Broader Horizons

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

My class recently got back from a college trip to the Ontario Association of Broadcasters Career Day conference (hosted at Corus Entertainment) in Toronto, and it was honestly a super helpful experience in finding out what I want to do in my future career.

We ended up being able to fly as a group; for better or worse, who knows! We had a great time, and I’m sure everybody around us loved the chatter 😉 . On the first night we went to the LightFest, so we got to experience the sights (and sounds) of the Distillery district all lit up with wonderful displays. The conference was on Monday morning, and allowed us the opportunity to hear from professionals in the broadcasting field and have sit-down sessions in order to pick their brains about their jobs and the journey they took to get there. Although this was more geared to radio and traditional broadcasting, it was still a worthwhile experience and I hope the next class of DMP students is able to go as well.

As part of the career day, we also got to tour Corus Entertainment. It was interesting seeing the radio stations, including being able to see one of the hosts broadcast live during the breaks between songs. The next day brought us to CBC to tour their facilities in the morning and Technicolor, a post production facility, in the afternoon. Again, they were both super interesting! Being able to have educators with connections that can get us into behind-the-scenes tours of the operational aspects (and potentially our future workplaces) was an invaluable experience, and I know for myself, at least, I was able to do some self-discovery.

What I learned was, sometimes, going away for a bit helps you to find yourself. The independence on the trip was an eye-opener; I had the chance to be independent before, but I wasn’t truly ready then. I could have forced it, but I’m glad I waited. On this trip, having the know-how to navigate and help lead some of the group felt great! I’ve always found subways and busses and wonderful places for self-reflection, and this trip was no exception. Truth be told, I know the direction I’m going in, but not necessarily the final outcome. However, I do know where to go from here.

We ended up having free time to venture out into the city. The free reign to ride the TTC and experience city life was another great opportunity, seeing as some of us are planning to take our internships in the bigger cities. I won’t talk too much about the free time, but I will say, if you have a chance, go check out the Bovine bar on Queen; you won’t regret it!

Special shout out to the faculty of the Digital Media Production program; our group was loud, excited and sharing the AirBnB must have been a trying experience, but they’ve really helped us follow our goal to go to Toronto, and will continue to support us wherever we end up. It makes a difference when educators care, and I know I can say it’s true!

Connection

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Connecting to the past; it’s a weird feeling. Like putting on a new sweater that feels like you’ve been wearing it for years. All you know is that you like, and that it fits. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching and self discovery over the past year, and one thing I’ve really connected with is the tradition of oral storytelling. Now, I don’t have too many stories, but the way I’ve done it feels right. Before any judgement, be prepared, because it’s a stretch. To me, the connection comes through Dungeons and Dragons.

Now, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Adam, how does D&D relate at all to any sort of oral tradition?” And you’re right! Like I said, it’s a stretch, and certainly doesn’t always apply. For me, though, being able to tell a story with my friends using mainly our minds on the spot and some imaginative thinking fills that role. More so as a player over a dungeon master, but more on that later. Being able to embody a character fully and immerse yourself into their narrative is a feeling that can’t really be described; it just sort of happens, and you fall into the ride. Going between person to person and filling the world that’s being created with living thoughts and ideas… the power is wild.

As I mentioned previously, though, for me this connection comes more as a player in somebody else’s story. I know, again it doesn’t make all that much sense. Surely the connection would come from the person passing down the story? Well, it still does, but I know for myself I write it down beforehand and make sure it all “goes to plan” as much as one can. But being a player, and making those choices, fully embodying that character that comes from a piece of you; it’s a connection that can’t be put it into words.

This is mainly just a personal thing. I know some people might disagree, and all the power to them. But, I say, if you can find something that connects you to your ancestry, and especially if it makes you feel good, keep doing it, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. You’re the master of your own story, so let yourself be who ever you need to be.

The image is unrelated, it’s just one I took that I like! I hope you enjoy it too!

Identity Cr(ice)is

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Before we begin, happy 2020 everybody! I hope your year has been great so far, and that it can continue to be so. The start of a new decade; new beginnings, or finishing a project years in the making, whatever you get up to I wish you the best! Onto the post; this post will have spoilers for Frozen II (oddly enough) so watch out if you haven’t seen it. I’ll be relating some of my personal journey onto the narrative, so if you have yet to see it and want to remain unspoiled I guess don’t read this for now? But please come back to it!

