Dark Shadows

   Last night, I invited some people over and we watched Dark Shadows (the 2012 Tim Burton film, not the old soap opera that the movie was based on). While it was a very cheesy and kind of funny movie, Dark Shadows did not present a whole lot of a challenge to me. While this movie contained a few themes that can be used to better live our life, Dark Shadows was definitely more for delight, definitely not a kick in the gut kinda film.

   However, like I said before, Dark Shadows did have a couple of themes that could be applied to real life. The witch breaking apart at the end of the film - she was just an outer shell of a person. The only thing she wanted of any value was Barnabas, and her heart literally broke when he refused her. Don’t be a player – it will come back to bite you later (haha, see what I did there, it is vampire movie…haha). I also saw a little the concept of a broken family trying to rebuild itself, though it was stereotyped to death. That probably was an attempt to make it humorous, but since the whole film was full of stereotypes, it was a bit cliché.

Nikki of the Hines

     Hey all, this is me and stuff. So yeah, I'm a freshman majoring in Animation. I hail from Peru, Indiana. Well, kinda, that's my address anyways. 
     Anywho! So I love to ramble and rant about video games, anime, manga, drawing. Basically whatever really. But I have social issues and therefore find it hard to start conversations with people. Like a timid deer, I must be approached slowly. lol
   Let's see... I became interested in this field through years of gaming, RPGs, Racing, MMOs, and basically anything that keeps my interest for more than a few minutes. My second choice would've been zoology, which I still love passionately and never turn down an opportunity to find out more about animals. 
     But someday I hope to work on the best next gen game and scream at my friends during the end credits "THAT'S ME YOU GUYS." And it shall be amazing. 
    

 LE GASP! Random art time:

    Drawing is a part of my life, even just doodles, it has to be something. Over awhile I've made my own characters and actually developed loose storylines. So I'm going to fill some space with random stuff I've drawn of my characters. Because why not? *throws my arts at you* xD

Trisha Leichty

 Hi! My name is Trisha Leichty. I am from Fort Wayne, IN. I'm a freshman majoring in Film Production. I want to focus on the editing aspect of filmmaking. 

I have known I wanted to work in film for a while.When my brother was younger, he was heavily into films and wanted to be a director. This sparked my interest in film and I began making my own movies. 

A few summers ago I was able to go to a film camp in Norwood, Colorado, called Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp. It was a small camp, about 10 people, and we worked together to create a short film for a week and then they send the films to Christian film festivals. I have also filmed and edited a few short videos for church. In June my dad and I went to Los Angeles to look at film schools. While out there, we were able to see Universal Studios backlot and also take a tour of Warner Brothers Studios. We saw different sets of TV shows like Pretty Little Liars, Two and a Half Men, and Friends. In addition to film I also enjoy photography and drawing. I've always been into creating art.

My dad and I on the Central Perk Friends set.

August 29, 2013 Lecture and Consecutive Films

My Review and Ideas

 
 

The concept regarding a films purpose to challenge or delight is an interesting idea. By challenging the audience a fundamental truth is often revealed, a “penetration of reality” occurs, and a belief system is violated. Films constructed for the sole purpose to delight often involves humor or fairy tale endings. Both concepts I believe to be extremely fascinating and controversial based upon perception.

Devotion - Upon watching this clever and delightful film I kept pondering “what is the relationship between this Hank fellow and the woman?” The opening clip where Hank was restlessly playing with her slipper really puzzled me. I felt as though Hank contained characteristics of obsession, desperation, insecurity, and loneliness. Throughout the film I felt extremely cautious due to Hanks erratic behavior and I felt the pinnacle of the film and story was the revelation of Hanks true identity, the identity of a dog. Upon reflection the audio and mannerisms portrayed by both characters alluded to Hanks identity. I was so puzzled over the slipper that I didn’t even register that it sounded like a dogs tail hitting against the floor. The discovery of Hanks identity increased the humor of the film and served as comic relief for my perception of the film. I felt relief in knowing that Hanks erratic behavior is actually quite innocent rather than plain creepy. This film deconstructs man and dog relationships while also infiltrating a new meaning behind the epithet “man’s best friend.”

Routine- This film contained aspects of challenge and took a heartfelt approach. Being the empathetic that I am, I sincerely appreciated the film and the message. The absence of the husband and father figure in the family was a vital part in the story and really initiated appeal to pathos, especially upon the “routine” and devotion toward the missing family member. The empty dinner plate, the repetitive listening to the answering machine, as well as the daughter’s farewell, at the site of the Twin Towers, to her father really brought the loss of life, in the film, into a tangible concept. I feel as though the film radiated grief and emphasized a technique toward coping, while also deconstructing 911 from a national problem into a familial dilemma of loss.

