Game Design and Film

Summary

For this project we were assigned to create a film of our choice. The film could be made any way we like, but each individual had to focus on a certain element of film. I chose the element of space. Our final product is a short film called What Everyone Needs, and in it is evidence of controlling the cinematic element of space.

Terms and Concepts

Part One: The Primary Subcomponents

1. Deep Space

• The Depth Cues
  • Perspective
    • One-Point Perspective
    • Two-Point Perspective
    • Three-Point Perspective
  • Size Difference
  • Movement
    • Object Movement
    • Camera Movement
  • Textural Diffusion
  • Aerial Diffusion
  • Shape Change
  • Tonal Separation
  • Color Separation
  • Up/ Down Position
  • Overlap
  • Focus
  • 3D Pictures

3. Limited Space

• Limited space is a specific combination of deep and flat space cues.

4. Ambiguous Space

• Lack of movement
• Objects of unknown size or shape
• Tonal and texture patterns (camouflage)
• Mirrors and reflections
• Disorienting camera angles

Comparing the Four Space Types (Examples)

• Deep Space
• Flat Space
• Limited Space
• Ambiguous Space

Part Two: The Frame

1. Aspect Ratio

• The Film Frame Aspect Ratio
• The Digital Frame Aspect Ratio
• The Screen Aspect Ratio

2. Surface Divisions

• Dividing the Frame
  • Halves
  • Thirds
  • Grids
  • Square on a Rectangle
  • The Golden Section
• The Surface Divider
  • The Purpose of Surface Divisions
    1. Emphasize similarities and differences between objects
    2. Help direct the eye
    3. Alter pictures fixed aspect ratio
    4. Can comment on story situation

3. Closed and Open Space

• Closed Space
• Open Space
• Large Screens
• Strong Visual Movement
• Elimination of Stationary Lines

4. Contrast and Affinity

• Remember principle of contrast and affinity can occur from start to finish or from sequence to sequence

Films to Watch

• Klute
• Don’t Look Now
• American Beauty

Controlling Space Production

Video Without Commentary

Video With Commentary

 

What I Learned

For this project I learned all about how to control space cinematically. The main way I altered space for effect was by emphasizing longitudinal planes.