Alright, with that out of the way, let’s begin. As implied by the title, this post will be about my identity; who I am, where I’ve been, what lies ahead, and so on. An important part of my heritage I’ve discovered in recent years is my Métis background. For those unfamiliar, Métis are a group of people in Canada who have a shared background of white (mixed European) and Indigenous lineage. While I’m not directly related to the people with full Indigenous heritage (my great grandmother), I can still feel that connection and want to open up to it. However, I’m fairly pale-skinned; not that skin tone has anything to do with it, but my Caucasian upbringing makes it feel like I haven’t earned any sort of right to my Indigenous past. It’s some weird sort-of impostor syndrome, like I’m trying to fit in with people I don’t belong with.

That’s where the problem lies. Can I ever fit in? Will I ever fit in, or do I even need to seek justification? It’s a weird tug of rope I’ve been fighting in my head for the past couple of years. I’d love to connect spiritually to that side of my past, but can I really do it the way I currently am? I identify as a Métis individual, and while that can’t be taken away, sometimes I feel like I didn’t really earn it in any capacity. A lot of Indigenous Canadians had to fight for years in order to get some sort of recognition, and I’ve easily stepping in to claim some sort of spiritual past that I can’t say I really have any stake in. My family is in the process of getting status from the government, which I have no doubt in my mind that as a family we do indeed belong in (the process, however, is very long and a lot of waiting). But can I really make my claim, like some sort of settler coming in to take something that isn’t mine, just like in the past?

Now, I know you’re probably wondering, how does any of this relate to Frozen II? Well, one of the major plot points in the movie is the princesses’ relation to the Northuldra tribe (inspired by the Sámi people), which in the movie are an Indigenous population living in the forest north of Arendelle. While I’m not 100% certain on any sort of Métis relation or people in Norway, it’s clear that the princesses have a direct relation through their mother; whether that makes them full Northuldra status or not is never delved into, nor does it need to be. It’s simply a reasoning for why Elsa has her powers (the bridge between the people). As I watched the movie, I couldn’t believe it; the first Disney princesses in years to be directly related to an Indigenous population, and it felt like they were Métis-inspired with the half heritage. I felt a connection, and it was great. The parallels of Elsa’s journey to one of a queer individual now almost matched my own, with a discovery of an Indigenous heritage. But as I sat there, I wondered if she had also earned any sort of stake in this people. She’d been living in the lap of luxury for years, and had only just found out. Oddly enough, the same thing that happened to me as of late happened to her; the Northuldra people accepted her and Anna, and taught them about their past. That’s the same connection I’ve had with some of my Indigenous friends, too; they say that regardless of how I look or how I’ve been raised, I can still learn about the traditions and culture.

So, Frozen II aside, it’s been an odd coming-to-terms journey with my Métis heritage. It’ll still be a while before I feel truly comfortable claiming any sort of status beyond the name. I want to learn some of the language, and the stories, and traditions, everything. But I don’t want to be a cultural tourist. This is a way to connect to my past, much like other traditions that are upheld to connect me to my European heritage. I just need to navigate the journey ahead safely, and not step on anybody’s toes. It’s a weird life, but it’s mine.

Featured image: Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

Never in doubt

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

It’s the end of the third semester. Well, almost the end. Technically it won’t end until December 13th for our program, but it’s close enough to say it’s nearing the end. Being the end of the semester means it’s also the time where all of us crunch to get our last assignments in; documentaries, social media projects, compositing, foley, etc. Deadlines tend to flee from our mind until the last possible second, leaving us scrambling to get the work done no matter how late we need to stay up and how much sleep or socializing we sacrifice.

This year feels different for me, though, personally. I don’t feel like I’ll be missing any deadlines, or trying to work too hard to scramble. I’ll definitely be scrambling for sure, but I feel alright with where I am. I was never really in doubt of my capabilities this year, and it feels good. No lingering thoughts of dread or anxiety (beyond the usual ones, of course), and no real pressure internally. Just deadlines that have to be fulfilled. It’s a weird spot to be in, after years of self-doubt and second guessing, that I can finally be proud of my accomplishments and the work I’ve completed. Sure, it isn’t perfect, but practice helps over time.

