Reflections of a Teal Festival

      I expected the conference to run smoothly, because everyone has worked so hard throughout the semester. I would have been surprised if anything went wrong. Everybody had checked and double checked all positions, and everyone knew what needed to be done. And, of course, nothing went wrong (as far as i could tell)! Granted, I didn't get to see every moment of V4, but everything I did see was great.

      I was surprised by the speakers at both conference blocks. I was expecting Brandon to be this presentation god, because of everyone speaking so highly of him, but I was surprised by the other speakers. He did great, I am not saying he didn't, but my expectations were laser light-shows, existential discoveries, and gaining a new perspective on what I think "film" means. Other than that, I feel that every person brought their "A" game, and they were all enjoyable, and professional.

      I wasn't 100% behind the final order of the film blocks, but they surprised me by working together so well. I guess it is one thing to look at a list of titles, and another to watch them together. I enjoyed helping interview the guest filmmakers and scholars, because I realized how similar they all were. I understood how they went about creating, and I really connected to their creativity and love of film.

      I feel that I did my job as well as it could have been done, although I wish I had asked to have more control over the filming of the interviews. I feel that more could have been done, but I didn't want to step on toes or offend people, plus I was just supposed to be assisting, which sometimes means not speaking out of turn. Overall, I am happy with the outcome of the interviews. Our director did a great job at talking to the guests, and I feel that we got some great tidbits to share with future Visionairies, presenters, and filmmakers.

      I was inspired to submit more work to next year's event, because Visions gets better every year. I feel that it can only get bigger and better, and I would love to be apart of it as a guest, because it was incredible to see how our staff welcomed those students (and schools) as one of their own.

Roughdraft of Visions department spotlight

There is a great deal of work that goes into creating the UNCW Visions Film Festival & Conference. A great deal, of which, is carried out in the semester prior to the event. With V4 a few days away, we thought the world should know a little more about what goes into the creation of such a large event. One of the most amazing aspects of the Vision FF&C, is the fact that it is 100% student organized. From fundraising to after parties, every element is taken care of by a select group of UNCW students. The FST495 class is run like a business, and every student has a job. A brief outline of the department structure is outlined below.

DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT

Works directly with the Hospitality, Travel and Outreach Department

Team Members:  Jill Kaszubski, Audra Blake, Nathalie Fortunel

Principle Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the Development and Fundraising Department is to raise funds for the events various expenses (travel, venue, marketing, catering, etc…).  Fundraising is at the heart of the Development Department's objectives, however, during the process of raising funds, those working for Development and Fundraising team also grow the Visions networking base and further the potential for the event’s local, regional and international outreach.

HOSPITALITY, TRAVEL AND OUTREACH DEPARTMENT

Works directly with the Development and Fundraising Department

Team Members:  Zoë Vanderploeg, Ally Godsey, Taylor Woodell, Kateland Lee, Eliza Bryan

Principle Responsibilities

The Hospitality, Travel, and Outreach Department is responsible for all guests services for the event including: all phone and email interactions with guests before and after arrival, lodging and flight coordination, swag bags, meeting and greeting guests upon arrival, in-town chauffeur/shepherding coordination, food and beverage (coordinating staff for breakfasts/lunch/dinners during guests visit, Thursday night group meal, Friday breakfast reception, Friday evening guests/staff/volunteer dinner, Friday night dessert reception,), handling guests’ needs and complaints before/during/after trip, handing out travel grant checks before guests leave, getting all release forms signed for the DVD collection, parties throughout the year (After Party and Fundraisers [working with Development]), the Video Race, the College Tour, and the Campus/Regional outreach program.

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

The Creative Department works directly with the Marketing Department

Team Members:  Channing Duke, J’aime Davies, Kyle Randolph, Jake Chamelin, James Hardman-Cobb

Principal Responsibilities:   

The Creative Department defines and creates the aesthetic branding of the event.  Everything that goes into the look of Visions is created by this department. This includes the website, flyers, posters, advertisements, logos, stickers, programs and anything else that has art on it.

MARKETING TEAM

Works directly with all departments

Team Members:  Steven Gamble, Maddi Tangney, Naomi Montes and Dallis Covey

Principle Responsibilities:

The Marketing Content Team are our content ambassadors, also known as the organization’s chief storytellers. Each member of this team is responsible for setting the overall editorial/content marketing mission statement and integrating that throughout the event planning process. As each member of the team (PR, email, social, search, web, etc.) starts to create and curate content, it is the Marketing Content Director’s responsibility to make sure that the stories remain consistent  (with each other and also with the Visions “brand”) and make sense to the audience(s). The MCD must also continually receive feedback from all other departments so that the mission statement continues to reflect Visions goals and metrics for success.

OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Works directly with the Programming and Traffic Department

Team Members:  Chris Keefe, Anna Roberts, Jonathan Mayo and Tyler Davis

Principle Responsibilities:

The Operations Department manages all facets of Lumina Theater operation (from the Visions side), Registration, Facilities and General Guest Information, and Volunteer Coordination.

PROGRAMMING AND TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT

Works directly with Operations Department

Team Members:  Matt Gossett, Nico Desmereaux, Jonathan Mayo

Principal Responsibilities:  The Programming Department manages all facets of programming, preparation, traffic and exhibition (including Invitationals and the day of event Installation Exhibit) and, in addition, is in charge researching and coordinating the Keynote Speaker selection process.

These are the simplest descriptions of the plethora of work the V4 team dedicates itself to. As the semester continues, we will present the individual tasks that our staff has worked so hard at, to bring you the best FF&C that has ever been created at UNCW. Each staff member should, and will, be put in the spotlight, as they have worked tirelessly to go above and beyond the call of duty for this year’s festival. I am honored to present each and every one, and I hope that you visit us each week to discover every valuable person behind the 2014 Visions Film Festival & Conference.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference

Spotlight Blog #2 Rough Draft - Questionnaires only

Awesome Questionnaire

Nathalie F.

Eliza B.

Naomi M.

Nico D.

DC: What department are you in?

Nico: Programming& Traffic
Naomi: Marketing
Nathalie: Development & Hospitality
Eliza: Hospitality

DC: Position/Job Title?

Eliza:
Nico: Programming and Traffic Assistant in Charge of Archiving, Submissions Processing & Reports
Naomi: Social Media Assistant
Nathalie: Awards Coordinator
Eliza: Outreach Coordinator

DC: Did you choose your position? If not, why do you feel that you were chosen for it?

Nico: No. I began as a systems manager, but as I took on more organizational duties my job title expanded in an attempt to include those roles. My job title has more syllables than my job description. I’m still a systems manager, my only responsibility is to create and curate systems for the smooth operation of Visions4.
Naomi: I was given the position, but I also had the option of choosing between two other positions.
Nathalie: Kinda. I was chosen because I have great organizational skills as well as communication skills in order to ask for donations from businesses.
Eliza: I was given a couple of choices within the hospitality department and I chose Outreach because I felt that it would offer me the most personal growth; being that I feel socially awkward but can function well when I have to for a job.

DC: What has been your most difficult task this semester? Your favorite?

Difficult:
Nico: I have most difficulty treating the class as a class. Whether it’s something I’m asked to do or the specific way in which I’m asked to complete a task, there are several things asked of me that are neither constructive to the event nor to myself as an organizer of the event, but I have to complete these tasks for assignment grades.

“I need you to do a presentation, because, this time around, I only have one presentation grade for you.”

Naomi: Blogging. I squirm at the thought of it and I wish that it were an optional thing for this class. Its been a real struggle.
Nathalie: It has been hard not getting responses from companies as well has getting concrete nos. I keep trying to contact new businesses but at times I can’t find enough smaller businesses.
Eliza: Planning the Film Kid Mixer, just because it was my first major task, pretty immediately after I joined the class. I had never planned an “official” event before and I was really nervous that it wouldn’t be successful.

Favorite:

Nico: My favorite task this semester has been running reports and forms for the class. I know how to do it, and I can do it quickly – sometimes during class for the benefit of constructive debate.
Naomi: My favorite task? Tweeting on The Twitter. All day. Everyday.
Nathalie: When I receive a donation! It is the best cause I know that the recipient will be very pleased.
Eliza: Also planning the Film Kid Mixer. Although it was difficult and anxiety producing, the outcome was so satisfying. It made me feel very accomplished and much more comfortable with in my abilities as an event planner.

DC: What advice would you give for the next person to fill your position (individually/as a department)?

