MDA2300 - Film & Innovation - Initial thoughts and First Assignment Brief

After looking forwards to starting the Film & Innovation module, (as I've long since had an interest in the more experimental and abstract side to film, and was looking forwards to learning about this and how different creative and technological developments have influenced film-making,) I was very interested in the first seminars.

We looked at early experimental and abstract films, created by scratching or painting onto celluloid film.
I found it interesting how the first major abstract films were created by trying to emulate the visual experimentation of paintings and 'fine' art, and presenting them through the medium of film.

After looking at many films like this, we moved onto different types of abstract film, such as John Smith's 'Om', in which audience expectations are subverted, due to the visuals of the film; (an apparent Buddhist Monk appears to be meditating, until it is revealed that he is a 'Skinhead' having his head shaved). The film uses similar sounding sound, and almost-similar imagery, to trick the audiences, and then make them rethink what they believe they see or are seeing in films).

We have also been given a selection of creative briefs to choose from, such as making an abstract film, using colours/shapes with no recorded footage, and making a film which subverts audience expectations.