Final Major Project
This documentary style short film captures the essence of 4 real people from Wales through an unfiltered lens. All different and unique, they talk about their life, their philosophy, passions, and ways that they express themselves, sharing one common ground - being Welsh. It is a candid, pure and honest depiction of a select few, showing the diversity of the people that make Wales what it is today. Thanks to Joyce, Rhianna, Garmon & Chris. Created, edited & directed by me.
16/4/19
Today we presented our ideas for our FMP. I've been inspired to direct my work more towards fashion, photography & film after the editorial project, therefore I've been pretty sure that I'll be creating a film of some sorts for my FMP. My second idea presented today was based on a cookbook, which was honestly only presented as a last minute idea as I'm 100% sure that film will be the direction that I'll be taking with this project.
During the tutorial, I realised that I hadn't got the concept of this fashion film down, but I wanted to explore ideas of identity, self-expression & breaking stereotypes through fashion. Anna offered the idea of exploring how different people may behave differently in front of the camera, which would be an interesting concept for a shoot, maybe by having a box of clothing & props and getting each individual to interact with these items in their own way. But it can't look cheap & would need to be lit beautifully. As we went around the table I started rethinking my concept, by making the subject matter more personal to me, and maybe create a film about Wales - home. I could imagine it being really fun to get people from my community involved by being in front of the camera saying "This is Wales" & make a video out of it. Storytelling is also something thet intrigues me therefore it would be a great opportunity for me to explore. Storytelling with different people is about engaging with them and getting them to talk about themselves as I respond to that with visuals. The film could even be photographic. Anna explained how important casting would be to the success of this concept & campaign, & that I will have to find people from all ages, races, sizes, everything. I could explore the idea of "selling" Wales in a different way, through a different lens, rather than focusing on the nature, landscapes & coast. I've not come across fashion based campaigns in Wales, and maybe I could be the first to do it. My homework for this weekend will be to cast local people from Wales as I'm going back home this weekend. Peter said that this project is about doing something for me & I'm excited for the direction that it's taking.
26/4/19
Today I presented two newly refined ideas for my FMP.
In my presentation I mention the Umbrella Academy Dance Scene, Helmut Lang's Campaign "Women of Wales" and the & Other Stories Campaign. I love the idea of creating a film where individuals show who they are without saying a word, only through expressing themselves with movement & their fashion. It should be completely natural & unrefined. When I saw the Helmut Lang campaign for the first time I knew that I NEEDED to make something similar. The women completely inspire me & I've realised that I know many great women from my community who need to be shown off & celebrated. I've already written a list of names that I believe would work great for this concept, and spoke to a few local people over the weekend. Anna suggested that I look at the work of Miranda July & Alec Soth for inspiration. My other idea - "London Welsh" would be a similar concept but based on the Welsh people of London and their feelings towards "Hiraeth" - a Welsh word that can't be translated, but in essence means "longing" for ones homeland. Anna suggested that I combine both concepts, which I didn't initially think of doing but I love it. I'm not completely sure on what equipment I'll be using to execute my idea. I would love to explore VHS shots as it would feel a little more homemade, but feel that a widescreen setting would make the film more cinematic & moody. Maybe I could combine both?
Research
Alec Soth is an amazing photographer, I'm so glad Anna recommended him. I particularly liked his photobook NIAGRA and I Know How Furiously Your Heart Is Beating. He captures the essence of the people as he takes candid & posed images of strangers. These images are similar in essence to what I'd like to capture in my film. Here are a few favourites.
Gucci Campaign
Harry Styles has starred in a Gucci campaign & it's beautiful & an amazing reference, as it is filmed at his hometown chippy, and seems to be a rather candid depiction of village life which is something I will probably have to convey in my film. I love how Glen Luchford has directed & filmed it, almost as a fly-on-the-wall style with lush art direction. These shots will be a great reference for me.
