What I feel like I have learned from the experience of doing this project is the basics of creating a documentary, as well as insights into the working world of the film industry from my mentor. Compared to my hypothesis, yes, I did end up learning the basics of documentary filmmaking, but I was not anticipating to learn so much about my personal work ethic as well as how the film industry works like how it does. What I learned about my personal work ethic from this project is that I am very straightforward and to the point when I set my mind to something. As for how the film industry works, I learned that it is very competitive, and that you have to say yes to any opportunity that you are given. What i think that I have learned in my classes in Santa Su and apply it to the real world is establishing a solid work ethic, and learning that even though some of your work may be bad, you still have to put it out there to get it noticed. People I would like to thank for their involvement with this project are my mentor Brian Gallagher, Jason Quartararo, and the cast of my film, which includes Syd Vergara, Addison Rielly, Hunter Jacobson, Erik Dahl, Peter Stevens, Levi Waddoups, and Mason Vasquez.
How did I grow as a scholar and with my skills?
As a scholar and in terms of my skills, I feel that I grew a lot. My filmmaking skills have grown immensely, and now I know how to film and edit a basic documentary. Yes this may be my first time at it, however that does not mean that there is room for improvement, i would like to hone in my skills even further with filmmaking, so that I will be prepared for when I enter the film industry as a stand-alone person.
How did I help other people?
In terms of helping other people and providing a service, I think that I helped people see more or less what goes into making a short film when you are in high school, especially with such a limited budget. In total for the film made, $150 was spent. The documentary I made on no budget at all. I also think that I provided a service to myself because this documentary included the "ups and downs" that I went through with the production process, and it made me reflect on what I can do better with making my films next time the opportunity comes around.
Did I complete this project with honor and integrity?
To me, honor means that you upkeep a promise or something that you say that you will do until it is completed to the best of your ability. Integrity to me means being honest and you are reliable. With this project, I feel that I completed it with both of these things. I completed it with honor because I had completed the project as it was originally stated; I completed it with integrity because I was able to be honest with myself and I knew when I was stuck, and had to ask my mentor with help.