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My position in this assignment is unique compared to the others. While they are directing their own works, I am a scriptwriter who shares the script with three other directors, allowing them to direct a scene in whatever way they want. In this regard, I must emphasize the importance of a “wide range of interpretation.” This means that I don’t want any of the scenes to look similar in terms of style or execution. Ultimately, I aim to trick the audience into thinking that the three scenes are entirely different, each presenting a unique vision and approach. Then, I want them to realize that they are, in fact, following the same story. This realization will enable the audience to appreciate the wide range of interpretations that one script can generate. By seeing how different directors bring their unique perspectives and creative decisions to the same material, viewers will gain insight into the collaborative and interpretive nature of filmmaking. I believe this is a significant experiment for any scriptwriter, as it highlights the versatility and depth that can be achieved through diverse directorial visions.
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While I was editing, I realized that I had written the script as if it were just for me and the few people helping with the project’s creation. I did not consider the audiences who would watch the scene for the first time without any prior knowledge of the characters or the plot. I believe this is the biggest mistake I made in the entire project. Although I had a fun story and a clear vision in my head, I failed to see the story from the audience’s perspective. This lack of consideration made it difficult for viewers to engage with and understand the story without any context. This is the most significant area I need to improve. By the next time I share my work with others, I want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the story without needing any background information prior to the first viewing. This means crafting a narrative that is accessible, engaging, and clear to a fresh audience, allowing them to fully appreciate the characters, plot, and emotional nuances without any prior knowledge.
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- Picture the Moment,” a project by Kevin Sun, was produced with the goal of creating a “Studio Ghibli-esque” live-action film without making it over the top and unrealistic. Sun’s project as a whole is a significant experiment. I would say it was a huge success for Sun to adopt the feelings and atmosphere synonymous with many Studio Ghibli films into the real-life setting of Melbourne. It was evident that the entire process of filming and editing required a large amount of attention to detail. Each shot captures the beauty of living in nature as well as the everyday life of people in the city. This was done without any major plot or dialogue, focusing instead on the visuals captured by the camera. Alongside the shots used for this work, color and sound play a significant role in adding a Ghibli-esque atmosphere. As I mentioned earlier, all the choices in editing needed to be nearly flawless to fully capture what Sun was aiming to do. Both aesthetically and musically, these elements helped him reach his goal.
- Plot-wise, Claudia Schenck’s “Telehealth” is as minimalistic as it gets, and this minimalism is reflected throughout the project. However, the shot sizes and angles used in the scene are quite radical. They made me slightly nervous but also conveyed the vulnerability of Olivia, the protagonist of the scene. This effect was likely achieved by Schenck’s decision to use a big close-up of Olivia’s hand pinching her knee during the climax of the scene. This close-up highlights Olivia’s slight anxiety at that exact moment, as she receives a blood test result. A few shots later, this is contrasted by a long shot of Olivia sitting alone in a park full of greenery. Additionally, the scene includes shots of Olivia from above, looking down on her as she receives a call. These aspects contribute to a mystical and vulnerable tone, which is likely what Schenck intended her audience to take from her work.
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COMITIUM by Joel Bernoth, Fida Chowdhury, Gabby Li (Visual Blueprint)
Through the film “COMITIUM” by Joel Bernoth, Fida Chowdhury, and Gabby Li, a mysterious atmosphere is maintained, making me anticipate that something otherworldly will soon happen. When it does, the tone of the film becomes quicker but never feels rushed. Set in the middle of nowhere, the film initially conveys a dreamy mood. As soon as it cuts to the next scene where the main protagonist wakes up at night, this dreamy mood disappears. However, the notebook he received in the previous scene leaves viewers questioning whether the events were real or just a dream. What’s impressive about this work is that the producers aimed to tell the story cinematically, avoiding excessive dialogue or over-explanation. Despite the mysterious plot, I never felt confused while watching it, as the producers adopted a very minimalistic approach. This underscores the filmmaking principle of “show, don’t tell.”