Final Video

 https://youtu.be/p_ETyyq75gk

Blog 3: Editing

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA10XayhSOM

In this early clip from the Youtube animated series Hazbin Hotel, the editors are careful about conveying the emotions that the characters are feeling. For example, the shots right before Charlie (the blonde) opens the door are slow and a bit static to convey her anxiety. Then there is matched action between Charlie and Alastor (the red guy) in the doorway to show seamless movement. The camera moves up and down slightly, between them for humorous effect, and also to show how tall Alastor is. This is followed by some reverse shots with Charlie and Vaggie during their conversation, but they are not shown in the same frame together. The 180 degree rule is mostly maintained as Alastor walks into the room, although I think the 180 and 130 degree rules are skewed a little by the fact that it’s animated and the spatial dimensions are 2D, instead of 3D like in live action film. Alastor’s reverse shots with Vaggie mirror those he had with Charlie, to show that he is a stranger to them. Also the eyelines are constructed so that Alastor is always looking down, to show how tall he is and also his dominance in this scenario. Finally we have a point of view sequence in which the camera looks over Vaggie’s shoulder as Alastor intimidates her, before moving back to Vaggie for her reaction shot. Overall the editing in this short scene is subtle and has minimal jump cuts, mostly because the action all takes place in one room (excluding the shots of Charlie from the doorway).

Blog 2: Soundwalk

 The sounds of the city often fade to a dull but all-consuming roar of cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Walking down the street, the cars are only matched by the roar of wind in my ears. The purr of engines waiting to accelerate becomes a keynote, a background sound that never leaves. It’s early morning and I hear the sounds of metal on metal from the various construction sites littered throughout the city. Quieter, but no less all-consuming, is the sound of footsteps on cement, footsteps on metal grates that pepper the city streets. A louder sound--that of wheels on the pavement-- occasionally breaks through. A car door opening there, a snatch of conversation here. Of course the ever-present beeps and whirs of cellphones. A delivery man speeds down the street on his bike, speaking rapid Spanish. In Central Park I hear the crunching of leaves underfoot, hear the wind rustle the trees and the rushing water of public fountains. It is peaceful. A bird flits here and there, announcing it’s small presence. My train of thought is interrupted by a loud, sudden honk, a sound signal alerting me to traffic. If I listen closely, I can hear the hum of boilers and plumbing and other strange noises from deep beneath buildings, as though the city itself is breathing. A dog’s leash jingles pleasantly; another sound signal. Finally I hear foreign music blaring from a food truck selling Mediterranean food, and I know I have arrived at school.

Project 1: Define a Space

 https://youtu.be/nmkycmn9iZM

Creative Statement

My name is Chana Radensky, and I am a junior at Hunter College. My majors are history and general media studies. My work primarily focuses on narrative and explores the possibilities of both visual and textual storytelling, particularly in comic art, film, and written fiction. I believe that fiction is a reflection of reality and a great tool for education and creative expression. In my comic art and writing, I strive to tell a visually interesting story that reveals truths about human nature. My background in art provides a good foundation for learning film techniques and applying my narrative skills to filmmaking. I’m especially interested in character design and how an arresting visual can capture an audience's attention. I am attracted to simple shapes and bright colors when designing characters, while also developing complex personalities and characteristics that my audience can relate to and empathize with. I am inspired by all kinds of fiction, from video games to comics to novels. In addition I often work with fan-art and fanfiction, taking characters and stories from existing media and developing them in my personal style. What draws me most are characters that are rich with personality and human dynamics, as they show us how humans see each other and ourselves best.