161MC: Interactive Documentary/Task 6

See attached notes from todays lecture on ‘documentary’:

See the full lecture presentation here: Week 6 i-Docs

After the lecture we were introduced to ‘Storygami’ an application which allows you to add to a documentary through visual elements (i.e video’s, articles and so forth). Thus proving to be an interactive way to revamp a documentary, further boosting the content of it. Making it even more exciting and engaging to watch.

Task Sheet: Task 6 – Storygami

Upon creating my storygami, I searched up a documentary which I viewed previously a few months before. This documentary really stood out for me, through it’s stunning visuals and captivating story about a RAAF pilot. As for the elements, I decided on including pictures and also articles. Feeling that these particular add ons would really enhance the documentary in a more elevating way (through interactive features).

The main thing I’d improve on would be the length of my clip as it would have been better to edit a 5 min clip rather than a 6 minute one. However luckily the clip wasn’t very long in length, therefore worked well upon making it more visually engaging through articles etc.

Check out my own ‘storygami’ video below:

https://storygami.com/video/dd8cd73ad84

Full references from video (below). Note: Some references have been included in the video already.

Images

1. Source 1 (accessed February 8th 2016): FLYING ON D-DAY: The 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings evokes strong memories for Alex Jenkins who flew his Lancaster bomber along the coast near Calais. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0606lslancaster3
2. http://www.warvisitorslinkhout.be/bemanning/jenkins/007%20Jenkins.jpg (accessed February 8th 2016)- Rudy Kennis, War Visitors
3. http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/758962/bomber-reunion-stirs-war-memories/, Photo by Steve GOSCH, Central Western Daily (accessed February 8th 2016)
4. http://www.warvisitorslinkhout.be/intervieweng/jenkins.php (Image accessed February 8th 2016, War Visitors Linkhout, Interview-Alex Jenkins)

Note: Video above adheres to the ‘copyright law’ of 2014 under educational use.

Upon reflecting, todays lecture was very well formulated. This is because it gave me an even better understanding of interactive documentaries and the process of them. Further showing me particular elements which are associated with interactive documentaries. Another thing I liked about the lecture was the use of videos and visual aids, as a lot of photos and other media were shown today. Further keeping me interested and engaged, bringing the lecture more to life (for me, personally). Whilst small excerpts from prominent documentary figures helped me to gain a better understanding behind the theory of documentary.

 

 

161MC: Task 5 (Web 2.0/Vines)

Today we presented all our ‘web 2.0’ videos in this mornings lecture. Further being encouraged to watch and reflect. Many used social networking sites well and twisted classic tales to modern day pieces. This mean’t it was relatable to our generation, due to the ‘technological’ elements.

Upon showcasing mine, many liked my ‘web 2.0’ video. Saying that they found the characters to be funny in how they spoke about each other. They also liked the twitter profiles. However felt the typing should have been sped up, with music being added too. Other than that they liked my version of ‘Cinderella’. Showcasing her thoughts and her Step Moms on her ‘going to the ball’ effectively.

See the re-edited version of my ‘web 2.0’ video here (view description box for all references upon viewing video):

Afterwards we were introduced to ‘ Task 5‘

Task 5 involved creating a vine which represented any movie that we as a group liked/individually liked. Within my group we wrote down films such as: ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Gladiator’ etc. Eventually deciding to do the famous running scene from ‘Forrest Gump'(1994).

See Below:

Upon reconstructing the scene, we used scrunched up papers for the tree’s, with newspaper as the branches. Further opting for stick man figures for Forrest Gump. Upon reviewing our final creation of 6-7 seconds, we managed to do our own version of the running scene well. Further animating it through ‘stop motion’, making it even more engaging for our audiences to watch.

We also came up with our version of  ‘Finding Nemo’ in 7 seconds. Where we’d hide the fish and find it in different places. This would be humorous and funny, as we’d further put a “Here’s Johnny”(from ‘The Shining’) take on it. Making it dramatic and comedic for 7 seconds. However this idea did not make the final cut, due to time. However if we had more time in the session then we would have created our ‘Finding Nemo’ 7 seconds clip.

