Moodscape: Hokkaido Shrine

Yay, you get production notes. I will take you through my journey of creating a short video using PowerDirector on Android, shot with an InstaGo 360 X2 camera and a Samsung Mobile Phone. The focal point of my video was the Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo, a remarkable part of Maruyama Park. My goal was to capture my take on the essence and energy of this historical place. While most people would reflect the serenity, I wanted to convey the power.

Setting the Stage

Hokkaido Shrine, nestled in Sapporo's Maruyama Park, is a complex of four shrines, including one dedicated to the Meiji Emperor. Coming from a warrior culture background, I have a different perspective on paying respects. For me, it is an act of strength rather than submission. It is better to receive respect from a lion than a worm. With this mindset, I intend to show the vital energy that connected my experiences with the shrine's kami.

The Equipment

To capture the essence of Hokkaido Shrine, I utilized the InstaGo 360 X2 camera, known for its 360-degree capabilities. This camera allowed me to capture the entire surroundings, immersing viewers in the ambience of the shrine. I used the regular InstaGo 360 Selfie stick, extending a 1.2m and including a free-standing base. I took some shots on a Samsung mobile phone.
For editing, I relied on PowerDirector, a powerful video editing tool available on Android, which enabled me to bring my footage to life.

Filming the Footage

Arriving at Hokkaido Shrine, I was immediately struck by its awe-inspiring atmosphere. The vibrant colours, the tranquillity of the surroundings, and the architectural wonders all contributed to the energy I sought to capture. I filmed various scenes, showcasing the features of the shrines, the serene atmosphere, and the bustling activity of visitors paying their respects. I fit the shots within a visual vocabulary that would tie to the Sakura Kamakura moodscape video, enabling easy editing later. My favourite clip is the turn as I pull the camera under the water spouts.

Do, With or Without Belief

The night before my visit, an unexpected incident occurred. I lost my wallet while walking back from a restaurant to my hotel. However, just a few minutes after leaving the shrine, I received an unforeseen call from the Sapporo police. They informed me that my wallet had been found and invited me to collect it. Japan is famous for honest citizens, though maybe a bit of superstitious observance eased things along. YMMV

Editing Decisions

I embarked on the editing process using PowerDirector. My focus was on expressing the shrine's raw poor, energetic atmosphere. The reveal-down from the tree to the ground links this moodscape to the opening of Sakura Kamakura. Then, side-slides and flips reveal different parts of the shrine - like a shy person peaking out like they're trying not to be noticed. I use forward and backward clips to give a sense of a place where time is unusual.
As the music hits a crescendo, the shots change from side-to-side movements into more selfie stick sweeps, twists, and focus/field-of-view pulls. The change in shooting style expresses an altering of my perceptions as I move from shyness and engage directly with the energy of the kami.
The last clip was one of the first shots taken, and I ran it backwards in post-processing. For me, the treatment links the beginning and end, like pulling out of an alternative reality.
I aimed to create a moodscape video that genuinely conveyed the essence of my experience.

Conclusion

My video production journey at Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo was an incredible spiritual adventure. Despite shrines traditionally associating with quiet contemplation, I channeled a unique energy aligned with my warrior culture heritage. With the help of the InstaGo 360 X2 camera, a selfie stick, a Samsung phone and PowerDirector on Android, I crafted a video that portrayed the shrine's vibrant spirit and captured the essence of this captivating location.

Until next time.