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Video & Sound Production: Exercises


21/4/2024 - 21/6/2024
Ameera Rihana binti Remy Ansara
VSP / Bachelor of (hons) in Creative Media
Exercises
 INSTRUCTIONS


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 Composition: 

Fig 0.1 Week 1 Quiz Results

Week 2

1. Understanding 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.

 

Reading: 

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/ 

Video

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

 

Reading: 

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-three-act-structure 



Fig 0.2  Week 2 Quiz Results

2. Practical into Storytelling

To give a better understanding, we were tasked to watch a short film called Lalin and the movie Everything, Everywhere, All at once and proceed writing down the plot according to the three act structure.

a) Lalin


Fig 0.3  LALIN Short Film, Week 2

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

Act 1
The story kicks off with a girl named Lalin, who talks about how she was bullied online when she was younger because of her unclear skin. She decides to move to Japan for college, where life feels more private and people are less judgmental. Feeling more at ease with her skin, Lalin starts posting edited photos on social media and gains a lot of followers. 

Act 2
In the summer, a graphic novelist named Astronaut Nut gets in touch with Lalin, asking for her help with translating his upcoming book into Japanese. They start chatting every day and get close. One day, Nut surprises Lalin by visiting Japan to see her in person. However, Lalin, not confident without her edited photos, refuses to meet him. 

Act 3
Disappointed, Nut leaves when Lalin doesn't show up. Lalin finds the novel Nut left behind and realizes he is an old classmate. She tries to find him but unfortunately misses him, ending the film on an unresolved note. 

What is the inciting accident in the movie?
The inciting incident in "LALIN" occurs when Lalin is constantly bullied by people around her for her skin condition, prompting her to move abroad to Japan. 

What is the midpoint scene in this movie?
The midpoint scene in "LALIN" is when Lalin finds out that Astronaut Nut has come to Japan to meet her in person, forcing her to confront the challenge of revealing her true self to him. 

What is the climax scene in this movie?
The climax scene in "LALIN" is when Lalin discovers that Astronaut Nut is actually her old classmate who has transformed himself just to see her again, motivating Lalin to chase after him. 

What is the theme in this movie? 
The theme of "LALIN" revolves around self-love and self-esteem, emphasizing that appearance isn't everything and that there are people who will love you for who you are. Another theme is the transformative power of social media, illustrated by Lalin's journey from being cyberbullied to gaining fame online.

b) Everything, Everywhere, All At Once


Fig 0.4 Everything, Everywhere, All at Once Movie, Week 2

Act 1
Act one introduces Evelyn and her family, highlighting the conflicts within their relationships and the stress of their family business facing a tax audit.

Act 2
Act two begins with Evelyn encountering Alpha Waymond through the multiverse, discovering the complex problems caused by the antagonist Jobu Tupaki, who is actually her daughter Joy in the multiverse. Evelyn learns that she is the only one who can handle the situation by gaining powers and skills from her counterparts in other universes.

Act 3
In act three, Evelyn resolves her conflicts with Jobu Tupaki, saves the multiverse from collapsing into the giant bagel, and mends her relationships with her daughter and family in her own universe.

What is the inciting accident in the movie?

The inciting incident occurs when Evelyn meets Alpha Waymond and learns about the troubles occurring in the multiverse.

What is the midpoint scene in this movie?

The midpoint scene is when Evelyn discovers that she is the only one who can fix the multiverse.

What is the climax scene in this movie?

The climax scene is when Evelyn learns to accept how others perceive through multiverse jumping, along with Jobu Tupaki, and they come to understand each other.

What is the theme in this movie?

The themes of the movie include acceptance, generational trauma, and family bonding.

Week 3: Storyboarding

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 visualize 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 storyboard? 
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-storyboard/ 

How to make storyboard?
Reading: https://milanote.com/guide/film-storyboards 


Fig 0.5 Quiz Result Week 3

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, 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.

 

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/stages-of-film-production/ 


Fig 0.6 Quiz Result Week 4

Production Crew:

The production crew is a team of professionals who work together to create a film or video. Each member has a specific role that contributes to the success of the production. Here are some of the key members and their tasks:

Director: Oversees the entire production, working with the cast and crew to bring the creative vision to life. They block scenes, direct actors, and make key creative decisions.

Producer: Manages the logistical and financial aspects. They secure funding, hire the crew, coordinate schedules and locations, and ensure the project stays on time and within budget.

Cinematographer (Director of Photography): Creates the film's visual look. They choose cameras, lenses, and lighting to achieve the desired mood and aesthetic.

Production Designer: Designs the film's visual elements, including sets, costumes, and props. They work with the director and cinematographer to create a cohesive visual world.

Sound Designer: Manages the film's audio, including dialogue, sound effects, and music. They ensure that sound and visuals are well-integrated.

Editor: Assembles the footage into a coherent story. They work with the director and sound designer to shape the film's pacing, tone, and structure.

Other important roles include grips, gaffers, makeup artists, and stunt coordinators. These key positions and tasks are essential to the filmmaking process.

