1. Why did you take this class?
I took this class as a way to learn more about many of the skills film has to offer, and in a way, learn a medium that can blend into my chosen career. This was also suggested for me as a way to learn more skills.
2. In general, what did you like most about this class?
Learning new things is always something that makes me very excited, and in the end I really did learn a lot here. Some things that when first introduced seemed so intimidating, but after getting a chance to try it, these things became really fun to work with.
3. In general, what did you like least about this class?
The stress in this class is a lot higher in this class then in Animation last year, and as a result, this class was in the long run less enjoyable then Animation. Not to say that I didn't enjoy this year, as it did have its moments, but there was also enough to make Video less enjoyable.
4. What was your most favorite project and why?
The independent study was my favorite project. The creativity that could come from such an open ended project really shows here, because you have the creative freedom to do what you want, and experiment with new techniques you haven't tried before. I also feel like this was the project that turned out the best overall in my opinion.
5. What was your least favorite project and why?
The PSA projects. The fact that we had three of them was really to much in my opinion, and as we got more of them, I started to get bored of them really fast. They left room for a little creativity, but to me, it still felt constraining and left me with little motivation to do them. It didn't help that these were paired with other projects that seemed more important and fun in the moment at times.
6. Discuss the overall effectiveness of the instructor (for example: preparation, availability, interest, content knowledge, expectations, etc.).
Ms.Licata was once again really one of the better teachers I had this school year. She really is willing to help in any way she can with issues that pop up, and her teaching is very effective, and easy to understand for both a vocal and visual learner. She gave plenty of chances to improve grades through revisions, and would extend some deadlines if needed, something most teachers don't do. This year was really awful for keeping things on track with all the power outages and snow days, and schools being all around frustrating, but Ms.Licata did the best she could to keep things going.
7. What are the most valuable things you learned in the class?
Honestly, I learned two really important lessons in this years class, that will be really important for my future after high school ends.
The first thing is that things will not always turn out the way you want them to. This is having that vision for something in your mind, be it a drawing, animation, or film, and not being able to replicate it on paper perfectly so you think it's awful. I've always struggled with this, mostly with drawings, but a lot of my video projects hit that sore spot to. You need to realize that the idea in your mind is different then what you will create.
The second thing is that you aren't always going to get along with everyone. I've lost track of the amount of times I've left here angry because someone rubbed me the wrong way, and I found myself ranting about it to my friends and family, and I just let it ruin my day. By now, I've reached the point where I just let it out and move on, acceptance in a way. Not everyone will share the same views. Teacher, student, whatever, we're all still human. It's human nature for someone to do something you don't agree with, but it's up to you in the end to be the better person, and not just let yourself fall into bitterness over something lots of people do. As I've been told many times before, that's life, and you better get use to it.
8. Do you feel that this class will help you achieve your future academic or career goals? How or why (or why not)?
This class, while not as important to me as some in the way of major, has taught me a lot of useful things that can carry over into the future. Many of the principles of film can be carried over to animation, and vice versa. Knowing how to use equipment and edit, as well as animation, helps me stand out and may make it easier to get my foot in the door.
9. How could this class be improved?
I feel as thought Animation and Video share one very glaring issue between them. This issue is once again, I'm walking out of this class knowing so much about Premiere, but the things I learned in After Effects are already slipped away. I opened After Effects again after not using it for awhile, only to stare at it blankly, before shutting it down. It feels like After Effects became an after thought after all the exercises we did, and as I result, I feel it may need to be expanded on more in the future.
10. What would you tell incoming students to help them be more prepared for the class?
Once again, procrastination is a huge killer in this class, but in and even worse way the Animation. You getting up and actually doing your project proper can make a huge difference to the quality of your projects overall. Also, make sure you have enough footage to meet the proper specs of each project, in the end, over shooting is better then struggling to make up the lost seconds you need.
11. Additional Comments:
This year many have had some bumpy patches that I had to go through, however, that didn't stop me from getting here and doing my best to end this last year as strong as I can. College is just around the corner already, that's really hard to believe at the moment, but I feel I am ready to move on and take that challenge. I wish all of you the best of luck in your futures, and as always, I hope everything turns out the way you hope it will.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Stress (Weekly comments #18)
1. What I learned this week:
Once again, we had a work week, mostly to finish the final project.
2. What I want to learn:
Tips for drawing clothes.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Friend drama sucks man, it's really stressful, and ruins any chance at a good day.
4. Something that made me happy:
So I'm writing this early because Lockport prom is this Saturday, so I'll be exhausted during the weekend, but I am excited for it.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D628VzTpL_U&t=0s
More TennelleFlowers everyone!
This video that she made is the first episode in her new series where she talks about unused scenes in animated films, and compares them to what made it to the final film, and this one is about an opening scene cut from The Incedibles. Check it out!
Once again, we had a work week, mostly to finish the final project.
2. What I want to learn:
Tips for drawing clothes.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Friend drama sucks man, it's really stressful, and ruins any chance at a good day.
4. Something that made me happy:
So I'm writing this early because Lockport prom is this Saturday, so I'll be exhausted during the weekend, but I am excited for it.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D628VzTpL_U&t=0s
More TennelleFlowers everyone!
This video that she made is the first episode in her new series where she talks about unused scenes in animated films, and compares them to what made it to the final film, and this one is about an opening scene cut from The Incedibles. Check it out!
How to Avoid Shaky Footage When Shooting Without a Camera Stabilizer
When you are out in the field shooting footage, you won't always be able to have a tripod to make sure your footage is stable, and you may be left with no other options then to shoot freehand. However, freehand shooting often leads to shaky footage, which can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Thankfully, there are some tips that you can use to try and avoid this shakiness in a shot, and be able to carry on filming.
The first tip is to hold your camera with both hands. This may seem like a no brainer, however, some people try to shoot with just one hand on the camera. This leads to a balance issue, as there isn't something stabilizing the front of the camera, and leads to shakiness. On top of this, your wrist will move due to the camera not being supported properly, and create even more shaking. Shooting with two hands, one on the lens area and one on the body of the camera, offers some stabilization in the absence of a tripod.
To go along with using two hands, you may notice you still have some shaking in your footage, and may need another way to stabilize. This is where holding the camera to your chest comes in handy. Holding the camera to your chest allows the camera a new stabilizing point from behind, and as a result, reduces shakiness even more then having just your hands. This fits into the third tip about maximizing your contact points, which mentions using your chest as a contact point, as well as using your face or the camera strap as stabilizing points. Combine this with a lens that has image stabilization and you can save yourself some time.
Sometimes, these techniques still aren't enough to fully prevent shakiness, so you need to fix it in editing with Premiere Pro. When you see a spot that has shakiness in the footage, you go into effects, and apply Warp Stabilizer. This normally can fix most of the issue and make it close to unnoticeable.
Sometimes, you may want to do a zoom in, but don't want to risk the shakiness that would come with doing. This tip, the the "PM Rock and Tilt", helps with that issue. What you basically do is fall forward or back, depending on what kind of zoom you want, and then catch yourself after about two seconds. The jerk the camera does also serves as a good editing definer, and then you just make whatever edits necessary.
