which is only the beginning
The second part of this film/media course was a lot more successful than the first. I learned how to use Final Cut, an essential to film production. In addition to that I got a taste of Adobe Flash, but sadly my taste buds have yet to adjust. Although I was hesitant to taking the second part of this course, I am glad I did. This semester was really to my liking, we had more hands on assignments, from creating storyboards and actually shooting them to editing it. I am pleased that I have taken the second part, because it taught me things I need to know for my future (personal and career wise). Aside from hands on, things were organized in a manner that lectures ACTUALLY kept up with labs. Looking back on it, the process of production is something I enjoy and could myself working with in the near future. I just hope the rest of my production courses at Hunter are as invigorating as Film 160 has been.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Speaking with Animation..
'flash'ing for attention
It’s hard to pick just one of the many 30-second animation clips Jennifer Shiman has created. Using Adobe Flash, Shiman was able to establish Angry Alien Productions , which created animated bunnies that re-enacted feature length films in 30-seconds.
She hand draws everything first by hand (on paper, using a lightbox) then scans it into a vector art, and eventually colors and animates it in flash.
Although I personally struggle with Flash, the technical aspects of her clips seem relatively simple. Leaving her to be more precise with time and content that allow each one to speak so much. Within 30 seconds there’s a beginning, middle and end, maintaining the classical narrative structure, and highlighting the key points that allow one to recognize the film which her characters (bunnies) re-enact.
The space is broken down to a background, middle and foreground which bring it more to life.
The characters are so similar in their drawn features and attitude, we can almost forget they are animated bunnies for 30-seconds and pretend they are the main characters of the original films.
They don’t move around much through each frame, but as a whole it moves so quickly that it feels almost feels like they do.
Animations for entertainment.
one of the many
It’s hard to pick just one of the many 30-second animation clips Jennifer Shiman has created. Using Adobe Flash, Shiman was able to establish Angry Alien Productions , which created animated bunnies that re-enacted feature length films in 30-seconds.
She hand draws everything first by hand (on paper, using a lightbox) then scans it into a vector art, and eventually colors and animates it in flash.
Although I personally struggle with Flash, the technical aspects of her clips seem relatively simple. Leaving her to be more precise with time and content that allow each one to speak so much. Within 30 seconds there’s a beginning, middle and end, maintaining the classical narrative structure, and highlighting the key points that allow one to recognize the film which her characters (bunnies) re-enact.
The space is broken down to a background, middle and foreground which bring it more to life.
The characters are so similar in their drawn features and attitude, we can almost forget they are animated bunnies for 30-seconds and pretend they are the main characters of the original films.
They don’t move around much through each frame, but as a whole it moves so quickly that it feels almost feels like they do.
Animations for entertainment.
one of the many
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Production notes..
involved lots of noodling
Brainstorming for the video project was the most difficult task. My partner and I had very different ideas (genre wise) therefore it was our biggest challenge. In the end of our planning we finally came to an agreement by making our thought process into the project itself, so we both had our ways.
Although the project was very limited with time, the planning process allowed us to cut out scenes, locations, props, and actors to allow everything to run smoothly. We did have to stray from the storyboard at times, but it was a good outline for how we wanted things done.
The editing process was definitely better than the planning process because we both felt on the same page, visually. Being that my partner had much more experience editing I had a lot to learn from him and really enjoyed it.
If given another chance, I would have more action filled footage to make it more of a montage and less dragged out. But After all it was less than an hour, so I am happy with the outcome and that we didn’t break the laws of continuity (thanks to transitions and effects). We had footage of many different angles so that helped bring the video together and kept things interesting.
Spending more time editing (to play around with different looks and feels) would have been effective. I felt as if soundtrack was rushed through, so maybe next time we would plan that ahead of time, instead of leaving it last minute.
Editing is not as hard as it seems. Making a film takes a lot time and effort. Gut instincts feel right, but when you look back at it, it might be one of your worst choices. So, there is definitely a domino effect through each stage of production. Preproduction is especially crucial and sets the path for the fore coming stages to flow better.
Being patient and open minded is the key.
