Video and Sound Production - Exercises
25/9/2024 - / Week 1
Tay Yue Chern / 0373215
Video and Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Exercises
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INSTRUCTIONS
3. EXERCISES
1. INSTRUCTIONS
2. TUTORIAL AND PRACTICAL
Week 1: Briefing
3. EXERCISES
Week 1 - Exercise 1 & 2
In week 1 tutorial and practical classes, Mr Martin instructed us to edit two videos using Adobe Premiere Pro. The clips for exercise 1 were provided in sequence, while the clips for exercise 2 were in random order.
Exercise 1: Editing Mint Advertisement
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| Fig 3.1.1 Editing on Adobe Premiere Pro |
Fig 3.1.2 Edited video (Exercise 1 - Mint)
Exercise 2: Editing Dorito Advertisement
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| Fig 3.1.3 Editing on Adobe Premiere Pro |
It took me some time to figure out the correct and smooth order of the clips, and I added an audio transition effect between the clips to improve the flow, but it somehow still feels a bit off.
Fig 3.1.4 Edited video (Exercise 1 - Dorito)
Week 2 - Exercise 3 & 4
Exercise 3: Shooting Practice, Shoot & Editing
In week 2 classes, we were assigned to shoot videos (each 5 seconds) with 8 different shot sizes and angles in pairs. I was paired with Yuan Yi and we helped each other on taking the videos.
After the shooting practice, Mr Martin instructed us to compile all the videos and add captions using Adobe Premiere Pro.
The compile videos I have taken with Yuan Yi:
Fig 3.1.5 Shot Sizes Shooting Practice (with caption)
Exercise 4: Lalin Editing Practice
We were given a raw footage of the short film (Lalin) to edit using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Fig 3.1.6 Lalin Final Cut
4. ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS
Week 1 - Shot size, Camera angle and Composition
Shot size, camera angle, and composition are all elements of visual storytelling used in film, television, and other visual media.
Shot size refers to the amount of space that is visible within a single shot or frame. Different shot sizes can be used to convey different types of information or create different emotional effects. For example, a close-up shot shows a small area of the scene in great detail and is often used to emphasize a character's emotions or reactions, while a wide shot shows a larger area of the scene and is often used to establish the setting or context.
Camera angle refers to the position of the camera in relation to the subject being filmed. Different camera angles can be used to create different perspectives and convey different types of information. For example, a high-angle shot looks down on the subject from above and can create a sense of vulnerability or powerlessness, while a low-angle shot looks up at the subject from below and can create a sense of power or dominance.
Composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements within a shot or frame. This can include the placement of characters or objects within the frame, the use of color and lighting, and the balance and symmetry of the overall image. Composition can be used to create visual interest, guide the viewer's eye, and convey meaning or emotion.
Together, shot size, camera angle, and composition are all important tools that filmmakers and other visual storytellers use to create meaning and convey ideas to their audience.
Shot size
Framing
Camera Angle
Composition
Additional:
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| Fig 4.1 Week 1 Key Takeaways |
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| Fig 4.2 Week 1 quiz result |
Week 2 - Understand Storytelling
The three-act story structure is a popular narrative framework used in storytelling, particularly in film and literature. It divides a story into three distinct parts: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.
Act One: The Setup The first act establishes the protagonist, their world, and the situation they find themselves in. This act typically ends with an inciting incident, which sets the story in motion and creates a problem that the protagonist must solve. The inciting incident can be a positive or negative event, but it must be significant enough to disrupt the protagonist's world and force them to take action.
Act Two: The Confrontation The second act is the longest and most complex of the three acts. It's where the protagonist faces a series of obstacles and challenges as they work towards their goal. This act is often divided into two parts: the first half, where the protagonist makes progress towards their goal, and the second half, where they encounter setbacks and complications. The second act typically ends with a major turning point, where the protagonist faces a significant setback or crisis that forces them to reevaluate their approach.
Act Three: The Resolution The third act is where the story reaches its climax and resolution. The protagonist must confront their final challenge or conflict and overcome it in order to achieve their goal. The climax is the most intense and dramatic part of the story, where the stakes are highest and the tension is at its peak. The resolution, on the other hand, is the denouement, where loose ends are tied up, and the protagonist's journey comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, the three-act story structure provides a clear and effective framework for storytelling, allowing writers to create engaging and well-structured narratives that resonate with audiences.