Reading:

1.Beginner: https://www.govtech.com/education/news/the-roles-of-the-production-team.html 

2.Advance: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-crew-positions/ 

Week 6: Audio Sync


Fig 0.7 Learning Audio Sync Week 6

A video was shared to learn more about how to sync audio in an easier way.


Fig 0.8 Quiz Result 2 Week 6

Week 7: 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.


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


Fig 0.9 Quiz Result Week 7

EXERCISES

Week 1: Module Briefing & Exercise
At the beginning of the week, there was a small brief about what are the things that we should expect in this module and a few small exercises that we need to complete.


Fig 0.01 Module Briefing Week 1, (21/4/2024)

1. Video editing exercise 

a) Mint Video Edit (Part 1)

Reminder: 
__

Video editing process:

Fig. 0.02 mint footage, (21/04/2024)

Fig.0.03  Arranging Video Clips, (21/04/2024)

Using these footage given by our lecturer, we were assigned to align, arrange and connect these footage into one video.

Final edit:


Fig.0.04 Final Video Edit Part 1, (21/04/2024)

b) Doritos Video Edit (part 2)

Video editing process:


Fig.0.05 Doritos footage, (21/04/2024)

With a second attempt, these footage were randomly arranged in numbers and therefore we were tasked to place them in the right order to make a complete video. It gives us a little challenge to put these footage into the correct sequence.

Final Video:

Fig.0.06 Final Video edit Part 2 , (21/02/2024)

2) Favorite Stop Motion Video
At the same time, we were informed to find our three favorite stop motion films as our initial inspirations for the final task of this module.


Fig.0.07 Corpse Bride, (21/02/2024)

Fig.0.07 Frankenweenie, (21/02/2024)

Fig.0.08 Genshin Impact: Traveler's Adventure in Wonderland, (21/02/2024)

Week 2
1. Shooting Practice, Shoot & Editing


Fig 1.0 Week 2 Slides

During the second week, we were assigned a shooting exercise that consists various angles and shots based on the lecture's week. By following the requirements, we are tasked to record a few clips of different angles and compile it into a video together with my groupmates.


Fig 1.1 Shot Sizes Shooting Practice

2. Video Trimming (Lalin)

For the next exercise, we had to arrange and trim a video. The lecturer specifically told us to make the video down to exactly 35 seconds.


Fig. 3.3 Trimming in Premiere Pro


Fig. 3.4 Clipped Length

I successfully trimmed the video in 35 second. However, uploading the video to YouTube caused the video to add 1 second. In further research, it appears to be a norm.


Fig. 3.5 Final Trimmed Video (Lalin)

3. Flipped Class
In week 2, we were instructed to find out the definitions and photography examples related to the given topics; depth of field, and screen direction.

1. What is foreground, middle ground and background?

The element of the photo closest to you makes up the foreground. 

The furthest element away from you is the background. 

The middle ground makes up the area in between.

2. What is depth of field?
Depth of field describes the size of the area in your image where objects appear acceptably sharp. That area is called the field, and the size of that area is the depth of that field.


Fig 0.3 Example of Depth of Field, Week 2

A deep depth of field makes a picture look sharp, where there is no blur to it because the foreground, midground and the background are in focus and sharp.


Fig. 0.4 Example of Deep Depth of Field, Week 2

A shallow depth of field is the small or narrow area in an image that is in focus. Often, the background is blurred while only the subject stays in focus.


Fig. 0.5Example of Shallow Depth of Field, Week 2

3. What is a 180 degree rule?

The 180-degree rule states that two characters (or more) in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship with each other. 

The rule dictates that you draw an imaginary line between these two characters (or subjects) and try to keep your camera(s) on the same side of this 180-degree line.


Fig 0.5 180 degree rule and concept, Week 2

Continuity ensures that every detail in a film or TV show remains consistent across different shots and scenes.
Dynamic Screen Direction maintains consistent left and right relationships between characters even as they move.

Week 5
Production Shoot Trial
For this particular exercise, we were directed into the studio for a practice shoot before starting on our project 2. We were divided into different groups and worked together as a crew.


Fig 0.6 Practical Shoot, Week 5

Firstly, we had to reenact one of the scenes given from a movie called Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. We had to refer the materials given in the Google Drive.
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1mTjg2XAmpAqu6fv4-BOeZgbhF93ycVMm

Week 7
Color Correction and Color Grading


Fig 0.7 Week 7 Briefing Slide, Week 7

In this exercise, Mr. Martin gave us video clips to test out new skills by applying color techniques onto the clips. We used this slide to guide us into the color world.

Color Correction


Fig 0.8 Color Correction edit, Week 7

Based on the tutorial, I used the Lumetri Color window to adjust the exposure, highlight and shadow to balance out the color.

Color Grading


Fig 0.9 Color Grading effect, Week 7

Once I was satisfied with the color correction, I proceeded onto color grading to change the aesthetics and the mood of the video in order to add a more dramatic effect. For this case, I used the color wheel to adjust the mid tone, shadow and highlight. The shadow was set towards the teal color whereas the mid tone and highlight was set up for orange.

Final Outcome: Color Correction and Color Grading exercise


Fig 1.0 Final Color Correction & Color Grading, Week 7

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