Film Studies and Cinematography - Project 1
ChenYuhan / 0378131
Film Studies and Cinematography / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University
Project 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. Project 1
INSTRUCTIONS
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ju-Cv8u84eD99RmhLsDO5sgZh4iHhwT2/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
WEEKLY LESSONS
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Story Structure:
- A story structure can change the rhythm and interest in listening to stories.
Story Spine
- find important moments (story beats)
Theme
- Moral of the story
- letting go of 'wants' to get the 'need'
ACT 1
- establishes the world and characters.
- 'Once upon a time' part of the story
- most of the time Act 1 ends with the inciting incident.
- may introduce the antagonist.
- make audience hook/invested into main character
ACT 2
- progressive complications/issues
- make things hard for the MC(main character) - for them to grow
- a series of obstacles for MC to solve.
- 'Everything goes wrong' part of story
- Act 2 is where the MC confronts, on what the MC is trying to avoid
ACT 3
- in danger of losing everything.
- can they accept their 'needs'
- sacrifices wants for needs
- fight for that 'important' thing according to the theme
- feel satisfying on many levels.
- to have a satisfying end, it has to be emotional.
- sometimes it comes with a surprise which makes it more satisfying
Week 4:
Week 5:
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
WEEK 1:
Activity 1:
Watching the Pixar SparkShorts short film "Purl"
1) Please describe your emotional experience while watching this short film?
At first, Purl seemed out of place in such a serious office environment, which intrigued me and even amused me a little. However, this feeling quickly turned into unease and sadness. Watching her try to change herself to fit in made me uncomfortable—it felt unfair and heartbreaking.
As the story progressed, I began to understand her more deeply. When she finally chose to be herself and connected with someone similar to her, I felt relieved and comforted.
2) How do you connect the story to your own experiences? Have you had similar experiences?
Yes, I can understand Purl's experience, especially in social situations. I actually don't like attending parties with people I don't know because I don't want to feel excluded, even if people don't outwardly act that way.
3) Was the story interesting? (What made the story interesting?)
I think the story is interesting because it's contrasting and straightforward. Purl's soft, brightly colored, and fluffy design contrasts sharply with the dull and rigid office environment, adding both humor and visual impact.
4) Exploring Characters, Setting, Obstacles, and Themes
Characters:
Pear is outgoing, innocent, and craves acceptance. Her office colleagues are more reserved and initially unenthusiastic, representing a rigid and exclusionary culture. Later, the appearance of another character similar to Pearl helps change this situation and prompts Pearl to make changes.
Setting:
The story takes place in a formal, monotonous, and somewhat cold corporate office. This environment highlights Pearl's difference and amplifies her loneliness.
Obstacles:
Pear faces the challenge of integrating into a group that doesn't naturally accept her. She struggles with the choice between staying true to herself and changing herself to gain acceptance.
Themes:
The story's theme is about identity and belonging. It suggests that people shouldn't lose themselves in the pursuit of acceptance, and that embracing differences can create a more inclusive environment.
Activity 2:
Which part of the story resonated with you the most?
What impressed me most was Pearl's transformation in order to fit in. She was willing to change herself to conform, becoming a completely different, but not authentic, person, which saddened me; I had done the same. But later, like her, I chose to return to being myself, because that's what makes us truly who we are.
Activity 3:
Whimsical thoughts: "What if...?"
What if we could pay a price to travel through time and change the ending?
What if everyone had a magic lamp? How different would our wishes be?
What if we could freely travel between two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds?
What if we could become small animals?
What if if you believed enough in something, it would come true?
Activity 4:
Who are the main characters?
In Purl, the main character is Purl, a bright pink ball of yarn who is new to a corporate office. The other characters are her coworkers, who share a similar personality and culture.
In Geri's Game, the only character is Geri, an elderly man who plays a chess game by himself, acting as two different personalities.
Is there a character you identify with most?
I relate more to Purl. Her experience of entering a new environment and trying to fit in feels very realistic. The way she adjusts herself to be accepted reflects situations I've personally experienced.
Where does the movie take place? Is it one world or multiple worlds?
Purl takes place in a modern office environment, which feels structured, repetitive, and socially exclusive.
Geri's Game is set in a quiet outdoor park, which feels calm, open, and slightly isolated.
Both stories take place in a single world, but the atmospheres are very different—one is socially tense, while the other is peaceful and introspective.
