Perceived Persona Proposal

I plan on making a digital video that will show houses which will then portray or give a visual idea to the viewer on what the individual(s) lifestyle or customs are like. The way at which the individuals are perceived is entirely left up to the audience. The video will be two to four mintues in length and will be entitled, "Perceived Persona." This video will explore how are surroundings can visualize or give a mental representation of who we are.

In this piece, the setting of the houses, or their visual appearance from the front will produce some sort of an identity to the audience. The audience, by viewing these houses and the difference in their upkeep, or the items on the property, will form a visual perception of its inhabitants. This will form a connection and can remind the viewer how his or her own house portrays who they are to a passerby. It will also show how people connect an environment and a lifestyle together.

The street or neighborhood (consisting of two to three streets) will be chosen by random according to zip code (all within a 40mile radius maximum). An area in Memphis will be chosen then the zip code of that area, if that area is chosen, will have a street or neighborhood chosen to be visited. I will record still shots of the house from the front. This will get a view of the yard and the items in it, and the porch and any adornments that may exist on the house. The focus will be on how the house is maintained on the outside. Depending on its state, the audience will form a different opinion on each person living in the houses.

Most of the emotions and what the audience feels will come from how each owner of the house maintains its visual appearance. Someone with a house that had toddler toys and a pulled up lawn would cause the audience to perceive an entirely different image or identity than a house that had lawn gnomes and a cleanly cut yard with a pile of manure on the side. In a way, the houses will become a physical or visual representation of the people(s) living in it. This representation will be perceived differently by each viewer.

This video will be shot in the manner at which still shots in the lengths of maybe 5-10seconds will be recorded. The camera will be setup so that as I drive, I can stop record the frontal view of the house, and move on to the next one. The sound featured will only include that of the near environment and surrounding area. The lighting will be natural, and shooting will take place in the areas to be chosen from noon to 5:00p.m.

This video is target at any person that has the ability to form an opinion of another. It is more so target at the viewer that has a home and focuses on ways to display their house in a manner that reflects back up on them. The video will be hosted on the internet and original digital copies will be provided upon request.

Ideas for next assignment

1.  I want to go from house to house in different neighborhood and go up to the doors of them and record the entrance way.  The idea of a home could also extend to any living environment that can be recognized as having inhabitants.  I want to do this at different times of the day, maybe at night and then again in the morning.  I can go up to many houses  throughout the period of the day, or I can visit a  set of houses in the day, and visit them again at night to see if the variation in lighting sets a different mood on them.  Through this I want to show how just a front porch or yard can portray the differences in dwellings and lifestyles.  This is not meant to show and distinguish the bad from the good, but to depict that someone's lifestyle cant be portrayed by how they maintain the front of their house.  

 2.  For this idea, I'm thinking of shooting in a deserted area or at least one that seems that way and has an eerie tranquility to it.  There will be a figure sitting in the field looking ahead.  He's not but does not want to be found.   I want to record his view of the field and the area he lives in.  The figure will traverse the terrain and continue to stare out with a look of content in his eyes.  The journey will begin with him in the field, then walking to alternate locations in the same area.  With this I want to play with the idea of man not needing anything or anyone but himself to be happy.  The biggest problem I'll probably run into with this is showing that the model is content and happy.

3.  As this assignment goes with creating your own music, my last idea involves using mostly video effects.  The video will be composed to go along with the sound after it is composed.  It won't be directly in sync the whole time but will be somewhat close.  For this one, the transitions and colors will be a way of seeing the sound of the music, sort of the way when looking at its wavelength as its playing.  I really want to play with the mood on this one with different effects and variations in the hue of the colors.  Also, depending on how the song comes out to be, I will choose one location, record it and have it loop in the background.  This is, again, to play with the mood and visualization of sound from the musical piece.