Nico: There will be times when it feels like you have to make a final call on something important: “How are we storing our files?” “How are we compiling info on our submissions?” etc. If  you have the fortitude to make those calls, all the better, but, remember, you are never alone in this, and any feedback is helpful. If you’re really concerned, tell Shannon and your AD or Director that you want to bring it to the class as a presentation for feedback.
Naomi: Listen to the higher ups! Be sassy! B.U.
Nathalie: I started off Emailing, then waited for responses to then call a couple weeks later. If I could go back I would have Emailed & Called at the same time. People trust more if they can hear your voice!
Eliza: You can never plan too much, and you can never do too much research. Also remember that it is okay to ask to for help, and you probably should.

DC: Where do you feel that your team has contributed the most to V4, so far (individually/departmentally)?

Nico: The Google drive system makes it easy to share ideas and information. The Google calendar system allows people a platform to coordinate efficiently. The group-contact files that I created both semesters saves everyone a lot of time and mental space clicking in or memorizing contact info. The Visions archive system offers fast and easy access to any past visions files. The abstract and film grading rubrics which helped to critically analyze films and abstracts, and allowed me to easily compile reports for rigorous debate in class, which I think leads to better programming.
Naomi: Definitely in getting people to come to our events and spreading the V4 gospel. 
Nathalie: Overall we have brought in a lot of money for other departments to utilize. We are in charge of making sure that the filmmakers have an enjoyable and memorable experience after leaving!
Eliza: I don’t even know. I feel like all the departments are part of this machine, and if any cog or pully doesn’t work, the whole machine will mess up. A lot of my department’s job will come the day of, but so far I think we’ve provided a great foundation for making the filmmakers and scholars feel good and at home. As far as my own contributions, I think they’ve been helpful, but it’s really not something I’ll see the fruit of until the actual event. So, I hope everyone shows up.

DC: What are you looking forward to most during V4 FF&C?

Nico: I’m looking forward to meeting our filmmakers and scholars and seeing what sorts of dialogue evolves out of having three groups of people in the same place: filmmakers, scholars, and festival producers.
Naomi: Taking everyone’s mug shot.
Nathalie: Well this isn’t fair since my film was accepted and will be starting off the film screenings, so that will definitely be something I’m looking forward to! Aside from that, handing out the awards at the end should be really fun!
Eliza: Everything! I’m not even really sure. Just seeing all of the hard work pay off, seeing everything fall into place. I’m honestly not sure I’ll have enough time the day of to reflect on what I expected, but I’m expecting it to be crazy and awesome.

DC: What part of V4 are you most proud of (individually/departmentally/VISIONS as a whole)?

Nico: The Google drive system. Without this system, everything slows down. At times the platform works well enough that some class activities almost become formalities. Also, the way in which I’ve set up the folders allows departments and individuals the flexibility to make the system work for them within the framework I designed, and gives me the chance to easily monitor how files are being stored and correct any errors caused by the misuse of the system.
Naomi: I’m absolutely amazed by how a group of students can come together and put together a functional/ freakin’ badass film festival and conference. Everyone in this class wants to see Visions grow into something that the community will be proud of, and that's what drew me into deciding to be a part of Visions; I get the chance to collaborate with a group of hard-working students who all share a love for Film.
Nathalie: I think just how we all work together as a team and have turned, what could be a class, into a full on festival that we all truly care about.
Eliza: Pulling off my mixer, getting over what we expected from the bakesale, finally figuring out programming, and (hopefully) seeing everything work out at the actual event.

Week 8 - Seventh Inning Stretch

Okay, so there is only two weeks until the event, and everyone is rising to the challenge and feeling the heat. I have been busy with all my projects, so I don’t feel as much pressure, as I only have a few blogs to do. I guess I will feel useful on the day of the event, because I get to assist Steven with interviews. I spent the last week (every spare moment that I had) creating a slideshow for my V4 presentation. It took longer than I thought, because I had to find DVDs with footage of Alice Guy’s films, I had to copy them, edit clips, render them, and put them in a format that PowerPoint didn’t hate. I am very happy with how it turned out. I have written a script to guide me through the presentation, so I am just trying to work it down to the time. I need to check on it, but I think we have 20 minutes per speaker. I think they were 15 minutes last year, but I think we have 20 this year, because the block is 90 minutes, we have 4 presenter, and 10 minutes for Q&A. I will make sure next Wednesday. I cannot wait to share the amazing career of a woman who blazed a trail (unfortunately it wasn’t followed for decades) for women in the industry. I hope that one person will walk away with the desire to create, because then I will have done my job.