Part B
Imagine Purl leaving the stressful office environment and ending up in the quiet park where Geri plays chess.
At first, Purl might still carry her anxiety from trying to fit in. However, Geri would likely welcome her in a gentle and playful way.
He might invite Purl to join his chess game, perhaps even assigning her a “role” in his imagined competition. Through this interaction, Purl could slowly relax and rediscover her authentic self without the pressure to change.
At the same time, Purl’s lively and colorful personality could bring a new kind of energy into Geri’s world, making his solitary game feel more vibrant and social.
Activity 5:
Chosen Pixar Short: Geri's Game
INTERESTING
What makes Geri's Game interesting is its clever and simple concept—an old man playing chess by himself, but acting as if he were two completely different players.
The humor comes from the contrast between the two personalities: one is confident and slightly arrogant, while the other is more nervous and cautious. Even though there is only one character, the animation makes it feel like two distinct individuals are competing.
EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED
Although the short is lighthearted and funny, it also carries a subtle sense of loneliness. Geri is alone in a quiet park, entertaining himself by creating his own opponent.
This can be emotionally relatable because many people experience moments of solitude. Instead of presenting loneliness in a sad way, the story shows how imagination and playfulness can turn isolation into something enjoyable. It reflects a positive way of coping—finding joy even when alone.
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
The story presents an ordinary activity—playing chess—from a unique perspective. Instead of showing two real players, it explores how one person can create interaction through imagination and personality.
It also highlights aging in a gentle and humorous way. Rather than portraying old age as slow or dull, it shows intelligence, creativity, and a sense of humor. This perspective challenges stereotypes and gives a refreshing view of an elderly character as lively and mentally sharp.
WEEK 2:
Activity 1:
1. Watch the Pixar short “BAO” directed by Domee Shi
2. Identify characters in the story and their roles in the story.
3. Describe the personality of each character in the story, knowing how he/she reacted in difficult situations.
Chinese Mother (Protagonist, Empty Nest Middle-Aged Woman)
Story Positioning: A mother who projects all her emotional attachment onto her son.
Adversity Reactions & Personality: Her first reaction upon discovering Bao Bao has come to life is one of joy and tenderness; when Bao Bao grows up and wants to leave, she becomes angry, revealing her controlling nature; ultimately, she reconciles with her real son, demonstrating her gentle nature and willingness to change.
Bao Bao (The Mother's Emotional Vehicle)
Story Positioning: A character who carries the mother's love and represents the child's growth.
Adversity Reactions & Personality: Completely dependent on his mother as a child, he begins to desire independence and friendships as an adult, reflecting the natural awakening of a child's self-awareness.
Adult Son
Story Positioning: A key character in breaking the mother-son impasse.
Adversity Reactions & Personality: Bringing his girlfriend home and proactively hugging his mother demonstrates his maturity.
Activity 2:
1. Return to the Pixar short 'BAO.'
2. Describe the external features of the protagonist.
3. Describe the internal features of the protagonist.
External Characteristics: Round face, slightly plump, often wears warm-colored loose-fitting loungewear, thin-rimmed glasses, lives in a typical old Chinatown apartment, and the environment is filled with homely Chinese furnishings.
Internal Characteristics: Core traits include extreme lack of love, strong desire for control, and emotional sensitivity; hidden worry is the fear of dying alone; unmet needs include a desire to be needed and a desire to maintain a healthy, close connection with children.
Activity 3:
1. Return to the Pixar short 'BAO.'
2. Identify a want and a need for each character by making a statement based on this example:
In Monsters Inc. Sulley wants to be the best scarer, but he needs to be a father figure.
3. For each character, you should be able to answer these questions:
What do they want most?
Who do they want to become?
What might they need in order to succeed?
Mom: Wants her baby to stay by her side forever, to be a "mother completely depended on by her child." She needs to accept the fact that her child will grow up and leave, and learn to shift her love from "possessiveness" to "letting go."
BaoBao: Wants to freely explore the outside world and become an independent individual.He needs to clearly express his boundaries while understanding that his mother's sacrifices are not malicious manipulation.
Adult son: Wants his mother to accept his new life (girlfriend, independent choices).
He needs to proactively take steps to give his mother a sense of security, instead of constantly avoiding conflict.
Activity 4:
1.Return to the Pixar short 'BAO.'
