26th April 2024 - 19th May 2024 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Sin Jun Ming 0364638
Video & Sound Production / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1 - Exercises
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 1 - Exercises
Week 1 - Editing Exercises
In the first week, Mr. Martin had made introduction of this module to us and done the briefing of further projects. For the exercises of the first class, Mr. Martin assigned two editing exercises for us to practice editing skills on Premiere Pro. Mr. Martin provided us the footage and we needed to arrange shots on timeline with proper order.
Editing exercise 1 footage:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LI54P6zPIcdXOPpzChp637Fk3NRvVdoW?usp=sharing
Editing exercise 2 footage:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wwRBWvPRQonTRY3YmAbumYNxMsTQwR32?usp=sharing
Editing exercise 1:
Video 1.1 Editing ex 1
Editing exercise 2:
Video 1.2 Editing ex 2
Week 1 asynchronous class materials
The reading materials and video provided are to prepare students for the week 2 activities, where students need to understand the basics of cinematography, including shot size, camera angle, and composition, in order to practice shooting.
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:
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#shot-size
Video: https://youtu.be/AyML8xuKfoc?si=_xLVEotEBZG9VQk2
Framing:
Camera Angle:
Composition:
Composition:
Week 1 asynchronous class materials reflection
Through the first week's asynchronous class materials, I get to refresh on some camera operating skills. Since I had joined some student film production projects before I entered the Taylor's University, I learnt some basic skills like camera angles, shot sizes and composition. However, the class materials provide videos related to framing, shot sizes, camera angles and composition.
The videos are very professional as they provide examples from amazing films, and they are quite detailed. It is very useful and important to learn all this theory in film production, I think with all these basic skills learnt, we can make a really decent short film ourselves.
Last but not least, this is a good kickstart for this module, I think we will need to do a production project in upcoming weeks, so I think this is pretty useful.
Fig 1.1 Quiz result
Week 2 - Shot Sizes, Camera Angles & Composition Exercises
In week 2, we have learnt about the shot sizes in cinematography, the shot size determines how large the area that’s visible within the frame.
Shot sizes in cinematography
- Extreme wide shot
- Wide shot
- Medium wide shot
- Medium shot
- Medium close-up shot
- Close-up shot
- Extreme close-up shot
With the understanding of shot sizes used in cinematography, Mr. Martin assigned an exercise for us to practice on naming the shot size for shots in this video - https://youtu.be/i1Ii27b5uEs
1.
Fig 2.1 Shot size 1
Shot size: Medium close-up shot
2.
Fig 2.2 Shot size 2
Shot size: Medium shot
3.
Fig 2.3 Shot size 3
Shot size: Wide shot
Fig 2.4 Shot size 4
Shot size; Wide shot
5.
Fig 2.5 Shot size 5
Shot size: Medium close-up shot
6.
Fig 2.6 Shot size 6
Shot size: Medium shot
7.
Fig 2.7 Shot size 7
Shot size: Medium shot
8.
Fig 2.8 Shot size 8
Shot size: Medium shot
Over the shoulder shot - O.S
The over-shoulder shot shows the subject from behind the shoulder of another person.
The over-shoulder shot may not always feature the 'shoulder' in the foreground. Instead, the aim is to present the point of view from the foreground character's perspective.
Fig 3.1 ots shot
Question: Why the bottom shot IS NOT an O.S shot?
Ans: This is because the purpose of O.S shot is to present the point of view from the perspective of foreground character. For the bottom shot, the foreground character is not looking at the kid in the middle, it is a medium shot focusing on the kid, hence it is not the point of view of the foreground character perspective.
Naming shot size exercise
1.
Fig 4.1 Shot size 1
Shot size: Close-up shot
2.
Fig 4.2 Shot size 2
Shot size: Close up shot
3.
Fig 4.3 Shot size 3
Shot size: Extreme close-up shot
4.
Fig 4.4 Shot size 4
Shot size: Medium close-up shot
5.
Fig 4.5 Shot size 5
Shot size: Medium wide shot
6.
Fig 4.6 Shot size 6
Shot size: Medium wide shot
7.
Fig 4.7 Shot size 7
Shot size: Extreme wide shot
8.
Fig 4.8 Shot size 8
Shot size: Close-up shot
9.
Fig 4.9 Shot size 9
Shot size: Medium wide shot
10.
Fig 4.10 Shot size 10
Shot size: Medium wide shot
11.
Fig 4.11 Shot size 11
Shot size: Medium close-up shot
12.