Gay Boyfriend- Although most may view this film as a delight, I view Gay Boyfriend as a challenging film. First and foremost I believe the film exposes fundamental truths within our culture. I believe this short film deconstructs a stereotype based upon women’s egocentric ideals in which life would be perfect with a man who desired the same occupations and actions as women. I personally dislike stereotypes, and the implication that a woman can only find an estimable man with a “gay boyfriend” frustrates me. Although I did enjoy the truth portrayed in the film I highly disliked the message. The audio itself was extremely annoying and portrayed the desperation of women who have this mentality. I will admit I did enjoy some of the editing and green screening effects, but the message and stereotypes directed toward “gay boyfriends” did not sit well with me.

 

Thanks for reading my review and ideas on the subject. I would love to hear your thoughts too!

God Bless,

Randi Orr

Taylor's Intro

TAYLOR PHILLIPS

     Hello to all, my name is Taylor Phillips. I come from Delta, Colorado although I have only lived there for the past year. I am as most of you are; a freshman at Huntington just ready to get working towards the biggest and best goals. Personally I am majoring in Film Production and then minoring in Accounting, along with those I want to choose one more minor being one of the following: Computer Science, Psychology, or Philosophy. I believe any of those three would help me in then filming industry. Computer Science for codes and such to help my editing skills and computer work, and then either Psychology or Philosophy for the knowledge I could gain with a minor in one of those could help me with story and character development.

    

     I came into filmmaking years ago as I was bored and thought it would be interesting. Since then I have made over 30 videos that are posted on my youtube channel: bluelego94. I have also done some work as a filmographer and photographer. I have been the filmographer and maker of DVDs for a theater play, I helped create an instruction video for a company by being both the cinematographer and editor, and I was also at the beginning of this past summer a wedding photographer for two teachers of mine. Having all that been said I feel like I have a good start to this field but I also realize I have so much more to learn and I can't wait.

     Being so interested in film I have watched all the behind the scenes I could get my hands on, from the hours upon hours of bts of Lord of The Rings or Star Wars to the short bts of youtube videos I have enjoyed. I just overall enjoy films of any sorts and then trying to figure out what make them tick. My range of taste in movies and tv shows are action, sci-fi, drama, romance, and really just about anything. I would also like to point out that just because I am a live-action major with Film Production does not mean I don't respect or love animation because I very much do for both. Just the other day I was sitting down at dinner with 5 or 6 people (all of whom happened to be Animation majors) and we had a conversation that lasted over a hour just about anime. That had to be one of my favorite memories so far being here at Huntington and thank you to those who were there (you know who you are).

     I would just like to make a short list of some of my favorite movies just so you can have an idea of my tastes. My favorite romance movies have to be A Walk To Remember and 500 Days of Summer. Some of my favorite action movies are Lethal Weapons, 007 (Skyfall is my favorite), and 300 of course. I also enjoy sci-fi my favorites being Star Wars (the original three, the new ones were alright but not nearly as good in my opinion) and Avatar I can't seem to be able to think of any more at the moment. For drama I would have to say The King's Speech, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and yeah probably some others that names escape me at the moment. I have always loved watching old movies as well such as Psycho, Rear Window, Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb, Ben Hur, Spartacus, and Nosferatu the Vampyre to name a few. For animation I will have to say so many of the Disney classics along with some newer stuff such as How To Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me (2 as well), The Incredibles, some tv shows mainly being Japanese anime: Angel Beats, Clannad, Clannad After Story, School Days, some other anime: Danny Phantom, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Teen Titans. I also have two favorite anime movies, them being Millennium Actress and also The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki Wo Kakeru Shoujo). I would like to say that I took two years of Japanese in high school but I only remember a little but at the same time I love watching anime with english subtitles so I can hear the Japanese.

     So yeah, that's me, sorta, I guess...I look forward to getting to know all of you and hopefully work with you all sometime in the near future. Have a great one.

-Taylor Phillips

Scott's Intro (welcome to my world)

Yo my name is Scott Griffith, I am a freshman at huntington university. I am in the DMA Program to pursue to become a great animator. I live in a small town in Indiana called Milford. I am outgoing, creative, and a friendly person. so I hope we will get along fine.

Becca Johnson

Hey! I’m Becca Johnson and I’m from Van Wert Ohio. I love all kinds of music (mostly Rock and Classical), I’ve been a certified lifeguard at my YMCA for three years so far and have been on a swim team for 9 years. I read a lot of comic books and my favorite superhero is Superman. As a DMA (Animation) student I love to watch films and TV shows like “Spirited Away” and “Supernatural”. I have an older sister who just graduated college and she has been an inspiration for my art work. Another inspiration for my work is Jim Lee, an artist at DC Comics. I’m hoping to someday animate for Disney or Pixar but if that doesn’t work out I hope to draw for DC Comics or wherever God takes me (obviously I’m not in DMA for the money ;) )I’m so happy to be here at Huntington and so excited about this class and uh … my favorite color is blue… um… I’m really bad at typing things like this so… yeah.

