Abbey Heller's Blog

Since I was the makeup and special effects artist on set I looked up an article about practical effects to help during the making of my next film with special effects. This article included three videos that taught the reader how to perform the task. They were very informative and even gave examples about how I could use them other than the way they were using them. They will take some time to perfect, but I think these will add a new level to my videos that will impress future employers and colleagues. This will help me make my videos more interesting to watch and more believable.   Learn How to Create Practical Special Effects on a Budget with Shanks FX

My knowledge of technology has greatly improved during my four years in e-Comm. When I came into e-Comm I knew how to use the basics of Mac products and how to use computers, but now I know so much more. I have learned how to use most of the Adobe programs including Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects as well as Final Cut. But those aren't the only things that I learned about. I also learned how to use different types of cameras like panasonic and canon 60, 70, and 80D cameras. I also now know how to work with audio equipment like the Zoom and different types of mics. Most of this was self taught, but when I didn’t know how to do something I would go and look for a tutorial on youtube or ask a teacher. I got my most experience with the cameras specifically the DSLRs during my junior year because of the Behind the Season: Band Documentary that I made with Mallory MacDonald. I taught myself how to use the DSLRs because I had no experience with them and then all of a ...

This year I worked as the UPM and Makeup artist while on set. Both of those jobs kept me very busy during our time both on and off set. While in class I worked with Sarah to plan out filming dates and any other thing that she needed help with. That includes helping with schedule breakdowns, call sheets, and assigning jobs to everyone in class so they knew what to do to prepare for our next filming dates. Last year I was also UPM, but this year was very different and more difficult in planning out. I think both Skai and myself did a good job of helping Sarah and Keenan out when they needed us and for planning out filming dates. For Makeup artist I mostly did all my work on set and not very much that was needed outside of that. That includes putting on all the regular beauty makeup and special effects makeup that made the fight scenes really come alive. This year wasn’t as hard as last year when makeup was involved since everything I did this year is the same as what I did last year, bu...