Brainstorming for the video project was the most difficult task. My partner and I had very different ideas (genre wise) therefore it was our biggest challenge. In the end of our planning we finally came to an agreement by making our thought process into the project itself, so we both had our ways.
Although the project was very limited with time, the planning process allowed us to cut out scenes, locations, props, and actors to allow everything to run smoothly. We did have to stray from the storyboard at times, but it was a good outline for how we wanted things done.
The editing process was definitely better than the planning process because we both felt on the same page, visually. Being that my partner had much more experience editing I had a lot to learn from him and really enjoyed it.
If given another chance, I would have more action filled footage to make it more of a montage and less dragged out. But After all it was less than an hour, so I am happy with the outcome and that we didn’t break the laws of continuity (thanks to transitions and effects). We had footage of many different angles so that helped bring the video together and kept things interesting.
Spending more time editing (to play around with different looks and feels) would have been effective. I felt as if soundtrack was rushed through, so maybe next time we would plan that ahead of time, instead of leaving it last minute.
Editing is not as hard as it seems. Making a film takes a lot time and effort. Gut instincts feel right, but when you look back at it, it might be one of your worst choices. So, there is definitely a domino effect through each stage of production. Preproduction is especially crucial and sets the path for the fore coming stages to flow better.
Being patient and open minded is the key.
Monday, October 5, 2009
"We know I can't construct a poem,
Cause words like girls get bored and run"
I chose The Format's Dog Problems music video as my short piece of linear media.
The significant contribution of the music video, is the editing and filming – using hands as main characters /subjects.
The video begins and ends with a curtain opening and closing, a theatrical format, to start and finish the story.
Almost everything else is obvious jump cuts, mostly to differentiate scenes. Very few times do they zoom in/out or use other techniques for that matter.
The camera is pretty much still the whole time, leaving the subject to do all of the movement within the frame throughout most of the scenes. The actions within the frame create a story with the help of the jump cuts to take one through different scenes to experience the same feelings as the main character. The cuts were appropriate to match the scene to the lyrics (such as coffee, alcohol, camp..etc) which emphasizes on the linear aspect.
There are some "over the shoulder" perspectives, as well se tilting upwards and “eye” level.
The journey cutting back and forth through the scenes take one through his experience that brought him to this point. To pass time they use numerous cuts without dragging out the days. Another thing the music video did to connect the jump cuts was by walking out of the frame thus linking it to a whole story.
Most of the time there is dark lighting and simple backgrounds, which sets the mood and isolates the character.
This all works for the video because at first we get a sense of loneliness then encouragement and motivation.
I chose The Format's Dog Problems music video as my short piece of linear media.
The significant contribution of the music video, is the editing and filming – using hands as main characters /subjects.
The video begins and ends with a curtain opening and closing, a theatrical format, to start and finish the story.
Almost everything else is obvious jump cuts, mostly to differentiate scenes. Very few times do they zoom in/out or use other techniques for that matter.
The camera is pretty much still the whole time, leaving the subject to do all of the movement within the frame throughout most of the scenes. The actions within the frame create a story with the help of the jump cuts to take one through different scenes to experience the same feelings as the main character. The cuts were appropriate to match the scene to the lyrics (such as coffee, alcohol, camp..etc) which emphasizes on the linear aspect.
There are some "over the shoulder" perspectives, as well se tilting upwards and “eye” level.
The journey cutting back and forth through the scenes take one through his experience that brought him to this point. To pass time they use numerous cuts without dragging out the days. Another thing the music video did to connect the jump cuts was by walking out of the frame thus linking it to a whole story.
Most of the time there is dark lighting and simple backgrounds, which sets the mood and isolates the character.
This all works for the video because at first we get a sense of loneliness then encouragement and motivation.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I’ve been seeing media...
We’re in an open relationship.
Whether it is the Am NY that gets shoved in my hand on my way to school or websites that I sit by the computer interacting with for hours- I am constantly viewing media.
While most people are obsessing over Facebook or Twitter, I prefer other social networking websites, such as Myspace and Craigslist.
