Mood Board For Short Film

Above is a mood board, showing some of the moments that occur in my film that entice the greets amount of emotion from the viewer. Furthermore, all of the pictures are shown in vibrant or bold colors, so as to stand out from the darkness.

St. Johns Ambulance Promotional Video

This shot was essential to the whole piece as it was the establishing shot whereby the entire scene was set and the man finds out the news that he has cancer. The mans reaction is what I find most fascinating within this film, as it shows the reaction of shock in the beginning, but we soon learn that this will change as he finds out the impacts and implications of this problem.

This shot was very interesting, as it is taken just after the man has found out that he has cancer. He is still displaying signs of shock from the news, however his tilted head suggests that he is now processing the information and is beginning to understand the challenge ahead of him. This shot was very important in how I would show my character when she finds out her boyfriend has cheated on her. The reason being that both characters are devastated at the news, but are in the similar phase of contemplation.

Within this frame, the man is telling his wife the news that he has cancer. This moment is perhaps the most interesting of all, and bears the greets amount of emotion. Within this shot, we gather for the first time that there are other parties involved in his struggle and that the news will not only impact on him, but will also greatly impact the lives of his family.

This shot is take from the same sequence whereby the man is giving the news to his wife. The man for the first time demonstrates his true feelings about what is happening, and perhaps having a loved one to share it with has enabled him to fully comprehend that he is not alone in this struggle and the love his family have for him will help him through the difficult times.

The mood soon changes once again within the piece, when the man is having his head shaved by his wife to hide the hair loss from chemotherapy. when his head is shaving, they both share a laugh with one another, which signifies their bond and that even though cancer is a horrible thing, people can still go on with their lives irrespective.

Despite the momentary change in mood of this piece, it quickly changes once again back to the realization of the condition by the audience. The shot shows the man in a hospital undergoing chemotherapy. The lettering above the patient almost alienates them and makes them seem to be lesser, which I found very interesting. This realization occurs within my piece when the girl is sitting in the bath tub, and is holding the blade to her arm. At this moment, the audience are able for the first time in the piece to ascertain what the girl is about to do and the effect that the news she has found has had on her.

This shot is imperative to the piece, as it signals the beginning of the mans recover, after he has undergone surgery. The man is clearly still in a bad state after the stress he has undergone, however, he is improving physically and can now walk freely. 

This shot above and the one below are both shots that accompany the shot showing the man on the treadmill. They show the man doing normal things that he was unable to do whilst he still had cancer, however through the surgery and the rehabilitation he is able to regain normality in his life.

This moment shows a change once again within the narrative, which is perhaps the most shocking moment within the whole film. The man is eating a burger when suddenly he swallows a chunk too big for his throat and is suffocating. This change once again in the plot is completely unexpected and ironic in the sense that it was the food that killed him as opposed to the cancer. This twist can be seen within my piece, when the girl is revived using a defribulator, and is perhaps the most shocking moment in the entire piece.

This is the realization shot in the piece, whereby the audience now understand that the man has indeed died through suffocation. It is an extremely somber and disheartening moment for the viewer, as they have witnessed the struggle this man has gone through to recover, and has been killed by something so inadequate, that could have been prevented had the people around him known what to do in the given situation.

Analysis Of Music Video (Coldplay: 'Strawberry Swing')

Here is an analysis of Coldplay's music video 'Strawberry Swing'. A four minute and 15 second music video. The video was Directed by a group of visual artists from London under the anagram of Shynola. The video expresses the film in an alternative and highly effective way.

Camerawork

The entirety of the film is shot from one position. This position is an overhead shot, located above a chalk board. Although this might sound restricting to the production company as to how much they could do with this film, the sculpt the setting and manipulate the main character to make it appear that an array of different camera shots and angles have been used.

Sound

The Music Video is set to Cold Play's song 'Strawberry Swing'. Whilst there are parts of the music video whereby it is difficult to see links between the narrative and the lyrics of the song, there appears to be some form of continuity in other areas. For example, when the lyrics go "Cold Cold Water", the main character falls into a body of water.

The light hearted nature of the track is brilliantly accompanied by shots throughout the entirety of the film. The character being portrayed as a superhero, who has to fight against giant fishes and squirrels fits in well with the soundtrack. 

The film uses non-diagetic sound throughout, which does not take away at all from the entertainment of quality of the film. Especially given the surreal nature of the piece, to follow conventional audio would do this piece a dis-service.

