This week in Zephyr, we focused mainly on equipment setup and testing, while also making steady progress on Assignment 1. We spent time learning how to use the Sony FX3 camera and setting up tripods. On Tuesday, we covered a lot about how to set up and format the camera to ensure we get good-quality audio, which came in handy for the interview on Thursday. I was new to this equipment, so it was really helpful to work with it hands-on and learn together as a group. During our Thursday class, we put what we learned into practice by recording the interview. I was chosen to be the interviewee for our group, while Maria came up with the questions to ask me. Talking about my passion made the interview a lot of fun, so it didn’t feel like a challenge at all.

This week, we started exploring docuseries, which has been really helpful for our upcoming assignments. We watched two videos from Tate Shots, and they were great references for understanding how to structure and present our work. These videos have made it easier to break down the pitch deck and get a clearer idea of what we want to achieve with the Zephyr docuseries.

Our group has made some solid progress on Assignment 1, and I’m really pleased with how things are shaping up. We also watched a tutorial on how to manage sound with the Sony FX3 camera. Learning how to control audio levels is going to be crucial for our work, especially since part 3 of Assignment 1 involves recording an audio-based interview with the FX3. The tutorial has been super useful in helping us get the hang of managing sound effectively, which will definitely help us produce a more polished final project.

During the first week of class, I got a much clearer idea of what the studio is all about. Before starting, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it quickly became clear that we’re focusing on short-form documentaries. This is something I’m really interested in, so I’m excited about the work we’ll be doing.

A big part of the week was watching a detailed tutorial on the Sony FX3 camera, which we’ll be using throughout the semester. Since I’ve never used the FX3 before, the tutorial was super helpful in breaking down how it works. It made me feel more confident about using the camera for our projects.We also went over the other equipment we’ll be using. Since this is my fourth studio class, I’m already familiar with most of the gear from previous projects. This has allowed me to concentrate on improving my skills and exploring new ideas rather than just learning how to use the equipment.

Another important part of the week was learning about how to use AI responsibly in our projects. Seth gave us a good overview of how AI can be used and the ethical considerations we need to keep in mind. This was really useful for setting the stage for how we’ll use new technologies in our storytelling.

One of the more challenging tasks was working in groups to deconstruct a pitch deck. Even though it was a new experience and a bit daunting at first, it turned out to be really insightful. It helped me understand how to present a documentary idea and gave me a clearer direction for Assignment 1. Overall, it was a great way to get a feel for what we’ll be doing and how we’ll be working together in the studio.