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MINI BLOG ONE: Ideation & Storyboard

MINI BLOG ONE: Ideation & Storyboard

I decided to make two moodboards. One represents the life of the balloon, and the second represents the end of a balloon’s life.

a Research

a. A balloon can be made out of light materials such as rubber or latex. They are usually inflated with air or gas such as helium or oxygen. When deflated, balloons are typically very stretchy and small; however, when blown up, a balloon appear very full and lively. Balloons can appear in a large variety of sizes, shapes and patterns. Balloons made out of foil can have very detailed designs.

b. The first balloons were made from pig bladders and animal intestines. The Aztecs used cat intestines to create balloon sculptures to present as sacrifice. In Western society, rubber and foil balloons have been used for celebrations throughout history. The first rubber balloon was invented by Michael Faraday in 1824 while experimenting with various gases. However, they weren’t manufactured until the beginning of the 20th century. The art of twisting balloons into animals and different shapes began in between the 1930s to 1940s. In the 1970s, foil balloons were introduced as they held their shape better and could have more designs. Nowadays, balloons are used around the world for decoration and celebrations. In recent years, there has been a cut in balloon sales since they are potentially damaging to the environment. Balloons have played a huge part in my childhood. I remember going to birthday parties and looking forward to bringing balloons home. Though balloons are temporary, they brought such a unique excitement. I’d always tie my balloon to the railing in my house and keep it there until it fully deflated. I was always heartbroken whenever I accidentally let go of my balloon, and it’d float to the ceiling or into the sky.

c. Balloons have a nostalgic factor as they remind one of their childhood. They’re very bright and youthful when inflated. The way a balloon floats off into the sky, is a reminder that the sky isn’t really the limit and that there’s so much more out there. In a way, it can represent how one can reach great heights. Balloons can also be seen as a metaphor for letting go. Some see the act of letting go of a balloon as letting go of one’s childhood and youth. Balloons have a very youthful and whimsical aesthetic. For instance, in the movie Up, the use of balloons gives a wistful feeling and remind one of their childhood. The balloons seem very childish, but many are used, they are very strong. Balloons can also have a very abrupt end. Besides simply deflating, they pop very easily and very loudly. In a sense, it can represent how lives can end in a bang and have a huge impact. However, as playful and colourful balloons can be, they are also an environmental hazard. When balloons reach a height of approximately 8 km, the latex of the balloon will freeze and break. Since most of the balloons are chemically-treated, they won’t biodegrade and can last for months. They are also very dangerous to animals especially sea animals. Balloon debris are often mistaken for food and can get lodged in their digestive tract which can lead them to starvation.

d. I think a very whimsical and youthful style would work well with a balloon. I imagine a lot of long cuts and bright lights to represent an inflated balloon floating. The use of primary colours as well as sepia would help create the feeling of nostalgia. To create a wistful mood, I’d shoot outdoors. Wide angled shots can be used to show the balloon floating into the sky. However, for the scenes of the balloon deflating or popping, shooting indoors would help create a confined and uncomfortable feeling. Very short cuts and quick pacing would be used to represent the end of a balloons life, as they pop very quickly. 

Work Cited

Grummer, By Arnold E. "The History of Balloons." Balloon HQ.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

Wickman, Forrest. "Why Do We Celebrate With Balloons?" Slate Magazine. N.p., 13 Nov. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

"Balloon." How Balloon Is Made. Advameg, Inc., 2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.