Cynematik on IndieWIRE

The East Valley Tribune article came out yesterday. It was SHOCKING to see my big, fat face above the fold. And then to see the story on the front page and have the whole inside of that first page. It was a little overwhelming. To be honest, I had asked that they delay publishing because the hearing wasn't done yet and I didn't want it to make things worse but it is a "free press." I wish they had a photo of the crew in the story AND some of the photos the crew took in Zambia. But, you can't always get what you want.

I've been keeping very quiet about all of this because, well, there was going to be a hearing so I didn't think I should put all sorts of things out there. It made my blog get very empty because it was occupying a lot of my energy and concern. Now, that it's out, I'm going to get back to blogging.

Former students, friends, my fellow faculty and family are all up in arms. I'm getting lots of emails and people are posting on the East Valley Tribune site. There was an angry fellow, Todd Stallion, that was posting about wasted taxes. Somone took his posts off but I was okay with them on there. People have the right to their opinion. The thing it did was get the other folks all fired up writing from their point of view. The letters and comments are very touching! I feel so lucky to be hearing what people feel they've gained from their education and the support they've been given.

I've written it before and I'll say it again (and again and again) before I die, the true gift of teaching is seeing and knowing the difference you've made on the planet. Former students write the most incredible letters. Here then, a note from a terrifically talented student who won awards in the Annual Juried Art Show and is just a good, kind, decent human.

"I'm extremely troubled and saddened by the events that have transpired. You were one of the best professors I have ever had. You brought a realistic take to the class and gave me tools that were practical in the field on many different levels. When you boil it all down Cyndi, you are an amazing instructor and I would definitely NOT be the same person I am today without having had you involved in my education. I am now a salaried graphic designer with a wonderful non-profit company that fights poverty and hunger throughout the world—how can it get any more rewarding than that? Whats more—I continue to pursue my love of film and art on the side at home.

I'm sorry this situation had to fall on your head, but please take solace in knowing that your students have benefitted so very greatly from your efforts. Please don't pay any heed to those who speak to you without full knowledge of the MCC program situation and history. No one can take away the lives you've changed through your teaching—it's as simple as that. They can take your job, they can embarrass you, but they cannot take away the pride and thankfulness that your students have for you.

I'm praying for you Cyndi and wanted to let you know you are appreciated despite what happens. Sleep well knowing that the lives you've touched have been changed for the better.

-S"

"S" made a wonderful, amazing, touching short film that made us all cry when we watched it. As a filmmaker, I was inspired by his storytelling ability. Thanks for all you contributed to me! And thanks for the letter!

(Photo credit: Linda Olson, East Valley Tribune while she asked a million questions about the films, the crew and the students. I love the expression she caught on my face. I don't know exactly what it is but I know I was feeling so good about all the students had accomplished.)

Posted by Cyndi Greening on August 27, 2007 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BY CYNDI GREENING, ARIZONA, USA – Shawn Downs, the gaffer and sometimes cinematographer on the FilmZambia projects, is completing his thesis film at the LA Film School. You can view the trailer for THE HUNTER on YouTube. It is visually compelling, a nice piece of filmmaking. Often, beginning filmmakers think the dialog is the most important part and spend all of their time shooting actors talking. (Hence the horrifying descriptor, a Talking Heads Movie. Woe the director who makes a talking heads movie.) Shawn was never confused about the fact that filmmaking was telling stories with pictures and that it is different from, well, audio books or radio. Shawn's moving pictures are moving. I like the rack shot with the arrow (a tad faster would be swell but perhaps he'll speed that up in post). The choreography of the fight sequences looks very Wong Kar Wai-ish. Lyrical. And, I do love the sound effects. That chilling sound of the blade being pulled from the scabbord is chilling at the end. Okay, I am not keen on the opening graphic and hope that doesn't make it to the final but, heck, if I had a bunch of money, I'd be having him direct something for me. Wouldn't you?

