Space In Film

Having been reading through a few books and thinking about a few ideas myself it's become important for me to really get to grips with the potential of space in film. What can I do with each shot?

I've seen in my reading that the film frame is split into various axes; the X-Axis, the Y Axis, the Z Axis and a combination of the X and Y Axes. By using these lines film-makers can create various moods and impressions that the viewer will subconsciously respond to.



The X Axis, Horizontal - If the camera was to move left to right, the viewer will respond positivity because the direction the camera is moving mimics the direction we (westerners) read, it creates a comfortable setting. Apparently there is a good chance in nearly every film you see the 'good' guy will first make an appearance moving on screen from left to right. But if we flip that round, by moving the camera right to left we can create the opposite effect, making the scene more uncomfortable.

The Y Axis, Vertical - By moving the camera down it again creates an easy, calm setting because of our sense of gravity. Pulling the camera up will give the opposite effect. Also by moving the camera along a straight line at a steady pace creates the assumption all is well, detouring from the straight line will have negative connotations.

XY Axes, Diagonals - Descending Diagonals; Gravity aids the motion of descending diagonals. The descent seems easy, possibly inevitable. It also follows the direction of the reading eye. Ascending Diagonals; Gravity works against the ascending diagonals. It's easier to fall downwards than to move upwards. The right to left ascent is the most difficult of all screen directions because it not only goes against the reading eye but gravity as well.

Z Axis - This is the line that runs from the foreground to the backgroud, it enables us to see the illusion of depth. Depth of field has three planes; foreground, middleground and background.

Cinematic Storytelling

Here are a few quotes I've just seen in a book that I'm reading regarding Cinematic storytelling.

'When we tell a story in cinema, we should resort to dialogue only when it's impossible to do otherwise. I always try to tell a story in the cinematic way, through a succession of shots and bits of film in between.'

'Whenever possible, to rely more on the visual than the dialogue.'

- Alfred Hitchcock.

* There are two requirements of  great script: One is to have a great story, the other is to render the story cinematically.

* Movies start and end with story.

* The first part of a director's job is knowing what the audience should be feeling, and when. The second part is harnessing te tools to get them there.

Video Effects

I've already noted that I'd like to create a scene where my character walks through a small tunnel and his memories and thoughts appear on the wall, very lucid and transparent.

I spoke to Brian about this and he did say it was possible; after playing around with a few effects nothing has really come good so far. However he did say to leave it with him and he'll report back to me when he's discovered the right effect for my film.

Pan's Labyrinth Viewing

As I'm looking to do a film based on woodland folklore I thought it would be a good idea to watch Guillermo Del Toro's criticality acclaimed 'Pan's Labyrinth'.

Being honest I still don't really rate the film and it didn't really help inspire any new ideas. The film seem'd, to me, more focused on the period it was set and instead of expanding on this amazing fantasy world it treat the scenes with Ofelia and her visits into the nether realm as a hindrance.                 

Test Shoot Date Set!

On Monday the 4th of April I, along with Ryan, Oscar and hopefully Milly will be going to Witton Park, then Billinge Woods to do a test shoot for my FMP. Here I'd like to see how Milly handles her role wile I can play with the various shots needed for the film.

I'd also like to see if we can get the effect of walking on water. I've an idea in mind, set at the lilly pond in Witton Park, for Milly, the nature spirit to walk across the water. I've discovered that I've got two options; the first being simple camera tricks, so on Monday I'll see if we can achieve those shots. The second is the option to use a green/blue screen. That option would be much more difficult and there is no guarantee the shot will even look good, more research into this will be needed.

Hopefully after this series of test I will have a better idea of what I can achieve.

Edit; I've also remembered a place near Feniscolwes, there is a huge thick wood near the church and in the middle of it is a really old structure, I'm not sure what it is but I may have to go and take a look. Perhaps there is a way to get there, it would certainly add to the film if I could shoot a scene there. 

Cornholme Photos

This is the village where I would like to shoot my film.