Video and Sound Production | EXERCISES

Gao Yuan Yi 0373945

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

EXERCISES


INSTRUCTION


ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS

WEEK 1 - The basics of cinematography, including 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.




Week 1 asynchorous class quiz screen shot



WEEEK 2 - Understand 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: 

Video
Week 2 asynchorous class quiz screen shot

We were instructed to watch the short film Lalin and the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once, and we were given the following questions to answer.

a. Lalin

1. Acts Breakdown

Act 1: The protagonist lives in a society with high beauty standards, struggling with appearance anxiety. She feels uneasy and insecure in her interactions with others. During this time, she meets a male character who begins to play a significant role in her life. Through their encounter and interactions, she gradually realizes that he does not seem to judge her based on her appearance.

Act 2: The protagonist spends more time with the male character, and they develop a mutual understanding and supportive relationship. He offers her emotional support, helping her cope with the burden of appearance anxiety in her daily life. He encourages her to see herself from different perspectives, and as a result, she starts to shift her perception of her appearance, gradually accepting and appreciating her unique traits.

Act 3: As the protagonist becomes more accepting of herself, the support from the male character helps her overcome her self-doubt and anxiety. In the climax, she no longer feels insecure when looking at herself in the mirror but begins to view herself with confidence. She ultimately learns to approach her appearance with a positive attitude, and her relationship with the male character deepens into a mutually supportive and healthy bond.

2. Inciting Incident

The inciting incident is the protagonist's first encounter with the male character. His presence makes her realize that not everyone judges her based on appearance. This encounter becomes the catalyst for her to explore herself and start changing her mindset.

3. Midpoint Scene

The midpoint might be a significant conversation between the two in a special setting, where they have a deep and meaningful exchange. This discussion allows the protagonist to truly confront her anxiety for the first time. The male character expresses his concern for her and encourages her to believe in her inner value, marking the turning point where she begins to accept herself.

4. Climax Scene

The climax occurs when the protagonist faces her greatest fear—possibly presenting herself publicly or expressing herself openly in front of others. During this event, with the male character's unwavering support, she bravely steps forward, demonstrating confidence and self-acceptance.

5. Theme of the Short Film

The theme of Lalin is self-acceptance and understanding. The short film portrays a girl struggling with appearance anxiety who, with the support of others (particularly the male character), learns to gain confidence and break free from her insecurities. The film delivers a message about how self-worth should not be defined by appearance and emphasizes the importance of supportive and healthy relationships in personal growth.

b. Everything, everywhere, all at once.

1. Acts Breakdown

Act 1: The story begins with Evelyn Wang, an overwhelmed laundromat owner struggling to manage her business, her family's strained relationships, and her dissatisfaction with life. When she and her husband, Waymond, go to the IRS office to sort out their taxes, Evelyn is suddenly approached by an alternate version of Waymond, who warns her that the multiverse is in danger and that she is the only one who can save it. This sets up the foundation of the movie as Evelyn becomes aware of the multiverse and her crucial role in it.

Act 2: Evelyn begins to experience multiple versions of herself in alternate universes, learning new skills and gaining insights from these different lives. She battles various foes while trying to understand the overarching threat posed by Jobu Tupaki, who is revealed to be an alternate version of her daughter, Joy. This act explores Evelyn’s inner turmoil as she struggles to balance the responsibilities of her present life and the potential of other paths she could have taken.

Act 3: Evelyn faces the ultimate confrontation with Jobu Tupaki, confronting her daughter’s nihilistic view of the multiverse. In a series of emotional and action-packed sequences, Evelyn chooses compassion and love as her weapons, reconciling with Joy and bringing a sense of unity and acceptance to their chaotic lives. She uses her newfound understanding of the multiverse to bring balance to both her family and herself.

2. Inciting Incident

The inciting incident occurs when Evelyn is first approached by the alternate version of Waymond in the elevator at the IRS building. He introduces her to the concept of the multiverse and informs her that she has an essential role in preventing an existential threat. This moment thrusts Evelyn out of her mundane life and into the adventure that drives the rest of the film.

