1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: the arts

Inspiring Films About Social Change

Movies and documentaries to get you inspired:

The world is full of remarkable individuals and organizations, dedicated to making a difference within their communities. If you have community-building aspirations of your own, it’s important to become familiar with the kind of work that is happening in the world today. That includes reading newspapers and journals, as well as doing research on the organizations that interest you the most.

However, film can also serve as a great medium for a social message. Though many movies are “inspired” by true stories and not 100% fact, they are nonetheless a fun and accessible way to discover the world of volunteering, community work, and social justice with your own eyes.

To inspire your own community efforts, here are some movies and documentaries on the topic of social change.

Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough)

Gandhi follows the story of the famed lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (now referred to as Mahatma Gandhi worldwide). The film focuses on Gandhi’s incredible work through the nonviolent revolution against British colonials in India. The movie also places a particular focus on the revolution itself as opposed to providing in-depth background of Gandhi’s earlier life.

12 Angry Men (1957, directed by Sidney Lumet)

A classic film about crime, punishment, and the true meaning of justice, 12 Angry Men features a jury in the deliberation room, deciding on the verdict of a criminal trial. The film explores themes of bias and prejudice interfering with the true administration of justice—racism and classism, as mentioned in the film, are just two examples of biases that continue to affect the justice system today.

Milk (2008, directed by Gus Van Sant)

Milk is a biographical film about real-life politician Harvey Milk, an American gay rights activist who eventually became California’s first openly gay official to be elected into office. The movie follows Harvey Milk’s struggle both as a politician and as a representative for gay rights, and the amazing things he accomplished even when faced with the homophobia prevalent throughout the United States in the 1980s.

An Inconvenient Truth (2006, directed by Davis Guggenheim)

Arguably considered one of the most important environmental films ever made, this documentary outlines former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s efforts to make the terrifying research about climate change widespread knowledge. The movie urges viewers to stop believing those who dismiss environmental claims as “myths”, and instead, to make efforts to salvage what remains of our planet before it’s too late.

It is important to emphasize that though many of these films are not recent, they highlight issues that continue to be relevant today. The problems that these movies explore are far from being resolved, and it will take all of our efforts to ensure that progress is still made far into the future. Watch, and get inspired.

Sources:

IMDb. “12 Angry Men.” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050083/

IMDb. “An Inconvenient Truth.” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497116/?ref_=nv_sr_1

IMDb. “Gandhi.” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083987/

IMDb. “Milk.” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/

January 4, 2022
Sure-fire Tips to Spark Creativity

There is an age-old rumour that well-acclaimed author Stephen King mostly gets his inspiration for his books from his dreams. Unfortunately, if you are facing a deadline for a creative project for school, you don’t have the luxury of time to test out this theory. The good news is that there are sure-fire ways to bring out your inner creative self.

Brainstorm.

Whether the project is individual or group, it always helps to bounce ideas off with your peers. This way, you get to learn different perspectives, and eventually you will find how to approach your task at hand. You would be surprised how much you can learn from your peers just by a short brainstorming session. Just take note that brainstorming should be a healthy discussion – so avoid any conflicts.

Get inspired by other accomplished artists.

The best examples that showcase people’s creativity can be found in works of arts, music, and film. If you have time, head to an art gallery, concert, or movie theatre. Even if your creative project does not involve any of these mediums, you could still be inspired- a great idea, is a great idea.

Take a walk.

You don’t have to be a poet to commune with nature and be inspired. Sometimes walking is what you need to bring out your inner creative self. Of course, don’t underestimate the power of an idea spark—sometimes it comes in the most unexpected places. Some creative minds have been known to have that eureka moment while they were in the shower or doing mundane tasks like washing the dishes.

Make a list.

Since ideas can strike anywhere, the trick is to note them down somewhere when they do strike. Always keep a notebook to jot your ideas down. However, if you are all for technology, always keep your memo or notepad ready in your smartphone or tablet.

Are you ready for the next big idea? Try out these tips and you will certainly unleash your creative powers!

SOURCES:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201402/how-unleash-your-creativity-and-find-inspiration-today

http://www.virtuesforlife.com/10-ways-to-spark-creative-thinking/

http://www.chopra.com/ccl/7-steps-to-inspire-creativity-within

http://psychcentral.com/lib/20-ideas-from-creativity-connoisseurs-to-inspire-your-imagination/

March 22, 2016
How To Be a Filmmaker (and How the Answer is Under Your Nose)

You are sitting in class, but your mind is a million miles away. You can hear the teacher speaking, but all you can see are scenes you want to bring to life: sci-fi battles, the modern day dilemmas of youth, old school slapstick shenanigans, and more. Filmmaking is in your blood, and possibly costing you some marks in class. So how do you go about harnessing that energy and passion in a positive way?

