Final entry...for now. :)

Apart from having a few more posts to type up from my thoughts scribbled whilst riding the subway, this will be my final journal entry. This has been such a helpful exercise; while we've not had as much time to devote to our projects this term, the journal has made us think about just how we'll be attacking it over the next two terms.

I learned that research does not have to be a tedious pursuit. It feels almost like searching for the puzzle pieces to then put together. Only thing is, there are a number of different ways to put the pieces together, and not just one. Qualitative or quantitative research, primary or secondary...we have different ways to bring our visions to fruition.

Here's to our ongoing research, and fighting the good fight. :)

Podcasting possibilities...

I'm starting to get new advice from a few of the professors on making my proposed project available online or through a podcast. I suppose "just" doing a show wouldn't be terribly innovative, even if it is what I'm truly interested in doing. So now, I'll be looking into learning about podcasting next semester, just to test the waters. Admittedly, I know nothing about it, but I am certainly intrigued. Next term, during Project Development class, I'll spend as much time as possible studying the possibilities.

Getting restless...

I really can't wait to start working on the project. We've been spending so much time in our other classes doing unrelated work that it almost feels as if we'll never have the time to devote to our thesis projects. I've been trying to read through more journals to ensure I didn't miss any literature related to production education. So far, nothing. I'm starting to understand just how important primary research is going to be in putting together my work. Thank goodness I have the people and the resources at my fingertips!

Our Cabbagetown project...

I am having such a great time working with Mark and Afzal on the Collaborative Research Project. It has been a really challenging assignment, but so nice to have the option to do an 8 - 10 minute doc in place of a paper. Nice to mix things up a bit. We've had the chance to put to use some of the learned documentary planning and research methods that we spent time on in short papers and in presentations. We have made contact with three Cabbagetown residents who are filmmakers, and each is wonderful on camera. What we've found challenging is how much we've had to refine our research question as we go, what with new information uncovering itself from day to day. There are so many different angles we could have taken, but with time an issue and the Ethics Review Board guidelines, we've felt a little held back. However, we've all been enjoying ourselves immensely, and it has been a true learning experience. We'll be taking what we've learned forward as we research our individual projects, that's for sure.

Seminar success...!

The seminar I did today was an overwhelming success, and the primary research I did really saved the day. I was able to talk to the class about the surveys I did, the interviews I conducted with members of the administration, and everyone seemed genuinely interested. My professor warned me from the start that primary research was not necessary and would, in fact, be a lot more work than he was expecting us to do. However, with the topic I chose, there really was no way around the primary research. No book or scholarly article would have given me the background necessary to doing the topic justice. Of course, I did find a number of articles and one very helpful book that aided in giving me background on foreign exchange programs in general. But, I learned the importance of doing primary research and how it can strengthen one's paper or presentation. I'm glad I had the chance to get my feet wet, and look forward to the research I'll need to do for my thesis project and paper!

Mondo Elvis...

I've been meaning to write a bit about Mondo Elvis, the little feature we discussed in class. I'm always a little bit squeamish when I view docs or shows that focus on fans and fan behaviour, what with my past dabblings in the music industry (and my first-hand interaction with pretty creepy, often dangerous fans). Doing research for a project like that would be quite problematic, I would think, because the filmmaker would be going into the project with a very specific bias on fans. If it were me, with my negative views on fan behaviour, there is no way that the short could portray fans in a positive light. I haven't yet seen a work that portrays fans as anything other than gushing, overly-dedicated human novelties. Perhaps I'm a little too close to the subject material at hand to be objective about the usefulness of such a film as Mondo Elvis. it makes me question how one can effectively do research on such a subject, especially if it were me with the bias I have.

Research isn't so scary...

I'm really beginning to understand that researching at the Master's level, while challenging, is entirely doable and NOT as intimidating as I thought it might be. Once you learn where to look, how to structure a viable research question and develop a effective working process, it's rather easy. Maybe easy isn't the right word, but definitely something we CAN do. Learning how to ask questions or to seek help from the faculty is a must; often, we're scared of what we don't know, and when speaking to my classmates, it seems most are afraid of having to write at this level. Rather than worrying, it's best to ask for help or direction, and to read as many scholarly articles as possible in order to get a feel for what is expected of Master's students.

