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Creative Media Practice Reflection

Creative Media Practice Reflection

Reflecting on the initial feedback provided, I agree with most of the feedback, the shot of the billboard is the only thing that is identifiable and taking away from the abstract nature created throughout the film, an altercation for this was potentially scaling the footage up, to zoom in, but this created a soft-focus pixel style so it wasn’t possible. Another part of the feedback was for the opening sequence, as the lights enter the screen having them react to the tone of the organ, having them replicating a pulse with the organ, this I both felt could have been appropriate, but possibly overwhelm the sequence, making it busy and losing its overall effect. Something similar was done during the test edit, with a TV static being layered over the lights after they finished entering this effect overwhelmed the style and overall sequence, so it was decided to not continue the effect into the final edit. A different comment was the spiral sequence, as this is the only thing that was made entirely in After Effects, as it doesn’t truly match the overall style and astatic created throughout. Which I understand, but feel that the sequence adds a sense of technology to the overall film, and was also an opportunity to showcase post-production skills, whilst creating showreel material. The last piece of feedback the film received was possibly having more transitions, transitioning between scenes with crossfades etc. This feedback I agree but would be used once or twice. This is the piece of feedback I both agree and disagree with, as the lack of transitions sets it apart from other pieces of work, which is a goal of the film, it also adds a reality to it, making the scenes more impactful as they don’t fade in and out, they fill the frame in an instant having a more lasting impression on the viewer. However, I also understand the feedback, making it appear more polished, showing a well-thought construction and edit as well as allowing it to appeal to wider audiences, showing a more professional edit and post-production technique.

Personal reflection – The film allowed the practice of post-production techniques as well as learning new abilities in both production and post of the film, it also allowed the continuation into experimental cinema. A few ideas and sequences could have been executed more effectively, such as the light strip sequence, as the sequence feels the audience wanting more, it lacks the interest that other sequences creates, similarly with the plasma ball semi-circles coming together, that could have been better executed as it feels lacking as compared to other sequences within the film. But it continues the abstract sense created throughout the film. One major flaw from the film is the billboard sequence, as the initial billboard sequence from the test film was a much stronger clip, but poorly shot (soft focus and not straight) this was recreated but when reshooting it the adverts had changed to advertise Black Friday and Christmas. This sequence was a major decision, as the clips were very different from everything else presented in the film and felt a complete change. But was kept in as it felt that it accompanied the voice-over quite well.

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Finished Film

https://vimeo.com/378924885

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Creative Media Practice Week 10 & 11

Finished Film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ZszWQYZ5I

Creative Media Practice Write up week ten/eleven 28/11/19

While editing the film together I chose to go and re-shoot three different shots, as the original ones were done without a tripod and had a natural shake. The lamp shot at the beginning, the electronic billboard and the plasma ball used to create the flower these shots benefited from being redone as well as using a prime lens for each shot 50mm. I began to research into various possibilities within After Effects and how I could implement them, such as neon light animations, glowing animations and more engaging lower thirds for the credit and title.

The decision for the credit to be a smaller lower third was to further push the title and ideology behind the film, it being a light thought, a fleeting thought within society but being droned out by the world around that they decide to engage with. When editing certain choices were made to further push the narrative being presented, such as the opening sequence as the lamps disappear and missing a beat showing the viewer to understand they have no control in the narrative within the film. The decision to use the black Friday and Christmas advertisements on the electronic billboards was for a multitude of reasons, firstly the other shot was soft focus, not being straight as well as being cut off in the corner. The other reason was to push this ideology that the Christmas mentality is pushed through advertisements presented anywhere and everywhere possible. But these messages isolating society from one another as the mentality of only being able to show love and affection through buying the latest item for them. For the light strip composition was built upon as it lost interest, therefore some research into brushes and possibilities was conducted to find an interesting way to present it. This lead to the glowing lines going across and around the composition, allowing the glow to surpass the glow of the original light to dull over time exaggerated further by the light strips cutting and leaving four lines remaining while maintaining the glowing lines to further stand out.

