Video & Sound Production / Exercises

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22/04/24 - 16/05/06 Week 1 - Week 4

Sheren Princessa Davon / 0362134

Video & Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Exercises

QUICK LINKS

LECTURES

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

EXERCISES

Week 1 

Week 2

INSTRUCTIONS

LECTURES

WEEK 1: Shot Size, Camera Angle, Composition

Asynchronous Lecture Summary
Shot size, camera angle, and composition are key components of visual storytelling in film, TV, and other media. 
  • Shot size: determines the amount of space within a frame, impacting what viewers focus on and how they interpret scenes. For instance, close-ups highlight emotions, while wide shots establish context.
  • Camera angle: refers to the position of the camera relative to the subject, influencing perspective and mood. High angles can evoke vulnerability, while low angles convey power.
  • Composition: involves arranging visual elements within a frame, such as characters, lighting, and color, to create interest and convey meaning.

Quiz
Fig 1.1 Quiz 1 Results

WEEK 1: Framing & Storyboard

Asynchronous Lecture Summary
Different types of shots include:
  • Extreme Long/Wide Shot: extreme long shot, to emphasize a certain location
  • Long/Wide Shot: full background shot
  • Full Shot: full body shot of a subject
  • Medium Long Shot: subject's knees up
  • Medium Shot (MS): subject's waist up
  • Medium Close-Up Shot (MCU): subject's chest up to forehead
  • Close-up Shot: subject's face
  • Extreme-close up: extreme details of the subject (eg. eye, nose)
Lecture Slides Questions
Fig 1.2 Lecture Slides

SLIDE 6-7: Can you name the shot?
Fig 1.3 Naming the shots

SLIDE 9: Why is the bottom shot not considered an OS (Over the Shoulder Shot)?
Fig 1.4 OS?
The bottom shot is not considered an O.S because unlike the top one, it is not in the perspective of a certain character. In the top shot, the camera angle is considered to be in the mother's POV.

SLIDE 11-14: Name the Shot
Fig 1.5 Name the Shot 2

SLIDE 15
What are foreground, midground & background in composition? Provide an image for explanation.
The foreground is the area of space or object in a composition that is closest to the viewer. The midground is the middle point of a composition, having a focal point in the midground will make a composition appear more balanced. Background is the area in the composition that is furthest away from the viewer. Below is an example illustrating the foreground, midground and background:

Fig 1.6 Foreground, midground and background
What is depth of field?
It is the measurement of how sharp or blurry the area behind or in front of the subject in a photograph/composition. 

What is deep depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.
It means that there is a larger area in focus, keeping the image sharp and clear. An example of an image with a deep depth of field is:
Fig 1.7 Deep depth of field

What is shallow depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.
It means that only a small portion of an image is in focus, this is mostly used in portraits where only the subject is in focus, while the background is more blurry/out of focus. An example:

Fig 1.8 Shallow depth of field

SLIDE 16
What is 180 Degree rule (static screen direction)?
The 180- degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spaces between two characters or objects within a scene. It states that a camera should be positioned on a side of an axis formed between the two subjects/objects.

The point of this rule is to let the audience know of the character's position, where they are looking and allows the audience to properly understand what is happening on screen. In the image below, once the camera cuts to the left one, and to the right, its visible to the audience that the two characters are facing one another and possibly having a conversation. 

Fig 1.9 180 Degree rule

What is continuity in cinematography?
Continuity in film refers to the requirement that a series of shots has to feel cohesive and seamless, as if they were a single shot. When there are cuts in between shots, it shouldn't cause viewers to sense any changes to the sense of time or place. 

Watch the video below. Does it adhere to the 180 degree rule?
Fig 1.10 YouTube video link
Yes, the video adheres to the 180 degree rule as the camera positions are consistent to the placements of the two main characters. Even when there are cuts in the video, it is clear that the woman and man are sitting opposite each other and eating together.

SLIDE 17
What is Dynamic Screen Direction?
Compared to normal static screen direction, dynamic shots involve camera movement, for example tracking shots that follow a character's steps or actions. This adds energy and action to the shot, provoking a range of emotions that can visually captivate the audience and creates a stronger sense of visual storytelling.

