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Kvarterakademisk
kvarter Volume 18. Spring 2019 • on the web akademiskacademic quarter From Wander to Wonder Walking – and “Walking-With” – in Terrence Malick’s Contemplative Cinema Martin P. Rossouw has recently been appointed as Head of the Department Art History and Image Studies – University of the Free State, South Africa – where he lectures in the Programme in Film and Visual Media. His latest publications appear in Short Film Studies, Image & Text, and New Review of Film and Television Studies. Abstract This essay considers the prominent role of acts and gestures of walking – a persistent, though critically neglected motif – in Terrence Malick’s cinema. In recognition of many intimate connections between walking and contemplation, I argue that Malick’s particular staging of walking characters, always in harmony with the camera’s own “walks”, comprises a key source for the “contemplative” effects that especially philo- sophical commentators like to attribute to his style. Achieving such effects, however, requires that viewers be sufficiently- en gaged by the walking presented on-screen. Accordingly, Mal- ick’s films do not fixate on single, extended episodes of walk- ing, as one would find in Slow Cinema. They instead strive to enact an experience of walking that induces in viewers a par- ticular sense of “walking-with”. In this regard, I examine Mal- ick’s continual reliance on two strategies: (a) Steadicam fol- lowing-shots of wandering figures, which involve viewers in their motion of walking; and (b) a strict avoidance of long takes in favor of cadenced montage, which invites viewers into a reflective rhythm of walking. Volume 18 41 From Wander to Wonder kvarter Martin P. -
Euromasters Reports I and II Glasnost Surprises
NEWS FOR OPERA TORS AND OWNERS Volume 2 Number 3 Jan 1990 ac?iU~ n Glasnost • I Surprises In November 1989, while visiting Moscow on a fi lm distribution deal, Ian Woolston-Smith arranged to meet cameramen whenever he could. Armed with a translator, a Sony GV-9 TVIVCR , and a book of Steadicam production stills, Ian discussed the virtues ofSteadieam with Vertical I and Vertical II plans from Mosfilm . -Do not duplicate! everyone he met in thefilm industry. EuroMasters Reports I and II "Equipment such as this is only a dream in the Soviet Union," said a cameraman who shot major Soviet 1989 European Masters Nicola Pecorini writes fr om Italy; music videos. conducted at Castle Brolio European Steadicam Operators At Mosfilm, a government studio Association proposed in Moscow, I received a camera ---- ---- -- - - demonstration by the man in charge of In October, 25 of Europe's best camera equipmen t. When I pulled out assembled near Siena and spent a Siena, 12/31/89 a still of a IIe in low mode, his eyes rewardi ng time studying and collec Strange but true, we made it! lit up. "Ahhh! Steadicam! " Yuri , my tively advancing the art and scie nce of We have been able to put together tour guide, expressed to him my Steadicam. The cameraderie, the for one week, a whol e week, 25 of the interest and then told me, "He says weath er, the food and the wine were busiest men on earth. Eu ropean and that we have this, a Steadicam, and all excellent. Castle Brolio, particu American operators were cloistered will arran ge a meeting between you larly in the fall when the great stone inside a medieval cas tle in the heart of and the man who does this." walls retain the heat of summer, Chianti, drinki ng wine and dissectin g Alas, it wasn't until my last day in offered a friendly and fasci nating every possible aspect of their profes Russia that the meet ing could be atmo sphere, and the portraits of 11th sion . -
Shot Types Identified Refer To: There Is a Convention in Video and Filmmaking That Assi
Shot Types identified; Camera angles and movement 1 Info Sheet Shot Types Identified Refer to: http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/ There is a convention in video and filmmaking that assign names and guidelines to common types of shots, framing and picture composition. The list below briefly describes the most common shot types. The exact terminology often varies between production environments but the basic principles are the same. Shots are usually described in relation to a particular SUBJECT. 1. EWS (Extreme Wide Shot) / Establishing Shot The view is often on the level of showing the entire landscape. The view is so far from a human subject, for example, that s/he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot. 2. An establishing shot is used to show the location or environmental context of the action shot that follows. 3. VWS (Very Wide Shot) / Wide Angle The human subject is visible, but barely noticeable in the frame. The emphasis is on placing him/her in context/environment. 4. WS (Wide Shot) The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible. AKA: long shot, or full shot. The subject is shown from head to toe. 5. MS (Medium Shot) Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject. Usually shows the subject from the hips or waist to the top of the head. 6. MCU (Medium Close Up) Half way between a MS and a CU. 7. CU (Close Up) A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame. -
