What Does CINEMATIC Really Mean?

Summary

In this reflective video script, the creator discusses the challenge of moving from YouTube to a more cinematic platform, Nebula, for a season finale. They explore the concept of 'cinematic,' questioning its definition and how it has evolved with technology. The creator aims to make their project feel less like a typical YouTube video and more like a movie, using techniques like wider aspect ratios, professional color grading, and thoughtful visual storytelling. They acknowledge the influence of traditional cinema while striving to create something unique and engaging for their audience.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video discusses the challenge of defining 'cinematic' and the creator's desire to make a season finale feel like a movie rather than a YouTube video.
• 📝 The script references John C. Kelly's 1964 essay, which highlights the complexity and multiple meanings of the term 'cinematic'.
• 🔍 It explores how the concept of 'cinematic' has evolved, especially with the rise of YouTube and the democratization of filmmaking tools.
• 📽️ The creator reflects on the common elements associated with a 'cinematic' look, such as shallow depth of field, smooth camera movements, slow motion, and color grading.
• 🎥 The video challenges the notion that these elements alone can make content cinematic, arguing that they are often used superficially without serving a narrative purpose.
• 📚 It delves into the history of film technology and how it has shaped our collective understanding of what a movie should look like.
• 🤔 The creator questions whether 'cinematic' is merely an aesthetic and whether it can be achieved with simple technical tricks or if it requires a deeper understanding of film language.
• 🎨 The script mentions the importance of visual storytelling and how it can create a cinematic feel, beyond just the technical aspects of filmmaking.
• 🌟 It discusses the work of Steven Soderbergh's 'Oceans' trilogy as an example of films that embrace the medium and use it for creative storytelling.
• 🎞️ The creator shares his own approach to making the season finale cinematic, including using a wider aspect ratio, professional color grading, and thoughtful shot composition.
• 🌐 The video promotes Nebula, a streaming platform co-developed by the creator, and好奇心流 (CuriosityStream), a documentary-focused service, offering a bundled subscription deal.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video's discussion?

The main focus of the video is to explore and define the term 'cinematic' and how it has evolved over time, especially in the context of modern video production and technology.

What does the speaker aim to achieve with the season finale that is different from regular videos?

The speaker aims to create a narrative that feels cinematic, like a movie, rather than a typical YouTube video, by using different techniques and platforms.

What is the significance of the term 'cinematic' according to John C. Kelly's 1964 essay?

According to John C. Kelly's essay, 'cinematic' is a complex term with multiple meanings, and its interpretation can vary among individuals even within the same context.

What are some elements commonly associated with a 'cinematic' look in modern videos?

Some elements commonly associated with a 'cinematic' look include shallow depth of field, smooth camera movement on a gimbal, slow motion, drone shots, anamorphic framing with black bars, and color grading with low key lighting.

How does the speaker view the use of 'cinematic' in the context of YouTube videos?

The speaker views the use of 'cinematic' in YouTube videos as an aesthetic trend that often imitates popular styles rather than reflecting traditional cinema or serving a narrative function.

What impact has the evolution of video technology had on the filmmaker's perception of 'cinematic'?

The evolution of video technology has allowed filmmakers, especially independent ones, to achieve a look closer to traditional cinema with tools like DSLRs, gimbals, and drones, which were previously only accessible to those with significant financial backing.

What is the role of editing in making a film 'cinematic' according to Alfred Hitchcock?

According to Alfred Hitchcock, editing is an essential element of cinema, and not using it can make a film feel less cinematic and more like an extension of theater.

What is the opinion of Matt Zoller Seitz on the use of cinematic techniques in television?

Matt Zoller Seitz believes that most television directing focuses on covering the plot with dialogue and close-ups, which is less cinematic, and that true cinematic storytelling should use shots with greater purpose beyond just conveying information.

How does the speaker plan to make the season finale feel more cinematic?

The speaker plans to make the season finale feel more cinematic by using techniques such as shooting in CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio, having a professional colorist for color grading, being deliberate with visual storytelling, and using camera movements and framing to enhance the narrative.

What is the significance of the Nebula platform in the production of the season finale?

Nebula is a streaming platform that has provided the budget and resources for the speaker to create a more ambitious and larger-scale production than would have been possible on YouTube.

What is the offer from CuriosityStream in relation to Nebula?

CuriosityStream, a documentary streaming service, has partnered with Nebula to offer a bundle where signing up for CuriosityStream also includes a free Nebula subscription.