Highandright https://highandright.com Entertain Reaching Stars Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:21:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://highandright.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-cropped-default-1-32x32.png Highandright https://highandright.com 32 32 Gallery Music and the Art of Music Photography: Where Sound Meets Image https://highandright.com/gallery-music-and-the-art-of-music-photography-where-sound-meets-image.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:18:53 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=3921 The Sound of Music Turns 60! See Rare Behind-the-Scenes Photos - Rodgers &  Hammerstein

The worlds of visual art and sound have always been closely connected, and nowhere is that more evident than in the relationship between gallery music and music photography. As music continues to evolve across genres and cultures, so does the way we visually represent it. Whether you’re a collector, a curator, or a fan of both fine art and melody, understanding this dynamic connection can deepen your appreciation for the rich interplay of sound and image.

What Is Gallery Music?

Gallery music refers to musical compositions that are either inspired by or intended for visual art settings, especially art galleries, museums, and other exhibition spaces. This genre often includes ambient, experimental, or instrumental music that complements the reflective and immersive atmosphere of a gallery. Its role is not to overpower the visual art but to enhance it, creating a multi-sensory experience that invites viewers to engage more deeply.

Composers who create gallery music are often inspired by the themes of specific exhibitions or the aesthetics of visual works. They may use organic sounds, soft rhythms, or even silence as part of the auditory landscape. Think of walking into a photography gallery filled with powerful still images of musicians or concerts, accompanied by subtle harmonies that echo the rhythm and emotion of the visuals.

Music Photography: Capturing Sound in Still Images

Music photography is the visual documentation of music culture. It includes everything from live concert shots to promotional portraits, candid behind-the-scenes moments, and album cover sessions. Unlike posed studio photography, music photography often aims to capture the raw energy, emotion, and cultural context of the music world.

Classic images of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix or David Bowie, hip-hop pioneers like Tupac Shakur, or modern icons like Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar have shaped how we perceive these artists—not just as musicians, but as symbols of entire movements. Music photographers are the silent observers who frame history in milliseconds, creating visual legacies that outlast the songs themselves.

When Music Photography Enters the Gallery

Bringing music photography into the gallery setting is more than just hanging concert photos on a wall. It’s a form of storytelling that bridges the gap between visual and sonic art. These exhibitions often include curated themes such as:

  • Iconic Album Covers: Behind-the-scenes images and outtakes from famous photoshoots.
  • Live Performance Energy: High-contrast shots capturing musicians mid-jump or mid-scream.
  • Intimate Portraits: Quiet moments with artists in their homes, studios, or dressing rooms.
  • Cultural Movements: Images that document entire eras, like 90s grunge, early punk, or jazz in the 60s.

When gallery music is paired with these exhibitions—whether it’s a looping ambient score or curated playlists from the featured musicians—it enhances the overall impact, creating an environment where sound and sight become inseparable.

The Online Expansion: Virtual Galleries for Music Photography

With the rise of digital platforms, both gallery music and music photography have found new homes online. Virtual exhibitions now allow fans to browse curated photo collections while streaming ambient or artist-inspired soundtracks. This makes it possible for people around the world to experience the intersection of music and visual art without visiting a physical space.

Many online galleries now feature:

  • Interactive Audio Tours: Where gallery music plays while viewers explore each image.
  • Photographer Spotlights: Interviews and behind-the-scenes stories that bring photos to life.
  • Limited Edition Prints: High-quality, signed photos of music legends for sale.
  • Collaborative Art Drops: Where musicians and photographers release visual/audio bundles.

These platforms help preserve music history while giving modern creators a place to showcase and monetize their work.

Why Music Photography Belongs in the Gallery

Photography has always had a place in art galleries, but music photography brings a different kind of energy. It captures cultural shifts, personal transformations, and iconic moments in real time. A good music photo can make you hear a song again in your head, or feel like you’re at the show.

When displayed in galleries, these images are elevated to fine art status. They become part of a larger conversation about identity, politics, fashion, and cultural influence. And when paired with carefully composed gallery music, they become immersive time capsules.

