CAP Hollywood Reflection #3

Our Film is progressing at the expected pace.  We have made/edited the rough cut of our first act with a subsequent poster, and have gotten the footage for the ACT II scenes, in Downtown Silver Spring.  Challenges included creating a manageable time for all of us to meet, but we were successful in sticking to the plan.

This week I have posed for our movie poster, started the Photoshop process for the poster, and compiled songs for our rough cut storyboard.  

Next week, we shall finishing editing the rough cuts for Acts II and III, quickly film the third act with appropriate in school lighting, editing sound and clip order on FCP, and make polishes.  We will also be re-shooting the first scene, tomorrow morning, due to loss of our previous clips.  

CAP HOLLYWOOD WEEK #2

Our film is progressing with adequate work being done with ACT 1.  Although we have had a setback to do file deletion of our initial action scenes, we plan to redo them at Downtown Silver Spring, this weekend.  Furthermore, we have finished act one scenes shot in school, both the bullying and and shoe purchase scenes, and are currently editing.  Our editing and sound selection are going smoothly.

This week, I acted in the film itself, manage file storage to avoid media loss, and have begun planning for music selection.  I have also helped with clip trimming, and editing the sound levels on Final Cut pro, for the first shot sequences in the hallway of Blair.

Next week, I will assist my group mates with shot editing of Silver Spring footage, and work on syncing music with action.

CAP Hollywood Reflection #1

Our film is progressing slowly, but with good planning for a solid finish of filming the is week   One challenge, we continue to have is following through with storyboard ideas.  We plant to overcome this, by mapping out scene directions for the actors before filming  and running through actions and acting before camera shots.  With this, however, a major success has been establishing shot composition and clarifying camera angles for shoot in Downtown Silver Spring.

In a direct way, I have contributed to the film by playing the role of Joey, the protagonist of our film's first Act.  Joey's role is essential to jump starting the conflict in our film, and thus I have tried hard to emotionally build my role as "vulnerable" and "targeting," so as to initiate tension among the actors as well.  I have cooperated with scene composition and cinematographers  Amy and Max, to seamlessly transition between scenes.

Our goal for this week is to complete our filming of Acts I and II of the film.  This includes carpooling and pick-up to our shot area, enlisting a security officer or police officer for side acting, and coordinating shots with Silver Spring store-owners   Thus, I am trying hard to make sure our pre-production is specifically and effectively accomplished to ensure maximum focus on the production.

Career Question: Men in OB/GYN

Obstetrics and Gynecology is a tough profession.  Not only do doctors in this subspeciality recieve some of the highest malpractice charges, but there is an increasing number of men in this profession who recieve scrutiny.

From a male perspective (with efforts to be careful in how I write this post/not gender-biased) I don't see why men CAN'T connect to emotional, social, and physical needs of female patients. Perhaps its a sense of personal experience with certain health conditions, or a sense of connection that female OB/GYNs have with their patients. But, having men in this profession as well as in others (such as Nursing), seems to be a way of diversifying the perspectives and lenses involved.

I think a few stereotypes need to broken.  These include, the thirst for money among men in this profession, and the indifference to female needs.  There are good motivations for going to medicine, and frankly, I don't see why one's gender has to effect their ability to practice.

And just to put the other side of the picture.  What about female urologists?  We need to look at medical practioners from an objective standpoint, and not just based on gender.

Documentary Reflection: Meditating on Medicaid

Here it is! An honest reflection of the documentary process.  It had its ups and downs, but in the end, I learned a lot about Medicaid and disability care in the U.S.  Making this documentary motivates me to make change!

My group’s documentary topic was a criticism of the present-day attendant care benefits for disabled persons.  It dissected policy that was ineffective for disability rights flexibility and drew upon the personal experiences of two disabled healthcare recipients.  Now that my group is close to finishing this project, I am excited to see the end product and create an advocating message.  Having covered disability studies in my last year’s Inspirations play for drama class, the topic of disabled rights is of huge importance to me.  I will even further explore this through an internship next summer with the Gilchrist Center for Diversity in Montgomery County.  Thus, I have no regrets.  Topic selection was also hugely important because I needed to pick a topic that I knew I could commit to, based on previous experience.  The freedom in choosing a topic allowed me to think and take time with my decision, which was beneficial in the long run.

