About Me

Why did I join cinematography?

I joined this class in part because my sister, Alison, took cinema for her last two years of high school and really ran with it. She's actually going to college for film now and it's something she enjoys a lot. The other part to why I joined this class is because my sister and I have always enjoyed making movies together. We had a desktop computer when I was really young, and Alison and I would always make dumb little clips on iMovie whenever we had free time, reenacting Calvin & Hobbes comics, and often creating our own content, so I thought it'd be fun to relive the glory days.

This is one of the videos we've saved from our old computer. Not too bad for being 4 and 7 years old, if I do say so myself.

 What do I hope to gain from taking this class?

I'm hoping I can learn life-long skills. Even if I don't go into film after high school, and even though it's not exactly an important life skill, it's something I can use with my family and friends and can be a cool hobby.

What do I know about cinematography?

Not much. I've helped film a few things with my sister and with friends for projects, but I really don't know much other than to click the "on" button on the camera and take off the lens cap. Also I know green screens are cool but hard to get just right. So I really don't know anything.

What do I want to know about cinematography?

I guess I want to know at least the basic ins-and-outs of it. How to get the best lighting for a shot, how to direct people well, how to act more comfortably in front of the camera, etc. etc.

What type of films would I like to make?

I want to make a good variety and have a wide portfolio of things I've done. Only by practicing in every kind of filmmaking can I become used to the camera and editing in different styles.

What are three of my favorite movies? 

My number one favorite movie right now is Arrival. It's about aliens coming to earth, but it's not the typical alien apocalypse hollywood blockbuster film. It deals with language and it has a really cool plot twist that I didn't see coming at all. It's beautifully made and the soundtrack really adds to the surrealism of it.

Another classic movie that my family loves is Napoleon Dynamite. It's such a hilariously awkward story and delivery that gets my dad, sister, and I cracking up every time. My mom hates it. But I still love it, and it is commonly quoted in our everyday family conversations. Below is the famous dance scene from the end of the movie.

 I also really enjoy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It's based off of a book and is a really unique storyline without trying too hard. It has some really funny, quirky moments that really make it stand out in my head.

What is my favorite movie genre?

I don't think I really have a favorite genre. It's kind of the same with my reading tastes. Really I just try out anything that looks good. I enjoy superhero movies, fantasy, nonfiction, historical, realistic fiction, pretty much anything. 

What motivates me to work hard?

Mostly others' expectations of me. If I know that a teacher is expecting a lot from an assignment from me, I work pretty hard on it. My parents keep high expectations of me and that helps me realize that I know I can work hard. 

What are five concerns that I have now in my life?

• I have absolutely no idea what I want to do in college/after high school in general
• That I've given myself way too many responsibilities this school year

What is my favorite subject in school and why?

I definitely love english most. Writing, reading, and grammar have always come naturally to me, and the way words can express so much by just arranging them in a specific order is really fascinating to me. I love to read and write. Simple as that.

What are the three words that best describe me?

• sarcastic
• spontaneous
• nice

What is the biggest character turn-off for me?

When someone makes rash judgements without knowing the whole story. That sounds very specific, but I see it happen all too often. So many misunderstandings stem from not knowing the whole story, and it can lead to unnecessary fights and ridiculous drama that could have been avoided, if, in the first place, someone had asked a simple clarifying question. That and smacking your gum around like a cow munching on grass.