by lea.haas -

Road to M. A. 5: Medusa and female rage

Gen Z is unapologetic and has salvaged many things women have previously been shamed for, especially angst. This generation has taken female anger and frustration under its wing and wears these emotions with pride, using female rage edits on platforms like tiktok and instagram as a form of expression. 

Creators and consumers of these edits are proudly reclaiming insanity, obsession and being unhinged.

Women snap, and they get it. 

It is evident that madness and hiding your raw emotions are outdated concepts. With many seeking solace in these unhinged and frustrated women, the next step is to let this seep into society. Allowing women to express their true feelings, maybe not to the extent that are depicted in cinema, is on the checklist for Gen Z’s crusade. 

A wider acceptance and acknowledgement of women’s mental health and ill thoughts can only surely have a positive impact. Cinema has depicted women in this light for decades, but now, instead of it being suppressive, it is empowering. Many can relate and feel consoled. 

Female Rage in Mythology: Medusa

Medusa’s myth serves as a striking analogy for the suppression and weaponization of female rage. Blamed for her beauty and punished for her assault, Medusa’s story encapsulates a culture that demonizes women’s anger, independence, and sexuality. Her transformation into a monster symbolizes society’s attempt to silence and control powerful women by framing their strength as a threat.

This narrative resonates deeply with modern experiences, where women’s rage is often dismissed or vilified. Medusa’s punishment reflects the double bind women face today: expressing anger risks being labeled as dangerous or hysterical, while suppressing it reinforces societal expectations of passivity. In either case, female rage is deemed unacceptable, a challenge to the patriarchal order that must be subdued.

A feminist reinterpretation reclaims Medusa’s power, suggesting Athena’s actions were not a punishment but a gift. Stripped of the beauty that made her vulnerable, Medusa’s rage was externalized into a force of protection, turning her anger into a weapon against male entitlement. Her gaze became a metaphorical stand against those who sought to harm or control her.

Medusa’s story also highlights the endurance of the “angry woman” stereotype, often used to discredit female leaders. Figures like Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel, and Theresa May have been compared to Medusa, their authority reduced to monstrous imagery that reinforces patriarchal fears of women’s power. This demonization of female rage underscores the enduring discomfort with women who challenge societal norms.

Ultimately, Medusa embodies both the struggle and the potential of female rage. Her story speaks to the transformative power of anger when channeled into resistance and resilience. From a monster to a symbol of protection, Medusa’s legacy reminds us of the strength found in confronting and reclaiming what society seeks to suppress.

sources: https://www.tupeloquarterly.com/editors-feature/her-rage-a-conversation-about-womens-anger-in-greek-myth-and-drama-by-andrea-applebee/

by lea.haas -

#1 Impuls: to be woman & the crazy bitch

As I was looking for inspiration one day I came across this video. These types of videos are not a new way of editing or portraying female rage/ female experiences. These „Fan edits“ are video clips that are edited together in a video with an underlying message. In this case: the portrayal of what it means to a woman. These Fan often consist of recognisable dialogues from movies, as well as music that deals with the topic in its lyrics. If you scroll through tiktok and searhc female rage, you will stumble upon many videos that consist of these features. Dialogues from „Barbie“, „Black swan“, „Hidden Figures“ are often used to portray these feelings. There even is a whole genre that fits into these categories. Songs like „Labour“ by Paris Paloma or „Abbey“ by Mitski are often used for these edits.

Scolling through the comments under this video showed once more that this is not a individual phenomenon. Girls are raised in the patriarchy to become a woman. The idea of a woman in the patriarchy is an idea that no one can live up to. Therefore women often do not feel good enough.

Anya Taylor Joy is one of the many actors who spoke up about female age on set and film. She recons a scene in „The menu“ where she slaps her partner. This was not in the script – The script said that she sits silently while a tear is running down her face, even though her partner betrayed her and that would mean that she dies. More actors open up about their real feelings on set and let that also fit into their character on screen. Expressing emotions how they would feel is a way to change these norms and the scene.

