AIM

Explore how colour and light placed in a scene influences a viewer’s interpretation of the subject.

PLAN

• Scout locations with bold colours and interesting light
• Compose the frame with the same focal length and distance to subject using a MCU
• Maintain the same neutral performance from the talent (avoid any display of emotion)
• Edit to collage the shots back to back

REFERENCES

Made in U.S.A (1966, Jean-Luc Godard)

Images sourced via Film Grab

Working together with a creative and supportive group, we set out to find a unique location that would help us all achieve our ideas. The State Library was suggested and after we gained approval to film within the building, we quickly became inspired by the space. It provided authentic mis-en-scene and a soft, textural light. Together we helped one another execute our experiments and troubleshot as a team. I finished the shoot feeling inspired by the girls and the chance to work with like-minded people.

Eve’s experiment was really interesting and probably the most successful (…not that they needed to be). I learnt a lot from viewing her final edit, as it was so simple but engaging. Considering my reflection of Gus Van Saint’s Elephant, Eve’s experiment proves how a long tracking shot pulls you in as a viewer and demands your ongoing attention.

For my initial edit, I aimed to simply align the shots back to back. Not surprisingly, the results did not produce an response from me/the viewer for the subject. I wondered if with additional shots, say a dozen, maybe the viewer would have more time to form a response. I collaged and repeated some of the shots to further experiment with the footage and concept. Although I may not have achieved an emotional response the final product is still interesting and effective. However, it has sparked a critical reflection on how we, people, always look for things (faces, gestures, objects, etc.) to create meaning. And although we are perceptive and astute at connecting the dots we still need a certain level of information or influence in order to develop a response.

    

     

Keen to try this experiment again but incorporate an action or expression for the actor that is repeated against different coloured settings. By adding a new layer of interest for the viewer to interpret, will they form an emotional response?