Action Sequence Shots

This week, we took on a new task. Sequence shots are a type of shot that follow an order and show.. a sequence. The purpose of this project was to explore how different camera shots, movements, and editing techniques can be used to create a smooth and exciting sequence of events. The activity helped demonstrate how important planning, teamwork, and creativity are when producing a video. The fruits of my labor are shown below. Please enjoy Shandon's Adventure to Class.

In this project, I took on the role of director and videographer, responsible for planning the scene, guiding the actors, and recording the footage. After filming, I also became the editor, using Adobe Premiere Pro to put all the clips together into a complete action sequence.

Overall, this action sequence project showed me how filming and editing work together to tell a story visually. It also highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration between the director, videographer, editor, and actors. By combining the recorded clips with titles, music, and careful editing, we were able to understand how separate shots can be transformed into one continuous and effective piece of filmmaking.

Person on the Street Interviews

   Person on the Street Interviews: What Are Your Football Predictions?

This week, we focused on doing street interviews. Our assignment was to ask students a few questions based on a topic of our choice. I chose to base my questions on students' football predictions. I began with how people were feeling about the season. This assignment specialized in lighting and angling. I prioritized the rule of thirds and how the person looked on camera. they needed to pay attention to me and me alone.

South Carolina State University is a standout team in the MEAC, and we wanted to know how the fans felt. Do they believe we're going back to MEAC championships? Are we going back to the Celebration Bowl? Along with multiple other questions. 

Well, you heard it here first. SCSU students believe that we will be MEAC champs once again, and that we will be returning to Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl. 

5 Question Interviews

  5 Person Interviews with Andrew Young

    This week, we covered jump cuts and angling by doing sit-down, in-person interviews. I worked on this project with Andrew Young and Taran Scott. Andrew acted as an interviewer while Taran answered Andrew's questions. I handled direction and editing for the shots you can see in the YouTube video! A few key things I did while editing were ensuring smooth transitions, since jump cuts can be tricky to navigate. I also ended up helping others with their project as pictured above. I worked as the director in multiple different shoots, and I found it to be the easiest role.

I also worked on making sure there was enough room and space for whole, solidified clips. The way we filmed made it a bit difficult, even though we waited extra time. I believe that movement and background sound from other people played a huge part in how I exited and what I cut out. My main priority was making sure that both parties sounded good. My final product is below. I hope you enjoy.

 Me in 30 Seconds

This week we took on one of the biggest challenges in everyone's collegiate career... Getting that 30-second introduction down. I was assigned the task of filming my classmate, Akosua. It was then my turn to end up on the other side of the screen, and this is how my initial raw footage looked.

 

For this project, I was given the simple assignment of telling the audience about myself. We were told to include name, major, place of birth, and why we are here at South Carolina State University. We were also allowed to throw in any little fact that could get us over the edge. My main problem with the initial shooting was having to be lively. I usually have personality on camera, but I just seemed dead, which caused some issues.

In the initial shooting, we recorded multiple different shots for my 30 seconds. I seemed to keep falling just a midge short on the actual 30 seconds... That is, until the next class when I took my glasses off and could actually see the countdown on Professor Harwood's phone. I got my final shot, and then it was time to get to work with editing.

In the next class, we learned about editing to make the broadcast look special. We took our raw footage and began to add. First, I cut out clips or parts that made the broadcast look unedited (ie., moments that were timed or moments that had too much air in between.) Next, I added the nameplate that shows who I am and the year I will be graduating. Lastly, I added music that gave me a detailed, attention-worthy sound.  It is very bright and lively music, so I could keep this recording as bubbly and unintimidating as possible.

This ended up being my final cut from the initial shooting and editing. I like the way the video came out with my edits. This is the final product, and I am pretty proud of it.

My Top Five of all Time Playlist

    As a lover of all things art, you should know I absolutely love music. No matter the genre, I can still get down to it. It is just something about a smooth, mellow, and warm voice that just gets me. Or maybe that day I decided to listen to rap music and get some motivation from it. Today, I'll let you in on my top 5 songs of all time. These are songs I live by and you can listen to my report on them here or on the vinyl. Click on each vinyl to hear the whole song by the artists themselves.

       Coming in at number 5 is Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson. Jackson is a master at music, and that's no secret, but Dirty Diana got on this list for other reasons. Guitar riffs and solos randomly throughout the song? Yes please! Between the intricate rock melodies and the orchestra working overtime in the background, I've been infatuated with this song since the first time I've heard it. Sometimes, I even credit Michael Jackson for my rock awakening.

