A movie, technically speaking, is simply a series of still images played at 24 frames per second to create the illusion of movement. This fact proved to be the central theme of my very first production class and the inspiration behind many of the projects that we were assigned in the winter semester of 2003. Working with the Pentax K1000 (still camera) we were instructed to capture images and then create a back story, soundscape, song, or any cinematic embellishment we wished, to add another layer to the images.
I vaguely remember what I did, but stumbling on to these slides again was a treat. It brings back a lot of memories to see how 7 years ago I was just beginning to explore my love of urban texture and depth - bricks, concrete, peeling paint, retro settings in a modern context, etc. This influence is evident in several of my projects, most notably, Urban Jazz from that same year.
If you imagine these slides as a single frame in a feature film, it's actually a great creative exercise (hence the assignment) to picture what might be going on - Where are we going? What is this leading to? What does the image say about the theme, style, genre? I have my own notes on how I accented these images, but I'll leave it to you to come up with your own stories.
#12 - Western Furs
Bold text, patterned windows, bellowing smoke, canted angle to emphasize scale - this is the cold city.
#3 - Piano
Stylized text with Canadian reference, short depth of field - foreshadowing for Keys perhaps?
#13 - Hang Up
Abandoned, desolate, no answer . . .
#4 - The Red Light
Industrial elements, a bright spot of color - welcoming or foreboding?
A single a day keeps your creativity in play.
Join me as I share some of my fav tunes in an effort to pay the inspiration forward.
Inspired Singles: Issue 06 by Luke Fandrich
This Too Shall Pass by OK Go
I've spoke previously in this series about OK Go, and with the release of their latest album (Of the Blue Color of the Sky) I was once again inspired to share another one of their tracks. This Too Shall Pass is great not just because of the free-spirited lyrics, upbeat chorus, and strong beat, but the video is yet another single-take surprise from the group with them decked out in marching band garb and parading through a field full of well placed extras. You may remember the treadmill video for Here it Goes Again that went viral or their choreographed dancing in the backyard for A Million Ways - which both further support my reasoning in finding their music (and videos for that matter) thoroughly inspiring.
Slow Poison by The Bravery
This retro-esque tune is driving, toe-tapping, synth-fueled kitsch, and I love it. The video, full of neon beams and strobes of cosmic light, features a cosmonaut exploring space in an eye-catchingly 'far out and happening way' as Greg Brady might say. This tune from The Bravery's latest album, Stir the Blood, has been on repeat lately.
We Own the Sky by M83
From their album, Saturdays=Youth, We Own the Sky is another ambient, echoing, and alternative selection on my part. What I love about the song is that it feels heavy - made so by the slow beat and (low) synth droning. I picture a train trying to make it up a hill; slow, steady, striving to reach the top. The tone is encompassing and it's ideal for getting lost in your own thoughts. 