The Search Final Edit

Luna Nova Video: The Search

(EDIT: Will try and upload higher quality video later)
The class was right, it's impossible to make a serious movie involving a light saber. Thinking this, filming couldn't even begin because there was laughter about it. The Search illustrates man's falsified illusion of his power over nature. In the video, Chris is in search of insects to collect and take back to society, simply because he has the power to do so. He succeeds in catching them, but the insect escapes just as easily. This represents how easy it is for nature to break out of our grasp. Chris, believing so confidently in his ability to catch and keep the insect, also created an advantage and opportunity for the insect to escape.

The hardest part in filming this was actually trying to capture an insect. We thought it would be easy to catch them with our bare hands, we thought we were smarter. This worked maybe half the time. The lighting iris setting had to be adjusted too. The shot went from morning till afternoon. Also, location was important. We had to go deeper into the field to get rid of the vehicles in the background. This posed a problem when shooting because the further in we went in, the deeper the ground got. I sort of had to prop the tripod up on my feet. Because actually catching insects turned out to be difficult Chris started to bring his frustrations onto the camera. This turned out interesting, because my original idea was centered around a struggle. If I could do anything different it would be to wear some pants, and anticipate a sudden change in the terrain and actions being done there.

Political Debate Extra Credit

After finally downloading and having a chance to watch it, after about 30min. it became predictable about how the cameras would move or switch from one candidate to the next. When Gwen Ifil was speaking the camera would either have a close up of her face or be behind both candidates and recording her (this happened during a lot after the debate began). However, one thing I noticed, at times there were moments when the audience couldn't be seen. The lighting seemed off and too dark as I could not make out anything behind Ifil's head. When Palin would speak it would go to her then switch to the camera at an angle behind her so as to get Biden. When Biden spoke it did the same. When Ifil interjected it went behind the two candidates and focused on her as previously mentioned. There is also a camera stationed behind Ifil herself so as to get both candidates together too. There was only one shot from which the candidates were viewed from the audience which was at the beginning. I'm surprised they didn't repeat this at the end of the take.

Revised Edit

Here's the revised edit of "How to Disassemble a Gamecube" Instructional video.  

Sound Video Idea

I keep listening to Painted on the Firmament, I. Thunder Moon by Mark Volker over and over again. The piece has definately captured my attention. Whenever I listen to it though I can't help but picture a duel or some sort of struggle taking place. Right now I'm thinking of creating a piece that follows the life of a duelist. Since the music reminds me of that which would be used in star wars, maybe I'll base it on my friend and his lightsabers. It's still rough. I will either base it on a duel between himself and I, or his struggle to come to terms with his dueling and the emotional stress its put him in. I want to go with the latter and try to incorporate some flash black moments of maybe where him and I are dueling. I guess this would be done in post production to give it a correct look.
Outline:
A figure is seen in a dim room (still enough light to make out everything)
Camera zooms in on the figure and then cuts to his face (to see the desperation)
Maybe now the camera pans down to view the cause of it which is the lightsaber.
(This is where maybe a quick flash back pops up of him dueling against himself or practicing, or fighting against me)
Camera records as the figure struggles to pick up his weapon and fight again.
Ends with the figure deciding not to fight.

Link to the song.

Second Take Write Up

I'd say that the second shot went much better than the first.  For starters, after watching videos of others in class I decided to do everything on a white cloth.  This brought out the contrast a lot and made it easier to focus on the process.  Time length wasn't so much as of a problem this time and the disassembly process was much smoother.  This time while shooting, I would notice that my hand would take up the majority of the screen at times.  This was fixed by recording multiple times in a way that it wasn't so bothersome.  I tried unscrewing the screws with one hand, but in some cases it wasn't possible.  In the first video it was very shaky.  This is fixed for the most part in the second take.  Granted, there is a moment when then camera pans upwards and you can notice it.  However, for the purpose of an instructional video on taking apart this system it turned out good.  

How to Disassemble Your GameCube for Modding Write Up

The biggest problem I had here was the time length. Keeping the video under 5min was the biggest challenge. There were also a lot of moments where I was removing the screws when the screws themselves decided not to come out. However, I guess maybe that adds to the idea of an amateur shooting the video. After replaying the video it turned out fine. Some segments just need to be cut and edited together.

