CODES & CONVENTIONS
Architecture:
One great way to build my sci fi looking world will be to look for building and structures that look futuristic or simply out of the ordinary. This will hopefully help lend my film a slightly uncanny feel; familiar yet different.
I will revisit architecture in my pre production when I go to do Location scouting. Having said that, I have already thought about this a fair bit, and I have a few locations already in mind. |
Just a few real sci fi looking structures
|
Out of This World Architecture: 16 Real Buildings Inspired by Science Fiction
SA Rogers. (N/A). Out of This World Architecture: 16 Real Buildings Inspired by Science Fiction. Available: https://weburbanist.com/2017/07/19/out-of-this-world-architecture-16-real-buildings-inspired-by-science-fiction/. Last accessed 10th Feb 2022.
SA Rogers. (N/A). Out of This World Architecture: 16 Real Buildings Inspired by Science Fiction. Available: https://weburbanist.com/2017/07/19/out-of-this-world-architecture-16-real-buildings-inspired-by-science-fiction/. Last accessed 10th Feb 2022.
Below are some examples of the sort of thing I aim to do in my film to create a futuristic (maybe?) cityscape. These are very easy to do simply, and with the help of a few atmospheric effects and moving parts combined with some foreground structures to add depth, this can look really quite good. As long as I find real world buildings that can fit in well with the sci fi city backdrops I should be good. Luckily I have already begun identifying building and areas, mainly in and around Reading, that I can use to create my film's setting.
Both of these example use the Thames Tower, a large building directly outside Reading Station. The Station too makes up the bottom half of the image on the left.
Both of these example use the Thames Tower, a large building directly outside Reading Station. The Station too makes up the bottom half of the image on the left.
|
|
I made this short clip out of a these few elements that were free online. I simply layered the imaged, made minor adjustments and then moved them all in a smooth way. It was easy to do and I am really pleased with the outcome.
|
|
This shot was a simple one in comparison with what I am going to probably need to do, so I thought it would be wise for me to try a more ambitious shot. Once again using moving still images to create a stylised looking spectacle, I took this wonderful artwork and chopped it up into it's component parts so I could move each bit separately.
|
|
Keeping in mind that I may still choose to make my film black and white, in classic noir fashion, I thought I would put these effects tests into black and whit also. This gives me a better judge of how the two will look, and also the potential benefits of either route, from a technical standpoint.
Props:
The key with props will be to once again have a retro, but also futuristic vibe. This blend is key to creating the aesthetic I want. So what I'll do is use old fashioned locations and costumes for some places and characters, and then the opposite for others. I think the majority of the more sci-fi themed props will be light sources. They will have a dual purpose: Looking cool and futuristic, setting the scene, and then also simply providing a light source for the scene so that things are visible.
|
|
Costume:
The Costume design will be one the trickiest parts to nail down. Ideally a strange fusion of 50's and punk. So basically a lot of trench coats, hats and then an assortment of strange punky stuff (mainly for random civilian extras). The key is to make it all look like it fits in with the world and surrounding, along with of course not all looking too jarring when in the same scene. |
|
Additional:
I think a commonality between both dystopian science fiction and noir films are their use of smoke. In sci-fi this is probably of a more industrial nature, whilst in the noir it might be more a more natural fog or mist, and then of course the iconic look of cigarette smoke.
|
|
As I mentioned in my Target Audience research, I have capitulated somewhat in regards to the balance of my film's tone. Now it shall lean more into the science fiction, granted only a bit futuristic, not too much. The Noir elements will not dictate costume or plot as much as tone, themes and the overall style.
The overlap of these (some might say contrasting) aesthetics is something that is evolving as I work through this Unit. Depending on difficulties or artistic decisions that may come up and be made, the amount of overlap, and also its placement may shift to a large extent. Having them be this malleable makes my work a lot easier, as I can change as I go, fitting the look and tone to what best suits my story, target audience and personal preference
The overlap of these (some might say contrasting) aesthetics is something that is evolving as I work through this Unit. Depending on difficulties or artistic decisions that may come up and be made, the amount of overlap, and also its placement may shift to a large extent. Having them be this malleable makes my work a lot easier, as I can change as I go, fitting the look and tone to what best suits my story, target audience and personal preference
5 Ways to Nail the Sci-Fi Look
NOAM KROLL. (2015). 5 Ways to Nail the Sci-Fi Look. Available: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/5-ways-to-nail-the-sci-fi-look/. Last accessed 10th Feb 2022.
NOAM KROLL. (2015). 5 Ways to Nail the Sci-Fi Look. Available: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/5-ways-to-nail-the-sci-fi-look/. Last accessed 10th Feb 2022.
This was actually a super helpful article, listing 5 ways to better achieve my futuristic look:
1. Art Direction Is Everything
This simply instructed one to ensure that the art direction was either professionally done, or made to suit budget restrictions, should they apply. For me this means writing a script with locations that I know I can get, that will still look potentially futuristic.
2. Utilize Simple VFX
This one really is key to my success. As shown further up this page, I have dipped my toe into the VFX waters, and I'm fairly confident that I can do some nice fusions of simple VFX work with my footage. I think in order to really create a sci fi-ish world, it'll mean adding lots of subtle effects. as well as maybe some bigger ones.
3. Crank Up The Shutter Speed
I'm not sure that cranking up the shutter speed will totally vibe with my chill, noir aesthetic, so perhaps this pointer would be more applicable for an action film.
4. Favo(u)r Cool Colo(u)r Tones
I think this one is going to be a great way to help with the sci fi look. I always knew that if I were to not do Black and White, then the colour grade would be extremely important. Using these cooler tones will give a starker, more crisp feel. I may end up using a more green and grimy look, but I think the coolness thing still applies.
5. Avoid Film Emulation
Shouldn't be an issue...
1. Art Direction Is Everything
This simply instructed one to ensure that the art direction was either professionally done, or made to suit budget restrictions, should they apply. For me this means writing a script with locations that I know I can get, that will still look potentially futuristic.
2. Utilize Simple VFX
This one really is key to my success. As shown further up this page, I have dipped my toe into the VFX waters, and I'm fairly confident that I can do some nice fusions of simple VFX work with my footage. I think in order to really create a sci fi-ish world, it'll mean adding lots of subtle effects. as well as maybe some bigger ones.
3. Crank Up The Shutter Speed
I'm not sure that cranking up the shutter speed will totally vibe with my chill, noir aesthetic, so perhaps this pointer would be more applicable for an action film.
4. Favo(u)r Cool Colo(u)r Tones
I think this one is going to be a great way to help with the sci fi look. I always knew that if I were to not do Black and White, then the colour grade would be extremely important. Using these cooler tones will give a starker, more crisp feel. I may end up using a more green and grimy look, but I think the coolness thing still applies.
5. Avoid Film Emulation
Shouldn't be an issue...
Will I Shoot Black and White?
|
After much consideration I have decided...To not decide! well, not yet anyway. Since it is something that is so easy to do, I plan to film with colour in mind, then after my film is edited and done I shall decide whether or not it would look better in monotone. Having said that, I do realise the black and white benefits a lot from lighting, so I will be keeping use of lights and shadows in mind when shooting. The major downside of making it Black and white would of course be lack of colour. Yes, facepalm. But seriously, colour can be a real asset it visual storytelling, so it is a sacrifice if I choose to go that way. Really it will come down to whether the colour or the lighting is more impressive.
|
- Big Brother -