Reading & Writing:
Chapter Three – Basic Sequence: This chapter explains and outlines the process of sequencing your shots so that your video remains visually interesting, even if the location of the scene hasn’t changed. I struggled with this while editing my montage in the last module because I wasn’t sure how long a certain clip should be visible prior to transitioning to another one. I tried to find a natural balance, but just the simple suggestion presented here of counting ‘one-thousands’ was really helpful when putting this week’s project together.
This chapter also explains the ‘cut on the action’ method of following one motion from start to finish through a variety of different shots. I definitely tried making this work a few times in my how-to video and think that I did a decent job of it.
Chapter Four – Screen Direction: This chapter talked a lot about towing the line…the 180-degree line, that is. Thankfully, the writing was clear, because I found the diagrams to confusing and it was really difficult to orient myself while looking at them and trying to imagine what it would look like on a screen. Basically, the axis of action needs to heeded while recording so that the viewer doesn’t become disoriented by the position of characters or objects on the screen. Such a change can be a massive distraction and can pull the viewer’s attention away from the production since they have to stop to re-orient themselves. I think, that as a viewer of media, this should be fairly easy to avoid since it feels so unnatural, but I guess there is still an opportunity for it to happen. Something I made sure to keep in mind while recording my video this week.
Research to Inform:
The robot invasion of Frank’s house in Tomorrow Land is a good example of a fast-paced scene in a small area that nails smooth transitions while piling in a lot of action.
I liked the long shots of Kevin Spacey walking that were taken from inside the car that’s following him, and the composition of the medium shots taken from the sidewalk and the closer transition of Spacey walking, going from having a crippled foot, to being able to walk normally.
Somewhat similar to the clip above, this scene from Willy Wonka after Charlie finds the last Golden Ticket seamlessly follows Charlie through the streets and the obstacles that he encounters on his path from a number of different vantage points to create a smooth sequence.
Create:
I wanted to shoot something that was lighthearted and fun, and thankfully my husband is a good sport. It was hard to keep this piece short, and I seconded guessed my editing a lot. It was difficult to choose which shots to use when I recorded so much of the activity. Ultimately, I think I found a balance for everything that felt right. Enjoy!
Advertisements