DEPICT (Top 5 Favourites)

DEPICT- "can you do it in 90 seconds?"

TOP 5 favourites 

• Disillusionment (2018)

What I found particularly special about this short film was how the illustrations corresponded perfectly with the words in the video. In addition, sound effects were used to enhance what imagery was already provoked by simply reading the words. It just goes to show how you can create a detailed image in the audiences mind without having to film exactly what it is.

• A TV Movie (2009)

As someone who enjoys stop-motion animations, this was definitely something that engaged me from the second I began the video, quite literally. What is ironic is how the movie is about a TV, yet as the audience watching the 90 seconds of footage, we feel as though we are the TV screen and therefore the relationship between the viewer and the observational medium (e.g mirror, window) changes drastically. This illusion is created not only by the visual storyline itself, but by the use of close-up angles, as well as match-on action sequences used throughout. Furthermore, the set-up depicts an almost vintage ambience-done using yellow tinted lighting, which may have possibly been achieved  during post-production editing. Along with the more "olden day" techniques of camera work, such as the scene where the camera zooms suddenly in the direction of the plug-socket. Last but not least, sound effects play a huge part in exaggerating the gestures of made by the TV, inevitably adding a comedic twist to the animation.

• Winnow (2017)

Although there are distinct similarities between "Winnow" and "Alice in Wonderland", I believe this was intentional as it tells a much more meaningful piece of visual communication. That being how us, as individuals in today's era, hold onto things that in the grand scheme of things, are not as valuable as we make them out to be. A combination of animation and real-life film helps to separate the two realities: 

Animation- connotes a child-like nature, one that does not appear concerned about materialistic things and instead would prefer to be outdoors, free and adventurous. 

Real-life-showcases a stressed individual (from a medium shot) dressed in work attire, indicating that his life is built around work as without it he could not offered a car, a phone or even clothes as shown later on in the video. 

The transition between the two types of cinematography change the overall tone of the video, from an almost serious drama to a light-hearted world of fantasy. Even the sound from beginning to end adapts to how the protagonist is feeling internally about what is happening around him (eg his curiosity: a simple, dual note string to a feeling of wonder and freedom where the strings are more loose and varied)

• Night Lights (2014)

Another stop-motion, but this time, there are however, several instances where an integration between animated pictures and a time-lapse of the street lights are used, prompting us, as the audience, to believe that light in one way or another 'follows us'. Attention is directed towards the night activities many of us undertake without second thought, such as watching a theatre production movie, having a romantic date or just going out for dinner. Due to the nature of the film, it is heavily reliant on artificial light from moving vehicles, street lights, buildings, etc. Additionally, the animated character themselves are likely to have been created digitally during the editing process. In terms of camera shots, it varies from long shots of time lapsed vehicles to medium shots of the animated characters, thus allowing the audience to fully understand where the scene is taking place. throughout the film, there is no camera movements as such, only what is being filmed shows any form of movement which almost creates a realistic representation of night and how still it can be. 

• Finishing Touch (2008)

This film encompasses a lot of short, sharp camera movements and shots (enhanced using sound effects) to leave audiences in a state of curiosity right until the big reveal at the end, relieving us any built up tension as the final shot depicts exactly what genre "finishing touch" falls under:comedy. The two men appear confused as the room cleaner positions them almost like Greek statues on top of one another, dressed in sheets and holding pieces of fruit.