Project: “BURNOUT” - A short Film
Role: (Total Creative Control): My role in this short film involved total creative and technical control: Visual Director, Scriptwriter, Gaffer, Sole Camera Operator, and FX/VFX Artist.
From the initial concept to the final post-production, my work was to ensure absolute coherence among the script, direction, lighting, and final aesthetic, demonstrating command over the entire production cycle.
Objectives I Sought to Achieve: The core objective was to explore the theme of “burnout” through an emotional, non-dialogue story, culminating in a dramatic act of liberation. I aimed to create a professional cinematic aesthetic with an authentic message.
I sought to prove that with rigorous Pre-Production and an extremely small, two-person team, it is possible to achieve a profound narrative and high technical quality, including complex visual effects.
Technical and Creative Challenges (Solutions and Process)
Solution:
Pre-Production was the key to everything. Meticulous planning guaranteed that the demanding logistics and execution, despite the resource limitations, were handled smoothly.
Minimal Scale Production (Two-Person Team):
The management of the entire production—including Location Scouting, wardrobe, and the handling of complex props like the challenge of filling the entire car with flowers—rested on a team of only two people.
Sources of Inspiration (Script and Aesthetics):
The script and direction were drawn directly from personal experiences to achieve undeniable emotional authenticity. The color decisions and general aesthetic were inspired by other films and visual references to establish a strong cinematic language.
Visual Aesthetics and Behind-the-Scenes
The Production Testimonial: The footage captured with the GoPro (backstage) is the visual proof of the effort and synchronization of our small team, validating that the professional result was achieved through rigor in pre-production and an integral vision spanning from initial concept to final effects.
Color Correction as an Emotional Journey: Color was fundamental to the narrative, shifting from cold tones associated with the routine of “reality” (like blue) to intense warm colors (oranges and reds) in the final liberation scene.
Lighting Design (Gaffer) with Limited Resources: The visual atmosphere was key to conveying the protagonist’s mental state, and the full responsibility for lighting fell to me.
- Solution: I personally designed and executed all the lighting schemes, adapting to each scene with 1, 2, and 3-point lighting setups.
- To achieve this, I creatively used every piece of equipment available: two spotlights with diffusers, various lamps, flashlights, a reflector, and natural light. This resourcefulness allowed us to create complex and evocative atmospheres without a large budget.
Creating Visual Effects from Scratch:
The complexity of certain images required digital effects to achieve the desired atmosphere.
Solution: Many of the visual effects (FX) were created by me from scratch using 3D and graphic design tools. This allowed us to incorporate abstract elements that reinforce the protagonist’s mental state without relying on external resources or an additional post-production team.