Collecting and Curating Music Photography

If you’re interested in collecting or curating music photography for your own gallery, here are a few tips:

  1. Identify Your Genre or Era – Focus your collection around a specific theme like 90s hip-hop, classic rock, or indie festivals.
  2. Look for Signed or Limited Prints – These offer value and authenticity, especially when sourced from the photographer directly.
  3. Match with Music – Curate your viewing experience with playlists or original scores that reflect the images you’ve selected.
  4. Display Thoughtfully – Use gallery lighting, matte frames, and consistent spacing to elevate each photo’s presence.

The fusion of gallery and music photography creates a unique artistic experience that blurs the lines between what we hear and what we see. Together, they offer a fuller, richer narrative of the artists and eras that shape our cultural soundtrack. Whether experienced in a sleek modern gallery or from the comfort of your home through an online collection, this blend of sound and vision continues to inspire and resonate long after the music fades.

If you’re passionate about music, photography, or both, this intersection is the perfect space to explore. Let the images sing. Let the music frame the view.

]]>
Visiting Your Local Art Gallery https://highandright.com/visiting-your-local-art-gallery.html Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:19:00 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=3928

Art has a unique power to inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversation. One of the best places to experience this magic is at your local art gallery. These vibrant spaces offer more than just walls adorned with beautiful creations; they serve as cultural hubs that connect artists with their communities. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for something new to do, stepping into a gallery can be an eye-opening adventure.

Imagine being surrounded by colours and textures that tell stories you’ve never heard before. Picture yourself exploring diverse styles, from traditional paintings to contemporary installations, all while supporting local talent and fostering creativity in your area. Visiting a local art gallery not only enriches your own life but also strengthens the fabric of your community. So why not take some time out of your busy schedule? Dive into the world of art exhibitions today!

Benefits of Visiting Art Galleries

Visiting a local art gallery offers a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. It allows you to immerse yourself in creativity and inspiration. The atmosphere is often calming, encouraging reflection and appreciation.

Engaging with various forms of art can stimulate your imagination. Each piece tells a story, inviting you to explore different perspectives. Whether it’s painting, sculpture, or photography, there’s always something new to discover.

Art galleries also provide an opportunity for social interaction. You might meet fellow art enthusiasts or have conversations with artists themselves. These connections can deepen your understanding of the artwork on display.

Furthermore, supporting local artists helps nurture talent within your community. By attending exhibitions and events, you’re playing an essential role in promoting artistic endeavours that enrich cultural life around you. Every visit contributes to a vibrant arts scene that benefits everyone involved.

Exploring Different Types of Art

Art comes in many forms, each telling a unique story. When you visit your local art gallery, you’ll encounter paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations that challenge perceptions.

Abstract art invites viewers to interpret colours and shapes differently. It sparks curiosity and can provoke deep emotions. On the other hand, realism captures life as it is—a window into our world through detailed representation.

Don’t overlook mixed media pieces that blend various materials and techniques. They create a tactile experience that pulls you in closer.

Photography exhibitions often showcase breathtaking landscapes or captivating portraits. These images can transport you to another place or time with just one glance.

Experimenting with different styles broadens your understanding of artistic expression. Each piece holds layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered at every turn within the gallery’s walls.

Supporting Local Artists and Communities

When you visit a local art gallery, you’re not just viewing beautiful creations; you’re investing in your community. Each piece of artwork reflects the talent and passion of local artists who pour their heart into every brushstroke.

Supporting these artists helps maintain a vibrant cultural landscape. It’s essential for fostering creativity and innovation within your town or city. By purchasing art or attending exhibitions, you directly contribute to the livelihood of artists striving to make a name for themselves.

Moreover, galleries often host events that bring people together, sparking conversations around shared interests. This connection cultivates relationships between creators and viewers that can lead to meaningful collaborations.

Local galleries are also platforms for diverse voices, showcasing everything from emerging talents to established names. Engaging with this dynamic scene enriches your understanding of contemporary issues through artistic expression while strengthening community ties at the same time.

Making the Most out of Your Gallery Visit

To truly immerse yourself in the experience of a local art gallery, start by setting aside ample time. Rushing through exhibits only skims the surface of what’s on display.

Consider visiting during off-peak hours. This allows you to engage more deeply with each piece without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Bring along a notebook or sketchpad. Jotting down thoughts or ideas inspired by the artwork can enhance your understanding and appreciation.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Gallery staff are often passionate about their exhibits and can provide valuable insights into artists’ intentions and techniques.

Take breaks between different sections of the gallery. Stepping back helps digest what you’ve seen and prepares you for new experiences ahead. Each exhibit tells its own story; give yourself space to absorb them fully.

