Video Sound and Production - Exercises
22/04/2024 - 13/05/2024 (Week 01 - Week 03)
Wong Jia Yi Carmen (0357198) | Bachelor Of Design In Creative Media
Video and Sound Production - Exercises
Exercises 1&2: Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro
LECTURES
Mr Martin drops some notes for us to self-study in teams and here are my reflections on the material given throughout the weeks.
We were also required to answer quizzes based on the materials we had studied.
Week 1
The camera work principles are the ones which explain the importance of each element in the storytelling of visual media. I now realize that every element in the camera work is essential for the visual story of media. Camera shot direction, such as wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups, has a great influence on the establishment of the context, the characters, and the intimacy. Wide shots are perfect for showing the background and setting to the audience, whereas close-ups are good for showcasing the small emotions and details that lead the story. Medium shots are the ones that act as a link, they are in between the one that is begging for more context and the one that is trying to be emotional.
Frame and focus are the factors that make the visual narrative more powerful by directing the viewer's attention. The way the frame is set sets the boundaries of the shot, which determines what is included in the shot, and also, it is the frame that guides the audience's attention and highlights the key elements. The right focus is the key to getting the subject sharp and clear, which is the main reason for the visual clarity and attention being focused on it. Methods such as deep focus, where every single part of the picture is clear, and selective focus, where only a particular aspect of the picture is clear, can be used to express different artistic intentions and narrative priorities.
The motion and angle aspects of the camera work, such as the way the person is shot or the direction he/she/they is moving in, make the visual storytelling more complicated. Camera angles, for instance, high, low, and eye level, are those which determine how the viewer sees the subject, consequently, the viewer gains psychological depth. For example, a low angle can create a powerful character, on the other hand, a high angle can make them seem weak. The camera movements such as panning, tilting and tracking, develop fluidity and can be employed to follow the action or to show the new information. The camera mechanisms like handheld cameras or stabilizers, affect the atmosphere of a scene, handheld shots, for example, might stimulate a feeling of urgency or realism. Thus, by using these methods judiciously filmmakers are able to create powerful and emotionally gripping tales that touch the hearts of the viewers.
Quiz Result:
Week 2
The Three Act Structure is a technique that has continuously helped me to structure my writing in a way that will always be appreciated and used. It is the essential tool that is used to arrange the narrative progression in a way that makes the story flow smoothly from beginning to end and thus, the audience is kept interested. The success of an effective story is its ability to establish a setup, to put the characters into a situation where they face obstacles and conflicts and finally heave the plot in a satisfying way. This kind of structure is similar to real life, which makes it easy for the audience to relate to it, since, in real life, you have your ups and downs, and you can finally reach a resolution.
The Three Act Story Structure is the usual story structure which comprises Act 1 (Setup), Act 2 (Confrontation), and Act 3 (Resolution). The first act creates the main characters, sets the stage and at the same time, makes the central conflict or the goal clear. In Act 2, the conflict is deepened through the introduction of the problems and the challenges that the characters have to surmount to succeed in their goals. Act 3 is the stage of the story that culminates in the climax and the end, where the loose ends are tied up, and the characters are transformed or growth is achieved from the journey.
The Three Act Structure has a rich history dating back to ancient Greek drama, but it gained prominence in modern screenwriting through the works of theorists like Aristotle and later popularized by Syd Field in his book "Screenplay: Even though some screenwriters may not agree with the solid division of stories into three acts, insisting on more flexible structures or totally ignoring the structure, the Three Act Structure still is a very useful tool for many storytellers. The main reason for its staying power is that it gives way to coherence and emotional resonance, which is needed by writers to create narratives that connect with the audience on a deep level.
Quiz Result:
Week 3
I'm thinking about the idea of storyboarding, which is so basic yet essential for the storytelling of a movie as it enables the visualization and planning of the film narrative. A storyboard is a kind of blueprint of a project, which shows a series of pictures depicting the main events and scenes. Storyboards can have different formats and layouts, with the traditional ones having detailed drawings or sketches and the thumbnail having smaller and simpler illustrations to show the main idea of each shot. This diversity of various modes of filmmaking makes the option available to the filmmaker to choose the method of filmmaking that best combines with their vision and workflow.