Library orientation and essay writing...

Tonight, I will *finally* finish typing out my written journal entries; essays, projects and applying for Ph.D funding has kept me off the computer! One thing I've learned from this journal project is that, even though I consider myself an online fiend, keeping a handwritten journal would have been the smart thing for me to do from the start; I find myself writing down thoughts either on the 45-minute ride home or during idle moments at work. And here I thought blogging would be easier for me. ;)

This morning, we had a VERY helpful library orientation - including a presentation on doing research, using RefWorks, etc - followed by an essay writing workshop. With every Research Methods session, it's being driven home: research isn't child's play! Plus, there are so many resources available to us...we can schedule appointments at the Writing Centre, as I learned today! There is no reason for any of us to feel lost or confused now (though a bunch of us still feel somewhat intimidated, haha).

Researching for a seminar...

I soon have a Seminar to give in my Topics in Cross-Cultural Communications class, and it's got me anxious. Once again, in doing research, I'm finding a real lack of literature on my proposed study. My topic concerns exchange students in our Radio and Television Arts program, and the challenges and difficulties they face while studying with us. Not only do communication problems come into play, there is the issue of technical knowledge - a lot of our equipment takes years on which to become proficient, and these students visit us for a maximum of 3 months - and the clique-ish nature of RTA. Anyhow, literature abounds where foreign exchange programs are concerned, but nothing related to foreign exchange programs in hands-on, practical degrees. Have I truly stumbled upon a void that needs to be filled? The thought of contributing original research to my field is so exciting. I hope I'm looking in all the right places, since I really am finding nothing in the way of secondary sources. Therefore, primary research will be a must in preparing for this seminar, so I'd better apply to the Ethics Review Board!

Time to catch up...

...by typing in the hand-written journal entries I kept when genius struck! I'll reiterate: I'm so glad Marusya suggested that we have a journal on hand, for just that reason! Older entries will be posted according to the date on which they were originally written, assuming Blogger will allow me to do that. (Update - Seems that is indeed possible. Nice.)

Researching my MA thesis in scholarly journals...

Wow, and now I've confirmed that there is a distinct lack of material relating to production education. And by distinct lack of material, I mean none at all. Dana had me look in a number of journals for material and, while I found several interesting articles on processes in journalism education at the post secondary level, there was not one focused on the challenges related to hands-on, television or audio production. Has no one seriously ever considered studying this area before? I'm a little shocked. I'm not sure if the void in literature is caused by the fact that people would rather work in television than study it. I've had the chance to observe a wealth of interesting behaviour on undergraduate student productions, and it goes without saying that the inner workings of a TV degree ar different than those in an English or Geography degree. The group dynamic is fascinating and worthy of study, but am I the only person who thinks so? And if so, what does that mean for my research and how it'll be received? Lots to think on as I proceed...

My first meeting with Dana...

Dana and I met Monday afternoon, and he was really enthusiastic about my proposal! He asked all of his charges to write out a (rough) two page proposal, and we'd go from there in the meeting. My proposal listed my three ideas, the project and two papers, and my idea was to combine the project with a smaller paper. So, it's a go. I will be doing the half-hour show - either in studio or in the field - and an accompanying paper examining the challenges and difficulties involved with undergrad production exercises.

The research begins! Dana gave me a copy of the (4th year RTA) Practicum and Human Dynamics Handbook to read through. He also asked that I begin looking into the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media" for articles related to production education, to get an idea of what has been written on the subject. There are a number of other media-focused journals that I'll also check.

Something tells me I will be conducting a great deal of primary research in this project, so I'm thankful to have the people and the resources at my fingertips.

Once I start my initial look into the journals, I will report back!

MMP proposal meeting tomorrow...

(My last several entries on research that I wrote down were on paper instead of here on the blog, and I plan to type those out once I grab my notebook from the EFP Lock-Up at work! I'm glad that Marusya suggested carrying around a notebook even if we were planning on blogging, because thoughts can and do strike often and without warning!)

