Learning Agreement

MA Learning Agreement

Pathway:   MA Design for Film Television and Events

Title:          Illusions: Shattered or Real

Aim

The aim of the project is to develop a space that explores techniques employed in set design to create a sense of false perception and illusion amongst audiences.

Objective

To apply critical research and analysis to prove that perspective, distortion, depth and light can be used to develop a sense of belief and alter visual perception

Brief description of your project

My project would be a prototype model of an Eidophusikon, which is a piece of entertainment art, no longer extant but considered as one of the early form of moving image. The Eidophusikon utilizes controlled lighting, moving three – dimensional imitation of natural phenomena. These scenes are viewed through a proscenium with the audience viewing from a fixed line of vision.

The original Eidophusikon was an eighteenth century attempt at virtual reality. It employed the techniques of linear perspective, diorama, and special effects using lights, gauzes, coloured glass, moving objects and smoke to create spectacular scenic effects.

My model of the Eidophusikon would be based on the same principle of perspective but the content would be designed according to the construction technique of Toy Theatres with a television screen serving as the backdrop of the scenario. Hence proposing a contemporary alternative to the eighteenth century entertainment forms.

Rationale

With a background in event design, i feel this project is a good opportunity to explore the notion of spatial design with reference to set design techniques. By developing a model theatre entertainment piece, i would not only challenge my creative boundaries as a designer but also learn about how spaces are put together and sets are designed in terms of placement and visual content.  

·     Can the technique of depth and distortion be used to create realities on stage?

·     How important is placement with reference to line of vision in rendering an image complete?

·     Can flat surfaces be used to create three-dimensional scenarios on stage?

·     Should direct attempts and a deeper understanding of spaces and imagery be inculcated in design   for media to better deal with and cater to the thinking patterns of audiences?

·     Can illusions incite a sense of wonder and curiosity amongst audiences?

Content

Scenic design, also known as scenography, stage design, set design or production design, is the creation of theatrical as well as film and television scenery. It is concerned with the artistic composition of the stage for a play or a performance with regard to props, shapes, colours and making the concept visually appealing to audiences.

On completion, my project would be a space based on a yearlong research on elements of spatial design, audience perception, perspective, depth of vision, construction of toy theatres and dioramas and would aim to prove that set design techniques can be used to create a sense of false perception and illusion amongst audiences hence triggering a sense of awe and wonder.

Through a process that involves technical drawings, model making and free hand sketching to design contents of the space, I plan to create a large-scale model theatre with a proscenium and line of vision. The contents of the model would depict a natural happening with the audience free to develop their own perception of the process.

Submission

My final submission would be a three dimensional space which would explore the dynamics and possibilities of creating a sense of false perception and illusion to build a sense of wonder and curiosity in audiences. I am currently maintaining an online reflective journal to write down my inspirations and assess my research progress. My audience would include all members of society as it deals with ‘Human Perception’ rather than focusing on a specific segment of society. On an academic level, I would like to bring forth the importance of social, psychological and experiential research in creating spaces for various audiences.  

Learning outcomes

o    Learning Goal 1: To be able to create a three dimensional space independently

      Learning Objective: To be able to create the space through      developing my personal style.

o    Learning Goal 2: Learn and develop proficiency over the principles of perspective scenery in set design.

    Learning Objective 2: To be able to achieve my realization process through mastering this skill.

o    Learning Goal 3: Learn various set design techniques like prop construction, lighting, visual projection, perspective development and be able to implement them to my project.

Learning Objective 3: Gain a sound knowledge of all the elements    involved, technical and conceptual, in the development of my project.

o    Learning Goal 4: To learn to create experiences through tangible spaces using structure, light, sound and video projection.

Learning Objective 4: To be successful in creating such a space and achieve audience reaction and appeal.

The Methodological Framework

The methodology of my work is based of practice-based research in which a project is realised and used as a basis for reflective learning. The study consists of the following qualitative research:

Research on perspective, optical and visual illusions, construction techniques in toy theatres, visual art in set design and performance in relation to audience perception. Research would be done via websites, books, e-journals, essays on elements and psychology of space, narrative, role of memory and perception in creating experiences. Also, through experimentation with visual projection techniques, lighting design, model making and conceptual sketches.

I will use the above methodology through a study of spaces created for various purposes including:

·      Theatre/Stage

·      Film Sets

·      Television Sets

·      Events

·      Exhibitions

·      Shop Displays

·      Video Installations

·      Projections

·      Digital Art

·      Performance art

Resource implications

·     Name your Supervisor(s): Dave Allen and Jayne Harvey

·     Studio space, construction workshop, A/V production facilities, materials, lights, exhibition space to exhibit my final project.