Research paper

Dx453_Research Jill Collymore

ABSTRACT
This quarter, I would like to venture into new media/technology and expand production. This will be accomplished through three films: one old, one new, and one a little bit different! In terms of new media/technology, I would like to familiarize myself with/and work with the Steady Cam. On April 10th, I will receive a $20,000 18mm film camera. Experiments with the 18mm versus digital camera will contribute to the new media theme. Also, if deemed to significantly contribute to my work, I would finally like to break into After Effects. In terms of production value, again my goal is to bear down on preproduction. I will require myself to have complete storyboards, organize resources, and to the best of my ability, solve potential problems prior to filming. I plan on reviewing the power point presentations and conducting my own research to further knowledge on specific lighting, camera techniques, etc. This knowledge will help to improve production value. I would also like to seek out trained actors through the Internet or the UW theatre school. In addition, I wish to take advantage of the Freemont resource. The production value boost will be concentrated into a collaborative film, which I hope to pull several members of the class into. In sum, through a new film, a reedit, and a collaborative project, I plan to explore new media/technology/techniques and improve as a filmmaker while readying myself for the Henry exhibition. Hopefully, by May 5th, I will be able to present 3 short films (all under 5-6 minutes) for Henry consideration.

RESEARCH
I would like to compose a reading/viewing list tailored specifically for me this quarter. The titles on this list will serve as inspiration. I will also note technique, camera language as a form of communication, and make sure to check for “behind the scenes” portions on the DVD. These lists will include books/films I have already explored as parts of my own research, as well as titles suggested by my peers and professors. I already have decided to view Kurosawa films (as suggested by Shawn in my last crit). In addition, I would like to explore more Shirin Neshat films because her film Tooba resonated so strongly with me. The Bill Viola short shown in class on Tuesday also intrigued me, so I will follow up with his work. I hope to view two films per week on average. Over Spring Break I did a little bit of research on the DADA movement. I will continue this because DADA seems to be very compatible with DXARTS in its experimental nature. I will consult Dave/Zach and e-mail Shawn to improve this initial list.

The second part of my research will focus on collecting information from external sources. I plan on browsing online resources like YouTube, the links on our class website, and that one cow website (haha) to name a few. I will also review the power points from our class presentations. In this, I hope to learn more about After Effects, Steady Cam tricks, and specific lighting set ups. I also will look for resources that provide trained actors.


The last component of this quarter’s research will involve physical experiments with the camera and other materials. For this, I will seek the help of Julia and Alexis. I know that Alexis has conducted several experiments (unraveling a head, metallic goop…and lots of other goops come to think of it), and I need Julia’s skills as a photographer to explore the 18mm film camera.

THREE FILMS
As mentioned, I will complete three short films, “short” being a duration under 5-6 minutes. This first will be a reedit of Blackbird, the last film of Winter Quarter. The second will be a solo project that is already in development. Please check my blog at the end of this weekend for more details. The last film will be a collaborative project. Development for this project will begin this Friday.

The Blackbird Reedit
-meet with Shawn next week
-consider title further
-is the sound at best quality it can be? (seek Cody)
-typography is terrible, needs improvement (Katilin?)
-reedit noose section (sheet blowing onto branch? sheet wrapping around her neck?)
-determine if a re-shoot is necessary
-is my actress available? her schedule?
-leading through the sheets portion needs more momentum…how to accomplish this

Collaborative Film
-push myself into new zones, open myself up and learn from my peers’ viewpoints, opportunity for larger/more complex production, can really create sets, use the power of multiple minds and multiple hands to accomplish one film as a class

New Solo Project
-check my blog Sunday


IMPROVING

I am taking all my past crits into consideration. My goal is improvement and taking advantage of the Henry opportunity. I need to talk with Dave/Shawn/Zach to help orient myself in the directions I need to be facing and running towards. I want to get to the moon, and past the hand that’s pointing at it! ^_-






CALENDAR

This weekend – meet with people working on collaborative piece, decide on subject matter, begin to storyboard that piece, storyboard my individual project, begin to gather actors, scout locations, camera experiments with Alexis, watch 2 films, online research, continue DADA research, schedule Steady Cam, gather props, review power points, see if Fama is available for r-eshoot, show Fama film

Week 1 (April 7th – 14th) –schedule Freemont, begin to film individual project, see where filming is for group project, pick up new camera, camera experiments with Julia, train/get Steady Cam, re-shoot with Fama? Know her schedule, meet with Shawn about blackbird

Week 2 (April 14th – 21) continue/finish filming for both projects (@ Freemont?), begin capturing/editing footage, dxconcert, watch 2 films

Week 3 (April 21st – 28) begin editing like crazy, edit for concert…and more editing, if possible have first edits done, bring to dave/zach/shawn for crit, class crit? If possible, finish Fama film.

Week 4 (April 28th – May 5th) keep editing. Have editing finished by May 3rd.

Week 5 (May 5th – 12th) Stuff in the can for the Henry. Anything that was said to be dropped for the Henry feel free to work on it now.

Week 6 (May 12th – 19th) Extra credit film with Julia and alexis? Something fun, like dancing or a music video, cut loose a bit. Just watch a lot of films.

Week 7 (May 19th – 26th) the Henry! Woot! Then go out of town to get my game on