Last class we were introduced to our next upcoming assignment: a video project
More specifically, a video project in which we will be expected to utilize still images, a voice over, videos, reporting, captions, audio and music.
Though the project definitely seemed daunting at first glance, after looking at some example videos (professional and from students) I actually found myself pretty inspired for what was to come. However, before I talk about my own ideas, I want to briefly touch upon the videos I found most impactful (and want to use as a guideline for my own).
One of the videos titled “Climate Change in Wisconsin” was one I found myself enjoying a lot. A light, yet soulful instrumental plays behind a powerfully commanding voice presumably reading a script on the effects of this disaster on an unlikely demographic—African Americans. Still images flash by on the screen, aligned with the narration of an extreme heat that has taken over Wisconsin, followed by informative captions occasionally popping up on screen. It grabbed your attention immediately and kept you listening, the shots were beautiful, and the story line was one that was simple enough to follow, but complex enough to make you think…why has no one ever talked about this before?
“A Widower’s Love” was a bit more solemn, but of course, equally impactful in other ways. A black and white film depicts a man’s remembrance of his now deceased wife—their love, their pain, and how he honors her today. The black and white color accompanied by a soft instrumental that gradually increases triggers more of an emotional response. This one also differs from the last, due to the fact that instead of using a scripted voice over, the subject himself narrates the story. You follow his voice and his journey through his words, as images display themselves on the screen of him and his wife, and after a while it almost feels as if you were there with them.
My purpose in bringing up these two videos specifically though, is that they both showed me two imperative elements I would like to utilize in my own video: perspective and emotion. Perspective due to the fact that I would like my video to show the audience a new side of something, or even think/look at an event/person in a new light. Emotion to really captivate people, and leave the video lingering in their minds even after class has ended.
So what will my project be about? One avenue that immediately came to mind was black businesses—though perhaps more specifically, their rise, and their necessity to our community.
The business world is still predominantly white…we buy from and sell to white businesses and people most of the time, especially in major markets (makeup, hair, food, etc). However, whether people realize it or not, this narrative is gradually changing. There’s been a gradual increase in black businesses over time, some I personally have seen (especially here in D.C) and some on a grander scale (Fenty Beauty)! I would like to perhaps interview the owner of a prominent black business, and utilize the moment to their story from start finish…how the thought came to mind, the trials and tribulations, all the way to where they are now.
So all together? Though this will definitely be challenging I’m looking forward to what’s about to come!
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