Throughout spring semester in MEDA102, we have examined and critically analysed alternative films, as well as experimented with creating our own films associated with the weekly topics. Throughout this process of weekly experimentation, I was able to discover particular styles, aesthetics, editing and film techniques which appealed to my own personal film making preferences. I was also able to create a personal meaning of ‘Mediating attention’ associated with the particular topic I wished to convey. This began the process of working towards my final project, which I eventually named ‘Me and my shadow’. 

I found that I was drawn to specific editing techniques which focused on the cutting according to specific beats and rhythms throughout alternative films. This idea to use cutting as a feature of my film was particularly inspired by Martin Arnolds ‘Passage a L’acte’ (1993) which we studied in class. I found that there were both positive and negative viewing elements within the film. I enjoyed the black and white scale used as it allowed the audience to focus on the visuals rather than any distracting colours or objects within the frame. Arnold’s use of cuts as the primary feature of the film was very interesting, however was quite hard to watch as discovered through feedback from the class. I decided through viewing this film that I wanted to incorporate cuts as a primary feature of my film similarly to Martin Arnolds, however make it an easier to watch style. 

Outside of the class, I found personal interest in watching music videos which featured a similar style, using a black and white scale and using cuts to a particular musical beat. These kinds of films were visually appealing, as well as successfully conveyed particular topics such as mental health and personal conflicts in a very powerful fashion. I wanted to emulate this within my own film. An example of a major inspiration for my film was the ‘Afraid’ Music video by The Neighbourhood. This video stood out as it also used a similar style to Martin Arnold’s film, utilizing black and white scale and cutting, however in a much more watchable form. I also enjoyed that the cuts were set to the beat of the music being used. I also found that the length of the video was very well timed, as it was long enough for the audience to understand the message being conveyed, and also gave the viewers time to reflect, then forward on into their lives with the message continuing to linger in their minds. I was inspired to create a similar effect within my own film, especially considering I wished to create my film surrounding the topic of mental health awareness and personal struggles experienced by young adults in particular. 

After watching other films and gathering my ideas for what I wished to create, I began the creation process of my final film. I used ‘rough’ camera filming techniques, without the use of a tripod or rigid setup. This was intentional as I wanted the rough filming to be a metaphor for the imperfect nature of the topic being conveyed. I also wanted to make the subject seem as if they were crying to further push the topic, and force the viewer to instantly recognise that the subject being filmed was struggling in some way. I used a range of shots including close ups, wide angle, inside and outside shots, as well as some shots of nature i.e. spiders webs and flowers etc. I wanted to incorporate these elements to maintain the audience’s attention with the changing scenes, as well as the mixture between extreme close ups and shots from further away. 

I was able to show a rough draft of my film to the MEDA102 class during our presentations, and gained some useful feedback regarding the layout of the film, editing techniques and how successful I was in conveying my theme of mental health awareness. I was especially interested in comments made regarding how I utilised editing techniques to hold the attention of the viewers. Some of this feedback included extending the ending of the film in order to let the viewers sit on the topic for a bit longer, incorporating more wide shots, and playing around with the intensity of the music in the background. I took this feedback onboard and began experimenting with my draft in order to make it as successful as possible. This included changing the ending of the film, making the music fade out sooner, and leaving a longer ending of a quiet scene. I also incorporated more wide shots in an attempt to make the film more visually appealing. 

I believe the process of creating this film was quite successful, and I was able to discover a lot about my personal filmmaking style, as well as the importance of mediating the audience’s attention in order to convey a particular topic. My film named ‘Me and my shadow’ is a statement on mental health awareness, and conveys mental health in a raw, honest, and alternative fashion. I believe the length of the film (roughly 1 minute 30 seconds) allows the message to be conveyed successfully, and from further feedback received is a very impactful short film showcasing a topic which is quite taboo amongst young adults. I hope that the film makes a positive impact on viewers, and is able to promote mental health awareness.