Final Reflection

At the beginning of this class, I only knew what I had gleaned from my other classes, which was nothing very technical and all focused on creating and researching a story for documentaries. I wasn't very confident in my film language before this class, so I would always question whether I really knew what someone meant when they said an OTS or a reverse shot. So I was excited to learn another side of the filming process that I really had no clue about before and solidify my wavering knowledge. Technically, I knew nothing. What is ISO? What is striking? What is the difference between a zoom and prime lens? I had no clue before.

Where am I now? I feel MUCH more confident about using filmmaking terms and have a better grasp on at least the surface of the technical world of film. Am I a technical genius? In no shape or form! But I know enough to continue to teach myself, and that is a GIANT leap from where I was at the beginning. Taking this class has definitely proven that documentary is what I want to do. Planning for the portrait of a place was more comfortable and natural, and the scene assignment took more focus and control for me to keep up with all that goes into fiction production.

I believe doing the scene assignment was very helpful, and opened my eyes to what I am capable of when it comes to fiction films. Cinematography has always been important in my mind, but taking this class has helped me appreciate the work that cinematographers do. This class has also helped me find my own style in filmmaking, and has showed me how to make things look good.

My Reel And Artist Statement

Gabrielle's Director/ Cinematographer Reel

Artist Statement

As a documentary filmmaker I want to bring social and even more so, cultural, aspects of life around the world to the forefront. Understanding a person’s culture is what helps you to understand that person better. I used to believe that I knew all about my own culture as a black American, but really I only knew the surface. Once I started to purposefully look deeper, so many new and unknown qualities that characterize black America appeared, and let me tell you, it looks nothing like mainstream media. What I love to see is the reality in film, fiction or documentary. Factors like art and music should enhance what is already there, not cover it up. I am tired of seeing mainstream media showing black people as being only one or two ways, instead of the many varied ways that are a part of everyone cultural and racial group.

I am inspired by Dwight Cammeron, as my teacher and as a seasoned fellow black documentarian, as well as all of the black filmmakers in the world who are known and not known, yet know their purpose and their role in uniting the world and exposing its virtues and vices. I hope we all keep moving forward until our voices are heard. I am also inspired by black American culture specifically, but all cultures overall. Thinking back on the history of black people in America, how can I not feel pride, sorrow, joy, pain, love, and despair, all at the same time? And even though I feel all of these things, I rightfully claim it as a part of me.

I want to educate people with my documentaries and fiction films. I hope that every one who watches a film I’ve made will learn something they did not know before, whether it be about a social issue that was unknown, a cultural aspect that helps explain why a certain group of people do what they do, or the story behind a community or problem. I believe that I should contribute my perspectives, interactions, and beliefs, if for no other reason but to help my country and the world learn a little more about a place, person, thing, or event.

P.S.: Please Reply (Final Scene Assignment)

Link to P.S.: Please Reply here:

http://vimeo.com/71308671

Visual References and Goals for Scene (#8)

GOALS FOR SCENE:

I really want there to be a visual contrast between the messenger angel and the main character, something that clues the audience in that the letter deliverer is not just an ordinary person.

 I also want to film all of my shots in about 4 hours on Saturday. 

VISUAL REFERENCES

The high lights that are seen on Touched by An Angel are what I want to use for my Michael character.

Daytime lighting and natural, daytime look of this photo.

I like how the rooms look using daylight.

The natural looking light, but still has nice contrast with the shadow on his face.

Again, the daylight is good, but the shadows it makes against

the people in the picture shows more depth.

The "Best" Cameras Are... (#7)

It’s hard to categorize things like cameras because each type can be and is used for so many different purposes and reasons. So anything that I may consider “the best” is relative. But, I will say what I believe to be the best camera for me and what it is that I want to do with film.

DSLRs are my kind of camera. For sure. I don’t know everything about them, but I do know that DSLRs are some of the more lightweight cameras and have an amazing cinematic look to their video without costing the price of a three bedroom, two bathroom house. 

For me, a documentary filmmaker, I know many of the situations that I will be in will call for a good quality video with tight and cramped spaces. A Sony EX3 is gonna be difficult to use in that situation, and because I am an independent filmmaker, I do not have money to spend on a large crew. So ingenuity and effectiveness are huge for me. Why use a much chunkier camera when I can get the same look with a DSLR and save my arms from utter destruction?

Philip Bloom tagged the phrase “it’s not the camera…” in his post reviewing what kind of DSLR to buy. I agree with him. It’s not always about the camera you have, but how you use what you’ve got. There is always going to be some new camera to film with, but if you haven’t learned how to use said camera, then the cool functions and awesome video does nothing for you. You can’t use it efficiently. So I say, understand how YOU figure cameras out, and then every camera will seem like “the best” when it’s time to use it.

Inspiring Lighting Styles (#6)

1. I like the fact that there is only a side light. I think it tells more about the person because there is still something more to be shown about him.

2. I like the halo that this backlight gives to the woman. She looks significant and ethereal.

3. I love shadow, so the shadow that falls on his face as well as the shadow from the blinds is awesome! Plus, it helps define the undercurrent issues that happen in the movie to this seemingly happy family.

4. Somehow they've made this entire scene look really blue and cold, enhancing his feelings of isolation after being separated from his family.

5. This photo is really interesting, maybe because there's a lot of shadows (which I love). But I think more than that, the way that the light gets softened and muffled by the curtains is really cool.

6. Usually you wouldn't want something to look SO amber/orange, but because of her setting in the alleyways at night, with only the tungsten street lights to show the way, I think she looks even more engulfed in the alleys.

7. I had to put an example from a documentary. Banksy wanted to stay anonymous, so instead of lighting his face, the main illumination is on his graffiti wall behind him, and his hands in front. Really cool way to light an interview.

8. These two photos are from the same movie, The Man From Nowhere, and both styles are really cool. The first lights the main character with really white lights; harsh and unforgiving, like the actions he's just taken. The second photo is cool because its minimal light plays to the difficult situations both characters are in. Something to note: the soft light falls on the girl's face, while the man in completely in shadow.

9. Shadows are awesome, and also, I like the high light placement of the lamppost.

10. Again, minimal can be really cool and sometimes more dramatic and effective than a lot of lighting, but it definitely depends on the story, setting, and circumstances.

DSLR Techniques--Strengths and Limitations (#5)

DSLR Techniques: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

1.     Great cinematic look of video

2.     Have ability to use zoom and prime lenses

3.     Lightweight and easy to hold compared to cameras like the JVC, EX3, and Sony HDV

4.     Has a Manual mode

5.     Small enough to fit on many different things like a fig rig, dolly, etc.

Limitations:

1.     Not the fastest lens in the world—less light comes in

2.     Camera is made for photographs first, so you must study the camera to know what the camera can do with video.

3.     Only the 5D shoots in full frame, the 7D and T2i are not.

4.     Doesn’t have audio options like an XLR outlet

5.     Sometimes racks focus because something is too close to fully focus on.