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| Fig 4.3 Week 2 Key Takeaways |
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| Fig 4.4 Week 2 quiz result |
We were instructed to watch the short film Lalin and the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once, and we were given the following questions to answer.
1. Lalin
Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Act 1: The story begins with Lalin narrating her childhood experiences of being bullied because of her unclear skin. Feeling isolated and hurt, she decided to move to Japan during her college years, where she finds comfort in the more private culture. She begins editing her photos and posting them on social media, which leads to her becoming a net idol, allowing her to create a different version of herself.
Act 2: The second act happens in summer, starting with Lalin's growing relationship with Astronaut Nut, a graphic novelist who reaches out to her for help with translating his work into Japanese. They developed a deeper connection through daily messages, and one day, Nut unexpectedly visits Japan to meet Lalin in person. However, Lalin, feeling insecure about her unfiltered appearance, refuses to meet him.
Act 3: After Nut leaves disappointedly, Lalin reads his illustrated novel and realises that Nut is her old classmate (who has already shown up at the very first beginning of the story), someone who has made a significant effort to reconnect with her. She rushes to meet him but, unfortunately, is unable to catch him, and the film ends here.
What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting incident in Lalin occurs when Lalin faces repeated bullying due to her skin condition, prompting her decision to move to Japan in order to escape from her harsh reality and start fresh.
What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The midpoint happens when Lalin knows that Nut has traveled to Japan to meet her, presenting her with the challenge of revealing her true self to him, which is the moment that redirects the plot.
What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The climax is when Lalin finds out that Nut is actually her old classmate and the fact that he has go through and changed a lot just to reconnect with her, leading her to chase after him.
What is the theme of the movie?
The main theme of Lalin is about self-love and self-confidence, highlighting Lalin's struggle to accept her true self beyond the filtered image she presents on social media. It also emphasises the power of social media and how one can lost their true identity in the pursuit of online validation, by contrasting the negative effects of cyberbullying with the Lalin's experience at the beginning and the eventual fame Lalin gains online. It conveys the key message that while there's nothing wrong for wanting people to 'like' you, but true love and acceptance always come from those who can see and appreciate the real you.
2. Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Act 1: Act 1 begins with introducing Evelyn, a Chinese-American woman who runs a laundromat and struggles with family issues. She has a difficult marriage, a daughter who doesn't get along with her, and a father who is hard to please. During a visit to meet an audit, Evelyn meets Alpha Waymond, an alternate version of her husband who came from a different universe. He reveals the existence of multi-universe and the fact that Evelyn is the key to saving it from a powerful threat. This moment is the inciting incident that kicks off her adventure.
Act 2: The second act happens when Evelyn jumps into various alternate universes, where she encounters many different versions of herself and explores her untapped potential. As she learns to use her newfound abilities and realise the weight of her responsibilities, she faces challenges from her daughter, Joy (from the universe where Alpha Waymond is), who has transformed into an antagonist known as Jobu Tupaki.
Act 3: The final act builds up to a big showdown between Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki. Instead of fighting, Evelyn realises that love and understanding are what she needs to save her daughter and the multiverse. The film ends with Evelyn successfully managed to resolve the problems with Jobu Tupaki, as well as the relationship with her own daughter and her family.
What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting incident is when Evelyn meets Alpha Waymond, who tells her about the multiverse and the threat from Jobu Tupaki.
What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The midpoint scene is when Evelyn begins to use her power and faces the problems caused by her daughter becoming Jobu Tupaki, and realised that she is the only one who can solve the issues.
What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The climax occurs when the confrontation between Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki, where Evelyn chooses empathy and connection instead of fighting, resolving their conflict.
What is the theme of the movie?
The theme of Everything Everywhere All at Once explores the importance of choice, love, and connection in the chaos of life. It delves into generational trauma and the complexities of Asian parenting, highlighting how cultural expectations and familial pressures can impact one and one's relationships, showing by how Evelyn's father affects Evelyn, and how Evelyn affects her daughter. It could lead to a vicious cycle if you don't try to break the mindset shaped by your upbringing and fail to understand and communicate with others. Overall, this film brings out the idea that even when life feels overwhelming, understanding and compassion can help to heal the past wounds and bring families closer together.
