Pre-Production: Aspiring to Inspire

I haven't had the opportunity to discuss the origins from which the idea for the video narrative spawned from, in much detail, and why it was important to go ahead with such a contentious subject matter.

There is little to deny that as humanity continues it will continue changing and adapting to newer implementations of infrastructure, which is the result of the biological and technological advances we make in the name of evolution. 

Yet what remains clear from all the innovations which are made to the benefit of all, is arguably to the greatest detriment of everyone. These innovations - through a variety of  technical or public sectors - lead to the divide that perpetuates the isolation of modern day mankind, altering our perceptions of a reality no one really wants to take notice of no more.

This is down to the carrot that capitalism dangles in the face of the corporations who perpetuate consumerism by accentuating the wonders of materialism to a populace under the spell of advertisers who instill and sell an image of a haven of unrealistic idealism for a slice of the profits, which is then bought by those who would happily invest towards an unattainable reality which far removes them from their own.

This is a major problem in society today. This leads to inequality. This leads to a disconnect among civilisation, although civilisation will always be connected by the mere fact that everyone is of the same species. No one is above another person. We are all on the same level; trying to navigate the perils and pitfalls that life throws our way, with the hope we can all one day fulfill true happiness and purpose.

"What is my purpose, and what is the purpose of life?" We all want to find it; we all want to fulfill our potential as human beings, to have a goal that drives us to the very end in the search of that meaning. That what's keeps us going, despite the roadblocks which may disorientate the idea on the way.

We are all connected in that regard. We all have dreams, aspirations, goals, that make us human beings; we are all intimately connected to one another. And yet, with these innovations that have bettered our lives for the better, the greatest travesty is that we have lost sense of what we really are, and what we are trying to do in life.

It has to be seen as one of the greatest social injustices in our time, that we - through action, or inaction - have contributed to this period we find ourselves in, where we are blinded to the reality of the powers that puppeteer our existence. 

We are told that by acquiring this, it will lead to this. And by associating yourself with that, it will change this. That couldn't be more false if we tried to believe it. Society is dominated by validation, and by singing the praises of a common idea or belief in unison for example, it enables people by that common association to be validated and feel like they mean something; to be important.

The individual who does not fall into this category, is by far more influential than those who join a group for the sake of it. They do not exist because they do not feel it is important to exist by mere validation - yet they exist; hiding in plain sight, if you like. They are the ones who really have the power to make a beneficial impact to a current society in need of it - if only others saw and heard them.

But they are out there.

That is where the inspiration for this video project spawned from. The narrative is about a man who is blinded to his reality by the wonders of a technological device, which alters his perception of who he really is, and what is really important in life. Once the spell is broken, he makes a surprising discovery. 

It is up to debate on what is really important in life. Is it to find a well-paid job? Is it to get married? Is it to be happy? 

You will only know once you start thinking for yourself, as an individual. By thinking about what you really want, and not what others tell you to want, then can you start to find the answers that will put purpose and meaning to this confusing thing called "life".

So, what is it you really want?

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: The Vision of a Tomorrow that Yesterday Forgot

Admittedly at the time of this post, the project is in a place it shouldn't be. We are behind where our group of talented individuals suggests we ought to have been by now. We should have agreed in principle what we going to film, where it is going to be filmed and how we are going to film it. However, none of those issues have been resolved and it looks likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future.

And I hold myself responsible for project's failings thus far. I have remained apathetic about how this project should be progressing, and have been less concerned about remedying the problem with urgency - and that is undeniably the biggest complication which inhibits our progression.

By now, I had envisioned we would have wrapped up principal photography; having shot all the material laid out in a script, or in the step outline. Yet, the travesty which plagues dreams is the actuality of reality. And that nothing is the same as was thought in the confines in the safety of dreams. Factors that would usually work against those naive figments of the imagination, are to be realised and prevented.  And even when those inevitable palisades are recognised, it is up to only one individual to persist in providing constant resistance to the factors which are to ultimately lead to fork in the road, which we currently find the project at the time of writing. I hold my hands up and issue no ambiguity when I say: "This is my fault."

I may have placed too much pressure on the progress of this project, or perhaps the individuals I depend on for a resolution; perhaps they have had trouble rising to the occasion. But make no qualms about it, it is me, that we find ourselves here, yet again.

Now I understand what needs to be done. I understand what needs to come in order for the ship to set sail towards the vitality that would make my collaborators sit up once and for all, and share the feeling that I have held for a while now.