The Value of Experiencing Art in Person

Experiencing art in person offers a unique connection that cannot be replicated online. Walking through a local art gallery allows you to engage with artwork on a deeper level. You can appreciate the textures, colours, and nuances that only come alive when seen face-to-face.

Visiting an art exhibition opens up your senses and encourages personal reflection. It provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations with artists and fellow patrons, fostering community connections. Supporting local artists not only enriches your experience but also strengthens cultural fabric within your area.

Whether browsing for inspiration or considering buying art for your collection, every visit to a local gallery is an enriching journey. By stepping into these creative spaces, you embrace the vibrancy of artistic expression while contributing to the sustainability of local arts communities. Each piece tells its own story, stories best understood up close and personal.

]]>
Exploring Collaboration Through Scavenger Hunt Team Building in Boston https://highandright.com/exploring-collaboration-through-scavenger-hunt-team-building-in-boston.html Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:38:21 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=3900 Boston Team Building (2024) - Fun Activities with City Cruises

Boston’s vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and walkable neighborhoods create the perfect backdrop for immersive corporate experiences. For companies looking to strengthen employee relationships and boost workplace morale, scavenger hunt team building in Boston presents an engaging and effective approach. These experiences go beyond traditional icebreakers, offering a dynamic mix of challenge, discovery, and teamwork in one of America’s most iconic cities.

A well-crafted scavenger hunt taps into communication, problem-solving, and decision-making in a way that doesn’t feel forced. It requires real-time collaboration as teams navigate the city to complete tasks, solve riddles, and race against the clock. From the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the energy of the Seaport, Boston offers a rich setting to energize teams, encourage creativity, and foster camaraderie.

The power of this type of activity lies in its blend of fun and function. While participants are enjoying the competition and excitement, they’re also developing deeper workplace trust, enhancing group cohesion, and discovering strengths within their team they might not otherwise see in the office environment. Whether your company is onboarding new hires, refreshing a remote team, or rewarding top performers, these events deliver connection in a memorable way.

Why Boston Is the Ideal Setting for Corporate Hunts

Boston combines old-world charm with modern innovation, offering a landscape that naturally supports interactive team activities. Its diverse neighborhoods each bring a unique flavor, from the historical Freedom Trail to the artsy corridors of the South End. A scavenger hunt team building experience in Boston taps into this diversity to provide a setting that is intellectually stimulating and visually rewarding.

Landmarks like Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, and Boston Common serve as built-in checkpoints, offering layers of cultural context that enhance each challenge. Participants often learn fun facts or historical trivia as they progress through the course, giving the experience added educational value. Because Boston is easy to navigate on foot or by public transit, teams can move between locations smoothly without losing momentum.

In the city’s business environment, where many companies focus on tech, education, finance, and biotech, fostering strong internal collaboration is essential. These fast-paced sectors require adaptive thinking and quick communication. A scavenger hunt mirrors that environment on a smaller, gamified scale. It reveals how individuals respond to pressure, how well teams delegate tasks, and how efficiently they pursue goals.

Boston’s seasonal variety also allows companies to tailor their experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer events can include outdoor challenges in the Public Garden or Charles River Esplanade, while winter hunts can move indoors to museums, malls, or historical buildings. This versatility ensures the experience remains engaging and appropriate no matter the weather or time of year.

What Makes Scavenger Hunts Effective for Team Development

The appeal of scavenger hunt team building in Boston isn’t just in the city’s landmarks. The format itself offers strategic benefits for organizations. Unlike static workshops or lectures, scavenger hunts require participants to take action. Success depends on how well they communicate, strategize, and adapt. These are qualities that directly translate into workplace effectiveness.

Teams are often placed in unfamiliar groupings, mixing departments or roles that don’t typically interact. This helps break down silos and promotes understanding across divisions. When team members see how others think and operate, they build empathy and learn new ways to collaborate. These social insights can be just as important as technical skills when it comes to project execution and internal efficiency.

The timed nature of a scavenger hunt adds a layer of urgency that encourages leadership to emerge naturally. Different individuals step up at different moments, whether by organizing the route, deciphering clues, or motivating others to stay focused. These moments of leadership, especially when recognized after the event, help foster confidence and identify potential within the team.

