PURPOSE
Calligraphy is often considered the highest form of Chinese art, and requires understanding of language, culture, technique, and taste. Often, the style of calligraphy is more about the space rather than the brushstroke itself. It’s about how we live as artists, the things we observe and the pace we move. The stroke we see on paper is just a snapshot of this.
Movement has permeated my life for as long as I can remember. I dance after a good meal, I count rhythm as I walk, and I am incredibly impatient at times and always on the move, always listening to music.
"HUO, Live" is a film inspired by my friends Daniel, both dancers and artists who introduced me to their methodology of movement and, to me, embody the holistic qualities of calligraphy.
This film bridges the feeling of being on a film set, a burning team sport to focus all energies towards a beautiful vision, with the sacred and sometimes fragile feeling of a freestyle session which is about exploration of feelings and a respite from always feeling like we need to make something. I believe that together we make something in a session that is unique and beautiful — it's the session that is the piece, anything taken from it is just a byproduct.
METHOD
Methodology of Dance
Dance is play and meaningless and therefore the meaning of it all. We move as dialogue and to converse. Once we begin the performance, the music carries us until the song ends or an organic ending is found.
Methodology of FILMMAKING
Harmony between intentional ideas and free flow exploration, as is the nature with freestyle dance. We will begin with 15 minutes of calligraphy. It is about feeling more than accuracy to “reality.” Minimal cuts.
Methodology of Visual Style
Less is more, and so is more. We are grounded in light and movement. We are dancing, there is a camera, and this is a film. Let movement and energy take up the frame. Minimal colors in frame, where silhouettes define objects and figures. Light paints and adds colors.
Daniel
FORM
PART 1
Daniel is the dancer. Hao is the pianist.
:30 (pseudo BTS) A calligraphy brush & ink lay in front of an empty canvas.
:30 (wide shot) Interlude, where the performer feels out the space and taps pianist when they feel ready.
[song duration] (continuous shot) Daniel — dusk. Hao plays in scene but is not main focus.
:30 (natural sound) Interlude, where the performer exists.
PART 2
Daniel is the dancer. Hao is the pianist.
Daniel picks up the brush and draws the character for HUO.
[song duration] Daniel - dawn.
TEAM
Director: Aaron Hwang
PRODUCER: Joshua Pei
DP: Alex Chan
Steadicam Op: Malcolm Tom
PA/BTS Photographer: Chelsea Chen
TALENT
DANCER: DANIEL YOUNG
PIANIST: HAO LE
DELIVERY
10-15 MIN
SUBMITTED TO DANCE FILM FESTIVALS SUCH AS:
- DANCE ON CAMERA
- SAN FRANCISCO DANCE FILM FESTIVAL
-MOVIES BY MOVERS
SCHEDULE
MAY 10
10AM - CREW CALL, Setup 1
2PM - HAO ARRIVES W KEYBOARD
5PM - TALENT CALL& GROUP WARMUP
6PM - IMPROV SESSION, SETUP 1
7PM - SETUP 2
8PM - IMPROV SESSION, SETUP 2
10PM - RESET STUDIO
12AM - WRAP
TRAVEL
5/9 MIDNIGHT - AARON & CHELS ARRIVE)
5/10 3:30PM - DANIEL LANDS
5/11 5PM - CHELS & AARON LEAVE
5/11 6PM - DANIEL FLIGHT
SETUP 1 - DUSK
STEADICAM FOR MACROS
2X FX3 OVERHEAD RIG (120P, 24P)
ONE LIGHTING CUE, SUNSET FEEL
SETUP 2 - DAWN
WIDE ON SLIDER
STEADICAM FOR MACROS
2X FX3 OVERHEAD RIG (120P, 24P)
PIANO RIGGED CAM
BRUSH RIGGED CAM
TWO LIGHTING CUES, SUNRISE FEEL
WARDROBE
BLACK & WHITE
LOOSE FITTING
ACCENT OF RED
PRODUCTION DESIGN
WHITE TARP OR BAMBOO MAT
WOOD LOW-TABLE
RICE PAPER
CALLIGRAPHY BRUSH
SUMI INK
INK STONE
KEYBOARD ON GROUND (HAO WILL BRING)
FEEL
The feelings of dancing. The feelings of being on set. The space between strokes.
Moodboard
Soft lighting (both practical or otherwise) simplifies the frame to outline the body.
Jungle - I’ve Been in Love
Larkin Poynton - Depth over Distance
Larkin Poynton - I Won’t Complain
Hope - Paris Cavanagh - Elite Company 2023*
Kinjaz - iwaly**
*This piece does great in highlighting parts of the body but perhaps atmosphere feels a bit empty.
**This is kind of the “standard” look for dance video
Personal References
The film should feel like a memory of Asia
