Post Proposal Post

I actually found going through the process of writing that proposal to be kind of useful in figuring out what I am trying to research (it's almost like that was the point...).  At the very least I mean it was useful to help me structure my chain of thoughts regarding the issue.

Here is the gist of it from the abstract:

The purpose of this research is to identify the scope of the role visual effects play in the communication of narrative in film, either directly or indirectly.  Visual effects are used readily in many genre of film in the enhancement and creation of environments and characters to the effect of creating realism, fantasy and spectacle.  This research begins by discussing the attraction of this spectacle before moving on to look at how effects are more central to the idea of narrative than might be apparent.

To some, when visual effects are obvious and eye catching, they often run the risk of creating distraction.  When they are subtle, they make for a more perceptually real and believable experience for the viewer - much like good set design, costume or make up.  Certain films lend themselves more to the use of visual effects such as fantasy, science fiction and action films and as a result audience opinion can be divided on the merits of these films from a narrative standpoint.

Looking into concepts like mise-en-scène will benefit this project by serving to put the subject into the context of pre-visualisation and design, which should allow for a greater understanding of how contemporary visual effects are able to serve and enhance the depth and breadth of an overall narrative in ways that may not have been possible in the past.  This research should lead to the development of several media tests utilising effects techniques, which will convey a broader narrative across the whole.

I stated the aim of the project was:

To explore ways of expressing narrative through the use of visual effects and develop a series of images or short video media tests expressing an understanding of the concepts and methods involved.

Objectives:

1. Examine the use of Visual effects in film and determine how they support the narrative.
2. Carry out media tests to determine a framework through which digital visual effects artists may operate within a film production pipeline.
3. Create media tests by altering existing environments to create a cohesive sense of narrative across the whole.

Hopefully that will give me a better idea of the way the project is going.  I need to try and figure out practical tasks that can help explore these things.

First I need to get my concept development submission prepared and arrange a meeting with Lynn to go through what I need to get done before the Christmas break.