    Coming in at number 4 is Ready or Not by The Fugees. Let's be absolutely clear, I love Lauryn Hill, and her contribution to this song will go down in history. Not only has it been copied, mimicked, and mocked into the ground, but the original mix has carried through time. Now, is it the first time we have heard the lyrics? NO, but that is all the more reason to love and understand the mixing and vocal adlibbing that came from a group of friends just doing things in college. 

    Coming in at number 3 is Killing Me Softly With His Song by The Fugees. This song is a song I could go on all day about. I won't, I promise. The mixing on this melodic masterpiece needs to be studied. It was one of the first songs I fell in love with as a kid, and fell for again due to the depth and realism behind its lyrics. Between the mix of rap, rhythm, and soul, Killing Me Softly will cover with a layer of warmth that'll make you want to keep playing it again and again.

    Coming in at number 2 is Big Things Poppin (Do It) by T.I. This song is my all-time favorite rap song. The motivation it has given me is immeasurable. It's a song about ambition and making it. Not only does it encourage you to continue to make it, but when you tune into the lyrics, you cannot resist the urge to just go out and do something for your greater good. Comically, and poetically you can hear him arguing with two versions of himself, because he only sees himself as competition.

    Coming in at number 1 is Rose Golden by Kid Cudi featuring Willow Smith. This song holds a near and dear spot in my heart, since it's gotten me through some tough times. Cudi used a mixture of instruments to orchestrate this wonderful song. The lyrics, mixing of voices, and use of trumpets give this song a euphoric feeling. This song is enough to make a grown woman cry. You heard it here first folks, Kid Cudi knows how to kill a melody.

Thank you for listening to me babble about one of my favorite things. Like Erykah Badu said, I'm an artist, and I am sensitive about my stuff. These are songs that have guided me through life and filled my ears with thoughts of conviction and moments of peace. To say they have motivated me is an understatement. Well, thank you for listening, and as always, go dawgs!

NCCU? See You There. SCSU vs. NCCU ad

     South Carolina State, rise up! Bulldog nation, get loud. We have just two more games left to become MEAC champions! Click here or on that bad, bad bulldog to hear about the upcoming game!

 This Saturday, we take on North Carolina Central at their home field in the O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. You heard it right: this Saturday, November 14th, in Durham, North Carolina, at 5:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to come out and support your bulldogs. The school will provide a fan bus; however, students must have their own tickets, and food will not be provided. Seating is limited for this blowout rivalry of the Carolinas, so get your tickets quick. 

We took home our last matchup, so be there when we do it again.

Tickets are being sold through both SCSU athletics and NCCU athletics.  Please note that this game will have a strict clear bag policy. 

Parking will be assigned and directed by North Carolina Central University based on tickets and seating.

And in the words of the notorious Chennis Berry, "Rain, sleet, or snow, the mailman's gotta go to work." So I'll NC SEE YOU there! And as always, go dogs!

"Always Market Yourself" - Dr. Demi Washington Interview

     There is a new face in Turner D here at South Carolina State. Dr. Demi Washington is the latest addition to the communications department, bringing a wealth of degrees and knowledge. My name is Alia Goode, and this is a little bit of life with Lia.  Click here or on the photo to listen to my full interview with Dr. Washington.

Dr. Demi Washington found himself returning to Orangeburg County after some of his family members fell ill. Given the opportunity, he came to the halls of South Carolina State after being an online teacher since 2020, but I am getting ahead of myself. During our interview with the good doctor, he shared with us his humble beginnings in Denmark, SC, where he attended Olar-Denmark High School. He emphasized how he needed to leave Orangeburg County to pursue his dream life. 

Click here or on the picture below to read a little more about Dr. Washington. 

Dr. Washington found himself at many institutions, but ended up graduating from the illustrious Jackson State University. He tells us a little about why he chose communications and how people inspired him to continue his work by using his voice. He then continues by telling us about his work experience. One of the most impactful notes that he left with the class is that you should always be marketing yourself. In his words, he always has one foot in the door and one out. 

Dr. Washington ends our conversation by asking about our aspirations. Since he's so well-traveled and professionally developed, he emphasizes the importance of Communications majors. He describes our major as a hustle and lists the multiple opportunities that we could take if we put ourselves out there. Washington himself says it took him multiple tries to even get to the correct university.

Dr. Washington does not plan to stop his extravagant career here at South Carolina State. He wants to continue his ventures and possibly go for a bigger position, which might come at another university or even as mayor in an underdeveloped town where, in his words, he can "show them how it's done."

It was truly an honor to interview someone so determined in our field of work. Dr. Washington is truly the epitome of not being complacent and never being too comfortable. A huge thank you to Dr. Demi Washington for sharing his story of persistence, insistence, and unbelievable faith in oneself. Well, this was a small dose of life with Lia. Thank you for listening. Signing off, Alia Goode, and as always, GO DAWGS!