We have had trouble meeting up in person to discuss what inhibits everything, as mentioned in the opening paragraph of this post. I have made no conscious effort to enact what I know needs to be done, and that is sadly what prevents the progression of a finality, when there is no greater facilitator among us than a facilitator who remains consciously aware, yet consciously apathetic.

That is the beauty in the obscure.

Once awoken from his slumber, there would be nothing stopping a sleeping giant hellbent on exacting retribution for the short comings of a vengeance long overdue.

Slowly, he awakes...


Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: Cinematography

Although most of my time during principal photography will be spent in front of the camera, that doesn't mean that I won't spend any time behind it. It is yet to be decided who is to take the reigns of the camera, but it is a certainty all group members will all have the opportunity to put forth their own unique avant garde method of individuality to filming and have a go - myself included.

With Pre-Production soon to be replaced with Production (I hope), I took time out from life to watch a few artefacts of cinema, to dissect the components of what makes a film a film with the hope inspiration and confidence would be instilled into my psyche from my voyeuristic tendencies, which would make approaching cinematography in our video all the more easier.

Before allowing cinema to dominate my evening, I took the time to look through select videos on YouTube explaining the nuances of how a film is presented on screen, and the techniques used to present a film to reflect the narrative's one and only goal, and that is to tell a story.

One video which I came across, titled: "A guide to basic cinematography" essentially outlined some of the functions that correct positioning with the camera could provide visually. An extreme close up, which focuses typically on the subject's eyes, provides subtle information or even clues to the audience. A wide shot, centres the subject within the screen among a dense landscape, to purport a general idea of where that subject is, and to potentially suggest the subject's isolation among its surroundings.

A guide to basic cinematography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQnKGXHbgMA

While the video provided interesting stimulus in regards to shooting techniques, the main point of calling that the evening was to offer, was cinema. And she provided alright. From American Psycho (2000) to Chopper (2000), I sat unbounded from anything else and analysed the particular components used to accentuate the visuals of both films. While both films for the most part, narrowed their lens to focus on the primary character, I noticed both films used a wide shot invariably. This may have been used, from what I could see, to pinpoint the character within the world to detail the distinctiveness of both controversial characters.

Which would be an ideal archetypal standard to follow for our own video.

Follow we will...

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: Will it be "Smart", or just "Smart Casual?"

It appears the project is on the precipice of the beginning, with the beginning of the end now in sight for all the faffing around the project has sustained due to the culpability of all group members.

As we move incredibly closer to commencing the project, I thought there could not be an apt opportunity to put together the outfit the main character - who is to be played by me - wears.

Initially, discussions were abound with who the character is, as we tried to make creative decisions work within the context of the narrative that the video would need in order to work, with the character. Considering my youthful appearance, where I could pass off as someone at least 5 years my junior and frankly, 10 years my senior, we decided that my character would fit somewhere in the middle of the aforementioned.

We settled that the character would be in his early 20's, possibly a recent graduate of university and at the stage in his personal development where he would have some room for improvement with his maturity in regards to understanding where his priorities should lie in his life - not to mention, that he would be a working professional in London.

With this in mind, I explored my inner fashionista by combing through my wardrobe in the search of an outfit that would match our character's description. The dilemma with the question of whether I would conclude with either "smart" or "smart casual", was a fairly difficult creative decision to come to terms with.

On the one hand, the problem which lies in electing "smart" to the fore, is that it could make our character appear too bureaucratic; too formal for a person whose years in age suggest he would want anything but to be involved in diplomacy. And on the other, selecting a more toned down appearance with the powers of "smart causal" is that there is potential for a feeling of hesitancy from an audience to believe the working status of the character, if he were to be presented with a lack integrity with his clothing choice.

As this could be a onerous problem to get right, I went to great lengths to ensure that the possibilities of clothing I had picked out, could at least have some credibility with either pursuit.

With the options elected, it must be put to the group to come to a decision of what will be worn by me, and more importantly, by the main character in the video.

Below are the selection of the clothing comprising "smart" and "smart casual" that will be put forth for consideration among the group for the main character:

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: Communication?

Although the communication between the group lacks merit and warrants serious contention, the primary method we as a group have been communicating, is through the messenger service Whatsapp.

This platform allows the group to suggest ideas, address filming issues and put forth reasons as to why an individual were (and are) unable to partake in group work and offer condolences for their  imprudence, all in one easily accessible and manageable virtual chat room.

