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A Center was written by the poet Ha Jin, a Chinese American novelist whose works often explored themes of solitude, time, and relationships.

This particular poem explored the importance of maintaining an inner calm, encouraging readers to ground themselves in their daily lives.

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Our Moodboard focuses upon natural, Earthy tones, since we are attempting to create a world within a film, based on the colours of nature.

This led us to finding an assortment of images to use as inspiration, including those of trees, plants, grass, and bark - all of which acted as a guide during the filming process

One such element we took into consideration was the colour palette - which was dominated by various shades of green and brown. These colours are found to highlight organic life, with those colours being commonly associated with feelings of calm and solitude.

Other considerations were put into how this could change the LUT and grade. The main outcome we decided on was that the frames should consist of soft contrasts between the lights and shadows, with warm tones preserving the gentle lights of the moment. One thing we wanted to avoid, was harsh cool tones as that would create a feeling of separation from the tree, when we want to make the audience feel closer.

Along with this, a focus was put into the textures; whether it be the rough surface of tree bark or the smooth leaves, we wanted to portray the endurance of the poem through those visual motifs.

This Moodbaord also informed our decision into what lighting techniques we would be relying on. From this, we decided it would be best to rely solely on natural lighting, as this allows for the ability to express how nature acts in its natural environment without human influence. We felt that adding our own source of artificial lighting would go against the very nature of the film and the poem we were inspired by - as we wanted to portray the brave existence of plants despite human interference, with the authenticity shaping the image, so introducing further interference would be counterintuitive.

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For our camera, we chose the Sony-FS7, due to this camera being the most suitable for what we wanted to achieve in capturing scenes from still life, with it providing detailed shots which we could improve further with various lenses.

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When considering the colour palette, we decided to pay attention to the earthy colours of nature, including browns and greens. These natural colours allow for us to explore the innocent existence of nature, with the colour green acting as a representation of life as a whole.

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Natural Color Palette Creator Presentation

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A Center By Ha Jin

You must hold your quiet center,

Where you do what only you can do.

If others call you a maniac or a fool,

Just let them wag their tongues.

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An exploration of the quiet existence of a plant - living its life to the best of its ability, yet still facing adversaries in the face of humanities ever-lasting violence. It is through a mix of time-lapse sequences and symbolic imagery that we are able to play witness to the fragility of life in the natural world - with humanity continuously disrupting order.

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Act 1 - Life: Various elements of nature in action, including rain falling on a leaf, sunlight filtering through the trees, close-ups of leaves rustling and tree bark. Mirrors the 'quiet center' of the poem.

Act 2 - Peace: The plant starts growing, multiple angles and close ups could take place, which then shift into a time-lapse of the plant sprouting.

Act 3 - Destruction: Change of pace - quick cuts demonstrate symbolic imagery such as paper tearing, wood burning, a flickering flame. All emphasize the violence of the action. Symbolic imagery of how people are 'wagging tongues', with external forces impacting their existence.

Act 4 - Final: The sprout we witnessed grow is suddenly trampled or burned in a dramatic sequence, echoing the poem's theme of life being interrupted by external forces.

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This poem appeared to revolve around the desire of being left to one's own devices without interference - which is something we felt could be achieved through the perspective of a plant.

A plant is an eukaryote which exists to live a quiet life - one which we don't usually take notice of, which is likely how they prefer it. It is when humans interfere that they become a victim to violence and experience extremities such as deforestation.

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Key themes of this poem include those of resilience, solitude, and quite strength.

These play a key part into the metaphorical outlook of a plant's perspective of quietly growing until human intervention. This links directly to the poem's original theme of enduring hardship yet maintaining a "quiet center".

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This location was chosen due to its links to nature. Being in a city, all green spaces act as an escape from bustling life - being overlooked yet essential for all, just like the plant of our film.

With it being so close to buildings, it also highlights the ongoing threat of human interference in their delicate existence, threatening their solitude.

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We also decided on this location due to the vast empty spaces. The fact that nature is able to settle in areas like this, creating an area of calm in what should be one of bustle, is something we wished to capture.

This also opened up the exploration of the motif of vulnerability, with the trees being in the open, susceptible to the involvement of humans.

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In both locations, nature exists quietly in a usually busy city. This brings in the questions of if those plants are happy, or if human settlement around them has caused them to become displaced.

Either way, the plant continues to exist without shame, just as it does in Ha Jin's poem.

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This film acts as an exploration of the way trees live a continued calm existence; however, the film begins not with life, but with destruction. Where chaos thrives, the tree continues to grow, undisturbed by the dangers that threaten its existence each day.

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Act 1 - Destruction

-Flames, sparks, and torn paper.

-Elements that highlight the dark outcome of a tree's life.

Act 2 - Stillness

-Trees holding firm, leaves blowing, light filtering through trees.

-Nature withstands all adversities, standing strong despite human interference.

Sounds - Calm

-Gentle sound of leaves blowing in the wind.