There was also one point in the video where the screw driver failed to work. So, we went back and re-shot it using a different one. This lead to reshooting the opening where the needed tools are shown. I don't think I had much problem with the lighting. It didn't really get in the way of any of the shots.

Video format.  Missing class results in not renting equipment.  So, not sure if regular tapes or dvd discs' video can be transferred to mini dv film, but if not, reshoot scene again.  Otherwise it was ok for my first time.

Problems and Solutions

Will Update as I run into them.

I've just run into a problem. I could set the camera up so that it's on a flat surface and doesn't move so that I am able to control my own hands, but that would mean cutting out parts where I get up to move it or turn it off. So, I'll get someone else to record to shorten the load.

Add more light or find brighter lit area to easily view screws.

Title: A number of people have questioned the purpose of taking this apart. Well I'm showing how it is to be done in case an internal mod may be done to it. Eg, installing a modchip and adjusting the dvd laser. I think one needs know how to take apart and put back together something they intend on modifying.

New title: How to Prepare a Nintendo Gamecube to be modded.

Video Outline

I plan to demonstrate how to dismantle a Nintendo Gamecube. I'm trying to find a really bright lit room, which I can more than likely easily find. I plan to shoot only the hands of the actor as he/she works on taking the system apart. I feel that focusing more on the work that the hands does will more easily help the viewer stay focused. Also, I'm going to try and do multiple angles when taking apart the system. Perhaps I'll work clockwise or counter clockwise to make the process easier too. In post production I can repeat some of the shots to reiterate the point. I would also like to edit in some text if possible to make it easier to follow along. Onscreen directions would help alot.


Outline
Title: How to take apart your Nintendo Gamecube
Show the tools needed
Show the Gamecube also
State what will be happening
State to set screws aside to make it easier to put back together.

Pre Process:
Have tools ready
Make sure cables are unplugged and that Gamecube is not on.

Process:
Begin by removing outer special screws
Remove interior exterior screws
Remove interior screws
Remove dvd drive
Remove board screws
Remove board

Putting it back together:
Go in reverse order.

Looking at How To's

Moon Walking

Out of maybe the five or so that I watched this was the once that stood out the most.  It was entertaining and also very well put together as an instructional video.  Most of the movements made by the guy doing the moon walk could completed and understood without the use of the narrator or the text.  This was a problem I found in some of the other videos.  They were good,  but had it not been for either the narrator or onscreen text, a lot of the actions would've have been hard to understand.  This was also recorded in a location where one would practice doing the dance, and there was nothing added.  The number one thing that stood out most in this and that I liked best, was the angle that the feet were being shot at.  The camera went behind the feet and above them.  Whenever the narrator would mention the left or right foot, the camera would behind it not in a mirrored position.  This is really helpful for those that might not otherwise comprehend what a mirrored image is doing.

How to Survive if You're Lost in the Woods

This was a humorous video.  It got its point across, how to survive in the woods, and entertained while doing it.  The prop teddy bear could've have been done without.  However, instructional wise, it does a great job of telling what to do and how to survive in the woods.  Maybe all of its content wasn't considered, the teddy bear for instance, but the video does instruct (in an understandable manner) how to survive in the woods.

How to Bring Home a Date When You Have a Roommate

I decided to post this video because it was funny and seemed like a plausible situation.  It was a bit over the top, but still, most of what happened in it were things that would actually take place.  

With that said, most videos that work, for me, are entertaining, have acute instructions that are easy to follow, or do both.  An instructional video should try and maintain your focus, especially if your goal is aimed at learning from a different source a procedure step by step.

Notes on Today

Temperature of light in white balance and color.

-Keep white as natural looking as possible and consistent.

*You should rewatch Traffic*

-Whitecard to adjust color of camera.  Use the light sources to get correct setting.

-Rewhite balance everytime you move.

-Using tape, must use Jill's tape stock.  $3.25

-Dont shoot in first and last minute of the tape.