THE CRAZY BITCH

One of the many trends on Tiktok as I said alfready id the rise of female rage. One of the starting points for this trend was a scene in the movie “Pearl” where the character played by Mia Goth gets rejected at an audition. Instead of claiming the rejection and leaving the stage she screams “Please! I’m a star!!!!!”. The edits of women in film in distress are flooding social media, espacially tiktok. They’re a series of clips compiled into a video where female characters are screaming venom through their tears. As the name suggests, they’re full of rage.

Often these emotional outbursts are a response to male characters or injustice.

These edits are followed by music like Lana Del Rey’s Pretty When I Cry, Mitski’s Liquid Smooth, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Music is one of the  key element in these edits that enhances the extreme emotions and blood-curdling screams. The most common films that appear in these edits are Pearl, X, Gone Girl, Jennifer’s Body, Don’t Worry Darling, and Thirteen – just to name a handful. 

The edits feature lines from these films that evoke strong emotions, such as: “It’s my life, you don’t get to take that from me,” “I work like a dog, day and night,” “Why are you leaving me if I didn’t do anything wrong? I don’t understand, I thought you liked me,” “What is wrong with me? What the fuck is going wrong inside my head,” “Where do you think I learned all this shit from?”

Extreme phrases like this would have once been shameful to relate to, yet now the comment sections are full of phrases like: “female rage is so powerful,” “she’s so me,” “I love women,” and “real.”

Sources: https://www.directhermag.co.uk/2024/05/31/female-rage-a-tiktok-trend-that-reclaimed-the-crazy-bitch-trope/

by lea.haas -

Road to M.A. 4: Redefining/Shifting Focus

In order to dive deeper into my master thesis topic, it was vital to reconsider the focus of my topic and gain different perspectives. Therefore, I went back to the beginning and asked myself what the original purpose of my master thesis was. In the beginning I wanted to gain awareness on the topic of female portrayal in film and how rage is portrayed in these characters. I picked on the topic of rage because, for me, it is one of the strongest emotions. There are tons of ways to express fury. While I was watching films or series, I noticed that the way of the female portrayal of rage differs from the male experience. The anger inside of a woman is more than tears streaming down her face and falling to the floor.

There is change in the media when it comes to acknowledging the existing and portray of female rage. This change comes with the influence of platforms like tiktok, Instagram. The younger generation stumbles upon films like „Girl, Interrupted“ or „Promising Young Women“ and interpret it with the way they were raised. In a time where you can openly speak about smashing the patriarchy and „what they do to practise micro feminism every day“, these generations are rethinking the female way of living and expressing emotions.

It is vital for female empowerment to be able to express such strong feeling and not feel as too loud, crazy, bitchy or unattractive. Female rage demonstrates the world what happens when women are pushed to the brink, not able to express themselves due to growing up in the patriarchy conventions. The author Emma Wallace compares this phenomenon with the result of an ongoing regression. Regarding to her, anger does not exist in a vacuum – it’s the result of circumstances that need to be worked on. This statement ties to the essay of the feminist philosopher Amia Srinivasan that she published in 2018. In this essay Srinivasan states that anger is not counterproductive, it is a response to injustice. Those people who express their anger are told to tone down their emotions in order to have a more productive discussion. Example for that is the phrase that every woman experiences in their lifetime: “Calm down”. Srinivasan calls this phenomenon the affective injustice. Furthermore, Wallace writes about the imbalance within the expressions of anger. The most examples on female rage that are celebrated display a white woman. “The more intersectional a woman’s identity, the more threatening her anger becomes to oppressors”, so Wallace. Wallace believes that the main point of female rage is that the anger is there for a reason and it should be listened to not downplayed.

These articles and perspectives were the reason why I wanted to shift my focus. Back to where the phenomenon of female rage comes from and it’s evolution, representation in film and media, and its influence on Gen Z (or more the influence of Gen Z on female Rage 🙂 ).