Week 3 - Storyboard
Storyboard in filmmaking is a visual representation of a film, animation, or video game, much like a comic strip. It's made up of a series of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence.
Storyboards are used to plan shots, understand the narrative flow, and to communicate ideas to the production team. They can include details such as camera angles, character movements, dialogue, and even notes about special effects or sound. This helps the director, cinematographer, and other crew members visualise the scenes and prepare for the shooting process.
Storyboarding is a crucial part of the pre-production process because it allows filmmakers to experiment with different visual approaches, identify potential problems, and make necessary adjustments before the actual filming begins, saving time and resources.
What is a storyboard?
How to make storyboard
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| Fig 4.5 Week 3 Key Takeaways |
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| Fig 4.6 Week 3 quiz result |
Week 4 - Production
Production stages
The production stages in filmmaking can be broken down into three main phases: pre-production, production, and post-production. Here's a brief overview of each stage:
1. Pre-production: This is the planning stage of filmmaking, where all the necessary preparations are made before filming begins. This includes tasks such as writing the script, creating storyboards, casting actors, scouting locations, designing sets and costumes, and hiring crew members.
2. Production: This is the stage where the actual filming takes place. The production team will work together to capture all the footage needed for the film, using the plans and preparations made during pre-production as a guide. This stage can be physically and logistically challenging, as it involves coordinating a large team of people and managing a complex schedule.
3. Post-production: This is the stage where the footage is edited and assembled into a final product. This includes tasks such as cutting and arranging scenes, adding music and sound effects, colour grading, and visual effects. Post-production can be a time-consuming process, as it requires careful attention to detail and a keen eye for storytelling.
After post-production, the film may go through additional stages such as distribution and marketing, but these are not considered part of the production process.
Production Crew
The production crew is a team of professionals who work together to create a film or video. Each member of the crew has a specific role and set of responsibilities, which are essential to the overall success of the production. Here are some of the key production crew members and their tasks:
1. Director: The director is responsible for overseeing the entire production and ensuring that the creative vision for the project is realised. They work closely with the cast and crew to block out scenes, direct the actors' performances, and make creative decisions about the look and feel of the film.
2. Producer: The producer is responsible for the logistical and financial aspects of the production. They secure funding, hire the crew, coordinate the schedule and locations, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
3. Cinematographer: The cinematographer, also known as the director of photography (DP), is responsible for the visual aesthetic of the film. They work closely with the director to choose the right camera, lenses, and lighting to achieve the desired look and mood for each scene.
4. Production Designer: The production designer is responsible for the overall visual design of the film, including the sets, costumes, and props. They work closely with the director and cinematographer to create a cohesive and immersive visual world for the story.
5. Sound Designer: The sound designer is responsible for the audio aspects of the film, including recording and editing dialogue, sound effects, and music. They work closely with the director and editor to ensure that the sound and picture are seamlessly integrated.
6. Editor: The editor is responsible for assembling the footage into a coherent and compelling story. They work closely with the director and sound designer to shape the pacing, tone, and structure of the film.
There are many other roles on a production crew, including grips, gaffers, makeup artists, and stunt coordinators, but these are some of the key positions and tasks involved in the filmmaking process.
Reading:
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| Fig 4.7 Week 4 Key Takeaways - Production stages |
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| Fig 4.8 Week 4 Key Takeaways - Production crew |
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| Fig 4.9 Week 4 quiz result |
Week 5 - Colour Theory, Colour Correction vs Colour Grading
Reading:
https://vimeo.com/blog/post/color-grading-vs-color-correction-explained/
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-color-theory-definition/
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| Fig 4.10 Week 5 Key Takeaways |
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| Fig 4.11 Week 5 quiz result |
Week 6 - Mise en scène
Mise en scène is a French term that translates literally to "placing on stage." In the realms of theater, film, and other visual storytelling mediums, it refers to the overall visual arrangement and presentation of a scene. This concept encompasses everything that appears within the frame or on stage and how these elements are organised to convey meaning, emotion, and narrative to the audience.
