Video and Sound Production: Exercises

| 25.04.2024 - 30.05.2024 (WEEK 1-WEEK 6)
| Tang Chin Ting [ 0366473 ]
| Video and Sound Production / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media

| Exercises

INSTRUCTIONS

LECTURES

Week 1 Slide - Briefing

Week 2 Slide - Framing and Storyboard

Week 7 Slide - Colour Correction

SUBMISSION

Week 1 Asynchronous Class Materials

1. Shot size

2. Framing

3. Camera Angle

4. Composition

5. Composition

Reflection:

The links I've looked at emphasize composition, shot size, framing, and camera angles as important visual narrative elements. Close-ups and long shots are shot sizes that influence audience reaction and emotional involvement. Visual appeal and clarity are improved using framing methods such as headroom and the rule of thirds. Low and high camera angles have an impact on the storyline and the emotions of the audience. Leading lines and symmetry are two composition principles that are fundamental for an effective narrative. The associated videos offer novel methods and useful applications for making powerful and visually engaging movies.

Week 1 Exercise:

We were instructed to download the footage provided by our lecturer and then edit the video by rearranging the sequence of the 21 short clips. As a result, we needed to complete the "Mints" and "Doritos" videos. Here is my final work.

1. Mints

1. Doritos

Week 1 Tasks:

We must watch the short stop-motion film and select our top three choices to help us prepare for the final project. I look it up on YouTube and these three examples come up:

https://youtu.be/eMi9AsQmRVc?si=M27ADciFEsS_WRqi

- I enjoy using Lego to create stop-motion videos, as shown in this example. However, before I can complete this task, I may need to purchase more Lego sets that I like.

https://youtu.be/rTYAZulxGsg?si=hYobtD0TQwtrGaQ6

- This example is quite challenging, but each shot appears seamlessly smooth. Because it uses clay to model the characters, making it easier for me to source the materials.

https://youtu.be/pdW9HeqV420?si=m53shiZz2tTH4ku4

- This video is quite intriguing; it focuses on reducing paper usage to save trees, which really caught my eye. They used paper to create the characters, making the process seem easier. I think I'll explore a similar topic for my final project.

Week 1 Quiz:

Week 2 Asynchronous Class Materials

Reading:

Video:

https://youtu.be/tvqjp1CxxD8?si=sgTSKNpGdkeSKgbq

Reflection:

A fundamental narrative framework known as the three-act structure splits stories into three sections: setup, confrontation, and resolution. The film and the articles both provide information on how this framework helps in structuring a story's growth and makes sure that important narrative events and character developments happen at the right times to keep viewers interested. They bring attention to the major events in each act, such as Act 1's inciting incident, Act 2's building action and climax, and Act 3's resolution. Understanding this framework is crucial for creating compelling and meaningful stories.

Week 2 Exercise:

1. Shooting Exercise

At the end of the class, we are required to pair up in groups of two and assist each other in filming with our phones. After filming, we need to edit the footage, combine each shot, and add captions specifying the size of each shot.

Shot Size:

Low angle Wide shot
Frontal MCU (soft background)
Frontal MS (soft background)
Extreme Close-Up shot
Side angle MS (soft background)
¾ angling MCU shot (with blurry/soft foreground)
Close-Up shot
Eye-Level Medium-Wide shot

Reminder:

Shoot a wide shot with a wide angle.
The rest zoom in to get a soft background.
Avoid overexposed or underexposed (too bright or too dark).
Shoot landscape format video, 5 seconds per shot.

2. Editing Exercise (Lalin)

In this exercise, we are required to download the footage which provided by our lecturer and editing by rearrange the sequence of each shot. Additionally, we will also learn how to apply the video effect into the video by using Adobe Premiere Pro.

Week 2 Quiz:

Week 3 Asynchronous Class Materials

Reflection:

What is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a graphic depiction of a movie's storyline that uses pictures or sketches to describe each scene. It helps filmmakers in organizing the scenes' movement, composition, and order to ensure an overall theme. Storyboards help the production crew communicate by providing information about camera angles, motions, and important acts.

How a storyboard is made?

Making a storyboard requires the following steps:

Identify Important Scenes: Split the screenplay into main themes.
Draw Out Important Scenes: Put these beats in a visual order.
Include Drawings or Photos: Use drawings or photographs to bring each scene to life.
Explain Every Frame: Make notes about the action, composition, and transitions.
Talk about with the team: Work together to improve the storyboard.
On the set, refer to the storyboard as a guide for the filming process.