Sources: https://theconcordian.com/2024/03/whats-this-about-female-rage/

by lea.haas -

Road to M.A. 3: Literature pt2.

Book 3

Donnenberg, Wilbirg: Frauen und Wahnsinn im Film. Filmschau  17. Bis 30. April 1998; Symposion 18. Und 19. April 1998. Wien: Sixpack 1998

Overview:

The book Frauen und Wahnsinn im Film (Women and Madness in Film), written by Wilbirg Donnenberg, was part of a symposium held in April 1998 in Vienna. The text explores the representation of women and madness in film, addressing how mental illness and psychological distress are portrayed, particularly in relation to female characters.

Questions:

  1. How does Donnenberg analyze the portrayal of women and madness in film?
  2. How does the book connect representations of madness to broader social and cultural issues, particularly gender?
  3. Does the book offer any critical perspective on the historical treatment of women in cinema, especially in relation to mental health?
  4. Is there an intersectional approach in the analysis of women and madness in these films?

Read:

Donnenberg provides an insightful exploration of the portrayal of women in a psychological or mentally disturbed state in cinema. She examines films from various periods and genres, considering how mental illness is framed within gendered narratives. She critiques the way women’s mental health issues are often depicted in a sensationalized or stereotypical manner, sometimes reinforcing negative cultural perceptions of women’s psychological experiences.

The book also delves into the socio-cultural implications of portraying women in this way. The selection of films referenced in the text includes both famous and obscure titles. While these films vary in style and genre, the common thread is how they use mental illness as a lens through which to examine women’s roles in society.

Recite:

Donnenberg’s analysis emphasizes that the portrayal of women and madness in film is not just a question of individual psychological pathology, but also a reflection of cultural and societal anxieties about women’s roles.

The book provides an in-depth look at how these portrayals have evolved over time, from early film depictions of women as the ‘madwoman in the attic’ to more contemporary portrayals that engage with themes of agency and self-determination. Donnenberg’s critical eye is also focused on how feminist theory has influenced and challenged these portrayals.

Review:

The text is logically structured, moving from an analysis of early film representations of women and madness to more recent developments in cinema. The book’s structure is straightforward, with a clear division between the theoretical discussion and film examples. However, the book could benefit from a more explicit discussion of its theoretical framework. Her insights are valuable, particularly for those interested in the intersection of gender, mental illness, and film. However, the text could have delved deeper into the socio-cultural impact of these representations, particularly in the context of modern feminist discourse. The style of writing is academic and critical, suitable for a scholarly audience, but might be inaccessible to readers without a background in film theory or feminist studies. It’s filled with a lot of analysis.

Wilbirg Donnenberg is an expert in the field of film studies, particularly in the areas of gender, representation, and the intersection of mental illness and cinema. Her academic background and focus on feminist theory suggest a deep understanding of how films portray gender and mental health. However, her expertise might be more specifically rooted in feminist film criticism and the portrayal of women in cinema rather than in a broader spectrum of film theory.

The structure of Wilbirg Donnenberg’s text, „Frauen und Wahnsinn im Film,“ appears to follow a scholarly format that emphasizes critical analysis and the exploration of themes related to gender and mental illness in cinema.

The quality of the content is likely high.

In terms of style, it’s formal and analytical, clearly aimed at an academic audience. The language might be overwhelming at times, using specialized terminology from film theory and feminist studies.

Is it useful for me?

This book is not very useful for my research purposes, but still Donnenberg’s analysis is valuable in understanding how societal views on women and mental health are reflected in cinema.

Source 4

Laura Mulvey and The Male and Female Gaze

by lea.haas -

Road to M.A. 2: Literature pt1.

Book 1

Goddard, Kevin. „Looks Maketh the Man“: The Female Gaze and the Construction of Masculinity. In: The Journal of Men’s Studies (2000)

Overview: The article explores how the concept of the female gaze redefines masculinity and its representation in media. Goddard examines how men are increasingly subject to objectification, traditionally reserved for women, and how this shift affects societal norms and expectations of masculinity.

