VIDEO AND SOUND PRODUCTION: PROJECT 02
29/04/2022 - 27/05/2022 (Week 05 - Week 09)
ALICIA TENG YI LING / 0345159
/ BDCM
VIDEO AND SOUND PRODUCTION
PROJECT 02: SHOOTING PRACTICE
& EDITING
LECTURES
Week 02 / Framing & Storyboard
Earliest Cinema
When the first motion picture camera was invented, filmmakers used dramatic presentation. Where the camera is positioned as if it was a member part of the audience for storytelling purposes. Although the shots were simple and straightforward.
At a later time, they realised that everything they filmed, while it looked 3-dimensional in reality, it appeared flat on the screen. To counteract this, they decided to split their ideas into scenes and arrange them in a particular order to create a sense of depth and 3-dimensionality.
Cinematography
Shot: A continuous recording by one camera without any interruption.
Sequence: A series of shots and scenes edited together. It defines the location or setting of a particular narrative and may depict a continuous event happening in the story.
Motion pictures/films/videos consist of many shots.
Cinematography refers to how to position the camera in a manner that helps drive the narrative forward.
Shot Size
- Wide Shot (WS)
- It shows the whole body of the subject and important objects in its surroundings. If it is utilised at the beginning of a scene, it is called an "establishing shot".
- Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
- Shows the broad view of the environment that the subject is in. Helps to convey the geographical location and scale.
- Medium Shot (MS)
- Shows the subject from the waist up. Focuses on the gesture and expression of the subject.
- Medium Close-Up Shot (MCU)
- Shows the subject around midway between waist and shoulders to above the head. For example, from shoulders to forehead of subject.
- It is used when trying to further emphasize on expressions if needed. Background should be blurred.
- Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
- Shows the subject from around the knees up
- It has headroom above the subject and is wide enough to show the location of the scene.
- Close-Up Shot (CU)
- It is utilised to isolate the most important part of the subject.
- It usually shows the head, hands or small objects.
- It emphasizes on facial expression and details of objects.
- Close up shots solely show the head where the forehead and chin are cut off.
- Extreme Close-Up Shot (ECU)
- Shows only a portion of a subject.
- It is used to magnify a certain part of a detail so as to increase drama or impact or to show a significant part of an image more clearly.
- Over the Shoulder Shot (OS)
- Shows the subject from behind the shoulder of another person or from the person itself.
- Used as a point of view (POV) shot to show the audience what the other person is looking at.
Composition
Rules of thirds
A 3x3 Grid where subjects are placed on the intersecting points as it is shown to be aesthetically appealing and helps to create focus.
Facial Modelling
This is best when the character is turned at a 3/4 angle (45 degrees) and the lighting can show the shape of the face and also shows the eyes fully.
3-Dimensional Solidity
This can be achieved most clearly when two or more surfaces are being photographed. The camera is angled around the subject in a manner where both sides of an object are viewed.
Parallel Lines
The camera is angled so that parallel lines in a scene converge at a distance. It is used to ascertain that the audience's eyes are brought into the distance.
Subject Height
- Eye Level Shot
- It is shot from the eye level of the viewer or from the subject's eye level
- Low Angel Shot
- It is shown from the bottom of the subject with the camera angle tilted upwards. It is used as an illusion to make the subject appear larger for a strong feeling. It gives the impression of a taller height.
- High Angle
- The camera position is above the subject and angled downwards to focus on the subject. It is used to make the subject appear smaller and perhaps more weak and vulnerable.
Dynamic Screen Direction
The camera placement shows the sequence of a singular continuous motion in several shots. The subject should move in the same direction throughout the entire shooting to display and ensure consistency in every shot. All the cameras should be positioned on one side of the character for the same reason.
180 Degree Rule
This is used when multiple angled shots are used to film two people facing each other. The cameras should not cross the horizontal axis of the two people to prevent disorientation and to keep a constant direction.
Week 03 / Storytelling in Film
3-Act Story Structure
Act 01: Beginning
It is the introduction to the story. Where the main character is introduced along with their goal and background.
Act 02: Middle
This is also know as the "Rising Action", it is the set up confrontation for a problem. This is were obstacles or issues are developed leading to the climax of the story.
Act 03: End
This is also know as the "Rising Action", it is the set up confrontation for a problem. This is were obstacles or issues are developed leading to the climax of the story.
Act 03: End
This is the ending of the climax and where a resolution to those issues is provided. Basically, it ties up the loose ends in the storyline.
Plot Point 01: "The Plot Thickens"
An incident that flips the story into a new direction. This happens in act 2 typically and reminds the audience that there can be another possible outcome for the story.
