Leanne
Stone
Analysing a fight scene
Both fight scenes vary in different ways. For one, they both are portraying negative emotions and therefore have to abide by a certain aesthetic path. However they both portray different emotions. On the one hand in Bourne, the director is more presenting a huge anger between the characters, therefore there are various angles showing the anger affecting each other physically by zooming out and showing each of the characters fighting each other. This fight scene is not interested in each character's emotions but what they present as a whole. On the other hand in Black Panther the director has had to prepare for a much more emotional approach. Each character feels a sense of portrayal. This has been represented by the more zoomed in, targeted angles, focusing mainly on one character at a time. This way you see both the pain they feel individually and what it amounts to as a whole, a much more personal approach to recording. In Bourne the movement of the camera seems to be a lot more fast paced in most parts, this is to show the intense pace at which emotions are flowing and the pressure the emotions are causing, whereas Black panther has many slower shots, this way the emotion has a chance to be expanded and built upon. When the pace speeds up this is the emotion and pressure and tension of them together. It is also clear when watching these two clips that Black Panther includes a lot more visual effects and relies on this whereas it feels Bourne almost relies on the pace, and camera angles. Both of these methods are effective however. Bourne is effective as it creates a fast, tense pace. Whereas Black panther is effective as it uses the surroundings to up the pace and pressure for each character. Bourne very much is centred around the character actions. However Black Panther uses the background, this means there is a huge difference within the backgrounds and scenes they are placed in. Bourne has quite a dull coloured background, i feel this is to keep focus on the characters, whereas where Black Panther does have a dark background to present this tense theme, it is not necessarily dull. There are lights flashing and blues engraved into the rocks giving the scene some life. Black Panther also various more shot wise, whereas Bourne sticks with the theme of the two characters fighting, Black Panther makes full use of the background and what they can do with VFX. This can be seen with shots of them falling intensely or the use of the immense vehicle posing as a threat.
These are 2 screenshots from the two movie clips we had to watch. I chose these because they support my thesis from my previous paragraph. Similarly, each screenshot seems both darker surroundings, although they have a different colour palette, you can see Black Panther has some more vibrant colour such as the blues and yellow from the bright light whereas Bourne's colours appear just dull. Both screenshots also appear to be angled, presenting more of the background giving the character a main frame but setting the scene by using the darkness of the backgrounds. They are very different however. The one on the left is quite a close intimate shot, however still showing both characters. This is showing the physicality between the two characters. The closer we are to the characters the more we feel entangled in the fight. Whereas in the screenshot from Black Panther, it is focused on one character, taking advantage of the emotion of himself. Rather than getting lost in some big drastic fight. It is more personal from an emotional point of view, where the screenshot from Bourne is more personal from a physical point of view.
Summary- for me I think the black panther clip works best, this is because it lets me connect with the characters on a more personal level and yet still allows for the tense collision of the two characters emotions. I feel as if Bourne has no special quality to it, it just feels like a normal fight scene. I feel the filmmakers pace and visual presented Bourne like that because they wanted the immediate effect of tension between the two characters, an easy way to show these two characters are angry and upset, there is tension there whereas I feel Black Panther was presented like this because they wanted to not only present the tension but the emotion also. I personally don't think there is a best way to shoot a fight scene, to me it completely depends one what the filmmakers want from the film. Do they want an emotional connection or just the tension and the anger? What do they want them to feel? I think for an effective fight scene it does need to be darker or duller to create the tense uneasy and uncertain atmosphere however I do not feel there is a set way to create the best fight scene.
Storyboarding a scene
Here I would use a wide short lens in a still shot to give a feel to the entire environment as I do not need to create mystery here. I may have used a yellow gel on the background light the make the objects pop more. The back light I’d use to give the golden hour look so it’s not as dramatic. I would have a butterfly lighting for the key light to create a 3D look.
I would then use a long lens here, focusing on the subject. I Would have a checkerboard background lighting, to stand out the subject . I’d have a little fill light to start making this dramatic and the key light I would use Rembrandt lighting. For a 3D, triangle effect.
In this shot I would use a long lens to focus on the bomb, with some motion to create a disorientated emotion and movement. I would have no fill to focus on the bomb and create drama. The key light will use Rembrandt lighting pointing towards the fire, to increase contrast so the side of the shot with fire on has some dark space.
In this shot, I would use a short lensed, wide camera. I would likely position the key light in a butterfly pattern to amplify the 3D dimension. I would once again use a yellow background colour and use the background light to focus on the sky area of this, This would give the main build of the castle priority. I would give a darker lighting so no fill do that the motion of the bomb stands out and is dramatized.