                One interesting thing that I learned during the documentary process was the extent to which the disabled are forced into Medicare, and the inhumane marrying for insurance, and lack of security of benefits.  The personal interviews helped me to truly realize this, and also dispelled any myths I had about disability healthcare.

                The biggest challenge that my group faced creating the documentary was integrating the B-Roll and Interview A-Roll into a cohesive product.  This challenge arose due to the lack of communication between me and Ravyn, when we were scripting each part of the documentary.  We tackled this challenged by first transcribing all of the A-Roll footage and looking at where our B-Roll or secondary research could add in more depth.  Thus, we integrated our extra B-Roll by using the A-Roll as a point of reference.

                If I had the chance to create another documentary, I would take more part in the interview part.  Finding diverse and dynamic interviewees is the key to a great jump-start in a subject-based documentary.  Although our interviewees were extremely informative and effectively passionate, playing a personal role in that process would’ve helped to become more involved with the overall process.

                In terms of what the teacher can do, I think less is more (to some extent).  Monitoring the students is GOOD, and honestly, it helps me stay on track.  However, I think the weekly planning half-sheets are a waste of time, and don’t really help the students organize their time (tasks and plans are often repeated).  Furthermore, I think it would be helpful to have a professional reference guide for technical errors/troubleshooting in Final Cut Pro, such that major mistakes (such as loosing footage) will be avoided.  Along with this, should come strict protocol for file management. A few final cut basics should be re-enforced in the beginning of the process.

                Overall, this was a FUN PROJECT! I would definitely do it again, and feel as if I can explore other documentary topics on my own, using the schools I have learned. 

Author in Profile: Priscilla Gillman

She has an English PhD from Yale, and is by far one of the most talented memoir writers I know.

Priscilla Gilman writes about autism, but particularly how it has changed her as a mother, woman, and writer.  After learning that her son, Benji, was diagnosed with severe Autism, Gilman ventured to write the book The Anti-Romantic Child: A Memoir of Unexpected Joy.  This book speaks volumes on the subtle, and unspoken transformations people go through, while living and learning with an autistic child.  Gilman's book, daily facebook posts, and deep insight shed an informative and progressive view on children with autism.

Me being personally interested in the neonatal aspects of developmental disorders such as autism, Gilman's book and perspective have really inspired me to pursue some area of research related to this.  Her book isn't scientific but rather humanistic focusing on the little progressions and hidden talents of her son, such as poetry, or science fairs, and small milestones that reveal his true humanity!

I love the perspective and the light that's shed upon on just one boy.  Gilman's message is one that I think we can all follow!  There should be more books like hers.

Book PREview- Bengali Harlem

Queens. Jackson Heights. Beeps. Lights. Fish Smell. Goat bones.

Is this the real precedence of BANGLADESHI AMERICA?

Not really.  In fact, Bangladeshi American aren't solely a minority among the large of wave of Asians that came to the U.S. in the 60s.  We have a history in New York, that goes long back.

The purpose of the book Bengali Harlem is to relay the profiles of early Bengali fishermen, and trades people who arrived on New York City's shores, and began their unique lives.  They intermarried with Puerto Ricans and Blacks and created a long-lost identity in Baltimore  Chicago, and NYC.

I'm getting this book in late february from a cousin-friend and am curious to learn about the history of my people in the U.S.  I love diversity and the urban minority story of NYC.  This book is sure to be a blast, getting to know to transnational stories of Bengali-mixed persons across the socioeconomic spectrum.

The Cyber Walls are Crumbling

I am a sucker for all things Middle East.  Not only the political and international relation tensions, but also the food, culture, music, etc.

However, one thing that has interested and provoked me recenetly, is a very silent war.  A war done completely through computers, but also harming the United States' most precious security networks.  The war is with Iran.

Iran's nuclear power is not its only asset.  Its  SMART country.  Kids study almost all of hours of the day, and computer science and cryptography are majorly innovative fields of study in the country.  With a plethora of youth and old professionals, cyber warfare is booming.

Network decryption, hacking into missile files, and damage personal information are some of the ways Iran is attacking the U.S. almost discretely.  However, the true harm is that not only is the attack done on the national or defense level, but also at the level of personal computers and identity theft.  Iran's leadership combined with the grandness of Chinese cyber-power, can only possibily result in utter chaos.