Plot Point 02: "The Longest Mile"
This is also known as the "Climactic Turning Point". This sets up the story for its climax by creating a cliffhanger in the story.
INSTRUCTIONS
EXERCISES
Week 02 (08/04/2022)
Shooting exercise: Framing
In week 2, we learnt about framing with different size shots. In this exercise, we were tasked to shoot eight different types of size shots (at least five seconds each) and then stitch them together, and they are:
- Low angle wide shot
- Frontal medium close-up (soft background)
- Frontal medium shot (soft background)
- Extreme close-up shot
- Side angle medium shot (soft background)
- 3/4 angling medium close-up shot (with blurry/soft foreground)
- Close-up shot
- Eye-level medium-wide shot
Framing shooting exercise reminders:
- 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
- Shoot landscape format video, 5 seconds per shot
- Edit with caption (mention the shot size), export video for submission
They must be edited with captions included (to mention shot size).
I decided to shoot two videos: one where I shoot the videos with my sister as my subject and one where I shoot the videos with myself as the subject. I did this as I wanted to try directing different styles of compositions and concepts. Shots were composed with the guide of the rule of thirds.
For the 2nd video - I used an iPad air to film as my camera was still on the way. It took roughly eighty minutes total for both of the shoots.
For my first video, I decided to shoot inside the kitchen and basically take different angles of my sister throughout the cooking process as I thought this could result in some pretty interesting shots.
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Fig 1.1.1 Adobe Premiere Pro Video #1 Timeline |
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Fig 1.1.2 Video #1 Clips |
Fig 1.1.3 Test Editing Shooting Exercise Video
Some struggles I had were trying to position my sister for a better-looking shot and the lighting in this room is not great and fluctuates quite a lot so I had to work around natural lighting and tweak the artificial lights available. Additionally, the backgrounds weren’t soft enough for me and it was quite hard to work with an iPad due to its weight and size, plus I naturally have shaky hands. I wanted to do another video with better quality for my own satisfaction.
For my second video, I wanted to have fun with this exercise and I wanted a quiet, aesthetic style with a makeup video ad concept. I played around with ‘props’ (the avocadoes) and tried to edit each shot to the chosen music. After shooting, I imported the video files into Adobe Premiere Pro to trim and arrange the shots. After I finished editing and assembling the footage and background music I added a caption from each of the shots to state what they are.
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Fig 2.2.1 Adobe Premiere Pro Video #2 Timeline
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FINAL EDITED SHOOTING EXERCISE VIDEO SUBMISSION
Fig 2.2.3 Final Edited Shooting Exercise Video
Some struggles I had with these shots were setting up the camera and tripod in positions, heights and angles I liked for interesting shots.
Week 2
Premiere Pro Editing Exercise 1
The task for this exercise is to edit the shots we were given in this Google Drive: link. Then, to assemble them in order (based on the storyboard), trim out unnecessary parts of the clips and apply simple transitions. These shots are based on a short film called My Name is “LALIN”.
In the tutorial video, we were instructed to use the effects “cross dissolve” for the main male character disappearing and to insert “dip to black” effect at the beginning and end of the video.
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Fig 3.1 Lalin Editing Timeline in Adobe Premier Pro |
Fig 3.2 Final Edited Lalin Exercise Video
Week 3
Shooting exercise: Music Video
On week 3 we were tasked to dance for a music video where we had to form a group of three and come up with a song choice as well as a choreography for it.
My group members are Adena and Adeline and we chose "WA DA DA" by Kep1er 케플러.
Fig 4.1 Kep1er 케플러 | ‘WA DA DA’ Music Video
Fig 4.2 Kep1er - 'WA DA DA' Dance Practice (Mirrored)
Fig BLAH is the dance choreography we decided to follow for this exercise. I am bad at dancing in the sense that I don't have any body control so I decided that not all of my individual part will be dancing but instead different shots of myself, kind of like the opening scenes of other KPOP music videos.
We had to film a few shots such as:
- Wide Shot - high angle (Solo)
- 3 single full body shots - eye level (Members at side)
- Medium Shot - Eye level (Solo)
- Medium Close-up Shot - Eye level (Solo)
- Close-up Shot - Eye level (Solo)
- Extreme Close-up Shot - Eye level (Solo)
- Wide Shot - Low angle (Solo)
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Fig 4.3 Music Video Timeline in Adobe Premier Pro
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It was a very difficult exercise for me because I am unable to dance. I deleted over fifty clips of me dancing because it was painful for me to watch. Please take care when watching, it will hurt.