VISIONeers Spotlight Blog #1 - A Candid Interview: Spotlighting V4's Amazing Staffers

     Each week, we are presenting a member of our Visions4 staff, so you can get to know the behind-the-scenes work (and the bright-n-shiny personalities) that goes into putting together an event like Visions Film Festival & Conference. This week, I am bringing you our Director of Hospitality, and the Video Race Coordinator. These women work extremely hard, but you would never know it, because they both maintain an amazingly calm and collected demeanor.

Our Very Talented Hospitality Director: Zoë VanDerPloeg

DC: Did you choose your position? If not, why do you feel that you were chosen for it?
ZV: Shannon recommended it to me last spring, so I didn’t really chose it…But it would’ve probably been what I would’ve chosen anyway.  I like doing all the logistics for the events-within-events (Video Race, parties, catering, etc.) and I like how high energy and team-oriented this position is.  Plus my team is awesome.


DC: What has been your most difficult task this semester? Your favorite?
ZV: Keeping up with everything!  This semester is crazy.  Parties, outreach, Video Race, helping Jillian with sponsorship, Swag Bag donations – we all have big stuff to do.  Plus all the little stuff like e-mailing the filmmakers and scholars and doing budgets.  And more so than some of the other departments, our bulk of work is this semester and goes right up to the day of the event. This isn’t all locked down yet, but I can tell you hands down that I bet planning the Friday dinner and the After Party with Ally will be my favorite.  Plus putting the Swag Bags together once I actually get some merchandise in will be cool, too.  Anything that will make the guests say, “Wow, this is really cool.”


DC: What advice would you give for the next person to fill your position (individually/as a department)?
ZV: Well, I know that it is going to be Ally.  So I would tell her to keep being her vocal, no bullshit self, but to maybe have a little more patience for people and tasks that she gets frustrated with easily.

DC: Where do you feel that your team has contributed the most to V4, so far (individually/departmentally)?

ZV: Parties and outreach events.  Although they are officially for PR and fundraising, I feel like another benefit to those events is that it helps draw our class together a bit outside of the confines of the Edit Lab.

DC: What are you looking forward to most during V4FFC?

ZV: Meeting all our guests!  And everything going smoothly…

DC: What part of V4 are you most proud of (individually/departmentally/VISIONS as a whole)?

ZV: I think our Art Department is badass.  Although they were dragging their heels a bit into this semester, they have really gotten everything together and I think their defined campaign adds momentum to our whole group.  Because of their awesome designs, Shannon was able to get more money for t-shirts, stickers, and bags.  That makes me, the Swag Bag person, look super good – but I couldn’t have done it without them.

     Zoë has been the single, uniting voice driving the Visions4 Staff this semester, which has kept everyone at the top of their game.

So, Zoë, this "YOU-DA-(WO)MAN!!!" is for you...

Our Tenacious, Taylor Woodell, Helming the Amazing Video Race

DC: Did you choose your position? If not, why do you feel that you were chosen for it?
TW: I did not choose my position. I feel as though I was picked for it because Shannon has seen how I function as a producer, I am very diligent, thorough, and have a positive out-look, therefore I think those qualities transfer well into my Visions job title.


DC: What has been your most difficult task this semester? Your favorite?
TW: The most difficult has been staying on top of all of the logistics that go into planning the video race. Oddly enough, the most difficult tasks have also been my favorite! I love seeing the progress Video race has made thus far.
 
DC: What advice would you give for the next person to fill your position (individually/as a department)?
TW: Work ahead, always have a back-up plan, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
 
DC: Where do you feel that your team has contributed the most to V4, so far (individually/departmentally)?
TW: We have contributed to making a face for Visions, and we also have contributed a lot to what goes on the day of, ranging from what our guest will experience (how they will see Visions and Wilmington,) as well as creating an awesome mini-event/ the video race.


DC: What are you looking forward to most during V4FFC?
TW: I am very excited to get to meet some amazing filmmakers from around the U.S. I also am just as excited to see how all of our (The V4 Staff’s) hard work has paid off!


DC: What part of V4 are you most proud of (individually/departmentally/VISIONS as a whole)?
TW: I am very proud of Jillian realizing and going after getting Visions a grant! That is a huge deal and could give the all future Visions an even greater leg up. It gives the festival so many more opportunities to flourish and develop!

     Taylor has been an amazing networking resource for many of the V4 departments. No matter what questions or leads someone has had this semester, Taylor seems to always say, "I know somebody we can talk to." Her connections (and cheerful smile) have helped out everyone.

