Parker's 302 Experimental Blog

Sound is something that is often overlooked out of the five senses, but it plays such a role in our comprehension of the world around us. I found Murch's article complicated to understand with his correlation of sound to an infant's last developed sense, but I agree that if too much emphasis is put on sound it can make a film overwhelming and leaves little room for imagination. Music is by far my favorite source of sound that you can put into film though. It can serve as a montage, transitional piece, or output for emotions that can't be put into words. This is why I enjoy making music videos, which allows stylistic choices that aren't possible in conventional film.

Balazs' article tackles the differing sounds employed in film. The aspect of this article that stuck out to me the most was the description of silence having it's sound from the space. This concept of silence is something to feel as we experience the foreground coming into the front of our senses.  Asynchronous sound, or off-screen sound, is another part of film I find important. The idea of introducing a cohesive mood through the integration of varying sounds is something I always do when editing videos. It's a simple idea that can tie a scene together. This method is cost efficient as well, since the implication that something is there can make up enough for not having it on the screen.

I was excited to "hear" (get it!?) that one of our assignments this week was listening to the surroundings. Time moves so fast in the modern worlds that it's seldom that we have the opportunity to slow down and smell the roses, or in this case, listen to them. There are two places I find meaningful that I exercised this assignment at, Holden Beach and my father's beach house there. Both had various sounds that I otherwise would have overlook if I didn't give it much thought. On the beach I laid out a towel and settled on top of it. It was pitch black that night and the only source of light was the reflection of the moon. The ocean roared as wave after wave crashed onto the beach. The swish swash of the water adjacent to my body grew louder and louder as the tide rolled in. A loud buzz passed by from a coast guard truck disrupted the natural sound for an instance. Strong gusts of wind blasted my ear throughout the violent waves, and I could not help but feel I wa...

This article, for me, was an appreciation for amateur filmmakers who may feel jealous of big budget movies with elaborate actors and decor. It is reminiscent of older people telling young people to enjoy their youth while they can. Artistic freedom is, as Deren describes it, the biggest advantage that amateur filmmakers possess. Deren describes the love over financial gain that amateurs possess for film, hence those made by beginners are out of enjoyment of the art. I agree that many filmmakers starting out have more creative freedom, but at the same time even that freedom can be limited without proper finances. That is why I believe due to the capitalistic nature of the world, creativity is always stifled in the name of money.

In this passage, Fred Camper summarizes what experimental film in six points. This in itself is difficult to do because the category of experimental film is arguably too vague for generalizations, but he is able to point out a few consistencies with each point. He describes the genre as one that mainly consists of beginning filmmakers and are created by individuals or small groups. This is an understandable opinion being experimental is open-ended and any mistakes or limitations can be integrated as stylistic choices with no repercussions. This is an excuse I have made in the past as a beginner and because of the nature of experimental film, it was met with few arguments. Experimental films to Camper are a source of counter-culture to the norm and invite multiple interpretations. I agree with both points. Hollywood is synonymous with its straightforward narrative style, and the outlet experimental film provides is key to innovating without limitation.  As I create experimenta...

Photography is something I love to do in my spare time, so here are a few shots from my instagram! (Follow me if you'd like) Gettin creative with some red lights💡 thanks @westron139 for being my model ❌⭕️❌⭕️ A post shared by Parker (@parker1700) on May 30, 2017 at 3:26pm PDT @unichic_ Lookin as fab as ever! Love working with her 😄 #neon A post shared by Parker (@parker1700) on Jun 19, 2017 at 10:42pm PDT They may call Paris the city of lights, but I think Shanghai is a good competitor for that name 🌃#Shanghai #HuangpuRiver A post shared by Parker (@parker1700) on Jul 14, 2017 at 5:23am PDT Took some edgy pics today 🌌 A post shared by Parker (@parker1700) on Oct 23, 2016 at 11:13pm PDT

My name is Parker Mellott and I create emotion through the manipulation of imagery. I shock, awe, and liberate the audience's emotion. I externalize my ideas and talents to help others find something new within themselves. I am a filmmaker This medium is one I chose not because of it's popularity, but it's totality in utilizing centuries of art techniques to form a canvas unlike any other. From costuming, acting, set design, lighting, cinematography, and editing a world is created for spectators to escape and discover a new outlook on reality, a feat that is unique to the art of film.