On the Job: Everyone Has a Story to Tell
During the World Premier of the Multimedia Team mini-documentaries, each production team came up on stage to introduce their films. Every Youth Apprentice shared something they had learned during production. Here are some of their technical tips, aesthetic insights, and even a few transcendent revelations, in their own words.
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“One thing I learned from working with the Creative Art Works Multimedia Team is that everyone really has a story to tell and that it’s up to us to show that story.”
Emmanuel Rivas
Thatiana Akuesson
“Initially, when I started this program, I thought we were just going to be standing back, taking pictures, but we actually had to get in there and interact with the muralists and get in their faces a little bit with the cameras and the mics. It was a little uncomfortable, but I learned that sometimes that’s what you need to do to make a really great film.”
“My most favorite thing that I have leaned is how to use Adobe Premier Pro editing software. I had never used this program before, but over the course of the summer, thanks to the Teaching Artists at Creative Art Works, I have leaned many techniques, including, color correction, audio balance, and how to edit video so it flows with the story.”
Antonio Shivers
Carlos Ramirez
“One of the first things we learned was that there are many types of documentaries and that you could expand the possibilities. Our documentary is unique in a way, because we focused not just on the muralists but ourselves. Throughout the process of making the film, one of the most important things I learned was the value of friendship, and the value of always having someone there who could push you to the next level, even when I wasn’t completely ready to do it. So, I want to say thanks to Yoel and Javier. [Co-creators Yoel Castro and Javier Tajeda]”
“One of the challenges with directing is that our team is pretty big, so there’s a lot of personalities and a lot of different ideas, so there can be clashes from time to time. Something I’ll take a way from this experience is learning to step outside my comfort zone, like climbing up a ladder to record these precious moments, or following someone going down the steps without tripping over my own feet. I’ll remember those moments always.”
Martha Alvarez
Anthony Gonzalez
“One thing I learned this summer was how to see, and by that I mean, instead of just taking images at their face value, really appreciating the aesthetic behind it, like the way it’s framed and the way its colored. It’s been fun.”
“Our team had a lot of challenges on this project, but we came together as a group, and we’re really proud of our work. Personally, my favorite part was interviewing and getting to know all the muralists, and it was such an amazing experience to get to interview a Family Court Judge. [Judge Lupoloff]”
Lucy Brewster
Jason Uzhca
“One thing I definitely learned this summer was teamwork. I’ve created short films before as a one-man show, but here I was part of a team that needed me and I needed them. These guys have helped me out in so many ways, and they’re amazing, and I can’t thank them enough. I also want to thank our TA’s, Nick, Miah, Tiana and Paul – without them, oh my god, we wouldn’t be anywhere!”