Important Headlines/Chapters:

  • Introduction
  • Theoretical framework
  • Analysis of media examples
  • Implications on masculinity
  • Conclusion

Questions:

  1. What is Goddard’s main argument about the impact of the female gaze on masculinity ?
  2. How does the female gaze differ from the male gaze?
  3. What evidence does Goddard provide to show how men are perceived in media ?
  4. How does the female gaze affect gender roles in society?
  5. What conclusions does Goddard draw about the implications of these shifts in media ?

Read:

While reading the text I came across these anwers:

Goddard argues that the female gaze does not simply reverse the dynamics of the male gaze but instead introduces a nuanced perspective on masculinity.

  • He provides examples from advertisements and popular media.
  • The female gaze impacts men by placing new aesthetic pressures on them.
  • This shift has broader cultural implications, as it challenges the idea that only women are subjected to the pressures of physical appearance.

Recite:

The article delves into how the female gaze influences modern representations of masculinity. Goddard argues that the objectification of men in visual culture reflects changing gender dynamics, where both men and women are subject to aesthetic pressures. This shift challenges traditional gender norms by presenting masculinity as an idealized, consumable image.

Review:

  1. What is Goddard’s main argument about the female gaze?
    • The female gaze reconfigures masculinity by introducing new expectations of physical attractiveness and objectification.
  2. How does the female gaze differ from the male gaze?
    • While the male gaze is often about power and control, the female gaze focuses on aesthetics and desire without necessarily aiming to dominate.
  3. What examples does Goddard give?
    • Goddard discusses advertisements and film scenes where men are depicted as objects of desire, highlighting the shift in how masculinity is portrayed.
  4. What effect does this have on gender roles?
    • It complicates the concept of masculinity by introducing traditionally associated with femininity.
  5. What can be concluded?
    • The article concludes that both the male and female gazes contribute to the construction of social expectations around gender, indicating that objectification is not limited to women.

Kevin Goddard is considered an expert in the field, particularly in the areas of media studies, gender studies, and the sociology of masculinity.

Structure: The structure of Kevin Goddard’s article is clear and logical, with a well-organized flow that guides the reader through complex ideas. It begins with an introduction to the concept of the female gaze, followed by a detailed analysis of how masculinity is constructed and perceived in media.

Quality of Content: The content is of high quality, demonstrating a deep engagement with both feminist theory and masculinity studies. Goddard effectively integrates theoretical perspectives with concrete examples, making the arguments compelling and well-supported. He draws on established scholars like Laura Mulvey while also contributing his own insights, adding value to ongoing academic discussions.

Style: The writing style is scholarly yet accessible, striking a balance between theoretical depth and readability. Goddard uses precise language, avoiding overly complex jargon, which helps to communicate ideas in a way that is understandable to readers who may not be specialists in gender studies. However, at times, the theoretical explanations may require a re-reading to fully grasp his point.  

Is it useful for me?

Yes, Kevin Goddard’s article, „Looks Maketh the Man: The Female Gaze and the Construction of Masculinity,“ is very useful for my purposes, particularly in exploring how gendered gazes function to shape societal perceptions of masculinity and power dynamics. The sections that delve into the female gaze and its impact on the portrayal of men in media are especially relevant for my research.

Additionally, while the article effectively discusses the construction of masculinity, it lacks a deeper analysis of intersectionality, such as how race, class, or sexuality might alter these representations.

Book 2

Malone, Alicia: The Female Gaze. Essential Movies Made by Women.Mango Publishing: Florida 2018, E-Book

Overview:

The book, published in 2018, offers an in-depth exploration of movies directed by women and how they embody the „female gaze“ in contrast to traditional cinematic portrayals shaped by the male gaze. Malone highlights key films made by women and discusses how they shape the portrayal of women, the male characters, and the entire narrative.