WEEK 2: Understand Storytelling

Asynchronous Lecture Summary
The Three-Act Story Structure
The three-act story structure is a popular narrative framework used in storytelling, particularly in film and literature. It divides a story into three parts:
  1. Act One: The Setup introduces the protagonist, their world, and the inciting incident that creates a problem for the protagonist to solve, setting the story in motion.
  2. Act Two: The Confrontation is the longest and most complex act, where the protagonist faces obstacles and challenges on their journey towards their goal, culminating in a major turning point.
  3. Act Three: The Resolution is where the story reaches its climax and the protagonist confronts their final challenge, leading to the resolution and conclusion of the story.
Asynchronous Lecture Questions

By now you should have already watched: Lalin, Everything, everywhere, all at once. Based on each of the movies, 

  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?

LALIN
1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Act 1 of the story is the entirety of the sections 'Spring' to 'Summer', where the audience is introduced to the main character of the story, Lalin. She faces issues with her self-esteem in terms of her appearance due to bullying from her peers. She moves from Thailand to Sapporo to start over, and with the help of editing, she creates an Internet persona where she is popularly liked. However, in real life she still conceals her face with a mask, scared to show her true face.

Act 2 starts when Nut reaches out to Lalin to help translate his book where they gradually form a relationship that is solely online. Lalin is finally happy, but she still wears a mask during their video calls, refusing to show him her true face. One day, Nut decides to surprise Lalin by flying out to meet her. However, Lalin is reluctant to meet him as she still struggles with her appearance, causing mixed emotions to arise within her.

Act 3 happens when Lalin deciding is between her conflicting feelings about finally revealing her true face to the man who cares about her, or ultimately standing him up and letting him walk away. In the cafe where they were supposed to meet, it is revealed in his book that Nut also faced bullying due to his weight. This was the main reason he reached out to Lalin, because he understood how she felt and he wanted to help her overcome her insecurities just like he did. However, by the time Lalin understood this, she was too late.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
When Nut reaches out to Lalin to ask for her help to translate his book.

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The montages of Nut and Lalin's relationship, where the audience see their relationship grow.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The scene where Lalin rips off her mask, ultimately deciding that she should run after Nut after debating between her conflicting emotions.

5. What is the theme of the movie?
The movie centers around self-esteem and how it affects relationships; both with oneself and others. It would be hard to love others and to let others love you when you, yourself have a hard time loving and accepting yourself.

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 starts when the audience is introduced to Evelyn, the protagonist of the story. It starts when Evelyn and her husband go to the office where both Evelyn and the audience is introduced to the plot of the movie. Alpha Waymond (an interdimensional being who looks like Evelyn's husband) reveals to Evelyn that she could be the only one who can help them save the multiverse. 

Act 2 kicks off with Evelyn witnessing Alpha Waymond fight off interdimensional attackers. Evelyn eventually goes off in her own adventures, jumping in and out of different universes. The main plot point is that the antagonist is Jobu Tupaki, who is another version of Evelyn's daughter, Joy. With this, the audience sees Evelyn struggle in her values as well as duties to what defeating the antagonist, saving the multiverse while also saving her family truly means. 

Act 3 starts when Evelyn and Joy meet in another universe where they are rocks. They share their feelings of how Joy wished there was another way. Evelyn and Joy finally meet in their original universe and while fighting off the interdimensional attackers, Evelyn realizes the power of love and choosing what truly matters to her. Also inspired by Waymond's kindness throughout the universes, Evelyn chooses to save everyone, including Joy, stating how regardless the amount of pain they cause each other, or the indefinitely "better" options they have, Evelyn would always choose to be there with her daughter and family.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
When Alpha Waymond warns Evelyn of the grave danger the universe is in, and how she can be the only one to help save it.

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
The part where the everything bagel is introduced, then Jobu Tupaki tries to convince Evelyn to share her ideals thus destroying the multiverse.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
When Evelyn decides to save everyone, the attackers from different universes, and choosing to stay with her family, especially her daughter.

5. What is the theme of the movie?
This movie centers around nihilism, existentialism, and also love. Everything Everywhere All at Once plays an optimistic yet emotional turn on the concept of "nothing matters, so don't worry". It reminds us that while the universe is vast and at the end of the day nothing may matter, us humans are still able to choose what truly matters to us, that we are all full of love.