-Bird chirping

-Background piano, to create a feeling of strong emotion for the audience

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For this film, we wanted it to be predominantly static tripod shots in order to represent how we are nothing more than onlookers in the tree's life, also interfering with its calm existence. This forces the audience into a position of being an unwilling aggressor toward the subject, thus bringing into question the morality involved in leaving nature to its own devices.

Along with this, we wanted some aspects of tracking shots to create a feeling of intimacy - highlighting the life behind nature, and how it can transform itself.

Originally, we wanted to portray this growth in character through a time-lapse of a tree growing, however we quickly realised that we lacked the time and resources required to make this possible. It was due to this that we wanted to focus our attention on the meaning of the shots and how we can use them to connect with the subject.

Throughout the entirety of the film, we also conducted a series of focus pulls in order to efficiently change from a narrow to large depth of field. This allow for further focus on detail while still offering an element of interest to an audience - transitioning the focal point seamlessly as opposed to incorporating even more cuts. In the case of this film, we needed a more calm feeling to be evoked, so rapid cuts was not an effective way forward, making us use more panning and focus pulls.

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Initially, we used the Director's Viewfinder App in order to plan our shots when we initially visited the location. This allowed for a greater idea in what focal points would be more suitable, and what zoom would be appropriate.

From here, we decided we would attempt to mix between Macro Lenses and Wide Lenses. This would allow for the ability to create a composition and narrative based on the location, while still creating the personal feeling of noticing the minor details.

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For the duration of the shoot, it was decided that it would be best to film entirely in outdoor lighting, considering the sun's path to decide when to film.

Based on this, we decided to film mid-day, as this was when the sun was located nearly directly overhead, allowing for light to be visible through the leaves of the trees - thus creating a feeling of life being present.

This element of motivated lighting meant that we were able to utilise the natural light source to enhance the emotions behind the film.

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When it came to lenses, we used a set of 5 prime lenses, relying predominantly on the 24mm lens for wider establishing shots. Utilising different lenses, we were able to make use of various shots, allowing us to experiment with perception and manipulate different depths of field depending on the subject matter.

We also used the Sony 28-135 zoom lens, which allowed for greater attention to detail and made close-up shots much easier. This made it so the audience could feel far closer and personal with the tree, highlighting how it is more than just a brainless piece of wood, but a living witness to life's changes, rooted in place with the ache of survival.

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As per BAFP default recording format specifications, we used the following format for our shoot:

Shooting Mode - CineEl

Colour Space - SGamut3.cine

Scan Mode - Normal

Video Format - 1920 25p

Codec - XAVC-I

SDI & Internal - MLUT Off

Shutter - 1/50 & 25fps

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Trees, despite their quiet and undisruptive existence, continue to experience the effects of deforestation in the UK. In fact, according to Global Forest Watch, the UK has experienced a 15% decrease in tree coverage since the year 2000, with only 1.9% of land cover being natural forests.

Thus, despite human disturbances to nature being a known issue, it continues to prevail. Such research only continued our goal to produce a film displaying the beauty of trees and their lives, since their entire existence continues to be threatened.

Global Forest Watch. (n.d.). United Kingdom deforestation rates & statistics. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/GBR/

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Natalie Richmond 9-5-25 Southsea Common_1 - signed

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When it came to colour grading the image, we didn't want to make the colours too intense, as the point of nature standing firm is that it is undisturbed in its existence. So, in using a more natural grade, we were able to allow for the images to appear more contained and as they would to the naked-eye.

Not only does this increase the emotional connection created due to this allowing for audiences to feel a sense of familiarity, but it also allows for the plants to further highlight how they are willing to exist despite how us humans view them.

We did still attempt to tint the film with an orange undertone however in order to make it appear far warmer - thus evoking feelings of warmth and optimism - both of which are themes which relate to the hope of a tree in trying to continue to exist in peace.

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the flickering warmth and organic chaos evoke embers or internal fire, potentially symbolizing life force, transformation, or destruction leading to renewal.

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the flickering warmth and organic chaos evoke embers or internal fire, potentially symbolizing life force, transformation, or destruction leading to renewal.

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Since paper is derived from trees, the return of paper to the earth is a poetic full circle: the product of a tree decaying back into the soil that once nourished it.  

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Since paper is derived from trees, the return of paper to the earth is a poetic full circle: the product of a tree decaying back into the soil that once nourished it.  

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This shot celebrates the fullness of life in the tree’s cycle. It's a moment of awe, calm, and connection, anchoring the audience emotionally before or after more dynamic or abstract sequences. It’s essential for grounding the story in natural beauty and reminding viewers of what the tree represents at its peak.

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This shot celebrates the fullness of life in the tree’s cycle. It's a moment of awe, calm, and connection, anchoring the audience emotionally before or after more dynamic or abstract sequences. It’s essential for grounding the story in natural beauty and reminding viewers of what the tree represents at its peak.

