The Proposal – Composition – Depth – Domination of frame

At the end of week 7 the class was tasked with presenting a 3 minute presentation on what they would like to explore for there final assessment. I was really intrigued with some of the ideas people were wanting to explore and it gave me a boost of inspiration into what i wanted for my final project. My Proposal was as follows:

I have been juggling around a few different ideas this semester and what I keep coming back to is a shot that I really enjoy from a music video and a shot that I saw on a TV series.

My idea was to recreate these couple of shots to gain a better understanding of how it was done. Upon looking at these shots in more detail I realised the reason I liked them (Both completely different in execution) was the fact that they used elements of foreground background and mid ground, using depth in composition. I have always been fascinated with composition of a frame, how subjects/objects are purposefully positioned in the frame to gauge a certain effect. Incorporating depth into a shot using foreground middle ground and back ground elements is something I want to explore this semester.

The music video shot uses movement in its composition to give focus to the subject in the foreground. This shot has always interested me and I’ve always wanted to emulate it. I propose to recreate this exact shot and once achieved to be able to gain the same effect in varying ways.

Music Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0_ardwzTrA

American Gothic Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTU2iSdsU8Q

I also have seen these techniques in a lot of other films upon further research I found this website that has a lot of different examples of depth composition.

http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/2010/03/30/foreground-background-playground/

I am proposing to explore this use of depth composition in varying ways to bring attention to a certain area of the frame. Incorporating foreground ,mid ground and background elements. These experiments are not intended to have any theme or narrative. They are intended to be an exploration into the idea of depth. Working towards a final showcase of these shots edited in a way to give the audience the opportunity to gain meaning. I am excited for the rest of the semester and what it will bring, until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

Experimenting with Framing and Movement

During Class i was able to put into practise some of the ideas i had been working on for my final assessment. With the help of Mona Lisa and Brendan i was able to recreate some shots i had discussed earlier. Framing two subjects in a way that makes the audiences eye wander the frame to gain information from both characters. I purposefully put distance between Mona Lisa and Brendan to create alot more depth in the frame.

Upon reflection, i think that the execution of the shots was a great first step. I want to create more variations to these shots by:

• Adding in more subjects, the ideal number being 3
• Having one human subject and one object, idea of a beer bottle foreground, subject in background.
• Trying to manipulate the audiences eye further to wander the frame for the information rather then just giving them it.

I was also able to Experiment with movement of planes, Mona Lisa was standing on a spot while Brendan walked around here in a circle while i was in front of Brendan tracking him. What i was trying to create was this whole idea of background manipulation.

https://drive.google.com/a/rmit.edu.au/file/d/0B6U3RRzXVzXgaTlabTZER2RucTA/view?usp=sharing

The following link will show you the movement video, the first take i was moving at a pace relative to Brendan’s movement and the background blur and movement was ok, the second take i was moving faster and the background blur was really good. I would like to try this shot again and really trying to get that camera movement better. Maybe using some sort of steady cam rig to stable my shots more.

Upon heading back to class i saw a location that intrigued me to try some shots. I asked Judrina to be my subject and got her to lean against the wall. What i was trying to experiment with was the use of:

• The long shot through a doorway
• Highlighted background silhouetting Judrina in the foreground.
• The profile shot having Judrina looking straight ahead and also having her encompass half the frame

I was really surprised with the execution of these shots, for something that i just wanted to try out on the fly turned out to be really amazing.

I have alot more to experiment with in the coming weeks, i still haven’t decided if i will make a short film out of my ideas or just present an array of shots. So much to Ponder, so little time so until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

Transitions-Effects and more!

Judrina approached me to collaborate on her project for the final assessment. She has some amazing ideas for transitions and effects. The other day we went out to do some filming in the city. One of the ideas we worked on was filming a subject walking from behind (i was the subject for this experiment) using 3 different shots where i am positioned differently in the frame.

Tracking the person walking forward, the two people in the outside frame slowly walk towards the centre meeting the middle frame. Once they reach the centre of the frame all three shots will merge into one. I think for just a quick experiment the idea worked, but  we need to get a steady rig to help with the movement of the shot for further attempts, to much movement of the frame is jarring.

We also experimented with filming the same shot twice but the subject is doing different things. Then playing the shots side by side and making them mirror each other. Giving the effect of simultaneous action.

Video of the mirror effect:

https://drive.google.com/a/rmit.edu.au/file/d/0B6U3RRzXVzXgX0pfV2poTjZvZFU/view?usp=sharing

I am looking forward to working with Judrina more, we have booked a date to do some more filming with a steady cam rig. So until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

Re-focus -Show reel scenes – Planning – Equipment

After talking with Paul to clarify our end of year projects i was humbled to simplify my ideas thus i was only looking to explore the following areas. Depth and Movement, this is pretty much what inspired me in my previous blog posts but what i wanted to do what not focus on getting the most amazing shot but now focusing on creating that depth and having fun with movement.

I was lucky enough to talk with some of my acting friends and told them about my idea for university. My friend Jesse was looking to do some acting show reel scenes and i thought this would be the perfect opportunity to merge the two. Jesse had supplied me with 3 scripts of 3 completely different scenes. As i wanted to make sure that this could be used for Jesse show reel i really put alot of effort into the pre-production making sure we went over it together so we both were going to make something we would like.

