Seamus’ Presentation Reflection
Seamus’ presentation on carbon emissions was very detailed and compelling, engaging with the topic of hyperobjects and carbon emissions in an intelligent and thoughtful way. His use of images alongside succinct and detailed dot-points made the presentation slides easy to engage with without missing what he was saying during his presentation. His speech flowed really well with the subjects he was talking about. His idea of using old super 8mm footage to comment on and display the effects of household appliances and vehicles is very creative and I think it would be very effective. With the added aspect that a lot of the footage he will use has some sentimental value to him, as the footage belonged to his grandfather, I think the personal response to the hyperobject of carbon emissions will be very interesting to see. I anticipate that the video will have a very nostalgic and sentimental visual and emotional tone, reflecting on the very tangible connection that carbon emissions have with humans, and furthermore the affect that these emissions have on the earth and in turn our ability for life.
I think the personal nature of Seamus’ video piece on carbon emissions could be used to great affect through the aspect of music. Given the nostalgic content of the super 8mm footage, using music that complements that nostalgic tone could greatly help convey the magnitude of the hyperobject he has chosen, and how it relates to the viewer as well.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is a good site in which footage similar Seamus’ already sourced super 8mm footage can be found, it has archives of old ads, songs, short films, events, etc.