Brooms Up to the World Cup

The companion blog to the 26-minute sports documentary, "Forgetting Fiction: The Story of NYU Quidditch." will chronicle the journey of NYU student Amanda Dallas as she embarks on the world of documentary filmmaking. Her first piece will focus on the NYU Quidditch team, the NYU Nundu, as they fight to become the champions of the next IQA World Cup.

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Visit Original Link

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WATCH ONLINE

Ladies, gentlemen and kittens, I proudly present to you "Forgetting Fiction: The Story of NYU Quidditch."

For more info on the documentary, check out ForgettingFiction.com.

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"Forgetting Fiction: The Story of NYU Quidditch" - Premiere

Imagine if you could make your childhood fantasy a reality. "Forgetting Fiction" is the story of three members of the Harry Potter generation who decided to do just that. This documentary chronicles the New York University quidditch team, the Nundu, on its quest to win the title of World Cup VI champions while granting viewers a look into a sport once reserved for Harry Potter. The players will face game-changing injuries, harsh words and devastating losses, all in an effort to legitimize the sport they’ve come to know and love: quidditch.

Join me, Amanda Dallas, for the premiere of my Honors Advanced Reporting project, a 30-minute documentary on the sport I've come to know and love, on May 19th at 3 pm! Seats will be limited and timeliness is key, so plan ahead.

Check out the main event: https://www.facebook.com/events/381317025317955/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

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Interview with a Nundu: Ryan Blewett

(Photo by Amanda Salvucci)

Name: Ryan Blewett Alias: - Age: 21 Height: 6’0” Hometown: Killingworth, CT Year: Junior Major: Film/TV Jersey Number: 42 Position(s): Chaser, Seeker House: Gryffindor Playing Quidditch Since: Fall 2010

Why do you play Quidditch? Quidditch has afforded me the opportunity to be on a competitive, challenging team sport that surrounds me with a group of enthusiastic, fun people who make each day interesting. The chance to develop and essentially write the history for a new sport has been an honor.

What is your role in the history of the NYU Nundu? After rocky leadership began pulling the team apart during the first months of becoming an official club, myself and Brittany Holzherr were elected as co-captains and worked hard to steady out the team and establish a functioning orthodoxy. I primarily focused on how the team functions during practices and games.

What is your favorite moment on the pitch? After a long first day of World Cup IV (the team’s first ever major competition), we were able to pull together and win against Ringling after being a team for less than a month. The game was fought hard under lights with a huge crowd of NYU supporters, and guaranteed us a pass to the next day, the top 24 for the Cup. I’ve never been more proud of the team.

Ever experience any injuries? Nada, except one time I got run over by a 250 lb Texas A&M player and blacked out for a second.

What has most surprised you about the team this season (maybe in comparison to the past)? The team has recently a major change in line up after some growing pains, and it is great to see some real enthusiasm with most of the major players.

What are you expectations for the Nundu at the World Cup? I’m looking forward to fighting hard, working together as a team, and putting our collective all onto the pitch.

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Your input, please?

As you've noticed by my posts, the documentary currently has a pending title, "The NYU Nundu." After extensive discussion with various people, it's been decided this title just won't do. So, I want your input!

What are your suggestions for a short, snappy, memorable name for my documentary on the NYU Quidditch team?

[thenyunundu]

Promo shots for the documentary are in! Here's a preview for you, Tumblr. And to those of you that sprung for the character posters on IndieGoGo, here's an idea of what you'll be looking at--minus the text. Huge thank you to Nathan Noyes at nathannoyes.com for, once again, hooking me up with some impeccable quidditch photos.

[thenyunundu]

Interview with a Nundu: Bryan Hall

(Photo by Chris Cabeza)

Name: Bryan Hall Nickname: Peanut Butter, Bry-Bry, The Bry-onic Man, Ryan Age: 22 Height: 6'1” Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK Year: Senior, '13 Major: Politics Jersey Number: 00 Position(s): Chaser, keeper, seeker, beater… Yeah, I'm that guy. House: Slytherin, but other members swear that I'm actually a Gryffindor. Playing Quidditch Since: …I helped start Quidditch at NYU about three years ago.

Why do you play quidditch? It started out as a way for me to relive my experiences from when I first read the Harry Potter series. However, quidditch has become much more to me than this. It's my family here at NYU and the members of the club, as well as the members of the quidditch community, are fun to be around. I guess there is something to be said about a person who can, in all honestly, take a sport seriously that requires you to have a broom between your legs at all times. It's these people and the experiences I have with them that keep me coming back.

