Course Reflection

Before I took this class, I was hoping that it could help me figure what exactly I wanted to do once I graduated. I remember the first day in class I introduced myself and told everyone how I wanted to do any and everything: cinematographer, director, special effects, etc. Before taking this class, I felt like I was all over the place with what exactly I wanted to do once I completed my matriculation at UA. This class helped me finally figure it out.

I enjoy being a director, but I love holding a camera and operating it. Cinematography is my thing. Taking this course helped me realize that there is more to cinematography rather than holding a camera in my hand. “LIGHT!” As the guy in the Cinematographer’s Style movie stated. Lighting is very important, and I did not know anything about it until I took this class.

My greatest challenge and most favorite part about this course was our scene assignment. I loved how I incorporated the red gel effect in my assignment. However, it did not work out exactly the way I wanted it to, but now I know what and what not to do next time I take on a task such as that.

Another thing I learned that is also very, very, important is Pre-Production planning.  I felt somewhat embarrassed because I had know idea as to what I was doing with the storyboard and script. But with reading and asking for some help (because i’m stubborn and prideful and I like to figure things out on my own) I got it figured out. Pre Production makes things go by so smoothly and quick.

Although, I learned many, many things in this class, I am still not quite confident in my work and knowledge. I’m sure with more studying, working on sets, and more, I can gain the confidence I need to become a better cinematographer.

I am so thankful for this class and I feel like it has really prepared me for the future. I’m so sad it’s already ending :(

Fall 2015 Reel

K. Alex Lane Fall 2015 Reel from Kristin Lane on Vimeo.

I found my passion for photography in 2010. It was not until 2012 or 2013 when I decided that I wanted to take on cinematography. I did not think I was going to be as great as I was as a photographer with cinematography. But it was a task I was willing to take on and become the best at. Inspired by artists such as Director X, Va$htie, and Hype Williams, I decided that this was something I wanted to make a career out of. Being inspired by those cinematographers and directors have helped me figure out which direction and what style I wanted to go into. This class helped me me realize that I enjoy interior shots, particularly inside of the production studio. I enjoy messing around with lighting and using curtains as well. I believe that this could influence my work by possibly becoming a cinematographer who enjoys the styles of interpretation, in concert, and impressionist. I hope to develop a style of vision that is somewhat similar to the late 80s and the 90s. I enjoy lighting that requires gels and different colors. I also enjoy effects that are incorporated into videos such as the prism effect or the mirror effect.

Imagery and visuals have always had an amazing creative influence in my life. I hope that one day my work could be considered one of the greatest, alongside those who have influenced and inspired me to pick up a camera in the first.  

Scene Assignment

For Colored Girls from Kristin Lane on Vimeo.

Below are my scene assignment materials

Visual References

Script

Shot list

Storyboard

Floor Plan

Equipment List

Shot by Shot Assignment

The scene I selected is from Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing (1989). In this scene, Pino and Mookie have an argument about race and stereotypes which leads to a heated continuation of racial slurs. This is one of many powerful scenes in this movie. 

This is a MCU, OS of Mookie and Pino. Mookie asks Pino if they can have a conversation and you can see the emotion and expression from Pino’s face that he does not want to discuss anything with Mookie.  

This is a WS of Pino and Mookie beginning their conversation. You can see by the way Pino is standing up on the cigarette machine that he is not interested in what Mookie has to say. Mookie places both of his hands on the machine and leans over and looks directly at Pino because he is about to engage in the conversation and is interested to know what Pino has to say.  

This is a MC of the conversation between Mookie and Pino. In this scene the camera goes back and forth between the characters during their conversation. This was done to acknowledge the reactions and emotions between the two during their conversation. 

In this scene, the Character dolly is thoroughly used. He uses the “in your face” method to communicate with the audience. He makes it seem as if the characters were talking to you personally and you may get offended. 

 

Roz

Roz from Kristin Lane on Vimeo.

10 Things I Enjoy

1) Napoleon Dynamite
Edited by Jeremy Coon, Napoleon Dynamite has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. The awkwardness between shots, as awkward as it sounds, is what really helps me enjoy this movie.

2) Modern Family
Who doesn't love this show? From the writers, directors and editors, everything about this show is amazing. I'm not sure what it's called exactly, but I love the interview aspect throughout the show when each family member has his/her own time in front of the camera. (I hope to find out what this is called exactly as well LOL)

3) Belly
Hype Williams is my favorite director of ALL time, literally. This film is the reasoning behind me wanting to take on cinematography and editing. People look at me like I'm crazy every time I mention it, but the blue hue tint that he uses throughout the film is what amazes me.

 4) Do The Right Thing
Spike Lee and his films are very much inspiring, simply based off of the knowledge and story behind the films. His films always leave you thinking about society and what it is like to be black.

5) Community
I love this show because the writers (and Donald Glover) make it funny. There's a specific type of humor on this show (some would call it white comedy) and that's what I love about it. The story always comes first and the jokes fit inside of it.

6) The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
Another greatness of Hype Williams, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) by Missy Elliott influenced me to take the task of creating music videos. Williams stylized and made the fish eye effect on his videos popular during the 90s and I would like to bring this back.

7) Mo' Money, Mo' Problems
(Yeah, I know you're probably tired of Hype Williams, but I'm not) The use of lighting in this video, particularly on this shot makes me pay attention to the aesthetics in the video.

8) Orphan Black

I'm not a fan of dramas, but this show brings drama, suspense, and sci-fi thrillers all in. The twists and turns in this show is what draws my attention.

9) Dear White People
Directed by Justin Simien, this film is one of the best in 2015. This film brings forth the discussion of race and adds satire to it as well. It's probably one of the most uncomfortable but great films of this era.

10) Friday: The Movie

Last but not least, every one's favorite, Friday. Directed by F. Gary Gray (who is also the director for the newest and greatest release Straight Outta Compton) This film pretty much shows you, a lot can go down between Thursday and Saturday.