3. Midpoint Scene

The midpoint scene happens when Evelyn fully embraces her ability to verse-jump and begins using her skills from other universes to fight the agents of Jobu Tupaki. At this point, she transitions from being a confused and reluctant participant to an active and determined hero, understanding the stakes and her need to confront her own daughter's darker persona.

4. Climax Scene

The climax occurs during the final showdown between Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki. Evelyn fights through multiple universes, reconciling her different lives and identities, to reach her daughter. She ultimately rejects the idea of nihilism and nothingness, embracing love and acceptance as the answer, and repairs her relationship with Joy by showing that, despite the chaos, she chooses to be with her.

5. Theme of the Movie

The theme of Everything Everywhere All at Once is about finding meaning and love in the midst of chaos and existential uncertainty. It explores the idea that even when confronted with infinite possibilities and outcomes, what ultimately matters is the connection and acceptance of loved ones, as well as embracing one's present circumstances with compassion and understanding.


WEEEK 3 - 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 visualise 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 a storyboard?

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

How to make storyboard

Reading: https://milanote.com/guide/film-storyboards 

Week 3 asynchorous class quiz screen shot


WEEEK 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, colour 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 asynchorous class quiz screen shot #1

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:

1.Director: The director is responsible for overseeing the entire production and ensuring that the creative vision for the project is realised. 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.

2.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.

3.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.

4.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.

5.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.

6.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.

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.

Reading:

Week 4 asynchorous class quiz screen shot #2


Week 6 Asynchronous class materials

Mise en scène is a French term that translates literally to "placing on stage." In the realms of theater, film, and other visual storytelling mediums, it refers to the overall visual arrangement and presentation of a scene. This concept encompasses everything that appears within the frame or on stage and how these elements are organized to convey meaning, emotion, and narrative to the audience.

Key Components of Mise en Scène

1. Setting and Location:
  • Physical Space: The environment where the action takes place, whether it's a realistic setting like a living room or an abstract, symbolic space.
  • Time Period: The era in which the story is set, influencing costumes, props, and set design.
2. Props and Objects: 
  • Items used by characters or present in the scene that can symbolize themes, indicate character traits, or advance the plot.
3. Costume and Makeup:
  • Clothing and makeup that reflect a character’s personality, social status, occupation, or psychological state.
4. Lighting:
  • The use of light and shadow to create mood, highlight specific elements, and guide the audience’s focus. For example, high-contrast lighting can create a dramatic or tense atmosphere.
5. Composition and Framing:
  • How elements are arranged within the frame or on stage, including camera angles in film or the positioning of actors in theater. This affects how the audience perceives relationships and power dynamics.
6. Performance and Acting:
  • The actors’ physical movements, facial expressions, and interactions contribute significantly to the mise en scène, conveying emotions and subtext.
7. Color Palette:
  • The selection of colors used in costumes, sets, and lighting can evoke specific emotions or symbolize thematic elements.
8. Spatial Relationships:
  • The distance and arrangement between characters and objects, which can indicate intimacy, conflict, or hierarchy.

Video 01: What is Mise en scene?

Video 02: Tim Burton's Eccentric Set Design and Art Direction Explained

Video 03: How location affects your scene

Video 04: Color in film

Video 05: Costume & Make-up

Video 06: Lighting

Video 07: Camera Placament

Video 08: Composition

Video 09: Acting

Video 10: Blocking

Week 6 asynchorous class quiz screen shot


Week 7 asynchronous materials: Film Sound


Week 7 asynchorous class quiz screen shot




EXERCISES

WEEK 1 - Exercise 1 & 2

In week 1 tutorial and practical classes, Mr Martin instructed us to edit two videos using Adobe Premiere Pro. The clips for exercise 1 were provided in sequence, while the clips for exercise 2 were in random order.

Exercise 1: Editing Mint Advertisement

Edited video (Exercise 1 - Mint)

Exercise 2: Editing Dorito Advertisement

Edited video (Exercise 2 - Dorito)


WEEK 2 - Exercise 3 & 4

Exercise 3: Shooting practise, shoot & editing



Exercise 4: Lalin Final Cut

Process screen shot


Lalin final cut video




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Typography | Task 1: Exercises

Design Principles | Task 1 Exploration

Advanced Typography: Task 1 Exercises