Editing

Given that the film is made through the use of stop motion animation, the editing process of each individual shot is absolutely crucial to an effective media text. The editing in this piece is seemless, and almost looks to have been created in one fluent motion. The small movements of the body that are accentuated by the use of photos instead of film adds character to the film and makes it all the more entertaining.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of wardrobe is essential to this pieces success. With limited scope as to what the character could do lying down on a chalk board, the constant change of outfits helps to keep the audience interested throughout the piece. The quick transitions of clothing changes makes the character seem like a superhero.

The use of lighting within this piece is crucial to assembling the visual effects of the film. The reason for this is that whilst the camera may be in a fixed position in an overhead shot, the placement of the camera to create the shadow creates an almost three dimensional effect to the clip.

The use of props within this piece are limited to clothing items. The simplicity of the setting and props do not hinder this piece however, as it allows the actions within the piece and the art work in the background show effect rather then objects that boost budget costs.

Music video analysis of 'The Pharcyde 'Drop' by Spike Jonze

Here is an analysis of The Pharcyde's music video 'drop', a three and a half minute music video. The video was Directed by Spike Jonze, and uses new media techniques to show moving imagery that had initially been untried.

Camerawork

The majority of the shots used in this music video are done via dollying of the camera. These shots are used to show fluidity in the motions and emphasises the movements of the characters in the scene. The large usage of low angle shots also empowers the characters in the film, as it adds the effect that the viewer is looking up at them.

Sound

The film is set to fit to The Pharcyde's song 'Drop' and the actions that occur within are loosely linked around the lyrics within the track. The soundtrack is fairly serious in its delivery, which is why the actions within the video suprise me so much. The actions are somewhat goofy, showing the characters to be able to do near impossible movements. This contrast in the two forms of media makes the viewing experience only more interesting. The pace of the song is fairly slow so as a result of the slow motion movements of the characters, they are able to fit perfectly in time to the music. The entirety of the film uses non-diagetic sound, thus accentuating the experience for the viewer to be fairly surreal.

Editing

The clip is edited in a way that it will appear that this journey occurred in one fluid motion. Throughout the entirity of the clip, there are only four transitions. This adds to the effect of the video, as the viewer is able to intake all of the actions and surroundings, improving the video's appearance.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of clothing as props in this video helps to create a surreal narrative to the music video. The characters have three sets of wardrobe throughout the video. The quick transitions and change of clothes make the video seem less realistic and almost dream like.

The lighting within this piece is entirely done through natural sources, however this does not take away from the overall appearance of the piece, as the light is consistent throughout.

Props for the most part are not used within this piece, apart from to accompany the movement of the characters e.g. cars which they jump off. However, the use of the hammer at the end to shatter the sheet of glass creates an interesting climax to the music video.

Short Film Analysis - 'Rewind' by Atul Taishete

Here is the analysis of the short film 'Rewind", a nine minute film directed by Atul Taishete. This film uses intriguing filming and narrative techniques, that have remained largely untried and under-developed.

Camerawork

The film has used The majority of the shots used within this short film are zoom panning shots. The camera is zooming in and out accordingly to match the actions that occur within the piece. The progressive nature of these shots also adds to the fluidity of the piece, giving it a far more effective appearance. Furthermore, the close up of the gun whilst the main character is putting bullets into it adds a great deal of effect, as the consumer will associate the bullet with an impending danger.

Sound

The sound within this piece constitutes of both diagetic sound and non-diagetic sound. diagetic sound within the piece includes the whirring sounds in the background of an air conditioning unit. The sound makes the scene feel uneasy and at time uncomfortable. Further diagetic sound comes in the form of card shuffling and gun spinning within the piece. This adds further suspense to the film, as the smaller details are accentuated.

The non diagetic sound on the contrary consists of the mans voice over. The calm manor in which the dialogue is delivered further disorientates the viewer, as the narrative is fairly dark throughout. Furthermore The rewind of events within the piece means that the chronology of the events that the man is talking about is in reverse.

Editing

The clip is edited in a way to make the events within the film seem as fluid as is possible. Throughout the entirity of the clip, there are only a few transitions made. This adds to the effect of the video, as the viewer is able to intake all of the actions and surroundings, improving the video's appearance. Furthermore, the way in which it is edited makes the clip easier for the audience to relate to. The reason for this is that it bears a greater resemblance to reality, whereas the incorporation of a great deal of transitions makes it seem less realistic.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of props within this film are essential to telling the storyline. Perhaps the most important of these props is the gun. The entirety of the plot revolves around the gun, and the Russian roulette game they are playing. Whilst there are other props that are used, they bear far less significance to the plot, and are more background details.