Other tips are mostly to hide some of the unavoidable shakiness. Panning or tilting as you move the camera makes any shakiness seem intentional or just unnoticeable. This also helps when you shoot wide shots, seeing as little movements are less noticeable in a wide shot then a zoomed in shot. Finally, avoid changing setting while you shoot, as this will cause a shake.
Shakiness is one of those errors that are really noticeable to a viewing audience, and draws their attention from your film, to the errors that can be found in it. However, if your point is for your shots to look raw, shakiness can actually help with that effect. These tips will help make your film look smooth and make the footage look like it was shot on a tripod instead of freehand.
This video was actually very helpful, maybe one of the most helpful blog subjects we've done, and really gives these amazing tips. Seeing as shooting freehand is sometimes the only option in certain situations, it's helpful to know how to improve the steadiness of these types of shots. I'll will keep this in mind if I need to shot without a tripod.
The person in the video was also very helpful. He provided visual examples for each tip, as well as explains what situation each tip could work, and that makes it easier to learn the tips. He also talks about what your editing software can do to fix issues, which I didn't expect, and it was a pleasant surprise.
The first tip is to hold your camera with both hands. This may seem like a no brainer, however, some people try to shoot with just one hand on the camera. This leads to a balance issue, as there isn't something stabilizing the front of the camera, and leads to shakiness. On top of this, your wrist will move due to the camera not being supported properly, and create even more shaking. Shooting with two hands, one on the lens area and one on the body of the camera, offers some stabilization in the absence of a tripod.
To go along with using two hands, you may notice you still have some shaking in your footage, and may need another way to stabilize. This is where holding the camera to your chest comes in handy. Holding the camera to your chest allows the camera a new stabilizing point from behind, and as a result, reduces shakiness even more then having just your hands. This fits into the third tip about maximizing your contact points, which mentions using your chest as a contact point, as well as using your face or the camera strap as stabilizing points. Combine this with a lens that has image stabilization and you can save yourself some time.
Sometimes, these techniques still aren't enough to fully prevent shakiness, so you need to fix it in editing with Premiere Pro. When you see a spot that has shakiness in the footage, you go into effects, and apply Warp Stabilizer. This normally can fix most of the issue and make it close to unnoticeable.
Sometimes, you may want to do a zoom in, but don't want to risk the shakiness that would come with doing. This tip, the the "PM Rock and Tilt", helps with that issue. What you basically do is fall forward or back, depending on what kind of zoom you want, and then catch yourself after about two seconds. The jerk the camera does also serves as a good editing definer, and then you just make whatever edits necessary.
Other tips are mostly to hide some of the unavoidable shakiness. Panning or tilting as you move the camera makes any shakiness seem intentional or just unnoticeable. This also helps when you shoot wide shots, seeing as little movements are less noticeable in a wide shot then a zoomed in shot. Finally, avoid changing setting while you shoot, as this will cause a shake.
Shakiness is one of those errors that are really noticeable to a viewing audience, and draws their attention from your film, to the errors that can be found in it. However, if your point is for your shots to look raw, shakiness can actually help with that effect. These tips will help make your film look smooth and make the footage look like it was shot on a tripod instead of freehand.
This video was actually very helpful, maybe one of the most helpful blog subjects we've done, and really gives these amazing tips. Seeing as shooting freehand is sometimes the only option in certain situations, it's helpful to know how to improve the steadiness of these types of shots. I'll will keep this in mind if I need to shot without a tripod.
The person in the video was also very helpful. He provided visual examples for each tip, as well as explains what situation each tip could work, and that makes it easier to learn the tips. He also talks about what your editing software can do to fix issues, which I didn't expect, and it was a pleasant surprise.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Whoops (Weekly comments #17)
Didn't give this a title at first, fixed it though!
1. What I learned this week:
We didn't really learn much this week, we were mostly working on finishing projects
2. What I want to learn:
Animation/live action integration tips maybe.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Yeah... not really in the mood to talk about it, I'll only get mad again...
4. Something that made me happy:
Things are really coming together for the most part. Lockport prom is the 20th and I have most if not all the things that need to be done planned out. I'm actually getting excited, which is surprising, considering the hell it took to get here.
Also my grandma is coming back up from Florida!
5. Video of the week!
Draw with Jazza is an amazing channel that tackles both general drawing and animation. I highly suggest giving his channel a shot. This is a video he did where he created randomly generated character designs and had is audience vote: Smash or Pass. Enjoy!
1. What I learned this week:
We didn't really learn much this week, we were mostly working on finishing projects
2. What I want to learn:
Animation/live action integration tips maybe.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Yeah... not really in the mood to talk about it, I'll only get mad again...
4. Something that made me happy:
Things are really coming together for the most part. Lockport prom is the 20th and I have most if not all the things that need to be done planned out. I'm actually getting excited, which is surprising, considering the hell it took to get here.
Also my grandma is coming back up from Florida!
5. Video of the week!
Draw with Jazza is an amazing channel that tackles both general drawing and animation. I highly suggest giving his channel a shot. This is a video he did where he created randomly generated character designs and had is audience vote: Smash or Pass. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
How Michel Gondry Pulled off All Those Insane Effects in 'The White Stripes' Videos
When it comes to music video today, not much effort is put into them, due to there not being a stage to show them off anymore. However, in the days of MTV and other music video broadcasts, standing out by doing something new was something many bands strived for. The White Stripes, with the help of Michel Gondry, made simple but effective music videos that broke the norm in a genuine way.
Three videos were talked about in this article, all made by Gondry, were made using simple techniques to create something unique.
The first video, for the song Dead Leaves and the Dead Ground, was made with a simple but effective method involving projectors. The theme of the video is to show off the feeling on loneliness, like when a full house suddenly becomes empty, with only one person left inside. The way this feeling is conveyed in the music video is that scenes of a full house are played where they are needed by a projectors, which gives of the ghost like look to the footage, over the current scene of the one person in their solitude. This is a simple way to create this effect, and convey the message of the song in a unique way, making the video stand out.
The second video, for the song Fell in Love With a Girl, uses both a complicated and simple method mixed together. This video combines stop motion with lego pieces, and the mosaic effect in After Effects, to make the video look like it was fully done in legos. For the mosaic effect, the action needed is filmed, then it has the mosaic effect added to it and adjusted till it looks like the lego stop motion parts that were filmed. This really stood out, as even today stop motion is a difficult medium to use, but they made it slightly easier with the effects on the real footage.
The last video, for the song The Denial Twist, uses scaling in a way the normally looks wrong but works in this video. Due to the way the team built the set, the unnatural stretching of the footage only adds to the videos appeal, and makes it stand out. Another interesting thing about this video is it was filmed in one take, so it is a continuous shot throughout, with the camera man following the actors through the scenes.
Simplicity is important to both White and Gondry, which is carried over into both artists work, in the music and the video. The simplicity only seems to add to the overall charm of the work, and as a result, makes it more enjoyable. These effects can be made by almost anyone, but it's how it is used, that makes it different in the end.
