When filming our backlit scene we thought that everything would look perfect as from what we could see it was. Once we had taken it back to the classroom and uploaded it into premiere pro we noticed some things that definitely needed to be changed.
The first thing we noticed is that the backlight wasn’t creating a harsh enough shadow on Ebony so to enhance the shadow we moved the lighting round until it was perfect.
The second thing we noticed was that when Torin slammed his hand down on the table it was done too fast and didn’t quite fit with the small amount of dialogue that we had, so when re-filming we just timed this motion at a more suitable time.
I thought that the final result after the second shoot that we did was exactly what we envisioned and that it portrayed exactly what we wanted it to.
What technique did we use – Chiarascuro Lighting and Backlit Subjects.
Where We Are Shooting – In the media studio.
Who We Are Shooting – We are shooting Torin’s hand and Ebony’s document.
What Specific Meaning We Are Trying To Achieve In Relation To Storytelling – we tried to portray a secret document being handed between two anonymous characters. We used the backlit lighting to make harsh shadows and outline of Ebony to show her as a main character.
I think that the project went well as we achieved the techniques we set out to do as well as having quite a Citizen Kane feel. This was done through turning the project black and white to emphasise the light and give a tone closer to the film. The framing and extreme low angle shots went well as it was clear which technique was which. However although the deep focus worked, we struggled to get it working and also we were not able to change the lights to what we wanted (spotlight on the actor on the stage). Also, I had to raise the volume of the actor (me) in the editing phase as in the second shot, there was great distance between the camera and actor so it was very quiet as first however that was easily fixed in Premiere.
What specific meaning we are trying to achieve in relation to storytelling
The extreme low angle shot shows her loss of control in not getting the job as actor. Also, the framing of them between the director’s shoulders shows that their future and career relies on their choice. The deep focus emphasises this by keeping focus on the actor while also the directors opinions when they turn around.
The group project although was completed, it had many difficulties such as unintentionally ‘crossing the line’ and the acting could have improved. However the quintessential essence and mood of the scene, as it is still best friend tries to council friend with corny dialogue that benefits the comedy of the film.
Will Syvret as he walks down the corridor and is illuminated by the light.
What specific meaning are we trying to achieve as part of storytelling
In Citizen Kane various shots and techniques are used to convey meaning. We are using an impossible track and chiaroscuro lighting as it focuses the audiences attention on the subject by keeping them in the center of the frame while illuminating them.
Why was DW Griffith’s film ‘Birth of a Nation so successful when it was released in 1915 an why is it so controversial now?
Birth of a Nation was so successful because it was the first 12 reel silent film, each reel was around 11 minutes bringing this film to around 3 hours long. This was the longest film available at the time. The film would have been accompanied by a theatre organ because it was able to make a large range of different sounds. However, this film is considered quite controversial now because the film is explicitly racist and is about american supremacy. Slavery had just been abolished but southern states was entirely against this. The now free slaves are now being represented as a threat to the economy and to society. Some actors would paint their faces black for the film and are represented in the film as rapists, drunks and criminals. The KKK had died out before the making of this film but was inspired after and the KKK grew to around 4 million after the film.
Who were Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin and are they still considered to be great cinema practitioners? Name at least one film made by each director.
Charlie Chaplin: He was a British comedy actor and director. He became world famous through his alter ego, “The Tramp” which depicted the poor which Russia at the time could tolerate as the communist government didn’t support the rich, which was a reason why Keaton wasn’t liked in Russia. He was also known for his dangerous stunts and his unpredictable style of comedy which the audience received well. On film that he directed was “The Kid” in 1921.
Charlie Chaplin as his iconic character ‘The Tramp’
Buster Keaton: He was an American film director and comedian and was commonly known as the “Great Stone Face” in silent film because he would always use dead-faced expressions and for his creative and inventive visual comedy. One film that he directed was “Sherlock Jr.” in 1924.
