For this module we're undertaking the task of creating a 30 second advert for a client which will be entered into the Kodak awards. This advert is to be shot on 16mm film stock. We recently began our own research and our own to do lists based on the roles we were given. This time around I'm directing one advert and I'm cinematographer on another. I've started off with the basics, looking at what to do and what not to do with 16mm, as this is the first time I've shot anything on film (other than the small amount of super 8 I did last year). I began my research by watching some helpful videos about other peoples experiences of working on film. Below is a link to a video I found extremely helpful and encouraging, about a guy who shot a film project with a hedgehog as his subject.
I got underway with directorial and cinematographer duties, planning ahead the narrative and the visuals of two very contrasting adverts. The one I am directing is for stationary company 'Paperchase' who are looking for something to help promote their valentines gifts. The other, the one which I am cinematographer on, an advert for centrepoint a company who support and spread awareness of homelessness amongst young people.
My progress so far has been to shot list and storyboard the paper chase advert, and to create colour palettes and visual influence for the centrepoint advert. We're now up to the point where we are beginning to plan shoot dates, locations, actors and costumes.
I have began looking at and creating colour palettes for the Kodak 'Window' project. As cinematographer it is my duty to understand how to manipulate colour within the context. I will do this by making colour seem relevant to the subject matter. The subject matter in this case being that the traditional family are enjoying christmas inside their warm house, whilst a homeless girl looks inside from the cold harsh world outside. The power of colour in this case comes in when we choose to use colours to connote happiness and warmth. Below I have included examples of colour palettes from popular christmas films; The Polar Express and Elf. The colours used in both these scenes in particular are very bright and vibrant, often seen as outright 'christmassy' the most jolly time of the year.
Hopefully we can make use of these colours through the use of interior design and decoration. This way we can truly push and force the message forward - that this homeless boy or girl cannot reach this life and ultimately that is the goal. Also, the difference in colours in terms of saturation and contrast can be of importance. E.g. inside the house around the family looking like the colour palettes and above scenes opposed to the dark grey colours of the outside world.