2/5/19
Kubrick Archive @ LCC
Today I visited the Kubrick Archive at LCC & it was incredibly insightful to see how they created film back in the day, and how fast technology has developed since. I loved seeing the concept art for Space Odyssey, film polaroids for Lolita, and costume ideas for A Clockwork Orange.
7/5/19
I've arranged my filming equipment. I will be using a Lumix G7 with two lenses - 25mm & 45-150mm. I will also possibly be using a GoPro for underwater shots that I have in mind. I will also be using my dad's old Pentax Espio 115 to take photographs. I want to take genuine photographs of the individuals involved & I might add them to the film or use them for promotional use for the premiere of my film.
My schedule for the next few weeks (subject to change):
10/5/19
Footage Review
This weekend I've been at my Nain's house filming & interviewing her & also filming other family members & locals from Abersoch & Aberdaron. It's been successful & I've met some characters, including Aled the coal merchant. I'm extremely happy with the quality of my film & the camera works great. It's a shame that I've not been able to find a microphone but the loan from UAL wouldn't allow me to have it for more than 4 days. It's hard to plan exactly what I want to film as it's unscripted and in the moment, therefore I just go with my gut. This aspect works great for a docu-film & I use the interview questions as catalysts for the shots that follow. The main question that I ask is "What is Wales to you". Here are some stills from my footage.
12/5/19
Footage Review
Experimental shots of Felinheli (my village) & Caernarfon, which could be used as filler shots or transitional shots. I've also visited Joyce & she is willing to take part in my film on Tuesday. Unfortunately Elin & Margaret couldn't take part. I've also just confirmed with Rhianna our shoot date.
13/5/19
Footage Review
Filming the local village boys & Craig yesterday. He told me the story behind his tattoos & what Wales means to him. The audio wasn't great but I got a great image of him & his brother & lots of nice portraits. Maybe I could use these for a segment of the film?
14/5/19
Footage Review
Today's filming with Joyce was really successful. She is a natural in front of the camera and I've had a lovely day with her. I'm really happy with the outcome & I have over 2 hours of footage. I made sure to get enough filler shots of the house & living areas as I really want to convey her lifestyle, and I've been lucky with the weather as it was a gorgeous day. The narrative of what I'm creating is starting to make sense in my head, as I want to break stereotypes surrounding what it is to be Welsh, and keep it completely sincere. She's speaking Welsh therefore I will add subtitles. I technically could make the FMP all about her as she's such a gem but I want to push myself more.
I've decided to ask these questions to all individuals to ensure there's a constant theme for the film.
What has life taught you?
What's your philosophy?
What's your favourite saying?
What's your favourite song?
What do you think of Wales?
What is Wales to you?
Are you proud to be Welsh?
My shot list & notes for Joyce:
Joyce Stills:
I've been on a bit of a wild goose chase trying to find Chris. Chris is a cross-dresser and thus would make an amazing subject for my film, as it's a rare sight around this community! I've had to go over to his twice today as he wasn't in earlier, but thankfully he is more than willing to take part in my film, hoping to one day become "famous". I can't wait to film him soon. While I was in Bethesda I did a recce filming the environment. Maybe I'll ask Chris to walk down the high-street in his attire if he feels comfortable. I would like to include shots of him in his street to portray his environment, and also film at Ogwen Bank.
15/5/19
Footage Review
What a day. The filming went really well with Chris & he was so kind letting me film in his home. I felt inspired by his positive attitude towards being different & not caring what people think. I have a lot of footage to go through. I have a better idea of what the film might look like. Maybe I should start the film without revealing that we are in Wales straight away so there's an element of surprise to it when the viewer finds out.
My shot list & notes for Chris:
16/5/19
Footage Review
Today I filmed Rhianna at her chosen destination - Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. It was lovely working with her as she's a good friend & she looked stunning & spoke from the heart. I am extremely happy with these shots & glad that we caught the golden hour.