I have to point out, early on, during the month of November when the group was a two instead of the three it finds itself to be today, the conduct of communication and mentality was appalling and shameful. I had found that relationship at the time, had become irreparable - and I refused to survive in a group that served no joy or happiness for myself, instead opting to prosper either in one by myself or in another group where we could work together, as opposed to working against one another as was the consensus at the time.

However, somehow, and I still find myself questioning how it came to be, we stuck as a group; but this time drafting in another person to make the group more dynamic and possibly, even habitable: we became a three and in a moment of cathartic honesty, I can say it has made habitation for myself possible, when as a leader, I typically do what is necessary for the interests of the individuals and if it needs be, dissolving the relationship for the mutual benefit of all.

Now since the merger of another group member, I find myself communicating more; although we as a group have not proceeded into the status of "Production" just yet, we are getting there (I hope) and this will lead to that stage (I hope).

Primarily, the discussions that have taken place within the confides of the Whatsapp chat room have concerned issues ranging from "so what's the plan for filming guys?" to "when are going to plan filming?" with no answers suggested to put an end to speculation over these questions. As soon as we come to a mutual conclusion over how these questions should be answered, we will be able to proceed with the project and get everything done before a period of congestion arrives to seriously jeopardise everything and halt proceedings indefinitely.

That period is just around the corner I know, and honestly, I must to do something to provoke this project before it finds itself lost amongst the madness.

And I will - mark these words...

A few examples of the group communication thus far:

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: Screen testing

 One of the ideas that we have thrown about to make the narrative within the video all the more compelling, is to initialise a POV (Point of View) method of shooting. The camera that was borrowed from the Loans Room was mutually deemed incapable of providing the ability of doing such a thing due to the camera's bulkiness and size; the plan was to mount the camera to the actor's head and record the POV scenes in such a manner. However due to the awkwardness of the camera , it would have been impossible to append the camera and guarantee not only the safety of it, but the safety of the actor as well.

Problems such as this were always expected and so, we were always going to be prepared for any hiccups that arose out of the unexpected. After having discussed the technicalities of the editing software that is to be used once we warp up principal photography and whether it could support an iPhone 5's file format - having received that resounding "yes, it will" from Gendrick - I set off to my local park to test whether or not it all the hypothesising between us over a head-mounted iPhone to shoot our video, could actually work.

It must be said that in order for the iPhone to be stuck to a person's head - as I found out testing - the most appropriate technique despite the primitiveness that proceeds this sentence, is to tape the phone to the head with adhesive. Yes as simple and ridiculous as this may sound, it works.  

Also, the taped phone must be able to withstand a large amount of force and motion resulting from unexpected head pivots if we are able to proceed with this alternative. While taped, I tested this theory out - finding that in fact it is technically possible with a few alterations, namely more tape in the right places to balance out the phone on the face.

There will be a lot of walking involved for the character within the video, and the phone must be able to withstand the constant change in motion, minimising any blurring. Again, testing this out I found out the phone would have no problem providing the capacity to do this. I walked slowly, quickened my pace and slowed it down again, and having reviewed the footage, I was pleased to find out nothing detrimental had resulted in the footage that would suggest another alternative would be needed,  and also another problem would not need to be solved again.  

Below is the test footage, which reveals the findings: 

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

Pre-Production: An Open Letter...

I have not directly discussed the project for a while now. I touched on it briefly in a previous post and for the sake of harmony, veiled my thoughts on the progress of the project.

However, it has to be said, the progress that was envisioned for the project by the time of this post has not been met, nor has it been worked to: and that is sadly disappointing.

The group has been resting idly in apathy, when the group is more than capable of setting logistical precedence with the talent emanating from within. 

It is arguable if being a 3 is of benefit, or a disadvantageous. Certainly, on the inspection of thinking, the more the better, is the maxim of group work.

But is it?

The plan was to shoot during the festive period where we are unbound from the obligation of academia, and not indebted to it. To do this, a constituent had to lead the group into the dogma of reality; and while he had, his followers must have been ready to be loyal to the cause. The difficulties which lie in doctrines, is that they must be preached emphatically with the end means of attaining a following and a hopeful victory for the common good.

