This week we explored the authenticity of online media. In other words, how we portray ourselves online compared to who we are in real life. For this, we watched the movie ‘Eight Grade’, directed by Bo Burnham. I’d never heard of this movie before, and I will say it was certainly an experience to watch. I felt like my thirteen-year-old self watching it. As much as I hated some of the decisions the main character Kayla got herself into, I emphasised with her. I know I was the same way. When you’re younger, you can very much want to push a different reality of who you are online or try to seem ‘better’ than how you think you are, especially in today’s society which is so strongly dominated by how you are perceived online.

The practical exercise involved us making use of the Zoom F4 microphones and using them to interview strangers around RMIT. I was paired with Ryan for the task and, neither of us had much experience working with audio technology except for the very basics. We came into several issues as neither of us were particularly confident in going up to strangers to ask them questions and the people we did ask ended up declining. Eventually when time began to come to a close, we decided to team up with another pair, Darcy and Lauren, who were also struggling to find people to interview, so we all interviewed each other

Editing the audio was difficult I will say, finding the right audio levels was difficult and the audio tended to peak despite remaining in the range of -12 to -6. But I eventually completed it and am happy with the final results.

Here is the Video Link:

Link to Vlog 2:

This week we took time to work and practice with two different types of cameras in groups — a Canon DSLR 6D mark ii and a Sony FS5. Either way, I enjoyed the exercise, as said before I borrowed a 6D mark ii for my vlogging and I enjoyed getting more practical experience with it, especially in regards to fixing lighting and exposure on the camera. While those options were easy to solve on the Sony camera, I had no idea initially how to fix it on the 6D mark ii, so it felt incredibly satisfying when I could fix the exposure issues at home.

For our vlogging exercise, I had to film myself doing something I enjoy in a cinematic way. I decided to film myself playing video games in my room as it’s something I enjoy doing and could picture making in a more ‘cinematic quality’. Music in editing has always been a strong suit of mine, so I knew I wanted to edit this to music. I knew Copywrite was still something to be conscious of while making our vlogs, so I decided not to risk it by showing any actual gaming footage. I thought it would be a fun challenge to portray my hobby without actually showing any game footage and overall, while I believe there is still plenty to improve on, I am satisfied with what I accomplished.

Week 1: My Relationship with Online Media

Link to Vlog 1:

Reflection
Week 1 and back to vlogging, I remember doing this for Media 1 as well and I found it exciting to do so. I wanted to experience more work with a camera and filming and while I don’t think the quality was the best for this vlog, I’m happy with what I achieved and hope to further improve my skills for the next vlog.
One interesting note from our exercise and the Vlogumentary we watched during class time was how each vlogger we looked at had a certain style or personality that would be used to engage audience members. It was a small exaggeration of their personality to keep up a persona for audience members to enjoy and relate to. Which can be good as it sets a standard for videos and allows audience members to know what to expect from your content and enjoy it. It’s something I hope to develop in my vlogs as well so that I can look back and see in my own style of vlogging. However, this has its disadvantages if you don’t keep up the persona.
Audiences can feel betrayed and let down that you aren’t what they expected to be and can feel as though you have been lied to. Just like with other celebrities for movies or music, your audience can turn easily on you if they feel as though you have let them down.

I filmed my vlog using a Canon DSLR 6D Mark ii and a tripod at around my height to film a close up for my vlog. I also filmed in my parents’ bedroom to allow for my more natural light albeit it was much later when I filmed compared to when the photo was taken, which is why the lighting isn’t the best. Something to definitely take into account for my next vlog.