The lighting within this piece is done through both natural and artificial sources. The majority of the narrative occurs under artificial light in the dark dingy room where it is set. The overhead lights, illuminating only parts of the room accentuates the shadowing of the location, creation an even more ominous narrative.

Short film analysis - 'Tik Tok' by Ien Chi

Here is the analysis of the short film 'Tik-Tok'. A 5 minute film Directed by University graduate Ien Chi. The video uses media developments in rewind technology, and progresses the continuity possibilities of film.

Camerawork

The majority of the shots used in this short film are shot through the use of a steady cam. The smoothness of the shots in contrast to the speed and motions that are undertaken within the piece is very intriguing to me as a film maker, as helps to make an effective appearance to the fluidity and narrative of the film. The majority of the shots used in the film are wide angle shots. The use of these shots allows the audience to take in all aspects of the film and setting around it.

Sound

The film contains both diagetic and non-diagetic sounds within it. The diagetic sounds come from the dialogue in rewind. This is a disorientating thing for the consumer to digest, as they are trying to interpret an image that is already going agains the norm. Furthermore, the dialogue following similar patterns is even more disconcerting. although disorientating, this is an effective method, as it links strongly to the story line, whereby the main character is distressed. Another example of this sound is when he crashes into the teacher and his pile of paper goes flying, these small details are all crucial to the overall success of the film.













The non-diagetic sound on the contrary consists of a high tempo soundtrack. Although slightly differing from the narrative in terms of the mood of the song, the speed links strongly to the urgency and rush that the main character is under.

Editing

The clip undergoes no editing whatsoever, whilst this might seem strange and unprofessional, the clip does not require any cutting as the entirety of the film is shot in just one take. The continuity of the shots create a film with heightened emotions.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of the box at the beginning of the peace, is crucial to the film, as it chows the link between the actions of the man to those seen in Pandora's box, whereby he has sinned. The sin is finally revealed through the use of props at the end of the film, when we see the man in the film taking a pill. The flying pile of papers also add to the emotion of the piece, as his journey is made more difficult through such encounters, and the over exaggeration of the flying accentuates the drama.

The lighting within this piece varies from natural sources and artificial. Although the lighting of the piece does not bear a great deal of meaning to the piece, the lighting does help to exaggerate the emotions and events from within the piece. Furthermore, given the dark nature of the piece, the brightness in which it is shot is quite counterintuitive, potentially adding to the success of the piece.

                                                 

Music Video Director Case Study - Paul Hunter

Paul Hunter is a specialist music video director from California. Hunter began his career working on sets and filming commercials. Hunter attended California State Northridge University to study film, which elevated his ideas.

With his particularly active imagination with regards to narratives in his movies, Hunter has been regarded in an elite group of Director's, for his work within the music industry.

His style has enabled him to work with Jennifer Lopez, Lenny Kravitz, Christina Aguilera, Eminem, Marilyn Manson, P.Diddy, Mariah Cary and Micheal Jackson. Hunter's progression in his Music video career enabled him to progress into feature films. In 2002, he started Directing his first ever feature film 'Bulletproof Monk'.

Perhaps his most acclaimed work came in the form of his Nike Jordan advert. Here he merged aspects of Music video into the rhythmic sounds of basketball players. This advert was nominated for an Emmy. Hunter was given the honour of creating Michael Jackson's comeback single in 2001 'You Rock My World', and further Directed the multiple award-winning 'Divas' music video of the 'Mouling Rouge' film. Hunter's work is so fascinating to me due to the way in which he envisions movements to fit with sounds, and how he can see that movements can create sounds to accompany the video.

Short Film Director Case Study - Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese was born November 17th 1942. Scorsese was born in New York with Italian-American parents. As a resident of Little Italy for much of his childhood, Scorsese was inspired with this in several of his later films. Whilst Scorsese has grown to be one of Hollywood's most iconic Director's, his career begun with a series of short films, including prize winning 'The Big Shave' of 1968.


Scorsese's rise to fame began in 1970, where he served as an assistant Director and editor on critically acclaimed documentary 'Woodstock', and three years later the same with 'Mean Streets' 1973. With links to his Italian-American heritage, this linked Scorsese to actor Robert De Niro. With De Niro as a friend and actor, Scorsese managed to win the Palme D'or at Cannes Film Festival in 1976 with his film 'Taxi Driver'. Following this link to De Niro, Scorsese Directed 'Raging Bull', with De Niro once again as his lead, which earned the actor an Oscar.

