Video & Sound Production/ Task 1:Exercises

22nd Apr 2024 - 19th May 2024 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Natalie Chu Jing Xuan/ 0354589
Video & Sound Production/ Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 1: Exercises


Table of Content

  1. Module Information
  2. Week 1
    • Editing Exercises: Mints & Doritos
    • Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection
    • Quiz Result
  3. Week 2
    • Framing & Storyboard Exercises
    • Shooting Exercise
    • Editing: Lalin
    • Asynchronous Class Materials Questions (1. Lalin, 2. Everything, Everywhere, All at once)
    • Quiz Result
  4. Week 3
    • Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection
    • Quiz Result
  5. Week 4
    • Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection
    • Quiz Results

Module Information

Fig.0 Module Information


Week 1

Editing Exercises:

This is our first exercise of the semester, and Mr Martin taught us how to use Premier Pro to edit the footage in the correct order. There two editing exercises:

1. Mints

Outcome:

Vid.1 Editing Exercise: Mints Final Outcome 

2. Doritos

Vid.2 Editing Exercise: Doritos Final Outcome 


Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection:

Camera shots, framing, camera angles and composition

Fig.1.1 Shot sizes

Camera shots are crucial in filmmaking and video productions as they enable filmmakers to showcase specific emotions, ideas, and movements in each scene through various angles and camera movements. There are several types of shots. For example, the closest you can get to your subject in a frame is an extreme close-up. It frequently displays mouth, eye, and gun triggers. Smaller objects become the main subject and acquire a lot of detail in extremely close-up shots. Besides that, I also learned that framing is important to create a pleasing composition that directs the viewer's attention to the subject matter. 

Fig.1.2 Different Types of Shot Framing

The camera angle and shot size significantly influence the meaning of a scene in a movie, influencing the viewer's perception. Multiple camera angles can be used simultaneously to enhance emotions and cinematic effect in capturing a scene. Lastly, shot composition is the art of arranging elements in a way that advances a narrative, reveals character, and creates emotions. One technique that creates an idea of equality and allows audiences to imagine themselves as the characters is eye level framing, which puts the audience at eye level with the characters.


Class Quiz Result:

Fig.1.3 Week 1 Quiz Result

[Table of Content]


Week 2

Framing & Storyboard Exercises:

We studied cinematography and various camera shots this week. In order to gain a deeper understanding, we also completed some exercises.

John Lewis Christmas Advert

Watch video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Ii27b5uEs&feature=youtu.be 

Then, name the shot size of each shots:

Fig.2.1 Shot size exercise

Over the Shoulder shot

The over-the-shoulder shot is where the camera is placed above the subject's shoulder and head. It may not always feature the 'shoulder' in the foreground. Instead, the aim is to present the point of view from the foreground character's perspective. 

Fig.2.2 Example of Over the Shoulder shot

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

An Over the Shoulder shot (OTS) typically involves framing the shot over the shoulder of one character so that the audience can see the scene from that character's perspective. But in this scene, although the camera is shooting from the back of the woman, but it does not show her point of view. Therefore, it is not an Over the Shoulder shot.


"Unsung Hero", Thai Life Insurance Ad

Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU

Then, name the shot size of each shots:

Fig.2.3 Shot size exercise

Depth of Field

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

Fig.2.4 Example image

Foreground is the part of the image that is closest to the viewer. Mid-ground lies between the foreground and background, help to lead viewer to look deeper into the scene. Background is the part of the image that is further to the viewer. Based on Fig.2.4, the foreground is the trees, mid-ground is the lake, and background is the mountains. 


2. What is depth of field?

Depth of field refers to the distance at which objects appear clear and in focus. It refers to how sharp the scene appears from the nearest to the furthest points. 


3. What is deep depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.

Fig.2.5 Example image of deep depth of field

Deep depth of field is referred to a wide range of distance within an image that appears sharp and in focus. This means that the objects in the foreground and background are all clear and detailed. It is commonly used in landscape photography to ensure that the entire scene is captured clearly.


4. What is shallow depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.

Fig.2.6 Example image of shallow depth of field

Shallow depth of field indicates that only a small portion of the image is in focus, with the rest blurred. This is a common technique in portrait photography to highlight the subject against a soft, out-of-focus background.


Screen Direction: 180 degree rule (Static Screen Direction)

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

The 180-degree rule is a filmmaking technique that keeps the camera on one side of an imaginary line that separates two characters. This ensures that characters remain in the same left-right positions on screen, making the scene clear and easy to follow. Breaking this rule may confuse viewers by making characters appear to switch places.


2. What is continuity in cinematography?

Continuity in cinematography refers to the consistency of visual and narrative elements in a film or video to ensure a smooth and coherent viewing experience. It entails keeping the same details from shot to shot, such as character positions, props, lighting, and costume, so that the scene appears to unfold in real time. Continuity helps to avoid distractions and confusion for the audience, ensuring that the story flows smoothly and logically.


3. Watch the video below. Does it adhere to the 180 degree rule?

Yes, because the camera is only on one side of an imaginary line that separates two characters.