See my groups vine here:

See my own vine below:

Artist: Lenka Song: Heart Skips a Beat (Educational Use Only)

Upon reflecting, todays task was fun and interesting further adding to ‘creating an impact in media production’. This was further developed upon, through the use of our mobiles, which were used considerably in todays session. This was good as it really showed me how far technology has come, as we live in a time where it’s used for some of our educational activities. Representing change and a rise in how much we consume different types of media to how long we spend on it too.

References

Image: http://sparkgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vine-logo.jpg (accessed 1st February 2016, Sparkgrowth.com-Article: ‘Using Vine to it’s full potential’, official vine logo,Google Images)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2-MCPa_3rU (accessed 1st February 2016, via Youtube, Movieclips, published October 6th 2011)

 

 

 

161MC: Goodbye To Language (2014)- A Short Review

Directed by Jean-Luc Godard Goodbye To Language is an atmospheric yet subtle piece of cinema. From the moment go we see a full sequence collage take centre stage. Encapsulated in various archive footage, we see the likes of Hitler and famous actresses appear in the montage. Thus representing change, film and also independence too. Further touching upon the power of words and how when uses them to project their voice.

In short, the film focuses around two lovers, who are male and female. We find them meet and separate on many occasions, sometimes being split up but then brought back together. All the while there dog is transitioning between them, in and out. However Godard’s film isn’t about this, it’s about much more, in fact the wider world.

His film is one which shouldn’t be missed. With its subtle touch on ‘nature’ and having a ‘voice’. Godard divides each frame with a particular season (i.e Winter). In this way, we see times change and also the people in the shots too. For example, some are very abstract and raw (further demonstrated through the shakey camera shots). In on scene, we see a woman being shouted at for taking a stand for something she believes in. This is a clear representation of being told you can’t do something, when you can. Thus in this way Godard manages to capture real life situations and human behaviour in an extremely non glamorous fashion. As we see all of the creases and emotion in one’s face, further seeing their mannerisms too. Thus helping us to get a better sense of what they are about, making them extremely relatable.

Another thing, which really grabbed me was the use of dialogue. Personally, I felt the dialogue to be deeply insightful and moving. Considering in each shot a lot of meaningful passages intwined with the luscious scenery a round. This fitted in nicely with the cinematography (which was bold and incandescent). Upon finding out the film was filmed on small camera’s, I was utterly surprised of the quality of the shots (as all of them were very picturesque and well composed).

To conclude, I would say watch Jean Luc Godards experimental film for it’s bold and demanding narrative. A narrative which is almost not so unclear to the human eye. However begins to unravel once the viewer accepts what Jean Luc is trying to accomplish. This being: the use of natural scenery’s and themes to demonstrate the behaviour and relationships of human, further dwelling into peace, empowerment and having a voice. Touched upon through the use of engaging archive footage etc.

Although slow in pace, Jean Luc Godard returns to what he does best. Bringing us a piece of film which makes us think and listen, against a backdrop of some breathtaking shots (all taken naturalistically).

See the trailer here:

Rating: ***

References

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWEj_AYXzjY (accessed January 26th 2016, ‘Goodbye To Language Official Trailer’, published October 14th 2014, via StudioCanalUK)

161MC: Task 4 ‘Web 2.0’- Extended Post

Today’s task involved making our own ‘web 2.o’ story, by formulating a classic tale using various ‘web 2.0’ tools (i.e screen record/Google Goggles)

Find out more about ‘web 2.o’ here:

The emergence of web 2.0 storytelling

See full task sheet here:

Task 4 – Web 2.0 Narrative

Upon thinking of a classic story, I decided to base my ‘web 2.0’ piece around Cinderella. This is because I felt I’d be able to rework some portions of the story in an updated way (through various technologies and lifestyles). I further felt that I could work around a conversation between Cinderella and her evil step mom through the use of Twitter and Youtube too. Thus incorporating modern day technology in this way, making it more realistic and relevant in todays day and age.

