[Field-Homework 3] Disappearing City: Neon lights in Mong Kok

VIDEO ESSAY

Description of the Video

The theme of my video, titled “Disappearing City: Neon Lights in Mong Kok,” revolves around the cultural and visual transformation occurring in Mong Kok, one of the most famous districts in Hong Kong. The topic primarily focuses on the progressive replacement of traditional neon signs, which were previously a symbol of the city’s thriving nightlife and busy streets—and their replacement by modern LED lights. This change reflects larger socioeconomic and economic shifts as well as developments in technology and urban aesthetics.

Between the 1950s and the 1980s, neon lights in Hong Kong reached their peak, transforming streets like Mong Kok’s Nathan Road into a vivid sea of light that represented the city’s thriving economic and cultural life (Seng, 2020). Nonetheless, a number of variables have played a part in neon signage’s slow decline. The high expense of making and maintaining these signs is one of the main causes. Neon signs are made by expert craftspeople who hand bend glass tubes into precise designs and then fill them with uncommon gasses like argon or neon (Freidenrich, 2019). This procedure is costly and labor-intensive. Neon signs also need constant maintenance because they are easily broken (Here’s to an illuminating 2022: Everything you need to know about genuine neon signs, 2022).

The regulatory framework is another important component. The laws governing outdoor advertising and signage are becoming more and more stringent, according to governments and urban planners. Policies that restrict the use of neon signs are the result of worries about energy use, safety, and visual clutter (Kwok, 2020). For example, a large number of vintage neon signs in Hong Kong have been taken down because they violated the building code or had structural issues (Kwok, 2020).

LED (light-emitting diode) technology has become a well-liked substitute as neon signs have decreased in popularity. LEDs are a desirable option for contemporary urban settings because of their many benefits. Because they use a lot less electricity than neon lights, they are far more energy-efficient, which results in cheaper running costs and a smaller carbon imprint (Mahmoud, 2021). This efficiency is in line with the worldwide movements toward energy conservation and sustainability (Mahmoud, 2021).

Practical reasons may be the driving force behind the switch from neon to LED, but there are also important cultural and artistic ramifications. Since each neon sign is handcrafted and has an own history and sense of place, it is frequently seen as a type of urban art (Kwok, 2021). Their elimination signifies a loss of identity and cultural legacy in addition to a change in technology. Neon lights capture the spirit of urban life in the middle of the 20th century, evoking feelings of nostalgia and romanticism (Ribbat, 2013).

Mong Kok’s environment is visually rich and engaging, making it a compelling subject for documenting this transition. The chilly, effective brightness of LED lights contrasts sharply with the warm, nostalgic glow of neon signs. This contradiction highlights concerns of modernity, history preservation, and cultural identity while acting as a symbol for the larger changes occurring in the city.

Method of Conducting the Research and Producing the Video

The entire film was recorded on site in Mong Kok, a neighborhood renowned for its vibrant street markets, dense population, and former neon sign dominance of the skyline. The background of Mong Kok is perfect for capturing this contrast between the ancient and the new. Scenes are mostly located on Portland Street and its neighboring alleyways, where abandoned or partially damaged neon signs remains still cling to building facades.

The video begins with wide shots of Mong Kok’s bustling streets, capturing the dynamic energy of the area. We first visit Soy Street, where only two neon signs remain, belonging to a sauna shop named “Jin Biquan.” Equally notable are the LED lights of nearby mahjong and foot bath shops. The video then moves to Portland Street, where neon signs are denser, featuring multiple signs from the nightclub “Jinli Palace.” These scenes establish the setting and introduce the viewer to the district’s characteristic atmosphere. From there, the video transitions into close-up shots of individual neon signs, showcasing their intricate designs and vivid colors. These signs, often hand-crafted, represent a form of urban art that is rapidly fading away (Leung & Yu, 2022).

To emphasize the contrast, the next segment of the video features LED signs that have replaced many of the traditional neon ones. Also on Portland Street, other nightclubs mostly use LED signs. After that, the video shot Mong Kok at night. The neon lights at night are more eye-catching. I photographed the neon lights of two pawnshops with two characters. The Chinese characters on the sign are clear and visible, and the shapes of bats above and copper coins below also have lucky meanings (Tresidder, 2012). At the same time, turn the Angle of view at the same intersection, you can see the street on the right side of the dense small LED lights, brightly lit. To make the view more comprehensive, the video was shot on the overpass. The overlooking Angle reflects the difference between the neon sign and the LED light sign that is more used now.

