Video and Sound Production

04 Apr 2023 - 20 June 2023 (Week 1 - Week 12)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Video and Sound Production // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's University

Exercises

INSTRUCTIONS <span id="LIST"></span>

Practical

Week 1: Editing Video in Adobe Premiere Pro

Week 2: Shooting Practise, Shoot & Editing

Week 3: 3-Act Structure Case Study

Week 4: Premiere Pro Colour Correction

Week 9: Stop Motion Exercises

Feedback

Reflection

Lecture

Week 1 | Module Briefing

Mr. Martin brief us on the upcoming tasks and projects requirements. Besides, Mr. Martin lectured us on the three learning objectives, which are:

1) Pre-production: Preparation

Idea development
Story
Storyboard
Visual References
Location/ Props

2) Production: Principal Shooting

Lighting
Costume
Principal Shooting

3) Post Production: Editing

Offline Editing
Online Editing
Audio Editing

Week 2 | Framing & Storyboards

In today's class, Mr. Martin gave us a brief overview of the origin of motion pictures, which helped us gain a basic understanding of what we'll be doing in our upcoming tasks and projects. He recommended several famous movies, and according to the materials provided, cinema technique involves manipulating shots and sequences to isolate certain parts and determine the order in which they're seen. In addition, we also learned on various

- Shot size (where it determines how large the area that’s visible within the frame)

the image above catalogues the most common shot sizes that narrative films use to tell a story visually.

Wide shot
Medium shot
Medium close-up shot
Over the shoulder shot
Extreme wide shot
Medium wide shot
Close-up shot
Extreme close-up shot

- Camera Angle

Essential Camera Shots

Rules of Thirds
45-Degree for the best facial modelling
Camera height
Eye-level angle
Low angle shot (which the camera is tilted upward to view the subject)
High angle shot (which the camera is tilted downward to view the subject)

- Screen Direction

1. Dynamic Screen Direction

several cameras are placed to capture someone walking from one end to the other

- Constant screen travel depicts subject motion in one direction only.

- A series of shots of a person walking, a car driving, a plane flying - should move in the same direction to show progression.

- Example: Fabogesic: Moving

2. Static Screen Direction

Line of Action

- When planning shots with two characters, you need to understand the camera movement in relation to the 180-degree rule.

- The rule enforces the camera stay on a horizontal axis and not cross sections so that it will disorient the viewer. The horizontal axis is called “ Line of Action”

3. 180-degree Rule

The 180-Degree Rule

- two characters (or more) in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship with each other.

Week 3 | Storytelling in Film

Mr. Martin lectured us on the storytelling structure. The 3 act structure is understanding that one event must lead to another and then to another — this unifies actions and meaning and creates the semblance of a story. Moreover, Mr. Martin encourage open discussion on short film like burrow to ensure we got the concept behind of each stages of the storytelling structure.

The 3 Acts Structure

Act -1 (Beginning): Setup / Introduction of a story

To introduce the world.
To introduce the main characters.
To establish the dramatic situation.
Leads to an incident that complicates the story (PLOT POINT 1).

Act 2 (Middle): Confrontation of a problem

Known as ‘Rising Action’.
To develop obstacles / complications.
Leads to climax of the story (PLOT POINT 2).

Act 3 (End): Resolution of problems

Ending of climax
Answer to all obstacles / problems
Tying the loose ends

Story Structure

1) Plot Point I: "the plot thickens"

The "inciting incident"
Turn the story in a new direction
Sets up what Act Two is going to be
Raises the stakes
Reminder of the narrative enigma; presents the possibility of a different outcome

2) Plot Point II: "the longest mile”

The "Climactic Turning Point"
Protagonist's quest reaches critical mass
Possible solution is presented
Biggest cliffhanger: will the protagonist win or lose?

Case Study 1: Burrow

Burrow, 2020 American 2D animated short film, written and directed by Madeline Sharafian

"Burrow" is a Pixar animated short film released in 2020. It tells the story of a young rabbit who wants to build the perfect burrow for herself, but as she keeps digging, she accidentally discovers the homes of other animals. Feeling embarrassed and intimidated, she tries to find a new place to live, but soon learns the importance of community and the power of asking for help.