Craigslist is a User- Generated website that provides people with content and the capability to communicate through discussion forums. CL makes needs like housing easy to use, because some users mashup, i.e google maps with the data they provide to assist others. Whether it is free things, community services, personals, and or job classifieds, Craigslist has something for everyone in their specific location. I like it because it is not a complicated website, it is very straightforward and I am able to jump around without getting too caught up in one section. It a user based website that anyone can access and participate in.
Texts From Last Night is another website I am a big fan of. TFLN is set up like a blog that constantly updates new text messages. Users are able to relate to (or mock) the humorous lives of others from all over the world. Viewers are able to interact with one another with options such as, “replies, good night, and bad night” which lead to discussion forums.
Aside from the fact that these forms of media are free and easy to use, they are entertaining and provide me with the resources I am seeking, from a good laugh, to opinions, to a cheap vintage bike.
.
Whether it is the Am NY that gets shoved in my hand on my way to school or websites that I sit by the computer interacting with for hours- I am constantly viewing media.
While most people are obsessing over Facebook or Twitter, I prefer other social networking websites, such as Myspace and Craigslist.
Craigslist is a User- Generated website that provides people with content and the capability to communicate through discussion forums. CL makes needs like housing easy to use, because some users mashup, i.e google maps with the data they provide to assist others. Whether it is free things, community services, personals, and or job classifieds, Craigslist has something for everyone in their specific location. I like it because it is not a complicated website, it is very straightforward and I am able to jump around without getting too caught up in one section. It a user based website that anyone can access and participate in.
Texts From Last Night is another website I am a big fan of. TFLN is set up like a blog that constantly updates new text messages. Users are able to relate to (or mock) the humorous lives of others from all over the world. Viewers are able to interact with one another with options such as, “replies, good night, and bad night” which lead to discussion forums.
Aside from the fact that these forms of media are free and easy to use, they are entertaining and provide me with the resources I am seeking, from a good laugh, to opinions, to a cheap vintage bike.
.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
From Experience,
the parameters were "something intelligent"
We all make mistakes, whether it is from exposing your film in the darkroom to relationships.
While we twist and turn regretting the perspective of the frame we shot, we must stop to recognize the good that it has done for the future.
Now we know directors chose their angles for a certain reaction, emotions, feelings to communicate to the viewers, but who knows how many tries it took.
As an artist, I learned the following this semester;
1) Test all angles with whatever you have.
2) Everything in life takes time. Even the simple things have a process that affects the next.
3) Even though you’re new to something, if its right- the shoe will fit comfortably.
So by all means test limits for the greater, but not ones that will have you kicking yourself.
We all make mistakes, whether it is from exposing your film in the darkroom to relationships.
While we twist and turn regretting the perspective of the frame we shot, we must stop to recognize the good that it has done for the future.
Now we know directors chose their angles for a certain reaction, emotions, feelings to communicate to the viewers, but who knows how many tries it took.
As an artist, I learned the following this semester;
1) Test all angles with whatever you have.
2) Everything in life takes time. Even the simple things have a process that affects the next.
3) Even though you’re new to something, if its right- the shoe will fit comfortably.
So by all means test limits for the greater, but not ones that will have you kicking yourself.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What I hear..
these air molecules must be disturbed
The scuffle of the jeans as they drag along the pavement is easily neglected by the sounds of the neighborhood.
As the birds chirp, car engines and passing trains overpower their orchestra.
The wind is blowing, allowing the chimes to quietly do their job.
The wind should not have to wrestle with the cloud of smoke blown abruptly by the stressful worker.
As he sighs loudly.
Seems like the fast moving cars and the people moving swiftly, brushing their jackets against one another, are competing in some sort of race.
All these conversations are taking places in different languages, such as Hebrew, Indian, Russian, and Spanish, allowing me to know that I am definitely in New York.
Their voices rise, shouting over the obnoxious honking (which are in various patterns and pitches)
and passing trucks (as if they are carrying various metal pieces that keep sliding from side to side).