Reflection is another important aspect of the experience. After the hunt, debrief sessions allow teams to review what went well and where they could improve. This conversation ties the physical activity back to professional development goals. Insights about delegation, listening skills, or resource management often surface in these discussions, giving the event lasting value long after the hunt is complete.

Companies that invest in these experiences often see improved communication, higher engagement, and stronger interpersonal trust among employees. This boost in morale is especially impactful after periods of change, such as company mergers, restructuring, or onboarding. In those transitional moments, a shared positive experience can ground teams and remind them of their shared purpose.

Planning a Successful Boston Scavenger Hunt for Your Team

Organizing an effective scavenger hunt team building event in Boston starts with clear objectives. Companies should decide what they want the team to gain—whether that’s improved communication, cross-department connection, or simply a fun morale booster. With goals in mind, a professional team-building provider can customize the experience accordingly.

Experienced vendors often design clues that incorporate company values, branding, or current projects. This makes the event feel more personalized and connected to the organization’s mission. Some experiences include photo challenges, creative tasks, or trivia that require knowledge of both Boston and the workplace culture. These details make the hunt memorable and meaningful.

Route planning is another key element. Boston’s layout offers a variety of options, from waterfront paths to historical tours. The size and mobility of the group should guide route selection. For large groups, multiple starting points can help reduce congestion and encourage wider exploration. Accessibility and safety should also be considered to ensure that everyone can participate fully.

Timing also matters. Midweek events may be easier to coordinate with work schedules, while end-of-week experiences can cap off a busy week with a strong team connection. Some companies opt for morning hunts followed by lunch, while others prefer afternoon hunts that conclude with a happy hour or awards ceremony. The flexibility of the format allows it to be adapted to different schedules and energy levels.

Extending the Impact Beyond the Event Day

One of the advantages of scavenger hunt team building in Boston is the potential for lasting engagement. The photos, videos, and memories created during the event offer opportunities for follow-up in internal communications. Sharing highlights in newsletters, team meetings, or internal social platforms helps reinforce the positive experience and keeps the momentum going.

Recognition can play a role here too. Awarding small prizes for creativity, teamwork, or spirit adds a lighthearted sense of achievement and reinforces the behaviors you want to see in the workplace. These acknowledgments contribute to a positive culture where contributions are noticed and appreciated.

Teams that participate in these experiences often reference them in later interactions, creating inside jokes, shared language, and a deeper sense of connection. That ongoing rapport becomes valuable in high-pressure moments back at the office. When people trust each other and feel connected, collaboration becomes more natural and efficient.

Scavenger hunt team building in Boston offers more than just a day away from desks. It creates a platform where learning, bonding, and problem-solving all happen at once. By moving the team through challenges in a setting rich with culture and energy, companies create lasting experiences that strengthen the team from within.

]]>
Write Short Articles to Market Your Small Business Online – Part II https://highandright.com/write-short-articles-to-market-your-small-business-online-part-ii.html https://highandright.com/write-short-articles-to-market-your-small-business-online-part-ii.html#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:50:43 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=2476 Have you realized online readers love useful information? The good news is you have useful information people are searching for. Sometimes, its information they already know; they just want it an easy concise manner to follow step by step. This is where your how-tos, problem/solution articles enter.

Focus on solving one problem or explaining one how-to in each article. Implement the following tips and you will be admitted to the winner’s circle of frequently published article writers:

6) Know your audience’s purpose and focus your article’s purpose just for them.

Author’s Tip: To make your copy even more attractive, personable and compelling. Choose a friend or family member to write instructions or how to just for them. Have this person in mind as you write.

7) Write a thesis and outline with 5-6 major points you want to illustrate before you write.

Compose your thesis before you write using 1-2 sentences. Then write with it nearby so that your article will always stay on track to answer the problem presented in your article.

8) Compose each paragraph of about 4 standard sentences (15-17 words.)

To power punch your copy, write 1-2 short sentences. One paragraph contains approximately 100 words.

10) Create 4-6 paragraphs from your outline.

Write compelling paragraphs that support your thesis, explain and give examples. Use action words and colorful nouns. Cut the passive voice. Your result will be copy that is easy to read because its focus is tight and active.

11) Review and self-edit your article.

To tighten and shorten your copy, shorten examples. Cut redundant sentences. Use bullets to clarify. Cut superfluous adjectives, adverbs, and words like “that”. Use active 1-2 syllable words for readable compelling copy.