-Want at least 10-15 seconds of pre-roll.  Record before anything actually happens.

*Recording after actors have stopped is interesting*

-Balance the tripod.  Don't bother to use if you don't level the tripod.

-Removing the cap, put the cap in the camera box.

-Label the tape before putting the tape into the camera.

-Don't record in green mode.  Green = Safe.  Red = No no

-Don't keep in extreme heat or cold.  Keep them in room temperature in the box.

-Make sure the camera is in 4:3 aspect ratio.  Recording at Standard Play Mode.

*Make a checklist guy...be smart, be safe.*

-Make sure there's a base plate on the tripod.

-Camera comes with two batteries.  Loses power in cold weather. 2hrs max charge 20min for quickie.

*find difference between zooming and trucking.

*three different temperature locations

White Balance

White balance is the level of light you have in your image.  It can either determine how light or dark one's image is.  This can  effect visibility of the film and an incorrect balance can result in the recording's color being offset.  Adjusting the white balance can also be used to strengthen or lessen shadows and reflections by increasing the levels at which the light is captured.  It is important because, depending on what the levels are or what you want them to be, the light  sources being used will either need to be adjusted or reconsidered.

Portrait Ideas

I'm not exactly sure what character I'm going to be creating but I know I want him to be somewhat dark and yet the same time hopeful. Perhaps the mood he gives off can represent my idea of multiple people being in the same place, or existing in the same place at different times. I'm actually thinking of going out into the woods, around dusk and recording this character using the light through the branches. I also have the idea to shoot in the evening time. There's this community center building with corners that have just the perfect amount of depth. This location, or the day I will be shooting on, will naturally have lanterns outside of it. The light from these would make a great effect and still adhere to the dogme rules and Vow of Chastity.

My last idea involves lots of blankets and the light being cast through and over them. The shadows from the light can hopefully bring to life a character of darkness that is born from light. Not too mention, this character or rather the shadows, would be dancing on the ground and walls too.

Dogme 95

So, after rewatching the "Italiensk for Begyndere" film for almost the third time, I think I finally grasp what's going on. The movie is actually pretty good, considering how it was shot. However, it seems to break a few rules of dogme 95 and The Vow of Chastity. This movie seems to fall under the genre of romance. There is also a large use of music. A few times I noted that it came from the environment or from the cameraman humming, but there were times when it could not be determined whether the source was actually in the facility. There was also a moment when I questioned when the original language instructor started to die. An ambulance was called which brought in a stretcher. This seems like it was an added prop and not one on location. The movie though does put story over effects, even if the story can be quite confusing. In the end though, it is a good piece and portrays the lifes of several people coming together very well.

As for dogme films and the Vow of Chastity, it does sound like an interesting way of shooting. Von Trier's idea of story being more important is something I agree with. Today, the story is thrown out or either ignored in an attempt to offer something visually appealing and nothing more. The rules though of the Vow of Chastity really interest me. They help to create a more geniune and believable movie. Even though it may or may not be possible, the only thing I don't agree with is the prohibiting of superficial actions. The place one is recording in could always have someone show up and randomly die. "Italiensk for Begyndere" had two people die in it.

The dogme films may offer me a slight bit of viewing troubles, but there is something compelling about them. Perhaps it is that they are story driven and the characters are what's most important.

Improvements when recording - By Any Means Necessary

Edit Audio track if there should be one.  Fade In/Fade Out Audio line to duration of the video.

Consider background light sources and possible interference with recording.

Pay attention to stillness and movemen'ts of the camera.

Consider the views offered of what's being recorded.

By Any Means Necessary - Place

My video is a recording of many recordings playing at the same time. Each video is me in a different location at a different time. In a way its also a recording of my weekend. I sought to portray how "place" can happen anywhere at any given moment and even in the same moment.

