Directions: Self-Portrait Activity

For this activity we were tasked with creating a short 2-4 minute film that introduces us, like a self-portrait. We split into small groups and in each group, each person would have to direct their own personal segment.

IDEAS

My group's initial idea was to create an action hero themed film where each character would represent a member of a film crew. We jotted down a few names and ideas for each segment and then began to film. We started by shooting our hero shots to be used at the beginning of each segment. The idea was that we'd turn to the camera and then it would freeze frame and our names would be revealed.

FILMING

After shooting those we moved on to Alex's segment. He would be know as "Da Boom" (Boom Operator). He directed his segment and I shot it. His idea was that he would be making coffee but it would be fast paced and action like. Next we shot Ida's segment. She would be known as "Action Woman" (Director). She directed it and I shot it. Her idea was that she would be preparing for a big shoot and also pranking people with a clapper. Then we moved onto Leo's segment. He would be known as "The Operator" (Camera Operator). He directed it and I shot it. His idea was that the camera would spy on him putting together another camera (like a weapon), and then he would spot the camera and shoot it. Finally we shot my segment. I would be known as "The Cutter" (The Editor). I directed it and Ida shot it. My idea was that it would be a visual representation of how I think when I edit.

EDITING

When it came to editing we ended up running out of time which meant we could fine tune it completely. We had managed to edit together each segment and add in some text and music. From this we learnt to think carefully about time management next time. After the screening I took the edit home and fine tuned it a little, adding in some sound FX, visual effects (e.g. explosions) and mixing the music.

This is the final cut:

Overall I enjoyed this project. It was fun to work with others and see how they would direct a film about themselves. It was also fun to mix all of our minds together to come up with an overall theme. From this project we have learnt that time management is very important, especially when you have a tight deadline. We all think the final product is quite good, however if we were to do it again, we would make time to edit it properly and not over complicate it when filming. It was definitely a learning curve.