creative process

For my final project I made a short film. I was really excited and inspired for this film because I had so many ideas and was eager to put them to work. The theme for this project was creativity in crisis so I decided to really focus on the theme in my film. The main idea behind my film is that you don’t need to do perfect art in order to enjoy it and have fun with it. In my film, the artist is struggling to figure out what to paint on the blank canvas behind her. She is feeling uninspired and in stuck in a creative block/crisis. She finally ends up just painting random lines and abstract art onto the canvas.

 

In order to shoot my film, I had to start by finding the perfect set up for my movie. I used my basement because it already had a lot of art supplies, it would be quiet and would be the perfect place to shoot my film. I wanted my set to have a rustic art look, which is why I decided to add lots of paint cans around the room. I put the easel in the middle of the set so I can focus on the main character and her actions. I had recently bought an easel at Omer DeSerres so it was perfect for this project. I used acrylic paint and brushes that I had at home for the art and decoration. For the three canvas prints, I went to the Dollar Store and picked up the ones I liked. This film did not cost me much which was good but I definitely put in a lot of effort and thought in setting it up just the way I wanted. I kept trying different areas in the basement depending on light and space and different ways to arrange the set up until Ifinally found my favourite way. 

 

My sister is in the drama program in high school so I knew that she would be the best person to do this project with. Thankfully she accepted and worked by my side for this project which was really nice of her. 

 

My main inspiration for this project was Arthur Lipsett. I mentioned him in my Proposal. We had viewed his work in one of our classes this semester and it really stuck with me. His video style was amazing and so unique. I used this inspiration to create a similar vibe to my film. 

 

I also find alot of my inspiration in music. I love listening to different genres of music and for this movie, I decided to use music from Aphex Twin because he makes electronic experimental music. The first song I used was “Alberto Balsalm” and later I used “Yellow Calx”  which are both songs by Aphex twins.  The different sounds, tones and rhythms in these songs really inspired me to edit my shots in cool ways. I really played with the different clips and tried different things.  I definitely pushed myself for this film and I’m happy with the results.

 

I really enjoyed working on this project for several reasons. I was able to put my creativity to work, spend time with my sister, experience with different edits, music and angles. In the end, I definitely achieved what I wanted to. It is by no means perfect but like art, you don’t need it to be perfect to enjoy it and have fun with it! This was my first experience making a short film like this and I’m really happy with the end result. I am now motivated to keep making short films and improving my skills along the way!