Metaphor/Narrative/Video

I realize that you're focussed on creating your web sites right now, but next Wednesday, we're going to begin focussing on creating linear, time-based, animated, audio-embellished videos. So you'll need to split your attention. When you watch tv or films, begin paying attention to the way scenes are placed/spliced/cut together. What kind of scenes are shown? How are two separate scenes melded together? How many seconds are scenes given? What is the purpose/meaning of each scene?

In the next project, with Adobe Premiere, we're focussing on narrative. You'll write a narrative, possibly one that is personal, and find images, video and music to communicate your message. These may be static images, or moving images, it may include recorded word and/or music. But what I'm seeking is that you'll work with metaphors.

For example, let's look at the opening credits to "Six Feet Under." Probably many of you haven't seen the show. Nevertheless, I hope you can interpret the metaphors used. Take a look at this video:



There are moments of time; gestures; moving images and static images. The connection between scenes is accomplished by fade ins/fade outs or abrupt changes of imagery. There is a common colour theme established between most scenes. And of course, there is the "crow," which we've discussed in our collage - the crow suggests death.

And there is the magic of music...amazingly, once you've created your imagery, and put music to it, the music adds meaning, depth and symmetry. So sometimes all you need to do is edit your imagery, add great music, and it all comes together.

Here is a tribute to the ending of "Six Feet Under." It is made up of still images from the show, and a song by another artist is added to it. Click on the link below to view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM0V6IiHZ6E

Remember our "feelings" class? This is where it could become even more important. If you identify a strong "feeling/emotional" experience, attempt to put it into words and images and music, you could end up creating a powerful video. If you were to put your life into images and music and words, like the link above, and decide upon what to communicate, what is important, what you've learned or not learned...what would you focus on? Then how could you take your experience, and put it into metaphors, images and sound? Imagine that you're on your death bed, reviewing your life. What moments are powerful?

We'll talk more about creating narratives and some of the techniques involved. Unfortunately, to make a powerful statement, you often have to distance yourself from it. Make it void of obvious emotion. Become coldly unemotional as you describe the powerful moment, with details and metaphors.

At this point, consider what you might want, or not want to, direct your attention upon...those life-changing moments that have made you who are at present. Those moments upon your death-bed life review, that you'll remember.