Who are The Croods?-TBF

 The Croods are a family living in a fictional prehistoric Pliocene era. In biology we studied their physical and social characteristics to determine which hominid they are. I believe they're don't have determined hominid but a blend of many hominids-similar to a Homo Naledi. However, if I were to choose one hominin that they fit with, I would say they are Homo Neanderthals.

Physical Structure

Their facial structures are very similar to modern sapiens, they don't have a very strong prognathism in their face, have chins, and no robust zygomatic arch or jaw. However, they still possess qualities that earlier hominids have, like a strong prognathism due to a stronger sagittal crest. 

Similar to their face, their body structure are also similar to Homo sapiens. They are able to walk upright fine due to their centred foramen magnum and an S-spine shape, supporting their bipedal lifestyle by absorbing the weight of gravity. Their hands are curved and have fully opposable thumbs to allow them to do detailed tasks. However, looking at Grug, his physique shows that his ribcage is cone shaped, that would better suit an arboreal locomotion.  Seeing how they possess a lot of human-like physical features mixed with earlier hominids, they must have came during the later stages of evolution, hence showing evidence that they are Homo Neanderthal. 

Cultural Evolution

I can infer that The Croods have developed Broca and Wernicks area due to their ability to speak and communicate with another. Having to develop these areas, required a later stage in the evolution. Although they have a developed brain to...

Evolution Stone Tools

 In biology, we have been learning about the evolution of stone tool. It is separated into 4 groups Oldowan, Achulean, Mousterian and Paleolithic.

Homo naledi

  In level 3 Biology, we have been looking at a few hominins to help us learn the process of human evolution and we came across an interesting hominin that had features crossed between Homo species and Australopelinces

 

Homo naledi

By National Museum of Natural History

Last Updated: January 22, 2021

Link to Article 

Homo Naledis are one of the few hominins that are still a mystery to the biological world. Hence, not a lot of information is available to fully understand them, however the article was able to tackle the Homo naledis’ history, survival, and placement in the evolution tree. The author states that Homo naledis were first discovered in a cave in Dinaledi Chamber, 2013 during an excavation. Since then they found fossils that could lead to information about how they survive without any evidence of tools. One of the most significant hints was their teeth that are different from most Homo species, suggesting their habitat differed from other Homo species albeit similar features. Due to their unique combination of Homo and Australopithecus, their place in the evolution tree is hard to pinpoint. So more research and excavation is required to confirm where they were in human evolution. 

2.2 Art Internal

 

Thursday,  September 9th 2021

Plan: Panel 1

Update #1

This is what my first portfolio currently looks like. Clearly, there is a lot of empty space I need to fill up. My overall goal is to create a contrast between the stage and school with the theme of Filipino culture. My next step is to take more pictures that relate to the photos on the left and clearly show the relationship between them. 

Thursday,  September 10th 2021

 Update #2

I had added another series on my board. I had decided to capture the magazine being opened. This creates interaction between the object and the magazine. I had purposefully added more contrast as the magazine opens, as it attracts the eyes to it. The series also helps show the "story" on my board. 

Thursday, October 28th 2021

Updated series of portraits:

First Artist Model: Duane Michal

I decided to alter the photos to show a juxtaposition between the limelight and feeling "unknown" at school.  I made the filter darker and added a vignette to symbolise the subject's feeling of being in the shadows. Additionally, I took inspiration from my artist model, Duane Michal's long exposure portrait to further enhance the idea of being outside out of the spotlight and feeling restricted to be yourself at school. 

Tuesday, November 9th 2021

Second Artist Model: Ans Westra

Ans Westra's style is to capture the moment. Westra is also known for capturing Maori culture in her work. I was then inspired by her to caputre the Filipinos at school and their "raw" form. One of her quotes are "In my photography I’m looking for communication between people and the right moment,"  and  that is what I have done in these photos becauseI don't want my portraits to look artficial or staged, to make the viewers more connected. This is also used as a contrast against the performance photo, which is planned out and staged. 