Week 3 Exercise:

In this exercise, we should have already watched the video: "Lalin" and "Everything, everywhere, all at once". Based on each of the movies, we must answer the below questions and write them down in our blog. We must answer the questions twice, separately for "Lalin" and "Everything, everywhere, all at once".

Questions:

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, and act 3 respectively? Describe each act in one paragraph only.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

5. What is the theme of the movie?

Video #01: Lalin

1. Which part is Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3 respectively? Describe each act in one paragraph only.

Act 1:

Introduction of the Main Character and the Setting: Lalin, an online idol with a secret identity, is introduced in the movie. She covers her face with a mask because she thinks it looks ugly. This scenario highlights her internal conflict—her anxiety about the way she looks—right away.
Inciting Incident: Lalin's choice to go to Japan may be a trigger for her situation to alter. Her searching for a new beginning, as well as for acceptance and personal growth outside of her critical existing the surroundings, is what motivates her to make this decision.

Act 2:

Growing Action and Development: Lalin encounters new opportunities and challenges in Japan. This performance would examine her relationships in a foreign culture, her identity problems, and how she keeps her secret while trying to fit in with a new group of people.
Midpoint: A big happening occurs at this point that modifies Lalin's strategy or increases her problem. Maybe she finds someone new or experiences something that causes her to reevaluate how she sees herself and what she looks like.

Act 3:

Turning point: Lalin confronts her deepest problems or worries is known as the climax. This might be the turning point in her life where she decides to come out as herself and confront her fears.
Falling Action: Following the climax, the narrative depicts the fallout—that is, how Lalin and people in the area around her react to her exposed identity.
Resolution: Lalin finds some acceptance in herself or from others at the end of the movie. Ideally, she comes to accept who she really is, resulting in an advance on the inside as well as a conclusion to her emotional journey.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
In "Lalin," the inciting incident is likely Lalin's decision to move to Japan, marking her attempt to escape societal judgments and seek a new start.

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

At this moment, Lalin can encounter a crucial challenge or develop a meaningful connection that puts her determination to keep her identity hidden to the test.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The revelation of Lalin's actual identity will probably mark the moment of truth, compelling her to face her fears and other people's opinions at an important moment.

5. What is the theme of the movie?

Self-acceptance and the effects of cultural beauty standards are two topics that "Lalin" delves into. It explores the psychological process of accepting one's real self in opposition to judgment from others.

Video #02: Everything, everywhere, all at once

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

Act 1:

Overview of the Characters and Scenery: We meet Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American lady who finds it tough to handle her family dynamics, her laundry, and an upcoming IRS investigation under the direction of inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdra.
The Causing Event: When Evelyn is called into the IRS headquarters for an audit review, that's when things really get started. In this version of the identical reality, she runs across her husband Waymond, who informs her that there are several universes. This sets up the main conflict: Evelyn is required to stop Jobu Tupaki, an imposing creature who dangers the multiverse.

Act 2:

Research and Growing Conflict: Evelyn discovers how to use the multiverse to access memories and abilities from her previous lifetimes. Evelyn travels quickly between facts in this act, experiencing radically different versions of herself.
Midpoint: As Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki and learns more about her actual strength and the emotional suffering that her daughter Joy is going through, which has come to pass as the villain across worlds, the confrontation heats up.

Act 3:

Climax: The final showdown with Jobu Tupaki at the IRS building serves as the finale, in which Evelyn is forced to make peace with Joy rather than face her.
Falling Action and Denouement: Evelyn returns to her universe after accepting Joy and facing up to her mistakes and failings as a wife and mother.
Resolution: Having weathered the cosmic and personal instability, the Wang family is seen to be coming together more kindly and understandingly as the movie comes to a close.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The beginning of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" is set in motion when Evelyn Wang, during an IRS examination, receives information from a different Waymond about the multiverse and its impending danger. She embarks on an unexpected trip when he explains that she holds the secret to preserving these worlds.

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

Evelyn's heated exchange with Jobu Tupaki at the halfway mark serves as a highlight. As Evelyn realizes the extent of the multiversal disaster and her daughter Joy's underlying challenges, this moment deepens the conflict and raises the emotional and existential stakes.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The turning point comes at the IRS building when Evelyn decides to forgo fighting in favor of a personal bond. By extending her love and acceptance to Jobu Tupaki/Joy, she ends the primary argument and starts to repair family divisions.

