Another Winner! Great Work, Kristen!

The Romantics - Talking in Your Sleep

This one has so many aesthetic choices, you won't know where to begin!

WOW! Jessica's OPENING credits!

Very sweet, funny, endearing!!!  Great work!!!

CHRIS TOMASELLO'S FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC OPENING CREDITS!!!!

SUGGESTIONS FOR PAPER TOPICS

If you're having trouble deciding, I hope this helps!

1.  Choose a scene and discuss the production design components.
2.  Discuss the style of an Auteur director.
3.  Discuss the ideas of Unity, Belief, and the Golden Key
4.  Investigate Eisenstein's theory of Collision
5. Is there even a performance since the actor's work is cut down to the syllable in the editing process, thereby creating a moment, fabricatingi a moment, that was not ever manifest in the physical plane.
6.  Compare the evolution of camera movements such as the steadycam vernacular and their parallel expressions in the human brain (e.g. seccades)

Lynn Hirschberg's Screen Tests: Emma Stone

Lynn Hirschberg's Screen Tests: Kristen Stewart

Screen Test: Jennifer Lawrence

Emma Stone's Current Crush? (Hint: It's Not Andrew Garfield) | Screen Te...

Jennifer Lawrence | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Jesse Eisenberg | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Javier Bardem | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Anthony Mackie | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Lesley Manville | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Tilda Swinton | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Natalie Portman | 14 Actors Acting | The New York Times

Links to Actors' Studio Interviews

Just a Reminder

If you would like further information to explore regarding Film and Music theory:

http://web.archive.org/web/20031208182300/

http://www.franklinmarketplace.com/filmmusic.html

Film Theory in Practice:

http://www.storyispromise.com/cascade.htm

Philosophy of Narratology:

http://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/engl/theory/narratology/terms/narrativetermsmainframe.html

Persistence of Vision:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistence_of_vision

Depth of Field:

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/950/depth-of-field.html

and

You will find a lot of articles of value for this course at:

http://www.storyispromise.com/wmovies.htm

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzedefUXARE

Coalescing the Readings

HI,

I've looked through the requested videos and books for this course and gathered them together on this page to make it easier for you.  If you haven't finished yet, this post may be useful as a reader's guide.

Looking at the production values aspects, consider the linkages between the following:

Berger (Ways of Seeing)  (this is the link to the first of four videos)

• Shows us the visual essay and how juxtaposition makes meaning
• Reveals the meaning behind the gaze, and specifically, the male gaze
• Discusses the use of visual artifacts to create contextual meaning in the frame space
• Considers the frame itself as an integral part of the artwork

Zetl (Media Aesthetics, Shot by Shot)

• Uses the frame to create dynamic tension between motion vectors and dominant images
• Discusses the x, y, and z axis, and the use of the "space" translation from two to three dimensional
• Discusses the collision between shots, and how linear linkages create meaning
• Discusses in-frame construction, dominant images, etc as well as out-of-frame motivated contextual devices (suggestivity.)

The Cinematography Video

• Focuses on how the movement of the camera catalyzes meaning in the brain
• Looks at how camera movements developed in a parallel way to how the eye sees, but the movements were all unintentionally neuro-biologically relatable to brain chemistry and the physiology of the eye.

The Cutting Edge Editing Video

• Discusses the history of editing
• Considers the power of juxtapositioning and collision
• Explains the use of the sonic fabric and textures
• Delves into the physiology of editing
• Looks at making meaning visually and temporally

A Sense of Direction (Bill Ball)

• Studies the meta-ideas of Unity and Belief
• Parses out the theory of The Golden Key
• Observes the Verb, or the Want
• Assimilates the performance meta-question with the question of the entire film/performance as a single entity

In the Blink of an Eye (suggested book)

Further Clarification on the Paper and Shot by Shot

The paper topic is a more in-depth study of something from the reading or the lessons that intrigued you.  ​For instance, you may be interested in the relationship between the way the eye sees (seccades) and camera movement.  Or, you may find the idea of the Golden Key fascinating.  If you need more help, send some ideas and I'll brainstorm with you.