Finally, include a short summary. Don’t leave your readers hanging. Write only a sentence or two to sum things up. Point out the benefits of your information. Use the Speedway Formula to article writing and publish faster so your prospects and clients will read them and buy from you.

============

]]>
https://highandright.com/write-short-articles-to-market-your-small-business-online-part-ii.html/feed 0
Your Mind Calibrates Visuals, Aromas, Flavors, and Texture of the Beer to Give Us Mouthfeel https://highandright.com/your-mind-calibrates-visuals-aromas-flavors-and-texture-of-the-beer-to-give-us-mouthfeel.html https://highandright.com/your-mind-calibrates-visuals-aromas-flavors-and-texture-of-the-beer-to-give-us-mouthfeel.html#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:00:20 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=1643 Definitions of “mouthfeel” run the gambit, yet none do justice to an extraordinarily complex subject. UC Davis and other universities have researched mouthfeel, trying to quantify it with a numeric scale, with no success thus far. Craft beer consumers have used such descriptors as, a creamy feel in your mouth, an almost chewy texture, or a feeling that the beer has a thickness/coating feel that makes the flavor linger for a moment. In all examples, the start of mouthfeel is visual, aromas, taste, and viscosity.

Some years ago, I researched and wrote an article about the importance of mouthfeel in wine. I discovered that viscosity is not the only sensation that dictates great mouthfeel in beer, rather a potpourri of factors. However, viscosity in wine sent a subliminal message of a “quality” wine.

A cacophony of factors dictated mouthfeel of craft beer. Much of mouthfeel is dictated by a person’s accumulated experiences. However, awareness of aromas, visual presentation of a beer, and flavors are sensory queues that initiate how consumers interpret mouthfeel–pleasant or not. Even the issue of time, place, and seasonality will impact a pleasant mouthfeel.

The existence of mouthfeel can also be illustrated as the sensation coming from any substance in your mouth. As an example, most of my life I would not eat oysters because of the visual and the anticipation of the slimy feel of that crustacea in my mouth. My wife will not eat oysters to this day, primarily having to do with the mouthfeel.

Visual appearances of the beer also contribute to the anticipated mouthfeel. Foam/head on a beer is highly preferred versus little or no head, craft beer consumers like foam. In Europe, consumers prefer, and demand beer served with a thick/tight foamed beer because it is more aromatic and bodes an inviting mouthfeel. The head promotes flavor and instant mouthfeel.

Further, the impact of the environment on the mouthfeel. Here is an interesting perspective. There are restaurants that present “Dark Dining” because research has shown that limiting stimuli from surroundings will accentuate food and drink aromas, flavor, and mouthfeel. The thesis is that limiting visual commotion and distractions during the meal adds to the food experience’s flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. Dark dining has just enough light to see to eat.

Beer aromas, as in wine, sets the stage for what we will experience in the flavors and then mouthfeel/aftertaste. These flavors and aromas are often visually presented in ‘flavor and aroma wheels’ to help us define beer styles we like. The ubiquitous “Beer Flavor Wheel” was developed in the 70’s by Morton Meilgaard, of which he included the Mouthfeel component. The reality is mouthfeel gives substance/recognition to a beer’s flavor while aroma sets the stage.

Note: Hops and yeast give aromas, flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel to beer. The grain bill presents the grain that provides something that the yeast can exert their creativity with.

The chemical process of fermentation (working on the wort) plays an enormous role in creating mouthfeel. Fermentation gives us texture/viscosity, carbonation, alcohol levels (ABV), and acids. Of course, to get a signature mouthfeel, all of this must be orchestrated by knowledgeable brewers selecting the proper yeast.

Ms. Carolyn Smagalski gives a good definition as to significant contributors to mouthfeel in beer. It is contributed by the residual proteins and dextrin’s (generally accepted as a non-fermentable sugar) in beer (especially a Pilsner). Not all starches in malts are converted into fermentable sugars. Proteins are not consumed by yeast, so they are the primary contributor to mouthfeel. Oats in a grain bill can contribute more proteins and the desirable viscosity notes for mouthfeel. Water chemistry is also a contributing factor.

