COP3 Practical - Flat Persp Thumbnails

From the main key points in the post it note visual studies, I began to map out the flat perspective thumbnails. This process was quite difficult as I had to keep to a camera that could not only move in certain angles, the use of power angles or even shots that hold a great sense of depth could not be used in these frames. I struggled drawing the frames at first, it was difficult to visualise the scene with such a lack in camera movement, however after drawing the first board the challenge became fun and I enjoyed drawing these panels.

Notes:

+ In the first board the main method that was taken from my analysis and research is narrative retardation and use of space. Narrative retardation was valuable in this board as it aided setting the scene, creating this mysterious and eerie environment for the viewer. This can be seen through how each shot with the characters was never close enough for the spectator to perceive, until near the end of the board where the characters are shown in silhouette. Not only does the audience not see the environment, they are not allowed to see the characters either, enhancing the atmosphere. 

As the characters are in silhouette I used a medium canted shot to make the audience forebode about an upcoming action. Normally tilted/canted angles are used within action scenes just before and during action scenes, the purpose to disorient the viewer as the action takes place. Matched with the rectangular framing that adds a dramatic approach to the lighting, the camera zooms out to reveal more information on the environment. This becomes slightly strange for the viewer from the transition of shallow space that was used in the previous four frames, to deep space/deep focus that deters from the main focus of the frame, the characters, to reveal the environment.

Additionally I was inspired through John Martins work with his use of arcs that framed the witch that can be seen in his piece, Manfred and the Alpine Witch. I used this method at the beginning of the sequence that portrayed the tower building surrounded by trees. I wanted the trees to purposely frame and arc towards the Tower to bring full attention to the building; visually pointing out the main premise for the plot.

+ I was inspired by Disney’s storyboards and methods for the portraying dialogue which can be seen in the third and fourth board. The main inspiration from Disney’s storyboards were from Alice in Wonderland. The style of the movement and the interactions of the characters in these boards were shown with full close up and medium shots, which is what I absorbed into my work with this sequence.  As the dialogue in my boards is non-existent, I used inspiration from the shots used in the Alice in Wonderland boards as well, they kept to medium shots however I changed this slightly with extreme close up shots to aid the visual narrative.  

Board 1

Board 2

Board 3

Board 4