The Last Days

Hey Everyone,

I hope finals prep is going well...even though I'm sure everyone is stressed and exhausted but, know that you will get through it and Christmas Break is right around the corner. 

Here in London, things are beginning to slow down and everyone is trying to meet their final deadlines. Thankfully, I just have one final paper, an all day challenge for my Media Production Class and my final draft of my script and creative pack to go along with it. Not having any final EXAMS is nice.


Since last week a couple of exciting events have taken place. First, in my screen and script class we had to pitch our ten-minute short film to the students of the video production groups. There were five different groups that we were placed in randomly. In each of the groups one script would be chosen to be turned into a short film and then a second script would be chosen as a back up. The pitching session was actually really fun. Each of us students basically presented our script and answered any questions the production team had for their notes. We pitched our scripts on Wednesday and were told that Friday we would have an answer on the decisions made by the production teams. My script was chosen as one of the five to be filmed! I was excited and shocked. Starting this week we have production meetings to talk about how the filming of the script will take place. Since I am leaving my team has made arrangements for us to communicate through email, GoogleDocs and Skype about the creative process. The students will also enter the film in the British Film Festival. I look forward to this creative journey and process and I am excited to work with the video production students. 


In my Media Production class we prepared for our next assignment which was to present our radio talk for TV. The challenges in this assignment were finding pictures to be added in during the talk and video if you wanted but, also being able to read from a prompter as well. Thankfully, I had previous experience from working at KDKA TV News Studios. The second part of the assignment was having to be in the control room while our partner for the assignment presented and having to direct the cameras and make sure the pictures and videos come up during the right times while recording. Everyone had one take as well. There was a trust that had to be built obviously because if your partner missed a cue in the control room there was no going back. Ultimately, the actual recording day went smooth and everyone did a great job and had a lot of fun.


In my race and representation class we started our presentations this week and of course, I was in the first group. The presentation was to center around our topic for our final paper. Mine was entitled, "Where My People At?: Lack of minority representation in Television and Film." My paper will center around the entertainment business and basically look at the roles or lack of roles that minorities receive. A big part of my paper will also be a mention of the Oscars and how it affects the image pertaining to minorities in the business. I am excited for this final paper as we had the freedom to talk about the topic of our choosing as long as it related to race. The other student's that presented chose very interesting topics as well centering on women, the Holocaust and fashion. Next week the second group of presenters will go and then we hand in the assignment by Friday. 


Through this study abroad experience I have grown incredibly. Each academic year I feel as though I become more responsible and aware of my tasks at hand. Meaning that in my earlier years I can admit I would not be as focused as I could be and I probably procrastinated a good bit. Now, I can truly say I can see the finish line. I basically have three semesters left of Undergrad and then off to the real world or more school. I think it also helps that now I am into the main classes that pertain to my major and mostly all of my core classes are just about done. I take homework and all assignments seriously and look at them as a learning opportunity. I look forward to teacher meetings and conferences to assess my work and improve. I have learned the importance of staying on a good sleep schedule and making sure I have the rest I need to get through the long days. I put more time and effort into assignment making the editing process way easier. I think I have come to a point in my academic career where I have found my stride and I am completely focused on what I have to do. 


I look forward to these final days here in London and seeing and doing all I can do. I plan on finishing strong and look forward to this chapter of my life to close and for another to begin. I still have another semester of hard work and challenges to go through and I look forward to pushing myself and working hard to achieve my goals. 


I only have one more post after this one! Time truly flies. If there is anything you want to know or any final questions remember to ask! I will answer everything in the next post. But, until next time!

CHEERS,

Ty G.