Following an algorithm in order to capture a neighbourhood was an interesting exercise. On one hand, it is a true representation of a neighbourhood as it isn’t developed and planned by someone in order to portray the place in a specific manner. Especially when following an algorithm given by someone else, what you capture gives an overall sense of the neighbourhood without human involvement. However, when following an algorithm in this manner a lot of the creative decisions a filmmaker would make are taken away. I found myself wanting to take footage of objects or scenes that didn’t fit in to the prescribed algorithm. In short, I think following an algorithm like this can portray a neighbourhood in an unbiased way, as human intervention cant really shape the story to fit a certain narrative, however for me, not being free to shoot whatever captures my eye takes away aspects of genuineness and emotion from the piece.
Algorithm Followed:
Walk 50 metres then take the next left,
when you reach the next intersection shoot activity on all four corners.
Take the right hand street, look for the first lane.
Film it in a way that makes it intriguing.
Continue along the street and in 25 metres look up.
Is there anything that grabs your attention?
Take the next left. Walk 10 metres and film up and down the street attempting to capture a sense of motion.
Walk to the next intersection. Stop. Listen. What sounds do you want to capture and what images will best go with them. etc
Take the second right and stop at next public/large building and film the entrance
Walk 17 metres . Stop and look 45angle up and just snap.
Turnaround and take a photo of what you have walked past.
Find the horizon or something that gives a sense of threshold.
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