Course Reflection

    This course has been a real eye opener for me, both looking outward and inward. I've learned a great deal about cameras and also the which ones to use for different situations. I've also learned how much I need to know about the camera before taking it into the field for shooting. I've also learned the difficulty involved in lighting shots. I have a much greater deal of respect for cinematography and using lights myself definitely humbled me when using them. Video production is a big thing for me. I learned how important it is to plan every little detail before you shoot: location, script, shooting list, story board, coverage, actors, floor plans, equipment list etc etc. Very Very IMPORTANT!! The book the filmmaker's eye should be required. I ordered it at the beginning of class and I believe it helped me a great deal with composition and the different ways to experiment with it. I thought that was an extremely cool book and it definitely helped me.

    I learned a great deal about equipment and theory etc but I really learned a lot about myself. I learned to be creative and go out and try something different. I found out what I liked, as far as films and how to look at cinema in a completely new way. It finally hit me that we are artists and we have the ability to create beautiful images that can change the world with our cameras and mind. I learned I need to be passionate about this art in order to really be good at it. I've come to appreciate other people in the craft as well. I just really enjoy it a lot more after taking this class. I love film and movies and I know that's what I want to do, but this class really solidified it for me. I'm definitely glad I took this class and I'm always going to look for more inspiration in my everyday life.

Reel/Artist Statement

      What is art? Can it truly be defined? Things like The Grammy Awards or the Oscars try to reward art. I think that's bullshit...to get a trophy for artwork. I consider myself an artist, not a very good one at this point, but I believe in myself and in the beauty this world has to offer. I'm extremely passionate about, in general, the Earth. Earth's natural landscape and the people on it, good or bad. I'm inspired by everything I see, whether it's a reed blowing in the breeze, the sun or moon casting shadows, children playing together, or the mom making the daily commute to work with an aged face. There's a story to be told in each of those and that's what I aim to tell. Incredible stories don't have to be written in some Hollywood studio's writing room with six chairs and an espresso machine. They're all around us, naturally occurring day by day and I want to tell these stories, mainly through the avenue of documentary film making.

    My style is yet to be established. I'd be lying to you if I told you I had a definitive style. I enjoy shooting little things around us, things we normally wouldn't notice, trying to give them their moment in the spot light. So if that's my style then I guess I do have one. When I'm more certain of it I guess it'll show up in my work. There are a million stories to be told, and my goal through documentary film making is not to tell all of them, but if I can tell a few and those few can impact a viewer's life, then I will have succeeded in my goal as a filmmaker. To impact people's lives through this beautiful style of art we've chosen to participate in.


http://vimeo.com/33322644

What I've Learned

     I feel like I've learned a great deal in taking this course. I've learned how important lighting is and how to compose and capture really beautiful shots. I've come to appreciate films more, because of the beautiful cinematography. I've also learned more about the cameras available to use as well as the type of equipment I need on set of productions. I find myself observing light much more, in film and my natural world. I'll walk into a room now and look for the light source and how it lights the room, where the shadows fall etc.

    I think my strengths at this point in my learning career would definitely be framing and composition. I really look for that in shots and I think that is very important. When I rush my stuff I believe sometimes I overlook the framing but I really want to work to create these beautiful shots I see others do all the time. I've also been able to  narrowly define what I like, what I would like my style to be. I love documentaries but I really love film noir and I really want to make a short noir film. I've also learned to look to paintings for lighting and tonal inspirations. You've definitely given me the tools and areas of the craft to study to become better. I'm not sure what I want to do in the field. At this point really anything, but I want to experiment with abunch of things to find something I like and am good at. I also have a great deal of respect for my classmates. I appreciate everyone's point of view and helpful comments. I think we are such a diverse class and seeing that come to life in our work is really cool to me.

Best Camera

As far as cameras go and the technology I still have much to learn. I believe I know the basics on how they work and the basic advantage/disadvantages of most of the cameras in the TCF department. I understand how the chip type and size effects the camera, what too look for when selecting a camera such as film modes, HD capability, versatility, how it performs in certain light conditions, and how easy they are too function. I personally like the easier more user friendly cameras but that's just because I'm a novice. I'm sure once I learn more about them, I'll use the better cameras.

