Broadcast Video Expo London (BVE)

Broadcast Video Expo London (BVE)

Gravel Pit

The Gravel Pit Leeds

The Gravel Pit is a music project based in Leeds that organises DJ performances in a venue local to Hyde Park. These performances are streamed through the internet service Ustream, where users can comment on the stream in real time. The aim of the project is to showcase local nights and upcoming DJ's to adults of both genders between the age of 18 - 30 that want to listen to live performances whilst in the comfort of their own home.
After spectating a few of their videos I took the initiative to message the group commenting on their production quality constructively, as well as offering my own services towards the project. Mikey Quinston the founder of the Gravel Pit promptly replied to my message, enquiring on a date in which we could meet up and discuss the production side of the project.
On the 20th of February along with Yoni Cohen and Bill Atwell we visited the site of the music project, discussing lighting arrangements, camera proxemics and the streaming capabilities. A conclusion was made that a test night had to be arranged in order to experiment with the Ustream software and the multi-camera set-up. A date was confirmed for the 4th of March for the test rehearsal.

Observational Documentaries

Observational Documentaries 

My documentary for FMP will be shot in an Observational style, in an attempt to represent the people and issues surrounding the area appropriately. Observational documentaries tend to simply observe, allowing viewers to reach whatever conclusions they may deduce.

Pure observational documentaries proceed under some bylaws: no music, no interviews, no scene arrangement of any kind, and no narration. However, in my documentary I intend for the homeless interviews to narrate over different temporal shots. I also plan on collaborating with a music producer in creating tribal music over dead shots that contribute no real significance towards any narrative, capturing the rhythm of city life. Adding spatial and temporal continuity to the film.

The results shall be footage that appears as though the viewer is witnessing first-hand experience, letting the situation speak for itself.

In researching Observational style I have come across different documentaries that use this form of storytelling effectively, representing social groups that do not have a voice of their own.

Dark Days (2000)

Dark Days is an observational documentary directed by Marc Singer. A British film maker that was shocked at the vast homeless community that lived in Manhattan. Singer began conversing with the homeless community where he heard rumours of a community that lived underground. It wasn't long before Singer found the abandoned section of New York Cities underground railway system; commonly know as 'Freedom Tunnel.
After befriending members of the community Singer spent several month living in freedom tunnel, before taking action by creating Dark Days.The Documentary was produced for a means to raise awareness, as well as funding accommodation for a voice-less community.
Creating an unflinching portrait of a hidden corner of society that is literally and figuratively beneath our notice.

War Photographer (2001)

War Photographer is a documentary by Christian Frei about a photographer James Nachtwey, who risked extreme conditions to capture the communities caught between conflict. As well as telling the story of an iconic man in the field of war photography, the film addresses the broader scope of ideas common to all those involved in war journalism, as well as the issues that they cover.
Nachtwey mounted a small video camera on-top of his still camera, resulting in footage that unfolds, as if you were looking through Nachtwey's own lens. Watching as he transforms scenes of violence, chaos, and noise into breathtaking still photographs is fascinating.There is no explanation of who the victims are, who the perpetrators are, or what the socio-political context is. The violence and suffering are presented simply: this thing happened to this person at this moment, and it was awful.

Nachtwey's photography, and this film, clarify the facts simply by observing it. Letting the situation speak for itself.
War Photographer has heavily influenced my production in the way information is relayed. I want to capture the hub of McDonalds through the view of the homeless, an insight that is rarely seen but offers a new perspective on the hash reality of living on the streets.

Children Underground (2001)

This hardcore observational film directed by Edet Belberg is shot over a year in the subways and squats of Bucharest, Romania. It intimately and unsentimentally captures the dire situation of life as a street kid, some as young as 8, as they starve, fight, sniff paint and live in their chaotic existence. Belberg was criticized for supposedly dispassionately documenting the children and not trying to save them. However, the crew behind Children Underground contracted tuberculosis, lice and scabies; which is a testament to the determination of the crew to represent the nightmare situation that these children live in.
Belberg replied to the accusations stating that “I realized early on that if we were to intervene, it would make a difference for the children only in the very short term, and meanwhile, because the crises were so relentless, the film would not get made.’’
The observational style in this case allows the film to make a potent social and political statement about the consequences of the regime in Romania.
Ultimately this documentary offers no happy endings, the harsh reality is not mitigated by any poetic frills, not even music but the cold hard truth. 


All three of these documentaries represent different communities and social groups that do not have a voice of their own. Each director has managed to capture their struggles accurately. These documentaries have aided my project greatly in the form of representing people and issues appropriately.

Location hunt with Chris Lloyd

 Location hunt with Chris Lloyd

Today I helped a fellow class mate Chris LLoyd hunt for locations for his FMP production. Since I will be the camera operator and Cinematographer for his piece, it was good experience to accompany him. As we brainstormed initial ideas into different locations.
We walked along the Leeds to Liverpool canal searching for areas where the main character would be abducted.