The weirdest thing of all? This year, out of all of what I’ve learned, I feel like the organizational aspect is the greatest thing I can day I’ve done. Anybody who knows me knows I’m not too organized in my personal life, but for school this year taking on the producer role in a few assignments is what really made those deadlines feel like less of a hassle. Taking assignments by section and delegating the work to different parts of the day has really helped, and like I mentioned earlier, it feels good. I’m not too stressed, and I’m still getting everything done despite taking a more relaxed approach. Not that I’ve unlocked any master secret to enjoying what you do, but it feels good to get positive feedback on an aspect of my life which has never really been strong. I know this may contrast earlier statements about being busy all the time, but in reflection that busyness was manageable.

All that aside, though, I’ve really enjoyed this semester of school. From getting to practice in more roles behind the cameras to participating in real-life business events and networking, the third semester has been full of wonderful opportunities, and I’m thankful for having the chance to do them all. Who knows what next semester will bring? All that I do know is that I’ll be taking in stride, and (hopefully) continuing to keep organized.

Post photo by Nick Hillier (Unsplash)

Morning (lack of) Motivation

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

We’ve started an instagram page for my job (@churchillpooltbay, if you’re interested) to show off the fun events at the pool and keep the public informed. For fun, we decided to add specific hashtags to our posts; mostly swimming related ones, or pool/lifeguard stuff. However, one that stood out to me was #morningmotivation (side note, as I was writing this #hotgirlsummer came up in the recommended section and I think that’s great). When I posted today, I used it with a quote from Paulo Coelho; “whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy”. To preface, I found the quote on Google and liked it, so I don’t know much about Paulo Coelho. But sitting there after posting, I realized that I don’t truly know what motivates me, but I do know that I want to make myself happy.

Waking up for me, and my #morningmotivation, is usually just because I have a commitment to fulfill. School, work, etc. Not that those commitments are bad, and I generally do enjoy my job and my diploma that I’m pursuing. Sometimes, though, that energy to get and up go just isn’t there. Is it because I’m not making myself happy? If that’s the case, sorry Paulo. These days, the line between commitment and happiness seems to be blurring further and further and routines are just that; routines. So I think I need to start really seeking out that happiness that he’s talking about, in every little thing. Every day I decide to keep going to school, and most days I’m happy about that choice. Work as well, where beyond the occasional irate patron I’m happy to go and see people there.

The real kicker? I think that the motivation doesn’t necessarily lie in the activity or action, but rather the people. Don’t get me wrong, as an outgoing introvert I enjoy my quiet, solo time much more than I do interacting every single day. But the people that I choose to surround myself with make me happy. I genuinely love my friends and family, and that’s all I need. A positive interaction, at least once a day, is my #morningmotivation. As long as I can think back and smile at one little thing, it will all be worth it.

#hotgirlsummer is still the mood, though, so don’t forget it.

Just one minute

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Sleep. School. Work. Sleep. School. Sleep. Work. School. Work. School. Work. Sleep.

Balance. Hard to find these days, and even harder to hold onto once you’ve found it. It feels like you can only maintain certain elements of your life and sacrifice others to make it all turn out good. Want to sleep? Miss out on hanging out with friends. School? Don’t have time to work. Friends? Sure you’ll see them at school but you’ll be busy. And don’t even get me started on online friendships; those are even more hard to keep going.

That’s where the problem lies. You can’t balance it all unless you give up other things, and in this busy life you need to pick and choose what’s important. Which, to be honest, really sucks in terms of maintaining healthy relationships and grades. My secret? Have friends at work and school. That way, I’m able to still hang out with people and get my needed socializing without missing out on making money or studying. Does it always work? Nah. I still feel like I’m missing out on a lot. I know it’s just going to get busier, too, but I just have to live in the moment.

Sound off in the comments if you wish; how do you balance work, school, friendships, or anything else? I know I’m personally sacrificing health (which I need to really work on, but no time!) in order to keep good grades and hang out. What other aspects do you find yourself having trouble with?