Colleges across the states are urging undergraduates to pursue the promised field of Cybersecurity.  This push for more Computer whizzes in American soil is urgent, as the demand for strengthened securities is HIGH!

So let's think.  Can we really wait long?  How much time will it take for America's " binary" walls to start crumbling.

Ethnic American Literature: There is SO Much!!

I love books.  I love books about people, about changing experiences, and about people from all across the world.  Reading a particularly short story about world travel in English Class today, reminded me of how much I love Children's Ethnic Literature.  Ethnic I guess can mean a multitude of things.  Chinese, Hispanic, Black, Indian, Arab, Pacific Americans and more.  However, the interesting thing about this genre, is the mixing flavors of voice and style.  Just take a look at a few of these excerpts:

"For woman is yin, the darkness within, where untempered passions lie. And man is yang, bright truth lighting our minds." 
- Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club, Ch. 4


“We are like the phoenix," said Abuelita. "Rising again, with a new life ahead of us.”


Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising



I love the traditions of old generations past, the tones of ancestors, and the interesting facets of one's ancestral ethnic culture that play a part in the American Dream.  That's why I really love this genre.  It makes being American so flavorful, all-encompassing, and new in constantly changing experiences.

Future Plans? I may take some college courses on Latino Studies, Asian America Lit, Black Diaspora, etc. (you name it!:)).  The more classes and experiences I get to have in this genre, the more tastes I'll get of the melting pot!

And oh, just one more proposal.  How cool would it be to take a shot at creating some of my own.  Maybe integrating an Ethnic Short Story into a project for Film Class?  I'm sure It'll be a challenge, but I think it might be an interesting/supercoolandfun idea.  Tell me what you guys think.  Any ideas??

Hidden Gems: Public Art in Silver Spring

Hi Readers! This is my new Independent Video Project on what it is like to live in Silver Spring.  It combines two of the main things I love about Silver Spring, Maryland: the murals and multicultural diversity.  I highlighted my favorite pieces of public art displays in the downtown area.  I hope the British kids coming to visit CAP enjoy it, as well as Blair Students.  We often take for granted a simple piece of sculpture or painting as we pass by, but taking a closer look helped me to TRULY to appreciate the hidden layer of intense history and stories!  I hope you guys enjoy this tour through Downtown as much as I did!
(This was shot using an iPad 2)

The Fire of Flamenco.....and then some

Flamenco.  Not a lot of people know exactly what it is, more or less, have an interest in it.  To me, its an art form, a form of expressing ones feeling, in either dance, music, or any form of movement.  It can be broad or narrow, and interpreted in so many ways.

A traditional dance and music style originating from Andalusia, Spain, Flamenco is a tantalizing melting pot of arab, gypsy, and spanish art.  The tocaor (guitar player) accompanies the bailaor (dancer) and cantaor (singer).  To me the mixture of these three artists, along with a clapping rhythm allow for the most simple yet versatile mode of expression. Anger, love, jealousy, glee, and despair are just some of the multitude of feelings expressed in this art form.

Of my favorite beats/rhythms of flamenco is the traditional buleria.  This slow, and passionate style is very raspy and mystic sounding to me (a facet I love).  Here is one of my favorite examples, featuring the renowned Estrella Morente and one of the three flamenco dynasties: Los Habichuelas.

Flamenco can be a single art form, or a musical festivity enjoyed by many.  One of the three flamenco dynasties is called La Ketama. Here is one of their popular DVD albums.  I love how its so improvisational and family-oriented.

Finally, flamenco is slowly evolving with tastes from other nations and Spain's youth.  Here are two examples.  One is a collaboration with more modern artists: Nina Pastori and Raul Rojas.  The other is a flamenco rendition of a famous Turkish folk song.

This post was almost like poetry for me.  It helped me put out my true feelings for this art form, and I enjoyed sharing some of my favorites with you:)

Documentary Review: Science of Babies

The documentary, National Geographic: Science of Babies is an observational piece that examines the complex and dynamic subtleties of baby development during the first 12 months.  This eye-opening documentary is literally set in stage at the beginning.  The picture opens with a curtain rising revealing the minute and seemingly normal activities of a baby, playing on an empty theater stage.  From this “center stage,” the narrator pulls the viewer into the first stage of the baby’s life, delivery.  Intense B-roll footage of baby deliveries as well as the post delivery process is shown.  However, the magic is shown in the experiments done.  Revealing infant-kind’s inheritance from evolutionary processes, the documentary unexpectedly discusses the magic of language learning, walking, social recognition and other behavioral biology changes a baby undergoes in just ONE year. 