Taylor, this "HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!!" is for you...

There you have it, folks! A badass Art Department, overwhelming and neverending work, diligence, and cool swag bags, are just the tip of the V4 iceberg. Check back each week as we spotlight another Incredible-tastic member of our Visions4 Family.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference

Week 7 - Back in the Saddle

So…here we go again…

Alrighty then!!! We are back, and there is sooo much left to be done. Steven and I have finally figured out our blog schedules, so all I have left to do is figure out this “archiving” stuff. Steven told me that Nico has all of Visions history on a hard drive somewhere, so I will have to meet up with him and figure out where to go from there.

I wish I had done more schoolwork, but I found it more important to envelop myself in the incredible cinema of yesteryear. I am still amazed that so much great film has been overlooked by history. I have become a convert to classic cinema, which means that I find myself constantly disappointed with the majority of stuff out there now (I still enjoy it, but I find most of it derivative, unfortunately). Been there, talked about that, so moving on…I am enjoying my sound design class, which I have found to be the MOST interesting and challenging course this year. I have learned more in that class than all my other 18 hours combined. It is hard to learn something new in most of my classes because they are research based writing courses (for the most part), which doesn’t offer much but learning simple facts. I like the challenge of tackling a new way to approach production, new software, and discovering a hidden talent. I only wish that I had more to offer Visions. I feel limited in my capacities (I wish I could have been a part of the art department, programming, registration, development, anything that has a tangible and helpful objective) as an occasional “blogger,” which I feel is already handled by 3 amazing writers. I feel like I have been shoehorned into a throwaway position, but I guess that is neither here nor there. I don’t feel that I could have done better than anyone, but I feel that I could have contributed in other areas (I am not a social media person, and I just feel that my “job” of the occasional blog is not a proper utilization of my abilities and experiences). Sorry, but I have just felt this building up for a while.

Oh well…

Week 6 - Spring 'Break'down

Finally, a well-deserved time of peace and quiet. The one flourishing Oasis in an endless, burning sea of sand (and textbooks, projects, yadda-yadda-yadda…)!

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!

I plan on (and so far, have) spending as much time as I can smothering my senses in all things film. I have 29 cinematic delights (from classic Hollywood, Noir, and French Cinema to French/Czech New Wave, Neo-Noir, and current box-office spectacles) So far I have enjoyed my couch potato-ing. I have watched so many inspirational films. My favorite of the French New Wave bunch has been Jaques Demy’s Lola. I do not want to say any more than, “You MUST watch this film!!!” Many of these gems have ruined my interest in modern film. I am so bored with 98% digital effects, lens flairs, shaky cam (Hold the d@$& camera straight, you are being paid thousands of dollars!!!), and a slew of other techniques that are becoming the staple in today’s films. I am watching movies that are 40+ years old and they put most current films to shame. I do not want to go on a rant, so I won’t.

I have loved the time off, and my wife and I are writing scripts, filming movies, and expanding our mental library of movie quotes and trivia. I am trying to do a bit of schoolwork, as well, but luckily I have caught up with everything, so not much is to be done. I am, unfortunately, not looking forward to returning to school. I am graduating this semester, so I am looking forward to returning to the workforce, and being done with petty assignments. PEACE!!!

Copy of V4 Bake Sale Blog for the Website (not a final draft, but close enough)

YEEEE-HAWWWW!!!

The 2014 V4 Bake Sale was a resounding success, so a                             “congratu-DYN-O-MITE-lations” is in order to all of those who volunteered their delicious baked goods (or their tasty time)!

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and a wonderful crisp breeze guided me swiftly across the campus to our stand in front of Randall Library. A group of slackers (not grunge kids, but slackline enthusiasts) were performing their harrowing acrobatic tricks several inches above the soft billowy grass. Groups of opportunistic students were scattered about the clock tower field recharging the hidden solar cells in their stomachs or on their backs. An assorted mix of ‘80s and ‘90s music, coming from an unseen boom-box, danced along the wind creating a blanket of comfort and nostalgia for all those in attendance.

Our fabulous V4 Bake Sale was organized by our very crafty guru, Audra Blake. She spent weeks designing flyers, setting up volunteer shifts, and coordinating the collection of scrumptious foodstuffs. Her hard work, and the ever-so-tasty creations of our other VISIONS staff members, is directly reflected by the donations we received that put us over our projected goal.