In summary, "Burrow" is a heartwarming and visually stunning short film about the value of friendship and teamwork, and the realization that no one has to do things alone.

Week 4 | Intro to Film Sound

Mr. Martin discussed the topic of sound effects and provided examples from the movie Munich. He emphasized that effective storytelling doesn't always require lengthy dialogue or exposition. Sometimes, the narrative can be conveyed through the camera angle, shot size, and sound effects.

It was fascinating to learn how many subtle details can impact the overall experience of a film, which most people may not even notice. I was quite impressed by how the director able to shoot this movie with so many "easter egg". I think one of the reason might be people tend to see on what is presented thus losing the sense of observation and thinking.

Sound Elements

- The mixing of sound elements below creates an audio setting that supports the action and engages the spectators.

the main three sound effects that we were focusing on this topic

1) Speech
- Speech is one of the most important tools for understanding the story of the film.
- Dialogue: Conversation between characters in movie.
- Voice over: The voice of an unseen narrator speaking.

2) Sound effects
- Ambience Audio refers to the background noise present at a given scene or a location.
- Hard or "cut" effects. Almost every sound we hear at the movies that isn't dialogue or music is a sound effect.

- Examples, train sliding door open and close, foot steps, train moving on tracks, ambience in train etc.

3) Music
- Music in movie is to enhance the dramatic narrative and the emotional impact.

4) Dubbing
- or automated Dialog Replacement (ADR), is the process of re-recording dialogue after the filming process to improve audio quality or reflect dialogue changes

5) Foley
- A sound effects technique for synchronous effects or live effects. The Foley technique are named for Jack Foley, a sound editor at Universal Studios

Additional Discussion:

- The Art of Sound Design: See With Your Ears - Spielberg And Sound Design

Week 5 | Intro to Production Team

Working together in groups to plan for the filming of Project 2, which I've documented here. Before diving into the specifics, we learned about the responsibilities and duties of each member of the production team. Using this newfound knowledge, we were tasked with applying it to the upcoming filming project.

Week 5 Lecture: Intro to Production Team (02 May 2023)

Week 6 - Week 8

No class were conducted due to Project 2: Production Shoot. We are require to complete all exercises and Project 1 & 2 during our independent learning week.

Week 9 | Stop Motion

Mr. Martin brief on the Final Project: Stop Motion. Then, we went to studio to try and shoot stop motion as a warm up exercise for our final project.

Week 9 Lecture: Stop Motion Briefing (30 May 2023)

Week 10 | VFX Trial

We spent some time learning Premiere Pro to make generate our stop motion video. This is due to our final project require such skills, thus Mr. Martin step-by-step guide us on this exercise. After that, we personally consult with Mr. Martin over our TikTok video and Final Project: Stop Motion. We were dismissed after that.

Week 10 Lecture: VFX Trial (06 June 2023)

Instructions

MIB

Practical

Week 1 | Editing Video in Adobe Premiere Pro

Mr. Martin guides us on using Adobe Premiere Pro to arrange footage/ shots on timeline with proper order. Last, export and file them accordingly. Below are the evidence and final edited video showing the both commercial videos are edited by me.

Exercise 1 - Mints

Figure 1.1 - "Mints" workspace and files, Week 1 (04 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.2 - "Mints" final edited video, Week 1 (04 Apr 2023)

Exercise 2 - Doritos

Figure 1.3 - "Doritos" workspace and files, Week 1 (04 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.4 - "Doritos" final edited video, Week 1 (04 Apr 2023)

Week 2 | Shooting Practise, Shoot & Editing

Task 1: Framing Shooting & Editing: Add Caption

- Framing Shooting Exercise

As a group of two, we are required to take these 8 shots listed in the slide below. Each shot must be 5 seconds.

