Video essay:
Director: Jiang Ziyan
The Tramway is a traditional mode of transport in Hong Kong. To describe it in more colloquial terms terms, it is a rail tram. As early as 1881, with the growing population and rapid development of industry and commerce, there was a strong demand for mass transit transport, and there were already proposals to build railways. On 29 August 1901, the United Kingdom approved the construction of an electrically powered tramway system on Hong Kong Island. Since 1904, the Tramway has been travelling east and west on Hong Kong Island. However, with the emergence of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and buses on various routes, it seems that the Tramway can be faded out of the stage of the times. Yet the Tinker Bus is much more than a mode of transport available at present day. In this video essay, we will analyse the way in which the tram has created a “mobile city” and the significance of its existence from three perspectives: locals, tourists and businesses.
In terms of location, I chose the section of Sheung Wan to Witty Street as my research site, primarily due to the fact that this neighbourhood belongs to a very historical part of Hong Kong, where I believe I will gain a unique experience. When I first arrived in Sheung Wan, I noticed the tracks on the ground, which are the symbols of the Tramway. The environment in Sheung Wan is definitely very harmonious, with numerous Hong Kong residents as well as many confused travellers, which makes it more convenient for us to investigate the Tramway from multiple perspectives.
In my research, I chose to experience this tram in person in order to better understand and judge it. In fact, it was this experience that changed my impression of Tinker Bus, as mentioned in the video. I chose to shoot the footage in Sheung Wan from multiple angles, as there are many intersecting pedestrian footbridges in Sheung Wan, which makes it a perfect place to observe and film the tram from above, from a God’s eye perspective. This view provides the viewer with a comprehensive observation experience, better demonstrates the spatial layout of the scene, and shows the tracks on the ground at the same time. This is a very common first point of view shot, which is also more immersive as if one is actually sitting in the tram. I shot a lot of footage of the car travelling, as well, in order to see the car from a passenger’s point of view, which also gives the audience the illusion that they are a passenger.
When editing this video, I chose perspective editing as a way to present a very unique visual experience with interlaced God’s perspective and first perspective, so that the viewer can feel the visuals and emotions of different perspectives at the same time. There is also a little ingenuity in the design of this title. It is a very modern typeface with a moving effect to match the “Mobile City”. The background music is a carefully selected copyright-free track with a modern twist and a hint of laid-backness that fits the image of Tram. The beginning and the end of the video are designed. The beginning part of the rotating feeling is a small ingenuity, from the vertical screen shooting to horizontal screen shooting editing, so that it more naturally introduces the title of the video. The ending is a section of the tram drive away, leaving only the background of the picture, here I want to express the ding dong car drive to the “future”, that is, the unknown, so the footage of the end is in darkness, because no one knows what the future is like.
One regret is that the initial intention was to set up a narration, but after setting up the narration, I found out that it had exceeded the time limit, so I temporarily replaced it with background sound with subtitles. The lack of narration tends to distract the attention of the viewer, especially after adding the background sound, which makes the subtitles a bit hard to read. Meanwhile, without the background sound, it was very silent, so I chose the combination of background sound and subtitles in the end. In this case, perhaps I should cut down the text or speed up the speech to add a voice-over narration. There was also a lack of professional equipment, such as a tripod to stabilise the camera when filming in a moving tram. Some of the shots were a little unstable due to the lack of a tripod.
bibliography
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Jiang Ziyan
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Fantastic video essay! From the initial transitions to the seamless effects between clips, it’s clear the creator has put in a lot of effort and has extensive experience in video editing. This video excellently captures the current state of Hong Kong’s trams, as well as their transformation from a commuting vehicle to a famous tourist spot. Also, I’m really curious about how the aerial shot in the first 20 seconds was filmed? That shot is quite distinctive!
Thanks for watching! The first twenty seconds of the video were taken on a footbridge in Sheung Wan!
First of all, a very perfect video! I love it!!! It is mentioned in the Text that Sheung Wan is chosen as the research site. I am curious about the special point of photographing Ding Ding car in Sheung Wan. The film also incorporates Hong Kong celebrities who have a very creative influence on the Ding Ding car! I was wondering what inspired you to associate celebrities with it?
Thanks for watching! There are footbridges in Sheung Wan that allow shots to be taken from above. This provides a different perspective. Then, the trams often have photos of different celebrities printed on them, which connects when I see them often on the street.
The selected theme is very novel. Although it is a very common element in Hong Kong life, few people will notice and investigate it carefully. The shooting angle of the video is very interesting and very professional, which gives the audience an immersive feeling.
The use of mirrors in the video is very good, and there is a first perspective (the car shooting reflects the characteristics of the crowded ding ding car), which can not be reflected by the appearance alone, and the use of the first perspective gives viewers a more immersive feeling. The background music matches very well, but the subtitles are a little bit faster. Everything else is great!
As a railfan as well, I’m really obsessed with the topic of this video. I am surprised by director’s aspect of study to tram rail arrangement and I learn a lot. I like the front part that the director lead us enjoy a relaxing tram trip with first-person viewpoint. The melodic and rhythmic background music reflects the exquisite lifestyle of Hong Kong.
Ding Ding Che is indeed one of the important cultural symbols of Hong Kong. I really like the design of your ideas and videos, which provide both macro perspective explanations and personal experience. I hope that through this video, more people will fall in love with Ding Ding Che.
Interesting topic. The filming styles really give the viewer a sense of how cramped the trams can be. Really appreciated the last part where you showed stills of trams decorated with posters. Would have liked to see more of those stills, just photos of trams decorated with different signages or brands. Would be interesting to see. However, good video made overall.