::::::::Pre Production::::::::
I have been tasked with making a film with whatever tools I have lying around. I figured it may not be fair to use the 5D MkII that I have lying around so I thought a tad simpler...
Skype.
You know, that free program you use to talk to friends, relatives, the family dog - whoever and whatever you desire to see and speak to. Skype has really taken off in the recent years since its creation in early 2003...when I was 14. I only recently have decided to download it for sake of adding yet another means of communication with my peers to my repertoire and I am delighted with the quality and functionality.
Outside of it's normal video chat purpose, what if you used Skype as means of making film? As the camera? As a means of remote directing? As the medium itself?
I haven't gotten there yet. I do know that I want to make a functional film using this popular communication device and utilize it's 'raw' tendencies to achieve a unique aesthetic.
My first thoughts are as such:
I. Make a film about 3-6 friends who each appear in their own Skype window (similar to the Brady Bunch). The friends would communicate, leave their window and end up in their friends window; basically confining the viewer to limited space of the webcam. I would probably make this a horror-esque film since the inability to see what is going + lack of good quality = bascially the Blair Witch Project...with Skype. But I fear the acting would be terrible and distract from what I am actually trying to achieve.
II. Use Skype as a means to remotely direct a film being made. I would be the ever present floating head yelling out commands and shots from a laptop on set while a crew attempts to execute 'my vision.' Essentially the film being made is irrelevant. It is the fact that I am directing it using Skype that makes it interesting...or not. The only problem to this route is my lack of 'crew.' Even if it was just another person, I hate not being in charge of the camera, directly. Maybe this would be interesting then, eh?
III. Use Skype as the camera. Carrying my netbook as I would a camera I would film every scene and capture all audio using the program. I would then edit it together in post-production but that's a whole different blog post. I have no ideas for a film of such caliber...ideas?
If you happen to find yourself reading this, any feedback would be great. I need to start like tomorrow...
Your Friendly Neighborhood Giant,
~Alan
I like III. But instead of filming it as a normal film you'd have to do it kind of like whatever that special type of perspective is where the person basically wears a tripod with the camera pointing at them? Then you could do a narritive and have people (friends?) come into the frame with you, maybe push you to the side even? I have no idea for a story line (something at UCSD having to do with school perhaps) but there ya go, my $.02 I'll now attempt to get some sleep :)
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