I prefer the DSLR T2i. I think it performs well and for the price produces very good images. I like the functionality as well as the portability. I'm also really into messing with the depth of field in images and I like the way the T2i captures those shots. I also am more into the run and gun style as far as shooting and I enjoy the lightweight DSLR. I am also intrigued by the new Sony FS-100. I like the feel and look of it, and I think it produces very good images. I like how you can deconstruct the whole camera into different pieces. I look forward to using it in the future.

DSLR Camera's

The first advantage of DSLR photography is the price. The camera's are relatively inexpensive and are capable of capturing equal or in some cases better images than much more expensive video cameras. The variety of lenses allows for a great deal of versatility. The Zeiss Primes are very nice and can produce beautiful images. DSLRs are very good at crushing depth of field, are relatively light in weight, easy to move and can take single shots and still film in 1080p when in video mode. Some limitations to the DSLR's are they are not very good at moving shots. The image gives a "wiggle" effect when panning to fast. Also, video takes can only be in 12 min per take. Not a terrible problem for me but could be for others. Files must also be converted in order to edit in Final Cut. The cameras also are notorious for over-heating, which isn't a huge deal but can be annoying if it over-heats right before you can get that magic shot.

Cinematographer's Style

I had mixed feelings about this movie, just one thing that bothered me in particular. I wish they would have put the names of each person being interviewed next to them throughout the whole film, rather than just them telling the audience their name at the beginning. For me, it was very hard to keep track of who was who when it would cut from them later. Aside from that, I thought the movie was very useful in discussing cinematography as an art and giving me a greater appreciation of the trade.


I really liked how each different artist was lit in a unique way. It made me wonder if they chose to light each artist based on their own personal style of lighting. I thought that would have been a cool concept. I really liked the guy that compared lighting to jazz music. You learn everything you can about the art, but everyday it changes and things can change rapidly. I thought that was a very cool comparison to make. I also didn't realize the importance of DP's in the production of commercials, being able to grab an audience in such short periods of time. I liked the idea of "happy accidents", that even pro's can stumble upon the unexpected and make them work to their advantage. Also how every person can have the same technology available to them but the images must come from them. They are able to create different images and tones with the same types of technology. I really liked the guy who worked with the Coen brothers and the guy who did Gangs of New York that was inspired by Rembrandt. Overall I enjoyed the movie.

Scene Assignment Reflection

First of all I'm not proud of the look, style or outcome of my scene assignment. I rushed the production and wasn't able to get the proper coverage. I also had to use two different cameras with two different light kits which caused a different look and feel to the different shots in the piece, which I believe really took away from the scene in general. The first part I shot on the JVC, which was ok.... but not perfect. The second part was shot on the FS100, which to me is a better camera but I failed to secure the Arri light kit and was forced to use the Keno's, which gave it a different color temperature then the shots I filmed previously. I blame only myself.


  I learned that producing narrative scenes take time, especially in pre-production. Also, what can go wrong while shooting, will go wrong. I needed to be more familiar with lighting techniques and also the strengths and weaknesses of each camera. Instead I tried to wing it and the results definitely show this. I was embarrassed to screen it in class and the embarrassment I felt has pushed me to prepare myself more. In the future I will know my equipment, rehearse with my actors, use multiple takes when needed and not rush my framing/lighting.

Scene Assignment

Taken from a scene from RDogs.

Scene Assignment

Taken from a scene from RDogs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r15A__g5p-k

Camera Movement contin

I really love Michael Mann and he uses moving camera shots frequently in many of his films. I couldn't find the individual examples on Youtube but I have the trailer for Public Enemies and a tribute video someone did to him, containing a good amount of shots.

There are some other examples that I couldn't find online. One was the scene from Gladiator when Russell Crowe has just survived in the desert arena and the camera rapidly spins around him with a low-angle shot.

