First Date

Aesthetic – Brian Liu

Video Link

Preparation:

IDEA: Stage.

Criteria:

* Cast
o (opt. Other Person – Musician)

* Equipment
o Tripod
o External Microphone
* Props
o Violin
* Location
o Stage

Description:
My intention was to create a video reminiscent of childhood violin recitals – particularly the process before performing. By capturing visual cues and audio signals, I intend to describe the initial nervousness and its subsequent anti-climatic nature.

particular shots:
- constant – music, clapping, music…
- other people “playing” beforehand
- wringing of hands, [ct], shaking hands [ct], tapping feet, [ct]
- checking and rechecking bowhairs, holding up to ear and checking if in tune
- audal sigh

Intended Requirements:
- Person – Dan
- Violin – Dan
- Stage – Krannert / Smith Hall / Music Building

Actuality:

Due to location constraints, the only places with a public stage are Smith Hall and the Music Building. Since the Music Building is locked, I had to decide on Smith Hall. Apparently, the stage is reserved as a practice room, but due to the fact that I am not a Music student, I was unable to reserve a spot. I had gone on 3 separate occasions to see if I could film on the stage with Dan or myself playing. Unfortunately, this would prevent me from shooting an actual performance at the end; however, by not including a final performance would support the anti-climatic nature of the performance. I had intended for someone other than myself to be the subject, but there was no one else available at the time and my friend had opted to shoot due to stage-fright. It was difficult to explain particular shots or angles that I had intended, which consequently was a deciding factor in the actual editing. Not that it was particularly distasteful, but different that I had hoped.

In the editing process, I chose Flight of the Bumblebee, known for its fast, quivering nature, as the music for the initial segment and Gymnopedie No.1 for its calming, fluid qualities for the second segment. Though I would have liked more variety in visual cues (hand quivering, foot taping, pacing, fidgeting), the foot tapping and tuning were apparent in the clips that were filmed. The girl that had graciously let me film during her practicing was very helpful – I was able to use that footage as if she had performed before me. As much as a final performance would add to the piece, the lack of it supported the anti-climatic nature of the performance.

Aesthetic

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/kandel2/Kendra%20Aesthetic.mov?uniq=-f4j1d0

Andrew Hackley’s aesthetic video

depressed aesthetics:

(headphones/external speakers strongly recommended)