Demo Reel

While thinking about my demo reel I decided to use some of the best shots I had from projects I have directed and been a DP for as a TCF student. It reflects my love of quirky characters and some in camera special effects. I wanted to have fun with this real and it was important to me that it have personality.

Where do I go from here?

Its the end of TCF 312 and I have gained more knowledge that will improve my skills as a film-maker that I thought I could in one semester. Before this class I had experience with only a basic camera and was used to using the natural light of my surroundings, which wasn't always the best results. One of the most valuable tools I have taken away from this class is how to use and control light. This was also the first time I had worked with a crew that were given specific jobs and were restricted to those jobs. Previously it had been a group of three or four people who did everything. Also I learned how to communicate the ideas I had in my head to the crew to create that image on screen. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with and also learn from so many talented people and am going to take this experience with me as I continue to learn and develop my skills as a film-maker and vision as an artist.

Artist Statement

For as long as I can remember there has been a camera at every family gathering, sports game, dance recital, school event, ect. I developed my interest in film-making from watching these home movies and having a desire to make them more interesting and artistic.

I take inspiration from everything from classic Hollywood films to homemade YouTube videos. Characters are a driving force in what inspires my work as well. A picture can create a mood and feel of a story, but it is the characters that truly bring the story to life.  

As a filmmaker my goal is to entertain my audience by bringing them into the world of my characters. Color, lighting, movement, and music are tools I love to use because they are elements that have always captured my interest in other films.

Scene Assignment

I chose Animal House because it is a character driven comedy that is funny because it doesn't try to be. The quirky characters make the audience want to join in the fun of the members of Delta House.  The thing I took away from this the most was not only how to use light to convey the message of the scene, but also to know your equipment. The lights I used were borrowed from another group and ended up being too strong for the confined space I was working in. A special thanks to my cast who stepped up at the last minute.

Scene Analysis, what makes a great scene

For my scene analysis I decided to use one of my all time favorite movies, Casablanca directed by Michael Curtiz and cinematography by Arthur Edeson. It is a film that has been referenced in books and documentaries on cinematography and in my mind on the the best films ever made. Lighting and composition is an essential part of creating a great scene especially in early black and white films. The limitations that technology placed on filmmakers required them to use lights to create the mood, tone, and any effects. Arthur Edeson uses light to create art on film using soft and hard shadows and the classic soft glamor focus.

The scene I chose was when Ilsa goes to Rick to get the signed letters of transit so that she and her husband Victor can leave Casablanca and make their way to Lisbon to continue his work with the Resistance.

The first shot is of Rick walking into the room and turning on a light to find Ilsa. The table lamp gives the illusion of being the only light source, but Edeson uses a fill light to balance out the shadows created by the table lamp.

The next shot is a full shot of Ilsa standing near the window. Light is used to create the illusion of moonlight coming in through the window which also gives an artistic element in the shadows given by the framing on the windows.

The bust shot of Ilsa uses soft shadow to create a sense of mystery

A shallow depth of field and the primary light coming from the window side of the shot, which maintains the illusion of moonlight, create separation between the subjects  and the background and gives more dimension to the subjects.

By shooting from the shadow side of the subjects, the lighting creates a sense of tension between Rick and Ilsa.

Portrait of a Place

I learned a lot from the portrait of a place assignment. First and foremost planning and communication with my director of photography are essential for a good project. A time conflict forced me to come up with a backup plan for this assignment and caused my work to suffer. Also trust in your cinematographer is key, but you also need to make sure they are doing what you are asking them. I had a problem with not knowing that the white balance was not set correctly until I was editing and was up against a deadline with out time to re-shoot. This experience has definitely been useful in my development as a director and has shown me I still have a lot to learn.

Sony vs. JVC

Both cameras a great for different reasons, the Sony has a simple design that is easy to use especially for someone who is still learning new filming techniques and the JVC is compact and uses newer technology such as memory cards instead of tape.
The JVC is well equiped for filmmakers on the go who need a small, light camera that has all the bells and whistles they need especially in difficult shooting environments. I found features like the zebra pattern for lighting useful and the memory card recording format allows the filmmaker to review each shot without worrying about losing material by accidentally taping over it or creating problems with the time codes. The one major feature I don't like is the single focus wheel that requires the operator to switch back and forth between zoom and focus.
I prefer the simpler design of the Sony for my filming purposes. All the controls are easy to access and the larger viewfinder makes setting up shots easier to translate how they will look on a larger screen. I also find using tape an easier medium to keep track of.

What does the future hold?

What are you going to do with your life? What are your plans after you graduate? These are questions I get asked all the time. As a senior in college these are some of the most terrifying questions in the world, but also the ones that need to be answered.  I have changed my plans for my future career many times. At first I thought I would like to be an actor, then found out that I'm only ok on stage or in front of the camera and it would not be the best career choice. As I started taking more film classes I bounced between wanting to do everything from cinematography to producing. As I have gained more experience in filmmaking I have developed a strong interest in directing.
I love the creative process of film and as a director I am able to be involved in every stage. My interests as a director are mostly in narrative, but I also would like to try documentary also. Working for a large company like Warner Bros, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Disney, ect. would be great, but I wouldn't mind working with a smaller company. As long as I can make films that speak to me and enjoy making them it doesn't matter who I am working for.
As a student I want to develop my technical as well as creative skills. I want to get a good basis for what makes a good shot and learn how to make it unique and convey my message. There is so much more to filmmaking than framing a scene and recording the action and I want to learn about it all. Mostly what I want to get out of this course is how to frame and light a shot so I can have the strongest impact on the audience.

Visual Inspiration

     My visual style as a film maker comes from many places. To me film is an art that uses light, color, sound, and movement to tell a story. It conveys emotion in a way that no other medium can using all these elements. 

     I love to use color, whether it is the powerful statement of a black and white image or an onslaught of bright bold colors. The smallest details can completely change the mood of the image. Bright colors can evoke a sense of energy and excitement. Soft, muted colors create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The choice of color used in a background or in a character's wardrobe can completely change the emotion of a scene regardless of the dialogue.

     Light is a powerful tool in creating an image. It can be used to create highlights and shadows that emphasize the emotion of a character, create intrigue, or turn a live action image in to a work of art.

 

     One image that caught my attention was in the film Girl With A Pearl Earring. It is a shot of the lead actress Scarlett Johansson recreating the painting by Vermeer. The way the light is captured by the camera creates the illusion the audience is looking at a painting instead of a photograph. To me this image represents how much film is influenced by other form of art.

     Nature is also a great source of inspiration for me. A beautiful sunset can speak volumes and creates a unique blend of light and shadow and color that can only be seen in that particular moment.

10 Things About Me

10. I am obsessed with facebook and YouTube. I love staying connected and sharing with my friends.

9. I am a film student and I get inspiration from the world around me. I spent most of my life being filmed by my family, and now want to share my love of film making with the world.

8. My favorite TV show of all time is a tie between Friends and Gilmore Girls

7. I don't have a favorite book, but I do enjoy reading and would love to work on a great film adaptation of a book

6. I love movies so its really hard for me to have a favorite movie, but I especially love old classics like Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's

5. I am a big sports fan especially St. Louis Cardinals baseball

4. I want to travel the world and document my experiences

3. Laughter is the best cure for almost anything

2. I believe that art really does imitate life. As a film maker I want to bring my view of the world into my work.

1. I have huge dreams that I reach for every day