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.

by lea.haas -

Episode #6 from the series: New things I learned this semester – 360 GoPro HDR

Creating HDR images using a GoPro Max 360 camera can significantly elevate the lighting quality in Blender projects, enhancing realism and immersion. The GoPro Max, known for its ability to capture panoramic views, allows you to create HDR images by taking multiple bracketed photos at different exposure levels.

To start, set up your GoPro Max on a stable tripod in the desired location. Unlike some cameras, the GoPro Max doesn’t have a built-in HDR bracketing mode, so you’ll need to manually adjust exposure settings. Take a series of photos varying from underexposed to overexposed, ensuring you capture the full range of light in your scene.

Once you’ve captured your bracketed photos, transfer them to your computer for processing. Use HDR software such as Adobe Photoshop, Photomatix, or Luminance HDR to merge these photos into a single HDR image. This process involves aligning the photos to compensate for any slight movement during the capture, then merging them to retain details across both the darkest shadows and brightest highlights.

After merging, adjust the tone mapping settings in your HDR software to fine-tune the appearance of the HDR image. This step ensures that your HDR image looks natural and realistic, maintaining a balance between light and dark areas.

Save the final HDR image in a format compatible with Blender, such as .hdr or .exr, to preserve its high dynamic range properties. In Blender, use the HDR image as an environment texture in the World settings. This allows the HDR to influence the lighting and reflections in your 3D scenes, enhancing their visual fidelity and realism.

By utilizing HDR images captured with a GoPro Max 360 camera, you can achieve sophisticated lighting effects in Blender, making your renders more dynamic and true-to-life.

by lea.haas -

Episode #5 from the series: New things I learned this semester – HDRs

HDRs, or High Dynamic Range images, are a special kind of image that can capture a wider range of light and dark details than regular images. Imagine taking a photo where you can see the bright sky and the dark shadows under a tree without losing detail in either area—that’s what HDR can do. These images are especially useful in 3D modeling and animation in programs like Blender because they can create very realistic lighting and reflections.

An HDR image is made by combining several photos of the same scene taken at different exposures. This means you take some photos that are very bright, some that are very dark, and some in between. When you merge these photos together, you get an image that captures the best details from all the different exposures, resulting in a picture that looks much more like what your eyes see in real life.

Creating HDRs for Blender

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can create HDR images for Blender:

  1. Take the Photos:
    • Set Up Your Camera: Use a camera that allows you to take multiple shots with different exposure settings. A tripod is essential to keep the camera steady and ensure all the photos align perfectly.
    • Bracket Your Shots: Capture a series of photos, usually between 3 to 7, ranging from very underexposed (dark) to very overexposed (bright). This gives you the full range of light and shadow in the scene.
  2. Merge the Photos into an HDR Image:
    • Use HDR Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Photomatix, or Luminance HDR can merge your bracketed photos into a single HDR image.
    • Align and Merge: Load your photos into the software, align them if necessary, and let the software merge them. You’ll get an image that keeps the details from all exposures.
    • Fine-Tune the Image: Adjust the tone mapping, contrast, and other settings in the software to make sure your HDR image looks natural and detailed.
  3. Save the HDR Image:
    • Choose the Right Format: Save your HDR image in a format that Blender supports, such as .hdr or .exr. These formats keep all the high dynamic range data intact.
  4. Use HDRs in Blender:
    • Open Blender: Go to the Shading workspace.
    • Add Environment Texture: In the World tab, add an Environment Texture node (Add > Texture > Environment Texture).
    • Load Your HDR: Connect the Environment Texture node to the Background node, click “Open,” and load your saved HDR image.
    • Adjust Settings: Play around with the strength and orientation to get the lighting just right in your scene.

