Going into Show 4, I feel like everything started to come together in a way that felt more natural and confident. At this point in the semester, I’m not just thinking about getting the shot anymore, I’m thinking about how everything connects, from filming to editing to how it will look in the final show. Show 4 really pushed me both creatively and technically, especially with trying new things and stepping into roles that made me a little nervous.
One of the biggest highlights for me this cycle was working with Connor, especially on his SOT Tz. This was one of those projects where everything felt very detailed and intentional, and it really challenged me to think through every part of the shot. Between dealing with cloning, framing around the bug, and making sure we weren’t crossing invisible lines, it wasn’t something we could just rush through. I found myself paying attention to small details like pacing, background distractions, and even making sure our equipment wasn’t visible in the shot. I also stepped in creatively when we were trying to figure out how to make the sequence flow better. Even something as simple as suggesting we switch from poker to blackjack ended up making the entire process smoother and easier to understand visually. Seeing that final product come together in editing was honestly one of the most satisfying moments for me so far.
Working with Emma again also gave me another opportunity to build on my creative direction. I’ve started to feel a lot more comfortable stepping in with ideas when there isn’t a clear plan yet. Coming up with the “double play” standup sequence pushed me to think in terms of movement and continuity, not just individual shots. I had to think about how each clip would connect, how the action would carry through, and how we could make it feel seamless in editing. At the same time, I was still applying technical things like framing for graphics and making sure we had a clean full take for audio. There were definitely challenges, especially with lighting constantly changing, but instead of letting that frustrate the process, I focused on adjusting what we could and trusting that we could fix the rest later.
A moment that stood out to me in a different way was working with Lucas. It wasn’t as creatively complex as some of the other shoots, but it reminded me how important it is to be reliable and efficient. Making sure the camera settings were correct, the audio was clean, and the interviewee felt comfortable on camera are all things that can easily be overlooked when you’re focused on more creative projects. It was a good balance and a reminder that every role, no matter how simple it seems, still contributes to the overall quality of the story.
Probably the most challenging experience of this cycle was during the live show. It was my first time learning how to zoom during a live broadcast, and I was a little nervous going into it. James and I took turns zooming each take, and it definitely took some getting used to trying to stay smooth and precise while everything is happening in real time. It’s one thing to practice something but doing it live is a completely different feeling because there’s no room for error.
What really stuck with me was something that happened in between takes. Quinn came into the camera room and gave me a really big compliment after my first time “zooming in” during a live show. His praise meant a lot more than I expected, especially because I was so nervous going into it. Hearing that kind of feedback in the moment helped me settle down and trust myself more. It reminded me that even when I feel unsure, I’m still capable of doing things well. That moment honestly made the whole experience feel worth it!
Overall, Show 4 showed me how much I’ve grown, not just in my technical skills, but in my confidence. I’m more comfortable speaking up, taking creative control when needed, and trying new things even when they’re intimidating. Looking at the class as a whole, it’s really cool to see how everyone is starting to find their rhythm. People are more willing to experiment, collaborate, and help each other out, which makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. For me, Show 4 was a reminder that growth doesn’t just come from getting things right, but from pushing yourself into situations that feel a little uncomfortable and learning from them.