Video & Sound Production VSP 60104 | Exercises
22/04/2024 - 04/08/2024 / Week 1 - Week 15
Eng Yan Ling
Bachelor's Degree in Creative Media (Hons) - (Taylor's University)
Video & Sound Production VSP 60104 | Exercises
TABLE CONTENT
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1. Instructions
2. Lectures
3. Exercises
4. Reflection
5. Quick Links
INSTRUCTIONS
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LECTURES
Week 1 - 22/04/2024
Brief introduction to module and expected outcomes of exercises and projects throughout the semester followed by simple exercises to familiarize with the tools of adding and combining footages in a correct sequence in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Week 2 - 29/04/2024
3 Act Structure
- narrative model dividing stories into 3 parts; keeps beginning separate from middle and middle to end
- unifying actions and meanings creating the semblance of a story
- plot points = effective, meaningful story; x predetermined of when/where to occur
- process - character arc → main plot → realization of the protagonist’s goal → action resolved → loose ends tied
Act 1 - setup / beginning
- introduction of world, character, character goal/conflict/obstacle
- exposition, inciting action, turning point into act 2
Act 2 - confrontation/build / middle
- raise stakes to achieving goal, escalating conflict; ups downs turnarounds
- rising action leading to midpoint, devolving into crisis
- rising action, midpoint, turning point into act 3
Act 3 - payoff / end
- resolve story - achievement/failure
- leading to climatic confrontation = pnr
- pre climax, climax, denouement
Breakdown = 8 parts
providing a framework on how you can create many different type of characters
- hook - opening/first act that captivates audience; why care/watch?
- inciting event - gets plot moving; something subject may still be able to walk away from
- 1st plot point - break into act 2 - fully engage & reaction to plot point; pnr
- 1st pinch point - quarter way through act 2 and first of many problems encounter at the start - showing is at stakes/loose if they go through this direction; involving antagonist - setting up midpoint
- midpoint/2nd plot point - half-mark that redirects the plot; showing what subjects are actually up against
- 2nd pinch point - ++setting up act 3 = setback, e.g. how would protagonist overcome this? similarly to 1st pinch point - what they really stand to loose if they’re willing to risk it all?
- 3rd plot point - highest stake reintroducing final act primary antagonist; false victory -
- climax - moment story has been leading up to; reinforcing the core theme of film; fulfill character’s arc
- resolution - how journey has permanently affected characters
Figure 1.1 Week 2 Quiz (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Week 3 - 06/05/2024
Storyboard
Definition
- visual representation of film sequence & breaking down actions into individual panels
- series of ordered drawings - camera direction, dialogue, etc; how it unfolds shot by shot
What?
- drawing, sketches, reference images, photo - represents each frame
- description of shot - relevant info; action, dialogue, composition
- shot specs - size, lens length, 2 shot, etc
- arrow - indicate camera/character movement or how each shot connects
purpose>quality
Traditional vs Thumbnail
- pre-production process; youre not completely tied to one format over another
- 2 basic
- traditional - pencil sketches + detailed info camera movement arrow, characters, prop, etc
- thumbnail - no writings; not detailed
Approach
- matches script but may be deeply tied to actual storytelling process
- animation storyboards animatics - fundamental steps
- crafting specific & movement and stroy beats & character behaviour simultaneouasly
- storyboard should not be overstated
Creating a Film Storyboard - 6 steps
- visually organizes composition, action, look of film before filming
- break up script/narrative
- mark up key parts - highlight major beats - action, location, wardrobe, staging, narrative arches, major plot points
- numbers & relevant title - linking in broader frames
- idea landscaping - visualizing; brainstorming visual features
- collect reference, photo, illustrations, screenshot, location shoot, motion
- communicate the static frame - how itll look, feel
- describe style, mood, behavior
- composition & framing - how character & objects are framed within a shot; use rule of thirds, etc compositional techniques = visually appealing & balanced
- transitions - plan shots transitions; smooth = cohesive flow/ abrupt changes = dramatic effect
- character blocking - set character position, movement & interaction with each other and environment
- emotions & expression - define facial expressions & body language; capture emotions & reactions
- annotations - additional notes/captions pf things that cant be conveyed easily
- dynamic action - action scenes; break down fast-paced movements into sequence of panels = ensure clarity
- how they interpret the story? readjust order/edit content base on feedback
Week 4 - 13/05/2024
Audio dubbing and inserting audio in Premiere Pro & synchronizing it with the video clip provided.
