For my graduate project, I will be making a video installation that will include three short experimental films. These films will be my response to the following photographers: Lucyna Koledo, Abelardo Ojeda, Bill Armstrong and Brice Bischoff, each photographer specialise in a different genre of photography. As my main focus for this project is to explore new cinematography skills and to further my knowledge and experiment more into the experimental genre of filmmaking.

I chose to merge two of my favourite media formats together which is to add movement in response to the still work of my chosen photographers; this is to show my personal take on the term ‘experimental’. The installation it self, isn’t just a showcase of my progress and what I have learnt to enjoy making during my time at university but also to visually educate others that film isn’t always followed by a narrative but can also be seen as art pieces.

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Video #1 will be a short film that follows the photography genre rules of Human Figure, the main reference for this shoot is the work by Lucyna Kolendo. Her work consists of techniques such as high contrast, key lighting, close ups and black and white that brings focus on the lines the body forms as well as using shadows to give illusions. Aside from Kolendo’s techniques, I will be using camera movements to bring the techniques into moving image as well as adding distortion to the shots by using a prism close to the lens to create reflections and a clear crinkled cellophane sheet in front of the lens to give a dreamy effect. Incorporating Brice Bischoff’s colour technique, I will use coloured cellophane sheets on the small light (Neewer CN-126) to add some colour to the short.

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Video #2 will be a short film that follows the photographic genre rules of Social Documentary, the main reference for this shoot is the work by Abelardo Ojeda. His work is very towards the film noir style as it consists of techniques such as high contrasted images, black and white, key lighting and slow shutter speed to show movement of the people and the environment around. Aside from Ojeda’s techniques, I will be using camera movements to bring the techniques into moving image as well as adding distortion to the shots by using a prism close to the lens to create reflections and some small double exposure during editing if needed.

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Video #3 will be a short film that follows the photographic genre rules of Abstract, the main reference for this shoot is the work by Bill Armstrong. His work consists of a lot of colour which gives life to his images and blur which creates distortion and leaves it for the audience imagination to figure out what the main subject is. Aside from Armstrong’s techniques, I will be using camera movements to bring the techniques into moving image as well as adding distortion to the shots by using a prism close to the lens to create reflections.

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In terms of the installation it self, the layout will require a large open room with space for three portable projectors and projector screens, where they will be lined up one next to the other as they are projected. The films will be edited to the same music so the sound creates an atmosphere that the films will simply enhance. The aim of the installation is to create an environment where people can get the most out of the films and be in a place that makes them feel like they are part of the films by how it will be set up. I will have flyers with information available with QR codes leading to the website for extra information about the photographers and the purpose of the installation.