Now to be clear about this. No one stepped up to the plate to lead, including myself. No one persuaded - or even was, for that matter - to get the project going, and painfully it remains waiting for us. The problem which lies with group work, is that it is pluralism at its worst, waiting for action to get it to its best. Only the group has been inactive; and I would typically use the term "sleeping giants" here to gloss this over, but now the time has come to refrain from speaking in equivocal terms and openly state we are in need of working as a team for the benefit of the individual.

We all have stakes in the successful resolution of the project, but that would require the individual to work unselfishly for the benefit of the group, in order for the success of the individual. What good would it be to the group if I set out to do "group work" on my own and film all the scenes with the help of a friend to reach the end-stage of resolution? It would be selfish not to myself, but to the group. We must all set about to work on the project and get it to where it needs to get to; we must all gain the practical experience of working on a film: finding locations, filming and then editing. We must all be unselfish, while having the mindset that suggests selfishness in order for us to be successful not only as individuals, but as a group of individuals.

The potential for a successful resolution of this project is there in part to talent we have at our disposal. However there is one problem I see which may make getting to our goal more of an impressive feat than it would suggest. 

Communication and action are traits we lack as a group, yet outside of this group project we can't get enough of communicating and engaging with action that is irrelevant when compared to the completion of this video which would then allow us to proceed to the next stage in our academic careers. 

Are we not at university to succeed? What the hell are we here for if we're not working towards completing assignments and gaining the experience and knowledge that would accentuate us over our fellow graduates in an exceedingly clustered graduate marketplace? 

Fellow collaborators, I urge the time is now to put things into perspective and up the base. 

Now is the time to be selfish for the benefit of you, the individual. 

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851           

    

Pre-Production: Inside the Actor's Studio

The acting capabilities that I possess, are rather limited it must be said. In fact, I would question if they warrant any distinction at all. Simply put, I am not a thespian - nor have I ever aspired to be one.

However, like all, I conceal an ego. I know I am the greatest actor that never was. My performances imitating memorable scenes from movies - Tony Montana taking on an army of Colombians while "high on his own supply" and The Joker espousing the Binary Opposition Theory to Batman while interrogated by The Dark Knight himself, to name a few, in front of the mirror while I brush my teeth - are worthy of recognition with a honorable Academy Award. 

But acting in the safety of a locked bathroom and acting in front of the camera are two different things entirely. 

I must break free and come to reality. 

If the artistic direction of the video is to be complimented, I must give a performance worthy of merit; a "not Razzie-worthy" performance my critics could only hope for. These "critics" to expose them, are my fellow group collaborators who have entrusted me to be the main character. I intend to humble them - and expect the applause that my acting commands, to be a worthy apology. 

To research "how to act better", I perused the many videos available on video sharing website YouTube to get my acting at the expected level that my critics demand it to be. I watched a plethora of content, some useful, some definitely not. 

One such video I enjoyed, uploaded by user hayhayhay32884, was the ideal acting tutorial I could have found and actually enjoyed at the same time. Our video will be in the vein of a silent movie, and thus, facial and body expressions will be very important to make up for the lack of vocalisation and sound. This video, to describe it aptly, was an acting video for dummies, focusing primarily on facial and body expressions. 

"Acting Facial Expression": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUfS256-jdk

Having seen a range of acting tutorials for a few hours, I thought it might be useful to hear from the actors themselves; to hear how they prepare for a role, and to acquire any tips directly from the horse's mouth on how to get in the right frame to convey emotion that a particular scene calls for. 

*Inside the Actor's Studio, a talk show between host James Lipton and a notable actor, was of great benefit. The actor being interviewed in the episode I watched was the late James Gandolfini, known for his role in The Soprano's. He discussed at great length his acting career, and his perceived public image as a tough-guy largely accredited to his selection of acting roles, which was fascinating to behold as Gandolfini comes across as nothing but a pacifist at heart. He also held a Q&A at the end of the interview and took questions from acting students, with the questions - thankfully - relevant to the art of acting. Gandolfini espoused to great lengths of how he selects his roles and how he prepares for them: a credit to his character and being; a true thespian in all regards. 

To end on an honest note, my so-called acting abilities will not elevate to a level such as Gandolfini's by taking a theoretical, lazy route. It will never get to such a standing as Gandolfini's. But it will get to a level worthy enough for the video, only if I put into practice what I learn in the virtual classroom, in the reality of a closed bathroom - or any space, for that matter.

But it is my intention to humble my esteemed "critics". 

I put in that work.

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

   

References:

* Inside the Actor's Studio (2004) 11, 2, Bravo, recorded off air on 17 October [Recorded programme]