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.
Stages of film production
Definition - process of inception, creation, release of a film
Definition - process of inception, creation, release of a film
5 stages
1. Development- idea from producer/screenwrite = movie
- overseen by producers - creatives, finance, schedule, etc
2 phases
- packages - sell-ability
- curating packages - screenplay + script (dialogue, costume → budget, schedule)
- financing
- producer - development stage
- pre-sales, slate financing (investors), loans, networking, crowdfunding, pocket, etc
- preparation before filming
3 majors
- budgeting
- general cost outline; detailed shooting schedule that foresees location, cast, film crew, equipment cost, etc / rental, props, costume, deco
- forming a team
- director, producer, cinematographer, produciton designer, costume designer
- casting director - script → consult director → audition
- pre-visualizing
- logi, director, dp
- storyboard/shotlist - set outcome? costume looks?; consult with respective directors
- location scout + tech scout - chooses location; space? power sources? sound issues? sun rise/set position?
- call sheet
- showing up where when who; states call time (crew → cast)
- set up
- lighting - grip & electric dept
- camera - camera dept
- makeup/costume prep
- dry run through blocking + sound & camera rehearse - expectation, potential issues
- shooting
- AD
- announce “picture is up”
- calls for quiet, says “roll sound” - records by sound mixers → responds “sound speeds”
- “roll camera” - camera operator, respond “speed”
- clapper loader/2nd assistant camera - slate, read scene inof off clapperboard & marking
- D
- start - action
- end - cut
- AD
- film editing
- picture editing
- create cohenrent film; work with sound
- assembly (D & E review footage, select takes, order takes) → rough cut (priority = rhythm) → fine cut (approaching pic lock)
- sound editing
- sound mixing - all levels correct for exhibition
- editing - sound effects, dialogue, voice-over
- composer - writing & recording score
- additional visuals
- vfx, cgi
- colorist - coloring
- title & credits - typo choices, motion designers, etc
- marketing - trailer, poster, electronic press kit
- securing distribution
- Figure 1.2 Week 4 Quiz (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
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 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.
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.
Roles of production team
1. producer- leader - managing production start-end
- develop initial idea, finalize script, finance, production team management
- coordinate filmmaking process - schedule & budget
- oversee the shooting and assembling of film
- crafts dialogue, shape sequence of events = smooth transitions unfolding a logical story
- translate scripts into visual form; create storyboards = visual continuity
- film settings - buildings, landscapes, interior
- acquire props, deco set
- convey time period and characters; status, occupation, attitude = character visuals
- photo director; DP
- lighting & camera technical capabilities
- organize footage, arranged in continuous sequence
- which shot used, order, etc
- portray characters
- may intensify story
Figure 1.3 Week 4 Quiz (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
EXERCISES
Week 1 - 22/04/2024
Brief introduction to module and expected outcomes of exercises and projects throughout the semester followed by simple exercises to familiarize with the tools of adding and combining footages in a correct sequence in Adobe Premiere Pro.
1. Exercise 1
Figure 2.1 Week 1 Exercise 1 (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Figure 2.2 Week 1 Exercise 2 (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Week 2 - 29/04/2024
Shooting Exercise : Framing
- Understanding Camera Shots
1. Close-Up Shot - https://youtu.be/NCp0qZfv3vY
Figure 2.3 Close-Up Shot (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
2. Frontal MCU (soft background) - https://youtu.be/wMQY_fQ8_88
Figure 2.4 Frontal MCU (soft background) (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
3. Frontal MS - https://youtu.be/StFPRbjcAjA
Figure 2.5 Frontal MS (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
4. Extreme Close-Up Shot - https://youtu.be/mOUz3QcK1Ns
Figure 2.6 Extreme CS (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
5. Side Angle MS - https://youtu.be/Qi27OyNCipU
Figure 2.7 Side Angle MS (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
6. 3/4 angling MCU Shot (with blurry/soft foreground) - https://youtu.be/4LOVFcsKnu4
Figure 2.8 3/4 angling MCU Shot (with blurry/soft foreground) (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
7. Low Angle Wide Shot - https://youtu.be/lxA6O-MGD_k
Figure 2.9 Low Angle Wide Shot (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
8. Eye-Level Medium-Wide Shot - https://youtu.be/slihMC2Hn_Y
Figure 2.10 Eye-Level Medium-Wide Shot (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
Lalin Drag & Drop Exercise on Premiere Pro
Learning how to trim videos in Premiere Pro.