This is a zoomed in shot using a wide angled, long lens onto the fire that that is coming from the string of the bomb. I wanted to add in this shot almost as a quick shot between the bomb and the fire so it foreshadows the damage that'll be done the the castle. A quick pace between these two shots would create a dramatic pace.
This shot here fits in line with the two shots before, using a long lens, I would focus in on the detail of the moment that the bomb meets the wall and explodes and the wall goes up in flames. The lighting here should come mainly from the fire and spill into the background the same way a flame would.
This here is more of a medium shot, observing the cannon as it begins falling towards the ground. Here i would have the background lighting off and once again let it spill. The movement in this scene would be a slow creak of the pressure being to push the cannon away. The key light here would be side lighting, therefore having some negative space, making the shot intensified.
This quick sketch is supposed to represent a wide angled, shorter lens shooting the force of the cannon. I would have a far bit of rumbling movement from the camera. With regards to lighting i would use the checkerboard effect with the background lighting and have a small amount of fill light for any middle grounded objects. I would the key light about 45 degrees above the main subject so it acts as a drop shadow to the main focus.
Evaluation
When researching for this task I watched two videos, one of these was about the different lighting that is had and created on set and the other was a quick video about the length of different lenses. Each of these videos not only helped to give me a better idea about the different shots I can create but also in depth about all the different lighting choices and options and what emotions and effects they portray for the audience. I used this new information to create a more diverse range of shots, as I was able to not only now think deeper into the focus of the camera and the position but also the other lighting. In this lesson I have learnt about the 3 main light sources used and the several different patterns of light each of these can portray. I have also learnt the difference between a short and long lens and how they can effect the overall scene. Next time I would have used a digital drawing software as I feel I'd save a lot of time on exporting the drawings and actually drawing them. However I would also experiment more with the angle at which the camera is positioned as I feel all these shots are face onto a scene and don't explore different angles.
Storyboarding a script
Shot 1- A wide angle lens, 17mm to encase the whole surroundings
Shot 2- Using a telephoto, long lens to get a distorted background, and clear image of the cold where he is wrapping his scarf around himself, more towards 60mm
Shot 3- A wide angle, short lens of about 17mm, to include a medium shot of the police and also the bench as the police shout to him.
Shot 4- A closeup of the man using a long lens of about 70mm, distorting but not completely blurring the officers.
Shot 5- An extreme closeup of the officers shoes, a quick shot as they are approaching the man. Using a long lens or 70mm.
Shot 6- A full shot of the three man standing there, a short, wide angle lens of about 30mm
Shot 7- Extreme closeup of the man's hand as he pushes himself up of the bench, long lens of about 70mm
Shot 8- A medium shot of just above the man's waist as he slowly rises and puts his hands up. Long lens to create some focus of about 40mm.
Shot 9- Short lensed, wide shot of the park showing its emptiness to present that they are alone. 17mm
Shot 10- A medium shot of the officers talking to the man. Short lens of about 30mm.
Shot 11- Close Up of the man's face to see the fear when they ask for identification. Long lens, 70mm
Shot 12- Extreme closeup of man's eye looking around worried. Long lens, 70mm
Shot 13- A short shot where the focus is on the officers hand and the man can be seen a little distorted in the background. Long lens, 50mm
Shot 14- A shot of the officers facing the man, showing the interrogation like atmosphere created. A short lens of about 20mm
Shot 15/16- A closeup of the man telling that he has no ID. A long lens of 25mm.
Evaluation
I feel this project has has many positives for me. I feel the choices of shot angles and positions went very well. I was able to apply then knowledge from the videos I had watched today to create a more advanced view of what angles I can use when mapping out a scene. It meant I was more confident in saying I would do drastic shot changes between close ups and zooms outwards. I also feel by the end of the task I was able to use the new storyboarding software very well as I was able to quickly navigate it and could use the different pens tools thinking more about texture. Today I have learnt about the focal lenses and how each mm length creates either a wider, distorted or clearer view or how these are combined. I also was able to learn when dramatic angles fit a scene better and how to stage and record shots like these a lot better. Next time I would try and create my drawings using the same storyboard app but on a tablet as using a mouse to create these drawings was inaccurate and difficult. I would also incorporate my learning from last lesson as well with regards to lighting as when I did this last lesson it helped me thinking more about how each shot can be improved with the use of the lighting. I would also start from a climatic part of the script to I can practice with more dramatic scenes as I did not reach the climatic part of the scene.
