Microcinemas: One Small Step

                After reading Rebecca Alvin’s “A Night at the Movies: From Art House to Microcinema,” I realized how vital it is for a community to be involved in the one’s process to become a successful filmmaker.  With these microcinemas across the nation, lesser known artists have the opportunity to showcase their art without any set limitation.  These cinemas are solely there for the public to view and discuss a variety of films that many would not even see in the mainstream box-office.  I find that very interesting with how one simple step in a small venue can really give them insight on the business and, at the same time, give them a reputation for future projects.

Hands-On with Retro Photography

I would have never thought that I would actually get the chance to work with vintage equipment.  With some very well- known filmmakers returning towards the more vintage process of filmmaking, it was nice to be assigned a project that challenged what we knew in accordance of the equipment we were given.  It was a different experience, especially from someone who took a break from school.

Given the Pentax K1000, I was intrigued.   I can’t even remember the last time I even touched equipment.  From the weight, design, and even the add-ons that were included, I immediately was thinking of how to use it.  From portraits to extreme close-ups,  I was planning the assignment.  My only issue was that I could not take practice shots.  Being a film stock camera, I just have to be careful and have the benefit of the doubt when the photos are processed.

On the actual field work, I honestly had to go back to the instructions every now and then to fully understand what each function does.  Specifically, I had the most trouble reading the light meter.  I guess I was just a bit overwhelmed with the amount of dials and numbers that had to be considered to get a good photograph.  The photographs were surprising came out very with what I tried to accomplish.  My experimental and abstract shots were a bit different than I expected, though I did not expect how they came out and wound up liking them a lot.  All in all, using old technology to create something contemporary is something that I enjoyed very much.  Even some of my group members were interested in purchasing such equipment, including myself.  Hopefully, I can get the opportunity to use it again.