Capstone mentors

1. State your capstone idea in 100 words or less.

A short scifi narrative based on an amateur scientist that creates a window, or portal, in to the past and future. the portal would only go in the past and future by one hour.

1. Identify and discuss 4 key components you are searching for in a mentor.

More or less I’m looking for assistance in story ideas beyond my main framework idea.

1. Identify 3 potential mentors from the MAS faculty you would like to approach to discuss your capstone. Make sure one of them is someone from whom you have never taken a class.

1. C. Thomas Lewis
2. Beth Lykins

3. Matt powers (never had a class with him, but he seems like the kind of person I could have a time travel nerd conversation with)

1. Explain what these faculty members coud bring to your capstone and why you are interested in working with them.

Lewis would bring cinematography experience. I’ve worked with him before, and continue to.

Beth could really bring out some ideas and help me pad this script idea.

Matt just seems like a nerd this nerd can bounce ideas off of.

1. Either via web research, email, phone, or in person interview, discuss the following topics about each faculty member you are interested in working with:
   

   1. What is your area of expertise?

   My area of expertise is video production. My particular interest is image acquisition, both with regard to camera and lighting. As far as video production is concerned, I have extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of production/post-production in both documentary and narrative.

   2. What are your expectations of a capstone student?

   My expectations are that students choose a project that is both technically and conceptually challenging. The capstone is a project that embodies the culmination of the learning experience and must demonstrate, not only a thorough technical knowledge, but also a creative and original application of skills as exhibited in a sophisticated and conceptually solid approach to the subject.

   In the process of working on the Capstone, students should be prepared to delve deeply into the subject of their project with an attitude that will open them to various technical and conceptual possibilities with regard to how a subject is represented and/or information conveyed. After the groundwork of subject and approach is established, capstone students should be prepared to dedicate countless hours of hard work. Ideally this dedication will result in a project that surpasses the initial expectations of both student and mentor.

   3. What is your general availability for mentoring next semester?

   I teach a four course load and typically have several capstone/independent study students. This leaves me with somewhat limited availability.

   4. Do you have any project types they are not interested in working with?

   I am interested in working with most types of video production: Documentary, Narrative, Installation, and Animation. I will not accept certain genres of narrative such as horror or zombie movies. And l do not consider a music video to be a sufficient capstone project.

   5. What are your thoughts on a secondary adviser?

   Both Susan Tenant and Edgar Huang teach video production.

   6. Is there anything else you might want to add?

   I am interested in working with students who are intensely passionate about their capstone; students who will eat, drink and sleep their capstones; students who have high expectations of themselves and will not rest until their capstone is the fullest representation of the best of their abilities.

   
   

Capstone secondary mentors (in progress)

Create a blog entry that discusses the idea of a secondary mentor. What do you think their role is? Where can you find a secondary mentor? Who would NOT be a good candidate for this role
I don’t think I’d be able to work with a mentor that has no creative spark to them. I love tech heads, but I would like a balance between tech and creativity. My script may become tech jargony, so I will need someone with enough of a non technical background to let me know when to pull that back.
Identify at least 2 people who would make a good secondary mentor for your capstone. Interview them in a similar manner you did your mentor candidates.
Beth Lykins or Matt Powers would make good secondary mentors. Simply because they are.. ゜・。。・゜☆ Imagineers ☆゜・。。・゜