Edited E-Poem
The Author's Corner
For my edited e-poem I chose to revise my live e-poem. Aside from being able to record live content on the computer screen, Camtasia is a great program for editing videos. I was able to use Camtasia to layer audio and visual elements and deploy composition moves such as layering and arranging. Layering was also used in the live version; however Camtasia allowed me to change the opacity of certain windows so that I created a more interesting contrast between the videos. Arranging was also used in the live version, but I felt more comfortable with arranging on Camtasia because I could constantly resize and place certain windows in different areas without the fear of disturbing other windows.
The following shows the evolution of my e-poetry. Each video includes a list of considerations taken before completing the video and concludes with a list of how to improve the next video:
1. Live Version
Considerations
- Treat the desktop as a canvas
- Make a statement primarily using commercials (1 GoPro and 2 Apple)
- Create my own poem that illustrates my frustration for an increasingly narcissistic generation
How to improve
- Eliminate typing errors
- Transition between windows more efficiently/fluidly
- "Declutter" the desktop
- Make volume adjustments
- Sync the end of the GoPro background music with the conclusion of the video
2. Edited Version
Considerations
- Explore how changing fonts, positions, and movements of texts can enhance the viewer's experience
- Change opacity of windows for layering effect
- Create a more "simplistic style" by only showing 1 or 2 windows at a time
- Explicitly articulate a call to action either in the beginning or end of the piece
How to improve:
- Make the video less informational by incorporating material other than commercials
- Find materials that can hint at the inappropriate use of photography (ex. excessive selfies)
- Change the fonts of certain lines to make it more visible to the viewer
- Be consistent in layering pictures and videos, especially near the end
3. Final E-Poetry
Considerations
- Find a way to de-emphasize the GoPro commercial to add a more personal perspective
- Add at least one video of people taking excessive selfies to hint at the "new purpose" of photography
- Review the entire piece and make any final modifications
Final Video Reflection
I am proud of my edited e-poetry final product. Technology has such astounding capabilities. "Ordinary" individuals, not merely professional, have the ability to document the amazing moments of life. However, instead of using these instruments to share a story, it seems our increasingly self-absorbed generation has found a new purpose for technology: capture fictitiously blissful moments to post on social media.
The purpose of using commercials as the main video sources was to show the advancement of technology. I attempt to emphasize the sad reality that we have the capability to save such wonderful moments but use such abilities for the wrong purposes. We use our GoPros and iPhones to record vacations, recitals, and recreational activities, but how often do we look back on these videos after we post them for the rest of the world to see? How many selfies does an average man or woman take before finding that "perfect shot"? What is the point of having such amazing, accessible technology we use it for superficial reasons?
When creating the edited version of my e-poetry, I also experimented with how the movement of text could be used to enhance my video. For example, approximately 38 seconds into the video, I discuss the idea of movement. Background visuals include moving people, birds, and fish. However, I also make my text move in a way that guides the viewer's eyes. By directing the viewer's gaze in a certain direction, I also strengthen the effect of the moving figures. As my viewer follows the word "movement" into the depth of the screen they simultaneously see a flock of birds coming closer to them, passing along the power of controling the viewer's vision from the word "movement" to the birds themselves.
Additionally, a critical concern I had when creating the final version was that my video was too informational. As I noted before, the main rationale of using the commercials as my video sources was to emphasize technology's advancement on a basic consumer level. However, I understand how that may not have translated completely and, in an effort to recenter my the purpose of the video back to the theme, I sought to incorporate videos from other sources. A friend suggested I use the video "selfies at a baseball game." This is quite an accurate title as it shows a group of girl taking incessant selfies of themselves at a baseball game. I also incorporated home GoPro footage taken by individuals who went skydiving. These videos connect with my theme of appreciation, or the lack thereof, by showing personal examples of how people are using technology. Chronologically, the skydiving video comes before the selfies video, illustrating the potential personal technology has on documenting our lives. The selfie footage, which also comes sarcastically after the line "beautiful isn't it", then shows how many are not using this technology at its full potential and refusing to capture the actual beauty of moments, people, and environments around us.
Table of Contents
I. Soundlist
II. Audio Essay
III. Improvisation E-Poem
IV. Edited E-Poem
Discussion of "Edited E-Poem"
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