AICE media studies

  Blog #7: Short Film Research: Urban Thriller - Part 4 For the final research entry, I watched the last set of short films in the urban thriller genre. This final round of films brought everything into sharper focus as I can now see how the different techniques work together to keep the audience engaged. Here's what I took away: 1. Common CAMS (Camera, Angle, Movement, Shot): Camera: There’s a notable trend in these films to emphasize space in urban environments. Wide shots often contrast with intimate close-ups, reinforcing the tension between the isolated detective and the dangerous, sprawling city. Angle: The use of symmetrical framing to emphasize the sense of inevitability or fate is prominent. The framing often aligns characters in a way that suggests they are part of something bigger than themselves, trapped by forces beyond their control. Movement: Fast-moving camera pans during high-speed chases or quick confrontations contrast with lingering close-ups that reflect the...

 Continuing my journey into the urban thriller genre, I watched another set of short films that highlight different aspects of this exciting and suspense-filled genre. Here’s what I learned from these additional films: 1. Common CAMS (Camera, Angle, Movement, Shot): Camera: These films frequently use shaky handheld cameras during high-intensity scenes, such as car chases or confrontations, to create a sense of chaos and instability. The handheld movement helps the audience feel like they are experiencing the action firsthand, making it more immersive. Angle: The use of medium shots to show both the detective’s face and the surroundings during tense moments is common. This ensures that the audience is aware of both the emotional state of the protagonist and the external threat, adding to the feeling of impending danger. Movement: Another interesting aspect is the use of slow zoom-ins during key moments of realization or tension, especially as the detective uncovers new evidence o...

  Blog #5: Short Film Research: Urban Thriller - Part 2 Continuing our exploration into the urban thriller genre, I’ve watched additional short films to analyze their conventions, sound design, camera work, and other visual storytelling techniques. This further deepens my understanding of how to craft an engaging and suspenseful short film. Here's what I observed from these short films: 1. Common CAMS (Camera, Angle, Movement, Shot): Camera: Urban thrillers often incorporate static shots for dramatic tension, especially during confrontations or moments where the detective is reflecting on his situation. These still shots can amplify the character’s isolation and their thoughts as they process the investigation’s complexities. Angle: High and low angles continue to play a significant role in establishing power dynamics, but another subtle feature is the use of Dutch angles (tilted shots), especially in scenes of confusion or moral ambiguity. This visually represents the distorted ...

  1. Common CAMS (Camera, Angle, Movement, Shot): Camera: In urban thrillers, the camera often focuses on tight, close-up shots to create a sense of intimacy with the characters, especially during moments of tension or danger. This creates a claustrophobic feel, emphasizing the detective's internal struggle. Wide shots, on the other hand, are used to establish the harsh, gritty environment of the urban setting. Angle: Low angles are frequently used to make characters appear more imposing, particularly villains or powerful figures within the criminal syndicate. High angles can show the detective’s vulnerability or the sense of being watched, especially when he is at his most powerless or out of his depth. Movement: The camera often follows characters through dark, alley-filled streets or dimly lit offices, creating a sense of unease. The use of tracking shots, particularly in chase scenes, is common to maintain a sense of urgency and to mirror the detective's fast-paced inves...

  What Is Your Takeaway from the Video? The video on how to make a short film provided some useful insights into the practical aspects of filmmaking. One key takeaway is the importance of planning and preparation before even picking up a camera. The video emphasizes pre-production, specifically scriptwriting, storyboarding, and organizing a shooting schedule, all of which are essential to keep the project on track. It also discusses the need to focus on a strong, concise narrative and how every scene should serve the story. Another point was about working with a small crew and how to make the most of limited resources. For a short film, the advice to focus on one location, a small cast, and minimal special effects is very applicable. The video also suggested tips on editing, stressing that editing is where a lot of the storytelling magic happens, as it’s where pacing, mood, and emotional impact are truly shaped. This video is helpful for my short film process because it reinforces ...

  Part 1: What Is Your Takeaway from the Video? Watching 12 Monkeys alongside Le Jetée was a fascinating experience. The short film Le Jetée (1962), a black-and-white photo-roman, sets the stage for its full-length counterpart, 12 Monkeys (1995). The video comparison highlighted how Le Jetée uses static images, narration, and a minimalist approach to tell the story of a man who travels through time, while 12 Monkeys expands this story into a more complex narrative with live-action, multiple characters, and a full plot. The video also pointed out the key themes of time travel, memory, and the cyclical nature of fate, both in the short and the film. The use of photographs in Le Jetée conveys an eerie, dream-like quality that adds to the surreal tone of the narrative. On the other hand, 12 Monkeys uses elaborate sets, special effects, and a nonlinear narrative to bring the time travel elements to life, making the story more accessible to a wider audience. The key takeaway was ...

  Short Film: What Are Your Impressions? The short film 9 by Shane Acker presents a haunting and imaginative post-apocalyptic world, where small, sentient doll-like creatures are the last remnants of humanity. The plot is simple yet powerful: 9, the protagonist, must fight to protect his kind from mechanical monsters in a world void of human life. Character development in the short is limited, focusing primarily on 9’s survival instincts and his leadership qualities, which emerge as the plot progresses. The visual design of the dolls and the dystopian landscape are captivating, emphasizing isolation and the struggle for survival. The special effects, while minimal in scope, create a compelling atmosphere of dread and suspense through the use of shadows, motion, and sound. The directorial style leans heavily on visual storytelling, using little dialogue to convey emotional weight, which is common in short films with limited runtime. The conventions of the short film genre are evide...

  For our opening sequence, we've chosen the thriller genre, specifically an urban crime thriller, as it allows for high tension, suspense, and complex characters-  elements we are excited to explore. The  decision to go with this genre came from our desire to create a gripping narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats right from the start. We wanted to tell a story that explores deep moral dilemmas, such as the struggle between good and evil, and the fine line a detective must walk as they uncover dangerous secrets. Thrillers, especially those set in urban environments, have a unique ability to set a dark and atmospheric tone, which is perfect for building suspense from the very first scene. Additionally, thrillers provide opportunities for creative editing and sound design, which can enhance the emotional impact and intensity. After considering several genres, we felt that a thriller would allow us to challenge ourselves with pacing, character develop...

  After carefully considering two potential short film ideas, Our group decided to pursue a gritty urban thriller centered around a detective investigating a string of mysterious disappearances tied to a dangerous criminal syndicate. This film would focus on creating a tense, fast-paced atmosphere, exploring themes of redemption and justice while revealing the detective's internal struggle with his past. The second idea, a coming-of-age drama, would follow a group of high school seniors as they navigate personal struggles and forge unexpected friendships while preparing for their graduation day. This heartwarming film would focus on themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of connection, with moments of humor and deep emotional growth. While the coming-of-age story offers universal themes that could be deeply relatable, we found the thriller concept more intriguing as it allows for heightened suspense, complex character arcs, and a more intense emotional payoff. The thri...