Project Profile/ Details

Animation Project Name: Graham

Duration: estimated 3 mins.

Format: Video

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Synapsis

His wife’s favourite flowers, or what is left of them. Where are they? Graham searches for them but gets distracted along the way. Graham tells Grace about resurfaced memories; dancing and humming, as he used to do with her. Still smelling the delicious apple pie that Grace baked for him. The memories are too much, and her absence is felt deeply, in fact, she has already died. With restrained tears, he places the last flower beside her memorial photo. As though to symbolize that he is finally able to move on with that last flower, with a smile, he decides to begin fixing his broken house. Graham pretends to be okay but finds a sense of consolation in imagining speaking to her, even now. Gone or not, she is still there for him. Always.

Narration on the surface = he is happy, acting like his quirky self, as he used to be. (This is shown through
dialogue. Actions also show this at the start but change soon enough).

Subtext (the message underneath) = He is pretending to be okay. He is still mourning/ missing his wife, but trying to stay positive, nonetheless. (This is shown through actions and music).

Research Based Narrative

The input of Kuleshov’s and Hitchcock’s experiments into my animation narrative, practically and theoretically has had a massive impact on the design. My thesis research on these film experts, as well as my experimental primary research, have been crucial to the development of my project story structure. Based on theoretical constructs and proven film techniques that lead the audience to the intended perception of my story.

Audio on and off screen, interaction between clear and unclear aspects. As researched in my premise project, this technique works well to create an interesting and dynamic story. All while forcing the audience to question what they are seeing and unconsciously decide on stance of how to perceive that on and off-screen relationship. This technique has been essential in my intention to develop an interest in the audience that leads to curiosity about the character’s relationship. As well as the reason for my female’s character’s lacking presence and lack of dialogue responses.

By implementing a montage of intercut shot, as used by Kuleshov and Hitchcock, I directly convey intended connection between images. Furthermore, these lead the audience to perceive my montage as provided context for the imagery. From personal experience the audience will be able to interpret their own interpretation based on the character’s performance and emotional reactions, entailing a well-designed narrative that leads to a uniform understanding of my project.

Themes

• On and off screen interaction.
• Building up a presence and then taking it away.
• Suggestive information and building a conclusion.

Project Outline

For my final major project I wish to explore the themes above, how I can manipulate the narrative in various ways, create a presence, take it away and leave the audience asking questions. My research on Lev Kuleshov (read further for more) is implemented in understanding a technique to create meaning through imagery. I wish to do the same experiment of the effect with audio, dialogue and sound effects. This will also include the various ways that I wish to build a presence other than using sound.