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Creative Media Practice Week 9

Creative Media Practice

Write up week nine 19/11/19

Researching into more possible composition creations found the mirror style, and looking at various implications for this effect, however, making sure to use it sparingly as well as other effects in order to keep them fresh and not feeling redundant. Continually researching into different styles and possible compositions also gave inspiration for triangular mirroring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RushY0Ovfg

Giving inspiration for various lighting mechanics to be shown and explored through the triangular mirroring effect, allowing the further pursuit of the mirroring style but allowing it to maintain a sense of new and keeping to the style created before. The triangular mirror can also allow the tone to maintain a similar sense of flow and ambiguity throughout the composition and allow the final film a new way of being shown through 3D projection.

Further research lead to Oskar Wilhelm Fischinger, a German-American abstract filmmaker https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6wte7p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JU3GFgMWh8

https://vimeo.com/342597616

His use of shapes, colour and movement to sound generated ideas for certain compositions within the film, as well as furthering the use of sound to drive the film forward with several ideas further explored in terms of continuation, using shape effectively, transitioning into the next scene as well as colour. Another interesting aspect of Fischinger’s films is the use of background to further the visual appeal https://vimeo.com/54587174

Utilising the background to draw attention without the use or need of colour.

Another filmmaker that created inspiration is Norman McLaren https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3-vsKwQ0Cg

With his work utilising sound, colour and shape to push the film forward, focusing more on electronic sounds as compared to Fischinger who used more classical scores https://www.nfb.ca/film/synchromy/

McLaren also created other types of experimental animated films, using a folksong to drive the narrative forward, such as https://www.nfb.ca/film/le_merle/

Showcasing a different style to review and draw inspiration from similarly he also created pieces explaining his method https://www.nfb.ca/film/pen_point_percussion/

This allows him to direct the film, but also allow the lines and shapes to drive it forward placing them in certain ways to draw attention as well as different ways of showing them visually, both animated and real-time but also allowing him to explain his method in an interesting and engaging manner. However, this film does break consistency with the multiple uses of animation; real-time etc. a variation from the regular styles of film McLaren would produce.

Reviewing footage for each component within the film showed that certain clips could be much improved and left a lot to be desired, in terms of framing, steadiness, depth of field, length and exposure. These issues need to be addressed and changed, re-shooting the particular scenes to a higher standard. Shots being the beginning sequence, the electronic billboard as well as the plasma ball-conjoining flower this will allow a much higher standard for the final film as well as giving a further sense of consistency and style between shots. However, one-shot that may not work overall is the electronic billboard sequence due to it different to all other shots as it is an outdoors shot, in semi-controlled conditions, but re-shooting it will allow more control over and possibly allow it to form to the style created and presented throughout. The reshoot will use a Sony A7II for continuity, a gorilla tripod as well as utilising a 50 or 85mm lens to have more control over the visual imagery.

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Creative Media Practice Week 8

Creative Media Practice

Write up Week eight 12/11/19

Feedback on the test, what I think worked well, what didn’t, what to change, keep, marks feedback

The feedback on the test film was extremely useful, going into detail on what compositions worked, possibly lengthening one composition to lead the audience further as well as new areas of research light installation for possible presentation ideas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEEKBbKvuMQ ways to present it to audiences and gain and maintain interest. The comments and discussion pushed other ideas further with testing more varieties of light, light strips and fairy lights as well as incorporating the optic fibre and or plasma ball. The most interesting and engaging composition is the split-screen eight lamps, leading from one to another this proved well as the introduction to the film and allows for strong pacing, using the score to introduce itself calmly.

Something that was tested was the use of car headlights as well as using a micro-fibre LED lamp although abstract, these shots didn’t suit the style set in earlier shots due to tungsten lighting created from the street lamps. Therefore the shots didn’t suit the style established and created by the controlled shoots with black backgrounds. However, another shoot would be beneficial, focusing on the controlled environment instead of the outdoor style shoot.

