Following several weeks of careful analysis and understanding of cinematography, editing, and screenwriting, our class has been divided into groups of about 4 to 5 people, with each group responsible for making a short film about 2 to 5 minutes long.
Last week at the end of class, all 6 teams were provided with different genres, ranging from horror, experimental, romance, comedy, action and drama.
For each group, the short film must meet the following criteria:
1. Must have a Mime/clown
2. Must have the line “Why is this happening to me today of all days?” and "It would be better for us not to talk about that."
3. Must have a guitar, a cheese grater, and a skull.
INTERESTING!!!! Well...let's see how this goes....ummmmmm...
*ACTION*
(speaking as fast as I can)
In a very dark room, with lights reflecting from the black ceiling, the camera fades in on a mime on stage, playing a guitar. As the camera zooms in on him, he plays a quite soothing, romantic and captivating tune , which gets the audience humming along. The camera captures a close-up shot of the mime, and the music begins to fade. Next, the mime is seen in his home, with his wife in the kitchen. The wide shot in this scene gives us a really great depth of field, where we see a cheese grater lying on top of one of the expensive-looking counters..suddenly, the camera moves swiftly and zooms in on a..*CUT* NO, HOLD ON!!!!! I'm sorry, I was just thinking aloud...Back to our project...
Yes, after a few times of brainstorming, I personally think that our group has the best talents. So far, we have come up with a few ideas, although none of them has been completely agreed upon yet. We’ve thought about a stalker girl who always runs into this boy anytime she sees him around campus. Although the intermediate scenes have not been fully built, the final message/scene sounds fun and interesting. We'd see...:)
Secondly, we are considering an idea of a blind date. A date that ends up being a dramatic one due to various factors such as communication barriers, personal atributes and expectations, etc. All of these ideas have been brought to the table, and hopefully, we'd be able to select one, then begin to put our thoughts together.
It is my personal conviction that our short film would be a success. I would like to see my teammates and I work on getting really great shots since I believe that the quality of a movie depends on the kinds and quality of shots. Secondly, as a "freelancer" in my group, I look forward to working and helping everyone in their roles,in order to make our short film a success. I can't wait for the Film festival on Finals day....It is going to be fun. Good luck to everyone on our assignments!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Scene 5...Take 1....ACTION!!!
(Just woke up and singin' in my bed)
"Good mornin'!
Good mornin'!!!
It's great to stay up late,
Good mornin', good mornin' to you." (Stretching lazily)
So I have always thought that musicals were only characteristic of Bollywood movies (Mariam knows what I'm talking about)... but well..I was wrong!! Prior to watching the movie, I had planned to look out and see if I could figure out all the cinematographic effects, as well as all the other fun things we've learnt in class. Believe it or not, after the first musical, I had lost track and count of what I was looking out for. I totally and absolutely loved "Singing in the Rain." With well composed songs and dance moves to go with it, the rate at which one gets pulled into this movie is really not surprising. These old movies do nothing, but get me thinking about the wonderful, God-given talents these people had, and eventually died with. If only brains were transplanted, I'd have sought the graveyards of all these awesome people..haha..
There is indeed, a lot to fall in love with,in this movie; the sound, the acting and the Cinematography. For a movie that was done to depict the transition from silent movies to "talking" movies, I think that a great job was done in getting the sound together. The shots that were taken at various points in the movie, are worth mentioning. Shots that took the actors dancing through a wall, shots that gave smooth depths of field and that shot of Gene Kelly dressed in a yellow slicker, hanging from a lamp-post and swinging his umbrella in the wild joy of his new love. The cinematography in that scene was breath-taking, as Kelly stomps through the puddles of water in the gutters, making big wet splashes.