Fig 4.12 Shot size 12
Shot size: Medium shot
13.
Fig 4.13 Shot size 13
Shot size: Medium wide shot
14.
Fig 4.14 Shot size 14
Shot size: Medium close-up shot
15.
Fig 4.15 Shot size 15
Shot size: Medium shot
16.
Fig 4.16 Shot size 16
Shot size: Wide shot
Flipped Classroom: Depth of field
Fig 5.1 Depth of field
1.What are the foreground, midground, and background in composition? Provide an image for explanation.
Fig 5.2 example image
Foreground is the object placed nearest to the camera lens, midground is the object placed between foreground and background, while background is the object placed farthest from the camera. For instance, in this image, the foreground is the deer, midground is the trees, background is the ice mountain.
2. What is depth of field?
Depth of field can be defined as the space in the image that is relatively sharp and in focus. It is the distance between the nearest and farthest elements that are sharp and in focus in your photos.
3. What is deep depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.
A deep depth of field means that a larger amount of the image is in focus. In this case, the line between the nearest and farthest elements that are reasonably sharp is long. Here is an example image:
Fig 5.3 example image 2
4. What is shallow depth of field? Provide an image for explanation.
A shallow depth of field is considered a short focus; that is, the line between the nearest and farthest elements that are sharp and in focus is very short, or, in other words, there’s a small portion of your image in focus. Here is an example image:
Fig 5.3 example image 3
Flipped Classroom: Screen direction
1. What is 180 degree rule (static screen direction)?
The 180 degree rule is a filmmaking guideline for spatial relations between two characters on screen. The 180 rule sets an imaginary axis, or eye line, between two characters or between a character and an object. By keeping the camera on one side of this imaginary axis, the characters maintain the same left/right relationship to each other, keeping the space of the scene orderly and easy to follow.
2. What is continuity in cinematography?
Continuity editing is an editing technique that keeps the film's time and space consistent. Continuity editing creates a coherent and well-structured narrative while assisting viewers in feeling rooted in the reality of the picture. Continuity editing aims to make the workings of filmmaking invisible so that viewers may more readily suspend their disbelief.
3. Watch the video below. Does it adhere to the 180 degree rule?
Video link: https://youtu.be/71jQKyhH9S0?si=Slno-UrCh9SbHjGC
Yes, this is because the camera is only on one side of the imaginary axis between the two characters in the talking scene.
4. What is dynamic screen direction?
Character and object movement in a scene with respect to the frame is referred to as screen direction, frequently called camera direction. A character could be moving the camera left versus the camera right, to explain screen direction. Regarding screen direction, screen left and camera left are synonymous. The clarity of a scene and the continuity of motion depend on the directionality being maintained.
Shooting Exercise: Framing
- Close-Up shot
- Frontal MCU (soft background)
- Frontal MS (soft background)
- Extreme Close-Up shot
- Side angle MS (soft background)
- ¾ angling MCU shot (with blurry/soft foreground)
- Low angle Wide shot
- Eye-Level Medium-Wide shot
Subject Angle: Composition
Facial modelling is best when subject is turned 45ยบ (¾ angling) to the camera. Front and side of the face, if properly lighted will appear round and eyes are displayed fully.
Fig 6.1 ¾ angling MCU shot
Framing shooting Exercise Reminder:
- Shoot landscape format video, 5 seconds per shot.
- Shoot wide shot with wide angle.
- The rest ZOOM IN to get soft background.
- Refer to the examples provided or google references for GOOD composition.
- Avoid overexposed or underexposed (too bright or too dark).
- Do the shooting during day time.
- Edit with CAPTION (Mention the shot size), export video for submission.
Video Outcome
Video 6.1 Frame shooting exercise
Week 2 Editing - Editing Practice 3 (Lalin)
Original short film: https://youtu.be/dSvEKiRB8EY
Editing requirements: Edit to 35 seconds sharp. Document the process under under Exercises section.
Editing process:
Fig 7.1 Importing footage into a new project
First thing first, to know the sequence of these footages, I analyze the storyboard given by Mr. Martin and watch the original short film "Lalin". With the understanding of the story of "Lalin", I began to arrange the footage in the correct order.
Fig 7.2 Adding sound effect and chat box graphic
Fig 7.3 Adding "Dip to Black" effect at the beginning
Fig 7.4 Adding "Dip to Black" effect at the end
There is a scene showing the vanishing of the male protagonist. Hence, the video transition effect "Cross Dissolve" is needed.