Shot list & notes for Rhianna:
Rhianna Stills:
18/5/19
I'm in Cardiff for the weekend. Today I filmed at Barry Island & it was everything that I hoped for. I found locals who visit the same cafe every day & was lucky enough to film them. After visiting Barry, I returned to Cardiff to film my friend Garmon & his boxing. The gym looked fantastically photogenic & old school. I'm really excited to edit this footage. The sound again posed a problem as I had no mic & my phone mic wasn't clear enough. I'll have to play with levels in post to try & make it clearer. Tomorrow I've arranged to film my friend Cadi & am waiting to hear from Lleucu. Magic Sean is also willing to show his magic tricks.
Barry Island:
Garmon:
19/5/19
What a day! I've managed to film Cadi & Magic Sean, unfortunately Lleucu couldn't make it. Cadi sang a Welsh song (translated "There's no place like home") which I visualise as a nice way to end my film by tying it all together. Magic Sean's magic tricks were great but there was an incessant noise from the church across the road, & I'm not too sure how I would fit this footage into the film. However, it was a laugh to shoot.
Cadi:
Magic Sean:
28/5/19
After celebrating my birthday this weekend I've had my first tutorial back in London today & I've developed my film. I've also had a think on how to introduce my work, and what it stands for.
These are my notes:
What makes Wales?
The People.
A fly-on-the-wall documentary style short film, capturing the essence of real, quirky people from Wales through an unfiltered lens. Mainly following 6 people, all different and unique, they talk about their life, passions, philosophy, and ways that they express themselves, all sharing one common ground - being Welsh.
I want it to be raw. I want it to be real. I want it to be candid, pure, honest, and Welsh.
Atmospheric - music in background
Snippets/soundbites
A conversation with the people of Wales
Showing the diversity of people that make Wales
With the unifying message of being different
Including real soundbites from natural conversation
Capturing people at their most genuine - natural
Sensitive - funny - intriguing
Sharing their stories
Sharing their essence, their personality, who they are
Unfiltered lens
Diversity in Wales
Following their stories, experiences & their quirks
My presentation:
Developed film:
3/6/19
I've not left the house since Thursday as I've been busy editing until the early hours of the morning. I have had to make the creative decision of cutting most of my individuals footage out after Peter advised that my film must be closer to the 5 minute mark than 10 minutes. With the footage that I have I wouldn't be surprised if my film could be 30 minutes long. I will hold on to everything as I'm keen on extending this into a personal project after the deadline. I've decided to keep Joyce, Rhianna, Garmon & Chris, and create a film that focuses on their essence and differences. They have all spoken beautiful words & I feel that it's my duty to do them justice by portraying them in the most honest and sincere way possible. Finding the right songs seems to have been the hardest task which is surprising, but I am confident with my choices. I've also had to decide what narrative to follow. Do I want to weave all of their stories in & out of each other, or should I treat the film as chapters, unifying them all at the end. I've also decided on the typeface that I will be using - "Gotham" for the title & credits. "Regular" Italics for the subtitles. I want something clean and simple, because choosing an embellished font might mislead the audience, or hint at something too soon. I want people to watch this video without any hints or suggestions on what they might see. I want the viewer to experience it as a blank canvas, and form their own thoughts & opinions while watching the video. It's the last day of editing & I'm really close to finishing.
4/6/19
And just like that it's over. I'm really proud of what I've created. I feel that this film breaks the stereotypes surrounding the Welsh, and what "being Welsh" means. I'm extremely thankful for everyone who took part & allowed me to film them. I feel that I've really pushed myself with this one, doing it all entirely by myself without much experience. I've just gone with my gut for the most part. I can still see flaws, and I believe that I could've cut it shorter in places, but I'm positive that I've conveyed the essence of these individuals. My editing skills are so much better after this long week of editing. I'm really happy with the outcome, I hope Joyce, Rhianna, Garmon & Chris will be too.