seem simple to think of, but when you truly sit down and try to describe what you hear, it's a bit more difficult. In order to truly get a sense of what it is like, you must put yourself in the city environment; sit down in Central Park, a side street, or at a small coffee shop. Closing your eyes and letting yourself freely be in tune to the sounds of traffic, people, and animals. The sounds of taxis honking, students laughing, and hustle and bustle in full force. I think sound is taken for granted, and the city is created full of not only sights, but sounds. Can you imagine if you could not hear the sounds of street vendors shouting, bars playing music at night, or the pre-recorded subway conductor? I know I couldn't imagine it, and I wouldn't want to.

Artist Statement

My name is William Gene Bowe III, but many people call me Billy. I was born in Rochester, New York and grew up in a small suburb in Upstate, New York. My extended family is extremely large with many aunts and uncles, and over 25 cousins. Being part of a large family is a blessing and a curse; it forced me to find my own creativity and use my imagination to fulfill my daydreams. I always loved movies and television, mainly dramas and comedies. The entertainment industry, production, commentary, and social networking as it became more prominent as well. Throughout high school I struggled in finding out what it was that motivated me, when many of my peers had their routes all planned. With no clear vision, I attended community college and graduated in 2 years with an Associate's Degree in Communications. While I played it safe, it was the perfect fit. I had never truly enjoyed taking courses that inspired me to think in different ways and push myself to work harder. In December of 2014, I travelled to Manhattan on a college visit to Hunter College. Spontaneously, I applied to Hunter, and only Hunter, and thankfully was accepted.. I now live with my brother as I learn more about myself, this city, my ever-changing interests, and the rest is history in the making. I am a big foodie and love taking photographs and embarrassing myself in restaurants. Fitness and fashion are very interesting to me, I think they are very popular designated niches on social networking sites and blogs. I am beginning to question more and more how to make something better and try to incorporate what I see through other's photographs, videos, and blogs as inspiration for my own future creations, whatever they may be.