Canon Fodder Showcase Reflection

The Canon Fodder studio was an exploration of ‘greatness’ in film and film canons. Using the 2012 Sight and Sound Poll of the ‘Top 100 Greatest Films of All Time’ as a starting point, this studio criticised the process of ranking and canonising films- interrogating whose voices are given a platform and those who are silenced. As well as the impact of this on the film industry. 

One of the manifesto’s that stood out to me in the showcase from the studio was ‘How to make the greatest film of all time’ by Ben, Connor and Olivia. Straying from the typical video essay, their piece was a clever satirical piece about ‘making it’ as a director in the film industry. Their piece addressed much of what we explored in the canon fodder studio- highlighting issues like nepotism, sexism and in general the privilege afforded to the old straight white man in the film industry. While it was funny, the strong message and convictions of the group still managed to come through in the final piece. 

Another manifesto that stood out to me was ‘Canonical Calamity’ by Alannah, Giorgio and Zoe. A well-structured video essay, the manifesto included a great deal of background research, an interview with ‘industry professionals’ and presenting their own alternative solution to the same top 100 film lists we see circulated. I found their piece really engaging, and agreed with a lot of what they said in their manifesto. 

 

Power of The Cut Showcase Reflection

After I attended the showcase for the Canon Fodder studio, I remained for the ‘Power of the Cut’ studio showcase. From the introduction by the studio leader, this studio explored the various editing techniques for different styles and genres. The final project for the semester was to present a series of three edits in three different styles (a commercial, a documentary and a narrative). When observing the final projects I was struck by all of the different elements that work together to define a particular genre/style of film. 

The final projects that I was drawn to in particular were by Maximillian Paspa and Dani Atherton. In these final projects I found that each of the styles were incredible in their own right, I was particularly struck by the commercial edit in Maximillian Paspa’s project and ‘Jewel’ in Dani Atherton’s project. However, when the three styles are presented in succession your attention is drawn to the distinctions and the different elements used in each edit style.

Overall, I really like the concept of this studio and enjoyed viewing the final showcase.