approach
Zen Moments
One essential aspect of Zen thought is to be awake and alive in the present
moment. This concept was well explored in a book called Instructions
to the Cook where Zen methods are applied to social justice and food. The moment
presents ingredients and opportunities that, if we are awake to them, can
provide the freshest meals. And this is the concept we want to apply in making
Frisko Sketches and Wang Jing.
Improvisation
We wanted to use as much improvisation as possible. We carefully
prepared character background and then create situations that are as
close to reality
as possible. The goal is to create a fresh, spontaneous, and dynamic approach
to our storytelling.
Documentary Techniques
Being awake to the moment, improvisation and shooting a large ratio all relate
to the openness required in making a documentary film. Research and background
are essential, but you never really know how a person will answer a question
or where exactly that will lead you. People need to be comfortable and open enough
to be themselves, and as filmmakers and actors, we need to be open to spontaneous
events.
Visual Style
Our visual style for this film takes a cue from our approach. We think of it
as a stylized photo-realism. We had two cameras rolling almost all of
the time. Our crew was small and our equipment light and quick to set
up, making it possible to shoot in actual locations rather than sets. We
rarely
used movie lights, which would distract from our documentary-type mobility.
We will use available light to create our photo journalistic look. Depending
on
the mood of a scene, the look ranged from high contrast to a soft muted
feel, but the style will always be a sense of rough realism.
Technological Revolution
In addition to creating a documentary/narrative synthesis, we will use recent
developments in technology which have created a wonderful new and evolving opportunity
for independent filmmakers. With the use of digital video and computer technology,
filmmakers have the tools of their craft available in a way that was never possible
before.
producers: Henry Zhou & Joslyn Grieve