FINAL EDITED MUSIC VIDEO SUBMISSION
Fig 5.1 Final Edited Music Video
I took many repeated shots so I could pick which ones I liked best for editing. I filmed everything during the day as I wanted the natural sunlight, however, the day I chose, it happened to be really cloudy and overcast. Thus, resulting in quite a gloomy atmosphere. Although, I did adjust the brightness, exposure and contrast levels to make it better.
3 Acts Structure & "Munich" Analysis
We were tasked to write down the 3 acts structure after watching and analysing three short films: "Burrow", "Guang", and "Lalin" Additionally, we were told to conduct a film study where we are required to watch a 2 hour and 44 minute thriller/drama movie called 'Munich' (2005). We must analyse and write about the story structure and sound design as well as the main character, his goals and obstacles.
Burrow
Fig 6.1 Burrow Full Short Film
Act 1
In the introduction, the bunny and his blueprint indicates that he wants to build a house.
Plot Point 1
The characters, mole and rat appears and interrupts his plan to build his house alone. They offer to help but he doesn't want it and refuses.
Act 2
He starts burrowing lower but can't seem to find a place to build his home without being interrupted by others.
Plot Point 2
The bunny accidentally causes a flood as he dug too deep, into an underground river.
Climax
He runs away from the increasing flooding and asks for help from the other animals. They put all of their efforts towards directing the flood away from their homes.
Act 3
In the end, they all solved the flooding issue together. The bunny makes friends with the animals and asks for help to build his home.
Guang
Fig 6.2 Guang Full Short Film
Act 1
In the beginning, a man requests for the main character to introduce himself in a job interview.
Plot Point 1
The main character gets distracted after hearing the sound of glass that was produced by stirring and does not get hired because of it.
Act 2
Later on, the main character's brother manages to secure an interview for him. Instead, he searches for the glass he has been looking for.
Plot Point 2
The main character was able to find the glass he wants however, he forgot to go to the interview.
Climax
His brother and him get into an argument because he had forgotten and missed the interview.
Act 3
Subsequently, the main character's brother spots the main character playing a type of music with different varieties of glasses. The brother then realises and understands that he was in the wrong to scold and criticize him.
Lalin
Fig 6.3 Lalin Full Short Film
Act 1
To start off, the main character is introduced with her name. Then, it moves on to display her daily life.
Plot Point 1
A man messages her to ask for her assistance in translating his book for him.
Act 2
They become closer and eventually friends over online chatting.
Plot Point 2
Suddenly, the man arrives in Sapporo to surprise and meet the main character. The main character refuses to meet the boy and tells him to go back.
Climax
The man is on a train platform and nearly leaves when she runs after him to try to catch up to him after reading his book. She found out that they were old classmates when they were younger.
Act 3
Finally, she begins to accept herself more and decides not to hide behind an online persona and appearance.
"Munich" Movie Analysis
Fig 6.4 Munich (2005) Movie Trailer
3 Acts Structure
Act 1
During the Munich Olympics, an organisation of Palestinian terrorists killed eleven Israeli athletes in their dorms. The main protagonist, Avner, is asked by the Israeli government to aid them in the assassination of eleven Palestinians who are part of the terrorist group. He agrees and is joined by four other men of which he is the team leader. Additionally, he has a handler to brief and look over his progress in the mission. Avner and his team proceed with their mission, along with help from Louis, a French informant. They began to hunt down the Palestinians terrorists and murder them.
Plot Point 1
Their first kill is a success. However, later on one of their missions, Louis provided an explosive for them, however it was not the one they requested for. This nearly cost Avner his life as well as a other innocent bystanders.
Act 2
Avner's group begin to question Louis, and believe that he is dishonest and lying. They tell Avner not to trust him anymore however Avner continues to receive information from him. Avner and his team decide to go to Beirut to join a raid. There, they receive orders beforehand to not engage in anything in Beirut. However, they anger Louis and he locks Avner and his team in a safehouse He asked Louis for a safehouse and he put them into one with Palestinian terrorists. They try to lie their way out but it ends up in a shootout and Avner's group kills them.
Plot Point 2
During their mission, Avner and one of his team, Carl, meet a Dutch woman in a hotel bar. The next day, Avner discovers Carl dead in the woman’s hotel room.
Climax
Later on, Louis tells Avner that the woman was a hired killer and there are other people who are hunting them down. Avner and two of his team members went to murder the woman for revenge which was their first unauthorized kill. Subsequently, one of his team members was murdered by an unknown individual while his other team member died in a bomb making accident. Avner and Steve, his remaining team member, went to kill their last target but failed and Avner decided to call off the mission and leave.