I was able to borrow my equipment for Rmit, lights, sound kit and dolly. Jesse was able to borrow a camera from a friend of his so we were all ready to go for the big day.

RMIT and Universities in general are a great tool for students, because i was able to borrow all this gear for the weekend for FREE! also it was great to have a project to work towards, i had initially just thought of doing an accumulation of shots without any real purpose, but now with the introduction of some scripts and planning i am looking forward to the final outcome. The date was set for the last weekend of May and boy was i excited. Until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

Walking and more Walking – And Trees Glorious Trees

Still working with Judrina on her final project, i was excited for the upcoming shooting days. One day was planned to film in Melbourne city and the other was planned to film in Mount Macedon. Judrina had also simplified her idea in more of a direct way, her shots were to be of her Friend Milda walking through the city and through the Forrest at Mount Macedon. Then Juxtaposing them in a way to give multiple meaning, it was great working with Judrina again and we were able to bounce off ideas throughout the course of the 2 day shoot.

The City, So many Streets so little time!

Judrina had hired a handheld gimble to use with her dslr for the shoot, it helped immensely keeping the camera stable with all the walking we had planned for that day. We filmed through the back streets of Carlton, i was surprised with all the intriguing lane ways we could find, even all the variations in doors, boring to come, interesting to me. It really inspired me to do a future piece on all the old buildings and alleyways of Melbourne.

We came across a really cool old building that had a great metal stair case and i got Judrina to film me walking down it. I liked the way it intersected the frame. How i by chance was wearing an opposing colour to the building so i was able to stand out more. It was a really cool shot, i plan to go back there one day for a Future project.

I also asked if i could film Judrina walking to use for some movement shots i was thinking of using for my final piece. With the backgrounds of the alleyways it was a great back drop was the shots.

https://drive.google.com/a/rmit.edu.au/file/d/0B6U3RRzXVzXgRUxOak5hdTZrMTQ/view?usp=sharing

Mount Macedon, Trees, FOG and inspiration!

The second shoot day was in Mount Macedon, i had never been there before and the drive was great. Judrina had some reservations because of the weather, she was hoping for a sunny day and weather forecast was light showers. Upon arrival the location we had planned to film in was covered in fog, it was something out of a Hollywood film. It was one of those unplanned accidents as i like to call them. The fog added a whole other element to the filming in the Forrest it gave an eerie and moody feel to the shots and i think Judrina was excited about the outcome.

The idea for the day was to Film Milda walking through the Forrest, walking among these very grand trees. We also filmed her walking through the shrubs.We were filming Milda standing in the Forrest holding a mirror, it was something that i stumbled upon when scrolling through Facebook. I tagged Judrina in it and she had also thought of a similar idea that she had researched in high school. We were able to use the reflection of the mirror as a focus point while moving around, it was a really amazing shot and I’m looking forward to what Judrina can do with it.

There were some light(Very light) showers but we had the umbrellas on call, what i liked about my umbrella was that it had a really cool pattern on it, so i got Judrina to film the umbrella while i was spinning it, the varying movement added to a very interesting shot.

https://drive.google.com/a/rmit.edu.au/file/d/0B6U3RRzXVzXgTEotMGs4Y2lXd0E/view?usp=sharing

I am excited to see what Judrina comes up with in her final Edit, it was great working with her again. I have worked with Judrina over the last year on other projects where she was always hesitant to get behind the camera. I thought through these shoot days she has really developed her skills and has become really confident as a camera operator and looking forward to seeing what her final project is.

These two shoot days have been really enjoyable to work on and have given me alot of inspiration to get out there and keep filming. Now i will be working towards my final project shoot days. So until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

D-Day – Filming Showreel scenes

The weekend had finally come around to filming the final project for True to form. I had put in the planning, picked up the equipment from RMIT and i got my friend to come down and record sound for me while i focused on filming. We were able to get a Red Scarlet from Jesse’s friend, i had never used it before so it took me a little while to get used to but overall it was an amazing camera to use.

We filmed over 2 days, on the first day the scene involved 2 brothers working on a motorcycle in there garage. I really wanted to gain some depth in the shot so i staged Jesse in the foreground and the actor playing his brother in the mid ground, i incorporated a dolly shot a swell which added a whole other element to the shot. On the second day we filmed 2 scenes, the scene “Workmates” which was initially supposed to be set on a work site but due to light showers in the morning we moved it into the same garage as day 1 but just dressed the set differently and shot from a different angle. The second scene we filmed for the day was called “Time” which we filmed on the front deck of Jesse’s house the weather held off and we were able to get some really great shots.

Overall the 2 days went really well and the actors did an amazing job on the day. I think that trying out some variations on shots and making sure to think about depth within the frame really helped me on the day, i learnt alot and was really happy i was able to use the Red Scarlet and get experience working with that gear. I cant wait to get into the editing suit to look at all the footage.So until next time this is Lance signing off. (Pics are from day 2 of the shoot)

 

Editing-Sound -Grading

Working towards the end of year screening we are tasked with making a 22.5 second video showcasing our research question and then showing some of the things we filmed during the year that showcase that research question. We are then to make a full length video of what we were filming over the year.

