Video and Sound Production | Exercise

24 Apr 2024 -  23 Jul 2024 | (Week 1  - Week 14 )

Chan Xiang Lam | 0358400 

Design Principles | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Exercise | 

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Table Content

    

    1. Instructions
    2. Lectures

        - Week 1 | Module Briefing 

        - Week 2 | Framing & Storyboarding

        - Week 3 | Storyboard

        - Week 4 | Production

        - Week 6 | Production Shoot

        - Week 7 | Colour Correction

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  Instructions

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Week 1 | Module Briefing 

We accessed raw footage from a Google Drive shared by Mr. Martin and edit all the scenes accordingly to form a complete video. 

Video Editing 1: Mints 

    Step 1 : Download footage [link]

    Step 2 : Create NEW Premiere Pro Project

    Step 3 : Import footage into new project 

    Step 4 : Arrange scenes accordingly 

    Step 5 : Export final video 

Fig.1.1  Import footage progress

Vid.1.1 Editing Exercise: Mints Final Outcome 

Video Editing 2: Doritos

    Step 1 : Download footage [link]

    Step 2 : Create NEW Premiere Pro Project

    Step 3 : Import footage into new project 

    Step 4 : Arrange scenes accordingly 

    Step 5 : Export final video 

Fig.1.2  Import footage progress

Vid.1.2 Editing Exercise: Doritos Final Outcome 

Class Materials Reflection:

    In Week 1, Mr. Martin introduced the project requirements for this module and provided examples of previous students' projects, giving us a clear understanding of the expected outcomes. Additionally, we received a basic introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro and practiced arranging video clips accordingly.

Understanding the basics of cinematography—shot size, camera angle, and composition—is essential for effective visual storytelling. Shot size directs focus and emotion, while camera angle shapes perspective and power dynamics. Composition, including placement and balance, guides the viewer's eye and communicates meaning. Mastery of these elements enables filmmakers to captivate audiences across diverse media platforms.

Quizzes: Shot size, camera angle, and composition

Fig.1.3  Quiz result

 

Week 2 | Framing & Storyboarding

Fig.2.1Lectures slides

We were also tasked with completing snapshot exercises to enhance our comprehension and grasp of cinematography angles.

Fig.2.2 Exercises 

Questions : Over the Shoulder shot

Fig.2.3 Exercises 

    1. Why the bottom shot IS NOT an Over the Shoulder (O.S) shot?

        The bottom shot isn't an Over the Shoulder (O.S) shot because it doesn't capture the perspective of the character in the foreground. Instead, it directly focuses on the boy's table without showing his viewpoint or guiding the viewer's perspective towards him.

Questions : Depth of field 

    

    1. What are the foreground, mid-ground, and background in composition? Provide an image for explanation.

Fig.2.4 Example image

        The foreground is the part of the image closest to the viewer. It often frames the subject or adds depth to the composition. The mid-ground lies between the foreground and background, containing elements that support the main subject and contribute to the overall context of the scene. The background is the part of the image farthest from the viewer, providing additional context or setting for the main subject.

    2. What is depth of field?

        

        Depth of field refers to the range of distance within a scene that appears acceptably sharp in an image. It is the clarity of the scene from the nearest to the furthest points.

        Deep depth of field refers to a situation where a wide range of distance in an image appears sharply in focus. This means that objects in both the foreground and background are clear and detailed. 

        Shallow depth of field indicates that only a small portion of the scene is in sharp focus, while the rest gradually blurs into the background or foreground.

Fig.2.5 Example image

Questions : Screen direction 

    1. What is 180 degree rule (static screen direction)?

         It's a guideline in filmmaking where the camera remains on one side of an imaginary line between characters to maintain consistent spatial orientation.

    2. What is continuity in cinematography?

         Ensuring consistency in visual elements and narrative flow across shots or scenes, including props, costumes, lighting, and character positions, for a seamless viewing experience.

