Lectures and Exercises (Video and Sound Production)

 

Week 1

    In this week's lecture class, I was unfortunately unable to attend it as I was traveling back from my summer exchange program at Southern Denmark University during the August semester break. I managed to go through and study the lecture slides for this week and here is the compilation of my notes:

1)    To create a story, some pre-production preparations are needed such as idea development, story planning, storyboard arrangement, research on visual references, location planning for the production, and the props to be used. (Figure 1) 

2)      In the production sector, some equipment covering lighting, principal shooting, and costumes are very important to be considered. (Figure 2) 

3)       A team of editors is required in the post-production process which includes offline editing, online editing, and audio editing. (Figure 3) 

Figures 1, 2, & 3. Illustration of Pre-Production in Creating Story 

In week 1's task, we were given a few things to do as listed below:

Figure 4. Tasks Assigned in Week 1

    Firstly, as a content creator covering both the photography and videography aspects, I have always indulged myself in various content from famous and professional creators. Some of my favourites cover actual street stop motions, Lego stop motions, and clay model stop motion short videos. I have listed my top 3 favourites here:

1) Epic Street Stop Motion - by Winga

Figure 5. Street Stop Motion

2) Fresh Guacamole - by PES

Figure 6. Everyday Object Stop Motion

3) Lego Shopping - by MICHAELHICKOXFilms

Figure 7. Lego Stop Motion

  In these 3 stop motion videos that I have shortlisted, I found many aspects to be very interesting, intriguing, and of course, very high quality that the stop motion frames are well put together to create a seamless transition between every shot. In the street stop motion video, most of the shots are not conventional and are very creative, leaving viewers in awe and questioning how the shots and editing are made. The everyday object stop-motion video is the one that brings us closer to relate to it because everyday objects are used. What makes it more fascinating is that the creator is able to utilise these everyday objects in creative stop-motion shots. In the Lego stop motion video, I was very fascinated by the effort, professionalism, and creativity that the creator put into the shooting of this stop motion video. I was already well invested in watching other MICHAELHICKOXFilms videos at a very young age. 

Week 1 Class Editing Exercise

    In this week's class exercise, we were given a set of videos to be arranged in the Adobe Premiere Pro software. This is to allow to to be familiar with the timeline feature in the editing software. My attempt in this exercise is compiled below:

Figure 8. In-Class Videos to Edit

Figure 9. Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro

Figure 10. Exported Results

Figure 11. Independent Learning Videos to Edit

Figure 12. Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro

Figure 13. Exported Results

Week 2

 In this week's class, we learned about framing and storyboard. Personally, I find this topic very interesting because I am interested in both photography and videography, but I only have experience working with photography. This will give me a very good opportunity to learn the history of cinematography and the concepts that go into it. Cinematography is a sequence or series of scenes and shots that complete the video. This is done in a space called a set or setting. 

    During the shoot, there are many different shot sizes as shown below. 

Figure 1. List of Different Shot Sizes

1) Wide Shot - WS

A wide shot captures the entire subject and its surroundings, especially when used to set the scene at the beginning, it's known as an "establishing shot."

2) Medium shot - M.S

A medium shot emphasizes essential details like gestures and expressions by framing the person from the waist up, excluding the hands and lower body from the frame.

3) Medium close-up shot - M.C.U

A medium close-up frames the subject character from roughly the middle of the waist to above the head.

4) Over-the-shoulder shot - O.S

An over-shoulder shot captures the subject from behind the shoulder of another person.

5) Extreme wide shot - E.W.S

A wide shot reveals the character's environment, conveying scale, distance, and location within it.

6) Medium wide shot - M.W.S

A medium-wide shot captures a character, often cropping them at the legs (above or below the knees). It provides a balanced view of the character and their surroundings within the scene.

7) Close-up shot - C.U

A close-up isolates the subject's most crucial part, often the head or a small object, emphasizing facial expressions or object details.

8) Extreme close-up shot - E.C.U

An extreme close-up magnifies a facial detail or object, intensifying drama or enhancing clarity for viewers.