Continuing research lead to a different style of experimental film https://vimeo.com/61765258?fbclid=IwAR3l2G1WbZ26R7-98WN8NV_P-ZKGoC5Q-EnplDx5V0gDLMrCMwK9eHmLS-M

Showcasing the mirror effect and style, mixed and combined with time-lapse cinematography certain uses have lead to more ideas for the project, utilising the mirroring style to further experiment with.

Further research into Danny Yount has lead to ideas using more abstract light, focusing more on solid black backgrounds and the light before them using the style created in parts during the test and carrying that on to the final product. https://vimeo.com/118482591

With this research and inspiration, further, development went into another shoot, using LED strips as well as fairy lights, utilising these lights as well as the black background in order to maintain a similar style that has been established as well as drawing more attention to the lights. For this shoot plans for more varied equipment, such as the use of a tripod/gorilla pod as well as prime lenses 50mm or 85mm for more control and possibilities throughout the shoot.

Another aspect of research went into where this sort of work would be shown; one possibility would be it being projected onto the side of a building, allowing the film to reach a wider audience as well as embracing the old style of silent film projection this possible presentation would work both in colour, black and white, silent and with sound. Another aspect of the research was into 3D mapping and projection, projecting the film on the walls, ceiling and floor in a room allowing the film to be an experience; this allows the film to be shown in a controlled way in terms of sound, audience and lighting. This method also allows the film to be shown in different ways, black and white, silent etc.

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Creative Media Practice Week 7

Creative Media Practice

Write up Week seven directed study 05/11/19

During this time I chose to shoot and edit a short test film, to test ideas, shots, lighting styles etc. To showcase my ideas as well as practice a different editing style, exploring different techniques etc.

Filming and editing

During this time I chose to try and create a visual test of my ideas, to see various ideas, split-screen techniques, abilities as well as to see what worked, what I would take forward into the actual production. I used two different cameras, a Sony A7II and an Osmo, testing to see which would be better suited for the type of shoot, focusing on light to explore and produce a short experimental piece.

The two different shoots allowed further exploration of ideas, a controlled room with a limited light source and outdoors, but this gave an opportunity for spontaneously light sources to emerge fireworks, sirens etc.

The shoot allowed the exploration of various light sources, plasma and small LED lighting giving the opportunity for experimental ideas to be tested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T45H2u3A8I&t=153s

Researching further into various ideas, possible techniques and inspiration to showcase light, abilities and editing styles

One issue was the somewhat overwhelming streetlights; this created a heavy flow of tungsten light throughout the night shoot, while reviewing the footage this became much more apparent so shooting later the camera was moved much closer in an attempt to combat the streetlamps and give a much more ECU style shot, allowing further experimentation within the editing process.

Before the editing process began a score was found, that allowed the piece to exist but also gave it rhythm and allowed each composition to explore the score, through beat and its experimental application.

During the edit, inspiration was drawn from research into different examples of experimental films and their editing techniques, such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T45H2u3A8I&t=153s

2:48 and 3:14 this edit, in particular, splitting the screen in two using the same clip at different timeframes to explore narrative. I drew inspiration from this particular sequence, however vertically instead of horizontally. Overlaying and changing opacity with clips as well as rotating them to have different meanings entirely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa86kbT4_oA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR379BBDD01z2CujiEfkdjYzQQVEdqqhL97LO2wfXLORY0YyPVusc2eu32U

The test video allowed to visually showcase editing ideas, styles, trying various ideas from inspiration and the overall idea for the project this proved more effective instead of creating and presenting various ideas from others work or rough storyboards. The most interesting composition used light to follow the score, using the tone to introduce more starting in one corner and adding more slowly this technique allows the still image to lead the audience through placement and colour and the lack of colour. During this composition, TV static was added with opacity reduced to better suit the score. Another productive composition is the scrolling, used to introduce three-way split-screen, using vertical scrolling to introduce them and create the split, filmed in a direct way to engage with the characters presented in the advert but also to present the idea that the advert isn’t unique.

