Having been to the Calgary Zoo numerous times, I'm almost always surprised by how different your experience can be each time. Short of going on safari, it's actually the next best thing to capturing candid and spontaneous shots of animals that you otherwise can't see in Canada. Over the summers of 2005 and 2006, I made several trips to Calgary and spent the afternoon at the zoo.
There's potentially more footage to be shown here, but I thought it was about time that I at least reorganized the original short edits that I uploaded back in 2007. To refresh the quality of the videos (which were originally quite pixelated) I re-uploaded the three short clips that I had cut from several longer travelog type videos I'd made titled, At the Zoo.
Intended to be slice-of-life, observational type shorts - these mini clips are no different than the longer projects really. What I enjoy about seeing some of this footage now is how my shooting technique still spoke to my style as an editor. You can see by the shots that I was thinking how I'd cut for a transition, for example, how shooting the skylight of the African Savannah exhibit outdoors, and then zooming out from the skylight indoors was a simple way to move through space. Some of these things seem so obvious when watching, but most amateurs (and film students even) don't always think about how their shooting style translates - or that they even have a style for that matter.
There are a lot of clues here to how things have evolved in nearly 5 years time. However, editing aside, these are fairly casual, fun, and upbeat vids. Animals are easy subjects, and certainly energetic enough to make for lively clips. Enjoy.
To feature the talents of other artists and gain their unique perspectives has long been the motivation behind a lot of what is posted on Editing Luke. To encourage interaction, involvement, and feedback is vital, and I can think of no better way to do this than to allow other motivated filmmakers to share their views in their own words.
I first came to know Bhaveek through the Yobi.tv Film Contest in early 2009. He had submitted a video project that also became voted through to the semi-finals, and it was there that I got a glimpse of some of his work. Through a series of casual comments on each others videos and over facebook, I came to appreciate his ambition in making himself known to others throughout the contest.
At 18 years old, Bhaveek is just at the beginning of his prospective career in filmmaking and I for one am excited to see where his story will go next. Loyal viewers, Cinematic Acrobatic Presents: Bhaveek Makan.
1. Who is Bhaveek Makan?
I'm a South African born 'brown guy' who loves skateboarding/snowboarding and of course . . . filmmaking.
See Bhaveek and Jashan Makan's YouTube channel for Rendering Glint Films here. View the Rendering Glint Films blog here.
2. What is it about movie-making that interests you most?
Post production like editing is the most interesting part of filmmaking to me. I don't think its as IMPORTANT as the other aspects like scripting/storyboarding(since these elements are vital for editing to even take place) but it is obviously great to see something so simple be put together in the way you imagined the film to be.
3. Passion, Creativity, Drive - choose one.
I pick creativity. Without creativity, there is no passion, thus no drive. When being creative with something, passion comes automatically.
4. If you had to choose a single project you've done or participated in that best reflects your individual style, which would it be and why?
Probably my film "Eat Ghee" since it really shows a true exaggeration of an Indian boy facing new challenges in a new country. It made me more interested in my own culture as before I made this film. I watched countless amounts of Indian Soap operas and Bollywood movies so I can get a sense of style.
5. Is there a unifying message to the movies you like to make, or is every project a fresh start?
Most my films are never serious. But if they are, there is no "in your face message"...its mostly subtle. SO a fresh start for each project. I like all my films to be insanely different.
6. What is the best piece of advice you've been given or come across?
Best advice would be "avoid shoe leather". Shoe leather meaning if I had to show someone getting from point A to B, I don't show his/hers every move to get there. I found this interesting as most my older films had this which makes things super boring and long.
7. In a utopian world, what would you like to achieve with your work or what would you like it to say about you individually?
I would like to hope that one day, my work is shown to the world. I would want my own Indian community to appreciate my work as well...because most Indians have really the same jobs: Engineer; Doctor; etc. I want to let my people know that there are so many other things out in the world that can be considered as a job. I would want to be known as someone who loves filmmaking.
A single a day keeps your creativity in play. Join me as I share some of my fav tunes in an effort to pay the inspiration forward. Inspired Singles: Issue 05 by Luke Fandrich
United State of Pop 2009 by DJEarworm This infectious mashup featuring the top pop songs of 2009 is already on its way to becoming a hugely successful hit in 2010. With an ingenious and original mix, DJEarworm has created a single that borrows many of the best hooks to come out of last years top music videos - which, if you check out the amazingly edited video (and not just the mp3) you'll further appreciate just how much work this must have been. This is without a doubt one of the best New Years/recap videos I've seen for '09.
Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear My fav tune off their album, Veckatimest, Two Weeks is a nonchalant, ambient ditty motivated by crisp piano and haunting vocal accents. As complex as that may seem, the track is actually a lot of fun and captures that Indie Rock vibe that in a stereotypical sense makes it seem like this could've been featured in an iTunes commercial - hmmm, was it already? Fireweed by Patrick Watson
Like entering a fog or dreaming of a distant memory, Fireweed is raw, open, and very mellow. The simple instrumentation builds towards the conclusion, yet the tune never loses its sense of awe and wonderment - a somewhat sad, melancholic piece, but with just the right undertone of uplifting echoes.
