The tram is the oldest mean of land public transportation, which affectionately known locally as “ding ding” trams. It has been rumbling along the northern side of Hong Kong Island since 1904. Just like flying above the normal view, the tram provides an inexpensive and enjoyable opportunity to experience a moving theatre of scenery and street life on the second floor of the tram.
The videos below were taken during the second field trip, aiming at revealing the coherence and contrast of this reserved transportation system and the contemporary image of Hong Kong.
- Camera is static, subjects are dynamic
The static camera recorded the flow of vehicles along the streets and across the tracks of the trams. It is uncommon to see the trams with cables traveling about a modern city like Hong Kong. The contrast between modern and old-fashion styles can be sensed.
- Camera is tracking, subjects are static
It’s a short record of the sight of the typical streets of Hong Kong. The camera is moving along the street with the tram as if it was a first-person view, visiting the city on a tram.
- Camera is placed in a surprising/unexpected location
The camera was placed toward to sky with the tram. The buildings along the streets can be viewed. It emphasizes the height of the skyscrapers and the narrowness of the streets.
- Bird’s eye
The camera was placed above the tram. Several tracks and cables cut the image geometrically into a few parts. The pass of the tram adds more colors and sounds to the video.
5.Framing
The video was shot on the footbridge through the holes on the grid. It provides diamond-shaped frames for the image that a tram is coming towards the camera. The glowing lights and the transformation of the focuses create a dreamy atmosphere.
Descriptions:
Camera is static, subjects are dynamic
As the fixed perspective is used in the video, it’s more like a third-person view and watching the flowing vehicles objectively without personal emotions. It reflects the contrast between old-fashioned transportation with slow speed and the modern fast lifestyle. The technique may be used in the documentary of the tram, as it might affect the audience by presenting the impact of time flown and the city is also evolving. However, when people come back to the trams, it’s quite mysterious that such a slow turtle is still scrambling through the city—reserving a part of the idyllic life in the post-industrialized metropolis. It also indicates one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Hong Kong—the coexistence of the past and present.
By Yang Shuran (3035448548)
Tram is always a good tracking tool to film the city at a slow pace. The slow motion angle at the sky nicely shows the skyline but also if it can be recorded longer with a time-lapse, you may discover more of that and other things such as the conditions under the bridge and the number of electric wires connected from the adjacent building to the tramline.