Group Project

Emme Oliver

Project Description

Group Project is a short film following college students Asa, Peter, Lauren, and Daphne. The four don't know each other and engage in awkward conversation and monotonous work. Everything seems banal until the students' inner voices start talking to each other.

What Form will your Final Project Take?

Through making this film I have learned so much about myself as a director and am excited to keep making short films.

Who was supporting you in your work?

Talia Lugacy. I took two classes with Talia including my senior seminar class and a directing: narrative class. Throughout these classes, I extensively learned what is involved in all processes of filmmaking and how to approach each process with efficiency and organization. Talia also taught us techniques and things to look out for when we watch films which has undoubtedly enhanced not only my filmmaking skills but the way I watch movies in general.

Project Themes:

Creative

How has this project has been impactful or transformative?

I had actually made this film before. I shot it in a blank white classroom with little knowledge of effective ways to use a camera and little experience of how to direct actors. The result was a project I was not satisfied with. I have never been one to back away from a challenge so for my senior thesis project I wanted to attempt to make the film again with a new location, better and more equipment, and a revised script. The project I have now is one I am proud of not just because of the content but because of the act of going through the motions again solidified my confidence as a director.

What would you do differently?

t's easier said than done but I would try not to doubt myself so much because ultimately everything turned out pretty okay. I put off writing a new script because I wasn't sure if I was capable of telling the story another way but after some time it just came to me and I was able to pull something together that was way more engaging then my first attempt at telling this story. I would advise another student filmmaker to trust the criticism they hear from their peers more than themself because you are your own worst critic. I would also tell them to be mindful that when listening to external criticism to know what to take and what to leave because some criticism is not as constructive as it immediately sounds.

How was the experience connected to your work?

This project helped me apply so much of what I'd learned in various classes at The New School and expanded my knowledge of filmmaking greatly. There is nothing more instructional than being on a set and immersing yourself in the work.

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