The Shot by Shot is meant for you to pick a scene from a film that interests you, and then to break down a part of the scene (you will find the breaking down process to be quite time consuming and lengthy, and most scenes are too long to sustain) by considering motion vectors, lighting, sound, editing, shot construction, acting, camera placement, etc.  Explain why every choice was made, find lietmotifs, look at costumes, etc.  If you need more guidance, please let me know.

I will be emailing you this week individually just to check in.

Wow! Great Work, Dominique! Creepy Stalker

Unease

                                       By: Dominique Soverall

                                             Media Aesthetics

My film Unease is a about stalker stalking a woman. In the film the stalker is watching the other woman from the woods behind her house. While the stalker is spying on their victim they see weird things that make them feel tense and uneasy. However, the tense and unsettling feeling does not stop the stalker they continue to watch their prey. On one occasions the victim catches the stalker but does not show any emotion, she just points and keeps her distance. On the last occasion the victim catches the stalker, the victim shows more emotions, creeps closer to the stalker and again just points. The screen goes black and the film ends with the reveal of a youth child.

Furthermore, I choose to use a sepia looking background because the standard color did not have enough of a creepy effect for me. I used a fade technique to have smoother transitions as I didn’t shoot this film in one take. I also wanted the scenes to look like they faded into one.  The music is a song by Beyonce called “Haunted”. I used the instrumental version, slowed down the tempo and repeated certain tempos to help with the overall creepy effect. In addition to the music and sepia effect I zoomed in on certain things in the woods to make it seem like the stalker was hearing and seeing things, which caused the unsettling feeling for the stalker. I choose not to add special effects or the sounds in the woods to let the audience fill in the blank as to what sounds are heard in the woods. You do hear certain sounds throughout the video like the wind blowing, the stalker breathing heavy and birds chirping to set the atmosphere or tone.

Continuing, to me showing the victim pointing and inching closer to the victim adds a creepier effect as well because if I’m being stalked I’m calling the police and keeping my distance. What would make the victim feel like they could walk up to a stalker so confidently…like there wouldn’t be any consequence. I also choose to never show the stalker because this is the stalkers point of view and used a 16:9 shot range to add to that point of view. For the night time shot no lighting was used to add emphasizes on the creepy and stalker point of view. Stalkers are supposed to be incognito so lighting would only give away their presence.

In conclusion, near the end of the film after the victim points to their stalker and the film fades to black. I held on the victim for a few seconds to show that the stalker is now the prey and is afraid to turn around and see what’s behind them.  The moment of black represents a period of uncertainty and confusion. I wanted the audience to feel confused about what could be happening to the stalker and what was behind the stalker. After the black area you see a little boy who randomly appears. I wanted the audience to feel confused about this little boy as well. Where did he come from, how did he get there, what was covering his face and body, was he the one watching the stalker, does he know the victim? Those are some of the questions I hope the audience would ask after seeing the film. Some of the best horror and thriller movies I’ve seen have left me feeling confused and uncertain. As well as questioning things that I saw in the film and having to come to my own conclusions as to what may have been.

You Guys Are Weird

Just think it's funny how many of my students choose "Creepy Stalker."

: )

Jessica's Creepy Stalker Good job!

Police Report

Case Number: 18-8763

Date: June 8th, 2016

Officer on scene: Jessica Bern

Summary of the Incident:

    Eugene Underwood, 23 of Inglewood, California was caught breaking and entering a neighbor’s home.

Eyewitness Account: Another neighbor who asked to only be identified as “Jan” said she was looking out the window when she saw Underwood enter the home. She immediately recognized him as her neighbor and not someone that lived there and called the police.

Full Details of the Event: Underwood entered the residence through the backdoor. “Jan” saw the incident and called the police. Officer Bern responded to the scene and it was discovered that this was not the first time Underwood had entered the home. The name of the home owner is being withheld at this time. Underwood was subsequently arrested and taken in for questioning. On his person was an Adidas backpack that was searched. These are the items that were found:

• Size 8 women’s running sneakers (Nike brand)
• Gold iPhone 6S
• Snow white figurine
• Family photo (in picture frame)
• A stuffed panda
• Men’s Superman t shirt
• Pink beats headphones
• Rose gold Michael Kors watch (still in box)
• Sesame Street coloring book
• Hammer

Pictures of these items can be found on pages two and three of this report. After several hours of interrogation, it was discovered that Underwood frequently broke into the home and each time stole a different item. He carried all the items around with him in the hopes that his live in girlfriend would not find out about it. Underwood is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

   

   

   

Don't Stress!!!

