4D Project 3:Impossibilities of being

For this project we were tasked to create a 1min video and soundscape to depict a location that we have never been to before. After brainstorming a list of places, I finally chose for my location to be the suitcase.

1.Storyboarding

My plan initially for this storyboard was for the subject to explore the suitcase as if it were a spy movie using a mix of photography and illustration. In class ,we brainstormed the different types of sounds we could hear in the named location. Some examples are,

  • keys
  • wheels rolling
  • airport PA system
  • clothes rustling
  • zippers
  • liquids
  • Ziploc bags
  • conveyor belts

In order to create the soundscape, Ms Lei recommended layering sounds and to keep in mind the background,mid-ground and foreground noises to create sense of space.For the storyboard, she recommended including a mix of close up shots and wide shots .After storyboarding I realised I could not produce the video effectively, So I decided to change the idea to me being kidnapped in the suitcase. I imagined the suitcase to be a dark,scary claustrophobic space and wanted to convey that in the final video.I collected a bunch of sounds found online and started by piecing my soundscape together on audacity and then basing my video off of it.

Scene 1:Locking up of suitcase

BG: Airport announcement system , People chattering and walking                                                               FG: Keys and lock                                                                                               Close-up shot

Scene 2: Suitcase Being taken into the departure hall

BG: Same as scene 1                                                                                                  FG: wheels of luggage rolling
Wide-shot- Provides more information that it is happening at an airport

Scene 3: Struggling within the suitcase

BG: Muffled wheels rolling
MG: music to induce fear
FG: Clothes rustling,Breathing,whimpering

Scene 4: Escaping the suitcase

BG:Muffled wheels rolling
MG:Panting
FG:nails scratching against nylon
Close up shot

Mid-shot
Glimmer of light to show suitcase is being opened

FG:Zippers being opened ,Gasping for air

 

2.Soundscape

To create the soundscape i pieced together a few sounds i downloaded and adjusted them to how loud or soft i wanted the, at different scenes using the effects found on audacity. Also keeping in mind how the distance of the sound would affect the loudness and how different the sounds would be if i were listening them from inside the suitcase (muffled).For example the background sounds will be much quieter as compared to the foreground sounds.

3.Video

For the video i took burst photos of an action,like rolling a suitcase and chose a few in-between pictures and assembled them to match the scenes in the story board. I was inspired by stop motion animation videos,where multiple photos are taken and objects are moved between frames, creating the illusion of movement.

For the scenes inside the suitcase,i took photos of the suitcase with clothes inside to act as a background.Then i took burst photos of myself in a position where it seems as though I’m in a squeezey place and struggling.Then i proceeded to photoshop myself into the background picture.

Feedback

Ms Lei Pointed out that the struggle scene was a bit too long and to include the subject coming out of the suitcase at the end of my video.My classmates gave more ideas for sounds like the conveyor belt and throwing of the suitcase.

Scaling & Framing

Today i was told to take photos of my partner which best represented the attributes that i liked about them.Out of twelve shots i had to select the best three, which are below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt that Esther had a shy and quirky character which can be seen in the first picture because of her pose.It was a candid picture so i thought it was more genuine.

In the second picture Esther has a friendly expression so a close up shot with minimal distractions in the background, would be apt in showing the details in her facial expression.Also the angle of the picture is eye level, to maintain the friendly nature of the picture.

In the third picture i was trying to capture esthers confident and mysterious side.I decided to photograph her silhouette leaving out details of her emotion and facial features. A low angle made her look more powerful and confident.i felt that with the sky and the greenery in the background it contrasted well with the black silhouette making it stand out more.

One of the challenges i faced was the lack of experience using a DSLR camera.I was taught how to manually focus on an object and adjusting the iso to the appropriate level(around 1600).Since i sort of know the basics of using a camera, practising would be much easier.