Camera movement is very important and can add a great deal of depth to a film or a particular scene. The audience can move with the camera and the movement can be used to show point of view or even symbolize some of the characters traits. Movement becomes bad however when there is too much of it and it takes away from the story because the audience becomes distracted. Knowing when and how to use it in shots is key to its success.

Camera Movement

Here a few examples of camera movement from films I like.

The classic Steadicam shot from Goodfellas.

 The use of the Steadicam following the actors through the kitchen, etc made the audience feel like they were right there, following the action in one smooth,long take.

Another example from Children Of Men

Shot Analysis. "Easy Rider" Freedom

The scene I chose for my shot analysis comes from the film "Easy Rider", directed by Dennis Hopper and staring Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, and Hopper himself. Here's a link to the IMBD page for the film that includes the full synopsis. In this particular scene, towards the end of the film, Wyatt (Fonda), Billy (Hopper), and George (Nicholson), are in the South, and after experiencing some ignorant, threatening behavior from the locals, due to their looks, the characters are camping out in the woods. They begin to talk about America and how it was and what it has become. They discuss the irony in this "free" nation and how people react to true freedom.

IMDB Easy Rider


Unfortunately I don't know how to place each individual image on here. I've been at it for awhile but I can't get it to work right. I'll put the time with each shot description then I'll put the video at the end for reference.

Shot 1: Down Pan to Long Shot (0.06)
             Moss on the trees gives location, which at this point is in the South. River in the background, along with the sunset coming in through the trees. Motorcycles on the left side of the frame with Wyatt next to the campfire, situated on the z axis. George and Billy are situated to right. Shot establishes location and setting.

Shot 2: Medium two shot of George and Billy. (0.08)
        Fire Illuminates their figures, they are facing the fire.

Shot 3: Medium Shot (0.12)
        Light source is the fire, which is situated in the foreground, on the left line of the rule of thirds. Wyatt is behind the fire. His nickname is Capt. America, and his American Flag motorcycle helmet is in the bottom right corner. Aside from establishing his location in relation to the fire there is some symbolism here. Wyatt's character is on a mission, which is to find America, what America really is. He himself represents this free idea of America, and the optimism he has on the road exudes throughout most of the film. The fire being in the foreground symbolizes that the optimism is still there, that there is still hope for him on his quest, and ultimately hope for America itself. The helmet in the shot reminds the audience of this.

Shot 4: Close up of George (0.16)
      George's head is almost positioned directly in the middle of the frame. The only thing illuminated is his face, from the fire. His eyes seem to be looking at the camera, as if speaking directly to the audience. He says " You know, this used to be a hell of a good country." This sets up the subject matter for the discussion presented in this scene. The close up shot and the position of his eyes emphasize the importance of this statement.

Shot 5: Medium Close Up OTS shot (0.20)
       Over right shoulder of George, but with the right side of his face situated on the left line of thirds. Billy is on the z axis, looking at George. George says, "I can't understand it", referring to his previous statement. The fire illuminates from the right off-screen. This establishes who George is talking to, which is Billy.

Shot 6: MCU Reverse OTS shot (0.28)
        Billy is on the right side of the screen, with George's face on the left line of thirds. Fire illuminates from the left side, off frame. George looks at Billy as he responds. "Everybody got chicken man, that's what happened...We can't even get into a second rate motel..." They're discussing the irony in how such a "free" country won't accept them because they look and act different.

Shot 7: Back to Medium Close Up OTS shot (0.38)
     Back to shot over George's shoulder, facing Billy who says, " I mean a second rate motel man. They think we're gonna cut their throat or something man...they're scared man." He looks back at George after dragging his cigarette. George responds to his statement, "They're not scared of you. They're scared of what you represent to them." Billy shows a puzzled look on his face, "Hey man, all we represent to them is someone who needs a haircut." to which George responds, "Oh no..." This is important because the conversation is reaching a climax. George is explaining what he means and is about to make his point about this country.