Trying to keep the complicated simple, Adam Robblings of Craft Beer & Brewing puts his take on mouthfeel this way, “For hazy IPAs, the first key decision point isn’t about hops-it’s about yeast. The ester profile, stable haze, and smooth mouthfeel all define hazy IPAs, and those really benefit from specific yeast strains.” So, another vote for yeast.

Craft beer is not the beer of your younger days; it is not the “slam ’em down” beers of old. Craft beer is generally more expensive and is a thoughtful beverage that demands contemplation. There are quality craft beers for every occasion, attitude, and season. In the final analysis, they are all judged for their aromatics, flavor, and mouthfeel. At some point during consumption, all these elements become symbiotic and give us the ‘umami’ we want.

The feel in the mouth we search for has hundreds of elements that finally come together. There are: viscosity/texture, acidity/Ph levels, ABV, esters (hops), yeast strains, grain bill, temperatures, carbonation, head, color, and recipe execution by the brewer. If all of this produces a mouthfeel, taste, and aroma’s that you like based upon your expectations, you have found your beer for the moment.

In a 2020 Statista study, the primary feature of craft beer most important to consumers was taste (94%). Interestingly, approximately 52.7% of craft beer consumers considered themselves to be Very Familiar and Familiar with brewing processes. This indicates that the consumer desires more details about a beer because they understand how Mouthfeel, Taste, and Aromas are derived.

Achieving a good mouthfeel is a complicated endeavor and must be tailored for each beer style. Just ask the folks at Staropramen Brewery is the second largest brewery in the Czech Republic. They think mouthfeel is an incredibly important attribute to their world-famous Pilsner.

Pilsner is one of the most popular beers in the world. Here is how Just Beer defines the style and

Flavor & Aroma:

The malts give Pilsners a grainy or fresh bread flavor. Traditional Pilsners has a pronounced bitterness from the hops, giving it a grassy herbal or earthy character.

Mouthfeel:

Pilseners are highly carbonated with a bit of weight. Their crisp hop bitterness tends to linger in the finish.

How to serve a Pilsner:

Pilsners should be poured with some head/foam. After all, that’s how it’s done in the Czech Republic. 3 fingers worth will usually suffice.

Of all the pilner brewers from the Czech Republic we researched, all mentioned mouthfeel and head as significant factors in consumer evaluations.

Mouthfeel is hard to define and is somewhat rooted in subjective evaluations. Don’t give up because there are a lot of “ah ha” moments when that perfect mouthfeel shows up. Just consuming a craft beer casually or paired with food can bring on the moment when that great mouthfeel arrives.

Cheers!

]]>
https://highandright.com/your-mind-calibrates-visuals-aromas-flavors-and-texture-of-the-beer-to-give-us-mouthfeel.html/feed 0
Cinema Therapy and The MovieMaking Process https://highandright.com/cinema-therapy-and-the-moviemaking-process.html https://highandright.com/cinema-therapy-and-the-moviemaking-process.html#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:29:17 +0000 https://highandright.com/?p=231 Do movies make a difference in our lives? Of course they do. We are human beings and we learn from what we see, hear and feel. Movies offer it all.

Even when the experience is vicarious and we are only imagining ourselves in a role, movies affect us because of the combined impact of music, dialogue, lighting, camera angles, and sound effects that enable a film to bypass our ordinary defensive censors.

We can become emotionally receptive and energized by an uplifting message, or we can become desensitized to violent behavior. But, like no other medium before it, the popular movie presents the potential of a new power for therapeutic success. It is up to us to see that potential and use it creatively and beneficially.

Cinema Therapy is a tool for assessment. While many adults benefit from talking about problems, thoughts, dreams, or emotions in psychotherapy, most children and adolescents find it more difficult to express such feelings. A young child’s response to movies can help a therapist to understand the child’s personality, concerns, interests or current problems. In a child’s choice of movies, we can find clues to their working role models…ideal self-images, internal resources, potential goals, perceived obstacles, degrees of imagination and creativity, and their overall philosophy of life. Cinema Therapy allows children to express feelings that may be too threatening to express directly.

Films can also be used to get to the bottom of difficult issues. Films provide a common ground for discussions about problems related to family, friendship, school, anxiety, self-esteem or love. Issues can be addressed in relation to an outside element, and seeing how an individual in a movie handles a situation can offer children ideas how to deal with a problem in their own lives. Key scenes, watched over and over, can become the basis for practicing new skills. Many films enable children and adolescents to envision how their own problems might be solved when characters demonstrate behavior change.

