To start off our Animated Narratives class, I was given the first assignment, to produce a presentation based upon analysis of a Pixar short – Kitbull. My group consists of Megan McColm, James Greer, Samantha Savage and Curtis Girvin. In the assignment overview, we had to cover the elements of Narrative structure and its relation to the Hero’s Journey, Mise-en-scène, Cinematography, Sound, Editing and Discovering intent – How it evokes a reaction from the audience.
During the first class, we were split into our groups on Blackboard. We all then watched through the short (almost in tears) and set up a word doc to put down any ideas. We all didn’t agree on a part to give each other but we all just started analyzing anything that stood out.
I decided I was going to focus on Cinematography. I began with some research on cinematography on what it is and how it can be used effectively through lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angles, film selection, lens choices, depth of field, zoom, focus, color, exposure, and filtration.
From the research I came up with a script for my section of the presentation;
Cinematography in any film is fundamental, without it the visual mood, atmosphere, and sense of meaning lacks for the audience. Cinematography is important for every element of the narrative and needs to be cohesive and support the story. In Kitbull the cinematography varies widely, from high angled shots to close up shots, sunny days to thundery nights.
Most of the shots in Kitbull are at the same level to our main characters. This gives us the atmosphere that the producers want us to see their world and struggles through their eyes and cut out the importance of humans. In the beginning these close-up shots emphasis loneliness and selfishness of the kitten, supporting itself and keeping away from humans. This could tell us that the kitten was possibly abandoned and feels no trust with humans, however it does show of this pink elephant. The close up shots of the toy is seen as a comfort to the kitten, whenever it becomes scared its first reaction is to the elephant.
However, as the story progresses, the elephant becomes less important and is replaced by the pitbull and by the end when they both escape, no thought is given to the elephant and is left behind but instead the dog becomes the comfort to the kitten. The lighting shown when the car pulls up seems mysterious and unusual. Its bright orange light isn’t normal to this kitten and shows a somewhat evil arriving. It links well with the orange lid the kitten and dog end up playing with as it shows contrast from evil and good, through the building of trust this lid gives them both and the lack of trust the orange lighting the humans are given.
We then see in the next scene that the lighting has changed to a dull grey, showing us a storm could be on the way and what does it mean for the kitten and the dog, could something bad happen? The next scene shows us that evil orange light again but this time inside the mysterious building. Along with the sounds of barking and yelling, we notice the dog being kicked outside in the rain with the contrast of the orange light and the dark blue and black lightning sky. It shows us the pain and sadness through both the kittens and dogs eyes and that this night brings change.
The next scene shows a gloomy blue sky, showing us the calm after the storm, and the dark kennel the dog is placed in shows us pain, sadness and hurt, maybe just wanting to be left alone. Nearing the end, the orange light appears yet again showing that more hurt and sadness can come. It acts like a warning to them both to get out while they can, through the trust they’ve built together. In the final few scenes, it is seen as a bright day, showing the kitten and dog are happy together and free. The close ness of the camera shows us the close bond they have for one another and are changed towards humans. Them both appearing from the shadows shows that they are ready to step into the light and trust this human that has tried to comfort them before.
From my script I then created my slides, I thought that leaving out text would make my slides look less cluttered and more simplistic to avoid the viewers being distracted by what’s on screen rather than what I’m speaking about.
I feel that these slides came out well and were able to relate to my script, the way the images were laid out I feel that the viewers could follow my voice with them.
After Samantha’s final edit our presentation came out really well and flowed great. To improve, I would suggest that we planned out our sections more and gave each other more feedback whenever we finished our slides or our recordings etc. but overall I enjoyed working with my group and I’m happy with the final piece.
Videos & Articles:
Kitbull – Pixar SparkShorts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZS5cgybKcI
Film 101: What Is Cinematography and What Does a Cinematographer Do?: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-what-is-cinematography-and-what-does-a-cinematographer-do#what-is-cinematography
Cinematography: https://u.osu.edu/animation/cinematography/#:~:text=Cinematography%20describes%20the%20process%20of,is%20also%20a%20key%20factor.
Planning Animation Cinematography and Shot Structure to
Communicate Theme and Mood: https://web.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/154/Workshop/KennedyKevin%20Planning%20Animation%20Cinematography%20and%20Shot.pdf
Cinematography for 3D animators: https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/cinematography-3d-animators-8069687
Vogler, C. (2007). The writer’s journey. 3rd ed. LA: Michael Wiese Production.
Wallis, T. and Pramaggiore, M. (2011). Film – a critical introduction. 3rd ed. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Campbell, J. (2008). The hero with a thousand faces. 3rd ed. Novato: New World Library
Katz, S., (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot, Michael Wiese Productions