Throughout history Cinderella has always been told in a ‘rags to riches’ fashion. As it focuses on a servant girl eventually meeting her prince, through harsh beginnings and an appearance from her fairy godmother, after her dad suddenly passes away. Whilst the moral of the story has been about kindness and generosity and how evil does not go un-noticed. Cinderella has always been a best loved classic due to the main heroine being kind, smart and loving to all (even those who treat her harshly at every opportunity). Thus has proved to be a role model to many young women as they’ve looked up to this character in overcoming hardship and the trials and tribulations of acceptance and love, to kindness too.

Bringing in ‘web 2.0’ I looked up the following tools to makes my video piece. The following tools were considered but not used. The main two were ‘Camtasia’ and ‘Googlemaps’. The main reason for not using these two tools were ease of use and function restrictions. For example ‘Camtasia’ included a trail version only, which had very limited functions. As for Googlemaps (although easy to understand), didn’t really appeal to me in the sense of where it would fit in my story. As I felt I could tell it without using ‘Googlemaps’, which Is what I ended up doing in a imaginative and creative way through the use of mainly Twitter, Youtube and screen capture software. This leads onto the software which I did use, which was ‘Screen Cast O-Matic’. This software in particular was fluid and very easy to use. Although a trial version, this piece of software had a limit of 15 mins (which was more than enough time). Thus proved to be quick, fast and clear (upon viewing the final recorded footage).

Going back to the story, I thought of creating new twitter accounts by hand for both characters. Although time consuming, this process didn’t let me down. The reason for this being that it helped me to customize each characters page more, further helping me with their speech and their tone of voice too. For Cinderella I changed her name, plus added in some slang for when she spoke. As for the step mom, I managed to incorporate many spelling errors as she’s not tech savvy. Thus working off the stereotype of the younger generation working off technology better than the older generation. Further using hashtags to emphasize what each character was saying, adding to modern day talk. As many express themselves through the use of hashtags. Thus proving successful in how I portrayed both characters in their respective pages. I further embedded a Youtube video into my video, via the Wicked Stepmom’s. page. This was because I felt it would draw up a better picture of who she was, and add in a little humour to who her main idol may be. Thus opting for a ‘wicked step mom’ character adding to my characters attitude and her way of thinking too.

To conclude, this exercise was challenging and fun. Considering it made me think of many classic stories and how they’d look re-imagined into a ‘web 2.0’ piece. Leaving the results to be crisp, clear and edgy through the presentation and also the characters portrayed in the story itself.

Enjoy my version of Cinderella below, with a short clip of Cinderella and her Step Mom using twitter as a means to express their feelings to each other (without any of them knowing) to the public.

Note: References within the video have been attached in the video’s description box.

References

1. http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347352307l/11142754.jpg (accessed January 25th 2016, via Google Images, Book, Trisha Speed Shaskan, Cover Art, 2011, Picture Window Books, “Seriously, Cinderella Is SO Annoying!…”)
2. http://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/10/web-20-storytelling-emergence-of-a-new-genre (accessed January 25th 2016, Article listed under CC License, 2008-Adam Levine & Bryan Alexander, Educational Use, EDUCause Review )

161MC: Tell Me A Story/Web 2.0 Narratives (Week 4)

My Notes:

Todays lecture taught me the following things:

• What goes into a story
• The importance of storytelling
• How one can effectively tell their story
• Aristotle’s role in ‘storytelling’ (see image below). Follow link below for more information:

Aristotles’s Storytelling Framework

• The Seven Basic Plots (see image below)

Learn more about ‘The 7 Basic Plots’ here:

7 Basic Plots (Full)

In conclusion this particular lecture was deeply informative as it really touched on the art of storytelling. What’s more, is that it brought in current technologies to project old aged stories. For example one video titled ‘The Nativity-Web 2.0’, used an Iphone’s interface to get across the nativity story. Done through screen capturing and social networking sites (creation of profiles). This made for a deeply interesting story, as we were treated to a visual modern age spectacle. Thus witnessing each tap and purchase within the shots, engaging us in every way.