I really do understand how in some cases, many would like to go above and beyond in their work, creating all thee complicated scenes and effects to try and create something amazing, I do strive for that sometimes. However, this dup really shows that simplicity isn't a bad thing, in fact, it can make something feel more genuine to the viewers when the project is simple. I'll try an remember that as I move forward,
The video was also very helpful with conveying the message it set out to tell us. The person who made this is a big fan of both White and Gondry's work, and as a result, can help to explain what is going on in each video. He seems really interested in this topic, and it really made me interested as well, which is a huge plus.
Three videos were talked about in this article, all made by Gondry, were made using simple techniques to create something unique.
The first video, for the song Dead Leaves and the Dead Ground, was made with a simple but effective method involving projectors. The theme of the video is to show off the feeling on loneliness, like when a full house suddenly becomes empty, with only one person left inside. The way this feeling is conveyed in the music video is that scenes of a full house are played where they are needed by a projectors, which gives of the ghost like look to the footage, over the current scene of the one person in their solitude. This is a simple way to create this effect, and convey the message of the song in a unique way, making the video stand out.
The second video, for the song Fell in Love With a Girl, uses both a complicated and simple method mixed together. This video combines stop motion with lego pieces, and the mosaic effect in After Effects, to make the video look like it was fully done in legos. For the mosaic effect, the action needed is filmed, then it has the mosaic effect added to it and adjusted till it looks like the lego stop motion parts that were filmed. This really stood out, as even today stop motion is a difficult medium to use, but they made it slightly easier with the effects on the real footage.
The last video, for the song The Denial Twist, uses scaling in a way the normally looks wrong but works in this video. Due to the way the team built the set, the unnatural stretching of the footage only adds to the videos appeal, and makes it stand out. Another interesting thing about this video is it was filmed in one take, so it is a continuous shot throughout, with the camera man following the actors through the scenes.
Simplicity is important to both White and Gondry, which is carried over into both artists work, in the music and the video. The simplicity only seems to add to the overall charm of the work, and as a result, makes it more enjoyable. These effects can be made by almost anyone, but it's how it is used, that makes it different in the end.
I really do understand how in some cases, many would like to go above and beyond in their work, creating all thee complicated scenes and effects to try and create something amazing, I do strive for that sometimes. However, this dup really shows that simplicity isn't a bad thing, in fact, it can make something feel more genuine to the viewers when the project is simple. I'll try an remember that as I move forward,
The video was also very helpful with conveying the message it set out to tell us. The person who made this is a big fan of both White and Gondry's work, and as a result, can help to explain what is going on in each video. He seems really interested in this topic, and it really made me interested as well, which is a huge plus.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Bleh strikes back(Weekly Comments #16)
1. What I learned this week:
We didn't really learn anything as I'm typing this, as this was mostly a work week. The Children of Men analysis was due though, so that was one thing, at least.
2. What I want to learn:
Better fixes for audio
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I hate that some of the people I know are so petty.
There is a friend of mine who is now stuck in the middle of the most ridiculous situation ever, and she feels absolutely horrible because these two people are mad at her now.
First off, "friend #1" is understandably upset that he can't hang out with his friend because of "friend #2" not liking him, that's fine I have the same issue with "friend #2" not inviting me to stuff. However he is now ignoring my friend, which is not right, and just gives a reason for him to be in the wrong.
"Friend #2" has been causing trouble for a while now. She's been really controlling over the decisions involving prom when it's suppose to be a group effort, and now she's trying to control who my friend is friends with, and her reasons are stupid at best for not liking "friend #1".
Both of them are acting so stupid and selfish, and the fact they can't see what they're doing to someone they call a friend, it angers me to no end.
Also "friend #2" is apparently mad at another friend of mine, and no one can figure out why, she just is.
Drama is so exhausting and infuriating.
(I've been restraining my word choice, trust me, it's hard when you're as angry as I am right now.)
4. Something that made me happy:
On the bright side, I'm being considered for an art scholarship, I'm sending my examples after I finish this, hope I get it!
Also Mother 3 is 11 now, and I completely forgot the game was released on 4/20, so that led to me getting a good laugh all things considered.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojXdaYn3ebo&t=71s
This Youtuber, TennelleFlowers, is really amazing at talking about different media on her channel. From books to TV shows to movies and all that goes with it, she really is great at explaining her points, and addressing most sides. She's also a great animator, and did talk about the principles of animation on her channel, so new animators can be exposed to these principles. This video is about smear frames, and their place in animation, enjoy!
We didn't really learn anything as I'm typing this, as this was mostly a work week. The Children of Men analysis was due though, so that was one thing, at least.
2. What I want to learn:
Better fixes for audio
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I hate that some of the people I know are so petty.
There is a friend of mine who is now stuck in the middle of the most ridiculous situation ever, and she feels absolutely horrible because these two people are mad at her now.
First off, "friend #1" is understandably upset that he can't hang out with his friend because of "friend #2" not liking him, that's fine I have the same issue with "friend #2" not inviting me to stuff. However he is now ignoring my friend, which is not right, and just gives a reason for him to be in the wrong.
"Friend #2" has been causing trouble for a while now. She's been really controlling over the decisions involving prom when it's suppose to be a group effort, and now she's trying to control who my friend is friends with, and her reasons are stupid at best for not liking "friend #1".
Both of them are acting so stupid and selfish, and the fact they can't see what they're doing to someone they call a friend, it angers me to no end.
Also "friend #2" is apparently mad at another friend of mine, and no one can figure out why, she just is.
Drama is so exhausting and infuriating.
(I've been restraining my word choice, trust me, it's hard when you're as angry as I am right now.)
4. Something that made me happy:
On the bright side, I'm being considered for an art scholarship, I'm sending my examples after I finish this, hope I get it!
Also Mother 3 is 11 now, and I completely forgot the game was released on 4/20, so that led to me getting a good laugh all things considered.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojXdaYn3ebo&t=71s
This Youtuber, TennelleFlowers, is really amazing at talking about different media on her channel. From books to TV shows to movies and all that goes with it, she really is great at explaining her points, and addressing most sides. She's also a great animator, and did talk about the principles of animation on her channel, so new animators can be exposed to these principles. This video is about smear frames, and their place in animation, enjoy!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
How Much Do Continuity Errors Really Matter in a Film?
In a film, a setting is composed to set the scene and draw the viewer in, and in turn engage them in the story being told. In this aspect continuity is both a blessing and a curse, because if you break this continuity, you could risk this break becoming the focus and breaking the immersion of the scene. However, in the long run, how much do continuity issues really matter in the big picture.
Well, in short, they don't matter in the long run. Many famous editors still include scenes that have errors in them, because outside of a small continuity issue, the scene may still be the best acted and the most powerful of the bunch. The editing points rule of six created by Walter Murch states what elements should be the most important when editing a film. The first and most important element, emotion, is what should be put above all else and is followed closely by story. If these elements are treated as top priority, the viewer should be drawn into what is going on, and as a result not notice or not care about continuity errors that are present.
A study involving eye tracking technology was done to explore where human attention in a film is focused on. In this study, it is shown that humans tend to focus on the faces present in a scene, and as a result don't normally catch a stray hand or crew member in the background or a missing glass on a table. Going along with this, if the emotions and story are compelling enough, mistakes can be hidden due to the focus being put more on what's going on instead of a mistake in the background.