The first part of that answer may very well be in your pocket. Smartphones offer a myriad of uses, and although filming scenes with the same device you use to text your friends may not feel very professional, it is actually closer to a “proper” camera than you might think. Modern smartphones can record up to 1080p videos at 60 frames per second, or 2160p videos at 30fps. With a few peripherals, such as a lens kit or microphone, you can put together impressive looking and sounding movies at a low cost.

Even if the director or main stars of a blockbuster get the accolades, all movies are a team effort. You can turn to your friends, or make like-minded friends in classes or after school programs. They do not have to necessarily be people wanting to get into film. Your tech-savvy friend can operate the camera. Your pal who is mastering English class can write the script. An artistic student can draw the storyboards. As a team, it will not only be easier, but the combination of different skills will make your final product even better.

Most important of all, you need to be prepared to fail. No film or story in its final form is exactly as you pictured it in your head. Not everything you make will be gold. By treating filmmaking as a process, as something you make a habit of, you can produce a body of work. You can upload your videos online and experience the marvelous horror of having an audience. All feedback, from your ever-praising mother to vicious online reviewers, is invaluable. You need to learn to accept feedback from both ends of the spectrum- this is how you grow and learn.

Looking ahead, research film programs in the post-secondary institutions you want to attend. These programs provide you a very unique environment to learn in, where you will be working alongside others who share your passion and receiving honest and constructive feedback from peers and experienced professionals. The post-secondary environment allows you to meet people from all walks of life. The things you learn from them will inspire your storytelling, just as you will inspire theirs. As you go forward, networking will be invaluable in finding opportunities to turn your passion into a career.

Yet all of that starts with what you do now. So pull out your phone and get filming!

Sources:

Rogerson, James. How to shoot a Hollywood movie on your phone.
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/phoning-it-in-how-the-smartphone-is-disrupting-hollywood-1198825/2

Walters, Ryan E. Should You Go to Film School? A Conversation with Ryan E. Walters.
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/02/film-school-ryan-e-walters

Wikihow. How to Be a Filmmaker.
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Filmmaker

November 24, 2015
Career Profile: Community News Manager

Many people dream of someday being on the radio or television. They imagine how exciting life could be if they could be like the stars they see in movies, or at least the people they hear talking on the radio every week. Sometimes, the managers of community radio stations can give them that chance.

Most radio stations have staff members who look after the technical aspects of the broadcasts, as well as the people who actually interview guests, play music, and give weather and news reports. They also have production managers who make sure that everything is working well, and who deal with hiring and firing people.

A community radio station is a bit different. Most of the people working at these stations are volunteers who have ideas about what they would like to broadcast but who might have little or no formal training. They might stay for years, or they might try being on radio for a few months and then move on to something else.

Managers in community radio stations have to make sure that they have enough people to cover all of the timeslots, or they have to find helpers who can do that work. Volunteers tend to come and go, but managers can help ease the process by finding one or two good employees who can help.

Besides working with the day-to-day running of radio stations, managers have to make sure that the financial and business aspects are in place. In Canada, all radio stations need approval from the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission), which also sets guidelines for aspects of broadcasting such as the amount of Canadian content. Managers need to make sure that volunteers know and meet these standards.

Another task is fundraising. Many community radio stations, especially in colleges and universities, have some funding from sources like student fees, but these fees normally cover only part of the money necessary to keep the station going. Many other people help with finding donations, but managers need to take responsibility for ensuring that enough fundraising happens to keep the station alive.

Managers for commercial radio stations normally need at least a Bachelor’s degree, and they might earn close to $100,000 per year. At community radio stations, the pay is likely to be much lower, and the educational requirements might not be very high. However, getting a bachelor’s degree is still a good idea for learning about the various topics that hosts and guests might discuss and for working with people in the community.

Because community radio stations normally run with only a few paid staff, managers might need to work in several different areas, such as hosting shows or conducting training. They need to be flexible and be willing to work at whatever needs to be done.

Being a community radio station manager can be a lot of fun when the volunteers and staff work well together and find a good way to connect with their audience. However, you must be a well- rounded person that adapts well to change and real time problem solving. If you enjoy working with people and expressing your ideas on the radio, this job might be the one for you!

May 31, 2015