Establishing shots of Leeds, emphasising the depth of the city location

Potential areas that the main character could pass by before the abduction (flash backs etc)

Shots of the road, where the abduction might take place.

 
Areas along the canal that the main character may walk down before the abduction takes place.

A good location where the canal meets the road, potential shot for the abduction as the main character exits the canal walk way. The area  is quite secluded which will make the abduction process feel convincing.

More potential roads for the abduction scene.

Sequences building up to the abduction, tracking shot following the henchman behind the abduction as the car enters into Leeds.

More city establishing shots.

 Canal POV shots (flash back)

Organisation

Colour Board and the Psychology of Colour

Colour Board and the Psychology of Colour

"Research reveals people make a sub-conscious judgement about an environment or product within 90 seconds of initial viewing. Between 62% and 90% of that assessment is based on colour."

It is imperative for the DCM cinema brief that I pick my colours appropriately in order to represent different genres accordingly. For this stage of my initial research I have looked upon the Psychology of Colour, in-order to reach a conclusion on what colours will bring the cinema to life.I have also created a Colour Board over different genres yo capture the colours used in different archetypes of film.

Primary Colours

• Red is a powerful colour that can evoke strong emotions; such as love, anger, hate and passion. 
• The colour encourages appetite, which is used by restaurants and branding for food products in order to stimulate hunger. 
• The colour can also have a physical effect on the human body, with the potential to increase heart rate, as well as triggering impulse and urgency.
• This tenacious, almost forceful colour is used around the world to represent different political parties, from the far left socialist parties such as the USSR to the far right parties like the dominant red on the Swastika flag.
• However, the colour is also used in Hindu metaphysical tradition of Chakras. Which embodies the Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine and is related to human inate survival, safety and your physical self.

• Yellow, one of the warmest colours can increase happiness and cheerfulness.
• The colour resembles light from the sun, the giver of life - representing youthfulness and optimism.
• Politically the colour is used to represent liberalism, such as the liberal democrats.
• Yellow can stimulate the nervous system and mental processes as well as being a colour that encourages communication.
• Yellow represents the Solar Plexus Chakra, located in the abdomen between the navel and sternum. The Chakra is associated with personal power, self esteem and will.

• We associate the colour blue with water, which is represented as calmness and serenity of flowing water and the harmonious drift of a clear blue sky.
• Perceived as constant in human life due to the presence of the sky and water.
• Blue is regarded as a cold colour, relating to the temperature of natural water, as well as the cold appearance of unoxidised blood.
• The colour can curb you away from your appetite
• Blue increases productivity and is the most used colour in offices.
• Blue is most preferred by men and is the stereotype colour for baby boys.
• Often used in corporate business because its productive and non-invasive
• The colour also creates a sense of security and trust in the brand.
• Politically the colour usually represents Conservatives unlike the USA which it is used to represent the Democrats.
• The blue Chakra or 'Throat Chakra', relates to communication, truth and self-expression.

Secondary Colours

• The colour Orange reflects excitement and enthusiasm, warmth and danger
• In marketing the colour creates a call to action: Buy, Sell, Subscribe.
• The colour of impulse, especially in shopping 
• Can represent a colourful, cheerful and confident brand.
• The colour is also represented by the Netherlands royal family.
• Orange represents the Sacral Chakra, located around the lower back and reproductive organs the chakra relates to sexuality, creativity and pleasure

• Green - the colour of life, new growth and fertility.
• Denotes nature, constitutes health and tranquility.
• Can alleviate depression.
• Workers in a green environment have fewer stomach aches.
• Green is used in night vision because the human eye is most sensitive to the colour. The eye is able to discern the most shades from it. 
• Politically the colour is connected to Environmentalists.
• In marketing the colour is used to create a relaxing environment in stores.
• The colour is also associated with currency, wealth and greed.
• Green M&M's are said to send a sexual message 
• In the 15th century the colour war the preferred choice for wedding gowns.
• Heart Chakra - centre of the body, heart level: represents unconditional love and healing.

• Purple represents royalty, wealth, success, wisdom and prosperity
• The colour was warn by many kings in the past. However, the colour isn't used often in modern politics.
• In marketing the colour is used in the beauty industry for anti ageing products.
• Purple is a soothing colour and can be used to calm.
• Represents a creative and imaginative brand.
• Purple is related to 'The Crown Chakra', which is located at the top of the head: represents spiritual life and experience, connection to the divine, pure consciousness transcendence.

Colour Board

Now that I understand the basic psychology and ideology behind different colours it is time to create a colour board through the most recognised genres in film. I will create colour boards from a variety of different genres, before picking a select few to bring to life. Genres such as:

• Romance
• Action
• Adventure
• Comedy
• Sci-fi
• Western
• Fantasy
• Documentary
• Horror