2. Identify external and internal obstacles of the characters.
External Obstacles: As Bao Bao grows up, he wants to go out with friends and doesn't want to go grocery shopping with his mother, challenging her belief that "her child will always belong to her." Her adult son bringing his girlfriend home signifies that he has fully established his own family, leaving the mother facing the reality of being "left behind."
Internal Obstacles: The mother's controlling nature makes it difficult for her to accept the inevitable process of her child's independence. Bao Bao/her adult son initially hesitates to directly resist his mother's demands for fear of hurting her, leading to a buildup of conflict.
Activity 5:
1. Identify the arc of the main character in the the short 'BAO.'
What do they want at the beginning?
What did they realize they need by the end?
2. How have you changed as a result of overcoming an obstacle?
1. The Growth of Core Characters
Bao: At the beginning, he is completely dependent on his mother. At the end, Bao confidently steps outward, and the adult son proactively embraces his mother, completing his growth "from dependence to independence, while learning to be considerate."
Mom: At the beginning, she believed love was possessiveness. At the end, she understood that love is respecting the other person's independence and proactively let go of her obsession.
2. Personal Reflection Example
When I was in high school, I really wanted to transfer to the art class, and my parents' strong opposition was my biggest obstacle. Finally, I convinced them with my complete portfolio. In the process, I learned not to fight against my parents' opposition, but to prove my choice through hard work, instead of just crying and making a fuss like before.
Activity 6:
Return to the main characters from your short story 'BAO.'
What was one important choice they had to make where the stakes were high?
What were the stakes?
Can you identify them as internal, external, or philosophical?
Key Choice: The adult son chooses to hug his mother upon entering the house.
External Risk: If the mother doesn't accept her girlfriend, the family relationship will remain strained.
Internal Risk: The mother either continues to dwell on past losses or lets go of her obsession to gain new emotional connections with her family.
This is a mixed risk involving both external and internal factors.
WEEK 3:
Activity 1:
Apply story spine in you story based on the structure:
ACT 1
1. Once upon a time…
2. Every day…
3. Until one day…
ACT 2
4. Because of that…
5. Because of that…
6. Because of that…
ACT 3
7. Until finally…
8. And ever since then…
The moral of the story is…
ACT 1
1. Once upon a time...
There was a girl named Lily who lived with her grandmother.
2. Every day...
She went to school and dreamed of becoming an illustrator but kept her feelings to herself.
3. Until one day...
Her grandmother passed away, and Lily dropped out of school to work and repay debts.
ACT 2
4. Because of that...
She focused only on working and ignored her passion for drawing.
5. Because of that...
She started to believe she didn’t deserve a better life.
6. Because of that...
One night, after working overtime, Lily discovered that her manager had thrown her sketchbook into the trash and laughed at her dream of becoming an illustrator. Humiliated and exhausted, she returned home ready to give up drawing forever. But when she opened her grandmother’s old thermos, she found a folded note inside: “Living is not the same as surviving.” That night, Lily made the difficult decision to stop hiding from her dreams and fight for something she truly wanted.
ACT 3
7. Until finally...
She submitted her artwork to a competition and chose to pursue her dream.
8. And ever since then...
She began a new life, balancing responsibility and her passion.
PROJECT 1
SCRIPT
During the scriptwriting and drafting stages, the professor asked us to reflect on our own personal experiences. My inspiration came from the art exam I took in high school.
The reason I thought of this story is because it reminds me of a pivotal event in my life: choosing art. I'm a quiet person, and I was very timid at sixteen. I loved drawing, but I was afraid to mention wanting to study art because I thought it was too expensive. Later, I took a break from school, feeling devastated and useless. During that time, I kept drawing, often crying or throwing tantrums because I was afraid of disappointing my parents. Then one day, they suddenly enrolled me in an art class, and I continued my studies, this time in art and film. My anxiety and depression improved significantly, and I even ranked twelfth nationally in the entrance exam for a media university. But then, my grandfather passed away. Overwhelmed with grief, I failed the final exam. I thought I was finished; I had given so much, and my parents would be utterly disappointed in me. But at that moment, they hugged me as I cried and said it was okay. So here I am now.
After reviewing the complete draft, the professor said that the story of pursuing dreams was good and complete. However, it needed greater difficulties and a more compelling reason to drive the protagonist to continue pursuing their dreams. The story originated from reality, but we can use a more romantic and dramatic approach to make the story captivating in the script.
I eventually used Celtx to finish my script.
FINAL PROJECT
Comments
Post a Comment