VFX techniques in music videos
After researching by both looking up VFX techniques and listening to Taz I have conclude that VFX in music videos doesn’t have to be as precise as I had thought. Taz was talking about the imperfections that come with his work and how these become a part of his style and are the reason he had received a lot of his jobs. The overall image is more important to the project then every detail being perfect, having this imperfect style means you have more character. The biggest thing for VFX artists working on music videos I have read is their use of layers. Not only is this one of the reasons the work may have them attractive imperfections but it also leaves potential to create widespread effects. For example, a complete background can be layered and built with just having an actor in front of a green screen. When working on a music video there can be two approaches depending on the budget. Taz was mentioning how some projects are quite quick and messy to do due to the budget where the idea is created in a short space of time and then filmed with whatever available to the producer. It is then a short time to do all the project editing. This can give the music video a scratcher more retro look which in some cases creates a look people like and are generally going for. However, when the budget is bigger this gives more time and in-depth planning time meaning they may be able to get better props in for the music video and overall will have a clearer cut and more finished look. A higher budget may also give 1-2 days of filming. The idea is that the producer should be grabbing as many shots as possible for the editor to work with. The main thing I have taken from the research I have done is that layering is an important technique when working on all music videos. Its about knowing your limits with the budget you have. After researching by both looking up VFX techniques and listening to Taz I have conclude that VFX in music videos doesn’t have to be as precise as I had thought. Taz was talking about the imperfections that come with his work and how these become a part of his style and are the reason he had received a lot of his jobs. The overall image is more important to the project then every detail being perfect, having this imperfect style means you have more character. The biggest thing for VFX artists working on music videos I have read is their use of layers. Not only is this one of the reasons the work may have them attractive imperfections but it also leaves potential to create widespread effects. For example, a complete background can be layered and built with just having an actor in front of a green screen. When working on a music video there can be two approaches depending on the budget. Taz was mentioning how some projects are quite quick and messy to do due to the budget where the idea is created in a short space of time and then filmed with whatever available to the producer. It is then a short time to do all the project editing. This can give the music video a scratcher more retro look which in some cases creates a look people like and are generally going for. However, when the budget is bigger this gives more time and in-depth planning time meaning they may be able to get better props in for the music video and overall will have a clearer cut and more finished look. A higher budget may also give 1-2 days of filming. The idea is that the producer should be grabbing as many shots as possible for the editor to work with. The main thing I have taken from the research I have done is that layering is an important technique when working on all music videos. Its about knowing your limits with the budget you have.
Research Links:
Brainstorming an ad
In this ad I will grab the audiences attention by having something different show up on screen. I will have a blue dinosaur as a mascot, because this is targeted towards gen z I will have the dinosaur on social media, with a famous TikTok sound coming from his phone to imply he is watching TikTok, this will grab the audiences attention. I will keep my viewers invested emotionally by adding the element that the lunch bar gives you energy. Gen z are know for a lack of energy and therefore appealing in this way may help hold the emotional link between the advert and them. My advert will appeal to gen z as it it will include the use and influence of TikTok on this generation and also the emotional relation that this generation will see things such as energy snacks and drinks to gain that energy. I will also have the dinosaur getting energy after eating the bar and jumping to make TikToks which will then blow up. Making the goal of becoming TikTok famous in this generation reachable in this ad. My video advert will end with the dinosaur becoming TikTok famous due to the dance he has posted. i will have the dinosaur scrolling quickly through TikTok sounds at the start and have the process of him finding this bar and gaining the energy quickly. Speeding this advert up will hold the attention and also show how effective the bar is for energy.
mood board:
Mind mapping
evolution a 3D character
This is a character called Crash Bandicoot, designed for the very popular series of video games called Crash Bandicoot [...]​ The target audience for this character is kids of 12+ however over the years attracted the attention of an older generation and therefore are targeted towards a wider audience now.​
Character appearance over time
​Crash is very similar appearance wise, for example the colour theory and choice of him is the same for both him and his clothing. The colour has more of a shade to him all over. His personality still remains the same. His stance with the hunched over arms remains. The most noticeable difference in this is the improvement in modelling skills, the smoothness of the character now. Crash is no longer visibly moulded out of boxes but rather a genuine character that is visually realistic. He is still very simplistic in his design with only the main features becoming that more exaggerated.​ This could impact on the audience as they feel the character is more realistic and find it easier to form that connection with their in game character. Exaggerating his personality could make it more exciting as they see more and more realistically what their beloved game character is like.​ The product is still created for the purpose to target that kind of audience.
