Upon 2013, I've slowly started to realize how much i'm progressing in the field of photography yet neglecting my desires as a Cinematographer. After much deliberation i've decided to challenge myself in the field to start and make progression in lighting and cinematography aspects in order to better myself.

I've proposed doing so via a series of scene recreations from TV Series' and Films that i've admired and find that it would be beneficial if I learned certain lighting styles to recreate. I figure the easiest way to gather knowledge in a situation like this is to recreate and mimic the style of lighting, cropping, cinematography etc. The scenes i'll be emulating are as follows:

"I want you to hit me as hard as you can." - Bar scene from Fight Club

I chose this scene from Fight Club because of the combination of the ambient light with studio light that is observable from all angles.

"Matt, don't be an idiot" - Discovery scene from Chronicle

I chose this scene primarily because of the "found footage" type camera movement along with the on-camera flash used in unison with an off camera hot light.

"Never pick up the phone" - Hotel scene from Memento

I chose this scene because of the single light illuminating the subject's face, the tight crops between him and the tattoo, and the final cut of the entire hotel room and how it's lit.

"Identity theft isn't a joke." - The Office

I figured a bit of comedic relief would be needed with the last 3 scenes being so serios. I chose this scene from The Office for the overall illumination of the office and quick cuts between the characters.

Timeline of Events

February 4th: Diagrams and storyboards of each lighting scenario created in order to ensure proper exposure at the time of filming. This time will also be used location scouting for the scenes.

February 9th: Locations scouted completely. Actors chosen.

February 14th- March 5th: Filming and edits completed.

Follow Up, Conclusion

The recreation of the film scenes holds more purpose just than to learn a few ways to light things and to hold a camera, it's also to develop a foothold for the creation of my own film. While the events in the previous timeline are happening, i'll be writing and developing my own story for an 6-8 minute short film that will be using all of the things i've learned in the previous months. This story will be created with my ideals in mind and the genre of choice I wish to pursue in the coming years. The schedule:

March 12th: Storyboarding and completion of story and scripts.

March 21st: Locations scouted, script touched up, actors found.

March 26th: Filming begins.

April 15th: Filming concludes. Editing begins.

May 9th: Film completed.