The most interesting thing about "Singing in the Rain" for me, was the humor that was in this movie. There is great humor, especially in the scenes that deal with the technical difficulties of the early days of talkies. Lina could never seem to remember which flower arrangement holds the concealed microphone, and so her sweet, sexy voice(in my opinion) booms and whispers as she turns her head back and forth. Although this was funny, it really served the purpose of bringing out the main theme of the movie. The color-filled broadway scenes, also made the movie more interesting and "modern." In summary, "Singing in the Rain" was an awesome movie, and I'd definitely watch it again soon--maybe now..but until then,
"I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again"
*CUT*
"Good mornin'!
Good mornin'!!!
It's great to stay up late,
Good mornin', good mornin' to you." (Stretching lazily)
So I have always thought that musicals were only characteristic of Bollywood movies (Mariam knows what I'm talking about)... but well..I was wrong!! Prior to watching the movie, I had planned to look out and see if I could figure out all the cinematographic effects, as well as all the other fun things we've learnt in class. Believe it or not, after the first musical, I had lost track and count of what I was looking out for. I totally and absolutely loved "Singing in the Rain." With well composed songs and dance moves to go with it, the rate at which one gets pulled into this movie is really not surprising. These old movies do nothing, but get me thinking about the wonderful, God-given talents these people had, and eventually died with. If only brains were transplanted, I'd have sought the graveyards of all these awesome people..haha..
There is indeed, a lot to fall in love with,in this movie; the sound, the acting and the Cinematography. For a movie that was done to depict the transition from silent movies to "talking" movies, I think that a great job was done in getting the sound together. The shots that were taken at various points in the movie, are worth mentioning. Shots that took the actors dancing through a wall, shots that gave smooth depths of field and that shot of Gene Kelly dressed in a yellow slicker, hanging from a lamp-post and swinging his umbrella in the wild joy of his new love. The cinematography in that scene was breath-taking, as Kelly stomps through the puddles of water in the gutters, making big wet splashes.
The most interesting thing about "Singing in the Rain" for me, was the humor that was in this movie. There is great humor, especially in the scenes that deal with the technical difficulties of the early days of talkies. Lina could never seem to remember which flower arrangement holds the concealed microphone, and so her sweet, sexy voice(in my opinion) booms and whispers as she turns her head back and forth. Although this was funny, it really served the purpose of bringing out the main theme of the movie. The color-filled broadway scenes, also made the movie more interesting and "modern." In summary, "Singing in the Rain" was an awesome movie, and I'd definitely watch it again soon--maybe now..but until then,
"I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again"
*CUT*
Monday, February 8, 2010
Scene 4 Take 1......ACTION!!!
Well, after 2 film production and editing workshops,and various movies that confirm how they work, I feel that I have a better understanding of what is involved in getting movies together. The same way, I believe that I can employ these skills that I've gathered and propose that we use it in our short film project.
This week's class was very interesting considering the fact that Eric did a great job explaining all the various cinematography concepts and ideas. All these things come together to give me ideas as to what to do on this project. Most importantly, I would love to see my team-mates and I come to a consensus as to what we'd all want to see in our short film as well as what not to include. No matter how different our ideas may be, there's one thing that all of us would want : GOOD LIGHTING!!!!
From cinematography class,we learnt about the basic 3 point lighting method, and tried to figure out where the different kinds of lights were placed in movies that we saw.I believe that lighting is definitely important because it brings out the life in the characters as well as makes the shots more clear and appealing, as the actors get more in focus.
Next, I'd want to try a voice-over narration, depending on what kind of movie we decide to make (adventure, romance etc) Since this is a short movie, I think that it would be very helpful, since it gives the audience, more information about what is going on, in a few scenes, just as it was used in Sunset Boulevard. At some point in our project therefore, I would love to see this in use.
Depth-of -field and focus have become things that I generally look out for these days, anytime I see something on screen. I'd absolutely love to include these in our project. Getting a really good focus, and incorporating the various forms of focusing.I'd really really want to try the deep focus because it makes the scene looks really Cool. I'd want us to consider the depth of field too,which means that we'd place much emphasis on zooming and the different kinds of shots.
