Final day of the Youth Media Internship

The Youth Media Interns celebrate the end of the internship at Auckland Art Gallery. Photo: Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

The interns were surprised with an extra hour of editing this morning, this came as a major relief as they now had the opportunity to perfect and polish any areas needing work. Once this was finished, we were able to leave the AUT building, and head back over to the Gallery for a final staff viewing session after lunch.

After a couple of humorous skits by the teens acting out their experiences throughout the past week, the staff viewing session took place in the auditorium. Once each group presented their short clip, the staff had a few questions and feedback for them;

Group one: The Groovster’s – ‘What is the value of perceiving art?’ 
By researching this particular question, it really helped them ‘realise the amount of work that goes into conserving art, and the many hours of effort involved’. A staff member asked whether or not anything was surprising, their response being: ‘The amount of attention given, and the different technologies and techniques used.’ The Groovster’s really emphasized how much fun they had, and that they really enjoyed this entire experience.

Group two: Hinoliee – ‘What do children think and feel about art?’
The three girls had their ‘preconceptions and opinions changed around how children perceive and view artwork.’ Two main questions that the staff asked once having viewed their short clip, was whether or not anything surprised them, and what it was like interviewing children: ‘Their answers were interesting as they didn’t have time to think about or really prepare before the interview, in ways they tried to make it into more of a conversation - Some of the children’s answers were really in depth, and they saw many things in the art work which we didn’t even pick up ourselves.’

Group three: The Pickles – ‘What is the importance of viewing original artwork in the flesh?Although The Pickles did not get many questions, they got some really excellent feedback;
‘Sleek editing’
‘The animation helped bring what could have been a dry narrative to life’
‘Great illustrations’

Group four: Gender Group – ‘How does the gender of an artist effect how we view an artwork?’
A discussion took place after their short clip was shown – many of the staff were interested in the raised question. The Gender Group stated that it ‘definitely should be, because it gives you a sense of where the artist is coming from and helps engage with the artwork more.’ They also suggested for the Gallery to experiment and see if this changes how people view art.

Once the questions and feedback session had finished, each of the Interns were presented with a certificate presented by Principal Curator Zara Stanhope, stating that they had successfully completed the seven days at the Auckland Art Gallery.

Overall the feedback from the teens was that they had a wonderful time working with and meeting new people, and that each of them have and will take heaps away from this experience. On behalf of the AUT Mentors I would like to thank Selina Anderson, Vivien Masters and Meg Nicoll for all of their hard work and contribution towards this internship, Nicholas Maw for helping with the social media side of things, the Gallery staff for their help and support with the interviews, the interns for their incredible participation, Clinton Watkins and AUT University for supplying the technical gear, and Trade Aid for their generous donation of chocolate. Without all of the above, the past seven days would have been nowhere near as much of a success!!

- Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

It's show time!

The Interns editing their films ahead of the class critique. Photo: Rachael Short

This morning the Interns only had four hours left to complete the editing of their short films. The pressure mounted as they prepared for a class critique at 2pm, followed by feedback and comments about their work.

It’s really important that the teens remain focused, keep their proposed questions in mind, and most of all, enjoy and really take in this entire experience. This afternoon they will be able to reflect upon their experience throughout the past six days, and think about whether or not they achieved their desired goals.

Getting some final tips from Jacques ahead of the class critique. Photo: Waimarie Dashper

Each and every one of these groups have a lot to be proud of. The amount of work they have done since last Monday is really astonishing, creating a short film in such a small amount of time can really prove to be a stressful task, yet each of the interns have dealt with, and handled the process really well. Not only have they had to plan, storyboard, film, and edit, but learn to make harsh creative decisions along the way.

Two lessons that the teens will take away from this experience is the importance of process and time management, these are both vital when studying at university. Learning that the process of a project is just as important as the finished product, will be incredibly beneficial for their future studies – along with the importance of time management, a vital ingredient for success within any subject field.

Watching Hinoliee's short film during the class critique. Photo: Nic Maw

It was now time to show everyone their short films, followed by a short critique afterwards from their peers, mentors and staff. It was really good being able to see each of the different voices and ideas coming through the films, which shows how good a job each group has done.

Once the critique was over, we went around the circle to find out what each teen took away from the day and the whole completion experience, here’s a few examples:

• ‘Proud of my filming as it was my first time’ 
• ‘Glad we managed to get everything finished in the last twenty minutes’ 
• ‘Proud of what I achieved with my editing’ 
• ‘Proud of my illustrations’ 
• ‘Pleased that I could trust and rely on people in my group’ 
• ‘Surprised and happy that we finished everything without getting stressed’ 

Overall the critique and final editing phase was a success! Finishing at 2pm today instead of 4pm, gives the Interns a much-deserved rest.

- Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

The Interns begin editing

Post-production is a major part of any film. Editing takes up a lot of time, which is why we allocated one day for filming and a day and a half for editing. The interns are in at AUT today, using the resources available there.

Today I thought I would introduce the interns, and get their perspective on how this week has gone…

Group One: The Groovesters
Question: 'What is the Value of perceiving art?'

Photo: Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

Group 2: Hinoliee
Question: 'What do children think and feel about art?'

Photo: Rachael Short, AUT Media Mentor

Group Three: The Pickles
Question: 'What is the importance of viewing original art work in the flesh?'

Photo: Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

 
Group Four: Gender Group
Question: 'How does the gender of an artist effect how view an artwork?'

Photo: Waimarie Dashper, AUT Media Mentor

The overwhelming message from all the groups was how much fun they were having. Being pushed out of one’s comfort zone is never easy but they have all shown maturity these past few days. Yesterday was intense and fast paced and today was no different. I think that the interns where feeling some pressure as even though there isn’t that much time to make everything perfect, there is always a lot involved.

Editing is new to most of the teens, although some have been involved with it before. One girl had experience from being involved in the 48-hour film challenge with her school, even coming third in her category, not bad for a group of high school students!

What myself and the other mentors, both staff and AUT, have been happily surprised with this week is the level of intelligence and thoughtfulness of the teens. The ways that they’re all approaching their films, taking on everything they have been taught, and utilising their skills has been awesome. Even the topics that they have chosen to explore is interesting, their take on situations within the gallery is different from say a staff member’s perspective and we are all excited to see the finished films!

They all agree that this is such a great opportunity and I think it shows. When you actually want to be somewhere, when you are engaged enough in what you are doing, when you are given free reign to create what you like, you approach projects in positive ways. It is different from school, which with its structured lessons and planned timetables – there aren’t many subjects that allow space for self-directed learning.

This internship has given the Interns a taste for what university life can be like, and how technology and creativity can go hand in hand. One girl commented that the internship was exceeding her expectations, and that she hadn’t expected to be given as much freedom as she was. Many of the Interns understood that this internship is more about the process that the product; that their personal growth and experience is equally if not more important than how their films will look.

- Rachael Short, AUT Media Mentor