second draft

Artist Statement:

This project is in direct opposition to cynicism and negativity involved in the way we think rationally about our lives and futures. It is a romantic approach to viewing life and our personal passions. The project is motivated by fear and anxiety related to the general possibility of grand failure.

Project Summary:

• Title: Solace On Ice
• Media Formats: Video
• Log Line:
• Synopsis: In this short video (1-2 min), I will be capturing a figure skating routine performed by my friend in a practice arena and deconstructing the performance through stylistic editing.
• This is a video project shot on my Sony Hi8 Camcorder as a stylistic choice. The project could be interactive in the sense that its themes may be relatable to young people.

Themes:

• The main theme of this project is a young person’s idealized fantasy reality. As young people, we are at a stage in our lives where we are weighed down under large amounts of pressure and high expectation pertaining to our futures and its success. This video project’s theme is meant to function in direct opposition to that by presenting an alternative reality in which pessimistic and cynical rationality is replaced with positive idealism.

This video project applies this theme to my friend Satia and her passion for figure skating, a highly competitive sport that prioritizes perfectly delivered performances. Instead of a serious and sleek performance captured in a straight forward point, shoot and pan manner, like how the sport is filmed at competitions, this video will embrace whimsicality and redefine perfectionism.

Outline:

• Not much can be outlined for this project as most of what I plan to shoot will be decided on the spot but I am planning on including several stylistic techniques to complement the daydream atmosphere of this project:
• Dolly zoom
• Wipe transition
• Dissolve transition
• Fast cut montages

Universe:

• Universe: The universe this video explores is fantastical in the sense that it functions as a baseless reality. While it may seem to take place in our contemporary world, not appearing any differently in terms of its contents, it presents itself as an alternate ideal universe, like a daydream. In this world there is no regard for pain, self-doubt, or pressure. In this world everything is fine the way it is.
• Tone: The tone of this work is light and dreamy as it is supposed to embody euphoria and evoke feelings of nostalgia and relief. It is supposed to simulate feelings one feels while fantasizing about things they idealize.
• Atmosphere: The atmosphere of the work is vibrant and full of life. This will be presented through fast cut montages of my muse skating on the ice.

Sound Design:

• In terms of sound design, I want this video piece to be overlaid with a relatively rhythmic and fast paced but dreamy song. I would be interested in altering the track by muffling it and possibly pitching it down in order to emphasize on the dreamy nature of the video. Muffling the track also creates a cozy atmosphere, as if you’re listening to it play in another room through the wall. Pitching the track slightly down or up adds a psychedelic effect.

Visual References:

In terms of visuals/aesthetic, I want to work around the color white or light neutral toned colors. This is because white will be the most prominent color in the video, considering that it will be shot at a skating rink but also because the color represents purity and is also associated with heaven which matches the dreamy fantasy atmosphere the video is aiming for. I also want to include fun, whimsical, props to make the video more visually interesting: shots of bubbles being blown on the ice/my muse blowing bubbles herself. I want to incorporate the dolly zoom early in the video as a tool to pull the audience into the atmosphere.