See the full video, ‘Nativity 2.0’ below:

Furthermore, todays session proved that story’s can be projected in a variety of ways and not just one. Further indicating a change in the way stories are presented. As the example above is just one of many, of classic tales being reconstructed through the use of technology, to be watched in a different way than before.

References

Image One: http://www.khoslaventures.com/wp-content/uploads/kv_summit_unbreakable_laws_of_storytelling_carmine_gallo.jpg (accessed January 25th 2016, via Google Images, KV Summit, Image Think, Carmine Gallo Blog, June 11th 2014, ‘Laws/Storytelling’)

Image 2: http://image.slidesharecdn.com/aristotles-storytelling-framework-for-the-web-130721050412-phpapp01/95/aristotles-storytelling-framework-for-the-web-7-638.jpg?cb=1375748538 (accessed January 25th 2016, ‘Jaroen Van Geel, Slideshare)

Image 3/Link: http://kidcourses.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/7-plots-for-kids.gif (accessed January 25th 2016, The Kid Courses Crew, Webpage)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk (accessed January 25th 2016, Christmas 2012 2.0 ‘The Nativity’, via Youtube, Viral Videos Nr1, December 13th 2010)

 

161MC: The Internet’s Own Boy (The Story of Aaron Swartz)

A story about  Reddits Co-Founder, comes a documentary which sheds light on an incredible young individual, who was a programming prodigy/internet activist after change. Which showcases the Governments involvement in his untimely death a few years ago. Overall this particular documentary is one which will make you question the United States Government and their strict procedures and rules (seen to be unjust by many). Considering they were predominantly held responsible for Aaron Swartz’s death (further speculated the media on the whole).

In short, the film includes mini interviews from Swartz’s family and those who influenced the internet/were involved in technology and programming (similar to Swartz).  In this way, it manages to really capture the audiences emotions and also their interest (further done through the use of archive footage). Showcasing Swartz’s journey from an infant to a young adult (where it was evident that he was extremely intelligent and curious). It honours Swartz in a very humble and respectable way, as it touches on the highs of his life and also the lows. By further going into detail of what Swartz was about and how his true passion lyed in programming and the internet on the whole.

To conclude, I would say the documentary touches on many topics, a part from Swartz’s life of course. For example the use of Creative Commons (CC) is looked into and ‘public domains’ to ‘open access’ areas are only analysed amongst RSS and so forth. Thus making the film itself a very educational and intelligent documentary as it teaches the audiences about these types of licenses/programmes. Highlighting upon the importance of them and also Swartz’s involvement, in a very positive way.

To conclude, I would say to anyone who wants to know more about ‘The Internet’s Own Boy’ to watch this film now! Watch it to learn more about Swartz and experience the incredible story of a young man who was curious and fascinated about the internet, affecting the world he lived in. Watch it to see how Swartz fought for what he believed in and didn’t give up and how he stayed determined and motivated to create a better world through the use of internet programming and educating people on this particular area too. See a film which is true, raw and earnest, further leaving behind a legacy of Swartz as he’ll always truly be remembered as “The internet’s own boy”, as it was what made him him, he lived and breathed the internet. He was truly remarkable in his own right, through his intelligence and also his inquisitiveness, as he was curious about all and fascinated too. He was a creator, inventor and a dreamer who knew he could make a difference one step at a time.

Rating: ****

See the official trailer below:

References

1. http://img01.ibnlive.in/ibnlive/uploads/2014/06/aaron-swartz-internets-own-boy-poster-300614.jpg (accessed January 20th 2016-IBNLive/India/2014)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvsxnOg0bJY (accessed January 20th 2016, via Youtube: Trailer-FilmBuff Movies/April 29th 2014)

 

161MC: Remix/Mash Up (Task 3)

Today our task was to create our own remix mash up video, by following the brief attached below:

The Remix

Upon thinking of ideas for my mash up, I relied on my interest of Bollywood films to show me the way. From the many Bollywood movies I have seen, making an impression is very important, not to mention greeting someone too. Thus upon thinking about this particular concept, I searched up Adele’s Hello I thought how I could incorporate her words into my mash up. Eventually managing to collate some clips showcasing various greetings, with Adele’s Hello popping up in the background alongside a rendition of her hit song done ‘classically’, Bollywood Style.