Question:

  1. What is the „female gaze“ in cinema, and how is it defined in the context of this book?
  2. How does the female gaze challenge traditional portrayals of women in film?
  3. How does the book connect the feminist movement to the evolution of film by women?

Read:

While reading the book, I focus on sections that explore key films and directors, noting how the book links the cultural and historical context of feminist movements with the films. The sections addressing the treatment of gender and the role of women in these films are particularly valuable for understanding how the female gaze differs from the traditional male gaze.

Recite:

  • The „female gaze“ is a concept where films directed by women bring new perspectives on narrative, power dynamics, and gender roles. The book highlights how women directors challenge stereotypical female roles and portray men in more nuanced ways.
  • Essential films discussed include works by directors like Kathryn Bigelow, Greta Gerwig, and Jane Campion, showcasing how their films provide alternative portrayals of women’s experiences.
  • The book argues that the emergence of female filmmakers and their unique storytelling approach has created space for a broader, more inclusive definition of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality.
  •  

Review:

The book is well-structured with a clear narrative that moves from the historical context of women’s involvement in film to analyzing specific films that exemplify the female gaze. It organizes the films into categories based on themes like female empowerment, complex masculinity, and romantic relationships.

Malone provides insightful commentary, but some sections could benefit from deeper theoretical analysis. While the inclusion of specific films is valuable, a more expansive exploration of intersectionality—particularly with race, class, and sexuality—would have enriched the discussion.

Malone’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex feminist film theory approachable for a broad audience. However, the tone sometimes feels more like a general overview rather than a academic critique.

Evaluation:

The book is useful for my thesis because it’s exploring how women directors challenge traditional gender roles and how these films offer new ways of looking at masculinity and femininity. It provides a good introduction to the female gaze in film.

Alicia Malone is a well-known film critic, author, and host, particularly recognized for her work in promoting women filmmakers and advocating for a more inclusive representation of gender in cinema. She has written several books on film and women in cinema, and she frequently appears as a presenter and commentator on film-related topics. While Malone may not have the academic credentials typically associated with „experts“ in the field, she is certainly an established authority in the world of film criticism.

The structure of The Female Gaze: Essential Movies Made by Women by Alicia Malone is clear, well-organized, and accessible. The chapters are arranged around a series of essays, and each section explores specific films or movements, providing both analysis and context. However, the book is more of a survey and celebration of films, rather than a deeply academic or theoretical examination of the female gaze.

Is it useful for me?

Yes, The Female Gaze: Essential Movies Made by Women by Alicia Malone is useful for my purposes. The book highlights the significant contributions of women filmmakers, which aligns with my interest in how female perspectives and narratives are represented in cinema.

It helps to contextualize and define what constitutes the female gaze as distinct from the male gaze, showing how women filmmakers challenge traditional gender dynamics and representation in cinema. The chapters that discuss the historical context of women in filmmaking, as well as the impact of feminist movements on cinema, are also quite relevant. However, while the book does a great job of introducing films and filmmakers, it lacks a deeper theoretical exploration of the „female gaze.“ It focuses more on film analysis and less on the cultural, social, or academic frameworks that underlie the concept.

by lea.haas -

Road to M.A. 1: Evaluation of a Master Thesis

Female Rage, Revenge, and Catharsis: The „Good for Her“ Genre Defined in Promising Young Woman (2020) by Tara Heimberger

!!! In this Blog post Chat GPT and DeepL are used for english translations, spelling and finding synonyms

DETAILS

Title: Female Rage, Revenge, and Catharsis: The „Good for Her“ Genre Defined in Promising Young Woman (2020)
Author: Tara Heimberger
Institution: Georgia College and State University
Date: 4-18-2022
Field: English
Degree Name: Master of Arts (MA)
Source: https://kb.gcsu.edu/english/10/

