The most recent issue of the “The Digital Journalist” (May 2010), which focuses on video, opens with this video by Vince Laforet.
On the vimeo.com page where the movie is hosted, Laforet explains that part of his motivation in creating “Chapter 1: The Cabbie” was to show off “the many strengths of this new breed of HD DSLR cameras, such as the Canon 7D, which we shot this film with.”
There is no doubt that Laforet has succeeded. The production quality of “Cabbie” is simply outstanding, and it will provide inspiration for any photographer exploring the possibilities of video. Laforet explains that “The camera’s low light capabilities and light weight allow you to do things you’d never think to try with traditional cameras.”
In a this behind-the-scenes video about the making of “Cabbie,” Laforet talks about wanting to find a way to “involve people with this new realm of HD DSLR video,” adding, “I just wanted to find a way to give back and bring people into the fold.”
The Story Beyond the Still Contest
Brilliantly highlighting the possibilities of new imaging technologies is a great way to inspire other creative professionals. However, when Laforet talks about finding a way to bring people into the fold, he means much more. He is referring to the “The Story Behind the Still” contest he put together with Canon and Vimeo, and which is still very much underway, as you can see from the contest’s homepage.
There is a lot of content about the contest on the Web, from Laforet’s first blog post on the topic to Canon’s press release. However, I recommend you simply head to contest’s homepage and start watching the films and feel the inspiration, considering how you can see beyond the still in your own work.
All Finalist Chapters Are Winners
Be sure to watch the non-winning finalists, and not to be overly swayed by the bold, red “WINNER!” highlighting the judges selection. (Think about the Oscars.) Make your own judgment call, realizing that each finalist is a winner in their own right.
Each one of these movie shorts is simply incredible in terms of showing the possibilities of HD DSLR movie making. More important, they entice us with creative possibilities by showing how each movie maker has responded to the same chapter that comes before, helping to progress a story of which they cannot know the end.
Putting this amount of effort into such a contest is brave on the part of each contestant. In doing so, they have not only showcased their incredible capacity for seeing beyond the still. They have created individual shorts that work on their own, and that — even if not selected as part of the final eight chapters — create a truly unique and surreal movie experience.
Click from movie to movie and get lost in a vibrant, living visual and storytelling experience that was set off by Laforet responding to one still image.