Tomorrow I meet with my adviser - the terrific Dana Lee (who was once a Prof of mine in undergrad and who, along with Dan Greenwood, hired me on as an RTA full-timer at Rye) - to discuss the direction of my project or paper. I've pretty much settled on doing a project, though his advice will be most appreciated. Since he is a studio production guy with his Master's degree in Education, I feel like I couldn't have been assigned a better adviser. :)

As far as research for the project goes, I'm unsure as to how much and what kind I'll have to do. It's not as if I'm hoping to prove or disprove a thesis in doing the show. I want to show how interested I am in undergrad education as a field. Still, I'll need to flesh out story ideas, look into possible topics of discussion on the show, do pre-interviews with potential guests... I'll also need to determine whether or not there's a paper that would accompany the project, and if that would require some primary or secondary research.

More on this tomorrow or Tuesday, once I've discussed the options with Dana!

I'm a big fan of books...

Since 1993, I've been doing a great deal of my research on the internet. 1993 is quite early to have started using the internet, I realize, and back then we didn't have the wealth of information from which to choose as we do now. Still, I can't get enough of books, and tend to buy the ones that really help me either in research or in writing. I have a library of about 25 screenwriting books, and though some are better than others - dependent on an author's experience, or the way in which the material is presented - each provides helpful tips and insight into the process of writing. Bill Bryson, a travel writer and English historian, has helped me with my writing through the many books he's done on writing and editing. My quandary in the case of my Master's thesis and project is that there doesn't appear to be any books at all on the subject of production education. Maybe I need to endeavour to write one? Surely, someone somewhere would find one useful (I certainly would right about now). Something to think on.

Researching for Dexter...

As an aside, in my UCLA writing class I am writing a spec script for the show Dexter. The research I have to do for writing a drama, so I'm finding, is quite different from any other research I've done. Of course, the script isn't a scholarly work, but there's a great deal of research needed nevertheless. The first and most important step is to watch as many episode of the show as possible, to capture the tone of the show. Next, I had to locate a produced script of the show in order to take note of the formatting of a typical Dexter script. This is very important, since spec scripts are designed to help show agents and professional writers that one can emulate a show's voice and style down to a T. What's to come next is a bit of forensics research, since it IS a show about a serial killer who works in the Miami Metro Police Department's forensics department.

Research Methods research...

And now, a Research Methods update!

I am very happy to be working with Afzal and Mark on our Collaborative Research Project, in which we will be taking a look at the Cabbagetown Short Film and Video Festival. When we were assigned Cabbagetown, we weren't sure exactly what we'd find in the way of media-related local goodness. But, in a moment of synchronicity, we all came upon the Festival, and deemed it the perfect direction in which to head. Afzal, our resident Prairie boy, had head of it, while Mark and I - Torontonians, both - hadn't.

Now, we must figure out the correct path to take. We will want to speak to the creator of the festival, Gina Dineen, and to locals in Cabbagetown in order to determine what makes the Festival special (or not so special?) to them. We have a Research Proposal due in a week and a half, so we'll have to think on a question. Perhaps, "The Cabbagetown Short Film and Video Festival, and what it means to Cabbagetown", but further brainstorming will be a must.

What has me truly excited is that the three of us have decided to shoot the 8 - 10 minute short film instead of going with a good ol' paper. Any chance we're given to be creative in this degree, I'm going to take it and run with it.

I never thought research could be this interesting or motivating!

Paper ideas...

Where my major paper ideas are concerned, I have two. I believe one will be rolled into my project, to give it more of a Master's project feel to it (because we really should be contributing an idea or concept that's unique to the field, no?). This is where research will be key, I'm sure.

