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.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
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.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Pain (Weekly comments #9)
*Loud groaning*
1. What I learned this week:
We mostly worked on explosions this week, with the two shadowing days in between, and documentary work.
2. What I want to learn:
Better blending in After Effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My chest and back have been killing me this week, and while my back as gotten better, my chest still hurts a decent amount.
4. Something that made me happy:
Saw Moana this weekend! It was really good, and I highly recommend it!
Got into the Honors program at Villa, another plus.
And pie, there's pie being made in this house right now.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxOg2G1yQpE&t=1578s
This is a video talking about some really cool technology that could be implemented into Disney parks soon, including animatronics that may be able to read your eyes and see you, check it out!
1. What I learned this week:
We mostly worked on explosions this week, with the two shadowing days in between, and documentary work.
2. What I want to learn:
Better blending in After Effects
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My chest and back have been killing me this week, and while my back as gotten better, my chest still hurts a decent amount.
4. Something that made me happy:
Saw Moana this weekend! It was really good, and I highly recommend it!
Got into the Honors program at Villa, another plus.
And pie, there's pie being made in this house right now.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxOg2G1yQpE&t=1578s
This is a video talking about some really cool technology that could be implemented into Disney parks soon, including animatronics that may be able to read your eyes and see you, check it out!
Friday, December 16, 2016
5 Different Meanings You Can Evoke with Framing Response
When it comes to conveying a films message, framing can be a vital tool that can get across a deeper feeling. This is more commonly used to get across the feelings of the character on screen and the conflicts they face. Framing can also set up some foreshadowing that can fool the audience, and then deliver the twist later on.
With the video essay, the speaker talks about five ways that filmmakers used frame in 2015. The first is the example of the family in Force Majeure, where the film starts with the family taking the perfect picture of a perfect family, but when the pictures arrive we've seen everything is not so perfect. When the speaker talks about Mad Max: Fury Road, she notes that as the film reaches it's climax, the framing is more organized then it perviously was. She notes that this is almost paradoxical in a way, because even if the rebels won, there is still somewhat an order even in the end. In her example using Mommy, the speaker explains the use of a frame to represent the feeling of being trapped, and that this helps us understand the character better because we can see their struggles. This also helps when a character pushes away the feeling of being trapped, the frame expands, and gives the feeling of freedom. In the film Girlhood, the speaker explains that when the main character makes the chose to stop being pushed around, the frame expands, but we are brought back to reality of the cruelty displayed in the film. In the end, the only option is to leave it behind, which is shown with the main character walking off frame. With Inside out however, explores inside the frame, and this adds to the movies message about being together.
The article goes on to talk about how all of these examples are a part of juxtaposition. Juxtaposition is commonly used to connect two images together to create one main idea. The other examples given explain the elements of juxtaposition, the Kuleshov effect and Einstein's Strike, show how the two elements show together can create a deeper message all together.
This was actually very interesting to see how a frame can be used to show so many different ideas, and help to convey the idea better. The juxtaposition inclusion was great as well, and ties in to the overall article. I will defiantly try and use these skills in the future.
With the video essay, the speaker talks about five ways that filmmakers used frame in 2015. The first is the example of the family in Force Majeure, where the film starts with the family taking the perfect picture of a perfect family, but when the pictures arrive we've seen everything is not so perfect. When the speaker talks about Mad Max: Fury Road, she notes that as the film reaches it's climax, the framing is more organized then it perviously was. She notes that this is almost paradoxical in a way, because even if the rebels won, there is still somewhat an order even in the end. In her example using Mommy, the speaker explains the use of a frame to represent the feeling of being trapped, and that this helps us understand the character better because we can see their struggles. This also helps when a character pushes away the feeling of being trapped, the frame expands, and gives the feeling of freedom. In the film Girlhood, the speaker explains that when the main character makes the chose to stop being pushed around, the frame expands, but we are brought back to reality of the cruelty displayed in the film. In the end, the only option is to leave it behind, which is shown with the main character walking off frame. With Inside out however, explores inside the frame, and this adds to the movies message about being together.
The article goes on to talk about how all of these examples are a part of juxtaposition. Juxtaposition is commonly used to connect two images together to create one main idea. The other examples given explain the elements of juxtaposition, the Kuleshov effect and Einstein's Strike, show how the two elements show together can create a deeper message all together.
This was actually very interesting to see how a frame can be used to show so many different ideas, and help to convey the idea better. The juxtaposition inclusion was great as well, and ties in to the overall article. I will defiantly try and use these skills in the future.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Why (weekly comments)
So, this week in BOCES, we learned about how to make explosions. All in all, the only feeling I have about this week is that it managed to piss me off pretty much. Drama is just way to emotionally draining, and really, I'm just glad it may be over. On the bright side, Buff State hockey team won against the top team in their division Oswego 5-1, so that's a good thing.
Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmrUQCzTnYU
Going to post some FreshBakedDisney this week, it's a really great vlog going around the Disney parks!
Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmrUQCzTnYU
Going to post some FreshBakedDisney this week, it's a really great vlog going around the Disney parks!
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