In the end, if continuity errors are widely notice, it comes down to three reasons why. First off, someone could just be looking for mistakes in something they've watched before, which isn't so much a big deal as the other two reasons. The second reason could be that the error is just that big and apparent that even people not looking for these errors notice them, and it can really pull the audience out of the story. The third is probably the worst of the three, and that is that your film is just wasn't holding viewers attention, due to lack of attention to the emotion and story not being treated with the attention it needs. In the end, continuity errors aren't going to be a big deal if the film can hold the audience's attention, and so long as it isn't to big of an error.
This article is really interesting, and it also has the important reminder that even if you have a continuity error in your best shot, it can be forgiven or missed if the scene works into the emotion and story of the film. Sometimes we forget that even if you the editor notices the error, that doesn't mean someone watching your work will, so you shouldn't give up entirely on a shot if it still works the best in your narrative. I'll have to remind myself of that when I work from now on.
The video also worked really well, and like a movie, you may have to it twice to see some of the mistakes in the clips he's using. He also has experience in editing, as he uses some of his own examples to show he knows what he's talking about, and how unnoticeable these errors can really be. He also seems to carry the same thought process as the editors he talks about, so he can talk in depth about why so many famous editors don't get bothered by errors, and apply some of his own logic as well.
Well, in short, they don't matter in the long run. Many famous editors still include scenes that have errors in them, because outside of a small continuity issue, the scene may still be the best acted and the most powerful of the bunch. The editing points rule of six created by Walter Murch states what elements should be the most important when editing a film. The first and most important element, emotion, is what should be put above all else and is followed closely by story. If these elements are treated as top priority, the viewer should be drawn into what is going on, and as a result not notice or not care about continuity errors that are present.
A study involving eye tracking technology was done to explore where human attention in a film is focused on. In this study, it is shown that humans tend to focus on the faces present in a scene, and as a result don't normally catch a stray hand or crew member in the background or a missing glass on a table. Going along with this, if the emotions and story are compelling enough, mistakes can be hidden due to the focus being put more on what's going on instead of a mistake in the background.
In the end, if continuity errors are widely notice, it comes down to three reasons why. First off, someone could just be looking for mistakes in something they've watched before, which isn't so much a big deal as the other two reasons. The second reason could be that the error is just that big and apparent that even people not looking for these errors notice them, and it can really pull the audience out of the story. The third is probably the worst of the three, and that is that your film is just wasn't holding viewers attention, due to lack of attention to the emotion and story not being treated with the attention it needs. In the end, continuity errors aren't going to be a big deal if the film can hold the audience's attention, and so long as it isn't to big of an error.
This article is really interesting, and it also has the important reminder that even if you have a continuity error in your best shot, it can be forgiven or missed if the scene works into the emotion and story of the film. Sometimes we forget that even if you the editor notices the error, that doesn't mean someone watching your work will, so you shouldn't give up entirely on a shot if it still works the best in your narrative. I'll have to remind myself of that when I work from now on.
The video also worked really well, and like a movie, you may have to it twice to see some of the mistakes in the clips he's using. He also has experience in editing, as he uses some of his own examples to show he knows what he's talking about, and how unnoticeable these errors can really be. He also seems to carry the same thought process as the editors he talks about, so he can talk in depth about why so many famous editors don't get bothered by errors, and apply some of his own logic as well.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Speed week (Weekly Comments #15)
1. What I learned this week:
Well, we had shadowing Wednesday, and that went decently well. We also got our 3rd editing tutorial that includes use of effects.
2. What I want to learn:
More complex effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Not so much frustrated me as made me really exhausted mentally, but my dog had a seizure on Monday that scared me half to death, and so I had an anxiety spike this week. Thankfully she's okay now, it may have only been a one time thing, seeing as she was back to normal right after and is a very health dog in general.
4. Something that made me happy:
Outside of that little incident, I was really happy this week, because I ended up being oddly productive this week. Seeing as I had been hit with what seemed like a curse of uninspired moods, it seems to have temporarily lifted, so lets hope it lasts.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hVuv7mDNqM&index=152&list=LLfWAZ8mWDTXRgHkDhJKUl_A
This is an awesome animated tribute to Earthbound, enjoy!
Well, we had shadowing Wednesday, and that went decently well. We also got our 3rd editing tutorial that includes use of effects.
2. What I want to learn:
More complex effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Not so much frustrated me as made me really exhausted mentally, but my dog had a seizure on Monday that scared me half to death, and so I had an anxiety spike this week. Thankfully she's okay now, it may have only been a one time thing, seeing as she was back to normal right after and is a very health dog in general.
4. Something that made me happy:
Outside of that little incident, I was really happy this week, because I ended up being oddly productive this week. Seeing as I had been hit with what seemed like a curse of uninspired moods, it seems to have temporarily lifted, so lets hope it lasts.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hVuv7mDNqM&index=152&list=LLfWAZ8mWDTXRgHkDhJKUl_A
This is an awesome animated tribute to Earthbound, enjoy!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Beats in story structure
In a story it's very common for the audience to tell when a character shifts emotions when beats are present in the story's structure. Beats are when the viewers can see the moment a characters mood shifts from one emotion to another, mostly to an emotion opposite the one just before the beat, and make the characters more readable as a result. Beats also push the story forward, which leads to the construction of a film, beats lead to scenes, scenes lead to sequences, sequences lead to movies.
In the video, the beats present in the final confrontation between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are shown, and we see the importance of beats. At first, knowing Vader is his father and not wanting to fight him, Luke tries to bring out the human in Vader. However, wanting to instigate Luke, Vader digs into Luke's mind and starts to threaten to turn Leia to the dark side. This causes another beat, where Luke goes from calm and controlled to anger, and starts to fight Vader. This escalates until Luke cuts off Vader's hand, and we get another beat as Luke debates killing Vader, before refusing to give the emperor his wish to turn by killing Vader. This causes the emperor to attempt to kill Luke, and as this happens, Vader is now in the position to debate his next move. In the end, during a brief beat, Vader saves his son and kills the emperor.
These beats in this example show just how important beats in general are to move a story forward. Beats are not always used in film, and some films don't need beats to tell the story they're telling, however beats don't hurt a film's flow. Some beats can help use understand a character and build their personality, or beats can stay strictly to forwarding the story, that depends on the story being told.
Beats are part of the bigger picture, the scene, as sometimes without them a scene can drag or become awkward pacing wise. Once the scene is constructed, it gets put into the sequences that create the final product. So in theory, beats are one of the most important parts of a story's sequence, as beats are the building block of the film.
I honestly haven't even thought about the importance of beats, and now that I know more, I realized it's in a ton of films. Beats sometimes seem more powerful without dialogue, letting the characters expression show the beat, at least in my personal opinion. Beats are great elements, and some stories feel as if they would be better with them.
The video also does a great job at explaining beats. I could understand better with the example he used, and his explanation was very detailed in conveying his message. His humor also got a chuckle out of me to, and that's always and A+ in my book, better then it being boring.
