I’ll be researching 3 film practitioners that work in fields I find challenging to see how they perfected their craft. I hope to apply the skill these practitioners have to my own work to improve on these weaknesses and turn them into strengths so I can be better prepared for my future in the industry.

Screen Writer

Jordan Peele –

Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” is one of the best horror films I’ve seen in a VERY long time, the writing strays from the typical horror conventions and isn’t as one the nose compared to other critically acclaimed horror films. I found the way Peele created tension and the use of foreshadowing was exceptional, not forgetting the way Peele perfectly intertwined Comedy without dulling down or diminishing tension/build. For my own work, I’d like to emulate the foreshadowing and other aspects, such as the discomfort he brings forth in his work and incorporate them into my own.

Sound Designer(s)

Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl –

Just like Peele, Aadahl and Ryn’s work in “A Quiet Place” is all about suspense. You’d think a film with little to no dialogue would be pretty dull. However, the lack of dialogue allows the viewer to focus on the suspense that is created by sound and the performance. In my own work, I’m going to have a voice-over accompanied with the ambient sounds of nature and the surrounding area. This is to create a realistic feel to my video and for the audience to focus on the performance/writing. My work will have dialogue, however, it will be spaced out and focused more on ambience.

Editor(s)

Douglas Crise and Stephen Mirrione –

Crise and Mirrione’s work in Birdman is something I’ve never seen in a film before. Their use of single shot editing technique creates a very real and immersive experience. This stylistic choice also adds in a sense of hyper-realism. Throughout the whole film, the editing leaves the viewer with a dilemma of what is real and what isn’t; this kind of style is what I want to achieve in my work. I’ll be experimenting with this style of cutting while filming and when editing. This approach is very unique and will push my creative boundaries.

I’ll be drawing inspiration from all three of these practitioners so I can perfect my craft. I’ll be writing a narrative based script, in the style of Jordan Peele, editing in the fluid style of Douglas Crise and Stephen Mirrione. And create ambience through sound in the style of Ethan Van Ryn and Erik Aadahl. I want my final outcome to encompass all of these factors so I can improve and be better equipped in these mediums for future projects.