Congratulations to Shawn. Since we returned from Africa, it has been an intense year for him. He has dedicated himself to filmmaking and, like several of the other Zambia crew members, he has taken the necessary steps to make his life line up around his goals. Of course, I think the goal of visual storyelling is a noble one. Gifted filmmakers give viewers access to people and places they might never see, propel them to have thoughts about relationships or quests they might never have had, perhaps even to relax and be entertained after a gruelling week. Shawn is beginning his quest and he's making a strong first step.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on July 28, 2007 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BY CYNDI GREENING, MESA, USA – One of the things I love about teaching is hearing that students took what they learned and turned it into a career they really enjoy. And, I'm particularly lucky because students will take the time to send an email and update me on their progress. It is THE BEST! Last week, I got an email from NATE SMITH. Nate studied desktop publishing, animation and illustration at MCC. Here's what he had to say:

NATE: "Well I’m still here working for the same company and still learning all the little quirks that there are to know. Within the year, I’ve been named employee of the month, ran the shop on my own for about a week and still get everything done, I’ve done my first professional design for a company's mural display. I was given a substantial raise recently because of the work I do and my work ethic. And I'm getting color matching certified. That's exciting. I just wanted to drop you a line and give you a little update on what’s going on here. Also so I just want to say thank you. Thank you for making the choice to be a teacher and sharing your knowledge."

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love teaching, love computers, love new media. So, teaching students like Nate is (probably) more fun for me than it is for them. I just love talking about that sort of thing. Let's face it, I just love talking. So, it's pretty cool that there was something in all of that conversation that he found useful and, more importantly, let me know about it. So, THANKS FOR WRITING, NATE! I wish you continued success in all that you do!

Posted by Cyndi Greening on March 29, 2007 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BY CYNDI GREENING, MESA, ARIZONA – I was watching television a couple of weeks ago and saw one of my digital filmmaking students on the news. Beulah Martin (and daughter Holly) were entering the ALMOST FAMOUS 48 HOUR FILM FESTIVAL. If Tigger were a grandmother, he'd be Beulah. She has boundless energy and even more enthusiasm for a film task you put in front of her. The films that they made tended to make had strong stories and, generally, a fun sense of humor. They didn't win the festival but they did get their film up in lights. Beulah writes:

BEULAH: Holly and I are still engrossed in trying to learn about filmmaking. We entered the "Almost Famous" Film Festival. Our film did not make top 20, but did make honorable mention out of 81 teams. In fact, we were voted Audience Favorite on the night our film screened at Harkins and so we got to be shown again that Thurs. atthe top 20 screenings. That was a good experience to see our film on the big screen. We do enjoy reading your blog as it helps keep us informed on a lot of things going on in the independent film world.

At one point, Beulah had inquired about going to Zambia. She just loves filmmaking and good stories. I don't know why she decided not to go ... no doubt some other film project came her way.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on March 28, 2007 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I got a great email from former MCC Animation student Jordan Pack last week. He writes, "Cyndi, your class on After Effects has saved my butt so many times! All the other animators ask for help when using it and then ask where I learned it. I proudly say, A school in AZ called MCC!" Stephen Glauser from MCC just got in the animation program, too. Lotsa fun.

Here is my final from last semester -- http://www.iamthefro.com/BatGuyWeb.avi. I start character animation and Renderman coding next semester. Oh boy! I also made a goofy little film about the insanity of advertisements for the class that former MCC student Jarod Cardon was a Teachers Assistant in -- http://www.iamthefro.com/TheAdvertsWeb.avi.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on April 29, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Artist Michael Moore was awarded $18,000 by Columbus College of Art and Design. Moore submitted a portfolio of his work and application and competed with students nationwide.

Located in Columbus, Ohio, CCAD is a wonderful Art school. (I envy their many galleries!) Maricopa Community Colleges have an articulation agreement with CCAD that makes it very easy and appealing for Maricopans to continue their studies toward their Bachelor's degree.

