Lorena Wallace

Ok, well, thanks to those who responded, especially Phil Rodes. Brad and I are working on research papers at the moment (his is about why television and movie media is more effective than other types and mine is about the psychology of those who commit hate crimes.) My mother randomly bought me a camera. It's a Panasonic and it's very...small. Which is cool, I guess. Maybe we are just procrastinating, as I know how to make a video. I have documented protests in Florida and historical stuff. However, what is the best way to start? I know I keep saying the same thing, but basically, it just feels weird to pick up a camera and start shooting with no real direction. Are there any tips that filmmakers could give us to getting footage that will give us a basis for what we want to do? Maybe I am just posting these to prove to our teacher that we are accomplishing things, but we seriously don't know what to do. All apologies. Are there any favorite books or movies that will give us ideas? We looked at the list on the forum, but are there any personal favorites that you guys have? Okeydokey...we're gonna go now. Yup. Byebye :ph34r: Pirates beat ninjas...

Well, thank you for any comments. At the moment, the biggest problem we have is deciding if we can get certain footage, which will dictate whatever storyline/point we try to get across. Hopefully, what will be unique about our project is that we are two high school students in the eye of the storm, not casual observers who left high schoool fifty years ago. We know how intense the emotions are and just how far people will go to demonstrate intolerance or hate. We want to make a unique point, "on the ground, " if you will. We are starting with the famous story of Mathew Shepard, which we will be able to tell through news clips and images. Then we go into interviews of students, teachers and community organizers against intolerance in our area. From there, we are still figuring out where to go. So, after that pointless ramble, can anyone tell us the best way to begin filming? Do we need a microphone? I have a little one...don't know what kind, except it is a sony and attaches to the top of my camera. So we have a Sony handycam, a weird mike and a tripod...anything else we need to get started?

We are two seniors in high school doing a year long senior project. Basically, we get to do whatever we want for two hours a day and colleges like it on our record. The two of us decided to do something related to high school hate crimes/discrimination, as we are sick of racism, sexism and homophobia plaguing our schools. Anyway, I have some experience in filming, as I've filmed some...things...before, but the actual production of a movie is daunting. Where do we start? Logistical problems are confusing. For example, if we want footage from CNN or other news sources, how do we obtain that? Copyright problems? Yeah...if anybody has any advice on where to start, we would greatly appreciate it. Using my interest in film and my partner's interest in art, we want to make a good video. We just don't know how. Thanks in advance, for anyone taking the time to read this and/or respond.