VIDEO & SOUND PRODUCTION EXERCISES

22.04.2024 - 27.05.2024 / Week 1 - Week 6

Emily Goh Jin Yee / 0357722 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Video & Sound Production / VSP60104 / Section 04

Exercises

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. LECTURES

2. INSTRUCTIONS

3. TASKS

4. FEEDBACK

5. REFLECTION

LECTURES

Week 1- LECTURE

Pre-production

Idea development
Story
Storyboard
Visual References
Location/ Props

Production

Lighting
Costume
Principal Shooting

Post Production

Offline Editing
Online Editing
Audio Editing

Fig 1.1 Camera shot size

Types of Shot Size:

Extreme Wide Shot (ELS)

Subject small against location
Creates distance, emphasizes vastness
Establishes context and atmosphere

Long Shot (LS) / Wide Shot (WS)

Subject’s whole body visible
Establishes setting and context
Emphasizes environment

Full Shot (FS)

Subject fills frame, emphasizes scenery

Medium Long Shot (MLS) / Medium Wide Shot (MWS)

Frames subject from knees up
Shows body language and context

Cowboy Shot

Frames from mid-thighs up
Emphasizes lower and upper body actions

Medium Shot (MS)

Frames waist up
Shows subject and surroundings

Medium Close Up (MCU)

Frames chest up
Focuses on face, maintains some distance

Close Up (CU)

Frames part of subject, often face
Reveals emotions

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

Fills frame with part of subject
Shows great detail

Establishing Shot

Shows location at scene start

Week 2- LECTURE

Fig 1.1 Week 2 slides

INSTRUCTIONS

Week 1 tasks reminder:

1.Document Editing exercise 1 & 2 (Mints & Doritos) in blog under Exercises section

2.Watch stop motion short, share 3 of your favourites in your blog under Final Project section

3.Purchase Tripod for Phone (with bluetooth remote control)

4.Watch Everything, everywhere, all at once (before week 3)

TASKS

EDITING EXERCISES

On the first week of class, we were required to download the footages from the given folders(1 & 2) and create 2 NEW Premiere Pro Projects by using Adobe Premium Pro. Then, document the process in our e-portfolio.

Steps:

1.Import footage into Premiere Pro

2.Arrange shots on timeline with proper order

3.Export video

We had practiced the first editing exercise during class with Mr Martin’s guidance, this helped us understand how it should be done and so we could complete the other exercise by our own at home.

Fig EW1.1 Editing Exercise 1–process in Adobe Premium Pro, Week 1(22/04/2024)

Fig EW1.2 Editing Exercise 1–the outcome, Week 1 (22/04/2024)

The arrangement of the second exercise required additional time since it wasn't organized according to the provided numbers. To complete the exercise, I also referred to the commercial video of Doritos to see how the segments were originally organized.

Fig EW1.3 Editing Exercise 2–process in Adobe Premium Pro, Week 1 (22/04/2024)

Fig EW1.4 Editing Exercise 2–the outcome, Week 1 (22/04/2024)

WEEK 2 EXERCISE 1: SHOOTING PRACTICE EXERCISE

We had to do a shooting practice during class. After that, we had to shoot and edit the footage, adding the caption "Adobe Premiere Pro CC - Basic Titles for Beginners," and post it on our blog under the Exercises section.

Shoot eight videos following these shot sizes:

Close-up shot
Frontal MCU shot (soft background)
Frontal MS (soft background)
Extreme close-up shot
Side angle MS (soft background)
¾ MCU shot (soft background)
Low-angle wide shot
Eye-level medium wide shot

Then, edit the videos and add captions (shot size)

Requirements:

Work in pairs
Shoot in landscape format
5 seconds per shot
Avoid overexposure and underexposure

For this exercise, I was paired up with my partner Suet Yee to film and edit the videos. At first, we took the videos of ourselves inside and outside of the classroom, at the hallway and stairs on the same floor. However, after showing Mr Martin our filmed videos, it was not completely correct and didn't meet the requirements, so we had to retake.