Perhaps the woman does not want to hear the catcalls from the men across the street, so she intentionally turns her music up.
the cellar creeks open, workers are bringing boxes upstairs,
THUMP!
hope they didn’t crack any bottles, as the glass hit the cardboard walls, while being dropped to the ground.
Good thing their boss is too busy counting money
being scraped out from the plastic holding it in the register, then easily sliding from one hand to his other.
his coins are colliding, reuniting with their match.
The sounds of ventilation of the numerous pizza stores on each block allow me to verify that this area is
Brooklyn.
The scuffle of the jeans as they drag along the pavement is easily neglected by the sounds of the neighborhood.
As the birds chirp, car engines and passing trains overpower their orchestra.
The wind is blowing, allowing the chimes to quietly do their job.
The wind should not have to wrestle with the cloud of smoke blown abruptly by the stressful worker.
As he sighs loudly.
Seems like the fast moving cars and the people moving swiftly, brushing their jackets against one another, are competing in some sort of race.
All these conversations are taking places in different languages, such as Hebrew, Indian, Russian, and Spanish, allowing me to know that I am definitely in New York.
Their voices rise, shouting over the obnoxious honking (which are in various patterns and pitches)
and passing trucks (as if they are carrying various metal pieces that keep sliding from side to side).
Perhaps the woman does not want to hear the catcalls from the men across the street, so she intentionally turns her music up.
the cellar creeks open, workers are bringing boxes upstairs,
THUMP!
hope they didn’t crack any bottles, as the glass hit the cardboard walls, while being dropped to the ground.
Good thing their boss is too busy counting money
being scraped out from the plastic holding it in the register, then easily sliding from one hand to his other.
his coins are colliding, reuniting with their match.
The sounds of ventilation of the numerous pizza stores on each block allow me to verify that this area is
Brooklyn.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Design I Like..
if it I had to write "designs I don't like" I'd have a novel by now
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
-William Shakespeare [Romeo and Juliet]
Film and Media experts would beg to disagree with Mr. Shakespeare on this popular quote. If it is not the name that makes the rose sweet, it’s the background, composition, font, etc.. that would make this labeled rose smell like shit.
So here we are, in a world filled with design, whether subconscious or not, it is all sinking in, but what is really grabbing our attention?
Is it the name? if appropriate or meaningful to the individual. Is the font? Most likely. why is it that wannabe bad ass restaurants use samurai font that’s almost impossible to read, they’re practically asking you to put down the menu and walk out.
As I flip through this People magazine (how did this celebrity gossip for mothers zine end up in my position anyway?) , I finally reach a design I like. It is one that engages my attention, focuses my desires, shapes my world.
It is most definitely an advertisement for ice cream.
Most normal people like ice cream, but the new “lil’ drums” ice cream ad is begging me to take this cut-out, mini,image of it for a “test drive.” A test drive? Only a moron would walk around with this paper cone in their hands that mimics their realistic design. This encouragement for interactive activity with this “hands on” paper ice cream is very clever.
Let me break down the deep meaning and efforts one has put in that made me run to the bodega:
The title, which uses cute slang, is in bold on the top in a fun and easy to read font. Then, the brightly lit hand protruding diagonally from the deep blue background holds this realistic “lil’ drum” ice cream cone. My eyes shift around the hand/cone reading and gathering the little bits of information. By the time I reach the bottom of the page (drooling that is), I find the image of the packaging box balancing out the page to settle things.
Nestle’s drumstick achieved their goal. By placing an appealing image of ice cream in a magazine (right when the weather is getting warmer), it allows the advertisement to function with a certain method that is mocking the values of interactivity.
can't you see yourself holding one?
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
-William Shakespeare [Romeo and Juliet]
Film and Media experts would beg to disagree with Mr. Shakespeare on this popular quote. If it is not the name that makes the rose sweet, it’s the background, composition, font, etc.. that would make this labeled rose smell like shit.
So here we are, in a world filled with design, whether subconscious or not, it is all sinking in, but what is really grabbing our attention?
Is it the name? if appropriate or meaningful to the individual. Is the font? Most likely. why is it that wannabe bad ass restaurants use samurai font that’s almost impossible to read, they’re practically asking you to put down the menu and walk out.