Dynamic Screen Direction

1. What is  dynamic screen direction?

Dynamic screen direction occurs when the camera moves across the imaginary line that connects characters in a scene. It enhances visual dynamism and tension, frequently intensifying conflicts or showing changes in perspective. However, if not used correctly, it has the potential to confuse viewers by disrupting established spatial relationships. 


Shooting Exercise:

Fig.2.4 Shooting exercise: framing

Framing Shooting Exercise Reminder:

  • Shoot landscape format video, 5 seconds per shot.
  • Shoot wide shot with wide angle.
  • The rest ZOOM IN to get soft background.
  • Refer to the examples provided or google references for GOOD composition.
  • Avoid overexposed or underexposed (too bright or too dark).
  • Do the shooting during day time.
  • Edit with CAPTION (Mention the shot size), export video for submission.
Final Outcome:


Editing Exercise - Lalin:

Footage: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LGt1c2xPYia6gzLQGG_IuLnXgLvQnJvu?usp=sharing

Original video: https://youtu.be/dSvEKiRB8EY

Requirement: Edit to 35 seconds sharp.

Process:

First, I watched the original video, and arrange the footage correctly in Premiere Pro according to the storyboard below.

Then I added the message notification sound effects with the chat box graphic. Besides that, I added the transition effect of "Cross Dissolve" at the scene of the male character vanish away. 

Fig.2.5 Editing exercise: Lalin progression

Lastly, I entered Shift+D at the beginning and the end of the video for "Cross Dissolve" transition effect. 

Fig.2.6 Editing exercise: Lalin timeline

Final Outcome:


Asynchronous Class Materials Questions

Lalin

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only. 

Act 1 begins with an introduction to the character Lalin. She is a net idol. She has a meteorite-like face, which is why her name is "Lalin," as "lalin" means moon in some languages. Act 1 finishes with her going viral on the internet, and there is a handsome guy interested in her. Act 2 begins by displaying her relationship with the guy through video calls. Then the guy arrives in Japan and wants to meet her, but Lalin rejects him. Act 3 begins when she realises the guy is someone she has met before, and ends with Lalin realising it is time to face her true self.


2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The inciting incident happens when Lalin meets a handsome guy on the internet and begins a relationship with him. 


3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The midpoint scene happens when the guy wanted to meet Lalin at Japan, but got rejected.


4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The climax scene happens when Lalin discovers that the handsome guy was once an overweight guy she met, but has now transformed into a better one. 


5.What is the theme of the movie?

The theme of the movie is to encourage us to accept who we are, and face our inner self. 


Everything, Everywhere, All at once

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only

Act 1 shows Evelyn facing problems like New Year party preparations, family relationships with her daughter, laundry store problems, and tax. Act 1 ends with Waymond telling her the concepts of the multiverse.  Act 2 happens when Evelyn decides to fight the old lady but finds out that Joy is the big villain. Act 2 ends with Evelyn's dad deciding to kill Joy, but Evelyn fights her dad. Act 3 happens in a fighting scene between Evelyn and her dad and ends with a good ending where Evelyn's dad saves Evelyn and Joy.


2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

Inciting incident happens when Waymond told Evelyn the concepts of multiverse. 


3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The midpoint scene is when Evelyn finds out her daughter, Joy is the big villain. 


4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The climax scene happens when Evelyn fights her dad to protect Joy.


5.What is the theme of the movie?

The theme of the movie is time travelling and family relationships.


Class Quiz Result:

Fig.2.7 Week 2 Quiz Result


Week 3

Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection:

Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual outline for a film, animation, or video project that portrays the sequence of scenes using illustrations or images. Each panel depicts a specific shot, and often includes notes on dialogue, movement, and technical details. It enables the production team to visualise the narrative flow and ensure storytelling consistency.

To make a storyboard, divide the script into scenes and shots, then sketch each frame to emphasise key actions or elements. Create captions to describe actions, camera movements, and dialogue. Use storyboard templates, software, or simple hand-drawn sketches to create a logical and cohesive sequence that reflects the project's progress.


Class Quiz Result:

Fig.3.1 Week 3 Quiz Result


Week 4

Asynchronous Class Materials Reflection:

Production Stages & Production Crews

The filmmaking process is divided into three stages: pre-production, production, and postproduction. Pre-production includes detailed planning such as writing the script, creating storyboards, casting actors, finding locations, designing sets and costumes, and hiring the crew. The production phase involves managing a large team and complex schedules, as well as filming in accordance with pre-production plans. In post-production, the filmed footage is edited and assembled, with music, sound effects, colour grading, and visual effects added. This detailed process prepares the film for future distribution and marketing.

A production crew is a group of professionals who each play an important role in the creation of a film or video. The director oversees the entire production and ensures that the creative vision is realised, while the producer handles logistical and financial aspects such as funding, hiring, and scheduling. The cinematographer, also known as the director of photography, is responsible for the film's visual aesthetic, while the production designer is in charge of sets, costumes, and props.

Other important roles include the sound designer, who is in charge of the audio, and the editor, who puts the footage together to form a coherent story. Additional roles such as grips, gaffers, makeup artists, and stunt coordinators supplement these key positions and contribute to the project's overall success.


Class Quiz Result:

Fig.4.1 Week 4 Quiz 1 Result

Fig.4.2 Week 4 Quiz 2 Result


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