Developing visual associations through filmmaking

Abstract

Associations are embedded in many aspects of filmmaking. It is this artist's goal to analyze visual associations in the process and product of an original narrative video piece called Discretion. Character relationships and plot structure are examples of nonconcrete visuals developed in preproduction. Family trees and plot diagrams provide a structural map for the film and are helpful tools to communicate with the cast and crew. Art direction and wardrobe are examples of concrete visuals developed during production. For example, wardrobe with certain colors may be assigned to each character in the film. Editing and compositing allow further development in the postproduction phase. Juxtaposing scenes and imagery results in a more complex web of connections for the viewer to discover. In effect, this thesis is meant to explore the filmmaking process with a special emphasis given to visual associations. In this discussion, the video will be referred to as a film to relate concepts to other films and to the filmmaking process. However, it is important to note that interchanging these words is a common practice that is not acceptable in many industry settings.