Fig EW2.1.1 Shooting Practice Editing Process

Fig EW2.1.1 Shooting Practice Editing Exercise

WEEK 2 EXERCISE 2: EDITING PRACTICE

Editing Practice: "Lalin"

Last page of week 2 slides: VSP Framing & Storyboard.pptx

Download the footage
View the Original video
Watch the Editing tutorial video
Lalin final cut: Edit to 35 seconds sharp.

Document the process under under Exercises section.

After importing the footage into Adobe Premiere Pro, I arranged the sequence according to the original video. Initially, it took quite some time to adjust the length of the clips due to my unfamiliarity with the software. However, I gradually became more comfortable with cutting the videos. Additionally, I renamed the scenes to make the arrangement simpler and less confusing.

Fig EW2.2.1 process of 'Lalin' edit

After completing the editing and trimming the video to exactly 35 seconds, I added effects to certain parts. I used Dip to Black at the beginning and end of the video, and applied Cross Dissolve to the scene where the guy left the cafeteria, showing the passage of time.

Fig EW2.2.2 added effects

Fig E2.2.3 Final outcome of 'Lalin' editing exercise

ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS MATERIALS

Week 1

The reading materials and video provided prepare students for the week 2 activities, where they need to understand the basics of cinematography, including shot size, camera angle, and composition, to practice shooting.

Shot size, camera angle, and composition are elements of visual storytelling used in film, television, and other visual media. Shot size refers to the amount of space visible within a single shot or frame. Different shot sizes convey different information or emotional effects. For instance, a close-up emphasizes a character's emotions, while a wide shot establishes the setting or context. Camera angle refers to the camera's position relative to the subject. High-angle shots can create a sense of vulnerability, while low-angle shots can create a sense of power.

Composition involves the arrangement of visual elements within a shot or frame, including the placement of characters or objects, use of color and lighting, and balance and symmetry. Composition creates visual interest, guides the viewer's eye, and conveys meaning or emotion. Together, shot size, camera angle, and composition are essential tools that filmmakers and visual storytellers use to create meaning and convey ideas to their audience.

Shot size
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#shot-size
Video: https://youtu.be/AyML8xuKfoc?si=_xLVEotEBZG9VQk2

Framing
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#camera-framing
Video: https://youtu.be/qQNiqzuXjoM?si=uMiCewr3kG-jVfsm

Camera Angle
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#camera-angles
Video: https://youtu.be/wLfZL9PZI9k?si=vr9Crx7oT86yrEbd

Composition
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/rules-of-shot-composition-in-film/#:~:text=What%20is%20composition%3F,to%20convey%20an%20intended%20message.
Video: https://youtu.be/hUmZldt0DTg?si=2WBYvavmbtN9_fnL

Fig Q1 Completed Week 1 Quiz results

Week 2

Read the articles and watch the videos provided, then complete the quiz to test our understanding on 3-act story structure.

Reading
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-three-act-structure
Video
https://youtu.be/tvqjp1CxxD8?si=sgTSKNpGdkeSKgbq

Fig Q2 Completed Week 2 Quiz results

Watch the short film "Lalin" and the movie "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once." Based on each of the movies, answer the questions twice, separately for 1. Lalin, 2. Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.

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

Short film "Lalin"

Act 1, act 2, act 3

Act 1 of "Lalin" introduces Lalin, a young girl who hides behind a mask due to her insecurity about her acne and portrays a fake version of her life on Instagram, where she edits her appearance in order to gain more likes and followers. Struggling with her identity and place in the world, she faces daily challenges. Act 2 sees Lalin meets someone, Nut, through online who needs her help to translate the book he wrote. They both develop strong feelings for each other through their online conversations. Despite this, Lalin still hides her face behind a mask. Their relationship reaches a turning point when Nut surprises Lalin by delivering a book in person instead of mailing it. Caught off guard and afraid to show her true self, Lalin avoids seeing him, highlighting her inner struggle. Act 3 shows Lalin realizing how important she meant to Nut after reading the book. Lalin decides to face her fears and insecurities, she runs to find Nut, ready to show him her true self and commit to their relationship with honesty and openness.

Inciting incident in the movie

The inciting incident in "Lalin" occurs when she starts a meaningful friendship with Nut on social media. This connection disrupts her monotonous life and sparks her journey towards self-discovery.

