I have just awoken from my post-exam nap.
A word of explanation about the exam. It is not a standard written test. The exam is conducted in two parts. The first is a practical exercise in which you develop a rough plot* and cue list for a fictional awards show. You have 40 minutes in which to complete this part.
The second part is a portfolio review where you present and discuss three shows you have designed.
I did not finish the practical before time was called. I am fairly certain you are not supposed to. It is more a test of what your process is, what aspects you choose to concentrate on. They did tell me I was the only one so far today who had approached it with any coherent process, beginning with how to light the actor.
The second part did not go so well. The examiners (five union members with considerable experience in the field), harped a lot on my drafting, little things like line weight and sheet numbers. They liked the photos I had brought very much, but were overall very critical of my portfolio.
What pisses me off is, all the things they harped upon were things I know to do. They were things we learned in the first year of lighting design. I showed only computer generated drafting, and some of the problems (like line weight) were a result of not knowing the program well enough. If I had shown some of my hand drafting, the mistakes in my computer drafting would have shown themeslves for what they were.
I was also more comfortable about my drafting than I was about some of the other paperwork I had to produce, things like a shop order that are not really needed when you are using the theatre's equipment instead of renting it. So I concentrated on those things more than my drafting. In retrospect, not such a wise decision.
I am trying not to be too negative about the experience. I learned a lot today about what to do and what not to do. I will retake the exam in March, and I feel confident I will pass.
Thanks you to all who have expressed good wishes. I feel a little like I have let you down.
* The plot is the drawing that shows where all the lights get hung. There is more info than that on it, but you get the gist.
1 comment:
Hey, at least you know what they're looking for the next time you take it. Don't be so hard on yourself, life is a learning process not the Indy 500. There is no checkered flag for the fastest time.
Post a Comment