Sustain Champlain! Cleaning Bear Video: Reflection

For my Electronic Media class we were asked to create a 90 second commercial informing students and faculty on how they can create a more sustainable environment. The campaign is called Sustain Champlain and is making a big impact on campus. Regardless if you are a student or professor, there are many ways in which you can make a difference whether its walking to school or using low flow shower heads.

Take a look at my group's video that we created! It features the "Cleaning bear" who has a message to say about chemical cleaning products! This was a blast to make and I hope you enjoy it!

If you would like to see how you can make a difference and spread the word to your peers add Sustain Champlain on facebook, follow on twitter, or read the blog! For more videos created by students click here!

The following is my reflection on this assignment:

1. What was the most difficult moment in making this video?

The most difficult moment in making this video was probably shooting and editing. I really wish I had prior film making knowledge so I could have contributed. Unfortunately, with my major we are not given the option to take such a course in my curriculum. A lot of work goes into a small production and it was a very interesting experience.

2. Other than finishing it, what was the most rewarding moment in making this video?

The most rewarding moment in making this video was when I wrote the script. I realized that I finally got the gist of it. I didn’t even have to go back in the book and look at the directions on how to script it. Although the other girls helped with editing it and the basic concept, I wrote the script by myself. I definitely enjoyed the writing aspect in making this video.

3. Discuss 3 specific lessons you learned about film production and/or "group process" in making this video.

a) The first specific lesson I learned about film production is the process. First you must come up with a concept, a script, a story board, gather props, scout sets, etc. A lot of work goes into it. I worked as an art intern for a Showtime television show, and a major motion picture directed by Fred Durst, so I was familiar with the prop and scenery difficulties. This assignment taught me a lot about the actual production.

b) The lesson I learned about “group process” in making this video, is how to get different point of views on the same playing field. It was interesting to learn how people with different creative outlooks can get together and produce something they all agree on. I really learned how to take direction, and give my personal input in an effective manner.

c) The third lesson I learned about film production was how to shoot scenes while working against nature in outdoor scenes. I learned how to use the natural light of the sun, and work behind buildings to shield the dialogue from wind.

4. Discuss 3 specific things you learned about Champlain College and/or the "Sustain Champlain" project that you did not know before completing this project.

a) The first thing that I learned was the existence of Sustain Champlain. I had no idea about the campaign and what an impact it is making. It was interesting to learn about the efforts that the college is taking to minimize its carbon imprint. For example, I had no idea about the low flow shower heads on campus.

b) The second thing that I learned about Champlain College was that I can also make a difference even though I live off campus. I learned that chemical cleaning products are not good to use for both the environment and myself. Although I can’t really afford many natural cleaning products, after doing this project I purchased two Seventh Generation cleaning products.

c) The third specific thing I learned about Sustain Champlain was the light sensors in the halls and bathrooms. Living on campus last year I always thought it was annoying when I came into my room and they would not turn on right away. After completing this project I realize the purpose for these sensory lights and how great they are. They reduce so much electricity use, since many of us often forget to turn off the lights. I wish that I had known of Champlain’s effort to minimize wasting electricity prior to the project because I can think of a few great scenes I would have loved to incorporate into my video!

For more information visit Sustain Champlain's page at Champlain College