Capstone

It has become a reality that my communications studies courses have come to a close.  Although I have two more courses scheduled, my journey through the communication courses are over!  I have to admit that I am kind of sad but I have learned so much.  I never thought I would get to this point.  My bachelor's degree is so close now!  I will remain on course for attending the New York Film Academy in June of 2011 for screenwriting.  I look forward to achieving bigger and better dreams!  I also thank all who have helped me thus far and will continue to play a big part in my professional goals. 

-Charnell 

Conflicting Communications in the Workplace

It is inevitable in our society that conflicts will develop in the workplace.  As part of our week 3 assignment, we were asked to give an example of how we would handle a conflict in the workplace.  I gave the following example:

As department manager of Technotronics, it has been brought to my attention that Michael Mayhem has received several complaints.  Mr. Mayhem has been a technical support technician with the company for two years.  He has recently received several complaints from customers regarding lack of service and complaints from co-workers concerning his demeanor.

Since I am Mr. Mayhem’s immediate supervisor, I must address the above concerns.  A one-on-one meeting has been scheduled for Friday, October 29^th at 3:30 p.m.  Mr. Mayhem was notified via email that this meeting is concerning his performance, so I expect a range of emotions and questions.

I have decided to begin the meeting with actual incidents that illustrate Mr. Mayhem’s shortcomings.  This will allow Mr. Mayhem to grasp that I am critiquing his performance, as opposed to his worth as a person (Hcareers website).  Once this is done, I will allow Mr. Mayhem to voice any concerns and answer any questions he may have.  As part of the critiquing process, I will “develop an action plan for improvement” that will benefit Mr. Mayhem, the company, and the customers as well (McGraw Wentworth, 2009).

Professional Communication Organizations

I took the time to join 4 professional organizations today!  They are: International Screenwriters Association, NYCscreenwriters, League of Communication Professionals & Screenwritersdaily.  I'm sure I will be able to benefit from each and every one of them as I continue my journey to becoming the next big thing!

Screenwriting

As I previously stated, "A Journey Sought" is about my journey to becoming a screenwriter.  Screenwriters are "the breath of a film."  They are responsible for giving life to characters and developing the plot of a film.  The biggest assets of a screenwriter is the ability to write and creativity.  They must transfer the ideas in the mind to the big screen. 

The professional aspect of this career begins with a college degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or English.  A strong background with computers and the ability to research their topic is key to the success of a screenwriter.  Working under pressure and meeting deadlines is also key.  As such, many screenwriters are freelance writers, working on their own schedule and marketing their own product.  This accounts for 70% of writers, among 281,300 in 2008 (Labor Statistics, 2010).  Jobs of a screenwriter are primarily concentrated in major media and the entertainment markets.  The wage of a screenwriter can range from $28,020 to over $106, 630 (Labor Statistics, 2010).

My personal journey began in January, 2009, when I decided to enroll in communications studies at Ashford University.  As of February, 2011, I will have earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and will further my studies at the New York Film Academy.  I will center my studies on Screenwriting and will continue to hone my skills to become the next 'big thing' in Hollywood!

Reference:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.

Media Technology

There are numerous media technologies that are in our society today.  Print, new age, video, and audo, just to name a few. 

Blogging is a new age form of communication that anyone who has a computer and an idea can develop.  My personal blog focuses on screenwriting.  It will inform anyone who has an interest in the entertainment industry as well as tips in breaking into this career.  Blogging is more than a journal of thoughts.  It encompasses an outlet for professional organizations as well.  Clients and customers of a business can interact with employees and other colleagues.  Personally, I have never engaged in blogging, but after developing one for my college course, I may continue to keep it active.

Print technology can come in the form of a newspaper, brochure, or pamphlet.  I enjoy magazines because they offer so many options.  There are children's magazines, political magazines, and sports magazines, among others.  You can obtain a subscription or walk into your local store to pick up the latest issue.  Popular merchants pay for advertising in magazines, and many magazines have more ads than actual articles!  Of course, the option to read a magazine online is becoming more popular, but many people order magazines as 'keepsakes' or souveneirs.

Audio has been around for over 100 years and maintains its popularity today.  The radio is a form of audio that our society has utilized for various reasons.  The most popular is for their listening pleasure.  All genres of music can be heard on radio stations around the world.  Other forms are talk radio or sportscasts.  Radio has recently reached the realm of the Internet.  Although Webcasts account for 4% of the listening audience (Mathews, 2000), it is gaining widespread popularity.  The ability to listen to the radio while sitting at your computer or on your cellphone shows the advance of audio technology. 

Lastly, video technology has come in the form of the blu-ray disc.  Blu-ray is an updated form of the DVD and it was developed to allow recording, rewriting, and playback of high-definition video.  It also allows more storage capacity as opposed to older versions.  More and more electronic consumers are supporting blu-ray and it will more than likely become the norm in electronics. 

-Charnell

Mathews, A. (2000). How technology has changed the way we listen to the radio and tune out the stuff they don't like. The Wall Street Journal, pg. R 11.

Words of Wisdom

I will begin a spot on my page called "Words of Wisdom."  These will be quotes of inspiration from various people, known and unknown (including myself) who have written inspiring words.  As a communicator, it is important to make sure your audience maintains an interest in what you have to say.

Therefore, "words of wisdom" for today are: 

"Dreams can give you direction but determination will get you there!"

                                               -  Charnell

Welcome!

You may be wondering what "A Journey Sought" is all about.  Well, this blog is about my journey to my career goal as a screenwriter.  It has only been a few months that I have decided to become a screenwriter but that is what I plan to pursue.  In the coming weeks, my journey will encompass the career of a screenwriter, the pros and cons of this career, and the steps I've taken to make this a dream come true.

I look forward to hearing from those of you who will partake in this journey with me!