Reflection on Project 3

In this post, I will answer a few questions about my revision process from pg 520 of Writing Public Lives.

Delarge. "Skills." 11/22/15 via flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

1. What was specifically revised from one draft to another?

I certainly cut out a lot from my initial footage. I think that my original length before started editing was around 14 minutes! After speeding some things up, cutting out bad takes, and mending some parts, I ended up at a much more reasonable 6:45ish. As I moved from script to actual filming, I adapted most of my lines to sound more natural and give my piece a more informal feeling. I also cut out some examples and explanations that were not necessarily useful to my argument.

2. Point to global changes: how did you reconsider your thesis or organization?

My organization generally stayed the same from script to final cut because I knew exactly how I wanted my video to be structured. My thesis, however, was adapted largely after having a meeting with Bottai. He suggested that I frame my argument around the idea that there are genres that are appropriate for diversity and other genres that may be ruined by forcing this aspect upon it. Thus he helped me focus in on this type of miscasting in certain contexts which strengthened my argument.

3. What led you to these changes? A reconsideration of audience? A shift in purpose?

 Yes, as I mentioned earlier the desire to make my argument more specific and therefore solid motivated the changes in my thesis. I also think that the adaptation helped me connect better to some other points that I made in my video, such as: "there are genres where diversity works" and "solutions to make diversity work in our favor."

4. How do these changes affect your credibility as an author?

From my perspective- as the author, director, and editor all wrapped into one- the more solid my thesis was and the better it connected to other crucial parts of the video, the more authoritative and believable I became. I saw the best parts of my script and camera footage come together in my final cut, and that was a relief.

5. How will these changes better address the audience or venue?

I think that the shifting of the thesis was crucial to properly addressing my audience. I needed to be specific as possible so as to get those who may have been initially opposed on my side. I chose a tough audience, one that generally would fight against my position on the subject of debate, so it was imperative that I got this aspect right.

6. Point to local changes: how did you reconsider sentence structures and style?

I added a plethora of specific examples (in both my script and video) that helped me illustrate some of the points I was making. For example, I cited Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's with regards to white actors playing people of color. I also used an especially dramatic clip from Vikings to show that while there needs to be some semblance of reality, these historical adaptations should not be depended upon as fact.

7. How will these changes help assist your audience in understanding your purpose?

Without the examples, the audience is left with just my commentary. This is not interesting, compelling, or a strong tactic for my argument. The more examples I added, the more my argument seemed to come together. Giving visual examples is a major convention of my genre/platform as well, so it was important to make the most of this aspect of my argument.

8. Did you have to reconsider the conventions of the particular genre in which you are writing?

My lack of ability in animation and certain visual effects forced me to make do with what I had. Hell, I was proud that I found a way to run the audio track over still pictures and inserted videos given my simplistic video editing program. I think that I followed the major conventions with my backdrop, style of dress, organization, tone, etc. and this makes up for other details that I could not reproduce (specific branded intro, animations, floating images, title cards, etc).

9. Finally, how does the process of reflection help you to reconsider your identity as a writer?

Writing is something that I enjoy doing and also a skill I feel I am good at. Reflecting is always humbling to me, because it is when I realize that there is always room for improvement. I think that every time I go through the revision/reflection process I learn from my peer editors and my more seasoned instructors. While my style is consistent, my ability to get my thoughts across and the artistry with which I do it increases with every writing cycle.