Ryan (2008)

Visually stunning.  The cinematography is what made the film for me.  The constant pull of focus between background and foreground complimented the emotions of the character along with the improvised dialogue which gave the film a sense of realism, and the use of no dialogue which portrayed tension.  The film has a real British cinema feel about it, a simple narrative portrayed sublimely by a well developed character who makes the transition from adolescent to anti-social.  Very reminiscent of French and British New Wave cinema.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Unfortunately I was unable to attend an open day this year, but I did attend an open day last year.  I received a prospectus and after researching the BA (Hons) Filmmaking course at Manchester Metropolitan University I became aware of the excellent facilities available and the high success rate.  I was introduced to the Online Cinema where I watched several of the award winning films, and it is clear to see that the quality of films being produced is of a very high standard.  The opportunities available to experience a wide range of filmmaking excites me, and the fact that all members of staff are practising filmmakers means that professional standard support can enhance my studies both theoretically and practically.  The course also offers me to work collaboratively with other students, and indipendantly which allows a wider range of possiblities to work around.  I studied BTEC media at college, which introduced my to television theory and working with in a three camera television stuido, before moving on to study foundation media where I developed my creative skills, camera work, working within a production crew and also broadened my knowledge of film, by exploring different styles which I have been unfamiliar with, such as; experimental film, where I came across film makers that I took an interest to, for example; Maya Deren and Len Lye.  The next step for me is to carry on my studies at University where I can concentrate even more on filmmaking, which is why I was drawn in by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The Key of Yellow (Extract)

In this documentary, which is being shown at the Glasgow Film Festival, my role was camera operator, for both the studio performance and in the interview.  This allowed me to develop my skills whilst being directed.  The documentary focuses Simeon who talks about the history of Silver Apples, and how they pioneered electronic music, as well as his artwork.

Accrington Pals

Accrington Pals is a short factual based film that I worked on whilst at college.  My role in the production was camera operator and editor.  The process relied on a lot of research so that the information in the film was correct.  The editing process really helped develop my skills as we used large quantities of archive footage to portray the story of the documentary.

Meditation on Violence Homage

Prior to creating this film I had been introduced to Maya Deren’s ‘Meditation on Violence’ and I aimed to produce a piece of work paying homage to her film.  My role in the production was camera operator, which is my main interest when part of a production crew.  I also edited the piece and decided to make the footage black and white to represent the technology used in 1948, when Maya Deren created her film.

Closure

Closure focuses on the narrative of a teenager’s emotional breakdown after the death of his best friend.  During this mental and physical breakdown he is emotionally triggered to gain closure that he had been dismissing for so long.  My role in the single-camera production was camera, but I also contributed creative input towards editing and sound design.  In this production I aimed to achieve a successful short drama with a variety of shots and techniques.

Colour Blind

  

After looking at various different directors and artists, such as; Len Lye, Jackson Pollock and Brion Gysin I created a piece of experimental video exploring organic, abstract colours and mark making using non-digital strategies.  In order to achieve this I returned to starting points that were perhaps similar to Len Lye, for example; inks, water, dyes, light and camera.