Third Artist Model: William Eggleston

William is known for his colourful photography. So I was inspired by his colourful photos and captured an image with a dark background and a vibrant foregound. By having a blacked out surronding, the eyes are able to focus on the colours in the middle, especially the vibrant blue at the centre of the photo. This image is able to capture how every eyes are focused on the performers, juxtaposed to being at school and being like everyone else among the crowds. 

Contact Sheets:

Panel 2 Plan

How many series of works are you planning?

I'm planning on doing 5 series for Panel 2 

What can you tell me about how they extend upon your kaupapa?

Panel 1 focuses more on the juxtaposition of the Filipino Culture at school vs on stage. But in Panel 2, I plan on combining them together to show how they correlecte with each other-and how our culture shines through this. 

What links can you tell me you are making to your artist models?

Inspired by Duane Michals, I plan to do sequence to show a movement in the photography.

I also intend to do double exposures, like Michals' photograph of Rene Magritte. 

What are your next steps?

Take more pictures and edit them to finally complete my panel 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panel 1 UPDATE

 

I had added another series on my board. I had decided to capture the magazine being opened. This creates interaction between the object and the magazine. I had purposefully added more contrast as the magazine opens, as it attracts the eyes to it. The series also helps show the "story" on my board. 

First Portfolio Development

Thursday,  September 9th 2021

Update #1

This is what my first portfolio currently looks like. Clearly, there is a lot of empty space I need to fill up. My overall goal is to create a contrast between the stage and school with the theme of Filipino culture. My next step is to take more pictures that relate to the photos on the left and clearly show the relationship between them. 

Connections Brainstorm

 

In English, we were tasked to create a brainstorm drawing of connections between the movies we have watched or read. I have chosen the texts Frankestein, Blade Runner, Ex Machina and Be Right Back; I think that these 4 texts are connected the most and the easiest to write about. 

Photography Portfolio Analysis

 

What belongs as a series of works that stand alone by themselves?

The last part of the board (the right bottom pictures) shows different a technique of mixing filters or inventing the pictures to create the cool effect.

What can you see that makes it relate to the folio as a whole 

Aspects such as clothing, fabric and accessories belong to Maori culture, therefore it can be related to the folio as a whole

Contact Sheet

Next Photoshoot Plan:

My kaupapa would be based around the Filipino culture so I would try to capture it through my portraits by wearing accessories like pearls and traditional clothing to represent it. I am planning to do self-portraits as it easier for me to make time for it and know what poses I want. 

 

Personhood

 What is a human? How do we define that?

Humans are homo sapiens that possess "humanly" characteristic. Human characteristics is the ability to communicate with language, symbols, gesture and facial expressions. Our skills, to make tools and fire that makes other creatures inferior to us.

Our external features would also tell us apart from lions or other animals. We were moulded to carry certain parts that would look a certain way, different from other species. For example, our skin texture is different from a snake. Our eyes aren't the same size as a whale. 

What is a person? Is this different from being a human?

To have self-awareness and possess qualities like morals, reasons and consciousness. Also be part of a working, complicated system such as the government and etc.

Thoughts on Sandra, the orangutans receiving "personhood"?

I am confused about how a non-human can receive "personhood", however, seeing how she acts I see her having "human" behaviours that make me think that being a person isn't just limited to humans.

Do you think personhood will become more complicated with the introduction of AI?

I definitely think it will get confusing because personhood goes beyond the physical attributes but behaviours.

Philosophy: “The Self”

 Plato on The Self

Plato believes that humans are composed of body and soul and can be separated. The body is material and destructible while the soul is immaterial and indestructible. Therefore, the soul is “The Self” since it contains knowledge and it cannot die. Plato theorises that the soul is segregated into 3 parts,  Rational, Spiritual and Appetitive. The rational soul is responsible to allow humans to think, reflect, analyse and works on other cognitive functions. The second is the Spiritual that allows humans to feel emotions such as anger, happiness and excitement. The third is an Appetitive soul for us to feel our desires and physical response such as hunger. 