10 Tips on How to Master the Cinematic Tools And
10 TIPS ON HOW TO MASTER THE CINEMATIC TOOLS AND ENHANCE YOUR DANCE FILM - the cinematographer point of view Your skills at the service of the movement and the choreographer - understand the language of the Dance and be able to transmute it into filmic images. 1. The Subject - The Dance is the Star When you film, frame and light the Dance, the primary subject is the Dance and the related movement, not the dancers, not the scenography, not the music, just the Dance nothing else. The Dance is about movement not about positions: when you film the dance you are filming the movement not a sequence of positions and in order to completely comprehend this concept you must understand what movement is: like the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze said “w e always tend to confuse movement with traversed space…” 1. The movement is the act of traversing, when you film the Dance you film an act not an aestheticizing image of a subject. At the beginning it is difficult to understand how to film something that is abstract like the movement but with practice you will start to focus on what really matters and you will start to forget about the dancers. Movement is life and the more you can capture it the more the characters are alive therefore more real in a way that you can almost touch them, almost dance with them. The Dance is a movement with a rhythm and when you film it you have to become part of the whole rhythm, like when you add an instrument to a music composition, the vocabulary of cinema is just another layer on the whole art work. -
Mcconkey on Thailand Jour, Supplanting Any and All Spurious History Continued on Page 8
NEWS FOR OPERA TORS AND OWNERS olume 1, number 3 Dec. '88 Ancient History "The Brown Stabilizer" That's what I wanted to call it. It wasn't just ego (that came later!). I thought it needed a simple, honest, "70's" kind of natural name, a pure name, not a stupid, gimmicky name like "Steadicam." It was Ed DiGiulio's suggestion, which I hated immediately. Of course, as he predicted, the word has now become simply a word, a noble word, meaning exactly what it says, and in fact , I am daily (well, yearly...), grateful that he prevailed and that we didn't call it the bloody Brown Stabilizer! In any event, I recently unearthed some early pictures, and have been inspired to relate the one-and-only true version of the birth of our noble gadget. So here it is: the truth du McConkey on Thailand jour, supplanting any and all spurious History continued on page 8 For three months in the Spring of McCONKEY: The first day it 1988, Larry McConkey worked on was 1200 in the sun, and the humidity Brian De Palma's new feature, made it feel like it was virtually "Casualties ofWar." Thefilm is raining all the time. I had a long coming out in early 1989. tracking shot down a dirt street in the Vietnamese village set. Now, I tend to be very careful not to wear myself LEITER: Was it any fun? out during a shoot, and I get as much McCONKEY: Yes. I had never rest as possible between takes and as been to Southeast Asia before, and much help from the crew as I can, but Thailand is now one of my favorite even so, after four or five takes I was places in the world. -
Film Glossary Camera Framing (Size in Frame) Frame Individual Still Image; the Rectangle Within Which the Image Is Composed Or Captured
Film Glossary Camera Framing (Size in frame) frame Individual still image; the rectangle within which the image is composed or captured. extreme wide shot Takes in a large expanse of the setting to emphasise location or isolation. long shot Takes in much or all of the action while keeping the subject in sight (AKA wide shot). full shot Shows character from head to toe; highlights costume or shows multiple characters. medium long shot Shows characters from the knees up; useful when movement must be shown. medium shot Shows characters from the waist up; good for dialogue scenes. medium close-up Middle ground between MS and CU; maintains eerie distance during conversations. close-up Tightly frames an entire face/object; can reveal emotions/reactions. extreme close-up Shows a specific detail of a subject, filling the frame, to draw attention to it. establishing shot Shows a (often exterior) setting; placed at the head of a scene to establish location. master shot Establishes spatial relationships/setting; returned to when these need re-established. reframe Adjustment of framing to compensate for movement within the frame. shot size The size of the subject in the frame – close-up, long shot, full shot, etc. Camera Framing Subjects placed in frame single shot One character is alone in the frame to give them importance or create isolation. two-shot Shows two characters in a frame to create a relationship between them. group shot Allows the camera to efficiently follow several characters; can create a bond. over-the-shoulder shot Camera sits over the shoulder of a character, looking at the same thing as them. -