Technological advancements
This character was created by Naughty Dog studios using ​​the modelling software Maya. They still use this software for it's extensive range of modelling tools. It great for both the characters and the environment.
​​
Impact on your work
This helps me as through analysing Crash I have been able to look at how the exaggeration of him makes him appealing to the audience and how this is good towards this specific target audience. I can also try modelling game characters I have designed in the past in Maya now and possibly look more into how the team work.
film composition
RULE OF THIRDS
This shot creates meaning by using the rule of thirds as the character is placed closer to intersection on the left. This shows the emptiness of the shelves around her and therefore the emptiness of the town in general. Not only this but the shot moves following the rule of thirds showing the vast expansion of the empty town. We also see only her reflection in the glass supporting these points. Having the rule of thirds here shows the emptiness.
CENTRE POSITIONING
I think having the characters walk out of the shop centre here not only draws attention to the characters, moving the action along but because of the wide amount of the space around the characters in the centre we also pay attention once again to the outside emptiness and them walking into potential danger. Having them walk out of a pitch black doorway could also be an expression for the vulnerability of the outside which is emphasised through the centre of the frame.
GEOMETRY
Here I think the Geometry is being used to put a sense of pressure and tension onto the boy. The family are making a circle formation indicating they are working together and singling out the boy and putting him outside of this circle separates him from the family indicating a separation in maturity as if they want to stay away.
LEADING LINES / PERSPECTIVE LINES
The leading lines here draw our attention to where the characters are going. The line the characters are actually in shows the space between them and that at this point it is everyone for themself, maybe a comment from the past togetherness in the shop. The perspective lie comes from the train track also showing they are headed into what seems a never ending and unknowing place. Is there any real escape other than the unknown.
SYMMETRY (balance v imbalance)
The symmetry used here is shown between each person as they are walking through the forest. Having each character walking at each side of the screen once again resembles the gap between them physically and mentally. Whilst they are a family, one wrong move on one person's part puts them all in danger. They follow the same path but each have to work alone.
FRAME WITHIN A FRAME
Here the shop shelves are framing the siblings as they walk towards the door. This not only gives us a better sense of what the world around them is shaping up to look like but also could be supporting the idea that the reason they are doing what they are doing right now(creeping around the scene) is because of what the world around them has become.
USING SIZE TO DENOTE SIGNIFICANCE
Size is used here on the feet of the characters to show the importance of individual objects. I think this is an important close-up as in this movie every noise and every sound is significant in this situation. Even something as little as the sound of the sand on their feet is important. The feet filling the screen shows they are important as any other scene in this movie. These are zoomed in because something as soft as sand on bare feet can cause a stir, everything is significant in this scene.
NEGATIVE SPACE
​
I decided to use a different kind of shot to show negative space instead of using them being apart from each other. This is one shot that I think uses space well. The focus here is clearly
The batteries, this shot isolates them from anything else in the scene so when the kid reaches out for the batteries we see he is making a big effort to make the choice to grab something he has been refused. The space here is closed by the boy reaching out showing the danger that was separated from the boy has been met up again with him. This space had shown safety.
REFRAMING
​
This shot is meaningful as it moves from the empty shop aisle to the tip toeing of the child's feet and back to the aisle with the child running through. I think this is an effective shot as the change of composition is creating a comparison. We see the empty shop aisle and how eerie it appears. Then introducing the boy into the scene shows his vulnerability and how much of an effect the bare footsteps have, then showing the boy in the aisle by himself, gives a solemn feeling,
ARTIFICIAL CONTROL v PRIMAL CONTROL
Artificial control = how the filmmakers use composition to control where our attention goes
Primal control = how composition controls who or what has control of the scene
When looking at the Primal control in this our attention is primarily focused on the girl, we may have taken a mental note that the boy is in the background but we are unlikely to have observed what he is doing or anything else as we already knew he was there walking behind the girl. Whereas the artificial side to this is the filmmakers almost foreshadowing that there is something up with the boy. The boy is only shown in this shot for a couple of seconds as the girl covers him over again. In these few seconds if we look closely we could see the boy playing with the plane and knowing he picked up the batteries this is a bad thing. The filmmakers almost wanted to tell us what is going to happen without making it too obvious. We know the boy is doing something as his movements are different from past shots but we don't blatantly know. This is a clever shot.