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Creative Media Practice Week 5

Creative Media Practice

Write up week five 22/10/19

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19wxCUAybYTC0gcdTVAtO7pLciWt8aEMu/view?fbclid=IwAR2M4O-TUSQo9FIqUHa9vxW9OdDzP5-UMo56Tht4J9-yfwIiUMw6rSWQ5Dg

Looking at social media stories, parody, food and general interest, political, animals etc. showed the variety of content available for exploration within social media stories

Looking at social media stories, the different genres, types, audiences and platforms of which they and released and promoted on showed a large mass quantity of content for mass audiences. Such as animal videos, sad, happy, learning, disability, war, food etc. narrative stories appealing to mass audiences on a variety of social media platforms, using social media to spread and gather a following. https://www.facebook.com/animalsdoingthings/videos/547881435998488/

https://www.facebook.com/DailyMailAust/videos/319852885347244/

https://www.facebook.com/insiderpresents/videos/2045657705726129/

Each video with millions of views, showing the mass appeal of each social media narrative video, each appealing to larger audiences through different mean, animals, happy and food and the possibilities for a variety of content to become viral reaching large audiences. Through discussion with the group, the choice to use After Effects to track photo and video over film clips was decided the current discussion of Brexit, Boris Johnson and politics seemed to be a strong point for audience to engage with, using popular film ‘The Shining’ (1980) in particular using an iconic scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpipB4yehk

Using After Effects to replace each characters face with a different character or image to change the tone from being tense to humorous, reinforcing this with a short video clip of Johnson imposed over Jacks face for the popular line “Here’s Johnny!” while imposing the Union jack flag over Wendy’s face and the European Union flag over Danny’s face, representing England’s attempt to flee Johnson while the EU has to watch.

Through the continuation of researching experimental film for both inspiration and technique allowed a variety of technique and ability to be explored and pondered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBN8FuBD7s

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cB6rPE-6OE

Research also revealed the wide array of lighting the can be altered and used to create visual, using focus, perspective and specific lenses e.g. 50mm, 85mm

I continued to explore and develop an idea for the production aspect of the module, using plasma lighting and LED lights to create a short experimental split-screen film test, testing angles, lighting, room space, sound etc. The test allowed experimentation with various settings, angles and various settings on the camera. This test allowed exploration of lighting and its implication within a film, its placement and imagery. A larger variety of lighting could have aided the test, allowing more variety to be used and exploring different light temperatures, possibly using a wider range of kit, lenses and possibly an Osmo to achieve stable moving shots and a tripod for static shots. The exploration into the experimental film will continue with a possible exploration into juxtaposing shots within the split-screen format and displaying it via the 3D projection, using pillars to display the split-screen aspect.

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Creative Media Practice Week 4

Creative Media Practice

Write up week four 15/10/19

https://vimeo.com/366465715

Editing the 360 test proved to cause a few issues in terms of sound design audio direction, positioning audio to travel from one direction to another to provide a more immersive experience for the audience. A further re-edit of the task would spend more time focusing on the sound design aspect of the project, focusing on sound direction and placement to be more effective in terms of immersion and genre. Using effects, such as echo to create a tenser scene in terms of any voice audio to create a more supernatural scene however, making sure it doesn’t fall into a parody of the genre.

Throughout the edit, for the 360 video test, there was a discussion of reshooting it, as to be able to have two options one with movement and one that is visually still and relies on lighting and sound design to create and drive narrative using the found footage style of approach to the genre.

Further research into the experimental aspect within the split-screen format revealed the possibilities, using colour, water and lighting to set the tone, mood and pace of the film.

Using the meaning of light to create a tone within the film, camera positioning as well as how the split-screen images interact with one another if at all.

Research into experimental film gave the inspiration to use lighting and colour to explore narrative and give a multitude of meaning if desired as well ass using a variety of ECU and LS angles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSTKkS0BTts

Researching and thinking into the possibilities and the variety of lighting that could be used and explored within an experimental film found led lights, plasma balls, gel lighting, smart lighting and manipulation of natural light, to effectively explore lighting uniquely. As well as using colour correction and other post-production techniques, After Effects etc. to manipulate the image and alter it to fit a different purpose.

