GIF Cinema

Hill.

Artist's Statement:

As a writer and director who is used to the moving image, exploring this medium, specifically when the actors are completely still, was a new experience for me. In creating cinemagraphs, the actors needed to hold totally still while conveying an emotion, and those of us behind the camera needed to make sure whatever was moving was in a circular motion. This was new and interesting for both parties. With gifs, I am of the strong opinion that the motion within should not repeat itself unless it is an action that is designed to be circular, especially when it's within an a narrative. For example, someone running down the stairs over and over doesn't make sense within a narrative, but someone running in a circle using revolving doors might, especially if it plays into the story in a productive way. I tried to use those rules and limitations for my own cinemagraphs, and I think we were able to pull it off. 
Another insight I had while working within this medium was it's interpretive nature. There is a lot of room for looking at a narrative made from gifs and interpreting it in whatever way the audience cares to, be that emotionally or aesthetically or what have you. For example, someone can rush through the narrative or take their time. Someone could look at my story called "Hill" and pull any number of meanings from it. This flexibility was helpful in shooting the story when some of our elements weren't working. I decided to go a completely different direction, and because the photos we had taken thus far could be up for interpretation, they still fit with the new meaning I wanted to convey.
Overall, this approach to storytelling was very satisfying, and combined elements from multiple mediums. It's something I would be very interesting in exploring further, pulling in even more new media possibilities such as sound design or interactive options.