Video And Sound Production Project 1

26.04.2024 - 17.05.2024 (Week 1-Week 4)
Ng Kar Yee / 0367743
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Video And Sound Production / Project 1

LECTURES / TUTORIAL

Week 1⇒ Introduction And Briefing

LECTURES

On our first day, Mr Martin gave us a brief introduction on the module and told us what to expect for the current semester. We were recommend to a few selection of headphones and instructed to purchase a phone tripod stand for our future projects' conveniences. We were also introduced to a new software, which is Adobe Premiere Pro. To get the balls rolling, Mr Martin gave us a tutorial on how to use the software.

WEEK 1 ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS QUIZ RESULT

14/15

TUTORIAL

Mr Martin began by teaching us how to import export the file as well as how to compile clips into a video.

Exercise 1⇢ Smint Advertisement

Figure 1.0 Editing Process

Figure 1.1 Final Video

Exercise 2⇢ Doritos Advertisement

Figure 1.2 Editing Process

Figure 1.3 Final Video

Week 2⇒ Framing & Storyboard

LECTURES

1. Cinematography

Motion picture/Film/Video is made up of many shots. Each shot requires placing the camera in the best position for that particular moment in the narrative.
Shot is continuous view shot by one camera without interruption.
Sequence is a series of scenes, or shots, complete in itself.
Scene defines the place or setting where the action is laid.
A scene may consist of series of shots or sequences depicting a continuous event.

2. Shot Sizes

The shot size determines how large the area that’s visible within the frame.
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.

Ultimate Guide to Camera Shots: Every Shot Size Explained [The Shot List, Ep 1]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyML8xuKfoc

3. What is a camera shot?

A camera shot is composed of the series of frames that are shot uninterrupted from the moment the camera starts rolling until it stops.
Camera shots are an essential aspect of filmmaking and video productions, because by combining different types of shots, angles and camera movements, the filmmakers are able to emphasize specific emotions, ideas and movement for each scene.

A. Types of shots

Extreme wide shot (ELS)
Wide shot (WS)/ Long Shot (LS)
Medium wide shot (MWS)/Medium Long Shot (MLS)
Medium shot(MS)
Medium close-up shot (MCU)
Close-up shot (CU)
Extreme close-up shot (ECU)
Full Shot (FS)
Cowboy Shot

Figure 1.4 Types of shots

4. 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.
The camera shot angle is used to specify the location where the camera is placed to take a shot.
The position of the camera in relation to the subjects can affect the way the viewer perceives the scene.
A scene may be shot simultaneously from multiple camera angles to amplify the cinematic effect and the emotions.

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.

A. Types of Camera Shot Angles

Eye Level Shot
Low Angle Shot
High Angle Shot
Hip Level Shot
Knee Level Shot
Ground Level Shot
Shoulder-Level Shot
Dutch Angle Shot
Birds-Eye-View Shot / Overhead Shot
Aerial Shot / Helicopter Shot

Ultimate Guide to Camera Angles: Every Camera Shot Explained [Shot List, Ep. 3]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLfZL9PZI9k

5. 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.

A. 5 Techniques For Framing Cinematic Shots

Using the background
Lens Selection
Framing Guidelines
Shot Sizes And Angle
Balance

Ultimate Guide to Film Composition & Framing Key Elements Explained [Shot List Ep. 11]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUmZldt0DTg

5 Techniques For Framing Cinematic Shots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPqDPhx-EI

Shoot Like a Cinematographer, Not a Videographer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKzdP8cupH4

6. What is camera shot framing?

Camera shot framing is the art and science of placing subjects in your shots.
Camera shots are all about composition. Rather than pointing the camera at the subject, you need to compose an image.

A. Types of Camera Shot Framing

Single Shot
Two Shot
Three Shot
Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
Point-of-View Shot (POV)

Camera Framing: Shot Composition & Cinematography Techniques Explained [The Shot List, Ep 2]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQNiqzuXjoM

Figure 1.5 Types Of Shots

TUTORIAL

Editing Exercise 1⇢ Lalin

For this week's tutorial, Mr Martin gave us a brief tutorial on how to add audio clips into Adobe Premiere Pro. We were also introduced to the mark in(I) and mark out(O) button, using effects and transitions.