Do I agree or disagree? 

 Plato’s theory of the self-being the soul is something I agree with. Although our bodies are decaying every second of every day our soul remains youthful with more experience. As a Christian, I can see similarities between Platos theory and what the bible says. The body is just the temporary temple that we need to take care of until it breaks down and we remain as souls to eternal life.

I believe that our dreams can be an example of our bodies and souls being separated. Although our bodies were resting our minds/soul is taken somewhere else to let us experience something surreal or impossible to experience in real life.

 

Ship of Theseus

 What is it?

The ship of Theseus is a philosophical idea that questions how identities are identified.  The theory had 3 parts. The first idea is replacing the parts of the ship of Theseus over the years. Second is using the parts from the ship of Theseus to create two new boats. Lastly, if a part of the ship is taken and broken. Are they all still the ship of Theseus?

What do you think the answer/solution is? Is there one? 

I think there is no right or wrong solution but the answer depends on people's beliefs. In my opinion, all three scenarios are still the Ship of Theseus although some parts may change, the aspect of the ship is still present.

Does this relate to our human identify? How so?

In a way it does. We often hear the phrase "people change" and that is completely true. Despite having people's "planks" change they're still considered the same. 

Art: Themes and Mood board

 (CI) Can you identify these themes or ideas?

Both birds show a traditional Maori pattern, a theme behind them may be inspired by Aotearoa.

Are the themes of each artist different? Why?

The artwork portrays two completely different moods. The art on the left utilizes darker colours, therefore gives a dark feeling to it. On the other hand, the colours used on the right is very vibrant and colourful, somewhat radiating a happy mood.

(CI) Which work expresses the theme of a calm conquest over death?

The left one's colour is vibrant and saturated. The subjects/ people were also drawn to have a calm facial expression.

Which work expresses a painful, suffering death?

The right side had harsher lines coinciding with the brown undertone colours reflecting how the painting shows pain and remorse.

How does the style, colour, and form express each theme?

The backgrounds contrast each other. The left painting shows a castle and a beautiful lake showing calmness and even victory from the castle. The right had thorns, skulls and dead ground.

I have chosen to have Filipino culture as a theme for my photos. I would be able to represent my country and its rich history.

Pathos, Ethos & Logos

Pathos, Ethos & Logos

Pathos: Pathos targets people's emotions to win an argument. It is used to move people by getting pity or sadness to convince them. For instance, many charities use advertisements to show ill or struggling children to move people's emotions and get them to donate.

Ethos: Ethos is used with an authoritative person or source to convince the audience. It is used to making them believe that the information is reliable because the sources they trust say so. For instance, many celebrities or politicians are utilized in many advertisements to make their products more credible and appeal to the audience.

Logos: Logos is when an argument is heavily based on data and logic reasonings. It is used to show people numbers or analysis to make their argument seem more reliable and professional than other text. For instance, this is used in many Toothpaste commercials to show that many dentists recommend their products.

Cooking Method

Why is the food method important when it comes to reducing salt and sugar intake?

There are many ways to cook our food very unhealthy, this is because some require more oil or fat than others. Having variety allows us to chose an alternative doesn't require as much salt and oil.

Jessica Advertisment

JESSICA

There is a clear connection in the meth advertisement, Jessica to the theme of the harmful effects of drugs. The theme is reflected through the clear darkness brought into Jessica’s life after taking the illegal substance. This is demonstrated through the first shot, the audience was introduced with the scene of the crowd-less stadium drowned out by the white lights. As the narrator explains how Jessica was a former cheerleader the blinding light shuts off and the audience was left with nothing but darkness. This was done to represent Jessica’s life, the colour white symbolises her innocence before she was tied to the drugs. As meth crippled into her life, so did the darkness, her innocence transformed into depression and turned her into someone she doesn’t recognize. This aspect can also be seen in the film, Walk The Line. The famous singer, Johny Cash, has always been adored by people and has constantly been in the spotlight. As drugs and alcohol started to control his life, the crowd lost interest and decapitated like his limelight.