These streamlined, brilliant, and widely distributed LED signage represent effectiveness and modernity. They do not, however, have the same special charm or creative flair as their predecessors. To help viewers notice the subtleties of both kinds of signage, the video employs slow pans.

The mood of the video is greatly influenced by the soundtrack. It combines quiet musical accompaniment with ambient street sounds, like the sound of passing traffic and brief conversations, to create a somber and contemplative atmosphere. Incorporating viewers into the experience and strengthening the narrative, the audio enhances the visuals (Ursu et al., 2008).

To sum up, “Disappearing City: Neon Lights in Mong Kok” offers a visual investigation into Mong Kok’s changing urban environment. A location torn between tradition and progress is captured in the video’s meticulous cinematography. It challenges viewers to think about the effects of these changes on cultural heritage and urban identity by capturing the rise of LED technology and the decline of neon lights.

Director: Zhang Xinyi
Editor: Zhang Xinyi
Zhang Xinyi 3036094813

Freidenrich, E. (2019). Almost Lost Arts: Traditional Crafts and the Artisans Keeping Them Alive. Chronicle Books.

Here’s to an illuminating 2022: Everything you need to know about genuine neon signs. (2022, January 5). Material Source. https://www.materialsource.co.uk/heres-to-an-illuminating-2022-everything-you-need-to-know-about-genuine-neon-signs-/

Kwok, B. S. H. (2020). The Imageable City–Visual Language of Hong Kong Neon Lights Deconstructed. The Design Journal, 23(4), 535-556.

Kwok, B. S. H. (2021). Vernacular design: A history of Hong Kong neon signs. Journal of Design History, 34(4), 349-366.

Leung, J., & Yu, T. (2022, December 28). A look into neon signs, the shining legacy of Hong Kong. Time Out Hong Kong; Time Out. https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/art/a-look-into-neon-signs-the-shining-legacy-of-hong-kong

Mahmoud, M. M. (2021). Economic applications for LED lights in industrial sectors. Light-emitting diodes and photodetectors: advances and future directions, 21.

Ribbat, C. (2013). Flickering light: A history of neon. Reaktion Books.

Seng, E. M. F. (2020). Resistant City: Histories, Maps and the Architecture of Development. World Scientific.

Tresidder, J. (2012). The Watkins dictionary of symbols. Watkins Media Limited.

Ursu, M. F., Thomas, M., Kegel, I., Williams, D., Tuomola, M., Lindstedt, I., … & Hall, N. (2008). Interactive TV narratives: Opportunities, progress, and challenges. ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications (TOMM), 4(4), 1-39.

7 thoughts on “[Field-Homework 3] Disappearing City: Neon lights in Mong Kok

  1. Kai Ying says:

    I truly appreciate you chose neon lights as your topic, it is an amazing theme since many neon lights started disappearing in the city. And Mong Kok is a place that we can still see it when we are crossing the street. This video made me understand more about the value and meaning of neon lights. Moreover, you utilise different angles and shots to illustrates various lights, it really attracts me to keep watching it. And your background music is soft and comfortable, which makes me entirely focusing on your photos and subtitle at all.

    Reply
  2. Siu Wing says:

    I like the scene that shot from the LED lights at 1:34 to the traditional Leon sign at 1:43. The comparison of the bright lights but nothing stands out to the Leon sign shining in the dark highlights the details of the Leon lights and the beauty of them in the city.

    Reply
  3. Tianyi says:

    The picture quality is clear and there is a lot of good neon material. But I think the video should be unified. There are some close-ups and specific explanations that deserve praise.

    Reply
  4. Long Hei says:

    This is a very enjoyable video with nice visual design and great organization! The music was very soothing, it immerses the audiences into the video and facilitates the appreciation of the beautiful neon lights. The frame switching was very smooth, it was as if the audiences are walking with the camera in the streets of Mongkok. Also I liked that the cameraman photographed the neon lights in different angles by standing on different architecture, such as the road itself and the footbridges, so audiences can have a more comprehensive feel of what it is like by walking in Mongkok. I also appreciate how the narration snips in information of the neon signs, such as how the copper coin sign was supposed to being luck. It was natural and makes it a fulfilling experience for audiences to have some takeaways. Fantastic video overall!