All these I believe, are possible considering the extensive workshops we've had and the ideas that my team members and I would bring on board. I would therefore love to see all these in our short film, just to have a feel of what it feels like to be involved in bringing out ideas for a creative work. Until then, good-luck to everyone and happy Snow day... :) *CUT*
This week's class was very interesting considering the fact that Eric did a great job explaining all the various cinematography concepts and ideas. All these things come together to give me ideas as to what to do on this project. Most importantly, I would love to see my team-mates and I come to a consensus as to what we'd all want to see in our short film as well as what not to include. No matter how different our ideas may be, there's one thing that all of us would want : GOOD LIGHTING!!!!
From cinematography class,we learnt about the basic 3 point lighting method, and tried to figure out where the different kinds of lights were placed in movies that we saw.I believe that lighting is definitely important because it brings out the life in the characters as well as makes the shots more clear and appealing, as the actors get more in focus.
Next, I'd want to try a voice-over narration, depending on what kind of movie we decide to make (adventure, romance etc) Since this is a short movie, I think that it would be very helpful, since it gives the audience, more information about what is going on, in a few scenes, just as it was used in Sunset Boulevard. At some point in our project therefore, I would love to see this in use.
Depth-of -field and focus have become things that I generally look out for these days, anytime I see something on screen. I'd absolutely love to include these in our project. Getting a really good focus, and incorporating the various forms of focusing.I'd really really want to try the deep focus because it makes the scene looks really Cool. I'd want us to consider the depth of field too,which means that we'd place much emphasis on zooming and the different kinds of shots.
All these I believe, are possible considering the extensive workshops we've had and the ideas that my team members and I would bring on board. I would therefore love to see all these in our short film, just to have a feel of what it feels like to be involved in bringing out ideas for a creative work. Until then, good-luck to everyone and happy Snow day... :) *CUT*
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Scene 3 Take 1....ACTION!!!
Whoever thought that an old movie as "Sunset Blvd" could hold my interest much better than any of these new, recent movies?? Sunset Blvd from its very beginning,promised to be something that I could watch till the very end. The class discussion after the movie,got me thinking about the creativity and authenticity that was incorporated in these old movies, especially the film noir genre.
Everything, from the very beginning till the end of the movie, looked original and natural;from the inscription of the movies title on the curb of a sidewalk,to the shot of credits being presented on a moving road, even to the use of soothing,comfortable lightning, the award winning sound/musical interlude and a completely black and white colored touch, everything indeed, was authentic and spontaneous.
The theme of this movie, as was discussed earlier in class for me, was to "expose" the "behind-the-scene" lives of people in the movie industry. As most of us might have thought, these celebrities have the modest and most comfortable lives, but don't be fooled, most of them wish they had simple lives. In this movie, we see how Norma Desmond lives an isolated, deserted life, all in hopes to get back into the spotlight. We see how she works hard, and is determined to make everything possible to become as young and beautiful, just so she could be in a movie of her dreams. Also, Marx's "facial" expression throughout the movie got me thinking why he didn't look happy living in that big house, but I finally comprehended when he finally said, "I was her first husband." "Whatt??????" I thought to myself!!!!! One striking effect in this movie was the underwater shot of Joe Gillis lying dead in Norma's pool. This shot, from below the pool, adds a very interesting effect to the movie. Also, the voice-over narration by Joe Gillis makes this flashback more evident and interesting. It also keeps the audience in suspense and makes you want to pick a phone and call Joe and be like "hey Joe you know, this woman is gonna kill you...don't do this or don't do that!!!!" For me, my love for the authenticity of this movie all comes in when I realized that all the characters being mentioned in the movie were real people. This presents a sense of personal touch and great directing by Billie Wilders.