 

    Alongside considering all these shot sizes, there are different camera angles or compositions such as the rule of thirds. This is a very common composition rule as it is already included as a feature in our cameras and phones. The rule of thirds divides the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Subjects placed at the intersections of these lines create aesthetically pleasing compositions and can guide perspective lines. Here are some examples:

Figure 2. Examples of Compositions using the Rule of Thirds

1) 45 Degrees Facial Modelling

To achieve optimal facial modeling, position the subject at a 45º angle (3/4 angle) to the camera. With appropriate lighting on both the front and side of the face, you'll create a rounded look and showcase the eyes beautifully.

2) 3 Dimensional Solidity

To enhance three-dimensional depth, photograph at least two sides of the subject. Tilting the camera for this perspective offers the most effective result.

3) Parallel Lines

Tilt the camera to make parallel lines converge, typically to the right, leading the viewer's eyes into the distance.

4) Eye-level Angle Shot

An eye-level camera angle films from the viewpoint of an average-height observer or matches the subject's eye level.

5) Low Angle Shot

A low-angle shot is achieved by tilting the camera upward to capture the subject. This technique can make a character appear larger, stronger, and more majestic while also creating a sense of height.

6) High Angle Shot

A high-angle shot is created by angling the camera downward to capture the subject, resulting in the character looking smaller, younger, weaker, confused, or more childlike.

    Let's talk about screen directions because it is important to shoot in a manner through directional panning whilst being able to convey the story without any misinformation or disruptions. 

1) Dynamic Screen Direction

Consistent screen movement depicts subject motion in one direction, like a person walking, a car driving, or a plane flying, emphasizing the sense of progression.

2) Static Screen Direction

When planning shots with two characters, it's essential to understand the 180º rule. This rule maintains a horizontal camera axis, known as the "Line of Action," to prevent viewer disorientation by not crossing sections.

Week 2 Exercise 

    We were given 30 minutes to record a few videos covering all the different framing types or sizes as listed in Figure 3 below. Then, all the different shots were compiled to make a short film in the Adobe Premiere Pro software. The short video is to visualise our first day in University. 

Figure 3. Framing Exercise

Figure 4. Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro

Figure 5. Exported Short Video

    Here is the list of different framing sizes:

    Other than the framing exercise, we were also given more exercises this week to become more familiarize with the adding caption feature, and also trimming exercise. The trimming exercise is done with a similar scene to recreate 'Lalin', which was shot by previous Taylor's University student. After watching the short film on Youtube and reading through the storyboard as shown in Figures 6 and 7, we are to recreate our own version. All the footages and files were provided and all we need to do is to trim all of them, align, use the dip to black transition tool, and cross dissolve transition tool as well. The final cut shall be edited to 35 seconds sharp. In the Youtube video attached, do note that the video is 35 seconds long but whenever we upload it onto Youtube, 1 second extra will be added as this is an automated configuration set by Youtube's algorithm. 

Figure 6. Lalin Short Film

Figure 7. Storyboard for Lalin (35 Seconds Version)

Figure 8. Recorded Video Tutorial for Week 2's Exercise

Figure 9. Using the Mark In and Mark Out Feature in Adobe Premiere Pro

(Trimming Footages to 35 seconds total)

(Adding Graphics)

(Adding Additive Dissolve, Cross Dissolve, Dip to Black Transitions When Necessary)

(Adding Phone Message Sound Effect)

(Adding melancholic Background Sound)

Figure 10. Editing Progress

Figure 11. Exported Outcome (Without Background Music and Sound Effect)

Figure 12. Exported Outcome (With Background Music and Sound Effect)

Week 3

 In this week's class session, we learned about storytelling in film. In most storylines, the story structure covers the beginning, middle, and ending stages as shown in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1. Three-Act Structure of Story Structure

Beginning/Setup

    At the beginning of a story, a few key elements come into play. It's the stage where the world of the narrative is introduced, along with the main characters. This early phase also sets the dramatic situation, outlining the initial circumstances and challenges. Furthermore, it paves the way for a significant incident that adds complexity to the story, initiating the narrative's progression and drawing viewers or readers into the unfolding plot.

Middle/Confrontation

    Known as the 'Rising Action,' this part of the story sees challenges and obstacles mounting, building up to the climax, the story's highest point of tension or conflict.

End/Resolution

    The climax marks the story's peak, where all challenges and obstacles converge. It's here that answers to these problems are found, and loose ends are addressed, bringing the narrative to its conclusion.