    Chan Long Hei
    3036220137

    Reply
  5. Youyuan Lin says:

    Hi Xinyi,

    Great work! Your visual essay presents a comprehensive historical context of neon signs in Mong Kok, effectively setting the stage for viewers to understand the significance of this transformation. Your content is well-balanced, incorporating both neon and LED lights to offer a nuanced perspective on the visual and cultural shifts occurring in the district. The exploration of economic, regulatory, and technological factors driving this transition is insightful and well-researched, adding depth to your narrative. Your video is logically organized, beginning with a broad overview and gradually delving into specific examples, ensuring clarity and coherence. Transitioning from wide shots of Mong Kok to close-ups of individual signs maintains viewer interest and effectively emphasizes the contrast between old and new.

    The accompanying text is clear and informative, providing essential background information without overwhelming the viewer, and its pacing complements the visuals, allowing sufficient time for viewers to absorb the information presented. Your cinematography is interesting, with well-composed shots that highlight the beauty and intricacy of the neon signs, and the use of slow pans and varied angles adds dynamism to the video, making it visually engaging. The contrast between the warm glow of neon and the cool brightness of LEDs is visually compelling and underscores your theme effectively. Additionally, your creative approach of documenting Mong Kok’s transformation through its signage is original and thought-provoking, blending ambient street sounds with a subtle musical score to enhance the immersive experience. I particularly enjoyed the use of soft music in the background consistently throughout the video, which echoes the sense of warmth and livelihood of traditional Hong Kong culture.

    In terms of improvement for cinematography, while I do enjoy the little movements and instability caused by handholding the camera and the immersive atmosphere created as if I am walking along the streets in Mong Kok, I suggest instilling some sense of stability for specific shots that aim to capture the bigger picture, such as the traffic flow of the street. Additionally, I recommend using landscape representation instead of a portrait/vertical frame and making the captions smaller to avoid affecting the visual content. Your video successfully evokes a sense of nostalgia while also prompting viewers to consider the implications of modernization on cultural identity.

    Reply
  6. Song Yiqun says:

    Hi Xinyi. Excellent work on the assignment. You have described the development of neon signs in Hong Kong, the reasons for their disappearance and the cultural and visual changes behind them, with Mongkok as the center. You have explained in detail the process of making neon signs and the precautions to be taken when using them, which paves the way for the reality of the reasons for their gradual disappearance. When talking about the emergence and replacement of LED light signs, you extend from the impact of the phenomenon on physical functions to the changes on local consciousness and cultural products, and combine this with the information you have researched to enhance the logic of the essay. The final reference to people’s dismay over the vanishing of cultural markers inspires readers to think deeply about the future development of neon signs and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. I think it would be better to highlight the impact of the disappearance of neon signs by mentioning some descriptions of the surrounding buildings and community environments that were observed during the onsite visits when describing the development and production process of neon signs. Overall, this is a clearly framed and informative essay.

    In terms of video shooting, you captured the street scene of neon signs in Mongkok during the day and under the darkness of the night respectively, which enriches the layers of the whole video and highlights the visual appeal of neon signs to Hong Kong’s cityscape at night. The gentle pure music and the faint sound of car horns give the viewer an immersive experience. I like your fast and slow approach to the pacing of the video, which allows the viewer to clearly notice the focus of the footage. In the research methodology you mentioned the movement of the shots, the detailed notation of the neon signs of some individual stores and the different filming angles used on them, which was effective in enabling me to clearly sort out the sequence of your field research.

    Song Yiqun
    3036097293

    Reply
  7. Ma Ho Kong says:

    It is very good video. The emotion of the music really match the fading trend of the beautiful neon lights, which is very sad as this was one of the icon of Hong Kong. The on-screen text helps express your ideas more clearly. I think you have pointed out a very good point which is the replacement of neon lights with LEDs. I think it would be even better if you also investigated on the new kind of “neon light signs” which the shape is the same but the light is LEDs, providing one solution to reverse this disappearing trend.

    Reply

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