Project 1 - Iterate (3 Atmospheric Clips)

Here are the links to my three iterations:

Circus - Happy Atmosphere
Focus on Dissolves, backed up with rhythm

Circus - Dramatic Atmosphere
Focus on Cross Cuts, backed up with Dissolves

Circus - Scary Atmosphere
Focus on Jump Cuts, backed up by rhythm

Although I say circus, I also imply sideshows, fairs, carnivals and clowns.

Drafting Together Each Iteration

I have amassed what I should hope to be enough footage. Maybe 20 different files, ranging in length from 1 min to just over an hour. As this project is only 1min per iteration, I think I might've gone a bit over board. 

I've started to import my files into premiere and have a bit of a toy around with the editing techniques designated (by myself) to each iteration. 

With the scary clip in particular, I'm trying to decide how many jump cuts becomes overkill. I suppose it's when the effect is lost from overuse. 

And the hardest thing is to make it abstract. I want to make the video logical by default, so I just have to  make sure I don't slip back into telling a story.

Collecting Found Footage and Music

I have been searching Archive.org and Open-video.org and building up my collection of clown material, juggling, circuses, carnivals and fairs. From Jamendo.com I have started collecting music for project 1. I have found a track for the scary video, 2 for the happy clip and I have 7 to choose from for the Sad/Dramatic iteration. I am also building a list of movie sources to help me keep up with which licenses I need to adhere to for my credits.

PROJECT 1 PROPOSAL

At first I wanted to take horror footage and make it humorous; but the idea of making a scary clip from horror footage seemed a bit pointless. After momentarily considering nature as my theme, I settled on the general topic of circuses, carnivals, fairs, sideshows and clowns. The classification of circus surmises these all rather well.

Clowns are typically happy, jolly, funny and friendly; although some people are terrified of them entirely. Circuses ooze suspense and drama, and carnivals are a lot of fun if maybe a little scary. I wanted to create iterations portraying how different individuals feel and relate to clowns, circuses and the like.

SCARY – Using Jump Cuts I will increase the intensity of my found footage. I will add to this, slow motion for creepiness and faster speed for madness.

DRAMATIC– Using Cross Cuts I will cut back and forth between happy people and various forms of entertainment occurring simultaneously. Dissolves will help soften this montage and prevent it seeming manic or crazy.

HAPPY – Focusing on Dissolves I will showcase the fun, excitement and awe anticipated at a circus. I will add to this Slowed Speed which will symbolise the want for fun to last forever.

Editing Techniques