What is your role in the history of the NYU Nundu? I founded the team with three other players at NYU. I created our first constitution and lead the team to a couple amazing victories during World Cup IV. After an injury, studying abroad junior year and a rough time at World Cup V, the club kind of hit an all time low with little wins underneath its belt. However, after successful summer training and with new leadership, the NYU Nundu have taken the pitch by storm and I am proud to be a part of that process. Someone once told me, "You’re the glue that keeps this team together." A compliment I proudly wear; however, I know that after I leave, the current freshmen will be able to fill my shoes because that's the kind of team we've built this year. 

What is your favorite moment on the pitch? Honestly, my favorite moment on the pitch is the dog pile that happens after your team catches the snitch in a clutch game in a tournament. While, yes, the seeker ended the game, it took everyone putting in their all to make sure we won in the end. This is my favorite moment: our collective celebration of an amazingly played game.

(Photo by Michael E. Mason Photography)

Ever experience any injuries? Yes, sophomore year during one brutally cold game we were playing the NY Badassilisks and I took an illegal tackle from behind. I was taken down and landed unfortunately wrong, thereby tearing my ACL and meniscus in my left knee. After a little less than six-months in recovery, I was playable again.

What has most surprised you about the team this season? I guess it's different now being a senior and helping incoming freshmen rather than when I started out as a sophomore with a young team, but the sense of family and community that comes from these players has changed tremendously. In the beginning it was something that we all did and then we would all party together. However, now quidditch at NYU has become the home for some of these new players. It is this sense of community that I think will enable quidditch at NYU to keep growing.

What are you expectations for the Nundu at World Cup VI? We have the strongest team we've ever had right now. With some amazing pulls, we've collected a broad range of skill. I honestly believe we have a chance to go far at the World Cup. I know we'll see the second day for sure. However far we get in bracket play will be a test to see how many members of our team want to see the gold. The main thing holding us back, based on gameplay, is our substitution and the way substitutes are delegated, but this is something we have time to fix.

[thenyunundu]

IndieGoGo Update

The bank account harboring the funds for my documentary is currently sitting at around $900. Recent purchases include a GoPro Hero 3, a chest mount and a mini SD card; a used telephoto lens, tripod and extra Rebel T3i batteries; and two flights to Kissimmee, FL, hotel stay and some luggage fees. Thanks to the wonderful people who donated to my documentary, none of my costs so far have come out of pocket. Now that all my equipment has been purchased, the next step in regards to my cash flow is the purchasing of a domain name and website. Here’s a preview of what I have in the works:

[thenyunundu]

The Character Debate

What makes a fantastic character? Is it the individual who created the team but lacks athleticism? Maybe it’s the individual who supposedly stole his position from his friend? Or, could it be the individual who doesn’t care for the sport, but sticks around? My characters are none of the above, but when I was choosing which members of the NYU Nundu I would focus on, these characters with these storylines certainly came into play.

In the past month I’ve faced an internal debate over my characters: he’s never around, should I just cut him and save myself the trouble? He may come across too cocky on camera; will that appeal to an audience? He’s wrapped up in the affairs of a member who doesn’t want to be on camera, will that hurt his story? I have four characters in front of me, all with equally compelling storylines, however, I’ve been unsure how to piece their tale together, up until now.

Today was the day for a decision and the decision is to cut character number four due to a lack of presence and because I had a realization about my storyline. The three remaining members are compelling, eloquent and have a real presence on camera. And, here’s the selling point: their storylines coincide. Not just because they are on the same team, but because they represent three different seasons, three different versions of leadership and three different types of player. They, essentially, sum up the history of the Nundu.

[thenyunundu]

A Thank You to You

It’s done! The IndieGoGo campaign for The NYU Nundu (tentative title) is officially complete. Thanks to YOU, I raised $2,372, exceeding the initial goal of $1,500.

I’m incredibly grateful for your kindness and especially grateful for the generosity of the Quidditch community. Thanks to my fellow players, this page and trailer were distributed across every social media platform. I could not have reached such a large audience or raised the funds I did without you! I’d like to take this time to thank all of the generous contributors to my campaign.

Thank you to my teammates (current and former) Jeff Brice, Rich Martino, Lucy Miller, Kyle Jeon, Jon Marcus, J.J. Lynn, Namitha Gubbi, Brittany Holzherr, Zack Gindes, Jimmy Harney, Bryan Hall (and his mom, Julie Hall), Brit Bucklee, Dante Close and Mike Alfieri.

Thank you to my aunts, Sandy Giles and Cathy Spina. 

Thank you to my friends within the Quidditch community, Eric Lovell, Seneca Pieris, Michael Parada, Robby May, Justin Bogart, Kerri Donnelly, Ralph Palmieri, Ben Cohen, Walt Makarucha, Jessica Klein, Rob Szabo and Katherine Booth.

