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Introduction to Narrative Filmmaking
Everybody loves a good story!
Narrative filmmaking in its simplest form is fictional film that tells a story. The script, filmmaking team and characters have the responsibility to tell a believable and compelling story in a visually interesting way. The objective of a narrative film is to capture the imagination and elicit an emotional response by the audience.
The Illusion of Reality!
A successful film must create the sense that what is happening is real - it's The Illusion of Reality! The audience becomes involved in the story and its characters and makes an emotional commitment. For that moment in time we believe that what we are seeing is actually happening.
Think of the last film you really enjoyed. Were you focussed on the filmmaking techniques such as specific shots, lighting, costumes and the realism of the film - ie. what you are actually watching is possible in the real world? Or were you drawn into the story itself and the lives of the characters and the obstacles they faced as they move through the film? All the filmmaking techniques are present but are creative tools to help a creative world of reality.
Question...why is it that people know they are simply watching a film - we know what we are seeing is not real. Yet people can be captivated and react emotionally by the story and characters?
It begins with story - without a compelling story it is impossible to have a compelling film.
Everybody loves a good story!
Narrative filmmaking in its simplest form is fictional film that tells a story. The script, filmmaking team and characters have the responsibility to tell a believable and compelling story in a visually interesting way. The objective of a narrative film is to capture the imagination and elicit an emotional response by the audience.
The Illusion of Reality!
A successful film must create the sense that what is happening is real - it's The Illusion of Reality! The audience becomes involved in the story and its characters and makes an emotional commitment. For that moment in time we believe that what we are seeing is actually happening.
Think of the last film you really enjoyed. Were you focussed on the filmmaking techniques such as specific shots, lighting, costumes and the realism of the film - ie. what you are actually watching is possible in the real world? Or were you drawn into the story itself and the lives of the characters and the obstacles they faced as they move through the film? All the filmmaking techniques are present but are creative tools to help a creative world of reality.
Question...why is it that people know they are simply watching a film - we know what we are seeing is not real. Yet people can be captivated and react emotionally by the story and characters?
It begins with story - without a compelling story it is impossible to have a compelling film.
So, you want to be a filmmaker!
Zach King began making videos at the age of 7 with nothing more than a camera and a laptop. He began to post tutorials on his wesite "FinalCutKing.com" in 2008.
His first viral video was "Jedi Kittens" (21 Million views and counting). He has made over 2 Million dollars from that first viral film! His 7 second videos were originally posted on Vine where he built a huge following. He has become a Youtube sensation for his short but extremely creative visual effects videos.
So, can you really become a successful filmmaker? It's up to you.
Key to success is the creative ideas, problem solving skills and lots and lots of determination.
Zach King began making videos at the age of 7 with nothing more than a camera and a laptop. He began to post tutorials on his wesite "FinalCutKing.com" in 2008.
His first viral video was "Jedi Kittens" (21 Million views and counting). He has made over 2 Million dollars from that first viral film! His 7 second videos were originally posted on Vine where he built a huge following. He has become a Youtube sensation for his short but extremely creative visual effects videos.
So, can you really become a successful filmmaker? It's up to you.
Key to success is the creative ideas, problem solving skills and lots and lots of determination.
Source: Ted Talks, Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMIpxqeoI1c |
Zach King's Story Telling stories on the small screen. This only the beginning, anything is possible. Zach King talks about making his first movie. Reaching the world with today's tools Check him out - guaranteed you'll ask...How'd he do that https://www.instagram.com/zachking/ |
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"Jedi Kittens"
The original Zach King's first mega hit! |
Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z3r9X8OahA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z3r9X8OahA
"Jedi kittens - The Force"
A sequel, one of many Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwT7BHztBIU |
"Jedi kittens - The Force"
The making of... Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZVHL_GhaEw |
Film Editing basics
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Continuity Editing - "Realtime"
Scene/Sequence/Shot
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The basics of shooting a scene
Use shot sizes with purpose
Extreme Long Shot - Establishing Shot Long Shot Full Shot Medium Long Shot (Cowboy) Medium Shot Medium Close Up Close Up Extreme Close Up |
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Shot Composition
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180 degree Rule
Source: New Line Cinema, WingNut Films, The Saul Zaentz Company
Clip Source: Movieclips |
180 degree Rule
Breaking the 180 Degree Rule with purpose. In this scene the 180 degree rule is broken on purpose to create a sense that the character's inner conversation is actually a conversation with another person. It creates a sense of the confused state of the character. Gives the viewer a sense of unease that was intended in this key scene where gollum is having a moment of self-realization that goes against all he has believed previously. |
Assignment - 5 shot scene
Shoot any short process and try to tell a very short story.
What is the 5 shot sequence?
In a five-shot sequence, the first shot is a close-up of a subject's hands — a pianist, for example, tickling the ivories. The next shot is a close-up of the subject's face. For the third shot, move back from the action and capture a medium shot of the subject. Next, move to an “over-the-shoulder” shot.Aug 13, 2012
Shoot any short process and try to tell a very short story.
What is the 5 shot sequence?
In a five-shot sequence, the first shot is a close-up of a subject's hands — a pianist, for example, tickling the ivories. The next shot is a close-up of the subject's face. For the third shot, move back from the action and capture a medium shot of the subject. Next, move to an “over-the-shoulder” shot.Aug 13, 2012
Film Transitions
Film transitions occur in throughout every film. Moving though the scene from shot to shot. The "cut" is the transition that is used well over 90 percent of the time in film. But there are other types of transitions in film and they are used with particular purpose. These transitions are no t similar to fancy transitions you might see on a television show.
Television Transitions
Television transitions are often used as creative ways to get from one thing to another is a flashy and creative way. Transitions in a television entertainment/news and sports shows aren't meant to create a sense of reality within a film or a television show. In fact, they are meant to creatively capture the audience's attention. That's totally different than a film where the audience needs to believe what they are seeing is reality.
Film transitions occur in throughout every film. Moving though the scene from shot to shot. The "cut" is the transition that is used well over 90 percent of the time in film. But there are other types of transitions in film and they are used with particular purpose. These transitions are no t similar to fancy transitions you might see on a television show.
Television Transitions
Television transitions are often used as creative ways to get from one thing to another is a flashy and creative way. Transitions in a television entertainment/news and sports shows aren't meant to create a sense of reality within a film or a television show. In fact, they are meant to creatively capture the audience's attention. That's totally different than a film where the audience needs to believe what they are seeing is reality.
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The Magic of Filmmaking
Hint. there is no magic...it is a result of creative thinking, planning and teamwork. |