Film Studies and Cinematography - Project 1
Zetie Binti Bahaman / 0351297 / BDCM
Film Studies & Cinematography
Project 1
LECTURES
Week 1: Lecture Notes
Week 1
The first day of class started with the module briefing by Mr. Martin. He showed us various types of animation so we could be conscious of what type of animator we are. He suggests we try to explore other types of animation and apply them in our projects.
Week 2: Lecture Notes
Week 2
This week we learned about the Pixar storytelling method. The personal memory that we submitted in the previous week is only meaningful to us. Hence, how do we translate the memory into an animation narrative that can make others feel what we felt? Mr. Martin highlights that we should always remember the initial feeling of why we are drawn to the idea in the first place. The animators from Pixar also had a good sharing. No animators are talented right off the bat, keep working on it, changing it, and practicing!
Week 3
Week 3: Lecture Notes
Week 3
A story should have an opening>middle>end. However, not all stories can apply this way and that
doesn't mean it's bad. This week, we learned to structure our story. How we arrange our plot shows how good of a storyteller we are.
Week 4
No lectures because it is a public holiday. We had a one-to-one consultation. (Please refer to feedback section below.)
Week 5
We learned of how to structure our pitch bible. Lecture video can be seen in Project 2.
Week 4
No lectures because it is a public holiday. We had a one-to-one consultation. (Please refer to feedback section below.)
Week 5
We learned of how to structure our pitch bible. Lecture video can be seen in Project 2.
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 1
In Project 1, we are to research and propose an original short animation story.
Week 1
Task:
Start brainstorming by trying to remember something from the past. Mr. Martin mentioned that we are to imagine we're sharing it with the person that knows us best. A strong memory that you can remember like it happened yesterday. By remembering this personal memory, hopefully, we can build it up into a story.
Week 2
Class Exercise:
Animations that totally changed me into a different person:
1. Coraline
Task: Ideation Draft 1
We are to begin the ideation process through the Pixar storytelling method. This is the rough idea that I managed to map out from my personal memory.
Week 2
Class Exercise:
Animations that totally changed me into a different person:
1. Coraline
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| Fig 1.0 Coraline the Movie |
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| Fig 1.1 Coraline Screencaps |
Growing up with Disney Princesses where the princess is saved by her prince, things usually end up happily ever after...discovering Coraline was like a whole new world to me. It is a kid's horror movie adapted from a book by Neil Gaiman. Even though I watched it when I was in my late teens, I still found it disturbing. There is no gore or death, but still genuinely vivid and eerie. The animation was an eye-opener because I have never considered a horror genre to have a place in a children's movie. At least, for me, I definitely did not grow up with that genre. The movie truly gave an unconventional spin on a child's play and it was animated beautifully too. Huge respect for the stop motion artists to bring this story alive.
Task: Ideation Draft 1
We are to begin the ideation process through the Pixar storytelling method. This is the rough idea that I managed to map out from my personal memory.
Fig 1.2 Ideation Draft 1, Week 2 (6/4/2022)
Week 3
Class Exercise:
We are to create an abstract image based on the short film shown in class 'The Perfect Human.' From there, list out the keywords we are able to extract.
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| Fig 1.3 Mindmap Exercise, Week 3 (12/4/2022) |
Task:
1- Important shots for the final project (20s trailer)
Fig 1.4 Selected Shots - Slides, Week 3 (12/4/2022)
2- Story Beats
Fig 1.5 Story Beats, Week 3 (12/4/2022)
Week 4
Revised Tasks (from Wk 3)
Fig 1.6 Revised Story Beats, Week 4 (19/4/2022)
Week 5
Final Project 1 - Ideation
Fig 1.7 Project 1 - PDF, Week 5 (26/4/2022)
FEEDBACK
Week 2General Feedback:
Mr. Martin advises us that we shouldn't stress over the ideation process. It will be going through several rounds of revisions and fine-tuning in the end so it is best to just submit what we have. This process is only the beginning.
Week 4
Specific Feedback:
I am on the right track with my progress. As of now, I should tweak it and follow the emotional flow during the ideation process. Ensure that the visuals (cinematography, composition) portray the emotions so I can make the audience feel what I felt. The story is just to help support my animation. The shots should display the reaction instead of actions.
Week 5
Specific Feedback:
Good progress. I have to ensure that my logline will be developed better in the pitch bible. This also applies to the sketch that represents personal memory, which will be used on the cover page of project 2. Mr Martin suggests that I try out other scenes and see if it suits the cover better.
REFLECTIONS
This assignment has taken me down the rabbit hole of my personal trauma or memory. It was uncomfortable at first, but letting it out and telling the story from a different perspective has given it more meaning. A story that I thought I would never speak of will be shared through this project and I hope to execute it well. In terms of storytelling, I have learnt how to effectively write stories that would compel my audience and it is important to trust the process so it will progressively develop better.
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