It Ain’t Easy…

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

One of the bigger technical aspects we’ve been working with in the second year is After Effects. Not everybody’s cup of tea, but I like it. Tracking, animation, logos, all sorts of things. But one of my favourite things we’ve had a chance to work with is the green screen and keying functions. Surprisingly, too, one of the more involved processes (at the start at least). Sure, it sounds easy to put somebody in front of a green blanket and edit around them but to get it to look seamless and real? That’s the cool challenge.

On to the story of the day, though. One of the latest assignments in Compositing and Visual Effects is to film and then edit ourselves onto a beach. Like I mentioned earlier, easier to say than do. First, you have to get the lighting right. Is the sun coming from the right? Up above? If your shadows don’t match you’ll instantly look out of place. Next, you have to have something that matches the surroundings. Going to the beach in a winter coat might sound fun but if you’re going for realistic you have to cut the funny business (which we still managed to work around buuuuutttttt that’s besides the point). So, now that you’ve filmed and out away your equipment (and organized the room), you just have to load into After Effects and key it, right?

Well, surprisingly, yeah. You can load your base footage, load your filmed green screen footage and pop a keylight filter onto that bad boy. To make it look great, though, you have to work at it. Gain, screen matte, colour balance… not going to get into it all, but a lot of delicate balancing. And that’s what we did today; we met up, set up lights, filmed each other, and just had a great time practicing with the equipment and working on the assignment. I find the best part of my peer group is that you’re never alone in working on something, even in solo projects. They’ve all got your back, and want you to learn and improve along with them. Again, besides the point. But know that I’m appreciative of the group that I get to graduate with!

Maybe one day I’ll have to green screen myself onto the moon. Who knows. By the time I could actually get the lighting right we’ll have space travel anyways 😉

“Wish you were here!”

Life in Tangles

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Cords. We don’t think too much about them, but they’re involved in most of the processes we engage in every day. Coffee maker? Plugged in. Phone? Plugged in (overnight, of course). Computer? Plugged in. They’re in our cars, in our businesses, they’re over us and under us and sometimes even required to sleep. Everything requires power, or powers something else! So where do I find myself? In tangles.

Now, you may be thinking, “Adam, how is this a blog post? It’s a cord rant.” Well, today in school we were responsible for broadcasting the Remembrance Day event that was happening; it was pretty simple in writing, but the execution required much more planning and creativity. Remember the cords I mentioned earlier? Yeah. A lot of them, and everywhere. We had cords to power the cameras, to carry the footage, to communicate between ourselves. As for myself, being the floor director, I ended up surrounded in cords all meant to keep me in the loop (literally) with the rest of the production. From the headphones keeping me on the conference call to the one I dubbed my ‘umbilical’ cord (kept my walkie-talkie box thing powered) that I had to carry around, I was certainly wrapped up and tangled. The worst part was wrapping them up at the end of the stream. Just too many cords needing to be perfectly wrapped, secured and packaged to make sure they didn’t break O_o

I can’t complain too much, though. Like I said, the mess was needed (not that it was much of a mess anyways) in order to power the production and make sure it ran smoothly. Plus I’d rather like to learn how to manage cords and cameras now rather than being stranded out on the job without a clue on how to properly wire a set or remote operation. ((This is where the school plug comes in (get it? Plug? Like a cord?))) And that’s why I enjoy being a student in Digital Media; the field is so open that I could theoretically get a job anywhere, in any sort of company. Social media is fundamental for most companies, and being able to choose which one matches my values is an underrated option that my generation doesn’t consider.

Photo by Thomas Jensen on Unsplash

Introduction

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Hello! My name is Adam; not much of one, but it’s mine. I’m currently a student in the Digital Media Production program at Confederation College; hopefully graduating next year if all goes according to plan. I enjoy a lot of things, but the most important ones would be hanging out with my friends, playing a LOT of Dungeons & Dragons, and making sure to not miss a moment of adventure.

I’ll be posting about my life in this blog, whether it’s about school assignments or things I’ve gotten up to. You can find me on YouTube and Twitter as well, either vlogging or trying to become a social media master. If you like my posts, stick around!