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Short film research: Brotherhood

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a. Sound: Melancholic Music: Subtle, emotional scores for sorrow or tension. Silences: Used to heighten emotional weight or suspense. Diegetic Sounds: Everyday noises (footsteps, breathing, nature) keep it real. Dialogue: Sparse but full of meaning, with unspoken emotions. b. Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS): Costume: Simple, muted clothes show emotional or financial struggles. Lighting: Natural or dim, sometimes high contrast, for a somber mood. Actors: Emotional performances showing grief and inner turmoil. Makeup: Minimal but highlights weariness or pain. Props: Symbolic items (photos, letters, heirlooms) tied to emotions or past. Setting: Isolated or rundown places that reflect hardship and isolation. c. Editing: Lingering Shots: Slow shots to emphasize deep emotions. Montages: Compare past happiness with present struggles. Hard Cuts: Abrupt shifts for emotional impact or plot twists. Cross-Cutting: Build tension by contrasting hope and despair. d. Example Films: The Silent Child: A deaf gir...
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Short film research: The Silent Child

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a. Sound: Quiet Ambience: Highlights isolation with silence or muffled sounds. Diegetic Sounds: Breathing, footsteps, and soft noises emphasize loneliness. Minimal Score: Gentle, sad music supports the mood without dominating. Dialogue: Sparse, with heavy emotional meaning and focus on the unsaid. b. Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS): Costume: Plain, simple clothing shows modest lifestyles and struggles. Lighting: Natural, muted tones create a somber, realistic vibe. Actors: Subtle yet emotional performances, especially in silent moments. Makeup: Minimal, showing weariness and quiet emotions. Props: Hearing aids and learning tools symbolize the girl's challenges and neglect. Setting: Isolated rural or suburban areas mirror emotional detachment. c. Editing: Slow Cuts: Let emotional moments sink in deeply. Point-of-View Shots: Switch between silence and sound to show her perspective. Lingering Close-Ups: Focus on her face to capture small but powerful emotions. d. Example Films: Brotherhood: Fa...
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Short film research: Wasp

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a. Sound: Raw Sounds: Urban hums, crying kids, protagonist’s movements dominate. Sparse Music: Minimal or diegetic music adds to the realism. Dialogue: Gritty, casual talk shows financial and emotional struggles. b. Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS): Costume: Cheap, mismatched clothes = financial hardship. Lighting: Harsh, natural light reflects tough realities. Actors: Raw, emotional performances show desperation. Makeup: Barely any—shows exhaustion and strain. Props: Baby bottles, food scraps, and clutter hint at struggle. Setting: Cramped urban spaces highlight poverty. c. Editing: Handheld Camera: Feels personal and chaotic, like the protagonist’s life. Quick Cuts: Build tension during chaotic moments. Slow Beats: Focus on emotions during heavy scenes. d. Example Films: Brotherhood: Family loyalty and betrayal in a rural tragedy. The Silent Child: A deaf girl neglected by her family. e. What’s Good About It: Authenticity: Feels raw and real. Focus on Marginalized Voices: Stories that don’t of...
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Short film research: Tumble Dry Low

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a. Sound: Quiet Ambience: Soft background sounds reflect characters’ struggles. Minimalist Score: Gentle, sad music supports emotions without taking over. Diegetic Sounds: Everyday noises (e.g., washing machine) ground the story. b. Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS): Costume: Simple, everyday clothes show ordinary lives. Lighting: Natural light feels real; soft tones add sadness. Actors: Subtle, emotional performances show grief and resilience. Makeup: Minimal makeup keeps things authentic. Props: Laundry baskets/clothes symbolize moving forward. Setting: Domestic spaces (like laundry rooms) contrast with emotional struggles. c. Editing: Lingering Shots: Long takes show emotions deeply. Deliberate Pacing: Slow edits match reflective tone. Visual Metaphors: Shots like swirling laundry = renewal themes. d. Example Films: Brotherhood: Family tragedy with loyalty and betrayal themes. The Silent Child: Story of a neglected deaf girl. e. What’s Good About It: Emotional depth connects with the audience....
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Research: How to make a short film

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Information Gathered Writing & Story: Write to match what you have (actors, locations, props). Add setups (visual/emotional/story) that lead to strong endings. Surprise the audience—avoid predictable stories. Stick to the theme; it guides characters and plot. Gear & Camera: Use gear creatively, but know their limits. Pick cameras, lenses, and lighting to match the tone. Planning: Use storyboards, shot lists, and animatics to prepare. Stay flexible—things might change on set. Tone: Keep the same vibe across everything (camera, lighting, clothes). Casting: Choose actors that fit the story and tone. Write characters based on your actors’ strengths. Team Effort: Everyone gives 100%—believable acting + crew focus = great film. Sound: If sound resources are tight, use visuals instead of too much talking. Post-Production: Take breaks to see your work with fresh eyes. Cut scenes to keep pacing tight, then polish. Use tools (like Frame.io) for feedback with the team. Skip bad effects—fi...
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Comparing Le Jetee, the short, and 12 Monkeys, the full-length movie

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Part 1: Takeaway from the Video The video comparison explains how 12 Monkeys builds on La Jetee while keeping its main ideas. Both films explore time travel, memory, and fate, but 12 Monkeys goes deeper with a more detailed story that includes multiple timelines and stronger character arcs. La Jetee uses still photographs to create a nostalgic and inevitable tone, while 12 Monkeys uses live action and dynamic camera work to connect with a modern audience. This showed me how important it is to adjust a story to fit the medium, whether it’s a short film that’s experimental or a feature-length movie with more space for complexity. Part 2: Takeaway from the Article The article focuses on the differences in philosophy and storytelling between the two films. La Jetee is more reflective, showing memory as fragile and fleeting, while 12 Monkeys highlights the unpredictability and chaos of time travel. The article also talks about how the simplicity of La Jetee help...
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Comparing 9, the short, and 9, the full-length movie

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Short Film The short film "9" by Shane Acker is an excellent example of concise and visually-driven storytelling. It follows 9, as they navigate a post apocalyptic world that is dominated by deadly machines. The story is minimalist, relying on actions rather than words to convey 9’s bravery and resourcefulness. The film utilizes rusted machinery, in addition to decaying landscapes to create an eerie, atmospheric setting. Acker uses tight framing and muted colors to build tension and immerse the viewer in this desolate world. The short film’s conventions lean on non-verbal storytelling, atmosphere, and prioritizing visual artistry over narrative depth. Full-Length Film The full-length adaptation of 9 builds on the original’s premise, expanding its world and developing the backstory of the ragdoll characters. It introduces new themes, like humanity’s downfall, sacrifice, and the power of unity. The extended runtime allows for more complex storytelling, more visually appealing a...
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