Films

Portrait of a Place
Final Short Film

Reel

Final Course Reflection

This course went by really fast. In only a couple weeks I was able to learn not only a lot about film and lighting, but also a lot about myself as a filmmaker. Going into this class, I knew the very basics of filmmaking, but I felt like I knew everything. This class was a great experience and opened my eyes to the realities of film. I learned valuable lessons about everything from time management to camera selection. I will never underestimate the importance of planning and preproduction again. That also applies to the amount of time filming. I now understand the importance of knowing how many camera and lighting setups there will be. I found that I need to first master time management and planning before I can begin to truly explore filmmaking and my own creative vision. I always have great ideas in my head and can put them on paper, but I have a difficult time orchestrating the logistics. I think I can say after taking this class I have figured out more things not to do than I have things to do. I really appreciate this class as well as any film teachers because now I understand how difficult it is to teach film. Filmmaking is an art that requires vision and creativity. A teacher can show you the technical aspects and provide a framework for students to build upon, but they cannot teach creativity and inspiration. Surprisingly, I found more inspiration in daily activities and life rather than in some once in a lifetime event. There is so much in this world that is just waiting to be captured and shown to the world. I used to fear that I would not be able to come up with anything original. Now I realize that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something completely different. For me that is what filmmaking is all about. I want to show other people the way I see the world. This class has opened the first door that will allow me to achieve that dream.

Reel and Artist Statement

 I'm one of those people who watches anything I can get my hands on. Before Netflix and online streaming I would spend hours at Blockbuster sifting through the endless number of films. When Blockbuster wasn't an option, I would watch anything on television at all hours of the day. I think that is when I really found my love for film and film making. Through the years I've watched other people's visions of different stories and it made me want to show the world my vision. I constantly think of how I would have filmed a scene or what I would have done differently. Now that I have taken a couple film classes, I have started to apply that same thought process to my experiences and daily life. I see things all around me and I start to wonder how could I show the world what it is I see.

Interestingly, I don't even know some of the people who have had the greatest artistic influence on me. Christopher Nolan and Guy Ritchie are two directors who I admire and have shaped how I approach film making. There unique styles stand out from all the other directors. I like how they are not afraid to pursue their creativity and that their visions are so unique.

It is my hope that I can show others how I see the world. I see things in such a different way that it is impossible to describe with words. That is the reason I love film because when I have nothing to say, I can say so much. I want to show others the beauty of the world in the places we least consider.

Visual References and Goals

I really want to make the audience feel confused and disoriented as if they are a part of the journey. I want to do a point of view dream sequence to engage the audience. At the same time, I want to use a wide angle lens and strange lighting colors to make the viewer feel uneasy. I want the opening and ending shots to feel warm and normal so that the dream sequence feels especially strange and foreign. I want to break some of the basic rules of film making in order to further disorient the audience.

Best Cameras

There really is not a single best camera, but rather many great cameras that are the best for a certain situation. Since there are so many cameras with each having their own use and purpose, I will focus on two cameras the Canon 5D Mark II and the Sony F3.

The Canon 5D Mark II is one of the best DSLR cameras and works well in a number of situations. The 5D does especially well in low light with the ability to adjust ISO. The 5D is also small and compact allowing for filming in tight spaces. The 5D is also relatively inexpensive as far as cameras go which allows for great results at a low cost. The 5D in my opinion is one of the best cameras for amateur filmmakers. It produces very cinematic images and shoots full frame video.

The Sony F3 is a whole different story. The F3 costs about $15,000 just for the camera body. This camera is great if you have that kind of money or access to one. The F3 looks and feels like a "real" Hollywood camera. This camera looks more professional, but is also too big to be handheld or maneuvered with ease. Therefore, this camera works best in studios and on professional sets with assistant camera operators. The F3 produces stunning images. The F3 in my opinion is one of the best cameras for shooting in a studio.

Inspiring Lighting Styles

This image is from the film Bronson about a notorious prisoner. This scene is a monologue and I think the lighting is perfect. There is only a key and fill light with no back light. There are also shadows that look like prison bars on his shirt that allow you to know where he is with only a shadow. The lighting makes you focus only on Tom Hardy and nothing else.