    3. What is  dynamic screen direction?

        Dynamic screen direction is the intentional manipulation of movement and positioning in a scene to add energy and tension, often by having the camera cross an imaginary line connecting characters.

Shooting Exercise : 

Fig.2.6 Exercise

    Framing shooting Exercise Reminder :

• Shoot in landscape format, 5 seconds per shot.
• Wide shot with a wide-angle lens.
• Zoomed-in shots for a soft background.
• Avoid overexposure or underexposure.
• Shoot during daytime for natural lighting.
• Add captions specifying the shot size.
• Export the video for submission.

Fig.2.7 Editing Process

Final Outcome：

Vid.2.1 Shooting Exercise Final Outcome 

Editing Exercise : Lalin

    Step 1 : Watch tutorial video

    Step 2 : Download footage [link]

    Step 3 : Create NEW Premiere Pro Project

    Step 4 : Import footage into new project 

    Step 5 : Based on the tutorial video, arrange the scenes accordingly.

    Step 6 : Export final video 

Fig.2.8 Editing Process

Fig.2.9 Editing Process

Vid.2.1 Editing Exercise: Lalin Final Outcome 

Class Materials Reflection:

In Week 2, we delved into the three-act story structure, a fundamental framework in storytelling. This structure breaks narratives into three main parts:

    Act One: The Setup: Introduces characters, their world, and sets the stage for the story. It typically concludes with an inciting incident, sparking the main conflict.

    Act Two: The Confrontation: The protagonist faces obstacles and challenges while working towards their goal. This act is often the longest and most complex, featuring twists and turns that escalate the tension.

    Act Three: The Resolution: The climax of the story, where the protagonist confronts the main challenge or conflict. This act concludes with the resolution, tying up loose ends and providing closure.

Understanding and applying this structure can help writers create well-paced and engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.   

Quizzes : Three-act story structure

Fig.2.9 Quiz result

Questions : Base on the video Lalin

    1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? 

        Act 1 : Lalin, the protagonist, harbors deep-seated shadows from her past. She wears a mask, enveloping herself in an aura of mystery. Hailing from Thailand, she relocates to Japan, seeking solace in the digital realm. Transforming into a digital idol, she employs filters and disguises to cloak her true self. Despite her online popularity, she grapples with an inner fear of rejection. Simultaneously, she engages in an online romance with Nut from Japan. When Nut expresses a desire to meet in person, this dramatic turn pushes her to the brink of confronting her true self.

        Act 2 : Nut's arrival in Japan and his request for a face-to-face meeting ignites the protagonist's inner turmoil. Through flashbacks and the discovery of Nut's heartfelt confession, her anxieties and fears are laid bare. In a moment of intense emotion and regret, she chooses to flee rather than confront Nut, marking a pivotal turning point in the story.

        Act 3 : Faced with her inner turmoil, Lalin finds solace in Nut's enduring love, revealed through his heartfelt letter. Encouraged by his unwavering affection, she bravely removes her mask, embracing her true self and overcoming her fears. With newfound courage, Lalin pursues Nut, and their meeting is marked by understanding and acceptance. This poignant conclusion highlights the power of self-acceptance and authentic connection in the digital age.

    2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

        The inciting incident in the movie is when Nut, the protagonist's online dating partner, unexpectedly requests to meet in person. This event disrupts the main character, Lalin's sense of security, compelling her to confront her deep-seated insecurities about her appearance.

    3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

        The midpoint scene in the movie occurs when the protagonist, Lalin, is faced with the decision to reveal her true face to Nut, her online romantic interest. This pivotal moment symbolizes her internal struggle between maintaining her online persona and exposing her authentic self. It encapsulates the central conflict of the story and raises the stakes for their relationship.

    4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

        The climax scene of the movie occurs when the protagonist, Lalin, must decide whether to meet Nut, who has traveled to Japan to see her in person. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of the central conflict, as Lalin confronts her deepest insecurities and faces the consequences of her actions.