Figure 2.11 Lalin Drag & Drop Exercise (Week 2 - 29/04/2024)
Based on each of the movies,
a) Lalin
1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Act 1
The start introduces Lalin as a famous Thai influencer on Instagram for her fair and clear skin. However, what they did not know behind the screen was Lalin who is always insecure using filters to cover her "true-self" and hides behind a mask. To start anew, Lalin moves to Japan to start a new life.
Act 2
One day, Lalin meets a new acquaintance through Facebook and the both of them text everyday. Lalin starts to develop feelings for this person and the day where they agreed to meet to receive the book is getting near. On the day of their meeting, Lalin hid in the toilet in fear of Nut running away from her once he sees her face. She was insecure and could not meet xx face to face leaving him disappointed and had left the cafe.
Act 3
Lalin finally comes to realisation that not everything is on the surface but in the heart and love through the story written by Nut that expresses his feelings for her. She learns that one can also love a person for who they are. However, when Lalin chases after Nut, she was too late.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting scene in this short film is when Lalin gets acquainted with Nut through Facebook to translate his book. As days go on, Lalin develops feelings for Nut.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The midpoint scene in the movie is the scene where we can see that Lalin is texting Nut all day and night sharing with him all the bits in her daily life.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The climax scene in the movie is the day of Nut and Lalin's meeting at the cafe, where Lalin has to face her insecurities to meet Nut.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
The theme of this movie finding self-acceptance in oneself, where Lalin struggles to accept herself and her insecurities, hiding away with a face mask and filters on social media resulting in pushing away people who accepts her for who she is. The love expressed by Nut allowed Lalin to gain courage to be brave and learn to trust others.
b) 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 : Everything
Evelyn faces a challenge where Joy, Evelyn's daughter is different from other people and does not accept her for who she is because of her old tradition believes being unable to understand the younger generations. Moreover, her husbands who does not takes things serious putting googly eyes everywhere gives her nothing but frustration.
Act 2 : Everywhere
Evelyn goes through her lowest point when she loses her daughter from suicide. At the tax office, Evelyn starts to travel around the multiverse of experience different versions of herself in different occupations of her possible futures. Evelyn faces the antagonist, Jobu Topaki, Evelyn's daughter who was pushed to far throughout the constant travels through the multiverse becoming the unrealistic expectation her mother expects her to be.
Act 3 : All at Once
Evelyn uses the bagel which is the everything that does not matter to suck all of the multiverse into the infinite void of nothingness. However, before Evelyn enters the void, she met Waymond in her universe who teaches her kindness and to stop fighting. Through travelling the multiverse, Evelyn and her family begin to understand that the present life is actually all she ever wanted and that one cannot have everything everywhere or all at once.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting event in the movie is when Evelyn begans to travel through the multiverse when it started at the tax office and experiences the different versions of herself in different occupations and positions. This was when Evelyn was at her lowest when her daughter commits suicide
The inciting event in the movie is when Evelyn begans to travel through the multiverse when it started at the tax office and experiences the different versions of herself in different occupations and positions. This was when Evelyn was at her lowest when her daughter commits suicide
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The midpoint of this scene is when Evelyn is trying to explain the multiverse she has been through but her family does not believe her and took her words as a joke.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The climax scene in the movie is when Evelyn faces the antagonist, Jobu Topaki, Evelyn's daughter, by using an everything bagel which is the everything that does not matter to suck all of the multiverse into the infinite void of nothingness.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
The theme of this movie mainly revolves around family love and mother-daughter love between Evelyn and her family where they encounter challenges and realizes that them altogether in the present universe was all they ever wanted in the end. Additionally, the theme of this movie also revolves around nihilism, a philosophy which recognizes the absurdity of existence and understanding that when nothing has inherent meaning, kindness is free.
Week 3 - 06/05/2024
Excel Spreadsheet of audio dubbing breakdown for Project 1.
