Smashcast Documentary
Hi my name is Hillary Streeter and I am a senior (or I guess now graduate) of the Head-Royce School in Oakland, California. For the last month of school, all the seniors are officially done with school, with the exception of completing a senior project. The purpose of the senior project is to allow the seniors to get a taste of the working world in a fun, interactive way. The projects vary, from hands-on activities such as working at a restaurant or on a farm, to more observant activities such as shadowing a doctor or an architect. For my project, I decided to do something connected to filmmaking.
When I was first thinking about my project, I considered shadowing a doctor. I’m interested in taking premed courses in college so doing such an activity would expose me to my potential future. However, I thought that would be too typical of me. Instead, I wanted to try something completely different that connected to any of my other interests. Since I enjoyed my video production class at Head-Royce, I asked my teacher, Mr. Key, if he knew any filmmakers I could work with. Incidentally, one of his former students supervised a senior project last year, and so he referred me to him. Turns out that person was Trevor.
Since I’ve made three documentaries in the past, one each year addressing a racial topic for black history month, I was assigned to make another documentary specifically about SMASHCAST. It was really helpful to come in, not knowing much about the program and hear the students’ opinions. They all had lots of great things to say about the program, and I enjoyed filming them as they were working on their projects that day. I was very impressed by the skill and creativity of the students’ work, and I honestly felt a bit intimidated. Everyone in SMASHCAST is just so incredibly talented!
Anyways, my movie really allowed me to experiment as I tried new ways to express ideas based off effects that I learned from Trevor. Firstly, for the interviews, I used special lights, a microphone, and an HD camera, all of which I have never used before. I also learned about how to position to the camera to get the interviewee at a certain area of the shot. I found later that I was able to make use of the window off to the right of the interviewees to show more visuals, whether it be text or a video. Secondly, having learned a bit more about Final Cut Express, I was able to experiment with the editing, such as when I added text to a blank computer screen during the ending credits. The one surprise that I found challenging was the time consumption. I’ve made videos in the past and know how long they take to complete. Nevertheless, I didn’t fully realize how long this video would take, mainly because it was so much longer than any other movie I have made. I felt so pressed for time and would often work on the video during every free moment I got. One time, I even pulled out my computer to continue editing while I was out with friends! But honestly, I didn’t mind because I like to multitask anyways. But in the end, the whole product was a fun challenge for me to complete!
In all, the whole experience allowed for me to get a better sense of what it is like to make movies as a career. Obviously, my video is nothing compared to any big time movie, but I got to use similar equipment such as lights and a microphone, and I learned how to do some the special effects that are sometimes used in movies. Everything I learned, I can definitely use in the future if I plan on making any other movies in college or beyond.
In the fall, I will be attending Stanford University, and so I plan on majoring in Human Biology. Nevertheless, after this experience, I will definitely keep an open mind about other possible careers. I know that I will be exposed to many different courses at Stanford, and so my view on my future may change. I’m really glad I got this experience to learn so much more about making videos!
If you have read this far, I thank you! The movie you are about to watch is a shorter version of the 30-minute film I completed. The longer version includes several videos done by SMASHCAST students and further in depth interviews about the students’ and staff’s views on technology, opportunities for minorities, and memorable moments. Hope you enjoy the film!