Figure 1.5 - shots size to be used

Shots taken by me: Google Drive Folder

- Editing: Add Caption

For this part, we need to compile all the videos taken and make it a short clips. Then, add captions to mention each shot size by referring to this tutorial link: Adobe Premiere Pro CC - Basic Titles for Beginners

Figure 1.6 - progression 1: selecting of shots, Week 2 (11 Apr 2023)

Initially, there are multiple errors as it was difficult to find the correct angle for each shot. Thus, I ran through all the videos taken, then download those videos that adhere to the principles to my desktop.

Figure 1.7 - progression 2: editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, Week 2 (11 Apr 2023)

Importing and arranging of the selected videos to my timeline panel, I further refine it by adding captions, background music and a cover page (template - basic lower third) to my clips.

Figure 1.8 - final edited video with captions, Week 2 (11 Apr 2023)

featured partner: Glen Owen

BGM: Youtube

Cover Page Image: Google

Task 2: Premiere Pro Editing Exercise (Lalin)

Using the material provided below, we are instructed to edit the footages into a 35 seconds sharp short clips.

Download the footage
View the Original video
Watch the Editing tutorial video

Figure 1.9 - documenting of resources, Week 2 (11 Apr 2023)

Following the instructions in week 1, I downloaded and filed the materials provided by Mr. Martin. The folders named "Lalin Graphics" was used to document the dialogue, while "Lalin Footage" was used to document the footage.

Figure 1.10 - importing of materials, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

After importing the footage, I deleted those repeated scenes in the timeline panel as the sequence was not well-arranged. Moreover, I have changed my workspace to Editing window per request. Trim footage: Mark in (I), Mark out (O).

Figure 1.11 - progression 1: video and effect, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

The original imported video clips are 17. However, there are a few option of shot size for a specific scene, thus it took me some time to analyse and select the best one for the scenes. At the end, the remaining video clips that was used was 13. Moreover, as instructed, I applied video transition effects to allow the scene fade in to start and fade out to end.

Figure 1.12 - "Lalin" first attempt, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

In this attempts, I did not includes any graphics because I would want to see the overall editing results first. I also did not manage to edit the video clips to 35 seconds sharp. Thus I need to further refine it.

Figure 1.13 - progression 2: video, graphics and effects, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

In my second attempt, I managed to retain the duration of video clips at 35 seconds. Additionally, I added graphics, which included the dialogues of both the protagonist and antagonist, as well as the message alert. I also reached out to Mr. Martin to help me with the scaling and positioning issues. After that, I applied transition effects to both the footage and graphics, making the transition from one scene to another smoother. Lastly, I renamed the footage and graphics to make them easier to access in the future.

Figure 1.14 - "Lalin" final edited video, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

Week 3 | 3-Act Structure Case Study

After learning on the 3 act structure, we are instructed to analyse and identify the story/ plot of Exercise 1: Guang and Exercise 2: Lalin, using the storytelling structure. The analyst report should be recorded in the spreadsheet shared by Mr. Martin.

Figure 1.15 - 3 Act Structure Exercises_pdf, Week 3 (18 Apr 2023)

Week 4 | Premiere Pro Colour Correction

Part 1 - Explore the usage and verify the accuracy of information using ChatGPT.

For this section, we are instructed to utilise ChatGPT to answer the questions given by Mr. Martin. However, Mr. Martin strongly advise not to fully rely but use it as a tool to helps us in our tasks. He also mentioned that to use ChatGPT, users should double confirm the information given by visiting the original websites because there are always minor mistakes or given false information to users. Below are the document from our group:

Figure 1.16 - In-class Exercise_pdf, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Part 2 - Colour Correction Tutorial

We were tutored on the Premiere Pro Colour Correction. Below are the material(s) provided then, my attempts on applying basic correction and adjustment layer to the given video.

Figure 1.17 - Colour Correction Tutorial_pdf, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Using the materials provided in slide 4, we are encourage to edit the video clips then apply colour correction and colour grading to it. Below are my attempts:

- Basic Correction (Colour and Light)

Figure 1.8 - Trim and Video Transition, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

After trimming and apply video transition, I had changed my window to Colour Window. As I need to based on the lumetri scope to help me identify the tone, colour and etc.

