Professor Ann Chen
Group members: Ashley Friedland, Ashley Zhu, Carlo G
March 25th, 2019
Link to video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gl_gM-Ce3hXT8sMFiRyvZZtt8SseeuoL
Project Description
For our project, we wanted to investigate the links between air pollution, the economy, and health awareness. We chose Xujiahui as our site due to its active changes in AQI, growing economic activities, and the lack of health awareness surrounding this area. We have photographs, videos, interviews, and AQI screenshots woven together in a three-part video as our final product. The first part is background information on AQI in Shanghai. The second part is an interview with a construction worker, and the third part is a subjective view based on our own observations of the site while filming. The juxtaposition between the construction worker’s knowledge about the current Shanghai construction industry and our observations was the main focal point of the project, and we wanted to highlight the (missing) link between the government and the general public. Our inspiration stems from the field trip we took to Xujiahui with our class. During that trip, we discovered numerous construction sites and noticed the amount of noise it created, as well as the high level of AQI in relation to these construction sites. In creating a narrative, we wanted to use the AQI monitors in the Xujiahui area (which documented the air quality) to serve as our ‘surveillance camera’ in viewing the Xujiahui area through statistics such as varying levels of PM2.5 and PM10. With our video, we hope to raise awareness for the urgent matter of climate change and for our audience to understand the impacts of ongoing economic activities in their homes. Therefore, our project aligns with the concept of geocinema as we portray it in a monitoring fashion through the AQI monitors located in Xujiahui, and connected it with the bigger picture of investigating China’s economic boom in relation to society.
Reflection
Working on this project has been worthwhile. There are two things that highlighted this project. The first one is understanding one of the major issues (air pollution) in Shanghai by studying one of the factors that contribute to air pollution, construction. This learning progress is reflected in our project description. Second off, putting altogether data and information into a one structured and aesthetically-tantalizing geocinema video.
Technical Skills
There are two skills that I learned in the making of this video. The first one is the creative skill. Given that we worked in a limited space that was Xujiahui area, my initial thought was that we needed to go somewhere else to capture some additional footage. However, as Ann suggested that it’s possible to produce diverse footage in a limited space such as Xujiahui, I took this feedback to challenge myself to look into details around Xujiahui. It was certainly challenging, but the key is to prepare in advance what specific footage you wish to capture. Moreover, I also learned to allow myself to go beyond my initial plans. There was some footage that was taken out of the plan and it portrays the ambiance specific to Xujiahui only.
Furthermore, I learned to package the video in an aesthetically appealing way and to add our own colors into it. For example, the opening of this video was inspired by Marvel Studio opening and the background music is inspired by urban music.
In a nutshell, this geocinema project has taught me new things pertaining to video making. I also learned about the social economic issue and its impact on the environment. I had a great time working with my team members. We’re really good at being cooperative and dividing the workload. Everyone put substantial effort in this project too.
Works cited
https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2018/02/12/shanghai-air-pollution-worse-beijing/
Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in China. Now Shanghai has taken that place.
Google Earth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhoHfiLGbY4
Lakey Inspired- Monroe
https://www.healthandsafetyinshanghai.com/air-pollution-in-shanghai.html
sources of air pollution in Shanghai
http://aqicn.org/city/shanghai/xujiahui/m/
AQI levels of Xujiahui
http://aqicn.org/products/monitoring-stations/
AQI Monitoring stations