Project brief - Portrait of a place

Today we were given our first moving image project brief;

BRIEF

For this project you will be working in pairs.

The theme for your first project is the production of a ‘PORTRAIT OF PLACE'.

Your project will be shot during one day on an external study visit in Week 13.

 Think about the various areas you might explore, and methods you might consider to achieve an interesting portrayal of a place. You can also think about individuals and characters within a place, their personality, world-view, inner thoughts and activities.

APPROACH

Design and shoot a 3-minute SILENT MOVING IMAGE portrait of place

Your portrait could be:

* an exploration of a physical place

* an exploration of a person/people within a place

* a fictional place or characters you have developed,

* a self-portrait within a place

You can use any style or approach to express the idea:

                *  Documentary

                *  Drama / Narrative

                *  Experimental / Poetic

Think carefully about the structure and content of your work. Keep your ideas focused and think about how much information you can realistically impart within the timeframe.

 Shots and edits should be meaningful and given a considered visual treatment appropriate to the place or character(s) you are portraying, think about your audience, how will they interpret your ideas? Minimise your use of titles within the piece, however if you must include some titles/text please ensure that there is a strong creative rationale for doing so. Text should not be used as an easy replacement for sound. The images should speak for themselves. Think about the ‘mise-en-scene’ of your piece. How will you compose each frame of your film? What will you include in the frame?

We were then shown a variety of short films which formed inspiration for our project work. In particular I enjoyed 'Red Shift' (2004) by Emily Richardson. The time lapse techniques proved interesting showing the stars tracking across the sky, creating movement where it would normally appear still, animating the apparent stillness of night. The use of sound was successful partially computer generated, complimenting the strangeness of the animated sky, bringing it to life.

There was also a great short which I can't remember who it was by, showing forest and wood scenes sped up showing the play of light and movement in the trees, bringing the place to life. It was shot over a year and proved very interesting and artistic. It was inventive and gave a creative approach to making a portrait of place.

What will the next 75 years look like

Article in the Radio Times celebrating 75 years of television, Rory Cellan Jones, (29/10/11),  looking at the future of television; super hi vis? Holograms? Only time will tell. I find this kind of thing really interesting to read, cinema has developed so much in a relatively short amount of time, it is anyone's guess in what the future holds both for cinema and technology in general. If you said 10-15 years ago we would be walking around with computers in our hands, you would be laughed at. It's funny when you watch something like Alien 3 (1992) d. D. Fincher, and they have developed advanced space travel and yet they don't have what would today be considered as every day technology in the space prison, so as to process Ripley's data, they had no idea how developed it would become within 20 years, let alone when advanced space travel is possible. The computer geniuses have made scifi dated, thinking on that there hasn't been a great scifi film released in ages, one which dreams up the most incredible things that the future will hold. 

Introduction to short films 2 - Drama

‘High Rise’ (2002) Gabrielle Russell

The main aim of the d. was to evoke huge emotion in a short amount of time; we have suspense, utter despair, compassion, and fear. Whilst the baby fails at falling you are left with a sense of sadness in the knowing that this has happened several times in real life. The main focus is on the neglecting  of young mums, a lack of support caused this very real situation, alongside post natal depression. I personally dislike the film purely because of the unpleasant emotions it creates and its content which is too close to reality for comfort. I think it’s fairly successful in dealing with its subject matter, it is very hard hitting, however, it fails to inspire you to do something about it, instead leaving you with a very negative experience. The pure emotion it managed to create within such a short space of time stood out for me. The films form related to its content by created a very bleak and sombre atmosphere, the mise en scene evoking a life of despair. I thought the sound was very successful in building up the story and in portraying the feelings of the character, I also thought the location was successful; being left all alone up high in a tower block showing isolation and fear.

‘Gas man’ (1998) Lynne Ramsey

The aim of the d. was to evoke a sense of social reality, set in a specific time, a specific place, with a main focus upon the northern lower class. I disliked the film not for its form or content, but due to the bleakness of northern lower class life being portrayed, with no real ending or conclusion. The film was very successful in dealing with its subject matter because of the use of realism that evokes a real sense of time/place/social class, the documentary style adds to the sense of realism. The development of the characters stood out to me; from childlike innocence, portrayed through the car in sugar and “there’s no place like home”, to a realisation that life isn’t always as it appears. The films documentary form and the grittiness of the filmic style compliments it’s subject matter by portraying the grim up north. I thought the fact that it was shot from day night added a certain mood which was successful in complimenting the films narrative which was another successful element. The sound was fairly raw which added to the feeling of the film.

