by antonia.muszi -

A Visual and Descriptive Analysis of Anime – A Summary

Who is Tezuka Osamu?

He is one of the most influential figures in the history of manga and anime and known as the „God of Manga“. He was born on November 3, 1928, in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Osaka University with a degree in medicine, although he chose to pursue a career in manga and animation instead. Tezuka revolutionized the manga industry with his innovative storytelling, complex characters, and cinematic panel layouts. He created numerous influential works including „Astro Boy“ (Tetsuwan Atom), „Black Jack,“ „Princess Knight“ (Ribon no Kishi) and „Phoenix“ (Hi no Tori).

  • „The God of Manga“ – A documentary detailing his contributions to the manga and anime industries.
  • „Tezuka Osamu: The Legend“ – A documentary that explores his life, artistic process and enduring legacy.

What is the Persistance of Vision?

The „persistence of vision“ creates the illusion of movement in cinema, even though the images on the screen don’t actually move. This phenomenon relies on the retina’s ability to retain an image for a brief moment after it’s gone and the brain’s capacity to distinguish between quickly changing individual frames. This principle is the fundamental science behind movies and motion capture technology.

What Actually is the Definition of Anime?

Animation involves creating movement by using non-photographic techniques, such as hand-drawn or computer-generated images. This effect is achieved by making small, incremental changes to the images from one frame to the next.

Who is Hayao Miyazaki?

Hayao Miyazaki is the most famous anime director in Japan. His works stand out globally for their unique style. He crafts worlds that feel both exotic and familiar to viewers, striking a perfect balance between reality and fantasy.  “Miyazaki’s attempt to create a binding version of fantasy with reality, he rejects the tradition of happy endings in children’s films. If reality is ambiguous and full of possibilities, he believes so should be fantasy.”, so researcher Nguyen Nhu Ngoc.

by antonia.muszi -

Nature Film Director – Loui Psihoyos

Loui Psihoyos is an American photographer and documentary filmmaker, best known for his work on environmental and conservation issues.

Some facts about him:

  1. Early Life: Psihoyos was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on February 23, 1957. He grew up with a passion for photography and nature, which would later shape his career.
  2. Photography Career: Psihoyos began his career as a still photographer, working for notable publications such as National Geographic and Smithsonian. His work often focused on nature, wildlife, and environmental issues.
  3. Documentary Filmmaking: Psihoyos transitioned into filmmaking, using his visual storytelling skills to shed light on pressing environmental issues. His most famous work is the documentary film „The Cove.“
  4. The Cove: „The Cove“ (2009) is a documentary, which exposes the annual dolphin hunt that takes place in Taiji, Japan. The film follows activists, including former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, as they uncover and attempt to expose the brutal practices of the dolphin hunting industry. „The Cove“ won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010.
  5. Impact: „The Cove“ had a significant impact, raising awareness about the issue of dolphin hunting and sparking international outrage. It led to increased scrutiny of the practice and efforts to halt it.
  6. Other Projects: In addition to „The Cove,“ Psihoyos has been involved in other documentary projects focused on environmental themes. For example, he directed „Racing Extinction“ (2015), which addresses the ongoing mass extinction of species due to human activity. His most recent project is the Netflix documentary „You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment“ (2024).
  7. Environmental Activism: Psihoyos is actively involved in environmental activism and uses his films as a platform to advocate for conservation and sustainability.
  8. Organization: Psihoyos is a co-founder of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues through film, photography, and other forms of media.

Louie Psihoyos is a prominent figure in the world of environmental documentary filmmaking, using his skills as a photographer and filmmaker to raise awareness and inspire action on pressing conservation issues. A role model for sure.

by lea.haas -

#07 How to find your own voice as a director

Greta Gerwig and her story

Greta Gerwig has developed a unique style throughout her career as an actress, screenwriter, and director. How did she develope her distinctive style:

  1. Mumblecore Movement: Gerwig began her career in the Mumblecore movement, a film genre characterized by improvised dialogue, natural acting, and low production budgets. This experience influenced her early style and helped her develop an affinity for authentic, realistic storytelling.
  2. Collaboration with Noah Baumbach: Working with director Noah Baumbach, especially on films like „Frances Ha“ and „Mistress America,“ played a crucial role in shaping Gerwig’s style. Baumbach’s influence, combined with Gerwig’s own experiences and perspectives, helped form a unique narrative tone.
  3. Self-reflection and Experience: Greta Gerwig has evolved as a versatile artist. She started as an actress, later transitioned to writing scripts, and eventually took on directing. This versatility allowed her to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of film production and refine her own approach.
  4. Interest in Human Relationships: Many of her films revolve around complex human relationships and everyday life. Gerwig has a knack for exploring the depth of human emotions and depicting them in an authentic and often humorous manner.
  5. Feminist Perspective: Gerwig has become a prominent voice for women in film. She brings a feminist perspective to her works, often putting strong female characters at the forefront and challenging stereotypical portrayals.
  6. Humor and Lightness: A characteristic feature of Gerwig’s style is her sense of humor and lightness. Even in serious themes, she often incorporates humorous elements that make her works accessible and engaging.
  7. Visual Aesthetics: Gerwig has also developed a distinctive visual aesthetic, characterized by her camera work and direction. The way she composes images and stages scenes contributes to her unique visual style.

It’s important to note that an artist’s style is often the result of continuous development, influenced by personal experiences, collaborations, and a constant pursuit of creative expression. Greta Gerwig’s style is the product of her artistic journey and her ability to tell authentic stories with a unique creative fingerprint.

Finding your own voice as a director is a personal and evolving journey. Remember, finding your own way as a director is a continuous process of exploration and self-discovery. Be patient, stay passionate about your craft, and allow your unique voice to emerge organically 🙂 Here are some tips and approaches how one can find their voice as a director:

  1. Self-Reflection:
    • Consider your personal experiences, beliefs, and interests. What stories resonate with you on a deep level? Your own background and perspectives can be a source of inspiration for your storytelling.
  2. Education and Study:
    • Study the work of various directors and filmmakers across different genres. Analyze films critically, paying attention to their storytelling techniques, visual styles, and thematic elements. Learn from both classic and contemporary cinema.
  3. Experimentation:
    • Take the time to experiment with different filmmaking techniques. This could involve creating short films, working on small projects, or even just practicing specific aspects of filmmaking such as framing, editing, or sound design.
  4. Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with other filmmakers, writers, and artists. Exposure to different perspectives and working styles can help you refine your own approach. Learn from your collaborators and be open to new ideas.
  5. Seek Feedback:
    • Share your work with others and seek constructive feedback. This can come from peers, mentors, or even online communities. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you see your work from different perspectives.
  6. Identify Themes and Motifs:
    • Notice recurring themes, motifs, or elements in your work. These might be subconscious expressions of your artistic identity. Understanding these patterns can help you shape and refine your unique style.
  7. Develop a Signature:
    • Consider what sets your storytelling apart. It could be a particular visual style, a recurring theme, or a distinctive approach to character development. Developing a signature element can make your work recognizable.
  8. Stay Authentic:
    • While it’s natural to be inspired by others, avoid imitating them outright. Stay true to your own vision and perspective. Authenticity is key to developing a genuine directorial style.
  9. Learn from Mistakes:
    • Embrace failure as part of the learning process. Analyze what works and what doesn’t in your projects. Each mistake is an opportunity to refine your skills and understand your creative instincts better.
  10. Stay Open to Evolution:
    • Your directorial style is likely to evolve over time. Be open to new influences, experiences, and learning opportunities. Embrace growth and adapt your style as you continue to develop as a filmmaker.