 This image is from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Whenever the characters take drugs there tends to be some weird color of lighting, usually pink and red. This scene is right after Benicio Del Toro and Johnny Depp take ether and are walking into a carnival. Every time I watch this scene I feel slightly disoriented. The pink lighting creates an interesting effect.

 This image is from Full Metal Jacket. This is the scene when Private Pyle kills his drill sergeant and then commits suicide. The lighting really makes you feel uneasy. Private Pyle looks as though he has lost his mind. The key light on his face is warm while the light everywhere else is very cool.

 This is a scene from Lawless where Guy Pearce is running away from Shia LeBouf. I like this image because you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I also like the use of silhouettes because it draws your attention away from the details and toward the action. This lighting choice is interesting because it does not allow the audience to see Guy Pearce get killed in detail.

 This is a scene from Limitless when Bradley Cooper first takes the pill. The lighting in the previous scenes are very cool and dark. Then when Bradley Cooper takes the pill everything becomes warm and vibrant. This image uses a back light and a key light. I like the fact there is not a fill light because it creates a shadow on one side of his face.

 This image is from Memento. This scene is shot in black and white which makes lighting especially important. I like how most of the lighting is coming from the window. This creates a lot of interesting shadows. I think if a fill light were used in this scene it would take away from the feel of the scene.

 This image is from the film RocknRolla. Toby Kebbell is in an old dilapidated house. The back lighting is coming from the holes in the worn out curtains. This shows the condition of the house. There is also a key light on him which lights him up slightly. My favorite thing about this shot is the light coming in through the windows which makes you feel as though Toby Kebbell has shut himself inside.

 This scene is from Swingers when Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau take a road trip to Las Vegas. The lighting in this scene is pretty basic except for the lights reflecting off the windshield. I like this reflection because it shows where they are without having to show anything else.

 This image is from The Shining. I like the lighting in this shot because the bar light appears to be the light source. I also like that the light is shining up on their faces which gives Jack Nicholson a semi-deranged look. I also like the light reflecting off the ceiling and illuminating the lines, providing a greater sense of depth to the room.

The last image I chose is from the music video Wings by Macklemore. I like the lighting in this image because the windows provide a lot of light and a very warm feeling. I also like how Macklemore has a halo effect around his body.

DSLR Techniques - Strengths & Weaknesses

DSLR Techniques - Strengths & Weaknesses

The DSLR has a number of strengths and weaknesses that make it an ideal camera in some situations and not so much in others. The DSLR does very well in low light which makes it a great camera for shooting at night. However, when shooting in low light it is important to note that there can be an issue with grainy images. The DSLR also has the ability to change lenses. This allows for the use of prime lenses and various different zoom lenses. Interchangeable lenses allow for a specific shot or feel to be captured. On the other hand, constantly having to change lenses can be time consuming. While interchangeable lenses allow for more diverse shots, the cost quickly adds up. There are plenty of lenses for the DSLR, but many of them cost thousands of dollars and can be unaffordable for filmmakers on a budget. Images produced by the DSLR look more cinematic providing a professional aesthetic that other cameras lack. The DSLR is small camera which allows for greater flexibility and movement. Its small size provides an advantage over larger cameras because it's easier to hold and maneuver. One thing to consider with the DSLR is the sound quality. Since sound is such an important aspect of a good film, an external audio recorder is almost a must when using a DSLR. The DSLR is a great camera, but it is important to consider its limitations before using it.

Shot by Shot Scene Analysis

Shot by Shot Scene Analysis

I chose a scene from the film Coach Carter for my shot by shot analysis. Coach Carter was directed by Thomas Carter who I think has a knack for capturing relationships and strong emotions in his films. In addition to Coach Carter, he directed Save the Last Dance and one of my favorites, Swing Kids. I think this scene from Coach Carter shows his ability to produce strong emotions that reach the audience. Strong performance by Samuel L. Jackson and Rick Gonzalez don't hurt either. This is one of my favorite quotes and I don't think it could have translated to film any better.