EXERCISE

Exercise 1

Christmas Advert - John Lewis Christmas 2014

https://youtu.be/i1Ii27b5uEs

1. Name each of the shots from Christmas Advert - John Lewis Christmas 2014

A. Wide Shot

Figure 1.6 Scene 1

B. Medium close-up shot

Figure 1.7 Scene 2

C. Medium wide shot

Figure 1.8 Scene 3

D. Medium Long Shot

Figure 1.9 Scene 4

E. Close Up Shot

Figure 2.0 Scene 5

F. Extreme Wide Shot

Figure 2.1 Scene 6

Exercise 2

"Unsung Hero", Thai Life Insurance Ad

https://youtu.be/uaWA2GbcnJU

1. Name each of the shots from "Unsung Hero", Thai Life Insurance Ad

A. Close Up Shot

Figure 2.2 Scene 1

B. Close Up Shot

Figure 2.3 Scene 2

C. Medium Close Up Shot

Figure 2.4 Scene 3

D. Close Up Shot

Figure 2.5 Scene 4

E. Extreme Wide Shot

Figure 2.6 Scene 5

F. Medium Shot

Figure 2.7 Scene 6

G. Close Up Shot

Figure 2.8 Scene 7

H. Medium Wide Shot

Figure 2.9 Scene 8

H. Medium Close Up Shot

Figure 3.0 Scene 9

I. Medium Wide Shot

Figure 3.1 Scene 10

J. Medium Shot

Figure 3.2 Scene 11

K. Medium Shot

Figure 3.3 Scene 12

L. Medium Wide Shot

Figure 3.4 Scene 13

M. Wide Shot

Figure 3.5 Scene 14

N. Medium Close Up Shot

Figure 3.6 Scene 15

Exercise On Depth Of Field

1. What are the foreground, midground, and background in composition?

Provide an image for explanation.

A. Foreground

Objects that are nearest to the viewer

B. Middle Ground

Objects in between foreground and background

C. Background

Objects that are the furthest away from the viewer

Figure 3.7 Composition

2. What is depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.

Depth of field is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that appears acceptably sharp.
Depth is the distance from the camera. and the portion of that distance or ‘depth’ that is ‘in-focus’.
A higher depth of field would see the whole image from foreground to background sharp and in focus, a lower depth would result in blurry backgrounds and blurred elements in the foreground too.
Landscape photography typically (but not always) uses a large depth-of-field to capture all of the detail of the landscape, whereas portrait photography usually utilizes shallow depth-of-field to draw focus onto the subject.

Figure 3.8 Example Of Depth Of Field

Figure 3.9 Example Of Depth Of Field

3. What is shallow depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.

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.
This shallow or small depth of field can be achieved by increasing the aperture or rather lowering the number.
Shallow depth of field yields blurrier backgrounds and can work well for portrait photos. By decreasing the depth of field, and increasing the aperture size you can create this blur.

Figure 4.0 Example Of Shallow Depth Of Field

4. What is 180 degree rule (static screen direction)?

The 180-degree rule exists because of these elements, the two biggest ones being lighting and continuity.
Lighting a scene for the 180-degree rule does make the most traditional sense as it helps define the barriers between “on-set” and “off-set,” and helps to keep lighting setups consistent between shots.
The 180-degree rule also helps our brains understand the geometry of a set and scene.
What is continuity in cinematography?

5. What is dynamic screen direction?

Screen direction, also known as camera direction is the direction that characters and objects move in the scene in relation to the frame.
In describing screen direction, you might say that a character is moving camera left vs camera right. Screen left and camera left mean the same thing in the context of screen direction. Maintaining a cohesive sense of direction is important to the clarity of a scene and for preserving the continuity of motion.

WEEK 2 ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS QUIZ RESULT

Figure 4.1 Class Quiz

Figure 4.2 Class Quiz Result

SHOOTING EXERCISE: FRAMING

For the shooting exercise, we were instructed by Mr Martin to use our phone to shoot 8 videos according to the requested shot size. We are encourage to work in pairs for this exercise. After recording, we are required to edit our videos and add captions in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Shot size requested,

Close-Up shot
Frontal MCU (soft background)
Frontal MS (soft background)
Extreme Close-Up shot
Side angle MS (soft background)
3/4 angling MCU shot (with blurry/soft foreground)
Low angle Wide shot

For this exercise, I have pair up with my friend Melvin and choose our campus ground to shoot.