In the video, the beats present in the final confrontation between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are shown, and we see the importance of beats. At first, knowing Vader is his father and not wanting to fight him, Luke tries to bring out the human in Vader. However, wanting to instigate Luke, Vader digs into Luke's mind and starts to threaten to turn Leia to the dark side. This causes another beat, where Luke goes from calm and controlled to anger, and starts to fight Vader. This escalates until Luke cuts off Vader's hand, and we get another beat as Luke debates killing Vader, before refusing to give the emperor his wish to turn by killing Vader. This causes the emperor to attempt to kill Luke, and as this happens, Vader is now in the position to debate his next move. In the end, during a brief beat, Vader saves his son and kills the emperor.
These beats in this example show just how important beats in general are to move a story forward. Beats are not always used in film, and some films don't need beats to tell the story they're telling, however beats don't hurt a film's flow. Some beats can help use understand a character and build their personality, or beats can stay strictly to forwarding the story, that depends on the story being told.
Beats are part of the bigger picture, the scene, as sometimes without them a scene can drag or become awkward pacing wise. Once the scene is constructed, it gets put into the sequences that create the final product. So in theory, beats are one of the most important parts of a story's sequence, as beats are the building block of the film.
I honestly haven't even thought about the importance of beats, and now that I know more, I realized it's in a ton of films. Beats sometimes seem more powerful without dialogue, letting the characters expression show the beat, at least in my personal opinion. Beats are great elements, and some stories feel as if they would be better with them.
The video also does a great job at explaining beats. I could understand better with the example he used, and his explanation was very detailed in conveying his message. His humor also got a chuckle out of me to, and that's always and A+ in my book, better then it being boring.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Food is good (Weekly Comments #14)
1. What I learned this week:
We were mostly working on the fictional short this week.
2. What I want to learn:
More editing tips.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My lack of money is really starting to bother me, because there are things I would really like to have, but I don't have the money to buy them. I'm going to apply to work at the local library, so I hope I can get that, at least.
4. Something that made me happy:
I have a lava cake right now, it smells amazing, I'm going to eat it once I'm done.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcpmIQR94nw
Speaking of vlogs, hears one I watch a lot, it doesn't have b-roll but I still enjoy it.
We were mostly working on the fictional short this week.
2. What I want to learn:
More editing tips.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My lack of money is really starting to bother me, because there are things I would really like to have, but I don't have the money to buy them. I'm going to apply to work at the local library, so I hope I can get that, at least.
4. Something that made me happy:
I have a lava cake right now, it smells amazing, I'm going to eat it once I'm done.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcpmIQR94nw
Speaking of vlogs, hears one I watch a lot, it doesn't have b-roll but I still enjoy it.
Importance of Using B-Roll in Your Work
When it comes to filming, it's important to keep your audience interested in what their watching, which means you need to very your visuals. One of the ways you do this is to shot extra footage, b-role, to make a scene more interesting. This is most effectively mixed with shots of a person talking, maybe showing what their talking about or where they are, to make things more interesting.
B-roll is more valuable then it seems at first. B-roll can be used to fill in scenes that are lacking, can cover up transitions, and maybe give more elaboration to something a person is talking about. If you have a scene where the shots you have are people talking to each other and not much else, b-roll can add some extra shots the screen needs to feel complete and visually interesting, and create a better overall work.
If you want to make some interesting transitions, b-roll can be your best friend, and create some interesting scene changes. Lets say you have some smoke for example, if you shot some b-roll of it and edit it properly, it can create a cleverly hidden scene transition. Hiding transitions is mostly what b-roll is used for in this sense.
If you're making a documentary, or maybe a vlog like the video example, b-roll is almost essential to keep the viewers attention. In the case of documentaries, b-roll is mostly for showing what a person is talking about, as to give a visual explanation alongside the vocal explanation. Vlogs have a harder time doing this, and rely more on b-roll to hold the attention of the viewer.
In the end, it's never a bad idea to shot some random b-roll, as you may never know when you may need it. This falls into the category that you can never shot enough footage in general, and to keep this footage in a separate folder, that way you can have it to pull from. Doing this can create an interesting final product.
Really, I've seen examples of b-roll in a lot of things I watch, no matter what type for filmed media. It seems like it would be something to think about, but it's easy to forget about, but having a reminder in notes may really help. I'll personally try and remember that next time I film.
B-roll is more valuable then it seems at first. B-roll can be used to fill in scenes that are lacking, can cover up transitions, and maybe give more elaboration to something a person is talking about. If you have a scene where the shots you have are people talking to each other and not much else, b-roll can add some extra shots the screen needs to feel complete and visually interesting, and create a better overall work.
If you want to make some interesting transitions, b-roll can be your best friend, and create some interesting scene changes. Lets say you have some smoke for example, if you shot some b-roll of it and edit it properly, it can create a cleverly hidden scene transition. Hiding transitions is mostly what b-roll is used for in this sense.
If you're making a documentary, or maybe a vlog like the video example, b-roll is almost essential to keep the viewers attention. In the case of documentaries, b-roll is mostly for showing what a person is talking about, as to give a visual explanation alongside the vocal explanation. Vlogs have a harder time doing this, and rely more on b-roll to hold the attention of the viewer.
In the end, it's never a bad idea to shot some random b-roll, as you may never know when you may need it. This falls into the category that you can never shot enough footage in general, and to keep this footage in a separate folder, that way you can have it to pull from. Doing this can create an interesting final product.
Really, I've seen examples of b-roll in a lot of things I watch, no matter what type for filmed media. It seems like it would be something to think about, but it's easy to forget about, but having a reminder in notes may really help. I'll personally try and remember that next time I film.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Hmmmm...(Weekly Comments #13)
Collage loans make me nervous guys.
1. What I learned this week:
We mostly did screenings this week, as well as did the documentary critiques.
2. What I want to learn:
Better shot planning
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I've been trying to get my study hall room changed, and I got a slip back from my councilor for an appointment, with the day before's date, so that's great.
Also I hate economics and STUPID ONLINE TEXTBOOKS YOU CAN'T GET INTO TO DO HOMEWORK WITH.
4. Something that made me happy:
Despite the above, I think I've been more relaxed this week then weeks prier, so that's good.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUzVGuk35LE&t=0s
So the Lego Batman movie came out this weekend, and I kinda want to see it, because people have been saying good things about it. This is one of the reviews I watched about it, enjoy!
1. What I learned this week:
We mostly did screenings this week, as well as did the documentary critiques.
2. What I want to learn:
Better shot planning
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I've been trying to get my study hall room changed, and I got a slip back from my councilor for an appointment, with the day before's date, so that's great.
Also I hate economics and STUPID ONLINE TEXTBOOKS YOU CAN'T GET INTO TO DO HOMEWORK WITH.
4. Something that made me happy:
Despite the above, I think I've been more relaxed this week then weeks prier, so that's good.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUzVGuk35LE&t=0s
So the Lego Batman movie came out this weekend, and I kinda want to see it, because people have been saying good things about it. This is one of the reviews I watched about it, enjoy!