The first shot of the scene is of Coach Carter as he walks into the gym. This medium shot uses back lighting to create a silhouette of Coach Carter. The shot has a shallow depth of field focusing on Coach Carter while everything else is out of focus. The camera dollies in following Coach Carter as he walks into the gym. This shot feels as though Coach Carter is in the dark, metaphorically speaking.

The second shot is an over the shoulder wide shot of the team in the gym. This is also the establishing shot. The camera is focused on the team while Coach Carter is blurry. The lighting in this shot is natural light coming through the windows from outside. The rays of light are visible and shining on the team. This shot is slightly overexposed. The combination of light and exposure create a feeling of hope. This shot contrasts the previous shot in which Coach Carter was only a silhouette. I think this shot is meant to show Coach Carter coming out of the darkness and into the light again. Right when he thought he was done coaching, his team pulled together and helped him.

The next shot is a medium shot of Coach Carter with a shallow depth of field. This shot is well lit and there not any shadows on him. He does not fit perfectly into one of the thirds, but the shot still looks alright. This is a basic shot used for a shot reverse shot.

This next shot is a medium long shot of the team. The light coming through the windows is very bright and the shot is slightly overexposed. The team takes up the entire frame. This shot makes it feel like they are all together as one and not individuals. This shot and the previous shot cut back and forth as the team speaks to Coach Carter.

After cutting between the two previous shots, this next shot is cut to after the shot of Coach Carter. This shot is a medium close-up with the main subject on the right third of the shot. The main subject is in focus while everything else is out of focus including another one of the teammates. The lighting is still bright and some of the windows can be seen at the top of the frame. The lighting creates a slight halo effect on the subjects. This shot is used to focus on the player talking to Coach Carter.

The previous shot then cuts to a shot of another teammate. This shot is a medium close-up as well and has the same kind of lighting and focus as the previous shot. The teammates are all shown in the same light and at the same distance which makes it feel like they are all equally as important.

There is a cut to a medium close-up of Coach Carter from the same angle and position just closer because he moved forward. This shot allows for the audience to get a slightly better view of his facial expressions.

The next shot is a medium two shot of two teammates shown together. Both the main subjects are in focus and have the same amount of lighting on them. This shot adds a little diversity to the shots of the players by breaking up the shots of individual players.

This next shot is another medium close-up of one of the players, Timo Cruz. This shot is similar to the previous shots of the players in that Timo is in focus and the background is out of focus. The lighting is also the same in this shot. Unlike the previous shots, the background is extremely blurry and it is almost impossible to distinguish what is behind him. This directs the audience's attention to Timo and prevents them from being distracted by anything in the background.

There is a cut to an over the shoulder medium shot of Coach Carter. This shot is similar to the other shots of Coach Carter except it is slightly further away. This shot also provides a view from Timo's perspective and makes it clear that he is talking to Coach Carter.

Another shot of Timo is used. This shot is a medium close-up with a shallow depth of field. Unlike the previous shot of Timo, another player can be seen in the background. Although the background is still out of focus it is clearer than the previous shot of Timo. The combination of bright light and a shallow depth of field make Timo really standout. His figure has strong lines created by the light and depth of field. The camera dollies in as Timo speaks. This allows for his face and emotions to be better seen. Then there is cut back to the medium shot of Coach Carter. The camera then slowly dollies in creating a slightly tighter shot before cutting back to the previous shots of the different teammates. Then it cuts back to the shot of Timo.

Next it cuts to the shot of Coach Carter, but because of the dolly in it is now a close up shot. The shot looks the same as the previous shots of him except it is tighter.

The next shot is a close-up of Timo. This shot uses a very shallow depth of field. The background is extremely blurry and out of focus. This shot was used to capture the emotion and facial expressions of Timo. Then it cuts back and forth several times between Coach Carter and Timo to get their dialogue and reactions. After they finish talking it cuts back to the medium long shot of the team and then back to the close up of Coach Carter.