After doing so however, I made sure to read over the following booklet, in regards to ‘Copyright Laws’ (attached below) before I uploaded my video to Vimeo:

Exceptions_to_copyright_-_An_Overview

This helped me to understand how I’d go about referencing the clips I would use and how I’d adhere to copyright regulations at the same time. Further making sure to give credit to the directors, producers and so forth for the text itself. Thus in this way respecting that I do not own any of the footage, but am simply using it in my video for a ‘mash-up remix’. Further crediting all the media texts on every corner, making sure I’m n0t breaching any of the rules set out in the document above along the way.

In regards to my audience, I would say my video is aimed at those who are avid Bollywood film lovers, to fans of Adele. I’d further say that the video is very calming and visually stunning, due to the clips chosen. Further encapsulating each of the actors within the clips, ‘welcoming’ us in with their presence and charm. As for an age range I would say young audiences to older ones (i.e 16 plus), due to some scenes carrying a provocative image (embedded within them).

I would further say that this video is in homage of the amazing Bollywood actresses out there (then/now). It pays homage to their ethereal beauty and polarizing screen presence, further focusing on their costume and their expressions too. It’s also a video which greets many saying (as the title suggests) “Hello” (Bollywood Style).

See the first edit of my ‘remix-mash up video’ here:

Note: All clips used (including audio files) have been referenced in the ‘description bar’ of this video.

Edit 2:

Upon reflecting on the creation of my video, I would say I’ve learn’t a lot. Considering that this particular challenge was interesting in its own right, as I had to make sure that I gave full credit to those who were in charge of the clips (as such). Furthermore I would say that ‘remixing/mashing’ was very enjoyable for me as it was a whole new experience, in regards to editing etc.

 

161MC: Copy Right/Copy Left Lecture

In today’s lecture we looked at old films which were edited in a certain way at a certain time, then re-edited. Further looking at particular techniques being developed/worked upon.

My notes (attached below):

From the lecture today I learn’t the following things:

1. Media can be edited in various ways, to communicate various responses.
2. Many old films such as ‘The Life of An American Fireman’use special effects and continuity. Two things which really came into the picture in 1903 during this era of filmmaking.

I further learn’t the importance of using a variety of tools to make a piece of media standout. Whilst also learning that many influential figures who are no longer with us (i.e Alfred Hitchcock) shape our media in an elevating way to this day. Considering that many take a lot of influence from Hitchcock’s films, due to his pace and editing.

Following on from this we were briefed on ‘remixing’. This is where footage from various places is collated in a ‘mash up’ as such. For example one may pick a few film trailers and put them together in a particular way, to project a different story. During this however we were told to refer to the copyright law handbook. In order for us to understand the do’s and don’ts of using footage from various places. Further making sure we go about it in the right way, whilst ‘mixing’ together various clips for our own ‘remix video’.

Rewinding to the title of this lecture ‘Copy Right Copy Left’, the following was deconstructed:

Copy Right: War of ideas, force, power, control and consuming media texts.

Copy Left: Opening stuff, media which is available to open access links-new forms to merge from the media itself.

Further helping me to understand how we may ‘copy right’ to gain control and power. But may also copy left due to our ‘interest’ in open access links to media which is new and exciting to us. Thus may copy left-right in various occasions, included in our lives and how we as the audience or even ‘the maker’ may consume/produce a particular piece of media in our own ways.

161MC: Tiffany Shlain’s- ‘The Tribe’

The Tribe is an award winning short film which was written, directed and edited by Tiffany Shlain in 2005.

In short, the film uses archival footage to stitch together a narrative involving ‘Barbie Dolls’. Further exploring the Barbie Dolls official creator Ruth Handler and her Jewish background. Whilst also touching on the notion of a ‘tribe’ and how the word was used to describe a group of Jews to many other groups.