Shot 8: Back to Medium Close up Reverse OTS (0.52)
       George says, "What you represent to them, is freedom." To which Billy, after exhaling his smoke, says "What's wrong with freedom man, that's what it's all about." George responds, "Oh yeah that's right, that's what is all about..."

Shot 9: Medium Shot (1.01)
       Back to shot of the fire and Wyatt. Wyatt is laying down, relaxed with the fire still in the foreground on the left. George's character continues to talk but he is not shown in the frame. Wyatt doesn't seem to be listening to what is being said. This shot is important because what George is talking about, the true idea of freedom, is represented by Wyatt in the film, so as he says it there is a cut to Wyatt. George says, in regards to freedom, "Oh yeah that's what its all about all right, but talking about it, and being it, that's two different things..."

Shot 10: Medium Two shot of George and Billy (1.06)
        George and Billy are looking at each other, the fire illuminate the front of their bodies and sides of their faces as George continues the conversation. He says to Billy, " I mean it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace..." Both look down, as if taking in what was just said, then George says, " I mean don't..." Then the shot cuts to the next shot.

Shot 11: Medium Close up OTS Billy's shoulder (1.17)
     It goes back to the shot of George over Billy's left shoulder. The fire is flickering off-screen to the left, lighting up George's face and the left side of Billy. George continues his sentence, "...ever tell anyone they ain't free, because then they'll get real busy killing and maiming to prove to you that they are. Oh yeah, they gonna talk to you and talk to you about individual freedom..." You can see the seriousness and almost sadness in George's face as he says this.

Shot 12: Medium Close Up Reverse OTS (1.30)
     Shot is over George's right shoulder, looking at Billy as the conversation continues. " But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare em." George says this as Billy looks at him, his brow tense. Billy then looks at the fire and responds, "Well it don't make em running scared..." He takes a drag of his cigarette.

Shot 13: Medium Close Up OTS (Billy's Shoulder) (1.39)
    George is staring at Billy and he disagrees with Billy's last statement, he says, "No...it makes em dangerous."

Shot 14: Medium Close up Reverse OTS (1.45)
    Billy nods in response to what George has just said and the people being dangerous. Then George makes an odd noise, waving his elbows and Billy's face looks surprised.

This is an important conversation in the movie, because it touches on an important theme from the film. That freedom is different for everyone and it is very difficult to be accepted as someone who truly lives free, if what you choose to do is against the cultural norm of the time or area where you live. It's one of my favorite scenes from the film. Here is a Youtube link to the clip..

   

Reflections

I feel like I've learned a great deal so far in this class. I learned first of all how to take risks and to just experiment with the camera. My strengths, or areas I've feel that I've improved in would be camera operation and framing and composition. I feel like I'm confident with my framing, and now everything I look at on T.V. or Film, I try to dissect the composition. Lighting is definitely challenging to me, and knowing what filter to use when. It's just memorization with the filters, but I haven't committed myself to it yet. With lighting, it's just being more familiar with the different types of light and knowing when and where and how to use them for a certain effect.

Videography, personally, has become addicting to me. I'm constantly thinking of things to photograph or how to get the most dynamic shots I can with whatever I'm presented. I think  it's a valuable skill to possess and for people wanting to make films, I think it is crucial that they learn videography.

"Beautiful" Lighting

One photo I really like is this poster from the documentary "Restrepo". It follows a U.S. Army Platoon in Afghanistan and this is a promo poster for it. It looks like the photo is taken after dawn or in late afternoon. The one soldier is standing on the hill, with the vast mountain range out in front of him, alluding to the unknown, as the soldiers' future is unknown while in these beautiful yet deadly mountains.

This second image I took from Apocalypse Now. I know I've used an image with that before but when I read this assignment, this particular shot came to mind immediately so I'm going to use it anyways. It's of Martin Sheen's character, Willard, emerging from the water. He has experienced a transformation. From the right side of his face, the light is an orange color, made to look like the illumination of a fire. On the other side is supposed to look like moonlight, casting shadows on the water from his face, mixing with the fog off the surface.