Figure 2. Three-Act Structure

Video viewing 1: Lalin

Act 1	Scene: Lalin is a girl from Thailand who is shy and prefers not to show her face in public and on social media. Her solution to this is to always wear a mask. When she started posting on social media and became famous, she struggled with all the backlash, so she decided to move to Japan. The same remains, she was still constantly wearing her face mask, and posting edited pictures on social media.
Plot point 1	In Japan, Lalin received a message from a Thai graphic novelist named Nut, who messaged and seeked her help in translating his work into Japanese. Lalin agreed, and then they chatted frequently.
Act 2	Scene: The more they communicated, they started doing video calls frequently as well. She slowly got affectionate towards Nut, but she said that she had allergies and did not want to show her face when Nut asked for the reason.
Plot point 2	Nut wanted to see Lalin in person and went all the way to Japan. However, Lalin hid herself in the toilet and was very hesitant to see him in person, let alone show her face.
Climax	Scene: After some hesitation, Lalin looked into the mirror and removed her mask, revealing her face full of pimples. She decided to ask Nut to leave the restaurant where they were supposed to meet as she is not ready to meet him. Nut was sad, but wanted Lalin to read the book he brought.
Act 3	Scene : Lalin came out of the toilet with her mask on, and read the book when Nut left. She found out that the story written was about their first encounter where Nut was the one that was previously insecure and decided to go with a weight loss body transformation. After realising, Lalin chases after Nut but to avail, he left before she could get a hold of him. Lalin was dissapointed in her own actions and accepted her own flaws, then removed her mask.

Video viewing 2: Guang

Act 1	Scene: Wen Guang, the main character of this film suffers from autism which made it hard for him to find a job. With the help of his brother, he managed to get the opportunity to go for working interviews. In this scene, it was seen that Wen Guang struggled to secure a job as he failed the interview. What drew our attention is that the beginning scene showed Wen Guang taking a glass from a beggar without an obvious reason. This remained a mystery for us to find out.
Plot point 1	He failed but went home to sleep, then his brother gave him a chance and found another job interview. His brother told him once again in detail, the venue, time, and what to prepare for the job interview.
Act 2	Scene: The scenes showing that Wen Guang is still on the hunt for a glass with the (B6) pitch which we still do not know his reason behind this quest. When Wen Guang's brother is conversing with his friends, he had to reassure his friends that Wen Guang is not 'retarded'. Then the day came, Wen Guang was dressed up properly and prepared his script for the job interview.
Plot point 2	When Wen Guang was on his way to the job interview venue, he saw an old lady who was throwing away some trash. He heard clicking and clacking sounds from the contents of the trash, which may be a sign that there is the (B6) glass that is missing from his collection. He went following the old lady and eventually at the dumpster section, he found it. He was so contented that he forgot about the job interview and went back home immediately.
Climax	Scene: When he goes back home with the glass, he was yelled at, by his brother as he missed the job interview. His brother got so angry and mentioned out loud that he agreed with his friends calling Wen Guang 'retarded'.
Act 3	Scene: Wen Guang was yelled at, and went to his room. This scene revealled his full collection of glasses with all different natural frequencies, making them a collection of different pitches. Wen Guang started playing melodies which highlighted his happiness in finishing the quest to finding that missing glass in his collection. This scene was observed by his brother who in the end, felt bad for scolding Wen Guang.

To view it in full PDF format, check it out in my Google Drive folder HERE

Week 4

Mise En Scène - it means putting on stage

    In today's class, we were introduced to Project 2, where we were split into two groups to cover 2 different movies, entitled BEEF and Silent (a Japanese Drama)

Figure 1. Project 2 Titles

    This refers to the onscreen presentation, demonstrating its visual aspects, which includes everything seen on camera and how these elements are arranged within the frame. 

Week 5

Shooting!

Week 6

    in today's class session, I learned about color grading. This is a very essential tool because color helps to elevate the mood and tells the story in a better manner. This is because a different color grading style can represent different scenes. 

Figure 1. Color Grading Overview

    Then, we learned about using the lumetri scope feature in the Adobe Premiere Pro editing software to understand and view the color correction overview based on RGB parade, waveform, and vectorscope.