Critical Literacy

Lady Bird

How are children, teenagers, young adults and adults constructed in this text?
Teenagers in this text were depicted to be reckless and stubborn. This was shown through the main character "Lady Bird". She was known to have a strong personality. The way she was styled help with the wild character she had. One of her memorable accessories was her pink cast. The cast she wore was bright and an easy target to the eye. The cast symbolises her and the stupid decisions she made in the past. She was also frequently accessorised with a choker. This trademark of hers can be linked to emos or goths. People who society associate with being trouble makers and often overlooked as something scary, an enigma to avoid.


How does the text construct a version of reality?
Although it is very cliche for adolescence to be painted as people who are clueless and rash in films, this can be compared to in real life. Similar to the main character, many young people are disoriented and often have no sense of direction in life. The awkward stage between an adult and a child can be pressuring. They are expected to have their life planned out. To know what and where they're studying. This can be heavy since this choice of theirs can affect the rest of their lives. Since this can be very hard for people who just graduated the "child life", acting irresponsibly shouldn't surprise people.

What genre does this text belong to?
Although the film has many serious topics and scenes full of tears, the director had also spiced it up by adding a few comedy touches. This genre of comedy-drama perfectly mirrored the character. Although on the surface Lady Bird seemed like an outgoing, do-whatever-makes-her-happy type, on the inside she's facing many trials. The main character had to experience new things and those foreign experiences can come with many struggles.

Why are we/you reading this text?
To be honest I only managed to stumble upon this text by searching "Trailer" on youtube and the only thing that made me click was due to the familiar face of the character. However what made me choose this was because I see myself withing "Lady Bird". Like I explained earlier the main character has many qualities similar to teenagers, like myself. I am also quite pressured and scared of my future. This film made me realised that I'm not the only one going through it and the fact that some scenes have a comedic touch it makes me think that facing this adolescent phase won't be as bad as I expect.

Work On Film Aspect

BLOCKING

What are the 3 ways directors use blocking in film?

Shapes, Lines and Space

What are the 3 basic shapes for film blocking?

Circle, Triangle and Square

What are the emotions associated with these shapes?

Circle feels safer and inclusive. Square creates limited space like boxing someone in. Triangles are sharp and aggressive.

What two things can blocking help with?

Blocking can help spice up the scene especially a shot of two people talking.

This also makes the film seem more natural.

ESTABLISHING

Points to discuss:

(Note: they use a different meaning for tone in this clip.) 

What is an establishing shot?

An establishing is a shot that shows an overview of a setting and shows the relationship between the subject and the location.

Why is it used?

It is used to establish a new location and tone.

Why are establishing shot usually the most expensive?

Since it's a shot that shows a landscape, it needs to be far in order to get the whole shot in. This means that either a drone, helicopter or any device that can be taken up on the sky is required, these are usually more expensive.

TONE

What else can we call tone in film?

The brightness of the scene.

What are the 3 main elements of tone?

Lighting, Exposure and Art Direction

How and why does Coppola use tone in the classic film ‘The Godfather’?

He utilised the technique of tone to show the contrast between the mafias and the wedding. While the mafia's set was underexposed and barely seen by the audience, the wedding scene was juxtaposed to it. It was brightly lit filled with many bright colours to show the glee.

 How can directors control the feelings of the scenes? 

By applying tone as a technique easily manipulates the feeling of the scene. By simply turning the brightness down totally alters the atmosphere, it can serve an ominous, oppressive scene. This can be the same with a bright scene, instead of turning the brightness down, turning it the opposite way instantly changes how the audience feel the gloomy feeling can turn into a joyful one.

PRODUCTION DESIGN

What is production design? 

The production design is how the set is decorated or filled according to the scene. It is the overall visual look of the production.

What makes up production design? 

