Outcomes: Video

Here is the moving image version of my final piece. I feel that I've felt what I always wanted to create for this project, which is something dark, mysterious and without revealing the whole story. The sense of the transformation is there, but after the change, everything becomes so quick and questionable, which is reflecting tot he underworld society. The video piece is also mirrors to a famous quote form Alice in the Wonderland...

"I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!" - Alice

Editing Tools

As the sphere of moving image is still really new to me, I have had quite a few difficulties in editing the piece through Final Cut Pro and adding finishing touches with After Effects. The way I solve these problems is mainly through youtube, which I find very useful and an unlikely source. Although there would be more effects I would like to add, but my skills are limited therefore I can only work with what I know or I'm capable to do. Editing is definitely something I wish to experience more and to expand.

Video Screen Shots

Here are some key screenshots of the video piece. Looking at the footage shot, I feel I have a more simple and elegant piece than last. The over complication nature of the previous piece has been stripped away and left with a strong essence within this piece. One of the key frames/elements I've removed are from the last section, which is the "transformation" phrase. I feel it can confuse the viewer too much if I drag it too long. So, what's left is just a still shot of the subject staring out from the piece, as if to say she finally can be herself and also a lot more comfortable to how people view her. This is reference to the Underground world of the Victorian Times, as people feel more at home in this dark/secretive world.

Change of Cameras

The Nikon D90 was my preferred camera last time as it could shoot the video piece in HD, but for some reason the quality of the video is not really up to standard. After a few tweaks in the settings menu, I still couldn't find a solution to the problem. As I recently got myself a Panasonic GF1, I decided to give this ago as it also has a high quality video capture function. After a few test shoots, I do find the GF1's footage is a lot better than the D90 and therefore I'll be using it for this piece.

Storyline

On the last shoot, I felt the storyline was way too complicated and I think the concept that I have should be as simple as possible. Therefore, I have taken away a lot of the "Alice in the Wonderland" elements as I think it made the piece hard to understand. However, some references are left e.g. reading a book under the tree, top hat and of course the expressions of Alice.

Change of model

Due to the short notice of the shoot, the original model was not able to complete the shoot due to workload. With a bit of luck, Candy kindly stepped in and replace Sharon for this project. Although I don't have much preference on models for this project, but I feel Candy might be a better candidate due to dark/innocent aura she can produced, which is something that I'm trying to express in this video piece.

Video: Dior Homme - The Ritual Of Dress

Video: …the old temple

Dead Meadow "That Old Temple" from Artificial Army on Vimeo.

Video: Dolce & Gabbana’s Men’s Spring 2010 Collection Trailer

Dolce & Gabbana's Men's Spring 2010 Collection Trailer from Selectism on Vimeo.

Description:

“The film shot by Belgian director Pierre Debusschere, starring Robert Sheehan and set to electronic beats by Australian rock band Pivot, infuses nature and science with Dolce & Gabbana’s “male beauty” inspiration for spring. The film will premiere onNOWNESS, Thursday, March 11th.”

Video: Android Homme Spring 2010 Campaign

ANDROID HOMME SPRING 2010 from Javier Laval on Vimeo.

Description:

“Shapes and symbols have been a method of communicating and comprehending the unknown since the beginning of time. Android Homme brings you a brand video that utilizes some basic symbols and shapes to outline the process of reprogramming. This piece, directed by Javier Laval, is intended to stimulate and trigger memories from our ancient past to our near and distant future.”

Video: "The Sandpit" - A short film by Aero Director, Sam O'Hare

The Sandpit from Sam O'Hare on Vimeo.

More info here.

Video: Deftones x 13thWitness – Rocket Skates

Here is a good example of focusing/defocusing while shooting. It kinda gives an illusion of action, or it could have the opposite effect, if it is used slowly. The video is also a good example of moving the clip through the beat of the music, which makes the audience more involved with the piece and helps the viewer to move with the piece.