 (in picture is my room mate Sarah and my brother- in - law, Jordan, and I)

Kyle "KyTheGamer" Murray: An Introduction

      Hey all, my name is Kyle Murray, and I am a Junior here at Huntington University. I come from Louisville, Kentucky and I transferred into the animation major here last year as a sophomore. However, I missed the 101 class last fall, hence why I am here now. On the internet, I go by the name KyTheGamer, or just Ky for short
     When I was a kid, my first career choice was to be a marine biologist, because I love the ocean, but then I realized that biology was half of being a marine biologist, and it was time for plan B... Ever since I was a kid, people commented on how good I was at drawing, which sparked my interest in sticking with it. I didn't get serious about honing my skills until high school though, so I still have much to learn. I picked up my first video game when I was about 5 years old, and haven't put down my controller, or mouse, since. My favorite aspect of animation is character design and animation. I just love creating characters in my head and putting them on paper. My favorite mediums are traditional drawn animation and 3D.
     I have a YouTube channel where I post random videos that are usually game and/or anime related, but I haven't posted much on it in a while.

http://www.youtube.com/KyTheGamer

Sean Fitzpatrick Introduction

Hi! I'm Sean Fitzpatrick. I'm an animation major here. I grew up with 3 brothers (I'm in the blue shirt), and we had some great adventures in the backyard using just our imaginations and some swords, er, sticks. I love animation because it allows me to share the stories and adventures inside my head.







I also love video games, grizzly bears, great white sharks jumping out of the water, television, and comic strips. I even have my own comic strip and one time I drew a comic strip every single day for a year. I am super excited to get into the animation program here at Huntington and working alongside all of you guys!     

BEST POST EVER

     Hey guys! I'm Karli Melder, and I'm super excited to jump headfirst into the ocean of the animation world and completely drown in all the information that it offers! I love cartooning, especially when it comes to messing with anatomy and making a character look completely ridiculous, because I also love to make people laugh. I want to have my own cartoon show one day that people of all ages can laugh at and enjoy! It would be my dream to work for Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon.

     I'm from Marietta, Georgia and a freshman at Huntington this year! I'm going to double major in animation and psychology: I just explained why I'd love to major in animation, but my reason for the psychology double is more complicated. I love to help people, but I feel as though the general populace doesn't like to be "helped" by going to a psychologist or psychiatrist and becoming a "patient" or "client," so I want to have the knowledge to help people on a professional level, but as a friend at the same time. I plan on networking and getting to know a ton of people so I can reach out to them and help out as a "professional friend!"

     Recently I just finished illustrating two children's books (both from different authors with no relation to each other) and I will be looking forward to their being published sometime around the upcoming holidays! I'm currently attempting (attempt is a good word here) to create a webcomic. I have five chapters loosely outlined, but I still have a ton of work to do before I can even post.. On another note, I'm heavily considering making individual doodles for each blog to add personality to it.

     I'm very loud and VERY silly; I like to think that I'm funny, but you'll be the judge of that (don't be surprised if I laugh at my own jokes, though)! I like to laugh a lot, and I've heard it's infectious. I enjoy watching animated films and movies more than anything, and I think each artist has a unique aspect about their style that I could hopefully be able to learn from or build off of! I have a ton of pets back home, but I brought a small goldfish named Forrest (after the Forester!) with me and I love her to death, so you'll hear me mention her a lot. Rather than swimming, she wiggles. We both have a way of doing things, and even though she probably couldn't possibly care any less, I think we have a lot in common. I also tend to write a lot because I have a lot of things to say and a lot of thoughts to share (I'm rambling right now), so my blogs will be paragraphs. You have been warned.

I look forward to blogging and replying to y'all's blogs; I think our class will become a close community through this and our experiences with Professor Leeper in the classroom!Keep up the awesome!

     

(Inspired by my wonderful roommate, Rachel Jackson. PS it's Loki. Too pro.)

Loki'd!

Liz Smith Introduction

 

Hi, I’m Liz, and I am an animation major…who is also completely new at blogging or doing anything journal related.

I grew up in this little corn field called Huntington (you may have heard of it) and was home schooled all the way, the exceptions being preschool, and the four art classes I took at the local high school. I grew up in a single parent, Christian home (my mom was wonder-mom btw, working, teaching AND raising myself and my two little sisters). And being the eldest, got the cool room to myself =D. Also, I attend College Park Church, which is right down the street from here.

