Throughout this semester Media Production II has taught me a lot about video editing, audio recording, and picture taking. This course has been very beneficial to me and has increased my communication skills in the areas of technologically, visually, and interpersonally.

Technologically, this class has given me the opportunity to work hands-on with programs I have used only a few times before or never before, such as Final-Cut Pro and Soundslides. Although using a lavalier mic was simple enough, it was an item I have only used once before this class and now I have used is multiple times for my interviews. I also learned more about how to conduct a proper interview and how to ask questions that can get you a good quote. I have used my digital camera many times before this course but this class has taught me how to capture good quality photos and I learned about the 5-shot rules. I’m really glad I also learned to use smaller programs such as Switch or Convertor to help complete our projects and allowed for them to be posted online.

Visually, I have learned a lot about what can possibly work and what will not when working on my class projects. I’m more aware of simple things like lighting and angles and what I big difference they can make when trying to tell the story of our interviewee. When editing the videos and photos I now know what to look for, such as good quality photos or footage that follows the 5-shot rule I mentioned earlier. I’ve become more aware visually of others work as well, and can see what made their project good or where improvements could have been made. Now, sometimes even when I watch a commercial I recognize the different angles being used, different transitions, and the audio that goes along to match the footage.

Personally, I have learned a lot throughout this course. I know the different kinds of projects I can produce and the more work I put into a project the better I felt about it. I learned the real importance of deadlines for a class with projects like this, and if I could change one thing from this semester I would’ve met my deadline better. Overall I’m happy with the equipment I’ve learned in this course and it has given me an interest in blogging and freelance; I hope to continue with a blog this summer.