Description:
13thWitness and the Grammy-winning band, the Deftones , have collaborated on the video for the Deftones’ new single “Rocket Skates” from the Deftones highly-anticipated new album Diamond Eyes. Filled with rich coloration, sharp edits, and visceral features by the Deftones, “Rocket Skates” is a balanced collaboration between the visual genius of 13thWitness and the sonic amazement of the Deftones.

Feedback: Leo Wong

Leo came round this afternoon to check how I was doing on my moving image piece. After looking at the video, he kindly gave me some comments on how I can improve it. I trust his views, as he has worked in a few projects using this medium before.

Comments:

- Don't let the model walk from off screen to on screen (left edge to right edge)

- If transitioning from walking to stand still maybe use 'Crossfade'

- If the model walks from left to right, then make him/her appear from right to left.

- Use Final Cut Pro for rough cut, but try to use After Effect for other changes/effects.

- Change the piece so that they are in sync with music

- In the Sun scene (at the end), maybe try darken the areas around it, then fade out altogether.

- Try to avoid black screens.

Second Media: Lookbook

To follow on the requirements of the brief, we were asked to expand out moving image piece to another medium. Due to the fashion nature of my piece, I've decided to take on the Lookbook format. Which will be taking some stills from the video and also extra shots from a photoshoot in the future, which will have more pieces and looks. I also want to explore into new ways of creating a lookbook, instead of just in print type, this I will need to look at more examples.

Problems: Video Quality

As mentioned before, I have used a DSLR with HD video recording to shoot this piece. However, it seems like the quality isn't too great, as you can see some pixels within it. I have maxed out the settings as I can, for example shooting at 1280x720 and using 1080i quality, but for some reason, it isn't up to standard. Therefore I either have to continue using it, or maybe try a different method to work round this problem. (deliberately blurring the image)

Problems: Wind

Due to the open space, wind is inevitable. However, this problem was only realized when the video is uploaded to the computer, as the small screen on the camera cannot see the tiny shakes it is causing. Although its already on a tripod, but the strong wind still affected the outcome.

Outfits

Due to the problem of not able to change in the 'wild', therefore I only chose one outfit for each scene. The more 'girly' outfit have a more 'innocent' essence to it, while the 'male' version is a great contrast, which is what I want. Where the girl is moved away from the 'perfect' world, into the Victorian underground society, where she is able to become a man.

Location and model

I chose a nature scene because through my research, I have been fascinated by films which were shot in nature. It creates a calm and innocent atmosphere, which is what I want for the first part of my piece, 'The normal world'.

For model, I've asked my friend Sharon who was interested to the project, so she kindly said yes to the overall shoot.

Watching Alice in Wonderland by Tim Burton

Went to watch "Alice in Wonderland" by Tim Burton tonight. I have to say I was a bit disappointed of it because the story line was so-so, as the film is by Disney, therefore all the endings/happenings are quite obvious. However, in terms of inspiration, I like the way this film is dealt with a dark theme, which is true to Tim Burton's signature style. I will take away these elements from the film for my moving image piece, as I find it fitting for the latter part of my piece.

Video: 2010: A Space Odyssey by Rodarte

This video by American clothing label, Rodarte is made to complement its newest collection. There have always been a strong link between fashion and film, in fact, the two can not be separated. I've seen a lot of fashion films before, but this really captivates me. It is not because of its storyline, but actually the lack of it. I've always enjoyed things which are abstract, weird and everything in between. The lack of lead in films, makes you imagine, and is free to be interpreted. Therefore this is a good direction for me to work towards, an abstract film.

Description:
Guinevere van Seenus stars in Aanteni, a high-fashion techno-thriller from CFDA award-winning design sisters Rodarte, shot by their friend and frequent collaborator, the photographer and video artist Todd Cole. Set in the deserted grounds of Paypal founder Elon Musks Space X jet lab in Hawthorne, California, the film was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the space race, which, according to Rodartes Kate and Laura Mulleavy, has defined generations of artists in their desire to use new mediums and question the established rules they were taught to follow.