The final shot in the scene is a long shot of the gym with the students on the right third of the frame. The lighting in this shot is very hard. The subjects can be seen, but it is not possible to see their faces. This shot is a good closing shot to the scene.

Three Examples of Effective and Motivated Camera Movement

Three Examples of Effective and Motivated Camera Movement

The first scene I chose is from Full Metal Jacket. The scene shows the newly enlisted men at their first lineup of boot camp. I want to focus on the camera movement of the first shot. The camera dollies out as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman walks down the single file line of men. This shot shows all the soldiers lined up and as the camera dollies out it reveals more soldiers. The camera movement stops once the drill instructor stops and speaks to one of the soldiers. This shot shows the uniform nature of the lineup. The camera movement gives the feeling that you are moving down the line with the drill instructor.

The next shot I chose is from the film Leaving Las Vegas. The film is about Ben Sanderson, an alcoholic who drinks himself to death in Las Vegas. The film shows him as his alcoholism gets progressively worse. This shot shows Ben at a liquor store stocking up on alcohol. The camera trucks from right to left following Ben as he walks down the aisle picking out liquor bottles. The camera movement is effective and motivated in that it shows a wall of alcohol, highlighting the source of his addiction. This scene shows him as being happy when he is around alcohol which the camera movement captures perfectly by moving down an aisle filled with alcohol.

This is the last scene in the film Hugo. The scene is one long continuous shot. I used a video that included behind the scenes footage of the shot to make it easier to see how the shot was done. The camera movement in this shot is used to capture everyone in the room. As the camera moves through the room and all the people it feels almost as though you are in the room walking around. This shot does an excellent job of wrapping the film up. The camera movement creates a truly unique effect.

Five Favorite Film Scenes

Five Favorite Film Scenes

This is a scene from the film Seven Psychopaths. I chose this scene because even without seeing the whole film it still makes sense and could stand alone. This scene uses a lot of close-ups and bright colors including the characters clothing. The close-ups really capture the emotion of the scene. I like the way the scene cuts between the story and Christopher Walken as he tells it. The combination of dialogue and switching between storyteller and the two settings of the story make the scene even more emotional and upsetting. I liked at the end where Christopher Walken makes a joke that immediately changes the mood of the scene from dark and depressing to light and comical.

This scene is from the film RocknRolla in which Gerard Butler steals from two Russians who relentlessly pursue him. I chose this scene because it uses unique effects. A shallow depth of field is primarily used throughout the scene. The scene features a number of shot reverse shots. The running sequence is made more interesting by varying different types of shots. The shots most used are medium close-ups, close-ups, and extreme close-ups. The camera is also shaking during the scene giving the appearance that the viewer is running along with the characters. I liked the long shot of the tunnel and the low lighting that created silhouettes. I think this stylistic choice made the scene more interesting. I really like this scene because it takes what could be a standard chase scene and turns it into something unique and engaging.

The next scene I chose is an extremely well-known scene from The Shining. I like this scene for a number of reasons including the fact that Jack Nicholson improvised the line "Here's Johnny!". The scene is almost entirely made up of two shots, a medium shot of Jack and a medium shot of Wendy. There are a number of frequent cuts between the two characters to show their back and forth dialogue because they are in separate rooms. The shot of Wendy has her farther away so that the axe can be seen in front of her as Jack hacks at the door. The close-up of Jack as he says "Here's Johnny!" is perfect because it captures the crazed look on his face. I think this scene is fairly simple, but one of the best scenes in the film.

This scene is from the film Requiem for a Dream. I chose this scene because it has a very unique style. When I first saw this scene it made me very uncomfortable. I felt as though I was losing my mind with Sara as she became increasingly addicted to amphetamines. The sound effects and extreme close-up shots of her taking pills add to the tone of the scene. The use of really wide shots and Sara's placement in the center of the frame brings an unnatural and awkward element to the scene. One of the shots has such a wide angle that the shapes and objects in the shot become distorted. The end of the scene with the shot reverse shot of Sara and the refrigerator shows Sara's breaking point. When the refrigerator begins to shake and frighten her, it is clear that she has become delusional and deranged.

