Video & Sound Production: Exercise


22.4.2025 - 27.7.2025 / Week 1 - Week 14
Aw Wen Chia / 0368828
Video & Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media



TABLE OF CONTENTS



1. INSTRUCTIONS





2. LECTURE


Week 1:
Fig 1, Lecture Slides for Week 1: Briefing



Week 2:

Fig 2, Lecture Slides for Week 2: Framing & Storyboard



ASYNCHRONOUS STUDY:

Week 1:
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 emphasise 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 colour 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:

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#camera-framing 

Video: https://youtu.be/qQNiqzuXjoM?si=uMiCewr3kG-jVfsm 

 

Camera Angle: 

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#camera-angles 

Video: https://youtu.be/wLfZL9PZI9k?si=vr9Crx7oT86yrEbd 

 

Composition:

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/rules-of-shot-composition-in-film/#:~:text=What%20is%20composition%3F,to%20convey%20an%20intended%20message

Video: https://youtu.be/hUmZldt0DTg?si=2WBYvavmbtN9_fnL 

 

Additional:

Composition: 

1.https://youtu.be/GtPqDPhx-EI?si=z05Yj20285VtVVph 

2.https://youtu.be/GKzdP8cupH4?si=OFQlQPTBil46wgi0 


Quiz:


Week 2:
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: 

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/ 

Video

https://youtu.be/tvqjp1CxxD8?si=sgTSKNpGdkeSKgbq

 

Reading: 

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-three-act-structure 


Quiz:




Lalin

Based on the movie:

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively?

Act 1: Lalin gets introduced, a net idol post edited pictures of herself and hides her real face behind a mask. She moved to Japan after a life of bullying in Thailand. She makes us wonder why she does not have any self-esteem.

Act 2: She starts forming a bond with a graphic novelist, Astronaut Nut, when he asked her to translate one of his books into Japanese. He then travels to Japan to meet Lalin.

Act 3: Lalin refused to meet Astronaut Nut in person; he leaves disappointed but tells Lalin to read his book. She reads the book and realises he is her old classmate, she tries but fails to catch up to him but removes her mask in the process.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

When it was revealed, Lalin moved to Japan after she got bullied

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

Astronaut Nut travelling to Japan to meet Lalin, who does not want to meet him.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

After Astronaut Nut reveals himself as Lalin's old classmate and Lalin trying to go after him.

5. What is the theme of the movie?

Self-love and Respect

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Based on the movie:

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively?

Act 1: Evelyn and her family, with their dynamic and business, are introduced.

Act 2: Alpha Waymond appears and informs Evelyn about the multiverse, Jobu Tupaki, and her involvement within that sphere.

Act 3: Resolves the conflict with no deaths, and mends the relationship with her daughter and husband.

2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

When Alpha Waymond is introduced with the multiverse problem.

3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

When Evelyn successfully using her powers.

4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?

When Evelyn understood Jobu Tupaki.

5. What is the theme of the movie?

Generational Trauma



Week 3:
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 


Quiz:



Week 4:

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.

 

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/stages-of-film-production/ 


Quiz:



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:

1.Beginner: https://www.govtech.com/education/news/the-roles-of-the-production-team.html 

2.Advance: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-crew-positions/ 


Quiz:




Week 5:

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.

Reading Materials: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mise-en-scene-elements/ 

Video 01: What is Mise en scene?

https://youtu.be/3euNFd7-TCg?si=L5IXT_J_HzFyc09c 

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

https://youtu.be/xcOh6iWq8DA?si=lkbciy2XvzqzzkYe 

Video 03: How location affects your scene

https://youtu.be/pTptxpcYySI?si=GIpWtmZ7dQkRi_Gx 

Video 04: Color in film

https://youtu.be/yVdhm9P8I6o?si=q_TWychcYa_KItcx 

Video 05: Costume & Make-up

https://youtu.be/7KjHsurAJpc?si=TBysQRijbWzgBOjZ 

Video 06: Lighting

https://youtu.be/K9w8I_YD29E?si=zkLeqPNAPMjRI4xr

Video 07: Camera Placament

https://youtu.be/wLfZL9PZI9k?si=2-PiZnAw6EOrMUIT 

Video 08: Composition

https://youtu.be/HMjvvltQpmw?si=caydtPElr5geEsRD 

Video 09: Acting

https://youtu.be/hOqVRwGVUkA?si=gXD2S8Md2w4kiDyu 

Video 10: Blocking

https://youtu.be/9AGaECt9j4g?si=HJZWLQd8EU5xUk0K 

https://youtu.be/o-4rk3T8PbQ?si=Z_1n8TMYz1AsHE9Q 


Quiz:







3. EXERCISE

Week 1:

Task 1: Mint Advertisement

For this task, we had to connect clips to form an advertisement video. This was to get used to Premiere Pro. We started by downloading the video clips from a Google Drive given in the Week 1 slides. Then, our tutor taught us things like how to import videos, connect said videos, export the video, and tips and tricks to navigate the app.

This task was quite easy as the video sequence was labelled and our tutor walked us through the process.

Fig 3.1, Process of the Mint Advertisement


Final Mints Video:




Task 2: Doritos Advertisement

For the second task, it was similar to the first one, however, the clips for the advertisement were not labelled. The task was for us to find out the sequence of the advertisement ourselves. It was a little challenging at first, but I quickly got the hang of it.

Fig 3.2, Process of the Doritos Advertisement


Final Doritos Video:






Week 2:

For Week 2, we learned about different shot sizes and camera angles. For the exercise, we had to shoot our friends in multiple shot sizes and angles, then edit them into one video.

We also learned about storyboards and how to piece together clips following a storyboard. We had to edit a script, Lalin(click to see full video), using clips that were filmed by our seniors.

Fig 3.3, Progress of editing Lalin



Week 3:




Week 4:

Storyboard Practice Instruction:

Using the shotlist provided in the above slides, I made my storyboard.





4. REFLECTION:

Week 1:
I learned about shot sizes, camera angles, compositions, etc. It was a nice start to the module, and the materials my tutor sent were very helpful and informative.

Week 2:
I learned about the 3 act story structure. I learned something similar in high school before, but this was more in-depth, and I appreciate story structure even more now

Week 3:
I learned about storyboards, since I did my Foundation in Design in Taylor's, I went through the subject called Contextual Study, which had a whole assignment about making a storyboard, so I was more than familiar with it, however, this taught me not only what a storyboard is, but also how it is used in film.

Week 4:
I learned about production and what goes on behind the scenes in movies, and what roles there are in making a movie. It was very informative, and I do enjoy watching the behind-the-scenes for movies more. 

Week 5:
I learned about mise en scene, and I was made aware of how framing can change the vibe and feeling of a movie. I was very intrigued by it, and the information was very helpful for our assignments.

Week 6:
I learned about colour correcting, it was definitely helpful as it made me realise that the videos do not need to have consistent lighting, so for a small production with not a lot of materials to work with, it was a good "safety net" to put.

Week 7:
I had a project submission, and the previous lessons definitely made it easier for me to complete the task, and I even found some parts of the assignment fun.

Week 8:
I learned about audio manipulation, and it was quite fun for me to record and manipulate my voice into various places and "beings". It was definitely a learning curve to get done, but I am proud of the final results.

Week 9:
I learned about VFX. I already knew what it consisted of, but making a VFX video was very eye-opening on how long it can take, making me more appreciative of the VFX in movies.

Week 10:
I started working on my final project, and I chose stop-motion animation. I only had the story in my head at this point, but I was sure of what I wanted to do.

Week 11:
I started working on the storyboard of my final project, and I had a lot of frames, it was so I could guide myself in what to do when it was time to shoot. I also chose songs and references for my animation.

Week 12:
I started filming a few seconds of the animation. I knew stop-motion animation would take a long time, but I still couldn't believe it took so long just to make 5 seconds of animation.

Week 13:
I consulted with my tutor on my animation, which was still in work in progress, he gave me the green light and told me to continue. I was glad but dreaded the workload.

Week 14:
I finished my final project and task. While it took me so long to finish everything, I am very proud of myself with the final product of everything here. I really appreciate this course and how it gave me inside knowledge on what goes on behind movie and film productions.



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