Key Components of Mise en Scène
1. Setting and Location
Physical Space: The environment where the action takes place, whether it's a realistic setting like a living room or an abstract, symbolic space.
Time Period: The era in which the story is set, influencing costumes, props, and set design.
2. Props and Objects: Items used by characters or present in the scene that can symbolise themes, indicate character traits, or advance the plot.
3. Costume and Makeup: Clothing and makeup that reflect a character’s personality, social status, occupation, or psychological state.
4. Lighting: The use of light and shadow to create mood, highlight specific elements, and guide the audience’s focus. For example, high-contrast lighting can create a dramatic or tense atmosphere.
5. Composition and Framing: How elements are arranged within the frame or on stage, including camera angles in film or the positioning of actors in theatre. This affects how the audience perceives relationships and power dynamics.
6. Performance and Acting: The actors’ physical movements, facial expressions, and interactions contribute significantly to the mise en scène, conveying emotions and subtext.
7. Colour Palette: The selection of colours used in costumes, sets, and lighting can evoke specific emotions or symbolise thematic elements.
8. Spatial Relationships: The distance and arrangement between characters and objects, which can indicate intimacy, conflict, or hierarchy.
Reading Materials: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mise-en-scene-elements/
Video 01: What is Mise en scene?
Video 02: Tim Burton's Eccentric Set Design and Art Direction Explained
Video 03: How location affects your scene
Video 04: Color in film
Video 05: Costume & Make-up
Video 06: Lighting
Video 07: Camera Placement
Video 08: Composition
Video 09: Acting
Video 10: Blocking
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| Fig 4.12 Week 6 Key Takeaways |
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| Fig 4.13 Week 6 quiz result |
Week 7 - Film Sound
Reading materials: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-sound-effect-techniques/
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| Fig 4.14 Week 7 quiz result |
5. WEEKLY CLASS REFLECTION
Week 1 - Shot size, Camera angle and Composition
In Week 1, we were given materials to study in our free time. This week's topic is about different types of shot sizes, camera angles, and compositions. In the following class (week 2), Mr Martin provided us with screenshots of different scenes with varying shot sizes to analyse, which helped a lot in understanding and applying the knowledge we learned. For in-class activities, we were instructed to take videos in pairs according to the given shot sizes and camera angles, and we needed to compile all the videos and add captions accordingly, which was fun to do.
Week 2 - Understanding Storytelling
In Week 2, we learned about three-act story structure and how it works and functions in a story. We were given a set of questions to answer regarding the storylines of Lalin and Everything Everywhere All At Once. By answering the questions and identifying different plots in the storylines, I found that I was able to watch and analyse the films not only from the perspective of an audience but also from that of an observer. By analysing the films in this way, I gained a deeper understanding of the meaning behind each scene and plot.
Week 3 - Storyboard
In Week 3, we learned about storyboard and how it helps in filmmaking process. As usual, we have to complete the quiz, and utilise the knowledge gained in our next class. There are several steps to follow when creating a storyboard, and it is unexpectedly detailed as we have to breakdown each shot and think about how to show it on screen.
Week 4 - Production
In Week 4, we learned about the production stages and the roles on a production crew, to prepare for our production shooting next week. The resources provided were very informative and detailed in explaining the typical way of assigning different parts and roles in different stages and departments. It is clear and reasonable for a production team to follow to ensure a smooth production process.
Week 5 - Colour Theory, Colour Correction vs Colour Grading
In Week 5, we learned about the overview and purposes of colour correcting and colour grading. Colour correction is to correct the colours in the film to make it like the colours we seen in real life, while colour grading is to give an overall theme or atmosphere to the film, which is optional. Both are important in making a visually pleasant film that can effectively convey the emotions and themes.
Week 6 - Mise en scène
In Week 6, we learned about Mise en scene, which is a French term meaning 'setting the stage'. It basically includes everything that has happen to make the finished image / film look the way it looks, with particularly emphasise on a few aspects: setting, location, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, composition, framing, performance, colour palette, spacial relationship, etc. It gives me an overview about the things we need to consider when we are intended to make a film, and it includes a lot of work and thinking in it.
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