ABSTRACT

By analyzing relevant cultural contexts to the popularity of the “Good for Her” genre, such as the “#MeToo” movement, the Trump presidency, and the resurgence of conservatism in the United States, the development of the “Good for Her” genre and its impact can be made clear. Given the genre’s development through social discourse on social media, it has become a universal and collaborative representation of liberation from oppressive experiences under a patriarchal society. The lead women in these films give those who experience patriarchal oppression a reprieve and an opportunity for catharsis they would not typically get in a male-led, male-focused film. The genre reinforces and builds upon the works of feminist film theorists such as Carol Clover and Laura Mulvey by offering a more contemporary evolution of Clover’s “Final Girl” through the combination of slasher and Final Girl to create the “Good for Her” films’ “victim-villain” and Mulvey’s theory of the “male gaze” by subverting and satirizing the typical female objectification of the old-school horror genre. Promising Young Woman acts as a definitive example of the genre and a crucial representation of the reality of rape culture while depicting a sense of voyeuristic and vicarious revenge and catharsis against the systems of patriarchal oppression that exist within the United States.

WHY I CHOSE THIS THESIS

I chose this thesis for its vital exploration of how female rage is portrayed in film and how this contributes to and challenges patriarchal structures. Right now I mostly dwelled on how directors instruct female characters to express emotions, not how the viewers and audience perceive it differently. By examining the “Good for Her” genre through a theoretical lens, this work clarifies how cinematic depictions of female rage, in examples like Promising Young Woman, provide catharsis and critique. This insight is essential for understanding both the empowerment and limitations faced by women in film and the broader societal impact of these narratives.

1. Level of Design

The Level of Design in this thesis is quite low. There is not much emphasis placed on design possibilities or layout. The focus here is clearly on content. I’m certain that this faculty has specific guidelines that the students need to follow, and creative freedom in design is very limited. This, however, is completely legitimate, considering that it’s a scientific thesis for an English faculty. At our institute, a layout like this would definitely result in a lower grade. The author barely uses even pictures or statistics.

2. Degree of Innovation

This thesis has a high degree of innovation, as I found very few related works during my general research in this field. This is unsurprising, however, as it’s a relatively new area of research that has only gained popularity with digitalization and the influence of younger generations. In this case I think it’s really smart to support this phenomenon immediately with a concrete example as done here in this thesis.

3. Independence

The author demonstrates a high level of independence, especially because of her innovative approach to the relatively new field of the „Good for Her“ genre. She critically and thoroughly examines the cultural and societal contexts that contributed to the rise and popularity of this genre, thereby making an independent contribution to feminist film theory. I also like the linking of social movements like #MeToo and political events such as the Trump era with the cinematic portrayal of female liberation – even though this topic is really overplayed in 2024 (you need to consider that this thesis was written in 2022 – and therefore she was really going with the zeitgeist). The thesis develops an original perspective that is both theoretically grounded and creatively responsive to contemporary societal issues. I aspire to also include this much of societal background for my own work.

4. Outline and structure

For me the overall structure is really good. When I look at the table of contents it all makes really good sense to me – Especially contextualising the the socio cultural background is necessary for understanding the emergence of the „Good for Her“ genre. This section effectively sets the stage for the authors discussion by linking the genre’s popularity to broader societal movements.

Another section that stood out to me was where the author was defining and contextualizing the „Good for Her“ genre. It allows to clarify the characteristics that define this genre, situating it within the landscape of contemporary cinema. This foundation is crucial for readers who may not be familiar with the genre’s nuances. This way of contextualizing in my opinion is totally necessary in order to make sure that the reader and the author are on the same page. Particularly when we are speaking about pop culture or concepts that have a small target group

5. Degree of communication

As far as I can evaluate I think the author definitely has a way with words and also can play her way around which makes it actually fun to read. Is is noticeable that she is doing her Masters Degree in english – it seems really professional but also not to intellectualized. The words used fit the overall theme of the thesis and the topic.