‘Love me or leave me alone’ (2003) Dwain Hopkins http://1linereview.blogspot.com/2010/01/love-me-or-leave-me-alone-2003.html

The theme of the film is that of the hardships of love, with an aim to portray a story. I disliked it as the narrative seemed week and dwindled into not a lot, finding it hard to understand its purpose, portraying a cruel depiction of love. You find irritation as the female character deserves better and shouldn’t accept being treated like that, however, this isn’t resolved and the characters leave in the exact same situation they found themselves in at the beginning of the film with no real development, therefore lacking point. The film was unsuccessful in dealing with its subject matter in the way that there was no resolution. However, it is successful in the way of portraying the stupidity of love. The films form, being dark and grey, relates to their dark and grey relationship. The establishing shots worked well as did the irritation of the male character. The sound was used appropriately with long silences throughout.

All of the films are trying to create a sense of realism, dramatizing something that could happen in real life focussing on domestic issues. Is ‘issues’ an unhelpful term? Drama is conflict. These films are also all British; whilst each is different they do evoke a sense of place.

‘Skin deep’ (2001) Yousaf Ali Kahn

The aim of the film is to let the viewer experience the life of a Pakistani boy who faces his identity, with themes of racial violence within lower class white British estates. I’m in two minds when it comes to liking the film; on one hand it is well filmed with strong characters, giving a sense of what it was/is like, offering a different perspective and verisimilitude, on the other hand, it is quite hard to watch, leaving you with an unpleasant experience. It is successful in dealing with its subject matter with believability and a sense of reality, however, it is very in your face and over the top throughout, perhaps this is a restriction of short films. The lighting stood out to me being quite moody throughout. I thought the use of reflection in water and mirrors was successful in portraying the characters identity crisis, moreover, the use of water and when he tries to shave his skin off, shows his desperation to cleanse his skin colour to white so as to avoid racial hatred and to fit into society. A depressing idea that this fear, caused by society, has leaded him to want to change who he really is. The sound works well, filled with expletives and as aggressive as the film itself.

‘Tango’ (1981) (Polish) Zbigniew Rybczynski

The aim of the d. was to create an innovative animation with a focus on the repetition of life. I liked the film it was abstract and technically impressive, moreover, finding interest in the way that the brain tries to work out the action on screen. The subject matter of repetition and life was successfully portrayed; in fact it is quite literally evident as all the characters repeat the same action on screen, its form allows this literal translation of the content. It is interesting how all these actions could have happened in real life and yet there is no contact between characters, relating to the title tango. The repetitive classical music adds to the piece, showing off the complex juggling of life.

‘Salary man’ (2002) Jake Knight

The aim of the d. is to portray the mundane repetition of life, with themes of the corporate world and isolation despite the vast quantity of people. I liked the film, having a nice concept; is there a point of working in the corporate world if you have no life to enjoy. The film was successful in its subject matter, portraying a sense of place and the shortfalls of the Tokyo metropolis. The vanishing points used throughout the film stood out to me, sometimes using more than one, so as to give a never ending feel adding to the repetition. This for therefore relates to its content, moreover, repeating the same scenes amplifies the repetition. Therefore, the use of vanishing points is a successful technique used by the film maker. Another technique that worked well was the full circle narrative, starting at the end and ending at the start, this is appropriate as it adds to the repetition; even something out of the ordinary and potentially exciting in that world happens again. The white city noise low key sound adds to the film, with the single voice over making plain the feelings the film evokes.

‘Contraction’ (2009) Christopher Hewitt http://vimeo.com/4195583

  The aim of the d. was to create a sense of being given new life and the immediate effects on the surrounding environment, with a central theme of rebirth. I liked the film; it was short but sweet, with a touch of modern day surrealism. The brief was to depict the concept of rebirth, which has several definitions; this one is that of revival, therefore successful in dealing in its subject matter. The lifting up of the flag stones digitally, stood out to me showing off the effects on the surrounding area of the rebirth, amplifying the action. Therefore, the form of this film relates to its subject matter. The bright colourful overwhelming light after he was brought back to life was a successful technique in depicting the rebirth element. I also liked the extreme close up slowly zooming in in crisp HD on the deathly still face, whilst this was a successful technique, it causes confusion in context as he closes his eyes; an unrealistic death; either this is to add to the surrealism or it is showing that there is life still left in his eyes. The sound is minimal gradually building adding warmth to the film.

All these films make you consider what is the difference between documentary and drama? The point of this exercise is to show that there will always be questionable elements of film; boundaries are not set and you can choose to break them. By making films you are opening yourself up to criticism as a film maker.     

Contemplating

It’s interesting how music can evoke such deep emotion, for example Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt creates a deep sadness and emotion. It is my belief that the image of film can be used to distract the audience from the effects of the music, therefore, creating emotion on a subconscious level, which is then compounded with the more prevalent complimentary image.  