This is a random shot I found that I thought was very cool/creative. It's taken from a 60's film entitled Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte. I like the use of shadows in the shot. The light source coming from the left that casts the actress' shadow that blends with the winding staircase. The lamp towards the left of the frame adds a cool element to the composition.

Portrait of a Place

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Goals

I'd have to say my goals in terms of film-making would be to one day have some sort of job in the industry. I really like photography and the beauty that it can reveal. I really do believe that pictures say  "a thousand words" and I'd like to be able to create those kind of shots. I'm really attracted to real life events, such as documentaries. So much stuff goes on in this world and people barely catch a glimpse of it, if they even see it at all. With documentary film, one can show the world something important to them and I would like to do something like that one day.

I'm also interested in motion picture film. I'm drawn to the small, independent type scenario where someone with incredible vision and a small budget makes shots that wow an audience. I'd really like to be involved in something like that as well.

As far as this class goes, I'd really like to learn the technical side of things. I didn't take 201 as seriously as I should have and I'm nearly clueless on the technical setting on the various cameras we have access to. I'd also like to improve my framing and lighting techniques. I feel like I have good ideas but I'm not quite ready to put them into film, and if I tried I wouldn't know exactly how. I need more hands-on work with the cameras and filters so I know exactly what to use to get the type of shot that I want. I feel like I can watch a film and know why they did certain things, or why they included certain elements (like what we did with The Professional) but I have trouble being able to get those types of shots myself.

My visual style/inspirations

This is a tough one...I feel like there is so much out there that I have seen that has left an impact on me and consolidating for this blog is somewhat difficult.

One movie I remember having an impact on me as far as visuals and cinematography go is the film Antichrist directed by Lars Von Trier about a couple that deals with grief from losing their child. The opening sequence is all black and white and has no dialogue. The cinematographer was Anthony Dod Mantle who was also involved in other movies like Slumdog Millionare and 28 Days Later... Here is a photo from the opening sequence I mentioned earlier...The contrast in the black and white are extremely beautiful which is struck me because the movie itself is rather dark.

 This is a shot from the film Sin City, directed by Robert Rodriguez. Again I really enjoy the edginess and the black and white contrasts throughout the whole film.

Here is photo from the set of Apocalypse Now of Dennis Hopper staring through a tattered American flag. This photo resonates with me because Hopper seems to represent the generation lost in the awful war that was Vietnam. The flag, to me representing America, has swallowed him, representing the generation of people effected by the conflict. Also that is one of my favorite movies so I had to put something on here from it.

This is a cool poster from There Will Be Blood, Paul Thomas Anderson's film reflection on greed. I really like this shot, how the black and white contrasts with the fire.

I think this is a really cool photo. I love nature, especially when the sun, the most natural light source on earth, illuminates its beauty. The clouds and the water add a nice effect and the setting sun shows all of this. It's a valuable component to our lives here and I believe it often gets overlooked.

I've always been drawn to this painting by Van Goh. The rich colors and the swirls in the sky really set off the back ground.

I know there's more that inspires me visually but this is what I have right now. I continue to look for inspiration in the simple things around me that may normally go unnoticed.

10 things

Well I'm from Mobile, AL and have lived there my whole life.
I enjoy being outside and I would say I'm kind of an adrenaline junky.
I like doing things like mountain biking, surfing, climbing, rafting all that kind of stuff.

As far as filming goes, I'm not as involved with the technology as I should be but I'm definitely ready to learn.
My favorite movie would have to be L.A. Confidential. I just enjoy the kind of detective noir feel to it.

I wish someone would come out with a decent horror movie to reboot the genre. I feel like it doesn't get taken as seriously as it should. People's fear, to me, is a very powerful emotion and being able to control that briefly in film is a pretty cool thing.

I also wish 3D would just...go away...and if it doesn't I think I have a good idea for a movie....

Best Movie Line Ever*....From the Best Actor Ever*...

* Debate able....

I wish Shia LaBouf would...I don't know...go away...

And Lastly...Movie I'll Watch Every Time it's on TV (Regardless of how many times I've seen it)

Point Break