Despite giving huge amounts to the film world, Scorsese had still not won an Oscar of his own. He had managed Golden Globes, and Oscar's for other parts of his films in 'Gang's of New York' and 'Aviator'. His break through came with the film 'The Departed' in 2006 where he won his first Oscar for best Director.

Despite much success in the 2000's, acknowledgement must be placed on 1996, for his film 'Romeo and Juliet', where he first worked with young actor Leonardo Di'Caprio. Another Italian American actor, whom he would use as leading actor in several other blockbuster films, such as 'The Departed' 2006, 'Shutter Island' of 2010 and 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' of 2014.

Whilst Scorsese has been creidted with honours for his Directing skills on films, an interesting project that gained a huge amount of success was 2011's 'Hugo'. This was an animated film, which went on to win a Golden Globe and five Academy Awards. This film proved that Scorsese had the ability to create a masterpiece with whatever format he was given.

Short Film Director Case Study - Guillermo Del Torro

For my short film brief, I decided to look into the work of Guillermo Del Torro. Del Torro has been acclaimed as a world famous director, however his career did not start in the Hollywood scene, and instead originated from a short film past.

Guillermo Del Torro

Early Career and Film Making

Guillermo Del Toro was born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico on October 9th 1964. From an early age, Del Toro gained a great interest in film making. His diverse imagination was furthered when he met make up and effects specialist Dick Smith, whom worked on the Exorcist film. With this knowledge from one of the best in his field, del Toro set creating a show reel, starting with short films. When Del Toro reached the age of 21, he was involved in his first feature film as an executive producer. The film was called Dona Herlinda and Her Son. Although Del Toro had higher aspirations in the film world, he was a specialist on make up and effects. As a result, he persisted for 10 years within this line of work.

Del Toro's most significant moment in film came in the form of the film 'Cronos'. The film was a huge success in Mexico and won 9 Academy awards, along with the critics week prize at the Cannes film festival. Following the huge success that came from the 'Cronos' film he was involved with, he moved further afield and began his work on the Hollywood, and more mainstream film line. The first Hollywood film he created was 'Mimic'. Although Del Toro saw huge opportunity in this moment, he was unhappy with the attitudes of Hollywood studios, so formed his own production company in Mexico, which he gave the name The Tequila Gang.

Despite growing as a Director, Del Toro had not yet fulfilled his true potential, but this was to all change in 2001, in the form of Spanish Civil war ghost story 'The Devil's Backbone'. From this film, he was able to distinguish his niche production style. The darkness of the plot combining with the colourful costumes was soon to become his trademark. Blade II followed soon after, and then he came to his most accredited production, which has seen huge success, 'Hell Boy'.

This path that Del Toro took in finding his feet in the film world, and his persistence with his dream that he could make it is why I find Del Toro as a Director, and as a creator so fascinating and inspiring.

Why Have I Chosen This Brief And What Skills Do I Bring To This Task?

After examining the possible options for the brief, I came to the conclusion that the one which I could best showcase my abilities through was the one involving the short film.

Whilst there were alternative options that were a possibility for me to use, I believed that the combination of the short film and the two ancillary tasks (film poster and radio advert) were a nice combination, and had the most significant bearing on the way in which films are made and marketed.

With regards to the short film aspect of the coursework, I have thought about possible narratives that I can try to use, and have quickly established that in order to capture the audiences emotions, you have to move them, whether this is through occurences in the film, or through dialogue in the piece, I believed that I would be able to do this. Furthermore, the length of the film suits my style of film making perfectly, as whilst last year I was limited to just 2 minutes of film, which restricted the fluidity of my ideas and the narrative, the 5 minute threshold this year gives me a much wider scope.

On the front of the film poster, I have had large amounts of experience on Photoshop and other editing platforms. With this experience, I will be able to create as professional a poster as is possible. Furthermore, with this experience, I will be able to alter aspects of the film poster, including exposure and shadowing, to best reflect the narrative and genre of the film.

Finally, for the Radio Advert, I will have the benefit of making this is hindsight to the short film production. With the narrative and the images of the film freshly in my head, I will be able to accumulate a bank of the most important moments in the film, and place descriptions of these moments, and emotions, to have as large an influence on the audience, and furthermore to entice them into watching the product.