Month: February 2015

Sometimes a Simple Concept Goes a Long Way

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Remember that acronym you learned in math? Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.)? Well now you can finally put it to use (no offense math majors). A lot of student filmmakers do their best to emulate Hollywood films. Typically it comes out  looking like a cheaply and horribly made film with a concept too large to effectively fit in a short amount of time. There’s a very easy solution to this problem…keep it simple: simple plot, simple casting (1-2 characters), and simple (or no) effects. Sometimes that can go a lot further. Here’s a wonderful example, a short by Scorsese titled The Big Shave (1967). Simple but it packs a lot of punch. Enjoy! Pizza, Netflix, and Happiness. Mei.

History, Herstory, and Yourstory (You know what I mean)

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If I’ve learned nothing else this year (though for the record I have acquired much knowledge in my first year as a post grad) I have been reassured that there is more than one way to pursue a career. Two summers ago, I ventured to Los Angeles for internships. Many of us went with the expectation that the summer experience would provide us with an answer. An answer to the ever-present question: How do I break into the industry of TV/film? The answer we always received was: There is no clear-cut path. In addition, we were advised to: Intern as much as possible Network Create a demo reel/build a portfolio Find ways to set yourself apart from others in job settings Explore! Make sure what you think you want to do is what you actually want to do …and so forth. At the end of the day it was up to each of us to figure out how we wanted to DESIGN OUR OWN PATHS. There are basic traits that can be a great foundation – hard work, being …

For Those Seeking Jobs in Creative Fields, LISTEN UP! Or LOOK Up? Just Look at This.

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Ira Glass: radio personality, host and executive producer of This American Life, NPRer, and an inspiration. This video displays a very significant statement about a phase that we all go through. So take a look. Start your morning, afternoon, or night off on a “good to know” note. Without further ado, I present to you: Ira Glass on Storytelling Part 3 Enjoy! Also, I’m pretty sure Ira Glass is a meta-hipster. G.U.M Team

Stolen: Funny Conversation on FB

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A friend of mine posted this as their fb status and I had to share it with the world.  These are two people I was friends with in college. Let’s call them R and T. Two fellow millennials. T: R. We need to talk. R: Uh oh. What happened? T: *Deep sigh* I just broke a mirror. R: T. Did you pray about it? T: I’m praying now! Pray with me! R: I’ve broken many mirrors and I’m still thriving. T: You’re so right. *Sings* When Jesus sayyyy yes, nobody can say no! Ok. That’s all I wanted. Pizza, Netflix, and Happiness. Mei.

Who are Millennials?

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I frequently hear the label “millennial” used to describe people of various ages. However, I’m not so sure that the label is being used accurately. Many don’t care for the title due to the negative connotation older generations tend to apply to it. My question is, are they merely using it to describe someone with a lack of ambition and/or someone who makes foolish statements OR are they actually using it to point out someone in the generation. Together, we will attempt to figure out if you are a millennial. Below are five sources that were used to find an accurate definition. 1. The Atlantic did a bit of investigating and found four things: The Census Bureau only defines baby boomers (1946-1964) “History isn’t always so punctuated.” – Tom DiPrete, Sociology Professor at Columbia U It is difficult to identify generations outside of baby boomers Millennials, according to Strauss and Howe, range from 1982-2004 2.  The UN clarifies the time frame for generations: Traditionalists (1925-1945) Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Generation X (1965-1980) Millennials (1981-2000) 3. Merriam-Webster states that …

Growing up: Times Are Hard

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  As a child I also thought: Adults were more mature than children. Taxes would be easy to do or easily explained. College would teach me everything I needed to know for the “real world.” Wrong. All wrong. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic. What thoughts panned out to be false from your childhood? Pizza, Netflix, and Happiness. Mei.

Networking ‘Til it Hurts

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The idea of having to be social in a formal manner is considered to be a challenge for millennials. Meeting with someone face to face is said to be almost unheard of. Well “they” were wrong. I did it, and it. Felt. Good. No it didn’t. It hurt a little. I’m an ambivert, and when it comes to social interactions the introvert usually wins. Meeting up with people (in general) takes so much effort. For those who don’t have this issue, kudos! I recommend doing it. Reach out to people. Send emails asking if individuals are willing to meet with you because you’d like to learn more about their profession of choice over a nice cup of joe. If they don’t respond in a week, send a follow-up email. TIP: If you have never met the individual you wish to meet with, see if you have a mutual contact that could refer you. Be sure to include that in the subject line. Networking isn’t that difficult. Not sure how to draft the email so that it sounds …