A big “shout out” to the crafty confectioneers is due:

Audra Blake – Wily white-chocolate popcorn, Bodacious Brownies, and a smorgasbord of other delicacies

Ally Godsey – Reverent Red-Velvet Cupcakes

Kyle Randolph – Gandolfian Gluten-Free Cookies

Anna Roberts – Miraculous Mini-Cheesecakes

Shannon Silva – Nutritious Nut n’ Dairy-Free Treats (for our allergy n’ lactose-challenged friends)

Maddy Tangney – Capricious Chocolate Cupcakes

And everyone else who supplied the happiness and awesome-sauce that made our V4 Bake Sale a success.

During my shift, we had a great group of outgoing and creative types who helped rope in students and faculty alike with their rambunctious spirit and entertaining desperation: Nico Desreumaux, Channing Duke, Ben Dorton, Steven Gamble, Ally Godsey, Chris Keefe, Maddy Tangney, Kyle Randolph (and other members of the VISIONS gang who stopped by to show their support when they could). From formal introductions, and fist-bumps to catcalling and musical performance, our VISIONeers went all out to promote the amazing FF&C we are working so hard to bring to UNCW (plus the offer of fantastic sugar rushes between classes didn’t hurt either).

We would like to especially thank the students and faculty whose donations made this year’s event one of the best in VISIONS’ history!

Check out our super-awesome info page to get your badge early (you don’t want to miss out on the early bird swag), so you can guarantee your place in this year’s 4th annual VISIONS Film Festival & Conference. We are also looking for motivated volunteers who want to help out with V4 this year, so keep an eye on our site for regular updates, blogs and upcoming events.

Sound off in the comments below, or on our Facebook page, if you would like Audra and her Motley Crew of Baking Bandits to bring their delectable confections back for a tasty encore.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference

Week 5 - V4 Paper Submission Comments

13 Ways of Looking at Bill Murray

Pro- Very good at creating vivid imagery

Con- Needs to be re-edited. Several problems with sentence structure (e.g.- Gone with the Wind to escape so that they could escape/Not despite this fact, but because of it).

A Radical Expedition of Cinema's Birthplace

Pro- Great attempt at connecting a modern film to the "birth" of cinema.

Con- The author doesn't quite evaluate or analyze most of the quotes used, instead, they merely repeat the information in their own words, or vice versa.

Cinema du Corps and Avant Garde Cinematography

Pro- Fantastic thesis paragraph!

Con- Could be a bit more cogent. A little too specific and wordy, but a great paper overall.

Cinematic Expression of Ghosts in Japanese Film

Pro- Good film summaries, and good at comparing the films through the use of social beliefs.

Con- more of a compare and contrast paper, than a research paper.

Irreversible and Techniques of Looking

Pro- Very cogent, and engrossing writing.

Con- Less analysis of We F#$K Alone, and more rhetoric needed about the "sympathetic male," which was supposed to be part of the thesis.

Multi-Screen Film

Pro- Used a lot of sources, and reveals a great deal of information on the history of Multi-screen film.

Con- Reads more like a summary or an opinion of something, rather than a traditional research article. There seems to be no argument, other than laying out the history of multi-screen film.

Murders Unavenged

Pro- Great job at providing a brief history of the police procedural.

Con- With such an amazing plethora of films in the world, Zodiac is one of the weakest films to use.

Pied Piper vs. Faun: Storybooks and Female Empowerment in The Sweet Hereafter and Pan's Labyrinth

Pro- Good job of analyzing and linking the quotes used with her main points.

Con- Needs a stronger thesis. While the author states what their goal is, they do not set up the specific goals or subtopics used to reinforce their statement.

The Blues Brothers & Bollywood Masala Cinema

Pro- Very intriguing approach to re-evaluating/redefining a cult classic within the context of another culture's guidelines.

Con- Needs another pass in editing. Grammatical issues are present throughout paper (run on sentences,  misuse of commas, etc).

The Unfilmable Lightness of Being

Pro- Very large subject to tackle, so this author put in a great deal of work.

Con- Grammatical errors throughout (omission of words, creating words that do not exist, bad sentence structure).

Transmedia Adaptation in the Work of Orson Welles

Pro- Very well researched.

Con- Too much of a summary of individual films/musicals.

Boys will be Girls

Pro- Interesting connection between metrosexuality, and Guy's work from the early 1900s.

