My goal with this project is to explore a completely different side of film-making. I am prioritizing the creative process over the end result, and pushing my own limits as a cinematographer. It is my hope that this experience yields not only a polished and eye-catching film in the end, but to have broadened my scope of the video creation process.
In the past week, I have considered many angles for this project. My initial concept was based around a journey through nature; following a flowing dancer along the way. Through each landscape we would see a new expression of movement in the form– mimicking the surrounding region.
I also loved the idea that one person with a single camera could also go out into the world and find any manner of interesting visual compositions. This being far more abstract, I felt as though it needed to be bound with an overarching theme.
Thus, I have combined the two into a greater exploration of the creative process, and of creation from a cosmic scale. Journeying through the stars as a divine deity swirls life into motion, we will follow this mysterious force as they wind themselves through time and space.
- Space
- Stars
- Planets
- Aliens
- Gods
- Beings
- Experiences
- Art
- Expression
- Time
- Memories
- Feelings
- Life
- Death
- Creation
- Stories
- Myths
- Fiction
- Universe
- Infinity
- Looping
- Clouds
- Rain
- Water
- Light
- Moon
- Sun
- Mirror
- Glass
- Reflections
- Fear
- Darkness
- Awe
- Water
- Drowning
- Illness
- Health
- Humanity
- Cycles
- Betrayal
- Loyalty
- Journey
- Change
- Unfamiliarity
- Blank-Slate
- Navigation
- Future
- Technology
- Gravity
- Ideas
- Weight
Afterglow Editing Style
Afterglow Editing Style
After much consideration as to how to depict the force of creation's divine presence, I was drawn to the 'echos' created by the layering and fading of after-images. Similar to Pas de Deux, by Norman McLaren, I will be sequencing this style adjacent to normal, full form figures.
Where my vision differs is in the coverage and pace of the cosmic dance. Creation will erratic, serene, violent, and beautiful all within the tight framing of the performance.
Macro/Probe Videography
Macro/Probe Videography
To enhance the alienating feeling of the experience, I am choosing to rely on natural phenomena to convey the familiar, yet intangible nature of existence. There will also be slow-motion movement in these shots.
To contrast the brightness I envision in each piece, I intend to keep the background quite dark and moody. In essence, the light will be 'painted' throughout the scene where I deem the eye should follow.
Lens Bokeh Shaping
Lens Bokeh Shaping
In my research, I stumbled across a video of @lensevision (YT) testing a custom aperture filter. This produced a mesmerizing effect on the shape of the light in the backgrounds of focus.
I intend to expand upon this idea to heighten the dreamy, surreal nature of my film. The inserts gathered to visualize creation are abstractions, and this would further separate them from hard reality.
Custom bokeh examples pictured on the right.
Musical Composition
Musical Composition
The vision for the backing audio is still in flux, but the composer and I have been leaning in the direction of slow, somber synths. We have also been experimenting with incorporating some form of visualizer.
Each movement in the music will tell its own reflection of accompanied moments in creation. We plan to mix the synthesizers in with piano and more traditional media to create that distant, yet familiar feeling.