Tag: effect

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!

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!”