Project 2. Collage Countdown.

I'm quite pleased with how my countdown turned out (although of course, there are a couple things that could be tweaked). I think the collage technique worked out well for the countdown and that a sense of anticipation is successfully created, but broken down towards the end of the sequence. The abstract-looking cut-outs work well to create interesting visuals and a nice texture. If I were to do this again, the one thing I would definitely focus more on is better focusing the camera with each number.

Project 2. Process.

I tested numbers 10 to 8 using the collage framework, mostly to see if it would work at all. Thankfully, it did. Yes, the white balance is off and the tripod moved some, but now I know the collage number sequence will work. Looking at it in motion, I really wish I had attempted more numbers.

What I really need to perfect is the timing of the whole piece - it was more difficult than expected to stretch the breaking apart and coming back together into 15 frames. I'm also going to make the numbers much larger in the frame, so the details of the collage textures can be better seen.

...I also think I'm going to forego rotoscoping the numbers, as much as I'd like to further explore it, just for the sake of time.

Super Short Test!



New shooting method:
- Construct numbers "perfectly"
- For build sequence, shoot deconstruction of numbers and reverse
- Blow collage pieces away completely to deconstruct
- Start with next number

Project 2. Process.

Basically, I want to use these collaged figured, and with each second, a number builds out of the different abstract pieces of paper. I might try rotoscoping the figures using other mediums such as paint and pastel, to emulate the colour patterns for select frames. If not rotoscoping, I may create the figures on vellum one on top of the other to create a sense of "process" for the video piece.

Project 1. Fusion

The video I created for Project 1, entitled "Construct" is based on ideas of nostalgia and the way people complicate ideas and processes as they grow older. I used stop-motion of child-like building blocks and well as more commonplace, "real world," objects to convey these ideas. I chose to make the video sort of choppy and grainy to visually express a sort of yearning for something of the past - it expresses a sense of disconnect. The images have been edited to achieve a certain mood in terms of colour and with subtle vignetting. Instead of using the sound project I created earlier as is, I edited it down and simplified it to make the video a little less literal. I feel that the concept of my piece is well-conveyed visually, and this is only enhanced through the use of sound. The simple, child-like music reflects an easier time while the conversation and busier background noises are symbolic of the noise of everyday life as you grow older.

Project 1. Test.

As a way of sort of storyboarding my concept for Project 1, I made a test video. In doing this, I quickly created a really rough version of what I plan to do for Project 1 just to kind of look at it visually. As I should have predicted, everything was a lot more difficult that expected.

Things to work on:
1. Make everything more cohesive.
2. Use a tripod!
3. Work on timing of video/sound.
4. Shoot more frames!
5. Use a wider angle.
6. Everything cleaner.
7. Abstract it more somehow?

I think the general idea of the video comes across in my test, but I still might work on the sound more. Another idea is building it on a flat surface like a table instead of free-standing so it's easier to add more frames. It may become less literal this way.

- - -

Other ideas:
- Everything high-contrast in black & white
- Clips (images) inserted between build images OR overlayed on top of?
- Zoomed in shots for variety
- Re-work sound to make it more subtle, but carrying the same ideas
- Somehow make it look messier (but in a good, cohesive, intentional way)

* Incorporate opening and closing credits.

- - -

Instead of using THREE different pieces, build on one:
- Take the idea of building with objects
- Instead of transitioning between three different pieces, just use one, but incorporate the concept through the way things are built and the objects that are used
- Start off building simply, but add on symbolic objects
- Use the frame, angles, interesting shots

Project 1. Inspiration

This video doesn't directly relate to stop-motion, but I feel that it's a really well-done video. The commercial-type video would be interesting on its own without sound because of the explorative use of framing and how some elements like the painted hallway make it surreal. However, I feel like the sound really lends to the mood. The incoherent speech and the women going down the hall exclaiming, "Oh my god!" add a sense of humour to the video that is very well thought out.

Project 2. Ideas

For project 2 I'm pretty sure we have to do a countdown. I've been thinking of using magazine collage elements to create my numbers (with less pieces as the countdown goes down) and stop-motion. However, after watching Jeffrey Sher's "Milk of Amnesia," I've just gotten the ideas to use rotoscoping as well, painting or drawing out some of the frames as a way of really playing with different mediums.