Figure 4.3 Clips Of Shot Sizes

Figure 4.4 Editing Process

FINAL SHOOTING EXERCISE: FRAMING

Week 3⇒ The Three Act Structure & Storyboard

1. Understand storytelling

A three-act structure keeps your beginning separate from your middle and your middle separate from your end.
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.

Figure 4.5 The Three Act Structure

Three Act Structure Explained — The Secret to Telling a Great Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvqjp1CxxD8

2. 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 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.

THE THREE ACT STORY EXERCISE

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

1. Act 1

Act 1 introduces Evelyn Wang, who is struggling with her laundromat business, her marriage, and her relationship with her daughter. Her life changes when an alternate version of her husband, Waymond, tells her she must save the multiverse from a great evil.

2. Act 2 (Confrontation)

In Act 2, Evelyn learns to access the skills of her alternate selves across the multiverse. She faces various challenges and discovers that her daughter, Joy, is actually the powerful and destructive Jobu Tupaki. Evelyn struggles to understand her role and the significance of her journey.

3. Act 3 (Resolution):

Act 3 reaches its climax with a final confrontation between Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki. Instead of fighting, Evelyn chooses to show love and acceptance, healing her fractured relationships and bringing peace to the multiverse. She returns to her own world with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

4. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The inciting incident is when Alpha Waymond tells Evelyn she must save the multiverse, pulling her out of her routine life and into an extraordinary adventure.

5. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The midpoint occurs when Evelyn decides to fully embrace her role in fighting Jobu Tupaki, understanding the true stakes of her mission.

6. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The climax happens when Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki with love and empathy, resolving the central conflict by choosing acceptance over confrontation

7. What is the theme of the movie?

The theme of "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" revolves around the importance of connection, love, and acceptance in a chaotic and fragmented world. It explores the idea that amid the infinite possibilities and overwhelming pressures of life, finding meaning through relationships and embracing kindness can lead to true fulfillment and harmony.

Short Film: Lalin

1. Act 1

Lalin, a young woman living in the city, is busy with her successful career but feels disconnected from her family and heritage. Her fast-paced life is portrayed, showing her struggle with her identity.

2. Act 2 (Confrontation)

Lalin gets a call from her family, asking her to come back home to the countryside. She reluctantly returns and faces the traditional lifestyle and expectations she had left behind. This visit makes her question her choices and the value of her modern life.

3. Act 3 (Resolution):

Lalin has a heartfelt talk with her family, leading to a moment of realization. She decides to embrace her heritage and the importance of family. The film ends with her finding a balance between her city life and her roots, symbolizing personal growth and acceptance.

4. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The inciting incident is when Lalin gets an urgent call from her family, which disrupts her city life and makes her return to her rural hometown.

5. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The midpoint scene occurs when Lalin, back in the countryside, begins to reconnect with her cultural heritage and understands the significance of her family's traditions.

6. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

The climax is the emotional conversation Lalin has with her family, where she realizes the importance of her roots and decides to honor them.

7. What is the theme of the movie?

The theme of "Lalin" revolves around the importance of balancing modern aspirations with traditional values. It highlights the significance of family, cultural heritage, and self-acceptance, showing that true fulfillment comes from embracing one's roots while pursuing personal growth.

WEEK 3 ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS QUIZ RESULT

Figure 4.6 Class Quiz

Figure 4.7 Class Quiz Result

Week 4⇒ Production

1. 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:

A. 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.

B.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.

C. 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.

WEEK 4 ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS QUIZ RESULT

Figure 4.8 Class Quiz

Figure 4.9 Class Quiz Result

2. 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:

A. 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.

B. 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.
This person is essentially the group leader and is responsible for managing the production from start to finish.
The producer develops the project from the initial idea, makes sure the script is finalized, arranges the financing and manages the production team that makes the film.

C. 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.

D. 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.
A storyboard is a series of sketches on panels that shows the visual progression of the story from one scene to the next.
Creating this sketch of the film on storyboards also ensures the visual continuity of the film from start to finish. Storyboards serve as the director's visual guide throughout the production and will be a template to follow during the editing process.