Directors usually see storyboards as a significant means of communication and teamwork. Thus, through the process of converting the written script into visual sequences, storyboards help directors communicate their creative plan to the production team, which includes, among others, cinematographers, art directors, and costume designers. Besides, the storyboards reduce the filmmaking time by finding the problems that are connected to the budget and timing. Furthermore, they make sure that all the people who are involved in the film are on the same level regarding the style and the storyline of the film.
The film storyboard creation is a simple process when split into six easy steps. For starters, the important scenes are picked from the script and these scenes are marked as the ones that are crucial in the story. Finally, these scenes are depicted in a sequence which enables the story to be told smoothly. The images or sketches are then injected into each frame to illustrate the action or dialogue in each shot, and finally, the descriptions are written for each shot. After the storyboard is finished, the assembled storyboard is given to the production team for review and the team's remarks are taken into account. To sum it up, the storyboard is the director and crew's atlas on the day of filming, it helps them to achieve the vision in a proper and effective way. Hence, by this systematic way, the filmmakers can make their stories come to existence in a clear and precise manner, thus, turning the movies into a coherent and gripping cinematic experience.
Quiz Result:
Week 4
Through the production stages, I realised how significant and consistent the procedures for converting a projection of an idea to a movie on the screen. The creation period starts with development where ideas are shaped into a workable script, while initial planning also starts here. It is a time when you need to do a massive swamp of writing and research and also you will have to secure funds. The next step will be pre-production, which aims to achieve various detailed elements of the plan and preparation, such as the selection and hiring of the cast, the location scouting, and the construction of a film crew. This phase is indispensable as it will build the foundation for the event to run as flawlessly as possible.
That is filmmaking production which is divided into several stages, starting with directing the whole filming process, casting, and other activities, which are led by the director on a set in order to shoot the necessary scenes. These phases necessitate meticulous organization, which includes prompt and accurate reporting among the members. At the same time, a concise and cohesive creative vision is desirable. After shooting or “production”, the next stage is “post-production” where various studio practices are involved such as editing, sound design, visual effects, and color correction. At this point, the most essential role will be to polish the narrative and remove redundancy from the visual and auditory experience. Ultimately, distribution represents the final stage which entails marketing and distributing the film to the public through cinemas, streaming platforms, or whatever medium they choose.
The production team is a key pillar of any cinematic project due to the technical crew's essentialness to its success. The main roles are those of a producer (who runs and supervises the project while staying on budget and schedule), director (the creative brain who formulates the visual look of the film and connects the actors and crew), and cinematographer who produces visual elements. Similarly, the art director, for instance, is in charge of the overall visual aesthetic of the film, the editor puts all the footage strips together and creates a coherent story and the sound designer is responsible for the entire auditory field. Each department, for example, from the grips and gaffers up to the costume and makeup artists, is responsible for a wide range of tasks that contribute widely to the art of filmmaking, which expresses its nature.
