Sketches -Week Two Presentation Notes
Project Ideas: My project idea is about dealing with the issue of ‘filling in the gap”. What happens when there are awkward empty spaces and how do people deal with them? My idea originally stemmed from the idea of ‘lounging’ and what it was to ‘lounge about’ which then led to the idea of a lounge lounging or going on holiday. What would happen if a lounge decided to take a vacation? What would happen to the empty space it creates? How will the owner deal with this awkward/empty space? These questions led to further questions about the human psyche and what people will do to make sure there is stuff filled in empty domestic spaces.
My production ideas are still in the work but i would like to do a parody on loss and grief concerning a owner (Percy) who comes home to find his lounge has taken an unexpected vacation. He must deal with the empty space that has been created and prepare for the possibility that the lounge might not come back. I’d like my video project to include a variety of styles including parody, montages, saturated colour, layering, moving camera action, slow shot sequences and a mixture of animation/visual effects to enhance the idea/concept.
Style Manifesto, Likes:
I don’t have a concrete production style and I’m continuously experimenting with different techniques, colour schemes, genres, visual looks and media forms. Part of my personal manifesto has always been about creating work that is entertaining and humorous. I like to have some element of humor or comedy in my work merely to add interest and colour to the idea. I also like to have a textual narrative as I find that to be more interesting to develop than abstract or conceptual work. What i really like about the example above is the awkward moments and the switches between narrative storytelling and playful montages.
Nostalgia from Edgar Maguyon on Vimeo.
Style Manifesto, Dislikes: The production styles that I dislike are usually ones with content and no meaning. Work that is purely abstract and contains snippets of visual material doesn’t connect with audiences’ emotions. I think that work must be engaging and the example “Nostalgia” doesn’t seem to incorporate this. Yes, it is successful for the artistic sequencing of shots and its stunning visual material but nothing happens and there is a lack of dynamics or formal structure to play around with.
Practice Manifesto:
My production style has continually developed and been influenced by ongoing work in production styles such as animation, web design and sound collaboration. Once I have an idea or concept I usually source out a piece of music to extend my ideas further and give me a background soundtrack to visualize possible sequences of events. Sound is just as important as visuals, in my project, as sound can give such powerful unconscious gestures in terms of emotions, subtext, and the possible conclusions of the piece.
I find it a good idea to have a selection of clips to bounce off when stuck for ideas,which i often struggle with. I’m going to need to work on sticking to the brief and time-management because i always work to the last minute trying to perfect the final product. I’ll work all day and not realise time has passed which doesn’t give me enough time for reflection. I admire creativity and courage of others to jump into an idea that is completely unique and out-there because we’re all still learning our craft and there is always a huge benefit in producing experimental work.