 

Figure 2. Color Grading Panel in Adobe Premiere Pro

    Other than the colors, the overview of color grading also includes editing the highlight, mid-tone, and shadow to play around with the contrast and also be a reference for the focus on the subject to be achieved.

Figure 3. Overview of Highlight, Mid-Tone, and Shadow

Week 7

    In today's class session, we were told to bring our headphones to do sound editing in Adobe Audition. In class, we have been demonstrated the difference between hertz and decibels and how it would affect the audio that we listen to. Of course, this can be edited in the Adobe Audition software itself and we were taught how to use the multitrack layout together with the sound effects applied to the tracks.

 

Figure 1. Default parametric Equalizer

Figure 2. Parametric Equalizer Setup (Mimic Phone Calling Voice)

Figure 3. Parametric Equalizer Setup (Mimic Muffled Voice)

Figure 4. Reverb Effect (Mimic Speaking in an Exclosed Echo-Existence Space))

    In the reverb effect, here are some of the parameters that will affect the audio:

Decay Time: This parameter determines how many milliseconds it takes for the reverb to fade away by 60 dB. Longer values result in extended reverb tails.

Pre-Delay Time: Specifies the time, in milliseconds, it takes for the reverb to reach its maximum intensity.

Perception: Simulates the natural irregularities found in real-world environments.

Dry: To introduce a subtle sense of spaciousness, increase the Dry percentage. For more pronounced effects, reduce the Dry percentage.

Wet: To infuse a subtle spaciousness into a track, ensure that the Wet percentage remains lower than the Dry percentage.

    Then, we were given the sound-shaping exercise which is to use our voice and then replicate a few different sound effects including:

Figure 5. Sound Effects to Replicate Using Adobe Audition

Week 8

*Mid-Semester break*

Week 9

    In today's class, we are learning stop motion. As usual, planning is needed which covers the storyboard, duration of every scene, effects to be used, and the audio as well. Since stop motion is filmed one frame at a time, this operation must be done using a tripod. As for the settings, it is a must to use manual focus and exposure. Since external lighting can affect the exposure throughout the shoot, it is suggested to use artificial lighting. As for the aspect ratio, it suggested using 16:9 because a wider shot can allow us to play around with the composition later on.

Figure 1. Selection of Aspect Ratio in Camera Settings

Week 10

    This week, we learned visual effects (VFX) that is edited in the Adobe After Effects software. In this week's task, we learned all the editing features and the editing breakdown is shown:

1. Import shots into AE.

2. Arrange the shots in COMPOSITION following the tutorial video.

3. Variations: Pre-compose FLICK, JUMPING shots in different compositions, hence the two shots both need masking.

4. JUMPING shot: Use only the few frames that character floating in air.

5. JUMPING composition: Try time stretching to decide appropriate duration.  

6. To match size/shape with BUMPING shot, apply Puppet tool to JUMPING’s composition, and add keyframes size/position.

7. Add adjustment layer to match colour for all layers.

Figure 1. Masking out the Hand

Figure 2. Masking out the Character

Figure 3. Putting the Masked Objects Together

Figure 4. Changing Time Stretch Factor

Figure 5. Setting Keyframes for Flying Motion

Figure 6. Setting Puppet Tool Points

Figure 7. Setting Keyframes for Puppet Tool Point 

Figure 8. Exporting

Figure 9. Final Outcome

Weeks 11, 12, 13, 14

    In these few weeks, we were all given the opportunity to conduct the shooting for our final project. Therefore, I took this opportunity to do the shooting at home with my own setup and props. Figure 1 shows the setup that I had upon shooting for the final project. I did all the shooting in my own room where the background was a large piece of white bedsheet while plasticine was used as the prop for stop-motion visuals. 

Figure 1. Behind the Scenes for Final Project

Video and Sound Production Reflection

    Overall, I really loved this entire module because I am into media and content creation. although I do not really like to be the one in the frame or being taken most of the time, I really enjoy working behind the scenes with the camera work or even in production work. I learned a lot as well as this module allowed me to learn Adobe After Effects, and to work together with a team as a production group upon the completion of the projects. All in all, I would really recommend this module as Mr. Martin is a very good lecturer.