            The documentary’s method of storytelling is literary and dramatic, and real-time in its cinematography.  In terms of the literary working, the concept of a baby is dramatically interpreted as a character on stage, learning, interacting, and experiencing.  One stage of the baby’s performance might be the throwing of a ball, and this catalyzes a camera documentation of research relating to motor skills development.  Researchers and Scientists become the center players now, portrayed through close up shots of Computer Screens and Machinery, Medical Imaging, and Animated shots of orbiting neurons of Baby’s inside world.   In addition to the more literal cinematography, the baby’s point of view is also figuratively established to give an insider view on how a baby actually develops.  This is done through clever camera tilts and jerks give the sense of how a baby walks at first. 

            Although, I loved the artistic and visual aspect of this documentary, the real treasure was the breathtaking discovery and research-based knowledge!  Scientists and Human Development experts from all across the spectrum contributed their perspectives on essentially evolutionary trends on why babies develop the way do.  Neurobiologists, Cognitive Scientists, Behavioral Specialists, and Pediatricians, gave a variety of inputs, resulted in a diversified knowledge.  For instance, when explaining why babies are able to process words in the way they do, Computer Scientists compared their ability to being superior to robots, while Pediatricians looked at the more social and environmental trends that allow one to learn words.  Psychologists focused on how babies loose abilities to detect subtlety in facial expressions of primates, but inherently learn how to do math.  These ground-breaking discoveries weren't the only impressive facets of this documentary.  The social and game/play-oriented experiments through which this research was done WAS ACTUALLY FILMED! Thus, I got not only a literary/informational perspective of the science in general, but also was able to see the proof and play behind it.

            I highly recommend this documentary to behavior science or biology aficionados.  The facts are packed with interesting NEW AND COMING research, as well as a plethora of scientists and well-reputable sources.  For the softhearted and baby-loving audience, this documentary has plenty of sequences of crawling, giggling, and happy babies, are sure to delight your guchi-goo!  A unique balance of biology and babies earns this documentary four out of five stars!

Interfaith Healing: A Lesson from Newtown's Vigil

The tremendously heart-wrenching and sad massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, resulting in the death of 27 innocent lives, has sparked a wave of grief in the humble town of Newtown and the nation as a whole.  As we heal from this tragedy, it came to my attention how beautiful and amazing the interfaith dialogue has been, in helping to alleviate the grief or at least hare it with others.

After watching CNN's broadcast of the Vigil in owner of the victims  I realized many of the commonalities of the religions' messages.  These messages of peace, comfort, healing through prayer, and community strength, all seemed very close to my heart.  It was a joy to see how each major religion had a representative and advocate for peace from their perspectives.

In line with the Vigil at Newton were the International Conference on World Religions  and Blair's creation of its very first Interfaith Club, founded by Juliette Provost.  For me faith and dialogue are too methods of not only healing, but also UNDERSTANDING and AWARENESS.

Prisons: Permanent Punishment or Road to Recovery?

Prison, to me, is not a widely explored social topic.  They are places where the criminals, murderers, robbers, rapists, and fiends of society are locked away, shunned, and kept safely away from the outside world.  This however, raised a question in mind.  Can prison systems around the world serve has a rehabilitation effort rather then total life punishment?

In many instances, American prisoners are often wasting time in their cells, doing some service work but not learning much.  In Turkey and Kuwait, torture is a huge mechanism of fear, thus instilling the concept of a punishing sentence.  However, a unique, strict, yet cleverly effective system is Japan's.

In a Women's Prison near Tokugawa, discipline is taught through doing tasks, such as laundry, meditation  constant cleaning, housekeeping and other sources of occupation.  Creating and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle is often the key to rehab and bettering oneself in prison.  I think other nations should following the Japanese Model.  Rather than having prisoners waste their lives away, why not be productive and turn them into positive members of society instead of returning as  what they were before.

