Collective Filmmaking

So far this semester, I’ve learned some important things about collective filmmaking and reinforced some things I learned in FST 201. As filmmaking is arguably the most collaborative artistic process, it can be stressful, discouraging, or even intimidating to count on that many people to deliver a film, as well as to try to get through to them. But in some ways, this emphasized collaboration can be a great blessing as well.

There are times when a vision of mine for a given assignment or film can go relatively unchecked, like if I’m the one with the most ideas and/or know-how required. But as the semesters pass on (and I think this will become increasingly true as I get further into the Film Major), I notice more fellow students with the passion and experience and desire to learn that I have. This can stimulate something of a competitive urge in me, but by the end of the day I find it exciting in the most positive way possible; I realize that me and my classmates are capable of far more than before, and that I want to not only impress my professor and myself, but the other students as well.

I’ve also found that I’m far more likely to impress myself if I have the help of some of my gifted classmates along the way to make simple but crucial suggestions, apply their expertise to things I’m less familiar with, provide a fresh perspective, etc.

Needless to say, there is quite a good deal of talent in our F302 class this semester, and I’m simply just excited to work with them more. I don’t want this class to end anytime soon, and I only want to keep working on larger projects with them like we’re doing now in our Music Video crews.

The collective filmmaking and film community with increasingly passionate and skilled, and even agreeable classmates, is a blessing that most other majors probably seldom/never experience. I try to take full advantage of this, and once I finish my Computer Science minor, I’ll look forward to committing far more time and energy into my collaborations with fellow students and teachers!