Synopsis: Digital Story telling
Chapter 1: Hollywood Computer-Generated-Effects Movies
VFX impacts the story and narrative of a film in many ways. The use of VFX in recent years and even previously, has been a method of replacing poor narrative with spell binding effects or enhancing a good story. McClean also claims that the last 20 years have been best and the worst times for the Visual Effects artists as they are considered essential for Hollywood block busters but also cited as a means of ruining story telling. Some film theorists regards the use of VFX valid depending on the genre .e.g. Science fiction. This mean the use of VFX in relation to the narrative of a film play a vital role.
Paul Byrne’s review of the film Van Helsing however points out many other aspects that can ruin the narrative of a film i.e. cinematography, poor structure, changes to the plot from its original source and character development. Film theorists suggest that most of the time narrative is sacrificed for the benefits of spectacle when VFX is used. The distinction between Special effects and Visual effects has also been stressed in the first chapter along with the importance of using both techniques together to achieve best results.
Reference:
Mcclean, S. (2007) Digital Storytelling. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA: The MIT Press.
Referencing Exercise done with Katie
As Mcstay (2017) states, with regards to the use of internet for media or social websites like Facebook, there is always an issue raised relating to the date privacy. Not many online users care about the terms and conditions. According to McStay (2017) UK and the European reports of 2013-2015 sheds a light on how people feel about online privacy and surveillance. As found out by advertising agencies, NGOs and academia, many online users are concerned about how their personal information is obtained and handled (McStay,2017).
Refernce:
McStay, A. (2017) Privacy and the Media, LA,SAGE.
A Vanishing Piece of the Pi
The Globalization of Visual Effects Labour
This article talks about the importance of Digital Visual effects to film production. It also sheds light on a very successful film effects firm Rhythm & Hues and their work on the film Life of PI. According to Michael Curtin and John Vanderhoef (2014) VFX compromises of one third of total production spending on a film and has a growing budget in the Television industry as well.
Rhythm and Hues is a private firm founded on 1 November 1987 by John Hughes. The company has provided services to many successful Hollywood films .e.g. the hunger games, the X-Men series, The Lord of the rings series etc. Their master piece Life of PI was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards. The film took home Oscars for best VFX for R&H. Most of the work done on the film was with the aid for Green screen and CGI.
The article also touches upon the growing competition in the VFX industry as the authors Michael Curtin and John Vanderhoef (2014) claim that over 500 firms compete for VFX contracts with Film and Television producers. This can have a toll on the artist as it results in long hours at work, not being paid for over time, no paid holidays and pressure of deadlines. Searching for new contracts artists are willing to relocate to different locations as well.
Reference:
Curtin, M Vanderhoef J. (2014) 'A Vanishing Piece of the Pi', The Globalization of Visual Effects Labor.
Assignment 1 Critical Essay- Bubbl
Assignment 1 Critical Essay-Resources used
Books:
Mcclean, S. (2007) Digital Storytelling. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA: The MIT Press.
North, D. (2008) Performing Illusions. London: Wallflower Press.
Journals:
Curtin, M Vanderhoef J. (2014) 'A Vanishing Piece of the Pi', The Globalization of Visual Effects Labor, Volume: 16 issue: 3, page(s): 219-239.
Videos:
HollywoodEndingMovie (2014) LIFE AFTER PI. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lcB9u-9mVE (Accessed: 22/11/2018).
Nature video(2013) Creating Gollum. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Z7YUyCEGE (Accessed: 22/10/2018).
2001: The Making Of A Myth
(2001). Lucida Productions Available: Atlantic Celtic Films
Internet:
Baker, A. (2017) Available at: https://screenrant.com/power-rangers-goldar-tv-show-movies-trivia-facts/ (Accessed/downloaded: 21/10/2018).
Holmes, A. (2017). Available at: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1674820/why-power-rangers-gave-rita-repulsa-that-backstory (Accessed/downloaded: 21/10/2018).
Patrick, Neil. (2016) . Available at: URL (https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/08/08/in-1895-the-arrival-of-the-train-was-one-of-the-first-films-shown-to-the-public-it-nearly-caused-panic/: 21/10/2018.
Renolds, S. (2017) The original (and best!) Power Rangers cast reunited for the reboot's premiere (well, Red, Blue, Black and Green, anyway).. Available at: http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/feature/a569561/what-happened-to-the-original-power-rangers-cast-how-they-look-now/ (Accessed/downloaded: 21/102018).
Robertson, B. (2013) Available at: http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2013/Volume-36-Issue-2-Jan-Feb-2013-/Of-Gollum-and-Wargs-and-Goblins-Oh-My-.aspx/ (Accessed/downloaded: 22/10/2018).
Veras, Christine. (2017) Figure 1.. Available at: URL (http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2041669517700912: 21/10/2018).
(2018) Photography collection. Available at: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/windows/southeast/eadweard_muybridge.html (Accessed/downloaded: 21/10/2018).
Assignment 2 Self-directed essay
Some of the advantages of using VFX