How 'Sherlock' Solves Mysteries Using Cinematography and Editing
When it comes to cinematography, sometimes it's better to show the audience a conclusion or idea, instead of dropping exposition. Sometimes this also is a matter of immersing in the world you're in, and getting you to experience what a character experiences, so you understand sometimes as the character does. In this example in 'Sherlock', we see both of these ideas put together, conveyed with clever framing, filming, and editing.
To tell a story from the point of view of a character, the most commonly used method is a monologue to explain the character's thought process, however the filmmakers on 'Sherlock' decide to take a different route to show the audience how Sherlock reaches a conclusion. With the character of Sherlock actually high on cocaine in these scenes, the transitions we experience are unusual, but creatively executed and make sense for the characters thought process. During a conversation scene, the shots used are actually structured Present/Shot and Past/Reverse Shot with different perspectives, which adds to the understanding of the scenes. Then, when Sherlock comes back to reality, we as an audience start seeing the pieces come together. We see a shot of Sherlock in the middle of a busy street. We then cut to a shot of a man yelling a Sherlock from his car. Then we get a reverse shot of Sherlock. Then we cut back to the man, but the man is now Sherlock's drug dealer. Then we do another reverse shot to Sherlock, but when we cut back to the drug dealer, he's in Sherlock's house. We get a reverse shot of Sherlock, then a reverse shot of the drug dealer telling Sherlock they're both at Sherlock's house. This clicks as Sherlock realizes they are in his house, and to match with the drug and scene hitting their highest point, the set turns on it's axis. This entire sequence takes 3 minutes and 42 seconds.
So, the filmmakers working on 'Sherlock' took advantage of a very complex character, and used it to give the audience something different when it comes to exposition through characters. The fact that Sherlock is high on cocaine gives new possibilities for showing the process of the character getting to a conclusion, and as a result, creates a sequence that shows use what we need to know with minimal vocal interruptions. This is why the cinematography works so well in these scenes, it suits the thinking of the character we are watching, and keeps the audience interested.
This was really interesting as someone who has never watched this show before. I could understand why the transitions were the way they were after the tiny explanation about the drugs, and it really is brilliant to match the style of editing to match the character's thought process, and not just take the easy way out with dialogue. It's really interesting, and I applaud the creativity here.
To tell a story from the point of view of a character, the most commonly used method is a monologue to explain the character's thought process, however the filmmakers on 'Sherlock' decide to take a different route to show the audience how Sherlock reaches a conclusion. With the character of Sherlock actually high on cocaine in these scenes, the transitions we experience are unusual, but creatively executed and make sense for the characters thought process. During a conversation scene, the shots used are actually structured Present/Shot and Past/Reverse Shot with different perspectives, which adds to the understanding of the scenes. Then, when Sherlock comes back to reality, we as an audience start seeing the pieces come together. We see a shot of Sherlock in the middle of a busy street. We then cut to a shot of a man yelling a Sherlock from his car. Then we get a reverse shot of Sherlock. Then we cut back to the man, but the man is now Sherlock's drug dealer. Then we do another reverse shot to Sherlock, but when we cut back to the drug dealer, he's in Sherlock's house. We get a reverse shot of Sherlock, then a reverse shot of the drug dealer telling Sherlock they're both at Sherlock's house. This clicks as Sherlock realizes they are in his house, and to match with the drug and scene hitting their highest point, the set turns on it's axis. This entire sequence takes 3 minutes and 42 seconds.
So, the filmmakers working on 'Sherlock' took advantage of a very complex character, and used it to give the audience something different when it comes to exposition through characters. The fact that Sherlock is high on cocaine gives new possibilities for showing the process of the character getting to a conclusion, and as a result, creates a sequence that shows use what we need to know with minimal vocal interruptions. This is why the cinematography works so well in these scenes, it suits the thinking of the character we are watching, and keeps the audience interested.
This was really interesting as someone who has never watched this show before. I could understand why the transitions were the way they were after the tiny explanation about the drugs, and it really is brilliant to match the style of editing to match the character's thought process, and not just take the easy way out with dialogue. It's really interesting, and I applaud the creativity here.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
DID YOU GET THE BROOM CLOSET ENDING?!?!? (Weekly Comments #12)
Guys, I got back into Stanley Parable, whoops~
1. What I learned this week:
We were working on class competitions this week.
2. What I want to learn:
How to properly paint stuff.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Just some tiny stressers this week, nothing big
4. Something that made me happy:
I got back into a few things that I use to like this week, and I forgot how fun some of the stuff really was, these were things I mostly forgot due to newer things. (Which always happens to me)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev_1AUtRP4Y&t=322s
You know, some really fun stuff comes out of bloopers and outtakes, I like when people post them honestly.
1. What I learned this week:
We were working on class competitions this week.
2. What I want to learn:
How to properly paint stuff.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Just some tiny stressers this week, nothing big
4. Something that made me happy:
I got back into a few things that I use to like this week, and I forgot how fun some of the stuff really was, these were things I mostly forgot due to newer things. (Which always happens to me)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev_1AUtRP4Y&t=322s
You know, some really fun stuff comes out of bloopers and outtakes, I like when people post them honestly.
How Filmmakers Make Emotions Visual
When it comes to expressing the emotions of characters in a scene, we think of the basic reactions and emotions, but there is a stronger way to convey these messages that isn't just a character crying when they're sad or smiling when they're happy. Sure, showing crying or smiling isn't a bad move to convey emotions, but the ways many film makers show it resinates with the audience more then simple facial expressions, and the impact is all around stronger. Sometimes, subtle details can make an emotion really stand out, and create a real and understandable sense of emotion.
For example, in Shawshank Redemption, he uses a lot of subtle detail's to convey the loneliness for the character Brook. In the shots that show Brook after his release, everyone is turned away from him, and they only turn and address him to scold him. This portrays how loneliness feels to the individual, like they don't truly exist even in a sea full of people, and this comes to a head when we see Brook hang himself to escape this loneliness.
In 12 Years a Slave, this idea of emotion is conveyed using some smart composition, and sets up a contrast that can effect an audience when put together. While Solomon is being tortured in the foreground, we see other slaves entering in the background, and the audience now has two deeply contrasting elements. The torture in the foreground, and everyday life in the background, come together to convey the message of brutality this film strives for. And finally, when another slave comes to help Solomon, she enters from the side instead of the background as to not break the composition.
Finally, in Children of Men, we see these two previous ideas put together to convey a message of hope. When a baby is finally born into the world after two decades, we see that a miracle can bring peace, even if only for a moment. As the rebels find the new parents, they at first enter full of hostility, then we see this hope slowly enter their faces as they see and hear the baby. As the parents and child are escorted through the building, we see a clever use of blocking so we can only see the effect slowly over time as the British solders are shown on screen being effected by this miracle. When they step outside after the ceasefire is declared, we see the camera slowly pan over the solders outside, and the composition principle comes into play as the solders slowly stand up as the camera reaches them to immolate the spreading of joy.
These are some of the clever ways that filmmakers convey emotions without the actors actually having to spell it out through strong facial expression. Though you can certainly find ways to convey harder to grasp emotions, it's always good advice to not write "unwriteable" scenes, so that you don't write yourself into a hole. However, sometimes the fix to a certain scene can be to simple shot it a different way.