5. What is the theme of the movie?

The main topic of the movie is how little decisions and deeds affect fate.

Week 3 Quiz:

Week 4 Asynchronous Class Materials

Reflection:

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, color 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 first article breaks down the fundamental roles of a production team, emphasizing the teamwork required to make a movie. These positions include those of directors, producers, and other crew members. The second article provides an in-depth look at the many roles that make up a film crew, outlining the tasks and specifics of each position, from the technical crew members like grips and gaffers to the above-the-line creatives like directors and producers.

1. Director

The director is responsible for overseeing the entire production and ensuring that the creative vision for the project is realized. 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.

Week 4 Quiz:

Week 6 Task:

1. Production shoot editing

Please download the footage and audio provided by your producer and edit a draft with synchronized dialogue.
We will need it in class next week for color correction/ color grading.
Regarding the editing, please do not follow the order of the storyboard; try something interesting.

Auto sync audio tutorial: How to Auto Sync Audio with Video in Adobe Premiere Pro CC

2. Project 2 Tiktok/Insta video treatment

Complete the Page 6 (Insta_TikTok video treatment) storyboard for week 7 discussion.
If you haven't bought the tripod yet, please purchase it as soon as possible.

Week 7 Asynchronous Class Materials

Reading:

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/color-grading-vs-color-correction-process/

Video:

Reflection:

Color Correction vs Color Grading

The process of coloring digital video footage involves three main tasks: establishing a picture profile, color correcting the footage, and color grading the footage. Color correction is a technical process that aims to make the footage look as natural and realistic as possible, while color grading is a creative process that adds atmosphere and emotion to the shots.
The basic color terms used in color grading software and cameras are hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB). Hue refers to the color itself, saturation refers to the intensity of the color, and brightness refers to the lightness or darkness of the color. HSB color theory is used to create mood and color schemes in films and videos.
Saturation is where the colors "pop" or become "muddy" depending on the amount of grey information in the color. Adding pure white or black to the color will result in a darker or lighter brightness value.

Week 7 Quiz:

Week 7 Task:

1. Project 2 Production Shoot: Please finish the color grading, upload the video to YouTube, and submit the video via slides below in your Google Drive before 23:59pm, 9th June: VSP Project 2 Submission

2. Project 2 TikTok/Insta video: Please complete the proposal, and submit it via slides below in your Google Drive before 23:59pm, 9th June: VSP Project 2 Submission

3. Project 2 TikTok/Insta video: Please show your 1st cut in week 8 class. Edit with CapCut.

4. E-Portfolio: Please update your blog while working on Project 2. Week 8 is another E-Portfolio checkpoint.

Week 9 Practical:

1. Stop Motion Trial Shooting:

Prepare all materials below for week 10 shooting. For the paper cut, please have all the characters, and props ready for the shooting.
Each group has ⅘ members, and only attends ONE hour of class time: VSP APL24 final project trial shoot.
All group members are obliged to support the group leader in preparing stop-motion materials. All group members must share the expenses.

Venue: Photo Studio, E1.01

Clay: The Cost of the Call 1st scene: 00:04-00:13
Paper cut: Adopt Don't Shop 2nd scene: 00:19-00:43

2. Project 1 Exercise 2 Sound Shaping (15%)

Do Project 1: Sound Shaping. A step-by-step workflow in Adobe Audition is provided in the slides.
Record your own voice for 5 seconds for Exercise 2 submission.
Voice of phone call. The voice came from inside of the closet, the voice of the toilet/bathroom, underground cave, alien/orc voice.
Submission date: 11:59pm, 30th June 2024. Please submit to your google drive’s project 1 folder, as well as upload your blog.

3. Finish shooting/editing your TikTok/Insta video for Week 10 final viewing.

Week 10 stop-motion trial shoot

Activity: Shooting stop-motion frame by frame to prepare students for their final project
Objectives: Understand stop-motion shooting workflow
Venue: E1.01 Photo Studio
Duration: 1 hour per team

Slides:

VSP24 Stop-motion trial shoot checklist (Team leader please provide name list to me before Sunday)

Team leaders will organize the shoot, and all members are requested to support the team leader in preparing the materials, tripod, installing stop-motion apps, etc. Any student who fails to provide support to the team will not be allowed to participate in the week 10 shooting class and will be marked absent. Be punctual! Don't be late! Please have all puppets, and props ready before the shoot. Each team has 1 hr only!

Progress