A different idea for the split-screen style of production is the narrative of travel explored through two predominantly fixed angles, one over the shoulder shot following one character, and the other being a close-up shot of their face making the same journey in different conditions, raining, different time, different circumstances for the journey etc. allowing the exploration of narrative through the differentiation and similarities of the journey, length of time it takes, any stumbles or different encounters, the characters demeanour, attitude etc.

Another similar, however, the same journey is made by two different individuals at different times, the narrative being created by their presence, their body language, pace, wardrobe etc. Seeing the differences and similarities of two different individuals who are tied together through their journey but two very different types of people with two different styles of personalities, mentalities and purpose.

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Creative Media Practice Week 3

08/10/19

The objective and aim of the lecture were to learn and work to produce a short piece that utilised the 360-degree cameras. Looking and researching into various ways narrative and can be used and explored through the use of 360, allowing the audience to decide where they want to look, how they engage with the narrative if at all. Researching into VR 360 the possibilities for narrative, simulation, campaign/promotional material and educational finding examples that engage viewers in a multitude of ways.

Material made to engage and allow further engagement from audiences such as the ‘IT’ (2017) released a 360 video to engage audiences and allow further emersion into the realm, it allows audiences to use a wider range of media and technology to engage, but also allows it to reach wider audiences by projecting itself into more different modes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V15IB3pc94

Through research came the discovery of content creators using the platform YouTube, creators using the 360 aspects to explore narrative, such as ‘Rackaracka’. Either in a horror aspect, action etc. this research showed the possibility for a variety of narrative and ways to explore them, showing the further importance of lighting to establish mood, tone etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkmh-EINxpw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5s6G9ebVlo

 Space simulator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCve1w1GFOs

 Roller coaster simulation

The application of being able to use the 360 technique allows for the possibility of using the VR experience to attempt to allow people to overcome fears, heights, the dark, theme park rides etc. However, a possible overlook of this is that it could further trigger people’s fears and anxieties. Possibly causing trauma, mental health to decline and possibly leaving people in a worse state than before they started. The technique could be changed to be more effective in allowing people to tackle their issues/fears, by possibly becoming more immersive, using a 4D aspect, smell, wind etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr_ndyZB1ow

 Animation

Researching into the practical animation showed the intensity and detail that can go into production in a 360 landscape, the depth, detail and framing of the world as well as the visual style. This was an interesting discovery in the research, however, the time required to practical conger an animated 360 film wouldn’t be practical. But could be a potential final film project experience, using the 360 realms to present the animated world, using social media to promote the experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgiE9T-UVw0

 Experimental

One aspect of the research was the experimental aspect of the 360 techniques, researching the possibilities, the limits if any and its effectiveness the use of colour and lighting to set a tone. The possibility of exploring an experimental film through the use of 360 set an interesting tone, using sound design and colour to direct audiences attention as well as lighting to further direct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaTQYFG_pb8

 For the practice of the 360 camera, a horror theme was decided, with a focus on sound design in order to explore and drive narrative instead of visual movement etc. Using a dark section of the John Foster’s building as a location, leaving the camera in a corner to focus the audience, using the location and natural lighting to set tone. The cramped location and mise-en-scene. This proved effective as it created a tense scene however, the location was difficult to accommodate more than two people in it at one time

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Creative Media Practice Week 2

01/10/19

Learning the objective and aim of the lecture, augmented reality (AR) instantly created interest, due to its implications in both film and media in general, marketing campaigns, video games, sport, filters and other various media to interact and attempt to create audience participation. Learning of the different websites, BlippAR, SparkAR, Turbosquid etc. that are used to create AR, filters for social media Snapchat, Facebook etc. was an exciting way to explore and create interest.

Researching various examples and uses of AR, Pokémon Go, Snapchat, Facebook, Google Maps, Civilizations AR, The Machines, Ingress Prime, World Brush, Instagram, and Google Translate etc.