6. Scope of the work

The scope of work appears to be appropriate for an academic paper. However, I would have preferred fewer direct quotations, as it would have been more beneficial to see a deeper analysis of the few visual examples mentioned. More emphasis on the author’s insights and interpretations rather than simply reiterating existing opinions would enhance the overall depth of the analysis. Many examples are revisited throughout the paper, even though I thought the topic had already been thoroughly explored. This repetition sometimes makes the discussion somewhat redundant and less engaging. It would be more effective to introduce new perspectives or analyses to keep the discourse fresh and compelling.

7. Orthography

Occasionally, the flow of reading is disrupted for me by the words set in quotation marks. It might be more effective to integrate these terms more seamlessly into the text, allowing for a smoother reading experience without compromising the clarity of the concepts being discussed. Other than the word repetitions stand out significantly, I don’t have much to criticize. I also don’t like the font that is used. It makes the text for me personally harder to read.

8. Literature

The literature used is very contemporary and includes very few sources older than seven years. Notably, it relies heavily on many online articles. Caution is warranted here, as it’s essential to assess whether these sources are reputable and credible. For this blog post I did not check every online source used but what I could find in researching three of them is that they seem to be based on credible sources.

by lea.haas -

Episode #9 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Blender Animation Rendering

Rendering an animation with Blender requires careful attention to detail to achieve high-quality results efficiently. Ensuring the computer meets the necessary hardware requirements, including adequate CPU, GPU, and RAM, is the first crucial step. Closing unnecessary programs helps free up system resources for Blender’s intensive tasks. It was not the first time that I rendered an animation in blender but surely one of the memorable ones.

Scene preparation is vital, involving optimization to reduce render times. Simplifying geometry, reducing texture sizes, and using instances instead of duplicates save memory and processing power. Proper lighting setup avoids excessive noise and enhances the animation’s visual appeal. Using appropriate shaders and textures, and avoiding unnecessarily high-resolution textures, is also important.

Render settings must be configured carefully. Selecting the correct resolution, such as 1920×1080 for full HD, and an appropriate frame rate, like 24 frames per second, ensures the animation meets project requirements. Adjusting the number of samples balances image quality and render times, while Blender’s denoising tools help reduce noise with fewer samples.

Choosing the right render engine is another crucial decision. Cycles, known for photorealistic rendering, can be slower, while Eevee, suitable for real-time previews, is faster. Fine-tuning the chosen engine’s settings enhances performance and quality. For this projects I chose the render engine Cycles because I wanted a realistic look to my scene.

Animation setup involves checking all keyframes and ensuring smooth transitions. Baking physics simulations, such as cloth or fluid, before rendering prevents errors. Managing renders efficiently by rendering in smaller batches or using network rendering can save significant time. Rendering to an image sequence allows re-rendering specific frames if issues arise, avoiding the need to start over. I had some issues with setting the camera right – at first I wanted my camera to track my object. When I figured that out, I didn’t like the look of it. My solution was to animate the camera as well.

Organizing work is essential. Regularly saving the project and using version control to track changes prevent loss of progress. Keeping backups of important files and renders provides security against unexpected issues. I had the issue that I had to many tabs open while working in den render view of blender. ZACK BOOM everything was closed and I was sad.

I’m not quite happy with how my tennis ball turned out. The particles spread into the white Ring, the color is a bit of and the general experience was a 3/10. I learned in the past years that sometimes you just have to close a chapter and be happy with how it turned out regardless of the expected result. It’s not perfect and I’m not very satisfied but I hated the project in the end so that was the best I could do. Why I hated the project? While working on the project a film was released named „Challengers“. So now working on this project seemed like I was inspired by that movie – Which I was clearly not. I wanted my project to stand alone – more or less original thought – but with the movie coming out it looked like I was jumping on a hypetrain and there is nothing I hate more than this. Nevertheless I pushed through, but did not gave it my all.

by lea.haas -

Episode #8 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Behind the Scenes

Creating a behind-the-scenes video involves capturing the essence of what goes into making it come to life. It’s about showcasing the teamwork, creativity, and meticulous planning that happen behind the scenes.