Get to know more about the film here:

T.S: The Tribe (Information)

Personally I enjoyed this short film by Shlain. Upon first viewing I got to understand more about ‘tribes’ and the different types of groups too (i.e Americans). Through the use of ‘definitions’ and ‘archive footage’ this particular film is informational as it is engaging.

It manages to make us think beyond ‘Barbie’, further looking at our own perceptions and ideals of how we describe many groups from different backgrounds. Whilst also touching on the different types of Jews, and their own perceptions of themselves.

Another thing which makes Shlains film even more interesting is how it was distributed. This is because Shlain distributed her film for free on Apple, further using Youtube afterwards. However after putting it up for free, she later put a price tag on it when it was picked up by Tribeca Film Festival. Upon doing so, she herself saw her sales fall, thus made the video free again after. This immediately sky rocketed her sales, considering that the video could still be bought. Furthermore many saw it as a  ‘convenience’ as it was free, meaning easier viewing as such. Thus made many watch it multiple times as they didn’t have to type in their credit details etc. Meaning they could just watch it there and then on any device without spending a dime.

See the official trailer for Tiffany Shlain’s The Tribe here:

Watch Brian Newman’s speech below on “How to Be Better Than Free”, where he references Tiffany Shlains The Tribe:

References

1. http://cinesourcemagazine.com/images/uploads/1_11_Ins7_Tiffany_ph1.jpg (accessed January 15th 2016, tribe homepage image by Tiffany Shlain- Featured on:Tiffany Shlain, Connected and Sundance by Doniphan Blair, January 17th 2011- CineSource Magazine)
2. http://www.moxieinstitute.org/tribe (web, accessed 15th of January 2016) 
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_twFE5ibk0I (accessed 15th of January 2016,The Tribe Trailer via Youtube on The Tribe Channel, published January 7th 2008)
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elcc_sM1t7c (accessed 15th of January 2016, via Youtube on ‘The Digital Distribution and Film Innovation Forum’ Channel, published November 11th 2009)

 

Life Just Is (2012)- A Short Review.

Life Just Is, is a 2012 independent British film which fits into the category of being a ‘drama’. The film was written and directed by Alex Barrett.

The film explores a group of friends who are fresh out of uni, juggling dead end jobs to doing nothing all day. Although long in length, this student film proved extremely realistic, raw and very naturalistic.

Personally I didn’t really know what to expect, all I really knew was that it was made on a micro budget. Taking this into account, the film set well in my eyes, as I was immediately drawn to each characters situation. Whether that be through the romantic relationships they pursued, to the death of a close friend of theirs. Each situation made you think and feel, which made me like the film even more.

Some issues I had with the film however included the script being a bit longwinded. This for me sort of made me lose interest for a while, as I kind of drifted away. Considering that I personally felt the script could have been made more tighter, in order to engage us as the viewer even more.

One thing I must add here is that the quality of the dialogue was very well done (although long, as I previously mentioned above). I guess as I’m currently a student, I felt more engaged with the piece. Thus found all of the situations not only intriguing but believable too, further adding to the authenticity and sheer rawness of the film itself.

To sum up the films all about finding the meaning of life, for these group of ex students. It’s about not only understanding ones purpose, but also gathering a sense of direction too. Further dealing with events together and working through struggles and the trails of life which may be thrown at you. It’s about using your struggles to not only develop you as a person, but to motivate you to do better.

I would say to any student out there who hasn’t watched this film, to watch it now! Although flawed, this film never loses its sense of identity or meaning. It manages to stay true to its themes and characters throughout, further relatable and authentic to many upon first viewing. Especially those who have just left uni and are finding their way. One last thing I’d say is don’t be afraid to take the leap, be strong and challenge yourself at every corner.

Please leave a comment/review below if you come round to watching this film or have already watched it. As I’d love to know what you thought about it.

Rating: ***

References

Image: http://media.itskindacool.com/2012/11/slideshow011.jpg (accessed January 12th 2016)- Via Google Images/itskindacool.com (review)