Documentary Ideas: Dance, Language, and Refugees

Although a few vague ideas for the documentary project have been swirling around in my head, its time to solidify them into clear visions.  Here are three.

Bilingual at Blair

Everyday at School, I notice sooo many languages being spoken.  As a group of individuals we are so diverse in our speech.  I want to pinpoint on both ESOL learners and students of equal fluency in two languages   The Documentary will be thus two fold, uncovering the challenges of learning English as well as the ups and downs of being bilingual   The project will be mainly interviewed-based, consisting of real-time footage of students   Shots of classrooms, cultural shows and exchanges will also be included.  The purpose is too relay the diversity and usefulness in being Bilingual.

Documenting Dance

Through both Blair dance classes and local studios, I want to document the learning of dance among teens and kids.  Specific styles such as flamenco, interpretative, Chinese or Indian Classical, and Hip-hop are too be concentrated upon.  The purpose is to relay the pressure, purpose, and craft of learning dance as a process and a journey in learning.  Animation visuals will portray this as a road to becoming that never quite ends, but continues in fruitful quest.

Refugee

A strong number of refugees are present in the DMV area.  Through interviews both far and close, the documentary will portray the story of being a refugee immigrant in the U.S. and how it differs from just normal immigration.  I plan to use poetry as a catalyst for narrating the film.  Historical facts about refugee history will also be given as well as everyday perspectives from refugees, teachers, policy-makers, and refugee organizations such as the Association of Bhutanese in America.

Fall Video Challenge- Leaves and Harvest

1. Tree of Red Leaves

2. Teeny-tiny Pumpkin 

3 Ingredients 

4 Raking the Leaves 

5 Fall Harvest

6 Tracing a Leaf 

7 Basket of Apples 

8 Apple Crisp Ready to Bake

9 Apple Crisp Ready to Serve 

10 Happy Autumn!

Fall is a time of incredible fruit desserts, cool breezes and more fruit desserts.  The foliage is earthy and rich and its a great time of transition but also favorite holidays.  In filming this short video, I use an ipad 2.  I made use of different camera angles and did some preliminary set up of scenes, especially in shots 5 and 10.  I tried to use the movement of the camera to around certain displays of foilage, color, and apples, but also to move toward things such as the tree.

Autumn is a very calm season too me (which is why its most favorite).  As a result, I used calm vocal music and a cheerful Ukulele tune to exemplify the mood.  I did some light blurring of shots just to make it dreamy.  Again, this is to exemplify how I feel about the season.

A Cooking Quest

Now I have to admit.  I may LOVE to cook, but by NO means am I super GOOD at it.  My ideas usually require the help of an adult to be really put into edible form.  However, my ideas are many and here a few.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients are some of my favorite.  They encompass many different cultures and influences (spices, herbs, liquids, meats, vegetables).  Here are some of new favorite things to cooking with.

Sumac- a Persian herb that I think gives a nice citrus, yet dry flavor. Great in salads
Mixed Herbs- Fresh of course is best.  Parsley (curly or flat), basil, and MINT!
Pomegranate Syrup- Sound kind of unusual? Yea..kind of.  Its got a sweet/tart flavor and surprisingly goes great with lamb.
Fennel- A vegetable that's divine when roasted, and with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt.
Zests of any kind- the zest in my view contains the most intense flavor of fruits (usually lemons or oranges).  Candied zest is great as well.

So, the above ingredients are somethings I'm trying to use more an more in my cooking, yet slowly.
I love making new versions of traditional recipes, but also don't mind have clear cut instructions,  My roasted potatoes with peppers and cumin is a recipe that I whipped up out of the blue but still love.

I also love Christmas and the food that comes along with.  My family loves to make fruit based desserts, along with our family recipe for a dish called "Chicken Korma."  Below is an open tart that I made with store-bought phyllo dough, last Christmas.  At the end I thought the apples were kind of dry so I made a topping with some jam!

Now, I know that CAP students love to bake and cook.  I especially loved Grace and Amy's cooking show.  I am definitely trying their recipe for Pumpkin Bread, as the holiday's roll around.  For all the CAP student/teacher baking and cooking aficionados reading this post, comment below on what your favorite recipe is (if you can).  Why? Well, because I still don't have one and love learning about how other's cook, and their favorite tastes:)

Rock Climbing, Maybe?

