The Full Story
Pia's Story
A 5 minute non- fiction film shot and directed entirely by myself. Read on to find out more about the research and prep that went into designing the cinematography of this short film.
The Vision
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From this research analysis, I wanted to mimic the feelings that these documentaries create, ones of intimacy.
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I wanted the viewer to make a real personal connection with the person in the film.
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I also used old home videos to generate this feeling of nostalgia, a lost childhood, the idea of looking back to a time that only exists in memories now.
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The main story of the film is how Pia has had to grow up so quickly. Such a short time ago she was a child herself, and now she is having to look after sick, dying children. Forced to grow up so quickly.
The Vision
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There are a mixture of extreme close ups and wider shots. The close-ups are used to connect the viewer to the characters and to their stories.
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They are there to create a personal and intimate feeling, allowing for the viewer to feel what the subject is feeling.
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The wider, more observant shots capture what real life is like for them. By being further away from the subjects, they weren't as self-conscious or aware of the camera therefore able to act as if they were not being filmed.
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Therefore, I was able to see how they act with each other and film them just being themselves. It makes the viewer feel as though they are getting private insight into these people’s lives, seeing something special.
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The Vision
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Tracking shots of Pia add context to the film and show her on her way to work. This shows the viewer more of what her day-to-day life is like.
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I also included establishing and extra coverage shots of her house, of the hospital, of her bedroom and things in her bedroom to expand on how she is as a person, where she lives and works and where it is that she spends her time.
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These shots also allow for more room in the edit to bridge gaps between different segments and ensure the voiceover matches with the visuals.
Storyboards
