Category Archives: Film-TV1

Film/TV: Test 5

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Q1:

In the lecture, different types of lights and some lighting techniques were covered.

They are definitely relevant to our project because we should be seeking to re-create certain stylistic elements of films we’ve seen that inspire us, communicate a certain meaning or even just look plain great.

Lighting is arguably one of the most important elements of film but constantly seems to be overlooked. It is really great to be spending time learning about proper lighting techniques and the approach to achieving a certain aesthetic quality on camera.

In our film, the use of lighting will perhaps be most important during the exterior scene whereby our protagonist needs to appear as though he’s under street light.

Q2:

From ‘Lighting the Shot’ (Week 7):

1. It was interesting to read about the emphasis on the importance of consistency and continuity in lighting. This subject sort of makes me uncomfortable because I’d imagine it’s a lot harder to keep a track of continuity in lighting as well as action/tempo/etc. whilst on a shoot.

2. Another interesting take away point from this reading was what was said about spot metering. Although we won’t be using a light meter on our shoot, it was good to finally read a simple explanation of the process of light metering as well as the purpose.

Q3:

In creating this scene, Antonioni would have carefully considered the blocking of the sequence. Becuase his characters were constantly on the move, it is likely that there would’ve been a huge number of cues for certain actions (actors) and reactions (crew/camera) to be executed.

The way in which the photographer and the model are framed is interesting ways all throughout the scene and remain in focus for the most part. It could be argued that this precision in execution was partly due to the influence of the director whilst the scene was filmed – the scene runs like clockwork and feels as though it was choreographed.

Because the characters also move through different spaces, there would most likely have been either multiple cameras used to cover the action or a very considered plan for continuity in the action.

Film/TV 1: Online Test 4 Qs 7-8

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Question 7:

I was completely unaware of the different colours in light that are present when indoors/outdoors/under certain conditions, so it was very beneficial to have them explained so that I better understand them.

The concept of reflecting to diffuse the harsh light given off by aftifical lighting was also very clearly explained, making me a bit more confident with my ability to light a scene and achieve the intended effect.

Aside from the two aforementioned points, it was also hugely helpful to have all the different lights, that are available for us to use, explained and to become more familliar with their set-up, operation and pack up.

Question 8:

The major things I learnt from Lenny ex2 were:

– How to operate the Sony Ex3 camera and set it up on the tripod correctly

– How to set up all the sound gear with the Ex3 and test all is functioning properly

– Basic editing through Adobe Premier Pro, which is super-handy because we’ll most likely be using it throughout the remainder of our time at RMIT

What went well:

– Successfully working in the group which we’re making our major film in – getting to know the equipment and group members at the same time was fun

– Correctly calling all shots and learning the order of things that happens on a professional set

– Logging and correctly keeping records of all shots, which was hugely beneficial in streamlining the post-production phase

 What didn’t go so well:

– We probably missed a couple of shots or could’ve chosen to place the camera in a more effective/visually appealing position, but overall the exercise was really great

#thereturn and Week 1 Film/TV Q and A

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Well. After 5 months of unstructured, unrestrictive and enjoyable holiday times, Uni is once again upon us.

Although the return of structure to our lives may be annoying at first, it’s probably for the best.

What better way to get the block started up again than with the Week 1 Questions set in class…

My goals for this semester basically consist of keeping relatively up to date with all the set work and assessment tasks, to contribute in class and to be not only an active, but a critical group member – doing all that I can to ensure all submitted work is as good as it can be. I think the hinderance of 1st year uni expectations will not be such an issue this year and I’ll be able to focus more and ultimately produce media of a higher quality, using the skills and learning from my experiences in 1st year.

My desires basically revolve around the all important grades that we achieve for our works and I’d simply like to achieve results that I can be proud of, rather than feeling like I may have just scraped through.

The main thing I want to take from Film and TV 1 in semester 1, 2014 is a greater ability to work effectively within deadlines and also within the sometimes challenging context of the group, outside of class time. Organisation and time management will be key for me this semester if I wish to produce work I can be proud of.

One point that particularly took my interest from Jasmine’s lecture about screenwriting was the notion of writing for the screen by starting with a key event, then writing backwards from then, forging the story that led your character(s) to the final scenario. Another interesting point that Jasmine made was the idea that our imaginations are reactive and associative, – meaning that we are able to creatively write if we are able to listen to the natural impulses of our mind and refrain from disregarding ideas that may seem too strange/shallow/different at first.

Because I’ve never really taken reflective writing seriously and thought that there was any particular way to ‘write’, I found Jennifer Moon’s handbook on reflective writing to be hugely informative. Particularly, her summary of ideas to be covered in reflective writing – I’ll definitely be coming back to this list when the time comes for me to write my self assessment for Film/TV 1 later this semester. Whilst not explicitly mentioned in this particular reading, I began to think that it might be beneficial to come back to reflective writings once in a while and remind myself what has worked/hasn’t worked in certain situations that might end up saving me time/effort and also making my work and role within a group dynamic more efficient.