The last scene I chose is from the French film, La Haine. I am not a big fan of black and white films so I was pleasantly surprised when I watched this film and loved it. The use of black and white was done perfectly and nothing was lost with the lack of color. There are a number of scenes in this film that I think are excellent, but I chose this one for several reasons. I think this scene shows just who Vinz is and gives the audience an understanding of his state of mind. Vinz clearly has a tough guy attitude and a desire for revenge after the recent events in the film. I also believe the director, Kassovitz, wanted to show that Vinz is also talking a big game because he is angry and that he might not actually follow through with his plan for revenge. Stylistically, the shot starts out with a medium shot of the back of Vinz head. I like this shot because the mirror in front of him is visible allowing the audience to see his face.  This shot gets a little tricky when the camera dollies in over top of the bent over Vinz to show his reflection in the mirror. Interestingly, this shot was achieved by using a body double. There is not a mirror. Vincent Cassel, the actor, and the double are facing each other allowing the camera to dolly in past the double and focus on Cassel. The use of a fill light takes all the shadows off of Vinz allowing you to clearly see his entire face. The close-up shot of Vinz looking in the "mirror" has a shallow depth of field to direct the audience's attention to Vinz and minimize the distraction of the background. This is by far one of my favorite scenes in a film. I think this scene has a profound impact on the film. Kassovitz was able to say and show so much in a very short time simply by reenacting a scene from Taxi Driver. It all ties together perfectly.

Ten Favorite Images

Ten Favorite Images

This photo was taken by one of my best friends at his ranch, 3S Ranch, in East Texas. He usually gets a group of our friends together and we have a little road trip since it's about two hours outside of Dallas, where we all live. This photo was taken on the back porch of the house at sunset. The person in the photo is his father. This particular photo was taken during fall roundup which involves early mornings and a lot of hard work. He titled this photo Relax, a fitting title for what takes place after a long day of work out on the ranch. I am very fond of this photo for several reasons. First, I grew up in the country so it reminds me of home which I haven't been able to see a lot since coming to Alabama. It also captures a certain serenity and peacefulness that is often lost in the lights and noise of the city. Lastly, I have had some great memories at the 3S Ranch and it reminds me of good times with even better friends. My friend used a shallow depth of field to focus on his father, but at the same time he placed him on the right third of the photo so the land and sunset can still be seen. While your eye is first drawn to the man sitting in the chair, your eye moves to see where he is looking. The photo doesn't show you his face which I think, adds to the photo because it leaves it up to your imagination.

I started watching the Tour de France in 1999 when Lance Armstrong won his first of seven Tours. Although recently he has fallen from grace in light of a doping scandal, he was once the most revered and praised cyclist in the world. I used to wake up at dawn to watch Lance Armstrong battle against the greatest cyclists of the time. One of the greatest rivalries in cycling was between Armstrong and Jan Ullrich. There was never a dull moment when those to where racing against each other. This photo captures the competition between the two athletes. I like this photo because their facial expressions say so much about them, the race, and their struggle. The photographer used a shallow depth of field to focus on Armstrong and Ullrich. I also like the fact that you can see the spectators lined up to watch the athletes. I think the mountains in the background were included in the picture to highlight the beautiful landscapes of France. While the mountains are not the main focus of the photo, they still take up a large part of the photo.

I first saw this photo in a high school English class while discussing the novel Grendel, the epic of Beowulf, and social entropy. The discussion revolved around the concept of chaos and whether or not order exists in the universe. One idea proposed was that order can be found in seemingly random or meaningless events in the universe. This photo is of a sculpture called Lunch With a Helmet On by shadow artist Shigeo Fukuda. Looking at just the sculpture, you see a mass of forks, knives, and spoons. However, when light is shined on the sculpture at the right angle, you see a shadow of a motorcycle. This photo captures the craftsmanship and vision of Fukuda by showing both the sculpture and the shadow. This sculpture and photo show how something that appears to be seemingly random or meaningless can in fact be quite the opposite. If you look at something in a different light, you can see something entirely different. Maybe, just maybe, there is an order to all the chaos.