This project seemed very demanding when in actuality it wasn't. The problem I had the most trouble with was finding suitable scenes or the time of day to record a scene. Having an idea is easy for the most part, but illustrating it is a completely different experience. I'm pleased with how the final piece turned out except the audio addition could have been done better. As I have no previous experience of adding sound to a video or vice verse...well, I still enjoy how it turned out. The shaky parts of the camera also add to my idea of place happening anywhere at the same time.

Direct Download to Original: http://www.zshare.net/video/18081106bf6c2c2d/

Notes - Edit Photo

Export Movie in quicktime or other video converter.  Convert to multi image *image file format.

Load in PSCS3 > File > Scripts > Load Files Into Stack > Load images.  

Select All Images > Reverse layers 

Windows > Animation > Convert to Timeline

Drop Down Menu > Document Settings > Set Frame Rate > Change Duration to match video

 Drop Down Menu > Make Frames from layers

Option Left + Right = Change Layers

Keyframe - Useful to go backwards and forward.

Exporting only animations.  Export as animation, millions colors +

Place - Outlines

Idea one involves recording myself multiple times, perhaps in different locations and in the end recording all of the recordings playing at the same time on the computer screen. Each video playing in the same location signifies that place can happen anywhere and everywhere even at the same time.

I. Record, Rewind, Record
A. Multiple video recording recording
1. Record Multiple videos in different location
2. Transfer videos to pc
3. Record videos located in different zones interacting in one place.





II. False Scene
A. Faked background with a real face.
1. Secure two pc screens or two webcams
2. Set the screen behind me to display a location: still picture, video, or animation.
3. Preferable location is somewhere wet.
4. Douse face with water.
5. Record myself in front of the pc displaying the image to simulate actually being in the area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zdk0TcTsZo

III. Any Means Possible
A. The randomness.
1. Simply discuss or rant on how place can be anwhere at anytime, and what it means or can stand for.
2. Illustrate by pointing at objects, or people, or turning the screen.
3. Rant randomly about place, to the point that even "place" is a place.

Place...Beginning

1. The name is Stan or Stanley, or if that's too hard to remember, then call me Guy. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee and after much deliberation decided to end up at MCA for its animation department. Not too much has been going on. My life periodically goes downhill a lot. The usual case is friends being bitchy or money disappearing due to odd and random experiences. There's also the fact that technology usually craps out and requires the purchasing of new equipment (hard drives). Hard drives, the pirated movies that rest on them, and anything relating to PC equipment including blank dvds aside, my life has been good lately. Finding out where one belongs can be quite tough. I mean, take a look at the world, think of who you really are, question yourself on if you actually belong in this place. The answer I always come up with is no. So, to MCA and its busy work schedule, I give you my thanks, thanks for keeping my head busy. Actually starting animation courses also helps to put that smile on my face.

If you've seen me for the past week I've had a smile nonstop. Although that's nothing ordinary since I'm smiling 24/7, the reason behind the smile is. How often do you literally spend about 15 hrs with a friend each day? Yea, weird and probably uncalled for but when time is lost its best to try and regain it any way possible.

Place does not really seem to be located in any one location. It can be anywhere at anytime in any given manner. What exactly makes a place a place for the same reason? The same can also be asked about a home. I think that both are what one makes it, for whatever reasons they choose. This also brings me back to the dilemma I mentioned earlier. How does any person know that they are where they belong? I guess fate has left it up to us to decide on our own.

Place can exist anywhere and everywhere. The computer screen is a place, the chair, bed, or floor are also places. An idea is a place as well as the subconscious. However, when referring to a place people are usually specific in the place they are naming. Eg: Malls, restaurants, relative's house, somewhere to go, etc. So, a place must have meaning. Other than the "there, here, over there" usual replies, most places tend to actually have names. A location that means something to you is a place you care about, and a place you care about, is only a place because someone made it that way. The land was cultivated to make fields or towns, maybe shops were constructed for pleasure, as well as dance halls or concert theatres. If places represent meaning then the mind can also be a place since its ideas hold meaning and even the thoughts to give out meaning to a location. A place can exist anywhere. I think a place is anywhere you feel comfortable and can or cannot express yourself so should you choose to.