Orson Welles the Genius

I feel compelled to blog about one of my favorite filmmakers of all time- the late Orson Welles.

Welles was extremely gifted in various areas of film production including acting, writing and filming. Because of this versatility, Welles was able to have almost complete control of his best production to date- Citizen Kane.

In the movie Citizen Kane, Welles portrays William Hearst, a newspaper owner with more money than God, and almost just as much power. It was an extremely bold move because Welles was taking on the media. And, we all know that's where the power lies.

Fortunately, Welles was able to make the movie and have it released, much to the chagrin of Hearst who offered RKO studios $800,000 to burn the film.

Overall, the entire story of Citizen Kane, off and on the screen, has inspired me a great deal in my evolution as a filmmaker.

Definitely blogworthy :)

Sad Day for Journalism

There were numerous job and program cuts to the CBC lately, forcing new and longtime employees to search for jobs elsewhere. 

If the CBC, the money giant of Canadian journalism, is making cuts, then things aren't looking well for smaller, less funded companies. 

But, I guess it's all a part of the recession! ;)

Or is it?

Perhaps the government is using the distraction of a recession to influence ($) the people in charge of the CBC to cut or reduce funding to programs that investigate or criticize government? Could be another way of censoring our media.

All we know is what we know- and if we don't know about it, we can't change it.

I'm doing a documentary on Native/White relations throughout the history of Woodstock, and it's teaching me a lot.

Over the past month, I've seen, heard and tried to understand photographs, testimonies and history books in search of the truth. Now, I feel like I can justly say that the Maliseet people here haven't been  compensated for their mistreatment.

I could sight several examples, but I'm won't. I'm leaving that to my documentary.

I just hope people see it and come one step closer to understanding the "real" truth.

2 Weeks Left in Woodstock!

Wow.. how time flies when you're having fun.

In a couple weeks my time in Woodstock will be over as I'm headed to Europe with Team Canada Football. Two returns to NBCC Woodstock I'll see are one to edit footage of the trip and one to graduate a journalist. Other than that, it's ova.

Thankfully.

Although Woodstock is an extremely boring town, my experiences here have tought me a great deal about friendship, business and professionalism. If I had the opportunity to turn back the clock and not come, I would still spend two years here.

There's something about this town that I'll miss, but I can't put my finger on it..

Busy, Busy, Busy..

Deadlines have been significantly shortened because of my upcoming Europe trip, so I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off.... to say the very least.

Between a video documentary, internet journalism multimedia project and stories for our school newspaper, my free time has become a thing of the past. With this being said, my spirits are considerably high! The reason for this is the understanding that next year, in film school, my workload there will make my current woes seem like a day at the park.

But hey, who doesn't like being busy with stuff they love?? I certainly do.

Euro Trip

Recently I became accepted for a practicum placement with Team Canada Football for their upcoming London/Scotland/Bristol tour in April. I'll be the team videographer.

I feel this is a wonderful opportunity because it'll give me experience with film and will allow me to travel the world a bit before I'm too broke to do so.

Once I get back (early May) I start my second practicum with Rogers TV in Saint John. I'm not as excited for this one, but I'm still pumped. At Rogers, I'll have access to state of the art editing software and cameras- all adding to my experience.

For now though, I'm a busy little bee finishing up at NBCC Woodstock.

Why do you think I'm writing this blog?? lol

Got Accepted to VFS :)

The verdict is in and I got accepted to Vancouver Film School :)

I just paid the 5% tuition fee (1,700) and sent in my enrollment form, so it's official. I'll be moving there in October with my girlfriend who's almost as excited as me..... almost. 

The decision to move from journalism to film was an easy one because I work with so much video in my class. My documentary class gave me the opportunity to work with editing software and many of the other tools required in the film industry. Through this I became fascinated with the art of filmmaking and decided to pursue it as a career.

So, I'm taking a big step in the stairway to success!! Wish me luck ;)

MARCH BREAK!!

March break starts on Friday and it seems to be arriving at the PERFECT time. As journalism students, our workload has increased to a level which might make some people go mad.. but to us, it's just another day at the office :)

During the upcoming week, I'm looking to begin my second video documentary. I have a few story ideas, but I'm not 100% sure which way I'm going to take them, if use them at all.

It'll be nice to spend some time with the family too! See y'all when we get back!

Student for a Day at NBCC Woodstock

Today is a special day at NBCC Woodstock. Students from St. Mary's High and Tobique Valley High School are touring the college in hopes of solving important questions: will they pursue post-secondary education, and if so, where?

The halls are full of mix-matched teenagers– some eager to learn more about the school, and others– not so much. I can usually judge how keen a student is by their willingness to participate in activities and demonstrations. Some will bow their heads and blend into the woodwork, while others jump at the chance to get their hands on a hammer or a camera.

From what I can gather, today was a complete success as the overall level of enthusiasm appeared to be high amongst the groups.  

Appeal Successful!

Ryan and I have been given another chance today when our joint-appeal got us back in school. NBCC's new principal Tim Marshall heard both of our confessions and plans for the future and was convinced of our remorse. 