This was really an interesting video, and it really gives some good ideas on how you can create stronger scenes, without doing what everyone does. It's is kind of a given that you resort to having the actors emote what you want to convey, but sometimes that isn't enough, and you need other details to strengthen the emotion. I will try to think of ways I can incorporate this in future works.
For example, in Shawshank Redemption, he uses a lot of subtle detail's to convey the loneliness for the character Brook. In the shots that show Brook after his release, everyone is turned away from him, and they only turn and address him to scold him. This portrays how loneliness feels to the individual, like they don't truly exist even in a sea full of people, and this comes to a head when we see Brook hang himself to escape this loneliness.
In 12 Years a Slave, this idea of emotion is conveyed using some smart composition, and sets up a contrast that can effect an audience when put together. While Solomon is being tortured in the foreground, we see other slaves entering in the background, and the audience now has two deeply contrasting elements. The torture in the foreground, and everyday life in the background, come together to convey the message of brutality this film strives for. And finally, when another slave comes to help Solomon, she enters from the side instead of the background as to not break the composition.
Finally, in Children of Men, we see these two previous ideas put together to convey a message of hope. When a baby is finally born into the world after two decades, we see that a miracle can bring peace, even if only for a moment. As the rebels find the new parents, they at first enter full of hostility, then we see this hope slowly enter their faces as they see and hear the baby. As the parents and child are escorted through the building, we see a clever use of blocking so we can only see the effect slowly over time as the British solders are shown on screen being effected by this miracle. When they step outside after the ceasefire is declared, we see the camera slowly pan over the solders outside, and the composition principle comes into play as the solders slowly stand up as the camera reaches them to immolate the spreading of joy.
These are some of the clever ways that filmmakers convey emotions without the actors actually having to spell it out through strong facial expression. Though you can certainly find ways to convey harder to grasp emotions, it's always good advice to not write "unwriteable" scenes, so that you don't write yourself into a hole. However, sometimes the fix to a certain scene can be to simple shot it a different way.
This was really an interesting video, and it really gives some good ideas on how you can create stronger scenes, without doing what everyone does. It's is kind of a given that you resort to having the actors emote what you want to convey, but sometimes that isn't enough, and you need other details to strengthen the emotion. I will try to think of ways I can incorporate this in future works.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Slow week (Weekly comments #11)
Does it feel like a slow week for anyone else? Just me? Okay.
1. What I learned this week:
We were working on documentaries last week, and are starting the class competition this week.
2. What I want to learn:
Eye effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I hate my documentary guys, it sucks. I didn't record enough audio, I started losing interest in my topic (Guys, I don't know enough about the Simpsons to talk in depth about it, my idea of talking about South Park controversies would have probably been better), and its mostly clip filler. I'm not proud of any part of it, and that makes me angry.
4. Something that made me happy:
Started to look into prom dresses, and I already found one I love, but my mom is insisting we look at more. I feel like I'm going to end up with that first dress though, it's prefect.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rat_et54k-Q
Just incase anyone needs this, this is how to do demon eyes in After Effects, I'll be using it in my fictional short so I figured it would be useful.
1. What I learned this week:
We were working on documentaries last week, and are starting the class competition this week.
2. What I want to learn:
Eye effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I hate my documentary guys, it sucks. I didn't record enough audio, I started losing interest in my topic (Guys, I don't know enough about the Simpsons to talk in depth about it, my idea of talking about South Park controversies would have probably been better), and its mostly clip filler. I'm not proud of any part of it, and that makes me angry.
4. Something that made me happy:
Started to look into prom dresses, and I already found one I love, but my mom is insisting we look at more. I feel like I'm going to end up with that first dress though, it's prefect.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rat_et54k-Q
Just incase anyone needs this, this is how to do demon eyes in After Effects, I'll be using it in my fictional short so I figured it would be useful.
The 6 Emotional Arcs of Storytelling
When it comes to the art of storytelling, many people try to create new plots that are original, with sometimes mixed results. However, many story creators take already existing emotional arcs, and build a story around these bare bone ideas. This is because these arcs are relatable or inspire an emotional reaction in people, and make these arcs more desirable.
There are six different types of common emotional arcs that can be found in both books and films. The first of these is the rags to riches, which is a constant rise in the narrative, that comes out to a happy ending. The main character starts at a low point, and the narrative rises as the main characters fortunes do, reaching the peak by the end of the story and staying there. The 'riches' don't have to be actual money or physical fortunes, but can instead be a mental riches, and could be emotions like happiness or similar feelings.
The second type of emotional arc is the riches to rags story. This type of arc starts at it's high point, a person at the top of the world, and because there is nowhere to go but down, it starts to fall apart for the main character. This fall could be gradual, a small series of events, and the effects aren't noticeable until it is do late to change and make things right. The other idea is that the fall is sudden, either with a huge event or a series of bigger events, and the main character is left reeling from what has happened as they are as low as they can get.
The third type of arc is the man in a hole arc. The man in the hole starts normal enough, staying on a neutral level like someone going through their everyday tasks, and then things take a negative turn. Something negative happens to disrupt the flow of normality, and there is a fall in the narrative to follow the disruption, and we stay there for a while. Then something happens to lift the main character out of this narrative pit, either an event or a person, and this normality is returned with maybe slight changes.
The fourth type of arc is the Icarus story arc. Named after the story of the same name, this arc follows the rise and fall actions in the narrative, mostly due to a hubris from the main character. The narrative starts at a stable point, most likely a low point, before a solution is found and the narrative spikes toward the peak. However, the narrative never reaches that peak, as something goes horribly wrong, and the narrative plunges back to it's low point.
The fifth type of arc is the Cinderella story arc. Also named after the story that made this arc popular, this starts at it's lowest point, the character still holding hope that things will get better. Then, an event happens that can give the main character that chance, and through intervention of some sort, they attend this event. This is one of two high points, this one followed by a low point as the main character gets in trouble for what they've done, only to rise again as the main character finds a way to get their happy ending.
The last of the arc structures is the Oedipus story arc. This story arc starts with a low point for the main character, most likely caused by a plot point involving the character, until a sign comes to the main character. This causes the main character to go on a journey or quest, and their triumph is the high point, when suddenly something goes wrong and the story plunges back into the low point.
These story arc ideas work because they invoke relatable emotions on the audience or reader. This makes it easier to get invested in the characters and world they live in, and when they fail of succeed, we can feel the emotions of the moment. These make these stories more desirable, and as a result, more successful.
After learning about these different types of emotional story arcs, I started to realize that many of the stories I had watched or read had these arcs as their base, and that even if you realize these are the bases for the stories they can be enjoyed with a different take. You can use the same plot points as other films, and still have it feel different and new, if the execution is unique enough to draw people in. The reason why people like these stories is very understandable, and with this in mind, I will try and create stories with similar narrative structures.