Act 3
Avner went back to Israel and returned to his family. He was hailed as a hero. From then on, he lives with his family in the USA but experiences paranoia and PTSD.
Story Outline
The story begins with the Munich massacre of eleven Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists. This greatly angered the Israeli government who secretly tasks a Mossad agent, Avner Kaufman to aid the assassinations' of eleven Palestinians as revenge for the Munich Olympics murders. He agrees and becomes the leader of a group with four other men who are named Steve, Hans, Robert and Carl. Avner enlisted the help of a French informant, Louis, for intel that helps them find and murder their targets. On one of their missions, Carl was killed by a woman who was found out to be a hired killer. Avner and one other team member decided to make their first unauthorised kill of the woman as revenge for carl. Two other members died, one from an unknown person and the other in a bomb making incident. Avner and Steve attempt to kill the last target but fail. Avner calls off the mission and decides to go home. He is hailed as a hero when he returns but refused to provide information to his handler. In the end, he lives in the USA with his family but suffers from paranoia and PTSD.
Description of the Main Character
The main character's name is called Avner Kaufman. He works under the Israeli government and is patriotic towards his country. This is why he agreed to assassinate the Palestinian terrorists however this changes once most of his group members die during their mission. His values in life include his desire to protect his loved ones, those being his family (wife and soon to be born child) as well as his team members. It is evident that he has a gentle personality when he is seen questioning the mission after they have killed some of the targets. As he progresses, he becomes more anxious and paranoid thus allowing his heightened emotions to stray off the orders given and even does unauthorised murders.
Main Character's Goal
Initially, Avner’s goal was to show his patriotism by completing the tasks his government gives him, which is why he agreed to the assassination offer. However, his objective all along was to protect his loved ones so they may be protected from the terrorists' attacks.
Main Character's Obstacles
His obstacles include bearing the burden of being tasked to kill many people including some innocent bystanders. He also had a fight with his group as they were paranoid on whether Louis was trustworthy or not. Additionally, He was hesitant to leave his family and soon to be born child as he was afraid of something bad happening to them.
Week 05 (25/04/2022)
Group Shooting
In this week, we had a group shooting as part of our project 2. Mr. Martin provided a selection of clips from the k-drama "Happiness" Trailer and we are tasked to reshoot these. We filmed in Taylor's campus using professional equipment provided by the university. Before this date, we had already split everyone into their chosen roles. I chose to be a part of the lighting equipment role.
Behind the Scenes Pictures
Reflection: We managed to get all the shooting done in time, actually relatively early. We all performed our roles and it was a very fun experience that let me meet my classmates for the first time in a long while. At the same time, it was exhausting and lighting equipment was really heavy, it was the most intense workout I've done for some time.
Shots & Sound Clips
At the end of the day, I uploaded the audio clips into a shared google drive at the end of the day and Adena sorted and labelled them. My group members took some extra shots just in case we wanted to use them for extra uses and Adena and Adeline recorded a number of ambience shots in different places to use during the editing process.
Week 6 (06/05/2022)
Video Editing of Group Shooting
In this week, we were tasked to edit the the shots we had taken previously last week and edit them while syncing the externally recorded sound with the video clips.
Behind the Scenes Images
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Fig 7.1 Behind the scene picture #1 |
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Fig 7.2 Behind the scene picture #2 |
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Adobe Premiere Pro Workspace Screenshots
I manually synced the audio with the video clips so I can accurately time and match the words to their lips. I applied the DeNoise effect to each of the audio clips as there was an abundance of background noise and talking and lowered the audio output for some of the clips that were much louder than others. I wanted to edit a cinematic version of this video for fun so I downloaded some dramatic opera music from YouTube and used that as the background music. I timed the shots changing to the beat of the music because it looks cooler in my opinion. For the one rotating extra shot I put in, I applied the warp stabilizer effect as the original video was extremely shaky.
Fig 8.1 Editing Video with Audio Syncing Only
Fig 8.2 Cinematic Edited Version
FEEDBACK
Week 7 - Shooting Exercise: Music Video Filming
This isn't a wide shot Alicia
And is this really considered a low shot
REFLECTION
In this module, it has really pushed me to learn and use cameras and camera equipment to the point where I notice that my cinematography and videography skills have improved significantly since the last time I was in Mr. Martins class. I’ve learnt many new terminologies and skills which will be very handy for my production and video editing needs in the future.
It was an interesting experience to be able to shoot an exercise as part of a crew especially because previously in both my degree and foundation, every was online due to the pandemic. It was all very, new but nonetheless a nice, fresh change. I liked being able to interact with my friends and meet new classmates. It made the workflow feel less stressful and instead more like I was able to enjoy my learning more.
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