Con- Use more images, and research more statistics from the studios regarding women, films, employees, theaters, etc.


 

Week 4 - Winter Aftermath, and Power Free

Well, another week without going to school. Unfortunately, we do not have any power. It is one thing to miss school, and be able to watch movies or TV shows all day, and it is another to be without power, sitting in an ice covered apartment building, and trying to blow "freezing breath rings." One thing that was entertaining, however, was jumping up every five or ten minutes to the sound of gunshots (it turns out that pine trees, when covered in ice, sound EXACTLY like large caliber rifle shots when they break in half from the stress) to see where the next two tons of ice and tree limbs will fall. It was pretty darn incredible. They were falling like dominos all day! It made for some great soundscapes, as I broke out my trusty H4N and shotgun mic to record the falling titans. It caused quite a bit of property damage, as well. This, of course, led to the next five or six days without power (a fate only half of our apartment complex shared, the lucky, warm bastards). But, as is the human condition, we strove forward, adapting to all mother nature (and lazy-ass Father Wilmington Utilities) could throw at us. Luckily, I was taught to "always be prepared" during my stint in the Marines, so the trusty propane appliances came to the rescue. Of course, this also meant another week of VISION-ing and schoolwork piling up, which really sucks. It is hard enough taking 21 hours, but getting two weeks behind is a definite downer.

Copy of B.Y.O.F.F. Blog for the website

There is nothing more private and sacred to a young filmmaker than their first  film. Whether it is the single most important piece of cinematic history EVER to be discovered (according to your great aunt Ida), or it makes you change your identity and flee the country, we have all been there. VISIONS hosted a B.Y.O.F.F. party (Bring Your Own First Film) at the Goat & Compass to celebrate the first steps of the many future filmmakers in the UNCW and Wilmington community.

​Upon entering the establishment, a beautifully decorated raffle booth (curated by VISIONS own Audra Blake) drew the attention of all the patrons. Roses, candies, and assorted homemade popcorn treats were packaged in rustic brown paper cones. The building was filled with students, their friends, and alumni. After the initial frenzy of catching up, laughing, and other formal societal customs began to die down, the group was slowly herded out the door and to the back patio. Here, the VISIONS crew had decorated the fenced in area with lights and candles, with the focus shifted toward the giant projector screen in the back. The air was cold and crisp, but the giddy energy of the close-knit crowd maintained an aura of heat that blanketed all who attended (not to mention the industrial propane heater provided by Taylor Woodell). As everyone settled into their own particular areas of the patio, the awesome 90s music that had been elevating the spirits of all those attending was quickly switched off, and the announcement for the main event was greeted with hollering, laughter, and applause.

​The screenings were split into two viewing blocks with a small break, and a table read of a script (from our own Marketing Director, Steven Gamble) filled the time between. Deadly blind dates, corporate espionage, kitten reminiscing, and Siberian adventures involving the Hand-Crank-Flashlight Bandit were only a small portion of the highly entertaining evening. Each filmmaker who attended the party gave a brief intro before their respective films played. The energy throughout the evening reinforced the sense of brotherhood (and sisterhood, of course!!!) that filmmakers share. No matter where we are in our journey, we all share a sense of unity, as we all are taking the same path.

​Take a gander at our announcement page for upcoming events, so you can be a part of the incredible experiences the staff of VISIONS 4 want to bring to you.

We hope to see you soon.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference

Week 3- No Business Like "Snow" Business

     I haven't been this anxious since I was 12! I would stay up late, fingers crossed, listening to Magic 107.9 (as quietly as I could without alerting anyone in the house) for the eleven o'clock announcement of the local business and school closings. Fast forward twenty years, and the exciting, knuckle clenching anxiety still overwhelms me.

     Snow.

     On the flip side of my childlike excitement, is the engrossing adult related responsibility piling up. I know that the longer we stay out of class, the more work has to be done. This week is supposed to be our preliminary round of sifting through films and UNCW abstracts. The great part about a class like this (I know it is more than a class, it is a full on Festival & Conference, but for ease of classification and word space, I am saying class) is that the work load dissipates as the semester continues, which is the opposite way a typical class runs. The only problem with that is experiencing a situation like we are currently going through. Our initial semester work schedule is very heavy, so I hope that we don't miss anymore class.

     I will finish evaluating the first round of films after I go spend some time in the icy tundra.