Blog Post #8 - Final Blog!

 1. What inspired you to create this project?

        We were inspired by our collective love of performing, writing, directing, improv, and comedy. The four of us had talked for months about wanting to do a senior project together, and this happened to line up with all of our biggest interests. We were also inspired by our experiences throughout the pandemic with trying to lead clubs despite the chaos around us, and we wanted to pull joy from the crevices of the craziness that has been this year.

2. A self-reflection about what went well with your project: comment on your initial design objectives and goals, the quality of your mentorship, your level of engagement etc. As you write this section reference back to/comment on your essential questions.  What were you hoping to learn / accomplish?
        
        Honestly I can't imagine this project going any better than it did. Yes there were places where we faced challenges, but on the whole it was deeply engaging and we created a finished product that we are all really proud of. Our mentor, Ryan Santa, was phenomenal and really helped us zero in on what we wanted to accomplish: comedy in the face of hardship, high-quality improv, and a piece that captured all the major stylistic elements of the mockumentary genre. 

3. A self-reflection about what was lacking about your project, if anything.

        The one place where we struggled the most was focus, which I think sort of comes with the territory of a group of best friends working on a project together. Ryan at one point commented that the four of us "have more inside jokes than any friend group I've ever met," which definitely isn't far from the truth. We had a tendency to derail each other and send the group into fits of laughter over the tiniest things. However, I think we did a good job of not letting this get in the way of producing good work at the end of the day.

4. What did you learn during your time on project? Include supporting examples.

        I learned how difficult it is to make a movie, especially with no script. I also learned how to make bold, fearless choices as an improviser, and some key skills involved in filming, editing, and acting for the camera.

5. Advice to rising juniors/seniors about planning a project
        
        Do something you love. That's really the most important, and only, advice I have. You'll be glad to end your year doing something that brings you genuine joy, and if you can work productively in a group with people you care about that's also a huge plus.

6. Your most important takeaway overall

        My biggest takeaway is that art and comedy can prevail even in the most difficult circumstances. This is something I've known intrinsically for a while, but it was nice to have concrete empirical proof of concept. 

7. Appreciation for your Mentor and the organization with which you worked.

        Ryan really was the best mentor we could have asked for, especially for a project like this. We're all so grateful that he took the time to work with us, and to make us better artists and people. 

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