Blog Post #5 – Final Capstone Project Reflection Questions

(Please give specific detailed answers + be sure to post your answers to your Blog Post Page!)

1. The Capstone project is a unique and demanding challenge. In the process

of completing it, what did you learn about your subject? What did you
learn about your skill set? What did you learn about yourself?
My capstone was a breath of fresh air into the world of film. My experience in film
was limited to some skit videos I had made in the summer and a few film acting
classes I had taken. However, I realized with great speed that a film takes much
more when you have a detailed idea. The most important part of film production
is preparation. Finding props, set locations, costumes, and checking shot angles is
important and should be done days in advance. On the first shoot that I did with
Hannah Smethurst, the location was infested with flies and blackberry vines. In
the re-shoot, I scoped out the location a few days in advance, got costumes and
props ready days in advance, and even planned the shots. It helped greatly. I
realized that I am a procrastinator and should not leave things to the last minute.
Thankfully, a reminder in the form of a life lesson like Mr. Sidhu calling me was a
good way to get me back on track. However, I also realized I am meticulous,
persistent, and unfortunately, self-destructive. My first response to harsh critics
or rude words seems to be “Well, if you don’t like it, then you won’t get it.” I’m
not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing yet, but I’m leaning towards bad.

2. How is your project relevant to you? How is it relevant to the school? How
is it relevant to the community?
This project was relevant to me as it incorporated my passions of acting,
filmmaking, and editing all into one. It is relevant to the school as it was used in
the Remembrance Day Assembly to tell the story of a WW1 Soldier to the student
body. It is relevant to the community as it humanizes a person who was once just
a number.
3. What impact did your Capstone have on you?
My capstone caused me to have a larger appreciation for my life and the hobbies I
can pursue. Knowing that people my age were robbed of that almost 100 years
ago stops me from taking my life for granted. It can happen to anyone, and your
life can change so quickly. It’s definitely made me stop and smell the flowers
more.

4. What aspects of your project are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being able to show it at the Remembrance Day Assembly and
having it garner over 450 views on YouTube! To know it reached a large audience
and spread the story of George Adkins makes me glad. The costumes are also
something I’m proud of as the jacket is an authentic WW1 antique and the props
are replicas. I am also proud to have had so many talented friends to have been
able to rely on.
5. What was a difficulty you encountered while researching your Capstone
project? How were you able to overcome those obstacles?
A difficulty was managing my cast. For example, Hannah Smethurst had agreed to
participate in the project but due to unforeseen circumstances, was unable to for
the reshoots. Another was when Adoni Costopoulos forgot to charge and bring an
SD card. They were minor things, but they slowed down production. However,
quick rearrangements made for a new cast member and edited shooting dates.
Fast adjustments and adaptability were a key factor in the success of the project.

6. What is the one thing you would have changed about your project if you
could?
I would have done the project for my own audience and made a longer extended
version. While it would have less audience retention, I believe I would have had
more chances to tell the story of George Adkins. It would also require more
locations, scenes, and at the end of the day, more money, but it would have been
a great final film.
7. What advice would you offer to future Capstone students to help them
with their Capstone journey?
1. Plan heavily in advance. Have backup plans for your plans.
2. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
3. Don’t rely heavily on others. Try to be your own biggest supporter and
assistant.
4. Choose something you are passionate about. You’ll be working on this for
hours on end, so might as well.
5. Reach out to a 3rd party group that you can involve in the project. It will
lead to more connections you can write about.
6. If you’re failing, that’s a good thing, it means you didn’t choose something
easy.
7. Trust in your process. Don’t stress if there's nothing you can do.