Project 2 :: manifesto/motif
1 written list of 5-10 filming “manifesto” concepts
1 video piece of 1 minute
manifesto: 1. a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, organization, or individual.
motif: 1. a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition. 2. an important and sometimes recurring theme or idea in a work of literature. Also called motive 3. a short prominent sequence of notes forming the basis for development in a piece of music. Also called motto.
process
The motif/manifesto project is a two part project with a writing and video component.
writing :: the manifesto
Create 5-10 parameters based on your reflections of what you like and don’t like in film, or in general that will be the rules you follow for your film.
As a starting off point, you might want to review your raw clips and finished pieces from Project 1. Look for any hints of recurring interests or aesthetic habits. Look for patterns in the way you see, pay attention, and collect. These could range from the transitions you use, to the sound score, to the types of shots you decide to use, or the content of the film. Then, think about the media you prefer to watch (or avoid watching), and what elements you particularly appreciate (or dislike) about these. Draw on these—and think outside of them—to develop your parameters.
An example from Bill Cramblit last semester:
1. Use sound to build an effect out of the mundane
2. Manipulate pre-existing dialogue and tracks to create ideas that transcend the footage shown
3. Use close ups to create point of view
4. Explore dialogue without any true dialogue
5. Support #4 with plot-building symbols
6. Assign meaning to the meaningless with sound.
video :: the motif = 1 minute or less
With this text in hand, you will then engage in a process of attempting to use this written text to guide your development of a video (media) text.
Like Vertov, create a video that explores an everyday ritual or particular idea—a motif—through the use of the temporal visual language of film. The video does not have to convey a literal narrative, instead think about how the camera can be used to enliven the senses and give us an experiential account of your motif, and how the repetition and ordering of images might be suggestive.
*important :: You may not add a single soundtrack over the motif video. Diegetic sound (actual sound created while filming) is an important element is video and should be considered as part of the motif. You may add segments of non-diegetic sound, like music or sound effects for brief segments, but this should not be a “music video.”
NOTE :: Think about your motif and manifesto in a constant flow pattern. See how your parameters effect what and how you film, and then revise your parameters if you see something important that surfaces in the filming. Film is an art form, so it is the artist that creates the rules. Rules help the artist focus, but if they are too limiting they can stifle. Suggestion: MAKE THOUGHTFUL RULES, but don’t be afraid to BREAK THEM when necessary.
purpose
Project 2 gives you an opportunity to extend what you learned in Project 1, to be more intentional about what you want to communicate, and to try creating a narrative that is longer and a bit more sophisticated. Think intentionally about how you experience the world and how you communicate that experience to an audience; get even more comfortable with equipment and software.
assessment
This video project will be graded in conjunction with project 1. The grading rubric for this module is here.