Rock Climbing was not a hobby that I expected to get into.  In fact, my interest in climbing stony, spiky walls only sprung after a friend forced me to give it a try at the Earth Trek Climbing Center in Rockville.

I first decided to start out small, at the junior level, with no harness/rope. The walls and courses were short yet still complex ranging from big grip stones to small ones that were further apart.  Mats also provided an extra support in case of fall.  The center does a great job at suiting to your level and interests, with Rock Climbing Instructors helping you along the way.

The point is, a self-paced sport is something I have been looking for forever.  This way, withing a few points I can progress to being in spotted rock climbing settings, and start my way up to higher heights.  I'd also love to extend my interest to outdoors climbing expeditions.  Some possible settings include Sugarloaf Mountain or perhaps Garrett County in Western Maryland.  We'll see! An adventure of possibilities awaits.

A fun place to start and learn!

Where I hope to be (A boulder near Deep Creek Lake)

Career Thoughts: Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine

Dr. Karev of Grey's Anatomy carefully
monitoring an incubated neonatal

My recent obsession with the show Grey's Anatomy has sparked an interest in me for a possible future in Medicine. However lofty this seems, an episode I saw just yesterday really made me curious about the medicine of Neonatals (Newborns), particularly in Intensive Care Units. The delicate care that Newborns undergo (especially when at risk) was fascinating, especially for pre-mature ones. In the episodes "Dark was the Night" and "Suddenly," Doctors Karev and Grey care for a premature neonatal who experiences and ambulance crash on the a journey to the hospital. The emergency care and sacrifice that goes into saving babies was not only heroic but also scientifically and emotionally stimulating.  From incubating the infant, to providing ventilation, fluids, and all core life supports seemed like an inspiring task.
            My research in this field was further driven after watching the episode. I found out that Neonatologists require three years of pediatric residency and additional three years of fellowship. And yes, I am aware that Grey's Anatomy is a dramatized account of medicine, but it still gave me some exposure to a career I think would be interesting.

For a REAL LIFE account of Neonatology, here is an informative video that I found:



Some things I learned from the video:

1. Caring for Neonatal patients is a team effort of nurses, physicians, and parents
2. Emergency situations are common and often times, newborns at high-risk are transported my helicopter
3. A Pediatric Residency must precede Neonatology Training
4. Newborns can have a range of problems as a result of the pregnancy, or in the delivery.  While congenital abnormalities, lung problems, and infections are common, one disorder that interests me the most is hypoglycemia (low-blood sugar) in infants.

Scriptwriter's Reflection

Our script writing is progressing fluidly, with a number of ideas for implementing the dystopian elements.  The first Dystopian elements include the character's dissatisfaction of the society, a worshiped concept, and a dehumanized population.  These three facets, which set the stage of the story are introduced first during scene 1.  Voice-overs of the leader, explaining the greatness of computerized learning, as well as the complete absorption and brainwashing of the computer-drones portray the setting.

Our dystopian trailer focuses on a society's to dumb down students
through computerized learning, while books are hidden.  One girl,
strives to read these books and learn what has been kept from the
general population.

            The script transitions to the second scene with the catalysts.  The script specifies a close-up camera angle and voice-over, of Ruth (the protagonist), leaving the computer lab (setting of scene 1), and adventuring out into the unknown woods.  Her transition to scene 2 (taking place in the woods) represents the fear of the unknown, another dystopian element.  The catalyst for change, the most critical part, occurs at this point.  Ruth finds a textbook from the 21st century, and realizes that the current educational practices limit student knowledge.  She rushes home to read the book, and inquire about the past, and how much there is to learn; however, on her way back to school the next day (scene 3) she is halted and interrogated by Computer Police.  The police throw her book into the camera, and the trailer ends.              
             Voice-overs are the primary medium in communicating the thoughts of characters.  The script is specfic about camera speeds and alternating between shots of the computer and students, or close-ups and wide shots of the the police and Ruth.  Furthermore, the storyline is sequential as the movie would be, if made.  The three definite scenes portray the beginning, middle, and exposition to the end.  The throwing of the book will serve as a cliffhanger.  Is the story resolved, with Ruth getting to keep her book, or do the Police demolish the book, ruining a chance for a change?  This is the question the trailer will raise.