Idea #1 - A study of the student dynamic on undergraduate productions. The issues students face when so very involved in teamwork production situations, especially considering practically everyone in, say, RTA is there for a different reason. During my time working, I hear everything from, "I don't care how I do as long as I pass!" to "In the real world, his ass would have been fired long ago -- his attitude isn't fair to the group!" Many student productions falter or even fail based on the fact that students are of a different mindset. It is very difficult - even, I would argue, impossible
- to recreate the professional, "real world" conditions for which we'd love the students to be ready. Research for a paper of this sort would almost undoubtedly be comprised of class observation (and would that be allowed, what with privacy issues?), and a lot of primary research. Students, professors, instructors and professionals in the industry would be invaluable sources of information and anecdotes. I would need to research databases, to determine what, if any, past studies have been done in regards to undergraduate production education. It seems to me, in my so far limited knowledge, research in the field is rather non-existent; we appear to be more interested in getting the students out into the real world, rather than strengthening HOW it is we get them out into the real world. In production lab classes, I mean. My faculty adviser is going to prove to be a huge resource for me, so more on this as I brainstorm and them speak with him!

Next entry will be my thoughts on an idea for Paper #2!

Show thoughts...

As outlined in my Grad application (and were I to do a project instead of a paper), I'm interested in creating a show aimed at current and future post secondary students, their families, friends, etc. It would take a look at issues, programs of study, schools across Canada and perhaps even feature a contest or a live band. Info/talk/variety, with a cool host (or two). A show one might see finding a home on CLT or Rogers. I was originally set on shooting it in our HD studio, but I think I'd be just as happy to take an HD camera out into the field to, say, Western or U of T. Hell, it'd be fun to take the show on the road, so's I could prove all Torontonians aren't so damned ethnocentric. ;)

My purpose? Well, I was the first in my family to go to university. I didn't get much help in the way of decent direction/tips/advice from my high school, and there was no one in my family to consult. I ended up at the wrong university in the wrong program, and (pretty much) wasted several years in the process. Thankfully, it all worked out, but still. A show that could provide students and their families with an informational and entertaining look at options and issues...definitely something I could have used (and would have watched!). It would be a relatively cheap show to produce (should CLT or a similar outlet be interested in picking it up), and it would fulfill my "giving back" goal; I find myself sincerely caring about students, and that's entirely Ryerson's doing.

I still need to decide whether to do the project or the paper. In my next entry, I'll discuss my paper ideas!

A moment of anxiety...

I'm starting to get read through some scholarly work written at the MA and Ph.D level, and I'm feeling a bit intimidated. I've always done really well in school, but I guess I'm experiencing a bit of anxiety right now. Will I really be able to write at this level, and do it well? I suppose this is why a Research Methods class is a required part of every MA and Ph.D curriculum (and even nowadays in RTA undergraduate studies, there is a Research Methods and Gathering class). Thankfully, because one can never be too prepared, I think. And while I think of it, I must remember to pick up a copy of the latest edition of the MLA style guide.

Research thoughts...

The Emmys -- lots of fun this year. Except for the undeniable fact that James Gandolfini and Hugh Laurie were robbed, I must say. Can James Spader be THAT good? Once I finish The Wire, I might just give Boston Legal a go and find out.

Time to start thinking on the wonderful world of research. I'm certain that, though I often consider myself the Queen of Research (was thinking about having that embossed on a towel or two), I have a great deal to learn about the art of it on this particular level. I've done plenty of research in high school, undergrad degrees, shows and scripts, but I somehow find myself feeling rather like a research virgin at this point in time. It's a bit scary, but also exciting.

What will I need to research? Well, in the case of my project, I'll of course need to sniff out story ideas. Decide which universities/programs on which to focus for "Uni TV", or whatever (much better) name I come up with for my show. I am quite comfortable with cameras and editing and such, so I doubt I'll have to do much research into technology. Besides, I plan to get myself a fantastic crew, so I won't be going at it alone.

Where a possible thesis is concerned, first I'll need to figure out - with help from my eventual advisor - how much is too much, and how much is too little. For instance, if I'm doing a project, will I even be expected to write an accompanying paper. And how long must it be? Must it focus on my project, almost as a post-mortem? Can I write a paper that covers a subject that I've long wanted to explore (the dynamic on student productions)? If so, I know I'll definitely want to speak with studio production students, past and current, to get their thoughts. I'll also want to observe their activities. Must I get permission to do this? Gets forms signed? Do I visit other schools - York, Seneca, the Toronto Film School... - in order to get varying results? And would I be able to start my work a little early, considering undergrads finish the first week of April, and work on our projects/papers begins in May I believe it is.