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. Screenwriter

While the dialogue in a film may seem natural to the viewer, a writer carefully crafts it; however, the screenwriter does far more than provide dialogue for the actors.
The screenwriter also shapes the sequence of events in a film to ensure that one scene transitions to the next so that the story will unfold logically and in an interesting way

H. Art Director

The art director is responsible for the film's settings: the buildings, landscapes and interiors that provide the physical context for the characters. This person is responsible for acquiring props, decorating sets and making the setting believable.

I. Costume Designer

Costumes convey a great deal about the film's time period and the characters who wear them, including their economic status, occupation and attitude toward themselves. Be sure to think about how costuming can show something about the character visually.

J. Editor

Shortly after shooting begins, the editor begins to organize the footage and arranges individual shots into one continuous sequence. Even in a single scene, dozens of different shots have to be chosen and assembled from hundreds of feet of film. The editor's choices about which shots to use, and the order in which to place them, have a profound effect on the appearance of the final film.

K. Actors

Responsible for portraying the characters in a film, actors work closely with the director and cinematographer. Considering an actor's role within this larger context also suggests that his or her job is much more difficult than just appearing on the set and reciting lines.

L. Music Supervisor

Music has been an integral part of movies since cinema's earliest days in the 1890s. A piano or organ player accompanied even the simplest silent films. The silent movie palaces of the 1920s were equipped with elaborate organs and orchestra pits to accommodate large groups of live musicians. Today selecting just the right music for the film will intensify the story for the audience.

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.

WEEK 4 ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS QUIZ RESULT

Figure 5.0 Class Quiz

Figure 5.1 Class Quiz Result

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT 1

EXERCISE 1⇒ AUDIO DUBBING

For first project exercise 1, Mr Martin introduced Audio Dubbing to us, which we are needed to audio dub an original dialogue clip from a film. For this exercise, we are needed to audio dub a clip from a film which is Everything, Everywhere All At Once. We are required to record 3 different tone of our voice, find ambient and background sound effects for the clip.

To start, we were instructed to began with listing down each scene and sound effects on a spreadsheet so that it will be more convenient for us in the process. For this task, we were split into a group of 6 to complete the spreadsheet.

RESEARCH & AUDIO PREPPING

After finishing the spreadsheet, I started on researching on a suitable background and ambience sound effects. For researching, I mainly used audio clips from Youtube and Freesound/99sound recommended by Mr Martin. Besides, I also use my phone's recorder to record my voice for the clip.

Figure 5.2 My Voice recording

Figure 5.3 Ambients And Background Effects

PROCESS

Figure 5.3 Process Of Audio Dubbing

I started by putting in the main clip and adding in my voice clips, ambient and background sound effects. I have a total of 12 audio track. A1-3 are the actors voice while A4 to A12 are ambience and background sound effects.

I also tune the my voices for each actor to make my voice more adapting to the scene.
For Waymond's voice, I deepen the tone to -5 and increase the cents to 50 to make it more similar to a male's voice.

Figure 5.4 Toning For Waymond's voice

For Evelyn's voice, I increased the tone to 2 and increase the cents to 50 to make it more similar to a female's voice.

Figure 5.5 Toning For Evelyn's voice

For Deirdre's voice, I deepen the tone to -2 and increase the cents to 50 to make it more similar to a female senior citizen's voice.

Figure 5.6 Toning For Deirdre''s voice

After toning the voice for the actors, I added background and ambient sound effects to the clip depending on it's situation. To make the sound effect more blend in with the clip, I also added cinematic transition effects, blend in and out of the audios.

FINAL AUDIO DUBBING

EXERCISE 2⇒ AUDIO SHAPING

For first project exercise 2, Mr Martin introduced Audio Shaping to us, which we are needed to audio shape our original voice. We were instructed to record or voice for 5 seconds and audio shape them on voice of phone call, voice coming from inside of closet, voice of toilet/bathroom, underground cave, alien/orc voice.

For most of the audio, the same effect parametric equalizer is used for tuning. However reverb and are also used in some of the tuning.

A. Voice of phone call