As I flip through this People magazine (how did this celebrity gossip for mothers zine end up in my position anyway?) , I finally reach a design I like. It is one that engages my attention, focuses my desires, shapes my world.
It is most definitely an advertisement for ice cream.
Most normal people like ice cream, but the new “lil’ drums” ice cream ad is begging me to take this cut-out, mini,image of it for a “test drive.” A test drive? Only a moron would walk around with this paper cone in their hands that mimics their realistic design. This encouragement for interactive activity with this “hands on” paper ice cream is very clever.
Let me break down the deep meaning and efforts one has put in that made me run to the bodega:
The title, which uses cute slang, is in bold on the top in a fun and easy to read font. Then, the brightly lit hand protruding diagonally from the deep blue background holds this realistic “lil’ drum” ice cream cone. My eyes shift around the hand/cone reading and gathering the little bits of information. By the time I reach the bottom of the page (drooling that is), I find the image of the packaging box balancing out the page to settle things.
Nestle’s drumstick achieved their goal. By placing an appealing image of ice cream in a magazine (right when the weather is getting warmer), it allows the advertisement to function with a certain method that is mocking the values of interactivity.
can't you see yourself holding one?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
What I see..
is forced upon by the frames of this film
Every little movement in every single frame has meaning and adds to the overall effectiveness and mood in a film. The director and cinematographer work together to determine the technical aspects (before or during the actual shooting) in order to communicate their ideas visually. It takes a perfect combination of camerawork and conceptual theory to create a truly masterful, thought-provoking film.
Sometimes, the different roles are combined into one and a great cinematic architect is able to use his abilities to create a movie all his own. Ingmar Bergman, a Swedish filmmaker, churned out success after success throughout his 50-year career. In Cries and Whispers, he uses various techniques to produce an overall feeling of helplessness and isolation. At first, Bergman begins with still shots using diagonals as well as unbalanced compositions for a dynamic feel. He creates his space within the first three minutes, by tilting downwards from zoomed in extreme close-ups. Drastically, Bergman changes his frames from close ups to long shots, from deep depth of field to shallow depth of field, all attributing to this feeling which he continues to perpetuate throughout the film.
Characters are shown in their environment, each one obviously suffocated by the deafening silence surrounding them. Then within a matter of seconds, Bergman manages to capture every detail of their faces in his renowned close-ups dripping with raw emotion. The drastic light settings leave many characters almost completely in shadow, which demonstrate a focus on important traits. In the ultra-personal scenes, which focus on just one character, there is distinct color scheme, with intense red backgrounds standing out in the otherwise dull, rustic environment.
In the final scene, Bergman fades out to the sisters walking in white with deep depth of field, barely moving the camera as the subjects move through the frame. It then switches to a pan, zooming in to the main sister while creating a shallow depth of field, softening the background while focusing on her. He again utilizes his knack for extreme close-ups with this suddenly zoom into her specific face, highlighting the important aspects of her facial expression. The camerawork used to isolate her intensifies the importance of her emotions and her final realization that happiness comes from the ability to connect with others – as she is not alone anymore, but surrounded by her lovely sisters in this bright, sunlit field.
Every little movement in every single frame has meaning and adds to the overall effectiveness and mood in a film. The director and cinematographer work together to determine the technical aspects (before or during the actual shooting) in order to communicate their ideas visually. It takes a perfect combination of camerawork and conceptual theory to create a truly masterful, thought-provoking film.
Sometimes, the different roles are combined into one and a great cinematic architect is able to use his abilities to create a movie all his own. Ingmar Bergman, a Swedish filmmaker, churned out success after success throughout his 50-year career. In Cries and Whispers, he uses various techniques to produce an overall feeling of helplessness and isolation. At first, Bergman begins with still shots using diagonals as well as unbalanced compositions for a dynamic feel. He creates his space within the first three minutes, by tilting downwards from zoomed in extreme close-ups. Drastically, Bergman changes his frames from close ups to long shots, from deep depth of field to shallow depth of field, all attributing to this feeling which he continues to perpetuate throughout the film.
