Pixar in a Box

 

    Pixar in a box is a series of lessons that include how to create a film, develop characters, and even edit animated films.  After watching the lessons and interacting with the quizzes and guidelines, I have learned a lot about visual language and how important it is when filming.

    Visual language when used in cinema utilizes shots, shot sequences, scenes, and dramatic sequences to convey an idea. I have heard this term before but have never considered how that might benefit the type of film I want to produce. The main character of my film will not speak but there will be narration in the background.

    By choosing to make my short film in this manner Visual language is key. My audience needs to be able to identify what I am trying to express and what tone is being set throughout the film. Some elements of visual language that I would like to use in my film include color, composition, and concept art.

    My reason for utilizing color is that the colors of a film set the mood and tone of the story. I already knew this in the past but Pixar has made me realize there is more than one way to use those colors. This includes finding complementary ones and even those that contrast. All of these change how the film is perceived. 

    This has given me a few ideas about what colors would work well with my film and how the scenes should be shot. After figuring out the colors of my film, I need a way to execute how the film will be produced. To do this I would use concept art to create a storyboard.

    Concept Art is when visual ideas are laid out to create a scene. This includes drawing up sets, characters, and the environment in which that character lives. This is typically done with animated films but the concepts are beneficial in creating a storyboard and identifying my story.

    Composition is how elements in the film fit within a frame. This includes actors, scenery, and props. The meaning behind composition reminds me of a term I learned last year, mise-en-scene. In simple terms, it means how is one scene set and what that adds to the story. 

    Utilizing composition helps set a scene and tells a story through detail. Another concept that I would like to keep in mind that I learned from Pixar is story beats because it shows the progression of the film and helps tell the story.