Using HDR images in Blender can make a big difference in how realistic and vibrant your 3D scenes look. They provide rich lighting details that can bring your models to life, making them appear more dynamic and true-to-life.

by lea.haas -

Episode #4 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Frame by Frame

Working on the „Spieluhr“ scribble-style frame-by-frame animation has been an experience, especially using Photoshop and a drawing tablet. My process began with looking for a perfect brush style and how I can logically devide the different parts in the frame to ensure that I don’t work in chaos. Using a reference video was incredibly helpful in this stage, providing a solid foundation for the key actions and transitions.

The next step involved establishing keyframes. These pivotal moments captured the essence of each movement, marking the start and end points of actions. Working in Photoshop, I used layers to separate different elements of the animation, which made it easier to manage the complexity. The drawing tablet proved invaluable, offering the precision and fluidity needed for detailed work. At first I was really sceptical because of the drawing tablet but in the end it was really a gamechanger. This setup allowed me to create the inbetweens, or „tweens,“ which were crucial for achieving smooth, continuous motion between keyframes.

Maintaining consistency throughout the animation was a challenge, but tools like onion skinning in Photoshop made it manageable. By seeing previous and next frames, I could ensure that character proportions, shapes, and the overall scribble style remained uniform. This consistency was key to making the animation look professional and cohesive.

Attention to detail was another critical aspect. Secondary actions, such as subtle movements of hair or clothing, added layers of realism. Follow-through and overlapping action were techniques I applied to make movements more lifelike, ensuring that different parts of the body or objects moved with a natural delay.

Lighting and shadow consistency was crucial, even in a scribble-style animation. Keeping these elements uniform ensured visual coherence, and shadows moved correctly with the objects or characters, adding to the overall realism.

Throughout the process, frequent playback was essential. This allowed me to check for smoothness and coherence, making necessary adjustments along the way. Feedback from peers was invaluable, providing different perspectives and highlighting areas for improvement. Multiple revisions were part of the journey, each one bringing the animation closer to perfection.

Using Photoshop and a drawing tablet made the technical aspects of frame-by-frame animation more manageable. The software’s features, combined with the precision of the tablet, allowed for detailed and nuanced drawings. Synchronizing sound effects and any potential dialogue or background music with the animation added another layer of depth, making the visual experience more immersive.

Overall, working on the „Spieluhr“ scribble-style frame-by-frame animation was a blend of creativity and technical skill. I was happy that I took on that challenge and I may also use this for the practical part of my master thesis.

by lea.haas -

Episode #3 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Instagram Reels

Since we always film so much and it feels like it’s stuck in my phone and rotting there I decided to make Reels and put the stuff out there that we do! I was never really a „Reel type of person“ because I don’t actually consume them myself. But I realised that it’s sad that a lot of stuff is rotting on my phone so I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Some things that are important when using and creating Reels:

Keeping it Short and Engaging: Reels are short-form videos (up to 60 seconds), so you need to make every second count.

Using Music and Effects: Instagram provides a library of music tracks and effects that can enhance your Reels. Choose music that fits the mood of your content and use effects creatively to grab attention.

Creating High-Quality Content: Use of good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals.

At first I edited a little Reel of our time in Barcelona. That was a funny experience because I used footage from different people because I had no videos ( my phone got stolen) It was interesting to see how others perceived the time in Barcelona and what they felt worth capturing.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6V1X_MoD-p/?igsh=MTNmZWVncHloeDY0ZQ==

I also made a making of Video of our production for the stage Visuals for the Springfestival:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8M1Hg1I8ME/?igsh=a3M2M2xpbXlpMGZv

by lea.haas -

Episode #2 from the series: New things I learned this semester – Resolve

A big step for me this semester was to try out in depth cutting with Davinci Resolve. I was always a big fan of Adobe Premiere Pro and used to do everything with this programme. Especially the workflow within the Adobe products (Premiere-AfterEffects) was one of the main reason for that. Like I wrote in my last post, we had a project for the Springfestival where we could do basically everything so there was time to try out new things!