Hi, Everyone,

It's MUCH MUCH MUCH more important to me that you learn from your work.

SO, if you're the type that needs deadlines, by all means,  follow them.

Otherwise, just get your stuff in by the last day of the session, June 27.  Okay?

Thanks,
christi


ps:i'll be answering all your emails today

Survivor - I Can't Hold Back

sorry, i just saw this, and i can't believe the clown parade in this video!

Kristen's AMAZING Creepy Stalker Project! So Good! Enjoy!

Police Report

Case Number: 142403                                                               Date: June 11, 2016

Reporting Officer: Kristen Kosa

Incident:

            Trevor Tremont was caught in violation of a restraining order placed against him by Taylor Swift.

Location:

            The crime took place in a residential neighborhood in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Witness Accounts:

            Witnesses say a man of about 40 years old with curly red hair was seen entering Swift’s backyard with a backpack.

Details of the Event:

            Tremont entered the backyard of Swift’s residence while she was not home. A neighbor nearby saw him carrying a backpack and a camera when he entered the backyard but did not see him exit. When Swift returned home, she found Tremont in a tree and called the police.

Summary:

            Upon police arrival, Tremont was found in a tree close to the upstairs window of Swift’s residence. When taken into custody, all possessions were taken for evidence. In his backpack were the following items:

·      One bag of Fritos

·      One Red Bull energy drink

·      Five 5-hour Energy shots

·      Camera

·      Duct Tape

·      Rope

·      Gloves

·      iPod with only Taylor Swift music

·      Binoculars

·      Catnip

Police Report cont.

Tremont said that he was a big fan of Swift and just wanted to meet her and her famous cats, Meredith and Olivia. Knowing that he would not be allowed to just knock on her front door, Tremont believed that the only way to meet her would be to wait for her to come outside. Expecting to wait a while, Tremont prepared accordingly with his supplies in his backpack. This was not the first time that Tremont and Swift have had an encounter. Swift had previously requested a restraining order against Tremont when he stalked her residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

Police Report

Case Number: 142403                        Date: June 11, 2016

Reporting Officer: Kristen Kosa

Incident:

    Trevor Tremont was caught in violation of a restraining order placed against him by Taylor Swift.

Location:

    The crime took place in a residential neighborhood in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Witness Accounts:

    Witnesses say a man of about 40 years old with curly red hair was seen entering Swift’s backyard with a backpack.

Details of the Event:

    Tremont entered the backyard of Swift’s residence while she was not home. A neighbor nearby saw him carrying a backpack and a camera when he entered the backyard but did not see him exit. When Swift returned home, she found Tremont in a tree and called the police.

Summary:

    Upon police arrival, Tremont was found in a tree close to the upstairs window of Swift’s residence. When taken into custody, all possessions were taken for evidence. In his backpack were the following items:

• One bag of Fritos
• One Red Bull energy drink
• Five 5-hour Energy shots
• Camera
• Duct Tape
• Rope
• Gloves
• iPod with only Taylor Swift music
• Binoculars
• Catnip

Police Report cont.

Tremont said that he was a big fan of Swift and just wanted to meet her and her famous cats, Meredith and Olivia. Knowing that he would not be allowed to just knock on her front door, Tremont believed that the only way to meet her would be to wait for her to come outside. Expecting to wait a while, Tremont prepared accordingly with his supplies in his backpack. This was not the first time that Tremont and Swift have had an encounter. Swift had previously requested a restraining order against Tremont when he stalked her residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

A Complete Lesson in Acting for Camera - All You Will Ever Need

These are links to the three parts of the lecture, so that you can view it without me blathering all over them.

Also, i recommend Bill Ball's A Sense of Direction, once again.  All you ever need to know about acting.

I will post the instructional videos separately.



original scene

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xgeyai_sahne-guzeli-stage-beauty-bolum-1_shortfilms





rehearsal

final scene

Very impressive recommendations from Tara! Thank you!

http://www.storyispromise.com/Review_of_Shawshank_Redemption.htm
I found this article super interesting about the Shawshank Redemption. I have never seen the movie, but knew it was legendary and now I understand why after reading this. I really enjoyed reading the descriptive scene and character analysis. I can almost picture it in my head and am excited to watch the film and see the difference.


