Week 2 - Sample shots done over the weekend

Over the weekend, we did some trial shots in the city using a DSLR camera. The aim of this excercise was to get used to the technical equipment we are using as well as playing around with  filming techniques we had researched. Different ways of constructing a shot that we tried out were: tilt, panning, zooming, tracking (with and without a secondary foreground object)

Shots were a bit shaky most of the time, we have yet to get a tripod and the weather wasn't that very great that afternoon. We thought we can still carry on to do some trial shots.

 

When going over the videos at home, we realised the importance of pre-planning the shots. Of course this was just a first little field trip to see what is possible however we are very keen to improve our filming skills and create better footage in future. Hence, we looked into it a bit more and found a very useful collection of  videos on vimeo that are very helpful for anyone just getting started with filming: https://vimeo.com/videoschool/101

Week 2 - Story Boards

Each of us have spent the last few days making storyboards. We independently created the boards without sharing our ideas within the group so we had the biggest possible idea output at our disposal when we met up. Below are scans of our individual drawings.

We also continue to alter the narrative of our video. We are definitely set on the idea of using Latrinalia - a term coined by Allen Dundes to refer to graffiti found in restrooms. However, we are now thinking to use it more as a medium for communication of the "small action, big impact" discussion rather than the central subject. Currently we are deciding on an issue we can raise awareness to. The excessive use of paper towels seems to be a good choice. Subconsciously, we use a lot of the disposable towels.

Week 1 - Research

Below are some clips we looked up as reference & inspiration for our initial research.
All links source from Youtube

• Lola Rennt (suggested by Franziska) - this was a trailer for a movie, the character is on a constant move. We were also brainstorming if we can use a narrative that shows multiple sequence where the character's decision affects the change in the sequence. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx8XPYbMuXA

• Everything is gonna be allright Music Video. NZ band, entertaining video that keeps viewer wanting to watch the video by applying engaging filming and narration techniques (movements are appropriated to music/dance, builds up with more and more people joining in, positive atmosphere and location reflects message of song)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAtL9itQ0Nc

• Opening scene of the German movie "Ein Freund von mir". It starts with blobs of colours that when focused reveal a busy road at night with cars rushing past. It creates a sort of guessing game where that viewer tries to identify what the abstract pattern of circles represents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1GKaXoZHvE

• American Beauty. Great filming with a variety of useful shooting techniques (over the shoulder, tilt shots, zooming in and out,...) as well as an outstanding use of symbolism and stage design (colour symbolism, the American Beauty rose, imprisoning the characters in door frames and windows,etc.). Techniques of cinematography that really encourage the viewer to look below the surface.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIq9Zjw0mm8

• Photographer Gregory Crewdson. Credson did a lot of work as a stage designer as part of  a variety of theatre and some film productions. His photographs are strongly representative of his professional history. Each shot is carefully crafted with every detail adding to the narrative. Strong emphasis is put on setting, lighting and atmosphere.

I think what all our artist models have in common are that small details as well as though through stage design is what really sells the idea and engages the audience. these are qualities and techniques we would like to emphasise in our project. 




Also over the weekend, we did some research for our topic about scribbling, graffiti, and how symbols transforms into a meaning and trend. We found some books that define the formative role of simple mark-making into culture and society.

Book Sources:

• Line Let Loose (Scribbling, Doodling & Automatic Drawing) by David MacLagan
• Draw Your Own Alphabet by Tony Seddon
• Symbolic Transformation edited by Brady Wagoner

 

Week 1 - Choosing a topic for the project

We have spent the past to days brainstorming different possible topics referencing the brief we were given in class. At first we were very set on the idea of "random acts of kindness", i.e. smiling at random people in public in order to brighten up their busy day. However, we were not 100% set on the idea and decided to do further consideration. Very keen on getting one specific idea down by the end of today, we have decided to expand on the concept of toilet wall graffiti in relation to social media and creating a (fictional) trend from it.  Over the next few days, each of us will be doing 2 to 3 ideas for storyboard ideas. On Monday, we will meet up to create one final story board in preparation for our class on Tuesday.

Furthermore, we have set up a shared Google Drive file in order to be able to share our individual process and work within the group.

Current scenario:

• Scribbles are usually unconscious marks we make while being bored, on the telephone,....
• Interview of two guys who use the scribble as a symbol to represent themselves in public areas (e.g. toilets)
• Use of photography and hashtags of "graffiti" to distribute idea online, ultimately starting a trend
• Trend gets picked up by people of our age group who expand on the idea by starting to draw their individual symbols on other public areas (e.g. bus stop timetables, library books, University desks,...)