 

I have been a fan of manga, anime, and video games for a long time, and I’ll rant on those things for a long time if asked about them at all… My favorite animator (for now) is the wonderful Hayao Miyazaki, and my favorite film of his would either be Spirited Away or Howls Moving Castle.

Current things I may be found doing are studying, watching movies, hanging with friends, gaming with friends, chatting with my sister, listening to music, quoting The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, and Disney movies, or reading if the time ever comes back for that.

Randi Orr

 

 

 An introduction ...

 

 

The thing about names is that they tell a story and create individualism among our peers, our community, our culture, and this world. What does the name Randi Orr signify? Well, how about I share my story and the significance of my name shall remain open to interpretation by my peers and by this world.

 

  I grew up on a beautiful and magnificent horse farm in Corunna Indiana where corn surrounds all four corners of our land. The sun would shine bright and I could feel the love of God. It is from my experience and observations at my country home that I began to associate the sun with God’s love, the rain with His soothing hand, and the night with His blessing of peace. I own 9 horses, I have a twin brother, and our family bond extensively flourishes through our love of animals and through the cinematic arts.

In high school I was committed in broadcasting, show choir, and amnesty international. At Huntington I hope to continue my passions by embracing God and the digital media arts program. I am a freshman at Huntington University, and I anticipate double majoring in Film Production and Broadcasting Fusion media in order to incorporate both my passion for storytelling and incorporating my passion to inform and expose the truth.

To me film is more than just a movie, it is more than pure entertainment, more than hanging out with friends, and more than filling time. Film is an art to be appreciated and deconstructed. I hope this year I can accomplish a deeper understanding of filmography therefore enabling me to grow unto unimaginable depths … with the Lord’s blessing of course.

So I leave you today hopefully with a better understanding about me as an individual and as a person. I cannot wait to establish a relationship with every member in this class and get to know you. My motto for this year is to “embrace your passion” and I will enthusiastically continue to embrace God and this department.

God bless,

Randi Orr

Ps. Johnny Depp is my favorite actor and I dislike spiders the following pictures explain both like and dislike.

 

A man of many faces

Warning:
Image does not include Indian (Tonto)  from Lone Ranger! Has anyone else seen Lone Ranger?

       Self
explanatory!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lance's Intro

What's up? Hi, my name is Lance Terpstra and I am a freshman at Huntington University. I was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. (No I don't like cheese as much as you would think) I am striving to be an animator some day. I am not shy, I will talk to anyone so come and talk about nerdy stuff with me and I will enjoy every second of it. I also have a big heart so if you are having a hard time, I would be more than glad to help you.

I love video games, it's just that simple. I LOVE VIDEO GAMES!!! I will take anyone on in any game when I don't have class! I also love animated films. I actually got interested in animation because of the film Monsters Inc. I was watching one of the extra videos when I stumbled upon a video showing someone playing with Sully's hair and the physics engine. I was mesmerized when I saw that someone had the ability to make a character in a computer and make it come to life.

My name is not ZELDA!

 I don't know what I would do in the industry exactly, but I have always had the dream of animating entire music videos.To be completely honest I have very little experience in the Digital Media Arts before coming to Huntington, but I am a quick learner. I am just so excited for these next four years. BRING IT ON!!!

If you want to know more about me, I have Youtube channel I use to save funny videos and music and other things. I will give you a really good idea as to what I like. http://www.youtube.com/user/Epona1357

Mason's Intro

Hey, guys! My name's Mason Ellis Bowen, and I'm a freshman here at Huntington University. I'm in the DMA program and pursuing film production. I'm not shy, honest, so feel free to come and talk to me any time. Lets see, I grew up in Defiance, Ohio (pretty much just double the distance from HU to Ft Wayne) but I've moved around a lot. A bit about myself: I'm a huge superhero, star trek, star wars, video game, etc. nerd. Pretty much anything along that spectrum. 

I read in spare time too, when I have the chance. And to leave you with something to laugh at, here's another photo. Its an old Batman halloween costume. I was Batman for 6 consecutive years...

I'm Canadian, eh?

Hi there! Nice meet you! My name is Payton Dorothy and I am currently enrolled in Huntington University as a Film Production major! I've dribbled and drabbled in the craft of film pro. for some 4 years or so and am sooooooooooo super duper excited to learn more and perfect my craft! I have a YouTube channel that I would love for you to check out! And I guess I draw? IDK it's just for fun and I don't plan on perusing it as a career... BUT HERE'S A LINK ANYWAYS.

SAMPLES

As stated in the title, I'm from Canada! The Great North! The land of igloos and moose! Not really but if you want some idea of where I'm from here's a picture:

OH AND I FORGOT TO PUT MY FACE SO HERE YOU GO.

I post quality Instagram pictures sooooooooooooo FOLLOW ME? I'm all about to social media....

So here's Payton from the North signing off!