 
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/950/depth-of-field.html
I also thought this article on depth of field was very valuable information to know as a movie buff. I would say every film has scenes like this where subjects that are not at the same distance are out of focus and therefore are not sharp. The explanation of why this occurs and what circle of confusion is, was super cool and interesting to me as well!

Falling in Love, Part 1

Falling in Love, Part 2

Falling in Love, Part 3

Falling in Love, Part 4

Social Network, Walk-Through #4

Social Network, Walk-Through #3

Social Network, Walk-Through #2

Social Network, Walk-Through #1

The Social Network / Henley Sequence

Chris' Great Video! Congratulations, Chris!

The Social Network: Special

Turning in the Film - Instructions

1.  Upload film to YouTube and send me the link (do you need help with this?)

2.  Please keep the films four minutes or less.

3.  With anything you turn in, please type up an accompanying paper discussion about the choices you made and why.  Plus, if there is a script for your film, yes, please email that as well.

EXCLUSIVE: We CONFRONT Shia LaBeouf

This is cued to where you might wish to begin.

Trailer For Every Oscar-Winning Movie Ever - With BriTANick

The Weeping Angels attack! - Doctor Who - Blink - Series 3 - BBC

Scene Walk Through

Hi,

This is a scene from Elizabeth the Queen that I have walked you through frame-by-frame.

There's a section in the middle missing because it would take another full day to edit this together, and i don't want you to have to wait.

From now on, i'm just going to tape the lectures so that I can get more content to you more quickly.

But for now, this is a good start.  Enjoy~

Checking in

Hi, Everyone,

I'm almost done with what i think will be a very valuable teaching video.  I hope all is well.  I've been stressing over this and think i've gotten myself a little ill (sinus headache).  So I beg your pardon as I rest tonight, and I will be back in the morning with some good stuff.

Please Read - A Sense of Direction by Bill Ball

It's an EXCELLENT teaching tool and a great read.  Tell me what you think:

Possibly the Worst Film Ever

This is a scene from The Room, by Tommy Wiseau. 

• The acting is bad because:  
• they aren't listening to one another
• they don't know what they want  (the magic key)
• The framing is absurd (rule of thirds)

what else can you come up with?

A Different Aesthetic

So here is the same director working the "yuck" factor.  What do you think the choices were for lighting, editing, and camera movement?  Any other observations?

Dance Scene from Becoming Jane

Hello.

In this scene we are concerned with all the usual things, and here they are done particularly well.

The context (meta) is the moment of true love's first blush.
The lights are soft (quality), the costumes are of a pale, "pure" palette.
Listen to the audio, how we hear the rustle of gowns and the clocking of wooden heels.
And mostly, watch the motion vectors the moment the love interest enters the screen (played by James McAvoy)
And then watch the editing, esp. the hand on the back in close up (CU)

THIS IS WHAT JUNE WILL LOOK LIKE FOR YOU IN THIS CLASS

Hi, Everyone,

Here is what your month looks like in this class:

June 1 - 10

Read the books, think about my posts (I have been recording them all weekend, here they come), watch the videos.  Blog.  Ask me questions via email.

June 11 : Creepy Stalker Project Due (if you choose to do this one)

Post your artifacts (via pictures or a video) on the blog with a written explanation about all the choices you made to explain your character's inner psyche.  Or, you can send your pictures and paper to me via email.  More instructions are located on the blog in various places including a video and the full syllabus.

June 12-14  

Continue reading, making your projects, etc.

June 15

Post your short film or send it to me with a write-up about the choices you made and why, if you chose this option.

Email me your paper if you chose this option.

June 16-25


Continue reading, making your projects, etc.

June 26      
Email the Frame by Frame assignment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Also please post at least twice a week in response to anything you read and found interesting.  2/week= 70% or average

Regarding the Blog Presence

  just treat it like a class discussion and put in your two cents when inspired.  it's fun!

onedirectioncompare

Oscar Wilde caught on camera on Paris Expo 1900 Just for Interest