Resource Materials on the Learning and Teaching of Film This Set of Materials Aims to Develop Senior Secondary Students' Film
Resource Materials on the Learning and Teaching of Film This set of materials aims to develop senior secondary students’ film analysis skills and provide guidelines on how to approach a film and develop critical responses to it. It covers the fundamentals of film study and is intended for use by Literature in English teachers to introduce film as a new literary genre to beginners. The materials can be used as a learning task in class to introduce basic film concepts and viewing skills to students before engaging them in close textual analysis of the set films. They can also be used as supplementary materials to extend students’ learning beyond the classroom and promote self-directed learning. The materials consist of two parts, each with the Student’s Copy and Teacher’s Notes. The Student’s Copy includes handouts and worksheets for students, while the Teacher’s Notes provides teaching steps and ideas, as well as suggested answers for teachers’ reference. Part 1 provides an overview of film study and introduces students to the fundamentals of film analysis. It includes the following sections: A. Key Aspects of Film Analysis B. Guiding Questions for Film Study C. Learning Activity – Writing a Short Review Part 2 provides opportunities for students to enrich their knowledge of different aspects of film analysis and to apply it in the study of a short film. The short film “My Shoes” has been chosen to illustrate and highlight different areas of cinematography (e.g. the use of music, camera shots, angles and movements, editing techniques). Explanatory notes and viewing activities are provided to improve students’ viewing skills and deepen their understanding of the cinematic techniques. -
Teaching Visual Storytelling for Virtual Production Pipelines Incorporating Motion Capture and Visual Effects
Teaching Visual Storytelling for virtual production pipelines incorporating Motion Capture and Visual Effects Gregory Bennett∗ Jan Krusey Auckland University of Technology Auckland University of Technology Figure 1: Performance Capture for Visual Storytelling at AUT. Abstract solid theoretical foundation, and could traditionally only be ex- plored through theory and examples in a lecture/lab style context. Film, television and media production are subject to consistent Particularly programs that aim to deliver content in a studio-based change due to ever-evolving technological and economic environ- environment suffer from the complexity and cost-time-constraints ments. Accordingly, tertiary teaching of subject areas such as cin- inherently part of practical inquiry into storytelling through short ema, animation and visual effects require frequent adjustments re- film production or visual effects animation. Further, due to the garding curriculum structure and pedagogy. This paper discusses a structure and length of Film, Visual Effects and Digital Design de- multifaceted, cross-disciplinary approach to teaching Visual Narra- grees, there is normally only time for a single facet of visual nar- tives as part of a Digital Design program. Specifically, pedagogical rative to be addressed, for example a practical camera shoot, or challenges in teaching Visual Storytelling through Motion Capture alternatively a visual effects or animation project. This means that and Visual Effects are addressed, and a new pedagogical frame- comparative exploratory learning is usually out of the question, and work using three different modes of moving image storytelling is students might only take a singular view on technical and creative applied and cited as case studies. Further, ongoing changes in film story development throughout their undergraduate years. -
New Mode of Cinema V1n1
New Mode of Cinema: How Digital Technologies are Changing Aesthetics and Style Kristen M. Daly, Columbia University, New York Abstract This article delves intrinsically into how the characteristics of digital cinema, its equipment, software and processes, differ from film and therefore afford new aesthetic and stylistic modes, changing the nature of mise-en-scène and the language of cinema as it has been defined in the past. Innovative filmmakers are exploring new aesthetic and stylistic possibilities as the encumbrances of film, which delimited a certain mode of cinema, are released. The article makes the case that the camera as part of a computer system has enabled a more cooperative relationship with the filmmaker going beyond Alexandre Astruc’s prediction of the camera-pen (camére-stylo) to become a camera-computer. The technology of digital cinema makes the natural indexicality of film and the cut simply options amongst others and permits new forms of visual aesthetics not premised on filmic norms, but based on other familiar audiovisual forms like video games and computer interface. Voir le résumé français à la fin de l’article ***** “We see in them, if you like, something of the prophetic. That’s why I am talking about avant-garde. There is always an avant-garde when something new takes place . .” (Astruc, 1948, 17) In this article, I will examine some of the material qualities and characteristics of the equipment, software and processes of digital cinema production and propose how these afford a new aesthetics and style for cinema. Of course, many styles are available, including the status quo. -