Quiz Results:
Production Stages
EXERCISES
- Close-Up Shot
- Frontal Medium Close-Up (Soft Background)
- Frontal Medium Shot (Soft Background)
- Extreme Close-Up Shot
- Side Angle Medium Shot (Soft Background)
- ¾ angling Medium Close Up Shot with Soft Background)
- Low Angle Wide Shot
- Eye-Level Medium Wide Shot
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
1. Which part is Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
In Act 1, we see Evelyn the laundromat owner, busy with her family responsibilities and the dreams of her own. At a time when her life is very boring, an extraordinary incident takes place when she accidentally finds out that she can access the other universes while she is fixing a broken radio. Act 2 is where Evelyn starts to use her newfound powers, leaping from one reality to another and meeting her alternate selves as well as her friends and family. A very touching scene is when she meets her ideal self, which makes her think about her own life and the things she has forgotten. In Act 3, a crisis of Evelyn is reached, which is most of the time dangerous for the multiverse and thus she makes a fateful decision that is for the destiny of her own world and all of other others. This ends with a tear-jerking but at the same time relieving moment of autopilot as Evelyn recognizes the intricacy of her being and feels harmony in the midst of the cosmic rules.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
Evelyn receives a secret package at the laundromat she is using. Inside the box is a surprisingly common DVD player, but when Evelyn tries to play a DVD, it suddenly takes her into a weird and crazy world, thus, her amazing journey through the various parallel worlds is started. This scene is the beginning of the film that makes the viewers start to imagine what is next for Evelyn as she explores the new world of the possibilities and the challenges she will face and also the mysteries she will be able to solve.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
Evelyn in the midst of her attainment of the various universes, has a version of herself who has been successful and fulfilled in the scenario of another universe. This scene is the moment when Evelyn is facing her problem of low self-esteem and the idea of her not being able to do something, therefore, she realizes that she can do something great. While she is seeing the other life version of her, she is confronting the choices and sacrifices which have led her to this moment and thus she is making a decision to rethink her priorities and to accept that she is the one who is making the decision to change her own destiny. This meeting with a Time Lord makes Evelyn realize her own potential and strengthens her will to save the multiverse as she goes on her adventure.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
Evelyn takes on the main enemy, who is a dangerous power that is a threat to the stability of the multiverse. This struggle takes place in a dreamlike and visually striking setting which portrays the turbulent and unsteady character of the characters encounter. Through the process of exploring her inner self and defining her identity in every possible version of herself, she is part of a truly intense struggle that goes beyond just a physical one. This scene is the one which has strong emotional stakes, high action sequences and deep meaning because Evelyn confronts her fears, takes on her destiny and in the end she overcomes the adversity and the fate of the multiverse is saved.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
1. Which part is Act 1, Act 2 and Act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.
Lalin, a top online celebrity, struggles with inside insecurities even when she is alone and put on a mask, all comes from the experience of hurt of being a bullied victim and being lonely while in high school ages ago in Act 1. Immigrating and remade a new life after she relocated to Japan, and her social media career was an opening for her to be herself. Collaboration with a novelist who met the need to translate his novel has become a crucial part of Act 2, and that is how Lalin brings her art to life. Her refusal to come to terms with her insecurities on the other hand hampers the novelist's pursuit and he is unable to continue with the relationship when they actually meet in person. Act 3 opens with a betrayal for Lalin since the writer is an old high school mate, who she recognizes unlocks the feelings and friendship romance. Nevertheless, she makes the attempt, but still he escapes. He gets on his train, and he leaves Japan. In other terms, this journey made Lalin get rid of her mask be true to herself and lose popularity on social media.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
Lalin receives a message from a graphic novelist asking for her help in translating his book into Japanese. This sets off a chain of events that propel the story forward, leading to the development of their relationship and ultimately challenging Lalin to confront her insecurities. This scene could show her initial reaction to the message, perhaps a mixture of surprise and curiosity, as well as her eventual decision to respond and engage with him, thus setting the plot in motion.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
Lalin discovers the true identity of the graphic novelist after reading his book, realizing that he is actually an old high school friend with whom she shared a connection in the past during a party. This revelation marks a significant turning point in the story, as it not only deepens the emotional stakes for Lalin.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
Lalin rushes through the streets of Japan, desperately trying to catch up to the departing novelist. As she navigates through the bustling cityscape, her inner turmoil and determination are palpable, mirroring the intensity of her emotions. Meanwhile, the novelist, unaware of Lalin's pursuit, continues on his journey, adding to the tension and sense of urgency. The scene reaches its climax as Lalin comes face to face with the novelist, only to realize that she is too late and he is already leaving. This moment of confrontation and realization marks the peak of the film's emotional intensity and serves as a decisive turning point in Lalin's character.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
After downloading the video and searching for all the sound effects, I began editing.
Changing my voice to a male's voice was also very interesting and I had fun with playing around.
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