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas so naturally I am very fond of anything having to do with my hometown. Whenever I make the eight hour drive back to Dallas from Tuscaloosa the first thing that really makes me feel like I'm home is the Dallas skyline. Although there are a number of photos of the Dallas skyline, I chose this one because it is taken from the road where I see it. This photo follows the rule of thirds and is aesthetically pleasing. The colors are all similar except for the reflection of the sun off the buildings which really draws your attention. I think if this photo where taken at another time of day it would not have the same effect.

I chose this next photo because while it also uses shadows, it has a different meaning. This photo captures a herd of camels, but these living creatures are shown as silhouettes. The camels in a way become objects or a work of art as the emphasis is taken away from the animal itself. This photo is taken from an aerial view and is an extreme wide shot. The sand serves as a backdrop almost like a canvas. The sand is plain and does not draw your attention away from the camels. This photo plays with depth and presents an almost two dimensional image. I like this photo because of its unique and out of the box perspective.

My generation and Western society has become enthralled by technology and social media. Facebook and other social media sites have become an integral part of people's lives and how they communicate with one another. I chose this photo because I use Facebook on a regular basis. Although I have begun to move away from social media sites, they are still very much a part of my life and how I communicate with other people. I think this photo shows just how many people use Facebook and how much they rely on it. I like this photo because it shows how the people all over the world are connected to one another. This photo makes me realize just how much of an impact the internet has had on the world. A couple hundred years ago people were so far apart, but now the world seems much smaller. I also like this photo because it shows the map of the world, but has a completely different and unique emphasis.

I watched a documentary several years ago about a painter named Esref Armagan. His artwork is not exceptional, but how he does it is truly remarkable. Armagan was born blind and through the use of his hands can paint and illustrate depth. This photo shows Armagan drawing a shell. Although the photo, in and of itself, is not very complex or unique, it captures something that incredible. The photographer captures Armagan working. This photo is a portrait that characterizes Armagan in a single image. I like this photo because it reminds me of a man who overcame adversity. Armagan made me realize that I can use my other senses to capture something unseen. He shows just how strong the imagination can be if you forgo what seems impossible.

I transferred to the University of Alabama my sophomore year. I never visited the campus. The only thing I knew about Alabama was from what I heard from two of my friends. I chose this picture because the photos of the campus were the only thing I saw before I made my decision. This photo has bright colors that make the campus look beautiful. The photo is also an extreme wide shot that shows the quad and a number of surrounding buildings. I like this photo because it reminds of the first images I had of Alabama. Photos similar to this one were what I used to picture myself at Alabama. I like this photo because it reminds me that you don't always know what lies ahead, but if you have faith great things can happen.

I took this photo last week when I was in Georgia visiting friends. I chose this photo not because I think it's good, but because it captured a brief moment. This is my friends dog who loves being out on the boat. It was a simple moment, nothing extraordinary. I like this photo because it brought a smile to my face when I first saw it and it continues to do so now. Photos have the ability to capture memories and emotions that make them special. This photo uses the rule of thirds and does a good job of capturing the dog and the weather. The quality is not great because it was taken on my phone. I think it is important to take pictures even if it is just for your own eyes.

The last photo I chose might be my favorite. It is a picture of my niece who is about to turn one. I haven't gotten to see her much since I've been at school so pictures like these are how I get to see her. She is a joy to be around and it's impossible not to love her. This photo was taken by my father a couple months ago. I still take every chance I get to show everyone my niece and this is always the first picture I show people. The photo quality is not great. Aesthetically speaking the lighting is decent, the image is blurry due to movement, and she is in the center of the frame. Still, none of these things really seem to matter. This photo captures her personality and makes me proud to be her uncle. I chose this photo because I think it is important to remember that the quality of a photo does not always matter. If I had my choice between this photograph and one of my other favorite images, I know which one I would choose.