Beginners Guide to Video - JMBS
Beginners Guide to Video - JMBS This guide is intended for anyone who wishes to use a video camera for news gathering or documentary work. Although it is written for the complete novice there should also be something here for the more experienced. Camera Technique Books have been dedicated to this but there are a few things that are very useful to consider. • The most reliable way of getting good shots is to turn the lens to as wide an angle as possible and get as close to the subject/action as possible. • Treat the camera as if it were a stills camera. Avoid panning(left/right), tilting(up/down) and zooming unless it is absolutely necessary. Simple shots are best and they are easier to pull off. • Use a tripod or monopod wherever possible and if not try to find something to lean against. • If you have to change the camera angle do it as slowly (and smoothly) as possible. It is much better to have something briefly out of shot than to be continually/rapidly changing the camera angle. Ideally it should be done so slowly that the audience does not notice. • If you are panning over a long distance or following quick moving action generally speaking things should be in shot for at least five seconds. • When shooting without a tripod bear in mind the wider the angle you are shooting the steadier the shot. If possible move in closer rather than zooming in. To help steady the camera push the eyepiece to your eye and press your elbows against the bottom of your ribs. -
The Steadicam® and Its Parts
Section One the Steadicam® and its parts 7 11CC SSectionection final.inddfinal.indd 7 111/19/081/19/08 112:22:202:22:20 PPMM The Steadicam® Operator’s Handbook Wearing the Steadicam® for the fi rst time Q: What’s it feel like? A: Well, it’s different. Until you wear it once or twice, very little of what we’ll discuss in the book will make much sense to you. Q: Come on. What’s it feel like? Is it heavy? A: It’s going to be a lot less effort than you might expect. Q: Will it hurt my back? A: If the vest and arm are adjusted right, and you stand correctly, it will not hurt or strain your back. Q: So, what’s it going to feel like? A: You’re going to feel some pressure on your legs, but not much. The Steadicam is going to move around a lot more than you might expect. It’s very free to move in space and to pan, tilt, and roll. Very, very free. You’ve got to dance with the Steadicam and be in balance at all times. It helps if the sled is in balance, if you have a solid understanding of the physics, if you know what to do with each hand, how to walk, and... Q: What are you talking about? Am I going to fall over? A: Probably not. You’ve got to try it on, and the sooner the Steve Tiffen, at age 15, better. If you are at a workshop or demonstration, some- tries on the Model One one knowledgeable will help you get into the rig for the for the fi rst time at the fi rst time. -
BASIC FILM TERMINOLOGY Aerial Shot a Shot Taken from a Crane
BASIC FILM TERMINOLOGY Aerial Shot A shot taken from a crane, plane, or helicopter. Not necessarily a moving shot. Backlighting The main source of light is behind the subject, silhouetting it, and directed toward the camera. Bridging Shot A shot used to cover a jump in time or place or other discontinuity. Examples are falling calendar pages railroad wheels newspaper headlines seasonal changes Camera Angle The angle at which the camera is pointed at the subject: Low High Tilt Cut The splicing of 2 shots together. this cut is made by the film editor at the editing stage of a film. Between sequences the cut marks a rapid transition between one time and space and another, but depending on the nature of the cut it will have different meanings. Cross-cutting Literally, cutting between different sets of action that can be occuring simultaneously or at different times, (this term is used synonomously but somewhat incorrectly with parallel editing.) Cross-cutting is used to build suspense, or to show the relationship between the different sets of action. Jump cut Cut where there is no match between the 2 spliced shots. Within a sequence, or more particularly a scene, jump cuts give the effect of bad editing. The opposite of a match cut, the jump cut is an abrupt cut between 2 shots that calls attention to itself because it does not match the shots BASIC FILM TERMINOLOGY seamlessly. It marks a transition in time and space but is called a jump cut because it jars the sensibilities; it makes the spectator jump and wonder where the narrative has got to.