Quiz

Fig 1.11 Quiz 2 Results

WEEK 3: Storyboard

Asynchronous Lecture Summary
In filmmaking, storyboarding is a sequential series of drawings or images that visually represents a project, much like a comic strip. It helps with the pre-visualization of a video game, animation, or film. 
  • Storyboards include camera angles, character actions, and dialogue
  • It helps help the production team plan shots, understand narrative flow, and communicate ideas
  • Filmmakers can optimize time and resources by experimenting with images, anticipating problems, and refining their approach before filming
Quiz
Fig 1.12 Quiz 3 Results

WEEK 4: Production

Asynchronous Lecture Summary

Production
Pre-production, production, and post-production are the three main steps of the filmmaking process.
  1. Pre-production: Before filming starts, a thorough planning process is done beforehand. For example scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, location scouting, set and costume design, and hiring crew.
  2. Production: Filming takes place during production, where the crew carries out the pre-production plans in order to record the required footage. A large team is needed for coordination and scheduling during this period.
  3. Post-Production: The editing and assembly stage, or post-production, is when film is polished to create the finished product. Scene arrangement, color grading, visual effects, and sound and music integration are among the tasks. Storytelling and painstaking attention to detail are required at this level.

Quiz
Fig 1.13 Quiz 4 Results

Production Crew
A group of professionals collaborate as a team to create a movie or video. Some of the key members of a production crew are:
  • Director: in charge of directing the entire production and making sure the project's creative vision is carried out. They direct the actors' performances and carry out creative decisions with the cast and crew.
  • Producer: in charge of the production's finances and logistics. They arrange the budget, recruit crew members, plan schedules and locations, and guarantee that the project is finished on time
  • Cinematographer: Aka the director of photography (DP), they are responsible for the visual aesthetics of the film. They work together with the director to achieve the desired lighting, look and overall mood for each scene.
  • Production Designer: in charge of the entire visual design of the movie; the sets, outfits, and accessories. They work with the director and cinematographer to make sure the visuals captivate and reflect the story
  • Sound Designer: in charge of the movie's audios, which includes the recording and editing of dialogue, sound effects, and music. They collaborate closely with the editor and director to guarantee a smooth transition between the audio and visuals.
  • Editor: in charge of putting the clips together into a seamless narrative. They work closely with the director and sound designer to establish the movie's pacing, tone, and structure. 
Quiz
Fig 1.14 Quiz 5 Results


EXERCISES

WEEK 1: Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro

Mints Editing Exercise
Mr. Martin introduced us to Premiere Pro and taught us how to arrange basic clips into one video.

Fig 2.1 Footage downloaded

First, we downloaded a bunch of clips and then imported it into Adobe Premiere Pro. We learned to create a sequence in the timeline and since the files were already named accordingly, we inserted the clips one by one.
Fig 2.2 Premiere Pro

 
Fig 2.3 Final Product of 'Mints' Exercise
 

Doritos Editing Exercise
Then, we did a similar exercise, but this time the clips downloaded weren't in order so we had to arrange them manually. 

Fig 2.4 Footage downloaded

I previewed the clips by double clicking them first to ensure the clips are arranged in the proper order before placing them in the timeline.

Fig 2.5 Premiere Pro #2

Fig 2.6 Final Product of 'Doritos' Exercise

WEEK 2

8 Shots Exercise
We were tasked to work in pairs and take turns recording each other according to the different camera angles given:
Fig 2.7 Camera angles
Shots: link

Then, we were to compile it in Adobe Premiere Pro and add the accurate captions onto each shot/clip. I followed the tutorial video given by Mr. Martin. I made sure to place my captions consistently throughout the video, on the top right corner of the screen.

Fig 2.8 Premiere Pro

Fig 2.9 Final Product of '8 Shots' Exercise


'Lalin' Editing Exercise
In this exercise, we were presented with different clips recorded by our seniors according to the short film "Lalin". We were tasked to edit the clips together, add the necessary graphics, and also cut the video into 35 seconds sharp.

Footage given here.

Original Video:
Fig 2.10 Lalin Original Film

Mr. Martin also provided a video tutorial for this exercise:
>
Fig 2.11 Video Tutorial

Process on Premiere Pro
I used the storyboard given as a reference to arranging the clips together. I previewed them first, making the necessary cuts with the I (Mark In) & O (Mark Out).

Fig 2.12 Process #1

Then, I added the Cross Dissolve effect to make it seem like the man got up and left, I also added the Dip to Black at the start and end of the video as required. I added the text messages and positioned them accordingly, then continued to include the text sound effects to indicate incoming/outgoing messages. Finally, I added some background music which I found online.

Fig 2.13 Process #2

Fig 2.14 Overview of timeline

Fig 2.15 Final Product of 'Lalin' Editing Exercise

REFLECTION

The lectures are very helpful for my learning, especially in gaining knowledge regarding the filmmaking world. The exercises are a great way for me to practice and create my skills for Premiere Pro as I have never used this software before. The exercises are basic and beginner friendly, which is a great thing since I was able to learn the steps of editing in Premiere Pro one step at a time.

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