Fig 7.5 Adding "Cross Dissolve" effect on clip above
Final Editing Outcome:
Video 7.1 Final outcome
Week 2 Understand Storytelling - Three Act Structure
Lectures
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.
Based on the movies 1. Lalin, 2. Everything, everywhere, all at once. Answer these questions.
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?
Answer the questions twice, separately for 1. Lalin, 2. Everything, everywhere, all at once. Post it in your blog under exercises.
Lalin
1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Act 1 starts with the introduction of protagonist, Lalin, about who she is, which is a net idol, and answer the audience about why she is called "Lalin", which is her meteorite-like face. The act 1 ends when she is getting more recognition online, and finally a good-looking guy shows interest in her.
Act 2 starts with her interaction with the guy through online video call, showing they are in a relationship. Midpoint starts when the guy arrives at Japan and wanted to meet her, finally act 2 ends with her rejection to meet the guy.
Act 3 starts when she finds out the guy was actually an overweight guy she met before in Thailand, but now he is handsome because he did workout consistently. Act 3 ends when she failed to chase the guy in the train station, and finally realize it is time to face her real self.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting incident occurs when she meets a good-looking guy online, and the guy is interested in her, wanting to start a relationship with her.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
Midpoint scene occurs when the male protagonist wanted to meet with Lalin in Japan, but she refused to meet him.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
Climax scene occurs when Lalin found out the male protagonist was an overweight guy she met before in Thailand, but now he is handsome because he did workout consistently.
5.What is the theme of the movie?
The theme of the movie is realizing one-self, truly know who we are, and accept to be who we are.
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 occurs when the movie is showing all the problems the female protagonist, Evelyn, needed to face, like preparing New Year party, daughter's relationship problem, her laundry store problem and her tax problem. Act 1 ends with the male protagonist, Waymond, introducing the concept of multiverse to Evelyn when facing tax problem.
Act 2 occurs when Evelyn decided to become the hero and fight against the old lady (tax audit), but after she found out the big villain, Joy, has returned back to normal state, and Evelyn's dad is trying to kill Joy, Evelyn decided to fight her dad.
Act 3 occurs in the fighting scene between Evelyn and her dad's crew, the husband-wife, mother-daughter relationship, father-daughter relationship is shown here, and they eventually lead to a good ending which Evelyn's dad saves Evelyn and Joy from the bagel black hole.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
The inciting incident occurs when Waymond showing the ability to travel in multiverse to Evelyn.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
Midpoint scene occurs when Evelyn finds out that she daughter, Joy, is the villain that wants to destroy the world.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
The climax scene occurs when Evelyn is fighting her dad to protect Joy, and eventually making his dad to support her in the end.
5.What is the theme of the movie?
The theme of the movie is time travelling, mother-daughter relationship, husband-wife relationship and father-daughter relationship.
Week 2 asynchronous class materials reflection
In week 2, I learnt about the storytelling structure in filmmaking, which is the Three-Act Structure. As usual, Mr. Martin provided a professional video that talk about the Three-Act Structure and many famous films are used as examples to describe this structure.
This is quite an interesting thing to learn about because we often do not look closely into the story structure when watching films, now we get to know the basic story structure behind films.
Week 2 asynchronous class quiz link: https://forms.gle/sNv66KU5fD3fhCpg7
Fig 8.1 Quiz result
Week 3 asynchronous class materials - 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.
What is storyboard?
How to make storyboard
Week 3 asynchronous class materials reflection
In week 3, we learnt about storyboard used in filmmaking. This is also an another very important element in filmmaking, since I had joined production projects before, I saw the sketches of shots they did on the iPad, and they followed it to run the shooting process.
Mr. Martin also provided us some websites about storyboard. The websites are very detailed and they also used many examples from amazing films.
Week 3 asynchronous class quiz link: https://forms.gle/GZaU7tUJVwBTQuGH6
Fig 9.1 quiz result
Week 4 asynchronous class materials - 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.
Take the quiz below to test your understanding on production stages: https://forms.gle/1FuJL1mKmFqeCdZp8
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 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.
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 asynchronous class materials reflection
The asynchronous class materials in week 4 is about production stages and production crews, another thing very important to be mentioned in production projects. From my experience, I know the production stages is to distribute into three parts - pre-production, production and post-production.
Although I was just the actor in those projects I had joined, I think I know a decent amount of production crews and what they do, but in this class material, Mr. Martin provided detail information to us.
Production stages quiz result:
Fig 10.1 quiz result
Production crews quiz result:
Fig 10.2 quiz result
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