And The Light Begins to Shine

I think a few of us were getting a little frustrated with the tech set up - seems that none of us really new what we were doing. Then Tom came along and relieved some of our frustration and for that, a heartfelt thanks to him during this week of thanking. A few more practice set up runs and then it'll be showtime. Until next week...

A Work In Progress

Tonight we decided on a set up for the room which I think we all agree will best display each of the pieces being presented. We also discussed the equipment needed for the performances. Everyone gave a synopsis of their piece which included the creative aspects as well as the technical equipment that will be necessary for their vision to become reality. Each piece sounded very different which should lead to a very interesting evening.

Andy had mentioned transitional pieces that would link each performance which we all thought would really help with the flow of the show as a whole. The thought is that there would be original music, either performed live in the studio or played over the PA, along with a visual element that most likely will focus around our theme of bridges. The transitions will last 30-45 seconds. This will also help in the planning of the evening and the order of the pieces.

We really will need to put our heads together when it comes to the technical aspects. I can assign roles to each collaborator, but it truly is a team effort to get everything set up quickly and correctly. A good crew is essential to the success of any production.

A Working Title

Many ideas were thrown around tonight during our first collective brainstorming session. It seems that we have decided on a central theme of bridges with a working title of "A View From the Bridge" (not to be confused with the Arthur Miller play of the same title). Due to the intricate factors of the final performance (both creative and technical), numerous decisions are required of the group before our next meeting. Most importantly each member must decide what equipment will be used for their piece and how they plan to utilize that equipment. These discussions will take place in the coming days over email.

This week each member will also begin the creative process and will likely (but not necessarily) take the form of a video each of us will create (which we all decided will be in .mov format (640 x 480) and audio will be .aiff. Jo Ellen has volunteered to compile the videos for the group. Thank you Jo Ellen.

After each collaborator decides on the equipment that will be necessary for their piece, we will decide the best placement of that equipment in the studio space. As most decisions made by a group, I am anticipating a bit of give and take on everyone's part in regards to equipment placement. With one fixed screen, we must decide where the second (and possibly third) screen/projector will be placed. We also will determine camera placement based on our individual needs.

It is possible that our left coast collaborators will also once again be part of the creative process as group members may decide to work with them as part of their performance or they may simply be members of the audience. This is yet another decision that will be made at some point very soon.

As is always the case when working in small groups, we will each wear many hats and move from creators to tech crew throughout this entire process.

Next up, what do we need and where will it all go....

The Beginning of the End

Collaborate by definition means to work jointly on an activity. More than one participant or element is required of a collaboration, regardless of the portion that is contributed from each individual. When more than two entities are involved in the project, it is necessary for one of the team members to arrange what is to be included in the final product or else it becomes chaotic and difficult to accomplish the task at hand.

For our final project I will be coordinating each contribution that is submitted by members of the group and organizing (or attempting to organize) them into a cohesive ensemble. It is bound to be an adventurous journey for all and I am looking forward to witnessing the collective creativity process as it unfolds.

I felt the need to post one of the most unique collaborations I have come across.