BCM322 Reflection Statement

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7iuvsPvP2M

I thoroughly enjoyed my time creating this DA focused on Ai Weiwei. I believe I was successful in showing how Ai Weiwei uses new media and communication technologies to communicate with his followers and they way he uses it to spread his advocacy message. Additionally, I portrayed Ai Weiwei’s passion for social media and the Internet through excerpts of his interviews and secondary research. He believes the Internet is the most powerful tool for change – and with China’s blocked firewalls, his passion for the Internet is only stronger. I enjoyed exploring the way he uses media strategies to spread his activism message, and recruit new people to take part in his interventionism. He also offers a new way of thinking which I thought was important to show in the DA.

I wanted the video to be effective, so the hip-hop style soundtrack helped to communicate that, as it draws the attention of the viewer. I used a mixture of photos, videos and quotes to create the video, which I enjoyed a lot because there are so many sources readily available that it enabled me to take my time by really watching Weiwei’s videos, and I even learnt more about his advocacy message this way.  I tried to incorporate footage of him working with others collaboratively, and his social media profile.

I believe Ai Weiwei is a powerful interventionist to focus on, because he focuses on such a wide variety of issues not only in China, but the rest of the world as well. He is fearless, and completely committed to his work, which is important for my viewers to see, because he shows what a true active interventionist really is. He has put himself on the front line in many situations while he fights for justice and freedom under the umbrella of many world issues.

I did struggle to fit in the time limit that was allocated. I tried to cut as much as I could out of the video, however it’s still a bit over the allocated time. I felt there was more to say that couldn’t be fit into the 90 second frame. For the video to be effective, I thought some sort of small introduction on Ai Weiwei should be included, so the viewer can come to know a bit about Ai Weiwei’s work and what he stands for, hence why the time went over the limit.

I did extensive research on Ai Weiwei, for example, sources such as interviews, documentaries, academic papers, blogs and social media posts. I tried to include these sources as much as I could in my DA. I found a lot of great secondary resources to incorporate and reference, which really helped frame my argument.

Overall, this DA experience was very enjoyable and I liked that I could use my own style and ideas in the video. Although I struggled to stick to the time frame, I am happy with the result.

(References included in video).