'Factory Farmed' short, Gareth Edwards (2008)

This short was made by one Gareth Edwards maker of 'Monsters' (2010), for The SCI FI LONDON 48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE 2008. It is very reminiscent of the film 'Monsters' creating juxtapositions between reality and a surreal world achieved through direct filming layered with after effects compositions, furthermore, supported by strong Foley work. Personally I find interest in the revolution of digital media allowing Gareth to create cinema quality films on a relatively low budget. This is what I would consider as a catalyst for a new film movement brought about by the current social economic challenges faced by the UK's underfunded yet successful film industry.     

Trying out After Effects new warp stabalizer

Having shot my friend’s wedding in the summer I have just finished editing it, on some of the handheld shots I tried out AE’s new Warp stabilizer, which basically analyses then shakes the frame to achieve smooth motion then crops the edges. This was particularly successful when filming the glow lanterns. I did just over 360 degree handheld spin zooming in and out in the centre of all the action, which after putting through AE has created quite an immersive effect. It was nice filming in the moment rather then something set up or staged for the camera giving a sense of realism. Whilst in some shots the camera may be shaky and the lack of lighting is making some serious noise, it just doesn’t matter as you are capturing the moment. The noise was archaic however, so I decided to remove the sound and replace with a cliché love dove track, to bring calm to the situation, creating something magical, as their wedding day was.

intro to short films documentary - spidergram

Intro to short films 1 – documentary/experimental doc

 We were shown a series of short films for analysis using the question structure above. However, I’ve used them more as a guide because otherwise I end up repeating myself, giving more of a short review of each film.

1.       Identify the themes of the film, what is the Director’s prime aim?

2.       Consider what is the film’s main focus

3.       Do you like or dislike the film and why

4.       Was the film successful in dealing with its subject matter and why?

5.       Was there a particular element of the film that stood out for you and why?

6.       How does the film’s form (structure and style) relate to its content (theme and subject matter)

7.       Discuss two techniques used in the film which you found interesting, why do you think this is appropriate

Actuality: Creating a visual sequence of differing shots in order to tell a sequence of a story e.g. showing differing shots of a car plant/factory

 ‘Steel Homes’ d. Eva Weber (2008) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323545/

Notes; voice over – static shots – void space – matches shot sequence – voiceover adds to the effect of the film – a detachment – This is their life but they have to keep it locked up in a box

The main themes of the film involves void industrial spaces, her aim is to evoke this sense of nostalgia and the value of sentiment, conversely, if viewed with a negative eye it could be perceived that the film maker is ridiculing the people she is trying to represent, by clinging onto the past with an inability to let go of their worthless rubbish. However, I personally feel that the focus is on the brilliance of humanity and how specific items can hold so much value causing affect. Moreover, how each box is a Pandora, giving insight into the lives and dreams of each individual owner. This is a great film which I like for many aspects, it’s pacing, the artistic void open industrial spaces, how you connect with the characters through their prized possessions, the sense of voyeurism, and the slight feeling of sympathy, that their lives and dreams have been restricted to a box. The film is successful in documenting a sense of place and evoking humanities foibles. The films form relates to its content through the disconnected voice over, rather than filming them talking she shows a series of shots focusing on the spaces, the contents and the people, this amplifies the disconnection of the owners from their past lives and dreams.

‘Daybreak Express’ (1953) d. D. A. Pennebaker http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045673/

Notes; sunrise, static handheld, pretty images, creating abstract spaces, pacing of film matches music (fast paced making a mundane commute into something energetic and exciting, looking up at sky, no narration/voiceover, sped up shots, disorientation, becoming more abstract, ending similar to start journey now coming to an end.

The theme of the film expresses urban travel; the main aim of the Director is to show what would normally be a mundane morning commute as something beautiful and uplifting. The focus isn’t on a specific person, instead having a loose narrative structure focussing on the journey from beginning to end. I personally like the film for its artistic abstract shots. The documentary was successful in portraying urban travel creating a sense of place, however, failed to go into detail about what life is like, creating more of an artistic snapshot. Its form evokes upbeat modernity but fails to inform. 

‘Christmas with dad’ (2008) d. Conor McCormack http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/films/p004r1f8

Notes; Theme; relationship between father and kids – biological; aim; show his feelings/emotions; focus; emotions of protag; elements that stood out; mise en scene e.g. writing on door; dilapidated; form relating to film; techniques observational camera work – not intrusive.