Props and wardrobe.

What are the 3 main things production design can help reveal?

Mood, Theme and Character

DUTCH ANGLE

The Dutch angle does what?

It makes the scene feel disoriented or unsettling.

What is the Dutch angle? 

A dutch angle is a camera technique where the camera is tilted in an angle.

Who and when created the dutch angle?
German expressionist in the 1900s

What 3 things do directors need to consider for the Dutch angle?
Identify the moment. Consider the moment. Enhance the moment.

What 4 things can enhance a Dutch angle?
Degree of tilt. Camera Height. Lens choice. Depth of field.

POV

What is a POV shot?

A point of view shot is a type of camera technique that helps you see through the character's eyes.

What is a ‘point of thought’ shot?

A point of though is how the camera portrays the thoughts or emotions of the character.

Why are they important?

Doing this can make the audience feel more connected to the audience and feel what they feel.

FILM COLOUR

How does colour in the film affect people?

It can give them different emotions from a variety of hues. Blue gives a gloomy feel while yellow brings happiness to the watchers.

What are the 3 factors in determining colour? 

Hue. Brightness. Saturation

Why is the hue in ‘The Matrix’ mostly green? 

Green is associated with codes. Since the movie is inside a digital matrix this fits perfectly well with the film.

Why do some films desaturate?

This could give an old worn-out feel to the scene and transport the audience back to the past. This is due to the drained colours, painting a cold, gritty and rude

What can brightness and a lack of brightness show in a film?

Bright imagery is supposed to deliver a lively and exciting vibe to the film. On the other hand, darker images give the audience more dramatic vibes.

Contrast

What are the ways directors can contrast in film?

In tone, art direction, blocking, camera movement and colour.

What is contrasted in Spike Jonze’s ad?

The beginning started with the subject surrounded by dark colours such as clothing around her. The scene was desaturated and lack of colours can be clearly seen.

Around the end, the brightness slowly turned up revealing more of the character's face and colour around her. You could also see her swapping her dark jacket to a bright, white shirt.

Why did he contrast these things?

This can help with the advertisement and selling of the product. If the subject is shown changing from miserable and amidst of dark colour to the brightness up, filling her with colour seamlessly can easily convince the audience that this product is what they need to be happy.

CAMERA MOVEMENT

What are the purposes of the whip pan and the slow pan?

The whip pan creates a jolt of energy, while the slow pan gives the audience more time to take in the landscape.

What is the purpose of the tilt shot?

It often reveals something to the audience and redirects their attention.

What does the reverse dolly zoom help show? 

To show characters having an intense internal experience.

What the difference between a Steadicam and dolly shot?  

A Steadicam is still a handheld camera with a stabilizer while the dolly shot is a camera technique that uses tracks to follow the character.

What can the hand-held shot help create for the viewer? 

It creates more anxiety for the viewers.

What should directors ask themselves with their camera movement?

How does this support your story?

Camera movement should be doing what?

To have a purpose behind it that will help with the story.

INSERT SHOT

What is an insert shot?

An insert shot is an isolated shot that focuses on specific detail within the scene 

What is the purpose of an insert shot? 

To communicate crucial narrative information.

What are the 3 main aspects of the insert shot? 

Composition, Colour and Timing

What 3 things help the audience feel about the insert shot? 

Shot size. Shot angle. Camera movement

Composition of the insert shot helps with what in film? 

Foreshadow.

Colour in the insert shot helps with what in film? 

To draw attention to specific points in the film.

 How long you dwell on the insert shot helps show what?

So the viewer have the same sense of urgency and process time as the character.

Visual Motif

What is a motif? 

A motif is any recurring elements that have a symbolic significance in the story.

Why are they important?

They ensure that the story is able to operate on more than one level.

What makes a great work of art? 

When you can come back to it over and over again and find greater depth.

What is film theory?
Film theory is a way of breaking down movies and televisions.


What is film criticisms?
Film criticisms are picking apart movies and judging and analyzing them.