The two of us will have to check up with Tim on a somewhat regular basis as it's protocol for such situations. Neither of us have a problem doing so.

Feels good to be back!

Got Expelled :(

Last Friday afternoon I was in an altercation with a fellow student of NBCC Woodstock. After exchanging taunts inside the school, we decided to make our way into the school parking lot. We squared off and began to tussle, throwing each other's weight around for about five minutes. 

Police were then alerted and took us aside separately for questioning. No charges were laid, but we were both expelled.

All either of us feel is regret and disappointment when thinking about what's gone on.

Documentary Experience #1 (Update)

Traveling home to Hampton again for my third consecutive weekend of shooting. I'm leaving on the 4pm bus, but I'd almost just like to stay put and start editing. I still don't feel like I have enough. So, better safe than sorry!

Coming home the last few weeks have helped me keep focused on my goals as a student and individual. I feel like every time I distance myself from adversity, I better understand it, making it easier for me to tackle.

My instructor gave our class a week extension, so that's going to help a lot too!

I've been enjoying the whole experience. I'm still strongly considering a career in filmmaking, and the outcome of this project, and my next documentary will dictate where I go from here.

Hopefully they'll turn out well!!

The Pittsburgh Steelers are World Champions!

For the sixth time in franchise history, the Pittsburgh Steelers are world champions. 

Last Sunday, in Superbowl XLIII, the National Football League kings were crowned when the Steelers beat the Cinderella story Arizona Cardinals 27-23. The game was mostly dominated by the Steelers, but a long touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald with 2 1/2 minutes remaining put the Cards on top. The call was answered by Pitt's offense when fifth year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the corner of the endzone for the game-winning score. Holmes was later given the MVP award for his performance.

As a diehard Steelers fan, I felt like my team's effort went above and beyond the fortitude normally displayed by championship teams. Without bias, I can honestly say that this team and defense should go down as the greatest of all time. But, what can't be disputed, is that the Steelers have more world championships than any other franchise, making them the BEST OF ALL TIME!! GO STEELERS GO!!

Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

I'm taking the bus home this weekend to start filmming my first video documentary. It's a branch of journalism I'm highly interested in, so I'm excited to get out there and begin.

The doc is a bio on my younger brother Matt, but focuses on his history as a football player, and which direction he plans on taking in the future. It's always fun working with family members (when everyone is cooperative) so some laughs will be had for sure. But, work is work, and staying concentrated will be the key to success!

Hopefully everything turns out peechy and the planning I've done will ready me for what lies ahead.

Remember Paul's 6 P's!! "Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance!"

Superbowl Bound :)

They made it!!

The Pittsburgh Steelers of the N.F.L. are advancing to the Superbowl.

If the Steelers defeat this year's big surprise team, the Arizona Cardinals, then my favorite franchise will be granted the opportunity to capture their sixth championship in history. Pittsburgh currently shares a record five titles with a small group. Only Dallas and San Fransico have as many as the Steelers.

On February 1st, Pittsburgh will officially be in a league of their own.

Black & Gold is bringing, in my opinion, the best defense in the history of football to this game. Sure, the Cards have stars on offense, but it's nothing a defense that dominated every team they played this year can't handle. #1 in yards against, #1 in points against, #1 overall, etc..

Offense wins games sure.. But DEFENSE wins championships!! (to be cliche)

GO STEELERS GO!!!

Shift in the Sails

It's funny how a person can have an idea of what they want, then somehow along the way, that idea changes. 

I'm in my second year of journalism at NBCC Woodstock, and I'm strongly considering a shift in direction. Initially, I wanted to end up at TSN working as a sport's anchor. But, lately I've been considering a career in documentary filmmaking. This could be because I prefer working with visuals. Or, because I enjoy the art of storytelling. Who knows!?

I certainly don't.. but I'm working it out :)

I could have a positive affect on people by uncovering the truth of particular issues I'm passionate about, and accurately and effectively educate the masses by use of the visual medium.

Whatever happens, I'll take it head on and never settle for something I'm not excited to wake up and do every morning!

AFC Championship Match Up!

So, the Pittsburgh STeelers of the National Football League have advanced to the American Conference Championship by beating the San Diego Chargers on Sunday 35-24. They will play their division rival, and most hated, team, the Baltimore Ravens for the right to represent the AFC in this year's Superbowl.

I'm excited for this game, not only because it's my team, but because they're playing the Ravens. Steeler's coach Mike Tomlin said in a press conference, "It's the Ravens. It'd be intense if it were a scrimmage." Because of how intense this rivalry is, expect to see lots of bodies hitting the turf hard at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Sunday where the Steelers will play host.

GO STEELERS GO!!

Oh, and if the boys win, it'll be the second time in the last four years that Pitt has advanced to the big game.

AFC Championship Match Up!

Back to School

A new term means back to school, back to the grind and back to the journalist mentality.

Turning over stones to find stories in a town where semi-interesting news is as hard to find as Waldo. The only "good" news is that I leave Woodstock in April to start my practicum with Rogers TV in Saint John. After that, who knows!?

So, for now, I'll take it day by day and do the best I can.