All these various examples opened ideas for its uses and possibilities, both in film and a potential career, either creating filters, mapping etc. or creating a game that implicates AR, Pokémon go etc.

Learning and practising how to use BlippAR effectively started with adding points to a can of Coke having the text shape around the can. Then researching into whether After Effects can be used for text, short compositions etc. the research and practice was a long process, but ultimately fruitful, as exporting the project allowed it to be imported into BlippAR.

In a first practice I imported some uses from After Effects into BlippAR, created text and rotated it, this allowed it to be imported and placed on a mapping point. Once this was done correctly and successfully working I started testing 3D objects, Matty, Paige and myself decided to create a Halloween interactive explorative map, using signs to show either a ‘trick’ or ‘treat’, an 8-2 ratio. Having text appears, as well as a 3D object relating to Halloween, attempting to engage potential audiences by allowing them to find the treat among all the ticks.

The most I can see this being implemented into a project would be as part of a marketing campaign, as to try and engage potential audiences and encourage further participation. Using possible filming locations or landmarks/ popular locations to allow for a wider variety of an audience to engage with the campaign.

The learning process of AR opened a variety of possible careers to explore as well as to further myself and allowing individuality on a CV, practice skills to be qualified more varied positions, either setting up a company or applying to larger companies/ organisations that have a marketing department or are interested in using AR within their product.

https://vimeo.com/26880682

https://vimeo.com/46300008

Various examples showcasing the possibilities to implement AR in both print media and live broadcast, showcasing the possibilities for this to be a career in a majority and variety of fields.

Further research into the possibilities and technological advancements with AR would allow further implementation into film and production, aiding in driving the narrative and allowing for a unique way to explore and unveil narrative, a remediation within the traditional ways of exploring narrative, allowing audience to be a much more crucial key point in how narrative is shown and explored.

 https://catchoom.com/blog/15-cool-augmented-reality-advertising-campaigns/

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Creative Media Practice Week 1

24/09/19

Learning of the objective and what is required for the module I immediately had several ideas, deciding to research into various ideas to see if it has been done before, what can be learnt from it, how it can be changed, what to take from it and what inspiration can be drawn from it.

I Immediately began researching into the different ideas, seeing if there is any layover between them, how can they fuel one another, which would be more possible and allowing for various narratives to be explored.

 First Idea

Travelling at various times of the day in various times of the year in various locations, ranging from England to the US, winter to summer, morning and night. Allowing light, both natural and man-made light to light the locations, people, the environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgeX-AF7_DE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrfJYBL3m_A

possibly using a simple split-screen, splitting the screen down the middle and exploring two different narratives and learning how they are connected.

Using various locations and time frames to explore and create a narrative.

 Second idea

A more light-driven action sequence, using variations of lighting, colour to set the tone, mood and drive the narrative forward. Exploring a different style of split-screen, adapting a comic book panelling style to the split-screen element, whilst exploring the use of colour to create meaning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhVjp48U2Oc

 The first attempt of split-screen was influenced by the walking around NYC video, however, it differed slightly and instead revolved around the narrative of three different peoples perspective as they all travelled to the same location at roughly the same time from the same starting location. This allowed the narrative to explore the similarities between what they see, experience as well as explore the differences in both the individuals, but the action, the sights and the direction of the camera as a whole, looking down, looking up, looking straight ahead. Allowing a persona to be made due to where they were deciding to look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgeX-AF7_DE

The execution on this idea was somewhat successful, with both positives and negatives, one of the positives was the execution of using different sections and perspectives from each shot, their looking direction, walking style etc. this allowed each frame to be different from one another.

However, the actual positioning of the split-screen needs to be re-evaluated and changed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6vV_OsLxB0&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0RjsdfoSE4u9bt1wyH37U76XDV7U-84Cdvh-4HzFIBLm7cx_MT8dlqYtM

Examining the framing, structure, positioning and layout of the entire frame as it is cluttered and busy, researching various styles and examples of the split-screen technique, such as Marvel and their framing and the composition as a whole, use of still graphics, images and colour.