In short, this movie was rather educative, interesting and authentic. I would definitely watch some more film noir's!!!! Any suggestions?? OMG OMG... I'm sooo happy this definitely is the best movie that everyone should...but wait....(In Norma's voice and actions) "I can't go on with this scene,I'm too happy. Donna, do you mind if I say a few words? Thank you.I want to say how happy I am to be in this class and that I love all these wonderful people around here!!!! Alright Eric, I'm ready for my close-up".... *CUT*
Everything, from the very beginning till the end of the movie, looked original and natural;from the inscription of the movies title on the curb of a sidewalk,to the shot of credits being presented on a moving road, even to the use of soothing,comfortable lightning, the award winning sound/musical interlude and a completely black and white colored touch, everything indeed, was authentic and spontaneous.
The theme of this movie, as was discussed earlier in class for me, was to "expose" the "behind-the-scene" lives of people in the movie industry. As most of us might have thought, these celebrities have the modest and most comfortable lives, but don't be fooled, most of them wish they had simple lives. In this movie, we see how Norma Desmond lives an isolated, deserted life, all in hopes to get back into the spotlight. We see how she works hard, and is determined to make everything possible to become as young and beautiful, just so she could be in a movie of her dreams. Also, Marx's "facial" expression throughout the movie got me thinking why he didn't look happy living in that big house, but I finally comprehended when he finally said, "I was her first husband." "Whatt??????" I thought to myself!!!!! One striking effect in this movie was the underwater shot of Joe Gillis lying dead in Norma's pool. This shot, from below the pool, adds a very interesting effect to the movie. Also, the voice-over narration by Joe Gillis makes this flashback more evident and interesting. It also keeps the audience in suspense and makes you want to pick a phone and call Joe and be like "hey Joe you know, this woman is gonna kill you...don't do this or don't do that!!!!" For me, my love for the authenticity of this movie all comes in when I realized that all the characters being mentioned in the movie were real people. This presents a sense of personal touch and great directing by Billie Wilders.
In short, this movie was rather educative, interesting and authentic. I would definitely watch some more film noir's!!!! Any suggestions?? OMG OMG... I'm sooo happy this definitely is the best movie that everyone should...but wait....(In Norma's voice and actions) "I can't go on with this scene,I'm too happy. Donna, do you mind if I say a few words? Thank you.I want to say how happy I am to be in this class and that I love all these wonderful people around here!!!! Alright Eric, I'm ready for my close-up".... *CUT*
Friday, January 22, 2010
Scene 2 Take 1--- ACTION!!
In short,class last night was great. It wasn't until last night that I realized the amount of "behind-the-scene" work that goes on in the production of a movie. Eric did a great job by going through the steps in a very interesting way. The tutorials that were shown at the end of class made it more interesting.
Although I knew that a significant amount of time was required and spent in the preparation, shooting, editing and overall production of a movie, I didn't know how intensive the process was like until I saw the behind the scene works of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. I was really amazed to see how some people are just able to visualise a scene, then put it in a form of a drawing, by making storyboards. That shows the artistic value that is put into the making of these movies. People putting their lives at risk, just in order to get the sound of an animal (lions, elephants) makes it even more frightening,yet interesting. Now, I can understand and appreciate these movies since I now realize the amount and depth of efforts put into them.
Now that the short films have been assigned, I am more than ready to start putting them together in order to make a complete thought. Windows movie maker keeps messing up, but hopefully I'd find something that works. Goodluck to everyone and let's have fun with it. *CUT*
Although I knew that a significant amount of time was required and spent in the preparation, shooting, editing and overall production of a movie, I didn't know how intensive the process was like until I saw the behind the scene works of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. I was really amazed to see how some people are just able to visualise a scene, then put it in a form of a drawing, by making storyboards. That shows the artistic value that is put into the making of these movies. People putting their lives at risk, just in order to get the sound of an animal (lions, elephants) makes it even more frightening,yet interesting. Now, I can understand and appreciate these movies since I now realize the amount and depth of efforts put into them.