At CCAD, more than 1,300 students from 40 states and 30 foreign countries are enrolled in one or more of seven majors: Advertising and Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts (including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and glassblowing), Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Media Studies (including photography, digital imaging, video and film, storyboard and computer animation, and photo illustration). In addition to major areas of concentration, they offer specialized courses of study in animation, art therapy, computer graphics, fashion illustration, product design, package design, and photography.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on April 28, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Media Arts students took on several projects for the college recently. The Graphic Design students worked on posters for Assessment Week, Communication Day, the annual Student Art Show, Media Arts courses of study (to send to high schools) and Graduation reminders. Eric Aguirre did an amazing poster on graphic design and illustration. Made to look like a comic book or graphic novel, it’s wonderfully engaging. Jeniece Toranzo made a companion poster for motion media (digital filmmaking and animation) that is visually compelling and powerful, as well.

M.K. Racine has been working diligently for over a month on the creating downloadable PDFs on ALL of the programs at Mesa Community College. She’s done a fabulous job! I’m incredibly excited to know that students and community members can quickly access information on programs without having to drive to campus and wander around to find a printed brochure. I’m hoping this means interested individuals can get information immediately (and THEN come to campus to talk to instructors and advisors). M.K. also produced both the Communication and Assessment posters!

Media Arts Filmmaking Students (there are over 20 students involved) are working on Video Spotlight Promos on a variety of careers available on campus. Student producer/directors set up the shoots, student videographers captured footage, and student editors are putting the promos together. The real standouts thus far have been Jeniece Toranzo, Lindsey Black, Michael Montesa, Carlos Espinoza, Gina Puma, Pam Bowman, and Stephen Shelley. My son, Alec Hart even worked as a videographer on one of the shoots.

Heath McKinney has almost turned himself inside out getting a dual-language DVD ready for the Spanish-speaking market. He, Ross Ingle, Jeanette Roe and I recorded the absolutely fabulous Sherrie Soria doing an informational presentation in Spanish. We’re trying to finalize the edit. We’re struggling with silly things (like how to hide the holes in the wall where I removed the clock from the wall). Originally, we had hoped to have it ready for an on-campus presentation on Friday but we’ve finally conceded that we’ll have to mail them next week. Regardless, we do have a Spanish-language DVD for the school … AND, it’s ready to be used NOW … to support enrollment for the fall. You gotta feel good about that. Kudos to Heath and Ross for super-human effort.

We’ve shifted into our final couple of projects. A Chinese-language DVD/CD and an interactive MCC promo CD. Oh yeah, and the Zambia project.

The students have said that they learned soooo much from doing these projects. There’s nothing like “real” clients and “real” deadlines to really drive the lessons home for them. I’m really glad we were able to serve the college AND the student learning at the same time!

Posted by Cyndi Greening on April 27, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Some great news from former student Stephen Glauser today! Stephen took the beginning filmmaking and other media arts classes. He did one of the funniest short films I've ever seen. He spoofed campus security. It was a hoot! So, it was no surprise to hear that he's doing well at BYU. He writes:

"Sorry it has taken me so long to write. For the past two semesters i have been working my ar$$ off. I never knew how intense the animation program is here. Finally, after a year, I got my portfolio put together and submitted it. Who would have thought that of all the applicants they only choose sixteen. Luckily I am one of them. Hooray for me!!! That was the hardest thing I've done and I am not close to being over .... I miss you and your classes, they were fun."

Of course, I send my heartfelt congratulations to Stephen (and family ... Mrs. Stephen is in the family way) AND look forward to hearing all about his future successes. I'm sure there will be many!

Posted by Cyndi Greening on April 23, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Since I have so many students who go to Brigham Young University after they complete their studies at MCC, I am getting quite familiar with their program. Both their film and animation programs look quite impressive. Some of the student productions have won prestigious awards and their graduates are doing quite well! I found a wonderful animated short that they're working on called OUT ON A LIMB. They've got character sketches, environments, animatics and support materials online.

Since I've studied in Mexico (twice), I love the idea of a story from a piñata's point of view! Not to mention, when I was in sixth grade, my family took a trip to California. We crossed the border to Tijuana and misplaced my younger brother for a short while. (Fortunately, we found him under a table.) My mom bought a piñata that she wanted to bring home. There was no room in the car. There was some suggestion about tying it to the roof of the car but Dad said it would be shredded in seconds. So, we left it behind.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on March 30, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)