So many questions. Once I've narrowed my focus and decide exactly what I'll be doing, I'm sure the answers will become that much more clear. My advisor(s) will be instrumental in providing direction, that's for certain.

My plan to study undergraduate production education as a whole, I'm thinking, will have to wait until a Ph.D. It seems like it could be such a large undertaking, and one that could probably even fill an entire book's worth of space. (That'd be quite a textbook, wouldn't it? It would sell maybe 20 copies a year, haha.) For that sort of research, I could see myself visiting as many production universities and colleges as possible, whether they be here, in the US or abroad. I'd need to interview every professor I could, as well as a multitude of students.

At this point, all I know for sure is what my goal is: I'd like to work on a project/paper that shows how interested in and dedicated I am to education and production. When it comes time for me to interview for a faculty position on some university staff somewhere somehow, I can prove to TPTB that I already care about students and the process. That I'd like it to be better. That I gave back to the system and its players. That I'm not in all this just for me.

I know I'll succeed. I just don't know quite how -- at least not yet.

Next time, how about I discuss my visions for the show I'd like to create? Yeah, let's do that. :)

Welcome to my blog!

I can hardly believe our first week of MMP studies ist kaput.

Back in September of 2004, I was just beginning my year-long tenure as the representative for Advanced Standing students on RTA's Departmental Council. One of our topics of discussion involved RTA's ending of the Advanced Standing program in order to take a step closer to launching the Media Production MA. As a member of Council I was entitled to read the MA's Letter of Intent to the government and, once I did, I knew I'd found *the* grad studies program for me.

All I had to do was wait. Three years. Week one's done, and I'm already certain it was worth the wait.

What did I do in the meantime? Well, I fell in love with teaching, for one. Whilst completing my RTA degree, I worked in our EFP Lock-Up and studios as a Labbie, and as a Teaching and Marking Assistant for Rick Grunberg and Jon Keeble. It was then that the seeds were sown. I found I was naturally able to reach students, and to motivate and guide them on their collective journey towards production greatness. For someone who'd never considered teaching, it came as quite a surprise to me. In fact, after my first undergraduate experience - a "Double Honours BA" in Communications/German (York made Comm. students choose a second major, and I've always loved languages, so...) - I was duly scared away from academia. Unfortunately, York U and I were, on the whole, not a good fit, for a multitude of reasons. But I digress. After a four-year break from studentdom, RTA took me on and Ryerson quickly reinstilled my faith in post secondary education. After graduation, I returned to work for the School of Radio and Television Arts full-time. And that sealed the deal; working with first-, second- and third-year Studio students has been, by far, my favourite work experience to date. (Though Season 1 on Rick Mercer's Monday Report is a close second; that man is a true enigma.) I still teach studio and EFP workshops, on a part-time basis.

As Clive would say, "Do you have a point, Clive? Why yes I do, and I'm getting to it, I assure you."

Working with students has inspired me to take a closer look at undergraduate production education - both here and abroad - with a mind to making the experience even better for all involved. For as wonderful as the RTA experience is, I believe it could and should aim to be even better. As well, the unique dynamic on student productions interests me greatly, and I've thankfully already had a great deal of exposure to that world as an undergrad, a TA and as a Labbie. When teaching, I am a very outgoing, enthusiastic and motivational sort. I'm full of tips, hints, anecdotes and encouragement. I tell them all exactly like it is, and I assure them that I'll never lie to them about their progress or skills (though I'm certainly always tactful in my comments). I find the students REALLY respond to and appreciate my overall approach, and I've sincerely loved working with them.

As I fear I've now begun to ramble, I'll swiftly head towards my 'AND -- SCENE'. ;) (According to MS Word, I was at a 541 word count just prior to writing "According to..."!) Tune in Sunday, when I'll discuss what might seem like meek, fleeting thoughts on my current main dilemma - "paper or project...ARGH!" - and my initial ideas and quasi-plan on attacking this whole academic research thang. I feel so -- new at this.

Maybe because I am. ;)