In this attempt, I decide to use the video clip no. 2 as my reference. Thus I have to make the other two video clips to have the same tone.

Figure 1.9 - basic correction on video clip 1, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.10 - basic correction on video clip 3, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.11 - outcome (light and colour), Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

- Adjustment Layer (Monochrome Fuji Eterna)

Figure 1.12 - adjustment layer w/ Creative, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

On this attempt, I had chosen video clip no. 1 as my reference. I will based on the lumetri scope to help in achieving the consistency.

The look (effect) used in this attempt was Monochrome Fuji Eterna 250D Kodak 2395. The reason chosen this is because it kind of has some retro effect and when further looking at it, it kinda creates a scary atmosphere.

*applying adjustment layer - Creative, enhancing with using basic correction

Figure 1.13 - colour grading on video clip 2, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.14 - colour grading on video clip 3, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.15 - outcome (adjustment layer + creative), Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

- Adjustment Layer (Curves)

Figure 1.16 - adjustment layer w/ RGB curve, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

On this attempt, I had chosen video clip no. 3 as my reference. I applied RGB curve only.

*applying adjustment layer - RGB curve, enhancing with using basic correction

Figure 1.17 - applying RGB curve on video clip 1, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.18 - applying RGB curve on video clip 2, Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Figure 1.19 - outcome (adjustment layer + RGB curve), Week 4 (25 Apr 2023)

Week 9 | Stop Motion

We went to the shooting studio and use clay to make our puppet and props. We are require to shoot in two themes, which is light theme with DSLR camera and dark theme with our mobile phone. Each theme should be in different narrative, puppets and props.

I joined team Grilled Ramsay for this class exercise and below are our outputs.

- DSLR

Figure 1.20 - editing progression in Adobe Pr, Week 9 (30 May 2023)

After retrieving the images from the camera, I used Adobe Premiere Pro to do editing work. The editing process was quite easy with the assistance of the material provided in the lecture slides.

Figure 1.21 - attempt 1 w/ DSLR camera, Week 9 (30 May 2023)

Figure 1.22 - Sequence Settings and Frame Resize, Week 10 (06 Jun 2023)

During classes, Mr. Martin has mentioned to resize all the clips to 1920px x 1080px.

Figure 1.23 - Nested, Week 10 (06 Jun 2023)

Then, we learned to nests all the individuals sequence into one layer so the video track won't be so cluttered or messy for further editing works.

Figure 1.24 - final edited w/ DSLR Camera, Week 10 (06 Jun 2023)

- Mobile Phone

All images taken are imported to Stop Motion Studio and it helped us to generate the output.

Figure 1.25 - final output w/ mobile camera, Week 9 (30 May 2023)

Week 11 | VFX Trial

Figure 1.26 - import and rename folder, Week 10 (06 June 2023)

Figure 1.26 - (failed attempt) refine edge using roto brush, Week 10 (06 June 2023)

Figure 1.27 - refine edge in different composition, Week 10 (06 June 2023)

Figure 1.28 - (failed attempt) cropping and smoothing, Week 10 (06 June 2023)

Figure 1.30 - sample video

Feedback

- no feedback was given.

Reflection

Through this module, I discovered the art of visual storytelling and audio manipulation. Pre-production planning taught me the importance of careful scripting and storyboarding. Understanding camera techniques and shot composition revolutionized my perception of creating compelling visuals. Sound effects, music, and voiceovers play a crucial role in enhancing a video's atmosphere. Collaboration highlighted the significance of teamwork and collective creativity. Although technical challenges were present, I gained valuable skills in using various software. Overall, this module has enriched my passion for multimedia creation, equipping me with the tools to bring captivating stories to life through the power of video and sound.

Quick Links

Project 1: Audio Editing Exercise

Project 2: Shooting Practise & Editing

Final Project: Stop Motion

Final Compilation and Reflection

Vincent Lee | 0359386

Video and Sound Production - Exercises

Popular posts from this blog

Interactive Design - Exercises (HTML & CSS)

Typography - Task 1: Exercise 1 & 2

Interactive Design - Project 1: Prototype Design