Characters are shown in their environment, each one obviously suffocated by the deafening silence surrounding them. Then within a matter of seconds, Bergman manages to capture every detail of their faces in his renowned close-ups dripping with raw emotion. The drastic light settings leave many characters almost completely in shadow, which demonstrate a focus on important traits. In the ultra-personal scenes, which focus on just one character, there is distinct color scheme, with intense red backgrounds standing out in the otherwise dull, rustic environment.
In the final scene, Bergman fades out to the sisters walking in white with deep depth of field, barely moving the camera as the subjects move through the frame. It then switches to a pan, zooming in to the main sister while creating a shallow depth of field, softening the background while focusing on her. He again utilizes his knack for extreme close-ups with this suddenly zoom into her specific face, highlighting the important aspects of her facial expression. The camerawork used to isolate her intensifies the importance of her emotions and her final realization that happiness comes from the ability to connect with others – as she is not alone anymore, but surrounded by her lovely sisters in this bright, sunlit field.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lions, Tigers, Bears..Oh, My!
is this a film or a circus?
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens was a fantastic experience. The museum contained various exhibits, such as portraits of stars dating back to the silent era, costumes, make-up, etc. It was nice to see physically available costumes from films like the Exorcist and Taxi Driver, unlike digitally programmed effects. The tour guide even showed us how they try to create points during the film that distract the viewer; allowing switches from real bodies to dolls to go unnoticed. Although there were so many fascinating things at the museum, the demonstration that personally stuck out most was the sound effects station.
At the sound effects station, the tour guide singled out different aspects of sounds that build up into one short scene in the film, Titanic. There I discovered how a specialist can manipulate various sounds to intensify the moment to create the correct atmosphere. Little did I know that elephants and lions had a dramatic role in the Titanic. It was an “ear opening” experience, because many people take films for what they are without taking these little aspects into consideration. When I closed my eyes during this demonstration the distinct sounds of the film sounded like a completely different scene, perhaps a scene at circus or zoo, because of the sounds such as the bag of sand being thrown, pistol shootings and different animal noises. Now I can say that I definitely learned to appreciate the small symphonies that help me absorb the film better.
This demonstration helped made me pay closer attention to the efforts one puts in media production by communicating through our different senses.
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens was a fantastic experience. The museum contained various exhibits, such as portraits of stars dating back to the silent era, costumes, make-up, etc. It was nice to see physically available costumes from films like the Exorcist and Taxi Driver, unlike digitally programmed effects. The tour guide even showed us how they try to create points during the film that distract the viewer; allowing switches from real bodies to dolls to go unnoticed. Although there were so many fascinating things at the museum, the demonstration that personally stuck out most was the sound effects station.
At the sound effects station, the tour guide singled out different aspects of sounds that build up into one short scene in the film, Titanic. There I discovered how a specialist can manipulate various sounds to intensify the moment to create the correct atmosphere. Little did I know that elephants and lions had a dramatic role in the Titanic. It was an “ear opening” experience, because many people take films for what they are without taking these little aspects into consideration. When I closed my eyes during this demonstration the distinct sounds of the film sounded like a completely different scene, perhaps a scene at circus or zoo, because of the sounds such as the bag of sand being thrown, pistol shootings and different animal noises. Now I can say that I definitely learned to appreciate the small symphonies that help me absorb the film better.
This demonstration helped made me pay closer attention to the efforts one puts in media production by communicating through our different senses.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Come one, come all.
well, it's about time I got one of these.
Forget Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, whatever other social networking websites you've become addicted to.
Here I am, creating a blog for my film/media class, months after deleting Facebook.
This will be my way of expressing myself to those who wish to continue this constant updating and "stalking" (as they call it) frenzy.
So for now-
Welcome!
Forget Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, whatever other social networking websites you've become addicted to.
Here I am, creating a blog for my film/media class, months after deleting Facebook.
This will be my way of expressing myself to those who wish to continue this constant updating and "stalking" (as they call it) frenzy.
So for now-
Welcome!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)