For this class we split into groups and set off to capture some abstract material that could be used to edit in creative ways to achieve a certain effect. My group, helmed by Mia’s idea, went down to the construction on Franklin St and worked with the shadows produced between the bars and scaffolding. We found that by specifically working with shadows and light and the movement of shadows, some interesting effects can be achieved. Depending on the camera angle, some of the shadows seemed more distorted than others, and having a considerable number of people walking past meant that there was a lot of variety and surrealism at play.

The shot in this experiment that I thought was most interesting was the tracking shot that Mia implemented, following my shadow along a wall that was exposed to fragmented sections of light. As other people walked in the opposite direction to me, the shadows merged and split frequently, where smaller shadows would momentarily become taller. This, in my opinion, established an abstract narrative sense of unity that could possibly be explored further.

After this, I decided to practise the ability to capture qualities of my surroundings in a visually dynamic way, working collaboratively with the idiosyncrasies of the architecture around me. Working with this mindset, I was not only able to capture material that I found to fit this criteria well, I became more aware of my surroundings and more attentive to the opportunities, which is a benefit beyond filmmaking. I decided that from then on I would try to engage with my surroundings as if they were to be composed for a shot more often, practising an eye for this sort of awareness.

I may approach a similar topic in my week 7 presentation.