The main theme of the film is that of the relationships within “unconventional” working class families, the aim of the d. was to portray this. Personally I disliked the film due to a lack of interest in the subject matter, moreover, the edit and handheld camera appeared unprofessional. The focus was on the challenges of being a young biological and non-biological dad. The film was successful in dealing with its subject matter, giving an insight into his life and evoking sympathy. The mise en scene of the drab scribbled on house stood out for me, however, this seems to be documenting what is rather than the film maker’s style or choice. The films form of rough camera work and editing, compliments its setting/ subject matter. I found the film realistic and unobtrusive, which makes for a great form of documentary, documenting the truth.

Life zoetrope (2007) d. Mark Simon Hewis   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-75uRHYHWE

Notes; pregnancy, on fairground ride, narrates is life alongside images, whole life, daughter, cancer dies, wheel – circle of life, non-diegetic music, experimental form of documentary.

The theme of the film is the circle of life, the aim of the Director is to tell a story in a creative experimental way. The focus is on the life and death of a man. In particular I like how the focus is on the circle of life and how the spinning fairground ride is circular and spinning lots of lives around. It was successful in its subject matter, portraying a general view of life which could affect many people. The idea and execution particularly stood out to me having great form. I found the stop motion/zoetrope effect interesting with the imagery relating to the voice over conveying the narrative.

‘Paper boy’s’ (2001) d. Mike Mills http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372459/

Notes; hand held, answering questions the viewer doesn’t hear being asked, focussing in and out, paperboy describing his life, over exposed sky – sound man’s shadow in shot – faults add to its realism, descriptive, different characters come into his life- friends – parents – reflective of life.

The theme of the film focusses upon the American suburban traditions, looking into the role of being a paperboy. The aim is to give insight into this way of life. I really enjoyed the film, it had good pacing throughout. The out of shot interviewer exposed the childhood innocence and how young they really are e.g. when asked about the future of paper boys. Moreover showing how this American tradition develops them; teaching good lessons in life, giving a sense of responsibility, experiencing freedom, giving a taste of adulthood, and how to be a good person. The film maker was successful in getting out of these boys their true thoughts and imaginations, giving insight into their characters. The tracking shots amplified this sense of freedom and independence; no one is portrayed as telling them what to do.

‘Strange lights’ (2010) d. Joe King, Rosie Pedlow http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588432/

Notes; sped up footage of night sky, strong soundtrack, radio voice over – reporting close encounter – real archive sound?, using lights sped up to create light trails, campsite – making life seem quite alien.

The theme of the film was close encounters, utilising a very abstract approach to documentary. I assume the radio voice over was from a real close encounter on that site to keep it true to the form of documentary. The aim of the Director was to evoke a sense of mystery, portraying a narrative in an artistic approach, rather than getting you to question a belief. I found it quite inspirational, having worked with light art photography before, this brings a new dimension of meaning. It was successful in dealing with its subject matter, its form means that it’s not trying to convince you to believe in alien encounters like other standard documentaries. Conversely, does this make you question whether there is an enjoyment for this short based purely on aesthetical reasons? In which case, it lacks depth and meaning.

‘Love takes’ (2003) d. Jeanie Finlay http://www.jeaniefinlay.com/wordpress/?p=48

Notes; non/diegetic, different age groups talking about love, use smaller screens to draw attention to detail, uses on screen text with voice over, tracks across each person whilst not speaking, zooming in on them, cuts parts out but keeps same shot, each person is dealt with in the same filmic style/technique to further evoke that this subject affects all.

The theme of the film is love, with the Directors aim to evoke that love conquers all. The main focus of the film is on the effort and pain that love can create, but how it is a special part of human life. I can vividly recall all of the shorts despite being a few days later, apart from this one, which suggests it fails at captivating its audience. There is no real narrative structure, it neither begins nor ends, with the only real conclusion that it effects all ages and it can take but it’s good. You haven’t particularly learnt anything from this documentary nor does it give a deep insight into the characters involved. The only redeeming feature is that it may trigger your own experiences/memories, creating affect.

CMP project seminar - what is research?

In this seminar we considered what was research and the value it has in informing/influencing our work. Unfortunately the spider grams for each slice of pie were not put on blackboard like the other groups. We pretty much said that anything can form influence, be it theatre, film, art or even everyday experiences. By doing research you can develop a project idea into something new, creating a more comprehensive piece. Analysing other peoples work gives greater understanding in their ideas, and gives context into which your own work fits into. Research is therefore a valuable asset to utilise when being a creative practitioner.

Stop Motion self directed Project

This is a random stop-motion that I did to get my creative juices flowing before uni properly started.  Its aim was to evoke ideas of growth in advertising, using the latest technology to achieve this. The music is under a creative commons licence, which works well with the pacing of the footage. It could have been sharper, which could have been achieved under studio conditions (backgrounds, lighting etc.). A sturdier tripod would have also reduced camera movement.