Spreadsheet Link :
Project 1 Blog : https://engyldesignspace.blogspot.com/2024/04/video-sound-production-vsp-60104_47.html
Week 7 - 03/06/2024
Color Process Basics
- establish picture profile
- color correct footage
- color grade footage
Color Correction vs. Grading
- correction - fix color issues = naturalistic; clean & real = human eyes
- grading - creative concern; adds atmosphere & emotion → unnatural methods
1. color hue
- hue = color, ex. red vs blue
- alter by saturation & brightness
- HSB - hue, saturation, brightness
- color scheme is important = creates mood
2. color saturation
- intensity of color; determine by grey in hue (pure grey → vivid colors)
3. color brightness
- level of light; ex. burgundy vs candy apple
- evokes different feeling through its brightness/darkness of color
4. coloring
- white balance
- scopes (waveform, parade, histogram, vectroscope) - shows color & light info = balance of characteristic & comparison
- curves - precise color correction & grading
- color match - reference & target image
- three-way corrector - balance shadows, midtones, highlights; set based on hue
- color qualifiers - change colors/color range without changing rest of image
- color mask - designate a shape to isolate its color
Color Process Steps
1. picking picture profile
- RAW - +ve more control over image characteristics; -ve >storage
- picture profile - set of parameters that determines characteristics of footage
- purpose
- establish baked-in parameters for footage
- more obedient image
- maintain consistency across footage
2. color correcting
- adjusting black and white levels, exposure, contrast, white balance = accurate, unprocessed-seeming image
- ensure subsequent color adjustments have precision & no yield on unintended results
- purpose
- establish true levels & colors
- accurate & effective adjustments
- visual consistency
- apply LUT (look up table) input
- choose “home base” clip - look for a clip that has average exposure & level in comparison
- adjust white & black
- adjust overall gamma - highlights, shadows, midtones
- basic secondary correction - isolate specifics to correct
- advanced secondary correction
3. color grading
- stylize color scheme of footage - evoke specific emotions - transform final look of footage
Quiz Exercise on Color Correction
Figure 2.12 Week 7 Quiz (Week 7, 03/06/2024)
Week 10 - 17/06/2024
Stop motion Filming Trial
With video example provided, we were tasked to conduct a trial shoot to experience a simple stop motion shooting process to be able to carry out our final project. The stop motion trial shooting is completed in groups and consists of 2 types of medium, clay and paper.
Figure 2.13 Pre Production Preparation (Week 10, 17/06/2024)
I was assigned as the leader for the group shooting and I guided my members throughout the filming process form pre-planning phase in prepping materials till post production. My group managed to complete the exercise and images were transferred into Premiere Pro to compile into a stop motion animation.
1. Adopt Don't Shop
(Camera)
Figure 2.14 Adopt Don't Shop (Camera) (Week 10, 17/06/2024)
(Phone)
Figure 2.15 Adopt Don't Shop (Phone) (Week 10, 17/06/2024)
2. The Cost of a Call
(Camera)
Figure 2.16 The Cost of a Call (Camera) (Week 10, 17/06/2024)
(Phone)
Figure 2.17 The Cost of a Call (Phone) (Week 10, 17/06/2024)
REFLECTION
Reflecting throughout Week 1 - Week 4, I learned the basics of using Adobe Premiere Pro and getting familiarized with its tools and function. However, I strongly believe that the theories learnt in lectures are useful in my future career as the more knowledge I can gain throughout this module would not only strengthen my skills in Video Sound Production but also a basic understanding when filming. Among the few exercises I have completed so far, Project 1 Audio Dubbing was the most interesting exercise to carry out as I was able to play around by tweaking audios, looking for suitable audios to match the video provided as well as recording the dialogues. Though it has been only 4 weeks of this module, I am looking forward to learn more and refine my skills and knowledge.
Reflecting on my journey throughout this module was truly a challenge but also a learning journey to improve myself as a designer in different fields and skills. I enjoyed carrying out my projects as it is a field I enjoy working in to explore the different aspects that contributes to a good film whether if its color grading, sound effects or editing. Not only have a gain skills and knowledge in my field of study but also soft skills that will be helpful to me in my future career such as time management in completing assigned tasks and projects or discipline as a student to carry on my responsibilities. Each project and exercises throughout this module was definitely something new to me and I was also able to do projects that I have been wanting to do such as the stop motion TikTok video edit or refining my skills in Premiere Pro. It was overall a truly enjoyable journey to be able to learn skills and knowledge in my field of expertise through this module.
QUICK LINKS
Blog Links
Project 1 : Click Here
Project 2 : Click Here
Final Project : Click Here
Google Drive - Click Here
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