For my final video I explored the concept of the parallel between addiction and the body. So I created the idea of the addicted body, and blurring of the lines between the two ideas. Through this blurring, I also began an art piece inspired by addicted body. This art piece was the reason I made the film, its triangular structure depicts the way addiction begin to change the body into something different.
I used a storyboard of sorts for this film, drawing more on the inspiration and sequencing of ideas. It doesn’t create a full picture of the film, as I believe films are something organic, where you discover things within the filming environment which lend to its impact.
Before my final video I did a practice editing project, the prompt to the video was to have a constant color theme, I decided to extrapolate this somewhat and use lights. I worked in both night and day lighting, but still focused on the bright lights.
Before beginning any of these videos we looked at Pudovkin’s 5 basic editing elements.
Contrast: being the cut between two opposing ideas or color palettes.
Parallelism: the process of bridging two apparently unconnected shots, by creating commonality of subject matter.
Symbolism: the edit that creates impact of the main idea, by cutting to something that furthers the strength of the main.
Simultaneity: cutting between to narratives happening at once to build suspense.
Leit motif: the repetition of shots or ideas, to create rhythm, in doing so creates a code.
In both films I used all 5 editing tools, especially contrast because both use them for impact. I found contrast to be the most helpful with portraying the dramatism of the moment.
The project as a whole, was a massive challenge, not only because of the technical aspects, but also due to the subject matter. I found video to be incredibly raw, unlike images or art, where it is easy to alter and deceive, video exposes everything. Initially I was not intending to be so personal in my final video, but I found myself desiring the truth in the footage. I approached these videos with a sandbox mentality, even though I storyboarded and mood boarded for the project, I still found myself living for the creative moment. Time has that ability, you don’t just take the initial idea and construct it, you take time, thought and effort, to perfect and dissect your vision.