Midpoint scene in the movie

When Nut begins to ask Lalin deeper, more personal questions about the metaphorical mask she wears. Nut delivers the book to Lain in person, but she resists revealing her true self, feeling insecure on her appearance. Being unready, she pushes him away.

Climax scene in the movie

The climax occurs when Lalin reads the book that Nut left for her and discovers the significant impact she had on his life. This moment of revelation drives her to embrace her true self and prepare to reveal her vulnerabilities to Nut, marking a transformative point in her journey.

Theme of the movie

The theme of "Lalin" revolves around self-discovery and the quest for meaning in life. It explores the complexities of human emotions and the journey toward finding one's true self and purpose.

Movie "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once"

Act 1, act 2, act 3

Act 1 of "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" introduces Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese-American woman overwhelmed by her struggling laundromat and her family relationships. Her world is upended when she receives an unexpected message from an alternate-universe version of her husband, Alpha Waymond, revealing the existence of the multiverse. This act establishes the chaotic and stressful life she leads, setting the stage for the extraordinary events to come. In Act 2, Evelyn's world expands as she discovers the existence of parallel universes. Navigating through these diverse realities, she encounters alternate versions of herself and gains new skills along the way. Her mission takes a critical turn as she endeavors to save the parallel universe from destruction, facing off against Jobu Tupaki, an alternate and malevolent version of her daughter, Joy. In Act 3, Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki, the antagonist threatening the multiverse, with empathy and acceptance. Their reconciliation brings closure as Evelyn embraces her powers and engages in a final showdown to save her family and the multiverse. Overcoming immense odds, she emerges victorious, concluding her journey with reconciliation, peace, and newfound understanding.

Inciting incident in the movie

The inciting incident in "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" occurs when an alternate version of Evelyn's husband(Alpha Waymond)informs her about the existence of the multiverse and the imminent threat it faces, propelling her into an extraordinary adventure.

Midpoint scene in the movie

The midpoint scene is when Evelyn gains a deeper comprehension of her pivotal role in the multiverse. This realization shifts her from being a reluctant participant to embracing her responsibility, significantly raising the stakes of her journey.

Climax scene in the movie

Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki with a remarkable approach—not through violence, but with kindness and empathy. In a profound gesture, she counters Jobu Tupaki's despair with love, offering understanding and compassion in the face of adversity. This pivotal moment showcases Evelyn's growth and strength, illustrating the transformative power of empathy amidst conflict.

Theme of the movie

The movie explores the transformative power of empathy through Evelyn's journey across parallel universes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in overcoming adversity and fostering positive change. Additionally, the film underscores the significance of love, family, and self-acceptance in navigating life's complexities.

FEEDBACK

WEEK 1

General Feedback

Specific Feedback

WEEK 2

General Feedback

REFLECTION

Experience

Week 1: In the first week, I learned the basics of cinematography, including shot size, camera angle, and composition, to practice shooting. The provided links were very beneficial for our learning. For the shooting practice, I was paired with Suet Yee. We took turns recording different shots. However, after showing the videos to Mr. Martin, we discovered that not all of them were correctly filmed. Although some were correct, he mentioned that we needed to film with an outdoor background (like buildings or nature) instead of indoor settings. This feedback was crucial for improving our understanding of proper shooting environments.

Week 2: We had to redo the filming. This time, we chose to film on the balcony on level 2 of our campus. The weather was pretty good, and we took the shots there since the background of that spot included the sky, trees, and buildings. This setting provided a more suitable and visually appealing backdrop for our shots. With this improved location, we were able to capture better footage that met the exercise's requirements. Additionally, this week we began learning basic editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro, which included cutting and splicing footage, adding subtitles(of the shots), and adjusting color settings(filter to ensure a better looking theme).

For the "Lalin" editing exercise, I got to learn the basics of cutting videos and adding transition in Adobe Premier Pro. One thing I'd say I had enjoyed was watching the short film. I found the story great as it reflects on social issues and provokes thought. The film's narrative and cinematography were engaging.

QUICK LINKS

EXERCISES

TASK 1: AUDIO EDITING EXERCISES

TASK 2: SHOOTING PRACTICE & EDITING

FINAL PROJECT: STOP MOTION

FINAL COMPILATION & REFLECTION