Holly Karas – The Return
https://vimeo.com/165663806
Process / Blue Hat – Holly’s work shows a lot of creativity and sophisticated editing techniques. Her opening shot, which gives the title of location, director’s reference and subject/project brief title was done very professionally as she had obviously taken into consideration the average time frame for credits. The titles were also a good editing tool as they confirmed location and the portraits ambition, helping the audience feel comfortable and comprehensive of the portraits points.
Facts / White Hat – Using the subject playing acoustic guitar for the sound track was a really beneficial idea because it matched the tone and subject matter of the piece whilst providing a personable and unique experience for the audience. The playing was very nice to listen to and definitely played a major part on the overall aesthetic of the piece.
Feelings / Red Hat – This piece made me feel personally quite good, and very comfortable with the subject. The subject talks about performing and the anxiety and nerves she had to deal with and overcome in the process of being a live gig performer. This is a topic that most people can equate to, making the topic and the portrait in general an very intimate experience which encompasses the idea of the PB3.
Creativity / Green Hat – Holly uses multiple camera angles whilst filming her subject which overall allows her film to take on a level of sophistication. By using diverse angles and editing them together in a way that compliments narrative the film adopts a three dimension feel, transcending the basic 2 dimensional linear approach seen commonly in amateur film making practice.
Benefits / Yellow Hat – The subject is an animated and confident speaker which affirms the audiences interest for the duration of the video. Whilst speaking she is moving around a lot, using hands and sitting positions to emphasise and communicate part of her answers. Ultimately these characteristics enhance her personality and relationship with the audience, as it communicates further personalities traits of the individuals transcending the restrictions of script.
Cautious / Black Hat – Next time a few more scenes of the subject could be beneficial and engaging. As the subject is creative and does perform maybe some clips that shows her on stage so we can get a further idea of what her artistic and creative nature is like. However, filming in studios and/or bars require legal documentation and large team cooperation which may have been daunting and too complex for a PB3 assessment. Either way though, a good idea for the future!
Isobell Roberts ‘Project Brief 3′
https://youtu.be/vo3sDyLrLQE
Red Hat/Feelings – I really felt a connection with Isobell’s subject which is a positive result considering PB3 was suppose to be an intimate portrait. The starting question of ‘do you ever stop learning’ was instantly engaging, whilst the subjects demeanor being calm and collected allowed for her quite difficult and complex discussion on human nature and our ability to ‘learn and grow’ to be comprehensive. The subject’s overall mature complexion was a positive attribute to the complex and open ended portrait discussion.
Blue Hat/ Process – I think the editing of this portrait demonstrates a level of experienced, which speaking to Isobell is consequent to her practice on Premiere during PB 1/2. Ultimately for Media, the skills we are focusing on, (especially in regards to industry experience), is the physical comprehension of Premiere and our manipulation of editing techniques, therefore the more practice meaning the advancement editing skills would be beneficial.
White Hat/ Facts – The general discussion of the portrait is interesting and entertaining. Isobell explores creative cinematic techniques, that extend the black and white tone of the discussion. This equates the films complex script with a complicated and creative inhibition. Thus, there is a good balance between straight narrative structure and visual entertainment.
Green Hat/ Creativity – Following the subject throughout the course of the day, even in intimidate situations such as driving to and from work, created a personable experience for the audience. This was a good creative move as it personified the subject within the video whilst allowing the audience to experience life very much ‘in her shoes’, which is the aim when creating a film about personalities.
Black Hat/Cautious – Next time maybe you more camera techniques that balance and hold the lens. Having the camera not on a tripod does make it difficult to watch within scenes and also doesn’t equate to the videos mature narrative/script.
Yellow hat/ Benefits – Overall a very interesting film and subject matter. Having the discussion on learning which is a universal theme allowed for great audience participation and engagement!
Ambiguity – Vanessa Wong
https://youtu.be/FV4G4cqn0Yo
Facts / White Hat – The personal found footage in the portrait I thought really complimented the surrounding concept of identity in the piece. The last image of the subject as a child looking at the cameras reflection in the mirror created a double lens shot which was a fantastic way to conclude the piece. As the piece encompasses the affirmation of identity the childhood videos along with the ironic title ‘ambiguity’ reflects on the subject and the portraits ambition, positively challenging the audience to think deeper and perhaps more personally about the piece.
Creativity / Green Hat – The opening shots thats referenced international political situations and different approaches towards same-sex marriage and rights and responsibilities was a creative and powerful introduction to the portrait. By making the found footage as political message and reminder instantly humanises the subject, as the footage reminds us through first person experience the contextual controversy and debate surrounding the concept of the piece. It helps the audience sympathise and empathise with the subject as it reflects current issues through a personalised perspective.
Cautious / Black Hat – I think every film maker has to be cautious when it comes to portraying minority groups through a singular voice. It is hard when creating a film to be as objective as possible when monitoring and editing clips, especially when trying to balance the subjective attitude and perspective of a person’s idea of them self. I personally had no issues with this portrait and thought that it represented the ‘ambiguity’ of self recognition well, due to personal experiences that have made me have a neo-liberal philosophy and outlook on life.
Process / Blue Hat – In this instant I think camera framing and editing could be more sophisticated. However, this is an experimental project and considering the director has not made many films the footage was shot nicely, especially interviewing scenes.
Feelings – Red Hat – This film made me feel happy. I like Vanessa’s approach of talking about identity and the characteristics that surround the rights of an individual as such issues are universal and very much in the spotlight in this generation. I think film is largely about representation and representing an experience to the audience that they would not be able to experience through normal daily life. Thus, the portraits intimate setting and narrative allows for a personable experience which is the ultimate desire in a portrait piece.
Benefits / Yellow Hat – Overall i thought this was a really engaging and interesting piece.