One Day (11.11.11)
I had some trouble finding particular events that would be "special" for Pittsburgh on November 11, 2011. I am definitely not saying Pittsburgh is not a special place (it's actually one of my favorite cities), but most of the things off the top of my head entail college life or are happening everywhere across the country. Therefore, it is a bit difficult for me to show the world in a couple-minutes-long video clip what makes Pittsburgh special without cliches.
For example, I was at first going to walk by Game Stop on Forbes Avenue and tape students eagerly waiting in line for the new Skyrim video game. It is sure to be a long wait for anyone who gets there right at midnight. I think it will be fun to capture their anticipation for something for which they have waited months. What I am skeptical about, however, is the fact that there will be thousands of stores across the nation doing the same, with customers reacting similarly.
Also on that day: the NCAA ranked Pittsburgh Panthers basketball team takes on Albany in pre-season play. But every college student in America knows what the feel of a basketball game is like. It is also an exhibition game, which isn't necessarily that "special."
Other events that I am currently considering include SkyWatch Evenings or Laser Shows at the Carnegie Science Center (but those are held every week, I believe). The Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade is also up there (to honor veterans like my grandfathers).
Revision (11.1.11)
This past week I decided that I was going to capture the Veterans Day Parade in Pittsburgh. It may be happening in other places on the eleventh, but it is something to which everyone can relate. Also, it may give me a chance to show off Pittsburgh's unique architecture from ground level.
My approach to filming will be dependent on the crowd. If I can, I plan on walking the route, stopping where the parade turns, and back to the starting point. This approach will have the various floats and buildings included in the video. If I cannot walk the route (or have much difficulty doing so), I will stay where the floats turn. It is a scenic intersection with lit-up billboards and many streets converging.
One of the problems beside the attendance I face is the change in traffic. I took test videos this week and Grant St. (where the parade will be) is very busy all the time. My test footage was full of the humming of cars. trcks, and buses. Hopefully, the lack of those will make my filming a little easier.