At first I was kind of overwhelmed with the user interface of Resolve. The arrangement of the tabs is totally different than in Premiere and therefore the workflow is totally different. Once I got used to the interface I surprisingly was very fond of this tool! At first glimpse it looks overpowered and complicated but the interface makes more sense than the interface of premiere – at least for me. It feels like in Resolve I have more control over my clips and also I like the arrangement of the tabs much more. In Premiere Pro I hardly ever worked with short cuts or effect control but now that I work in Resolve I am more willing to learn how to use stuff efficient. It really helped my workflow and output when it comes to cutting videos.

Here are some of the differences I have noticed:

Interface: Premiere Pro is often considered easier to learn, especially for those who have experience with other Adobe products. Its interface is customizable and user-friendly. While DaVinci Resolve has a more complex interface, it is highly powerful and comprehensive. The learning curve can be steeper, especially for beginners, but it’s favored by professional colorists and editors for its depth.

Color Grading/Correction: Premiere Pro offers a solid set of color grading tools within the Lumetri Color panel, which is integrated into the editing workflow. Meanwhile DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its advanced color grading capabilities, Resolve originated as a color grading tool and still excels in this area. Its color grading features are considered industry-leading, offering extensive controls and professional-grade tools.

Features: Premiere Pro is integrated with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition enhances its functionality. DaVinci also offers comprehensive editing features, with the added benefit of a fully integrated suite that includes Fusion (for visual effects), Fairlight (for audio post-production), and its top-notch color grading. This integration allows for a seamless workflow within a single application.

Here is the finished video for the Stage Visuals of the Springfestival Opening 2024. The main video I edited in DaVinci Resolve which I later put into the AfterEffects template, that is divided into different sections that are the same size as the LED walls on the main stage.

Here I especially focused on making cool transitions, which turned out pretty good because we graded everything in a similar color! On the day of the opening we had to look if the faces in the video would look disturbed or if my arrangement for the LED walls was accurat! The front penal at the venue was actually really overlapping the main wall so I had to adjust the video.

by lea.haas -

Episode #1 from the series: New things I learned this semester – VJing

This semester we had the task to come up with main stage visuals for the Club opening of Detroit and the Springfestival Graz. First I was really overwhelmed, because I could not imagine how our visuals and everything will come together in the end. From the beginning on it was clear that we wanted to do something with live action film. Then we thought about doing something with inverted colors and just cool visuals. We wanted to do something aestetic and not think about a story like we usually do. Just something fun.

Here you can see a screenshot of our pinterest board!

Luckily we know a lot of creative people so we soon had two male models for our shoot. We decided on doing something with male models, because we usually always tend to work with female people. This semester and for this project we wanted to switch up everything. We also searched for models with tattoos because with an inverted scene it would look really cool! My challenge for this project was definetly to try out Resolve Davinci for cutting. I’ve never really used it in this way so I was kind of scared. The cool thing with free projects like this is that you can just try things out. There is no specific requirement. We had total creative freedom. If it turns out nice – cool, If not – we learned something. Either way it would be a fun project.

So with our ideas and everything it was time to dive into the world of VJing:

VJane is a performer who creates visual experiences that accompany music, typically in live settings like concerts, clubs, and festivals. The role of a VJ involves mixing and manipulating video footage in real-time to synchronize with the music being played by a DJ. This art form, known as visual DJing or VJing, has evolved significantly with the advancement of digital technology and is definetly not dead!

The Key Elements:

  • Source Material: This can include video footage from cameras, animations created using software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, or pre-recorded clips from various sources​ (BPM Music). This was the main work part for us.
  • Playback and Mixing: VJs use software and hardware to play and blend these visual elements. Popular VJ software includes Resolume, Serato Video, and Virtual DJ Video, which allow for real-time video mixing and effects​ ​. In our case we worked with Resolume.
  • Effects and Output: Special effects can be applied to enhance the visuals, and the final output is displayed on screens or projectors, often creating immersive environments for the audience​ (BPM Music)​.
by lea.haas -

#10 Make enemies not friends

The reaction to feminism in film and discussions of heavy topics in cinema can vary widely, and it’s essential to recognize that people’s responses are shaped by diverse perspectives, experiences, and beliefs. Here are some reasons why some individuals may be triggered or have strong reactions:

  1. Resistance to Change: Some people may resist feminist perspectives or heavy topics in film because it challenges traditional or long-held beliefs. Changes in societal norms can be met with discomfort or resistance by those who are accustomed to the status quo.
  2. Fear of Loss of Representation: Individuals who feel threatened by increased representation of women or marginalized groups may perceive it as a loss of their own representation or influence. This fear can lead to defensive reactions.
  3. Stereotypes and Misconceptions: Misunderstandings about feminism or heavy topics may contribute to negative reactions. Stereotypes and misconceptions about these subjects can lead to misinterpretations and resistance.
  4. Political or Ideological Differences: Some people may view feminism or discussions of heavy topics through a political or ideological lens. If these topics align with a particular political stance that someone opposes, it can trigger strong reactions.
  5. Personal Experiences: Individuals‘ personal experiences can shape their reactions to certain themes. If someone has had negative experiences related to feminism or the heavy topics being discussed, it may influence their perception.
  6. Fear of Uncomfortable Emotions: Films addressing heavy topics often evoke strong emotions, including sadness, anger, or discomfort. Some individuals may actively avoid these emotions, leading them to reject films that delve into challenging subjects.
  7. Misinformation or Lack of Exposure: Lack of exposure to diverse perspectives or misinformation about feminist ideas can contribute to negative reactions. Exposure to well-rounded and accurate information can help foster a more informed understanding.
  8. Cultural or Religious Beliefs: Cultural or religious beliefs can play a significant role in shaping individuals‘ attitudes toward certain themes in film. Some may find that feminist ideas or heavy topics conflict with their cultural or religious values.

It’s crucial to engage in open and respectful dialogue about these topics to promote understanding and bridge gaps in perception. Film, as a powerful medium, has the potential to foster empathy, encourage conversations, and challenge societal norms, but it can also be met with resistance due to the deeply ingrained nature of cultural and personal beliefs.

Stepping out of our comfort zones and addressing topics like feminism and heavy social issues in film can be a powerful way to bring about positive change. It’s important for filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences alike to embrace the potential for positive change that comes with addressing these issues in film. By actively participating in the conversation and supporting diverse and inclusive storytelling, we contribute to a cultural landscape that reflects the richness and complexity of the human experience.

by lea.haas -

#09 Shifting Gazes

By approaching film with an open mind, you can enrich your cinematic experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of storytelling within the medium. Shifting your gaze and approaching film in a more open way involves adopting a mindset that embraces diverse perspectives, genres, and styles.

Explore films outside your comfort zone, including genres or cultures you are less familiar with. Consider international films to gain insights into different storytelling traditions. Independent and art house films often provide unique and unconventional narratives, showcasing a different side of cinema. Attending film festivals exposes you to a variety of cinematic experiences, including independent and international works that may not have had mainstream success.

Reading diverse film reviews can provide insights from different perspectives. Understanding the filmmaker’s intentions and the context in which a film was made enhances appreciation for the artistry and storytelling. Engaging in film discussions, whether in clubs, online forums, or discussion groups, allows you to share thoughts and hear different perspectives, opening your mind to new interpretations.

Embrace experimental and non-linear storytelling, as some films break away from traditional narrative conventions. Learning about film history provides context for how different styles and techniques have evolved, contributing to a deeper understanding of cinema’s evolution. Supporting diverse filmmakers by seeking out and endorsing films from underrepresented creators contributes to a more inclusive and varied film landscape.

Approach film with openness to reevaluation. A film that didn’t resonate initially may take on new meaning upon rewatching or with a fresh perspective. By adopting this open-minded approach, you can enrich your cinematic experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of storytelling within the medium.

Cultivate an awareness of the socio-cultural context in which films are produced. Recognize that films are not created in a vacuum and often reflect or respond to the societal, political, and cultural issues of their time. This perspective can add layers of meaning to the stories being told.