    5. What is the theme of the movie?

        The theme of "Lalin" is the impact of societal beauty standards on young individuals, exploring issues of self-perception, bullying, and the struggle for self-acceptance in today's image-centric culture.

Questions : Base on the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

    1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? 

Act 1: Setup

Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner, struggles with business, marriage, and her relationship with her daughter, Joy. The inciting incident happens during an IRS audit when her husband, Waymond, suddenly reveals the existence of the multiverse, pulling Evelyn into a new and confusing reality.

Act 2: Confrontation

Evelyn learns to navigate the multiverse, encountering different versions of herself. She discovers that her daughter Joy's alternate version, Jobu Tupaki, is a powerful threat to the multiverse. The midpoint occurs when Evelyn realizes the full scope of the multiverse and her potential, deepening her resolve to save her family and all existence.

Act 3: Resolution

Evelyn fully embraces her multiverse abilities and confronts Jobu Tupaki. Instead of fighting, she uses empathy and love to reach out to her daughter, convincing her that life is worth living despite its chaos. This resolution restores balance to the multiverse and mends Evelyn’s family relationships.

    2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

        The inciting incident is when Waymond, possessed by his Alpha Universe counterpart, reveals the multiverse to Evelyn during the IRS meeting, thrusting her into the central conflict.

    3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

         The midpoint scene occurs when Evelyn comprehends Jobu Tupaki's immense power and the existential threat she poses, significantly raising the stakes and clarifying Evelyn’s mission.     

    4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

         The climax is the final confrontation between Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki, where Evelyn uses empathy and love to connect with her daughter, diffusing the threat and restoring multiverse balance.       

    5. What is the theme of the movie?

        The central theme of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" is the power of love and empathy to bridge gaps between individuals across different realities, emphasizing the value of connection amidst chaos and uncertainty.

Week 3 | Storyboard

Class Materials Reflection:

    Week 3 centered on the creation of storyboards, essential for pre-production in filmmaking. Storyboards serve as visual blueprints, akin to comic strips, outlining sequences of scenes to pre-visualize the final product. They aid in planning shots, understanding narrative flow, and communicating ideas to the production team effectively. By experimenting with visual approaches and addressing potential issues in advance, filmmakers optimize resources and streamline the filming process. Storyboarding is a critical step in pre-production, facilitating efficient and successful project execution.

Quizzes : Storyboard in Film making

Fig.3.1 Quiz result

Week 4 | Production

Class Materials Reflection:

    Week 4's asynchronous class materials provided an overview of the three main production stages in filmmaking: pre-production, production, and post-production. It also outlined the key roles within the production crew, including the director, producer, cinematographer, production designer, sound designer, and editor. These materials emphasized the importance of each stage and role in the filmmaking process.

Quizzes : Production Stages

Fig.4.1 Quiz result

Quizzes : Production Crews

Fig.4.2 Quiz result

Week 6 | Production Shoot

Task Brief

1. Production Shoot Editing:

• Download footage and audio from the producer.
• Edit a draft with synchronized dialogue in Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
• Be creative; avoid following the storyboard order.

2. TikTok/Insta Video Treatment:

• Complete Page 6 of the storyboard for discussion in week 7.

Auto sync audio: How to Auto Sync Audio with Video in Adobe Premiere Pro CC [link]

Week 7 | Colour Correction

Fig.7.1Lectures slides

Color Correction:

• Aims to make footage look natural and realistic.
• Technical adjustments to balance colors and correct exposure.

Color Grading:

• Adds atmosphere and emotion to the shots.
• Creative adjustments to establish mood using HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) settings.

Key Concepts:

• Hue: The color itself.
• Saturation: Intensity of the color (high saturation makes colors "pop," low saturation makes them "muddy").
• Brightness: Lightness or darkness of the color (adding white increases brightness, adding black decreases brightness).

Tasks for Week 7:

• Perform color correction on your footage.
• Apply color grading to achieve a creative look.
• Prepare to discuss and present your work in class.

Fig.7.2 Quiz result