Many films, like dreams, are full of metaphors and symbols that affect us on a deep level. Carl Jung believed that as the mind explores the symbol, it is led to ideas that lie beyond the grasp of reason. Metaphors and symbols stimulate bi-lateral thinking and creativity; creating a bridge to the subconscious and bypass normal ego defenses often found in traditional therapeutic approaches.

Myths and stories can help people place their own personal story and the stories of others into the proper context. All myths and stories have a villain, and tell great tales of a journey upon which a hero must embark. Likewise, young people are on a journey of the heart and soul.

Moviemaking can be considered the contemporary form of myth making, reflecting our response to ourselves and the mysteries and wonders of our existence. Movies can have a powerful effect on children and adolescents because they speak directly to their heart and spirit, avoiding the resistance of the conscious mind.

Cinema Therapy can offer insight, role models, and options for more positive behaviors, but its limit is in its vicarious nature. We are watching, perhaps internalizing, but we are not necessarily doing. Unless a child actively and consciously engages in behavior change, Cinema Therapy lacks the element of experiential learning.

While Cinema Therapy is a tool for assessment, The MovieMaking Process becomes a concrete tool for behavioral change. This is experiential learning at its best, because it is creative and requires a child or adolescent to actively participate in its creation by becoming self-aware. A child becomes the hero in his own movie and actively engages in his own journey toward healthy behavior and adulthood. In essence, a child now becomes his own teacher and is learning from him or herself as he watches the movie, again and again. He is becoming the behavior he admires and is solving his own problems as he acts within his own scene and as his own role model. The MovieMaking Process was nominated to SAMHSA’s Service to Science Academy in 2008 as one of the Midwest’s most promising prevention programs for its unique fusion of creativity, technology and human development.

The MovieMaking Process begins with the problem to be addressed, then turns its focus to the desired outcome. The movie becomes the hero’s journey toward resolving the issue and demonstrating more positive behavior. If the issue is bullying the focus of the movie is on kindness, the hero learns through his movie experience how this feels, how it looks and how it affects others. The movie is often based on a myth or story from antiquity, but our hero is the child.

The MovieMaking Process uses the techniques of gorilla filming, which is basically the resourcefulness of what we have available at any given moment in time. This can be in a child’s own home, backyard, neighborhood, park or the school playground. It’s the creative process of choosing a theme and gathering, or creating, the props that make the movie a movie. Children and adolescents love creating their own costumes and their costumes represent the hero they wish to become.

The movie is filmed as a silent movie, using gestures and expressions. This is an important part of child development, to learn and recognize the subtleties of human feelings, acted out non-verbally in facial expressions and physical postures. This also allows any child to participate. It is not necessary to learn and memorize lines, merely to act out the part, expressing emotion through physical expression.

The movie is often filmed through reflection. A child is looking back on something in his past, perhaps an incident that has caused emotional pain, to himself or others. The movie is the journey through the emotional pain to resolution, and a happy ending. The movie always ends with resolution and hope. The journey is completed and the hero is more aware, more skilled and can now see the incident in a new perspective.

Narration is added after the movie is edited. The narration is the storyline that tells the tale of the hero looking at his past, overcoming obstacles, learning new behaviors, seeing new perspectives, and coming to be more than he was before. Using voice over narration, rather than attempting to film a sound movie, keeps the focus on facial expressions, body language and action, plus it is very cost effective in time and money.

Music is added to the completed movie. Music that is meaningful to the child or adolescent is best and is intended to create the emotional feelings that are important to behavior change. We must feel inspired to change behavior, and we must feel hopeful. Music can take us to those heights. While using copyrighted music is a very serious issue these days, there are always musicians in every community who want their music to be heard and used. There is also a lot of royalty free music on the Web.

It is essential for a child’s completed movie to be Premiered with as much fanfare as possible. Inviting family and friends to see the completed movie is an important element in creating new behavior. Most children and adolescents like watching their movie, over and over. This strengthens the new learning and each viewing reinforces that learning. Now a child is learning from the movie he created. He is learning that he can be his own hero and can journey through the difficulties of life with awareness, skills and hope. He is no longer just viewing, he has actively participated, and that is the great power of experiential learning.

]]>
https://highandright.com/cinema-therapy-and-the-moviemaking-process.html/feed 0