Wednesday, February 24, 2016
PROJECT #1: DEFINE A PLACE
***THIS IS A GROUP PROJECT. You must both agree on the location and the concept. Each person can design their own shots or you can agree together on each shot. Everyone must handle the camera and shoot.
In this exercise students are required to “define a space or location” through visually controlled and expressive shooting.
Begin by choosing a location either on campus or close by.
Before shooting anything, observe the space for a while. What is happening there? What details exist that can tell a story about the space (signs, activities, objects, etc.)?
Now, make a mental “shopping list” of shots. Think about what camera position, shot size and composition will work best for each shot. Try not to move the camera unless your move has a clear beginning and end. Remember that a still frame with movement going on in the frame can be more powerful than a moving shot.
Each team member will conceive of and shoot 10 shots and then all the shots will be pooled for editing.
Think carefully about what you wish to convey. It could be an emotional tone you feel in the location (claustrophobia, fear, energy); or it could be that you are interested in the quality of light in the space; or perhaps what intrigues you is what goes on there; or maybe you like the architectural details, or the colors; you could also contrast interior with exterior, light and dark, movement and stillness ... it’s up to you! You don’t need to make a huge statement, but you must find some specific angle on the space and reveal that visually.
Also consider how your shots might eventually come together in the editing. Do you want your images to lead us into the space from the outside? Or do you want to create a question as to where we are before you reveal the larger space? There are many different ways to approach this.
Each team will then edit their short film using the team’s material. Although the material should be silent (no natural sound) footage can be cut to an appropriate music track.
In this exercise students are required to “define a space or location” through visually controlled and expressive shooting.
Begin by choosing a location either on campus or close by.
Before shooting anything, observe the space for a while. What is happening there? What details exist that can tell a story about the space (signs, activities, objects, etc.)?
Now, make a mental “shopping list” of shots. Think about what camera position, shot size and composition will work best for each shot. Try not to move the camera unless your move has a clear beginning and end. Remember that a still frame with movement going on in the frame can be more powerful than a moving shot.
Each team member will conceive of and shoot 10 shots and then all the shots will be pooled for editing.
Think carefully about what you wish to convey. It could be an emotional tone you feel in the location (claustrophobia, fear, energy); or it could be that you are interested in the quality of light in the space; or perhaps what intrigues you is what goes on there; or maybe you like the architectural details, or the colors; you could also contrast interior with exterior, light and dark, movement and stillness ... it’s up to you! You don’t need to make a huge statement, but you must find some specific angle on the space and reveal that visually.
Also consider how your shots might eventually come together in the editing. Do you want your images to lead us into the space from the outside? Or do you want to create a question as to where we are before you reveal the larger space? There are many different ways to approach this.
Each team will then edit their short film using the team’s material. Although the material should be silent (no natural sound) footage can be cut to an appropriate music track.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Shot Scavenger Hunt Camera Exercise for Lab on Feb. 22nd
In your groups, go out (not too far!) and shoot the following:
1. Find a location and pick 3 shots that look “good” or interesting to you. Decide what should be in focus. Film each shot for 10 seconds. Try to stay steady.
2. Find a subject that you can film with three focal lengths to change the angle of view (you will have a wide shot, a medium shot, and a close up). Hint: Once you set your focus for a specific object in the frame, you should not have to change it.
3. A shot where there is movement in the frame but the camera doesn’t move.
4. Film your partner walking (you should be on the widest focal length of your lens). They should walk slowly. Walk alongside them, keeping the distance between you consistent so they remain in focus. Be careful not to bump into anything!
5. Try and create a frame that has a shallow depth of field (hint: use the long end of the lens). Change focus (rack focus) while you are recording.
SOME TIPS:
- Plan your shots before pushing the record button. AVOID recording while figuring out what you want to shoot next, also known as “visual hiccups.”
- Do your best to make sure that any camera movement is intentional - don’t walk around with the camera searching for a shot.
- To steady your camera shots, use your body to brace your arms, bend your knees, use a nearby wall or pillar to steady your shot.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Blog Assignment #1: Artist Statement
Blog Assignment #1: ARTIST STATEMENT FILM/MEDIA 160 FALL 2015 LENGTH: 250 Words
This short statement is to help you and your potential audience get an initial glimpse of the media maker behind the work. It is an important part both of thinking about yourself as a creator, a producer of ideas, images and more, and of getting the word out about your work.
You should think about your personal motivation, as well as about the medium in which you work (or in which you hope to work!) and your background.
Where do your curiosities lie? What have you studied that interests you? What experiences have helped shape your worldview? Try to be specific. Questions of memory? Family relationships? Identity? Music? Theater? Politics?
What about influences? Are there certain artists or filmmakers that you admire or appreciate? TV Shows? Websites? Games?
Most importantly, think not only about “what you’re interested in,” but about why something interests you, and about what you are trying to say with your work. What truths about the world or your life are you trying express in your work? What are you truly passionate about? In other words, it's not enough to say, “I’m interested in cartooning.” Rather, dig into what cartoons might express that you identify with: “I’m interested in showing that humor can help people broach the most difficult ideas and feelings.”
DUE: Lab 2
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Media 160 Section 3 (1:10-3pm) Blogs
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