This is a Reflection on EDIT MEDIA’s The Student 7

This article is a Big Mood. While it seems like this piece is targeted more towards mainstream film production, the 7 "tips" listed seem relevant to smaller amateur productions as well. It very much encompasses what I have learned so far in my 2 years as a film student. I think the most relevant thing that they listed is that you need to "Create Dangerously" and do things outside of the box. Like they say, this is the time to experiment and most importantly to fail. It seems like UNCW adopted this model when they designed the Film Studies major. I'll definitely utilize these tips in my last year.

This is a Reflection on Maya Deren’s Amateur Vs. Professional

"...one who does something for the love of the thing rather than for economic reasons or necessity." 

As an amateur filmmaker, I of course have read this article before. This mode is my favorite because I am able to do what I want for the sake of art as opposed to having to follow others' artistic or monetary goals. This is a form of filmmaking that is produced solely as art, which I believe is what film should be.  The emphasis on movement it so important to the film medium, and the modern blockbusters lack that sorely. Shot-reverse shot is my enemy. Working to a schedule , designed by someone else, is my enemy. I really think that the best filmmaking is that done by the individual, when their creativity is there in every aspect of the process. 

This is a Reflection on Fred Camper’s Naming, and Defining, Avant-Garde Film

There has to be some way to name films that fall into the category of avant-garde or experimental, because how else could we talk about them? This idea of straying away from European terminology is a little much, but I can see what he means. With all that being said, Camper makes a great point in how these phrases fail to define all of these works correctly. Maybe there is more than one category needed? I think that films that make use of mode like are very different from films like Stan Brakhage's Window Water Baby Moving. I probably am just not aware of the sub-categories yet.

The list of qualities that Camper provided seems accurate to me. I have never personally understood the acceptance of rejecting linear storied films from the experimental category. I think that as long as the story is not "mainstream" that it could be considered experimental and different from the typical film. I'd love to discuss this further if we can.

This is a Manifesto

I like movies. I like watching them, talking about them, and of course making them. I especially appreciate films that aren't like what most people think of. I've been struggling to find what separates me from other filmmakers out there, but I have discovered that I don't really care what people think about my work. I'm one of those artists that creates as I find the inspiration. I do it for myself, and for no one else. With that being said, I want more desperately than anything to be able to create music videos for artists that I can relate to. I want to collaborate on something that we can both appreciate. I just want to create, because it always makes me feel better.