The Task
Write an abstract which describes your proposed work for Masters. If possible, include a statement
about the context in which you are working or the background to your proposal, key artists/
designers that may influence you and the problem or perspective that you propose to explore within
your own work. You should also explain the methods that you intend to use. The abstract should be
referenced using an appropriate system (e.g. Harvard method or Oxford method). The abstract should be between 450 to 550 words in length.
DJ51019: Research Skills
& Methods
Task 2: Writing an
Abstract. 20 October 2015
Andrea McSwan
Title:
Using photographic dark
room processes to tell a metaphorical story of a 2D protagonists fight to
become 3D.
Set within a 3D computer generated dark room, the narrative, for
my proposed animation for my Masters work, is metaphorically told through the
mechanics of film negative processing. When a woman is taken hostage in the 2D
world of a camera negative, she must overpower her captor and break free into
the 3D world.
Both in terms of visual representation and progression of the
story structure, the
Perspective of this animation will aim to present metaphors found
within dark room photographic processes such as agitation to development; transformation
of negative to positive; darkness and shadows to light and invisibility to
exposure.
The aesthetic style of the film will initially take the form of a
dark limited world of 2D confinement, of hand-drawn flattened characters,
scratched negatives, photographic manipulation and stop frame sequences.
As the emotional tension and drama builds, more metaphorical processes
including magnifying, enlarging, agitating and developing will be incorporated.
Ultimately at the point of the transformative change for the
protagonist, the aesthetics of the film will immediately change from
claustrophobic dark monotone into the hyper real world of three dimensional
realism, incorporating vivid Technicolor and 3D computer generated animation.
To inform the visual metaphors of the film, the methodology within
the
pre-production process will include a framework of practical
research, including film negative development processing; study of the
mechanics of the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh
Creation of the characters, script, animatic and final film will
evolve from a broad range of art and design methods including Concept mapping,
Concept boards, Visualisation, Storyboards, Visual narratives, Sketchbooks/
notebooks, content analysis of documents, films, animations and websites. Further
3D research and study will include motion capture and computer modelling/simulations
through the application and utilisation of software such as Maya and Mudbox.
In addition to the practical and mechanical findings contained within
the methodology, active research methods will be engaged to explore the
emotional issues pertinent to the narrative.
Analysis and observation of documentaries, websites, organisations
that deal with issues such as domestic and emotional violence and The Stockholm
Syndrome, will be analysed to inform and bring depth to the subtleties within
the set, characters and storyline.
Visually influenced by key artists and film makers such as the
painter Edward Hopper for his dramatic and simplistic use of light and Ralph
Steadman for his disturbing erratic line drawings, the character and set design
will be informed by a variety of visual styles and techniques. Taking
inspiration from the animation, Ryan (Landreth 2005), and his characters
which are both partially fragmented and transparent and yet have hyper real
facial features, the designs for the 2D protagonist will present a blend of
stark realism, striking use of light and shadow, plus animated erratic neon
outlines. The disturbing emotional undertone of the animated short, Please Say
Something (O’Reilly 2011) will also inform the set in terms of the
atmospheric isolation found clinical world, in which traumatic and dark events
take place.
And with a desire for justice theme and a dramatic tone, the film
will endeavour to bring hope and encouragement to those who are facing a
dilemma that requires courage to change.
References
O'Reilly, D. (2011) Please Say Something
2011. Available at: URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2YdJy0w66Y&index=2&list=PLR6NkeqscAx1G47ES3keltSaZi4DNOpXk
(Accessed: 27 October 2015)
NFB
(2013) Ryan 2005. Available at: URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbkBjZKBLHQ&list=PLR6NkeqscAx1G47ES3keltSaZi4DNOpXk&index=3
(Accessed: 27 October 2015)
Keywords
Animation. Dark Room.
Film Negatives. 2D. 3D. Hostage.
Photographic process.
Developing Transformation.