As i said earlier when filming my assessment piece, i was using a Red Scarlet, the camera didn’t have any build in microphones to capture scratch audio, it didn’t matter on the day because we were recording sound separately, but after bringing all the footage into post it took alot longer to match up the audio with video because i had to match the slate clapping with the sound. Even if i thought that it matched with the slate board fine what i did find out is that even if it is out by 1 frame over the course of a 1 minute clip it could be out 2 seconds. So just having to tediously watch through all the clips with audio took a long time.

Also i decided to film in 4k resolution as i had never done it before and wanted to see what it was all about. The file sizes as you would of guessed it were large and i had to make some more space on my hardrive just to fit the footage on over the 2 days i recorded about 250 giga bites worth of footage which is crazy. I had read about when you want to view the footage you have recorded on your computer you needed to download a software media player off the Red website. I downloaded the software but was having trouble playing the footage (Wouldn’t load due to my computer being slow) So what i tried to do was bring the footage into Premiere Pro and try to play it there and to my amazement it played straight away without any hitch.

I had filmed the scenes in a way that i didn’t have endless footage to look through and only a few different variations on shots so in the end it was easy to assemble.The image quality and flexibility with colour grading has been amazing, and as i am still working on it now i have put together 2 scenes and working on my last scene now. I still need to finish off colour grading as well but at the moment i am really happy with what i have done. i better get back to it, so until next time this is Lance signing off.

 

Looking Back – Thoughts – Future

In the Beginning of the semester i wasn’t sure what to expect with True to Form and what i would get out of it as a filmmaker. When the assessment task was given to us i found it really hard to find motivation in something, as we were able to film practically anything we wanted. I went back to some of my favourites films for inspiration and what the films i watched had in common and what i was drawn to was a deep sense of composition and the idea of depth in a shot, having this idea of constantly thinking about the foreground, mid-ground and background as elements of the shot. I firstly was interested in this whole idea of deep focus, having everything in focus at once in the shot and letting the audience decide where to look rather then the typical shallow depth of field and only having what you want the audience to see. I didn’t have any direction as to how i would present my final work, at first i was just thinking of throwing the shots together without any real purpose. It wasn’t until i approached an acting friend of mine about filming some acting show reel scenes that it clicked for me to incorporate the too. This not only gave me an outlet for my work but as it was for my friends acting show reel there was alot more purpose to making it as professional as possible for my friend to use and also myself.

Thus i put alot of time into pre production and planning for the shoot, going through the locations with my friend Jesse and revising the scripts and shot lists to get the best out of the weekend we planned to film. I was able to hire some equipment from RMIT and borrow a RED camera from a friend of Jesse’s. The Filming went really well, what took me awhile was in the editing process as the files i had filmed in were alot lager then HD and matching up the audio in post was alot harder to work with because i didn’t have scratch audio to help me sync.

Research Question

My research question evolved over time as i did with my research, i think at first i wanted to make something so amazingly grand and win an Oscar and make a million bucks, but i was over thinking it, i needed to simplify my idea and after some deliberations with friends and Paul i just decided to focus on the frame, making sure i am constantly incorporating the foreground, mid-ground and background elements of a shot to create depth.So my final research question is as follows.

“To create depth within the shot, by incorporating foreground,mid-ground and background elements.”

Collaboration

I worked with Judrina on her final project, where we travelled around alley ways in Carlton and walked through the fog of Mount Macedon ranges. It was a really cool experience and Judrina is a great collaborator, she really came into her own when it was time to jump behind the camera and her work really inspired me to film more and to work even harder on my own project. I think that’s the whole idea of collaboration. To inspire each other and bounce off each other creatively.

Working with my acting friend on the final project for True to Form was great as we were able to look through the scripts he wanted to work and together come up with a plan on how we both wanted the scenes to look.On the day of my filming i had my friend come help me out on sound why i focused on the shot. It was really great working with my friend Bailey again as it had been a year since we had done anything together. It just took alot of pressure of me as i knew he would be able to capture the best sound possible on the day and to help me out with his opinions on the day with shots and lighting choices. Overall i prefer to work collaboratively rather then on my own, its a better process and its one i will continually do in the future.

The Outcome & The Future

The final project piece had come up being really great and i learnt alot during filming and the editing process. I feel that my project was true to its form, i intended to focus on the elements of depth. I think that simplifying my ideas and only focusing on those elements helped with the final outcome of my project.

This semester has gone by way to quick, i have learnt alot about myself and film making. Paul has been a great teacher, wacky at times but very wise. Working on my final project for the year has been a great experience and as it was for a friends show reel scene i am going to start approaching my other acting friends to see if they would want to collaborate on some more scenes. I feel like this semester has given me the drive to finish off my last year with alot more inspiration and determination. I have also been busy all year trying to build up my film making company Lance Fidler Media and trying to work with clients there and doing uni has been challenging but i wouldn’t change it any other way. This is what i love to do and im looking forward to filming more and learning more about the art of film making in the future.