Exploring the Fusion of Art and Technology in Multimedia Computing Students

Event Title: “Exploring the Fusion of Art and Technology in Multimedia Computing Students”

I. Details of the event/activity

Exploring Cinematographic Techniques in Visual Storytelling was the theme of an online webinar I attended. This webinar delved into the essential principles of cinematography and how to apply them effectively in visual storytelling. The event was conducted online via Zoom and Facebook as part of CHED UNIFAST's SEEDLING PROJECT (Skill Enhancement, Engagement, and Development: A learning Intervention to Nurture Grantees). It provided valuable insights into the world of cinematography and its role in crafting compelling narratives through the lens of a camera.

II. Reflections on the webinar/activity give rise to (learnings)

I gained valuable insights during this webinar, particularly in the context of developing my skills in cinematography. As an IT student, I already had a basic understanding of design, but the knowledge I acquired during this event has been instrumental in expanding my creative horizons. The presenter emphasized the principle of simplicity in cinematography, highlighting how less can often be more impactful. Avoiding the overuse of complex textures, overlays, and other elements that can disrupt the overall visual composition is essential. By adhering to the 'less is more' philosophy, one can create visually compelling and straightforward cinematography.

Furthermore, the webinar stressed the significance of fonts in cinematography. Selecting the right fonts for my projects can be a daunting task, but a deeper understanding of various font types and combinations can greatly enhance the visual appeal of my cinematographic work.

One of the most exciting aspects of the webinar was the opportunity to experiment with designing our own cinematic styles and observing how they resonate with audiences when integrated into simpler cinematic compositions. The ultimate goal here is to create powerful cinematic experiences through straightforward visuals, and this is a path I am eager to explore further.

III. Reflections on possibilities on implementing some of the webinar input on a practical level (practical application of learning)

This course holds great promise for my current work in cinematography. The knowledge I've acquired from this course will enable me to craft cinematic materials with precision, especially if I embrace the principle of simplicity. My inclination toward creating visually engaging content for films and seamlessly integrating it into the same screen makes this course particularly valuable. It aligns perfectly with my passion for cinematic production.

IV. Positive feedback (on the event organization)

The flow of their cinematography webinar was exceptionally straightforward and easy to follow. They began by providing clear explanations of the key concepts before diving into the practical aspects. This approach allowed me to quickly grasp the fundamentals of cinematography. The presenter's engaging style encouraged me to take on various cinematographic tasks independently, sparking my curiosity to explore different design elements further.

Compared to other webinars, the main topic of this cinematography event was relatively concise, which proved beneficial for a fast-paced learning experience. However, it left me wanting more in terms of content considering the time allocated. It's worth noting that the Seedling Project not only enriches participants' skills in the realm of cinematography but also extends its benefits to the IT domain.

V. Suggestions for improvements to be made/consider for future activities

While I found the cinematography training to be of high quality, there are a few areas where I believe it could be further enhanced. Firstly, the brevity of the main content, which I estimate lasted only about thirty minutes, left me craving more in-depth insights. In contrast, the Question & Answer session, which followed the main presentation, was quite extensive. The speaker fielded numerous questions and provided thoughtful responses, making it a valuable addition to the overall learning experience.