Now that the short films have been assigned, I am more than ready to start putting them together in order to make a complete thought. Windows movie maker keeps messing up, but hopefully I'd find something that works. Goodluck to everyone and let's have fun with it. *CUT*
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Scene 1 Take 1.....ACTION!!!
So the first day of class seemed to be more of an eye-opener to me, considering that I had never thought about how much film has revolutionized over the years. Whoever thought that specially made boxes with movable parts could be used to capture such relatively perfect scenes? But oh...It was a pleasure meeting everyone in my class. It was during the process of introducing ourselves that I saw most people that I had never seen/ ever seen but not talked to. As the introductions went on, and people kept mentioning countless number of movies as favourites, I thought to myself "Wow, these peoople must be in love with movies!!"
Well, like a few other people, I am not a huge film buff. I only watch movies whenever someone tells me "Hey, you should watch this movie, its REAALLLLYYY good." Honestly, I try, but more often than not, I end up watching the movie half-way through, and then I'm done!! What could be wrong with me?? I have really thought about it, but cannot seem to figure out what the problem is, especially after a few incidences where I felt SOOOO sleepy at the movies,(literally, fell asleep) whilst people were enjoying the movie being shown, passionately!! Seriously, anyone who thinks or knows about a solution to this daunting problem should help me out.
That being said, I must confess that I can't wait to start working on our film projects. For me, this class is going to be a lot of fun, considering all the big plans and projects Donna and Eric have in stock for us. I can hardly wait to see the great things that my mates and I will acheive by the end of the semester. Seriously, Donna, I think you should get in touch with some production and post-production Houses in Hollywood, because we are about to break some world records...Donna and Eric should have seen the ideas that were being put to work whilst we made those short scenes in class on Thursday. We are just awesome!!! The final projects, I believe will be a sight to see...and just to let everyone know, some people already know who to cast;Dr. Norb, Rick, Glenda and a few more. Others also have locations set up ahead of time; NASA Space station, the Bears stadium, the swimming pool, cafeteria, HPER and a lot more!!! Could you imagine what the result of these brilliant minds and ideas will be??? It's definitely "COMING OUT SOON IN THEATRES NEAR YOU!!!"
And before I release any more confidential and classified information, I'm out of here,and I'd see all my wonderful film-making colleagues in class on Thursday. *CUT*
Well, like a few other people, I am not a huge film buff. I only watch movies whenever someone tells me "Hey, you should watch this movie, its REAALLLLYYY good." Honestly, I try, but more often than not, I end up watching the movie half-way through, and then I'm done!! What could be wrong with me?? I have really thought about it, but cannot seem to figure out what the problem is, especially after a few incidences where I felt SOOOO sleepy at the movies,(literally, fell asleep) whilst people were enjoying the movie being shown, passionately!! Seriously, anyone who thinks or knows about a solution to this daunting problem should help me out.
That being said, I must confess that I can't wait to start working on our film projects. For me, this class is going to be a lot of fun, considering all the big plans and projects Donna and Eric have in stock for us. I can hardly wait to see the great things that my mates and I will acheive by the end of the semester. Seriously, Donna, I think you should get in touch with some production and post-production Houses in Hollywood, because we are about to break some world records...Donna and Eric should have seen the ideas that were being put to work whilst we made those short scenes in class on Thursday. We are just awesome!!! The final projects, I believe will be a sight to see...and just to let everyone know, some people already know who to cast;Dr. Norb, Rick, Glenda and a few more. Others also have locations set up ahead of time; NASA Space station, the Bears stadium, the swimming pool, cafeteria, HPER and a lot more!!! Could you imagine what the result of these brilliant minds and ideas will be??? It's definitely "COMING OUT SOON IN THEATRES NEAR YOU!!!"
And before I release any more confidential and classified information, I'm out of here,and I'd see all my wonderful film-making colleagues in class on Thursday. *CUT*
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