Thank you to those outside of Quidditch, Carly Price, Barbie Knoles, Lisa Naujokaitis, Crystal Fidler and Jesse Rabbits.

Thank you to my sorority sisters, Lauren Pinheiro, Tati Tylosky, Ruth Sobalvarro, Carol Jew and Claire Stevens.

Thank you to Peggy Gregory, the woman who introduced me to journalism and helped me discover my talent and the career path I was meant to follow. 

And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my parents Dale and Martha Dallas not only for their $1,000 but for always supporting me when I think up these immensely large undertakings. I’ve never been one to take the easy route and choose an easy project to tackle, yet, they have never told me I’m in over my head or incapable of reaching a goal. Without you two, this idea would never have become a reality.

Stay tuned for what’s next, because the money may be accounted for, but the journey is nowhere near its end.

[thenyunundu]

Success!

Today I met my goal for my IndieGoGo campaign! I'd like to extend a HUGE thank you to the people who have donated! However, it's not over yet. I still have 25 days left until the campaign is officially over. Thus I am now shooting for $2000. Now what will this additional $500 buy me?

That not-so-little guy above or a lens of a similar sort. Why do I need this? I'm currently shooting with the kit lens that came with my Canon Rebel T3i, while the lens is, indeed, a trooper, the focal length, stabilization and, well, every aspect of this little gem is 150 times better. It will literally take my footage to the next level. If you haven't had a chance to check ou the campaign yet and have a dollar to spare, I'd appreciate if you would contribute to the campaign for my documentary: The NYU Nundu. 

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The Nundu took first place yesterday at the "End of the World" tournament in NYC. The team is officially one step closer to becoming a viable competitor at the World Cup level.

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Brooms up!

The game has begun!

I have exactly 47 DAYS to raise $1,500 to fund the creation of my documentary on the NYU Quidditch team, the NYU Nundu. The piece follows me, Bryan Hall, Brit Bucklee and our team on our path to the World Cup.

It would be greatly appreciated if YOU could check out my campaign below and help me out by donating whatever you can (even $1 would be fantastic). 

Please share this blog post and the link: http://www.indiegogo.com/nyuquidditch

[thenyunundu]

In a Matter of Hours...

A semester’s worth of spilled tears, crashed hard drives, poorly-kept computers and unfortunate circumstances will become worth it in a matter of hours. 

A semester’s worth of bliss-filled smiles, backed-up files, purchased computer programs and lucky timing will become worth it in a matter of hours.

A semester’s worth of work will come full circle upon the launch of my Indie GoGo campaign, so keep an eye out, because by 5 pm EST, my page will launch and I’ll need YOUR help to raise the $1,500 I need to finish my documentary.

As they say on the pitch, brooms up!

[thenyunundu]

Confused about what Quidditch is? Here's a lovely diagram from the International Quidditch Association explaining the basics of the sport!

[thenyunundu]

Conflict Builds Character, but a Quidditch Team?

The Nundu are no strangers to conflict. When I joined the team in September 2011 I learned this. The leaders of the team consistently clashed. I even recall our president (no longer a member of the team) and our treasurer (the current president) duking it out in the dining hall at our team dinner the night before the World Cup. Harsh words were exchanged, threats were made. The leadership of our team has changed by leaps and bounds since then, however, conflict has remained.

As the director and producer of the Nundu documentary, I desire conflict. It helps build a plot. However, as the vice president and a captain of the team, I'd prefer conflict didn't rear its ugly head. Alas, conflict emerges no matter how hard an individual or a group of individuals attempt to keep it at bay, so I concluded I would take it as it comes. I would watch each conflict unfold. I would film it and make the decision later whether it was necessary for the plot or would just do damage to the heart of the team or the individuals involved. I'm not out to crush feelings, I'm out to make a riveting documentary. That said, this weekend I found myself with one of the most riveting conflicts I could ask for--a physical altercation between captains.

Yes, between the CAPTAINS. If you've been following this blog and paying attention, you'll realize why this situation was unique: I am one of those captains. Now I'd love to elaborate how the situation escalated, but that's something I'm going to save for the final product. The reason for this post is to touch on the dilemma this presents.

The situation unfolded naturally. It was not created to dramatize the piece. It wasn't even caught on camera (the visual presentation of such in the documentary will be a reenactment). "What's the issue then?" Well, the question that comes to mind is how people will view the situation. Will they assume it was pre-conceived? Will they call the reenactment an inaccurate portrayal?  Say the answers are yes. Do I leave the piece on the cutting room floor? Do cast aside the conflict that could lead to massive changes for the future of the team? A dilemma this is, indeed.