Documentary Explorers Camp

2 weeks ago I decided to hop on a plane and flew up to Portland, OR to join OMSI and NW Documentary in instructing 10 teenagers on what it takes to be a documentarian. Over that span of 2 weeks we taught 10 goobers how to handle camera equipment, work with editing software, and what it's like to work with other creatives. It may have been only 2 weeks ago, but my fellow instructors and I feel like we've known each other for months now. 

Not really having any clue what this program was like or anyone that worked in it, simply that an old coworker thought it would be something I would enjoy doing, Documentary Explorers Camp seemed like the perfect summer gig. I would get to do creative work, while being outside, and also teach children, basically the dream job description for Shannon. I think that some of the most worth while things I have done in my life have also been some of the most intimidating to take, and this one sat right up there. 

Bright and early Monday morning my team and I met outside of OMSI as children checked in and filled school buses ready to hit the road to our camp in Newport, OR. It was there that morning that I met some of the funniest, honest, hard working people I have ever worked with. With an enormous amount patience, cooperation, and help for one another, over the next 2 weeks we all helped our campers produce 3 mini documentaries around the subjects of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the Oregon Beach Bill, and the Extinction of Mud Shrimp. 

Oregon continually leaves me in amazement with how truly beautiful it is, and after having the chance to be part of Documentary Explorers Camp, I am reminded of how truly beautiful the people are as well. 

Bite Size Docs

A glimpse into someone's life can be an intimate journey; a person quite literally sharing a small piece of their soul with you - doesn't get more magical than that.

These people, these...subjects, allow thousands of people to get a glimpse of who they truly are and what their trade/life/mentality represents. 

Whether it be 2 minutes or 7 minutes, the power of a good narrative documentary can inspire, awaken, and lead any viewer to a sacred, creative mental space. A place where nothing exists but a pure raw reaction of what they are being shown and how they truly feel about it. 

 These six videos stimulated just that for me. I laughed, cried (to more than 1...), and allowed myself for just for those 2-7 minutes to bask in the magnificence of sharing those moments I had with each subject. 

In there lies the true beauty & power of filmmaking; the act of simple share something with one another. 

The One Shot Wonder

The one shot video; a swelling new trend among the video world, engaging viewers leaving them mesmerized and only wanting to see more, myself included. Recently I was introduced to the  music styles of OK GO. Then came the shock after continuously watching all of their music videos...

If there is one thing that I will always take away from film school it is that no matter how hard you try, you will always have to do more than 2 takes of any shot. Whether it felt perfect the 1st time or the 18th time, multiple takes are necessary. So after watching these videos, let us take a moment and applaud not only the performers, but the workers behind the camera and how many sleepless nights, takes, and hours they must've put into this. 

Funnelbox

After finishing school and now being a "grown up" filmmaker, it seems like a whole new world I live in and have to acclimate to. I was always under the assumption that once finished with school, I would go on to find work and life would throw adventures my way. Don't get me wrong, that's exactly what has been happening but sometimes people (myself included) seem to think that after school, that means that you've pretty much learned everything you can.

Genius thought process, right?

In the world of film, there is always something new to be learned. There is always a new piece of equipment to discover, a new editing technique to learn, and a new phrase to master before the next time you are on set. 

HOT SET  › there's active filming going on and if you make any sound what-so-ever, your f@#*ing up the shot and sound and you're in trouble with someone, most likely the AD or Christian Bale.  

MARTINI  ›  the last shot of the entire shoot and thank the old and new gods because now it's socially acceptable to get trashed.

10-1  › I need to pee or poo, let everyone know that when they're screaming my name and wondering where I am on set. 

MAGIC HOUR  › the most amazing light ever that will make your film look like something Steven Spielberg produced but you only have 20 mins to get the shots so move your ass! 

And that is where Funnelbox comes in. At the beginning of April, I was hired on as an intern by them to help out with anything and everything I could. Being finished with school and now being a "grown up", I was hesitant taking a position as an intern only because I thought I would be able to contribute better as an employee. But that is where I was wrong; as an intern I have been able to dip my hands into the realm of marketing, customer relations, high fashion film sets, graphic design and motion graphics work. Things that I would have never been able to do and learn more about as a specific employee. So why am I writing this insanely long blog post about them? This company has not only shown me what it is like working as a "grown up" in the real world, but they have taught me how to do it with style while also working alongside some kick-ass workers.

All in all, internships have a bad name because of the horrific instances that others have experienced throughout the past (myself included). But sometimes it's worth taking that chance and start from the beginning and work your way up the ladder to a point where you then get to come into work and have a blast working with a bunch of goofballs.

Don't believe me? Check out their videos and see for yourself!

Collaboration

In this industry, the only way to survive is by sticking to 2 rules of thumb at all times:

1. NETWORK

2. COLLABORATE 

Sticking to these two simple rules only leads to crazy adventures, new experiences, and getting to meet some amazing new people. Now working at Collective Eye Films for a little over a year, I have met some truly amazing artists. Today, I had the pleasure of getting to know Lauren Mueller, who also works at Collective Eye and is working on setting up the animation for the new feature film we are helping produce called, SEED: The Untold Story. Soon to be heading off to grad school and starting new adventures down in California, Lauren has a unique view on the world that she shows beautifully through film. Check out her website and checkout the website for this amazing new documentary that we are both working on!

Laren Mueller Personal Website:

www.lauren-mueller.squarespace.com

SEED: The Untold Story:

www.seedthemovie.com