Writing an Abstract

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; basic research into Ultraviolet/Infrared light and heat imaging and further study and experimentation into 3D computer simulation and modelling.

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.