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Ferns Around the Base: The ferns suggest understory growth — the newer, more delicate life that exists thanks to the shelter and nourishment provided by the larger tree. This reflects interconnectedness and generational continuity in nature.

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Ferns Around the Base: The ferns suggest understory growth — the newer, more delicate life that exists thanks to the shelter and nourishment provided by the larger tree. This reflects interconnectedness and generational continuity in nature.

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Backdrop of a Building: The structured, slightly blurred wall with windows implies human presence, but it’s pushed to the background — life asserting itself despite architecture. Nature, even in small patches, finds a way to grow.

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Backdrop of a Building: The structured, slightly blurred wall with windows implies human presence, but it’s pushed to the background — life asserting itself despite architecture. Nature, even in small patches, finds a way to grow.

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The grass represents the new life within wildlife which supports tree growth and collects the blossoms from the trees. 

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The grass represents the new life within wildlife which supports tree growth and collects the blossoms from the trees. 

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Branch Extending from Left to Right: The branch stretches across the frame, like an arm reaching out  possibly suggesting growth, support, or the passage of time.

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Branch Extending from Left to Right: The branch stretches across the frame, like an arm reaching out  possibly suggesting growth, support, or the passage of time.

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Sharp Focus on a Mature Leaf: The central leaf is large, textured, and covered in dew or condensation. It’s not a new born sprout this is a leaf in its prime, full of form and function.

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Sharp Focus on a Mature Leaf: The central leaf is large, textured, and covered in dew or condensation. It’s not a new born sprout this is a leaf in its prime, full of form and function.

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Filtered Light: The leaves glow with backlit clarity, not unlike early self-awareness  when you first see yourself clearly but without judgment.

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Filtered Light: The leaves glow with backlit clarity, not unlike early self-awareness  when you first see yourself clearly but without judgment.

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Light Breaking Through Canopy: The sunbeam slices through the dense foliage, evoking a revelation, awakening, or even a divine metaphor  like grace entering a complicated reality.

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Light Breaking Through Canopy: The sunbeam slices through the dense foliage, evoking a revelation, awakening, or even a divine metaphor  like grace entering a complicated reality.

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Human Figures in the Distance: Slightly obscured, barely visible. That adds a sense of life that’s present, but not intrusive. As if others have passed through this space or might soon.

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Human Figures in the Distance: Slightly obscured, barely visible. That adds a sense of life that’s present, but not intrusive. As if others have passed through this space or might soon.

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Camera Angle: The upward view gives it an emotional lift this isn't just observation, it's yearning, or wonder.

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Camera Angle: The upward view gives it an emotional lift this isn't just observation, it's yearning, or wonder.

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The light creates a warm, serene tone, suggesting a moment of reflection or resolution.

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The light creates a warm, serene tone, suggesting a moment of reflection or resolution.

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This shot captures a close-up of a large, textured leaf, glistening with water droplets under dappled sunlight. It conveys a tactile intimacy with nature and offers a quiet, meditative moment

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This shot captures a close-up of a large, textured leaf, glistening with water droplets under dappled sunlight. It conveys a tactile intimacy with nature and offers a quiet, meditative moment

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Contrast (Light vs. Dark): The bright green leaves illuminated by sunlight against the moody sky creates a visual metaphor for hope, resilience, or quiet strength in the face of adversity.

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Contrast (Light vs. Dark): The bright green leaves illuminated by sunlight against the moody sky creates a visual metaphor for hope, resilience, or quiet strength in the face of adversity.

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Texture as History: The deep grooves and layers suggest a long life lived a visual metaphor for wisdom, patience, and survival.

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Texture as History: The deep grooves and layers suggest a long life lived a visual metaphor for wisdom, patience, and survival.

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"If others call you a maniac". Paired with upward-reaching branches, this implies nonconformity and wild, natural growth like a tree that refuses to grow straight or be tamed. The shot challenges the negative connotation of "maniac" by visually aligning it with natural beauty and vitality.

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"If others call you a maniac". Paired with upward-reaching branches, this implies nonconformity and wild, natural growth like a tree that refuses to grow straight or be tamed. The shot challenges the negative connotation of "maniac" by visually aligning it with natural beauty and vitality.

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The empty tables invite a sense of pause or waiting spaces meant for community, now quiet. This could suggest the silence that trees observe, or the way they witness human activity without participation. It underscores themes of solitude, contemplation, or nature as a patient backdrop to fleeting human moments.

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The empty tables invite a sense of pause or waiting spaces meant for community, now quiet. This could suggest the silence that trees observe, or the way they witness human activity without participation. It underscores themes of solitude, contemplation, or nature as a patient backdrop to fleeting human moments.

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Despite people walking and speaking in the background, the tree stands central, silent, unmoved. Its massive trunk and shadowy presence visually oppose the idle chatter of the world embodying the line’s message to ignore gossip and noise.

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Despite people walking and speaking in the background, the tree stands central, silent, unmoved. Its massive trunk and shadowy presence visually oppose the idle chatter of the world embodying the line’s message to ignore gossip and noise.