In the fourth episode of “SocTalk with JNAB and The Sundance Kid,” Jamie McDonald (The Sundance Kid) and John na Brown (JNAB) delve into the transformative history of cinema, guided by the insights of their guest, Nicci Thompson.
Nicci Thompson is a lecturer in the School of Creative and Cultural Business, he educates future luminaries in film, media, screenwriting, and marketing. Co-founder and director of Crow House Projects and Crow House Films alongside Jamie, Nicci’s expertise spans filmmaking, screenwriting, and storytelling. With a history steeped in film, from academia to practical application, Nicci has not only lived and worked in the US, crafting films and engaging projects but also holds a degree rooted deeply in the history of cinema. His passion for creating fun, compelling stories shines through both his educational endeavors and his cinematic creations.
This episode takes a deep dive into the pioneering techniques and creative milestones that have shaped film as an art form, from the innovative early works of Georges Méliès to the groundbreaking narratives and visual storytelling methods of the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond.
SocTalk is produced by Jamie Sundance & Zhaklina Velcheva at the Robert Gordon University School of Computing.
Key Points and Discussion Topics:
- Georges Méliès’ Innovations: The episode kicks off with a nod to Georges Méliès, celebrating his groundbreaking contributions to visual effects and filmmaking. Méliès’ techniques, such as double exposure and the use of miniatures, laid the foundation for cinematic magic, highlighting the creative blend of technology and art.
- Evolution of Cinematic Techniques: The discussion traverses the evolution of film techniques, emphasizing how technological advancements, like the introduction of moving cameras, revolutionized narrative storytelling in cinema. This exploration covers early silent films’ transition to sound and color, underscoring the ongoing relationship between technological innovation and artistic expression.
- Animation’s Historical Roots: A fascinating segment of the podcast delves into animation’s pre-cinematic origins, tracing its development from primitive forms to its influence on contemporary filmmaking. This discussion reveals the profound impact of animation on visual storytelling, demonstrating its role in expanding the boundaries of the cinematic imagination.
- Impact of Storytelling Innovations: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing key moments in film history where storytelling innovations led to new genres and narrative techniques. Examples include the rise of film noir, the introduction of complex characters and moral ambiguity, and the evolution of narrative structures that challenge and engage audiences in novel ways.
- Reflections on Modern Cinema: The episode concludes with reflections on the current state of cinema, considering the impact of streaming platforms, the trend towards longer narrative forms, and the challenges and opportunities presented by new media landscapes. The conversation touches upon the importance of storytelling in film, advocating for narratives that both entertain and provoke thought, continuing the legacy of cinema as a mirror to human experience.
“You Need A Sock – A Windsock” ccby John N A Brown, 2023
“VaqueroCaballero” ccby John N A Brown, 2024