There are six different types of common emotional arcs that can be found in both books and films. The first of these is the rags to riches, which is a constant rise in the narrative, that comes out to a happy ending. The main character starts at a low point, and the narrative rises as the main characters fortunes do, reaching the peak by the end of the story and staying there. The 'riches' don't have to be actual money or physical fortunes, but can instead be a mental riches, and could be emotions like happiness or similar feelings.
The second type of emotional arc is the riches to rags story. This type of arc starts at it's high point, a person at the top of the world, and because there is nowhere to go but down, it starts to fall apart for the main character. This fall could be gradual, a small series of events, and the effects aren't noticeable until it is do late to change and make things right. The other idea is that the fall is sudden, either with a huge event or a series of bigger events, and the main character is left reeling from what has happened as they are as low as they can get.
The third type of arc is the man in a hole arc. The man in the hole starts normal enough, staying on a neutral level like someone going through their everyday tasks, and then things take a negative turn. Something negative happens to disrupt the flow of normality, and there is a fall in the narrative to follow the disruption, and we stay there for a while. Then something happens to lift the main character out of this narrative pit, either an event or a person, and this normality is returned with maybe slight changes.
The fourth type of arc is the Icarus story arc. Named after the story of the same name, this arc follows the rise and fall actions in the narrative, mostly due to a hubris from the main character. The narrative starts at a stable point, most likely a low point, before a solution is found and the narrative spikes toward the peak. However, the narrative never reaches that peak, as something goes horribly wrong, and the narrative plunges back to it's low point.
The fifth type of arc is the Cinderella story arc. Also named after the story that made this arc popular, this starts at it's lowest point, the character still holding hope that things will get better. Then, an event happens that can give the main character that chance, and through intervention of some sort, they attend this event. This is one of two high points, this one followed by a low point as the main character gets in trouble for what they've done, only to rise again as the main character finds a way to get their happy ending.
The last of the arc structures is the Oedipus story arc. This story arc starts with a low point for the main character, most likely caused by a plot point involving the character, until a sign comes to the main character. This causes the main character to go on a journey or quest, and their triumph is the high point, when suddenly something goes wrong and the story plunges back into the low point.
These story arc ideas work because they invoke relatable emotions on the audience or reader. This makes it easier to get invested in the characters and world they live in, and when they fail of succeed, we can feel the emotions of the moment. These make these stories more desirable, and as a result, more successful.
After learning about these different types of emotional story arcs, I started to realize that many of the stories I had watched or read had these arcs as their base, and that even if you realize these are the bases for the stories they can be enjoyed with a different take. You can use the same plot points as other films, and still have it feel different and new, if the execution is unique enough to draw people in. The reason why people like these stories is very understandable, and with this in mind, I will try and create stories with similar narrative structures.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
I don't want to be an adult! (Weekly comments #10)
Guys, help me please!
1. What I learned this week:
We started editing documentaries this week, as well as finding out the subjects available for our class projects.
2. What I want to learn:
Better use of color
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Scholarships are so annoying guys.
Also I've been so unmotivated lately, I hate it so much.
4. Something that made me happy:
So my weekend in general was pretty enjoyable, hanging out with friends and stuff.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDtmV5xSv0&t=0s
So, this is a bit of a weird video, the use of milk in films, enjoy!
1. What I learned this week:
We started editing documentaries this week, as well as finding out the subjects available for our class projects.
2. What I want to learn:
Better use of color
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
Scholarships are so annoying guys.
Also I've been so unmotivated lately, I hate it so much.
4. Something that made me happy:
So my weekend in general was pretty enjoyable, hanging out with friends and stuff.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDtmV5xSv0&t=0s
So, this is a bit of a weird video, the use of milk in films, enjoy!
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Become a Better Cinematographer
For cinematographers just starting out, they may find many problems as they start shooting scenes. From the scene being plain, to the lightning not being the best, many people just starting encounter easily fixable issues. The key to fixing these issues is to learns some of these tips and try them out.
When you want to come up with something new, one of the methods people use is to shoot from a different angle then from the first angle you think of. Chances are, the first angle you think of will be the first angle other people think of, and your work won't stand out as much. When you shot from a different angle, you open up some new possibilities for a new take on a commonly shot item or place.
Creating depth is a simple technique that is easily forgotten, but very important when creating visually interesting pieces. Using depth draws the viewer into what their seeing, instead of just looking at it, and immerses the senses. This makes a piece stand out more then one that is just a 2D view.
Thinking opposite means taking the standardly thought out scene, and changing it up to make it stand out, and be more memorably. This does go hand in hand with shooting from a different angle, but focuses more on being experimental, trying something new to get better results. Thinking opposite will yield more creative ideas, and will most likely create a better product.
With lighting and composition, they are important in how your piece will look, and how well it will convey the message of the work. Lighting is difficult to deal with, as at least with natural light can't be controlled, and as a result you may be left with only two options. Either move the subject to a window, so you can shot with a better light source, or wait until the lighting is better. Composition is what helps to tell the story of the piece, and is commonly obtained by using other items around the subject. This requires the camera to stay focused on the subject, and other items to frame the outside of the view.
These tips are tips that will really help to improve the projects you create, by using these tips, you will create some unique pieces that stand out. The tips are very simple to follow, and with a little practice, you can use them in your future works. These work with both photography and video making, like many tips similar to these,and should be remembered when planing out a shot.
I feel that these tips are very helpful for when you want to change up the basic way you shot your footage, and these tips are very simple to follow. Most of them come down to thinking outside of the box, and if you can find a way to execute them properly, they will benefit projects immensely. I will try to remember these tips when I'm shooting footage.
When you want to come up with something new, one of the methods people use is to shoot from a different angle then from the first angle you think of. Chances are, the first angle you think of will be the first angle other people think of, and your work won't stand out as much. When you shot from a different angle, you open up some new possibilities for a new take on a commonly shot item or place.
Creating depth is a simple technique that is easily forgotten, but very important when creating visually interesting pieces. Using depth draws the viewer into what their seeing, instead of just looking at it, and immerses the senses. This makes a piece stand out more then one that is just a 2D view.
Thinking opposite means taking the standardly thought out scene, and changing it up to make it stand out, and be more memorably. This does go hand in hand with shooting from a different angle, but focuses more on being experimental, trying something new to get better results. Thinking opposite will yield more creative ideas, and will most likely create a better product.
With lighting and composition, they are important in how your piece will look, and how well it will convey the message of the work. Lighting is difficult to deal with, as at least with natural light can't be controlled, and as a result you may be left with only two options. Either move the subject to a window, so you can shot with a better light source, or wait until the lighting is better. Composition is what helps to tell the story of the piece, and is commonly obtained by using other items around the subject. This requires the camera to stay focused on the subject, and other items to frame the outside of the view.
These tips are tips that will really help to improve the projects you create, by using these tips, you will create some unique pieces that stand out. The tips are very simple to follow, and with a little practice, you can use them in your future works. These work with both photography and video making, like many tips similar to these,and should be remembered when planing out a shot.
I feel that these tips are very helpful for when you want to change up the basic way you shot your footage, and these tips are very simple to follow. Most of them come down to thinking outside of the box, and if you can find a way to execute them properly, they will benefit projects immensely. I will try to remember these tips when I'm shooting footage.
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