Firstly, it’s essential to highlight the atmosphere of collaboration. From the director and producers to the camera operators and set designers, each person contributes their expertise to achieve a common vision. Capturing candid moments of brainstorming sessions, rehearsals, and discussions helps viewers appreciate the dedication and passion that drives the team.

Detailing the technical aspects is crucial. This includes showcasing the equipment used, such as cameras, lighting rigs, and sound setups. Explaining how each piece of technology contributes to the overall production quality gives viewers insight into the craftsmanship behind the scenes.

Additionally, focusing on the creative decisions enriches the narrative. Interviewing key personnel, such as the director, cinematographer, and actors, provides perspectives on their artistic choices. Whether discussing character development, visual aesthetics, or thematic elements, these insights give depth to the behind-the-scenes story.

Highlighting challenges and solutions adds authenticity. Every production faces obstacles, whether it’s adjusting to unforeseen circumstances, solving technical glitches, or refining a scene’s choreography. Documenting how the team collaborates to overcome these challenges demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.

Celebrating moments of camaraderie and support among the crew is equally important. Behind-the-scenes footage often captures laughter, encouragement, and shared victories, showcasing the bonds that develop during intensive projects. These human moments resonate with viewers, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the team’s efforts.

Lastly, presenting the final outcome ties everything together. Showing snippets of the actual footage being shot alongside the behind-the-scenes process illustrates how meticulous planning and creative choices translate into the finished product. This juxtaposition allows viewers to see the transformation from concept to execution, highlighting the magic of filmmaking.

In essence, creating a compelling behind-the-scenes video involves capturing the technical expertise, creative collaboration, challenges, and triumphs that make each production unique. It’s about telling a cohesive narrative that not only informs but also inspires viewers to appreciate the artistry and dedication involved in bringing stories to life.

by lea.haas -

Episode #7 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Regie Assistenz

In the bustling world of film, television, and theater production, every successful project relies on a team of dedicated professionals working behind the scenes. Among these roles, the Regie Assistenz (Director’s Assistant) plays a crucial and multifaceted part, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from pre-production to the final wrap.

Supporting the Director’s Vision

At its core, the role of a Regie Assistenz is to support the director in realizing their creative vision. This involves a wide range of tasks, from organizing schedules and coordinating logistics to liaising with cast and crew. Acting as a bridge between departments, the Regie Assistenz helps maintain clear communication and ensures that everyone is aligned with the director’s objectives.

From Pre-Production to Post-Production

The responsibilities of a Regie Assistenz begin long before the cameras start rolling. During pre-production, they assist in script analysis, scheduling rehearsals, and scouting locations. They are instrumental in assembling the production team, negotiating contracts, and securing necessary permits. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail set the stage for a smooth production process.

Once filming begins, the Regie Assistenz becomes the director’s right hand on set. They oversee the daily schedule, making sure scenes are shot on time and within budget. This involves coordinating actors and crew members, managing extras, and troubleshooting any unexpected challenges that arise.

In post-production, the Regie Assistenz continues to play a vital role by organizing editing sessions, reviewing footage, and ensuring that the director’s vision is maintained throughout the editing process. They collaborate closely with editors, sound designers, and visual effects artists to bring the project to its final form.

The Heartbeat of Production

Beyond the logistical aspects, being a Regie Assistenz requires adaptability, quick thinking, and a strong sense of teamwork. They must thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly. Their ability to anticipate needs and solve problems efficiently contributes directly to the success of the production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of a Regie Assistenz I took over at our Studio Shoot (Nimmergrün) was an interesting experience. Behind every memorable film, captivating television show, or awe-inspiring theatrical production, there is a team of dedicated professionals like the Regie Assistenz working tirelessly to ensure its success. Their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment make them indispensable in the collaborative art of storytelling.