Video & Sound Production / Exercises

on

21.04.25 -  27.07.25 (Week 1- 14)

Celine Christabelle Patricia / 0374872 

Video & Sound Production / Bachelors of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / The Design School

Exercises

Table Contents

  1. Lectures
    • Cinematography
    • Understand storytelling
    • Storyboard
    • Production
    • Color Grading
    • Quizes
  2. Instructions
  3. Exercise
    1. Video Editting
    2. Exercise: Three-Act Story
    3. Shots

Lectures

I. Cinematography

Types of Camera shots

  • Extreme Wide Shot (ELS)
    • to make subject appear small against the location
    • making sure that the subject is overwhelmed by the location
  • Long Shot (LS) / Wide Shot (WS)
    • to keep the subject (full body) in a plain view amidst grander surroundings.
  • Full Shot (FS)
    • having the subject (full body) to fill the frame, but emphasis still on scenery.
  • Medium Long Shot (MLS) / Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
    • shoots the subject above knees
  • Cowboy Shot
    • shoots the subject from mid thighs upwards
    • “cowboy shot” : used in Westerns to frame a gunslinger’s gun or holster on his hip
  • Medium Shot (MS)
    • shoots the subject from waist upwards
    • emphasizes more to the subject
  • Medium Close Up (MCU)
    • shoots the subject from chest upwards
  • Close Up (CU)
    • shoots the subject's face
  • Extreme Close Up (ECU)
    • shoots a specific focal point, can be eyes, mouth
  • Establishing Shot**
    • a shot to give the audience context
    • used for a transition to a new scene
Types of Camera shots by framing
  • Single Shot
    • captures one subject
  • Two Shot
    • captures two subjects
  • Three Shot
    • captures three subjects
  • Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
    • a shot behind a shoulder (foreground) of another character towards the subject
  • Over-the-Hip Shot (OTH)
    • a shot behind a hip (foreground) of another character towards the subject
  • Point-of-View Shot (POV)
    • audience sees from the character's point of view
Types of Camera shots by focus
  • Rack Focus / Focus Pull
    • to change the focus of the scene in one shot
    • to emphasize the behind the scene, relating it as part of something essential
  • Shallow Focus
    • subject is in crisp focus
    • the foreground and background scenery is out of focus.
  • Deep Focus
    • everything in the frame is in focus
  • Tilt-Shift
    • has a selective focus
    • parts of the image is focus, while the rest is out of focus
  • Soft Focus
    • the whole frame is not 100% in focus
    • usually an effect
  • Split Diopter
    • two simultaneous focal lengths
    • shallow focus in the foreground and background, while the middle ground remains out of focus.
Types of Camera shots by angle
  • Eye level Angle
    • like how we see people in real life
    • most common angle
  • Low Angle 
    • low camera height, looking up at subject
    • emphasize power
  • High Angle
    • high camera height, looking down at subject
    • emphasize inferiority
  • Hip level shot
    • roughly above waist
  • Knee level shot
    • camera height is about as low as the subject’s knees.
  • Ground level shot
    • camera's height is on the ground level
    • usually telling audience what is the subject standing on
  • Shoulder level shot
    • as high as shoulder,  which may make subjects seem shorter
  • Dutch angle / Dutch tilt shot
    • camera is slanted to one side 
    • to create a sense of disorientation
  • Bird's eye view / overhead shot
    • looking down on the subject and a good amount of the scenery surrounding it
  • Aerial shot
    • a very high up shot, usually taken by drone / helicopter
Types of Camera movement
  • Static / Fixed Shot
    • locked camera aim
  • Dolly Shot
    • camera is affixed to a mechanism called a dolly
    • dolly is a specialized cart to hold large cameras
  • Zoom Shot
    •  shots that change the focal length of the lens during the shot.
    • zoom in/ zoom out
  • Dolly Zoom Shot
    • dolly out from the subject while zoom in
    • dolly in to the subject while zoom out
  • Pan Shot
    • this shot will rotate the camera on a horizontal axis, following the subject actions.
  • Tilt Shot
    • this shot will rotate the camera on a vertical axis, following the subject actions.
  • Whip Pan Shot
    • pan the camera from one shot to another horizontally, creating a motion blur. 
  • Whip Tilt Shot
    • pan the camera from one shot to another vertically, creating a motion blur. 
  • Tracking Shot
    • moves with the subject
  • Crab Shot
    • a dolly shot that moves horizontally like a crab.
  • Arc Shot
    • camera moves around the subject to show the whole surrounding
Composition
  • Rule of Thirds
    • positioning the focal point within the 3 X 3 grid 

    • fig 1.1 - rule of thirds

  • Balance and symmetry
    • Symmetrical shot to bring the centre of attention and tension
    • Blocking : the way the director moves actors in a scene.

    • fig 1.2 - Wes Anderson's symmetry composition

  • Leading lines
    • lines (or sometimes imaginary ones) that lead the eye to the focal point in the scene.

    • fig 1.3 - the straight line as leading line
  • Eye level framing
    • positions on the eye level, to bring more empathy

    • fig 1.4 - eye level framing

  • Depth of fields
    • describes the size of the area in your image where objects appear acceptably sharp. 

    • fig 1.5 - explanation toward depth of fields

  • Deep Space
    • significant elements in a scene are positioned both near and far from the camera. 
    • The elements do not have to be in focus.
    • Has a clear foreground, middle-ground, and background

    • fig 1.5 - deep space composition
II. Story Telling

Three act structure: 
A narrative model that divides stories into three parts: Act One, Act Two,  Act Three
  • Act One -  (Setup) orientation, introducing the character's goal, conflicts in the story
  • Act Two - (Confrontation) the escalating of the conflict
  • Act Three - (Resolution) the conflict being resolved, either success or failure
Brief History about Three Act Structure:

Aristotle’s Poetics is the first book any aspiring screenwriter should read. 
Based on that, the theoretical text has all the foundations of storytelling. All stories (or using his language, tragedies and comedies) must have a beginning, middle, and an end. 

The Basic of Three Act Structure 

fig 2.1 - the basic of three act structure

Act 1: Setup

The setup involves introduction of the characters, the story world, and some kind of "inciting incident," It’s usually the first 20-30 minutes of a film. 

The Hook: a scene in the beginning of the movie to captivate the audience

Inciting event: an event or decision that kick-starts the plot of a story

Act 2: Confrontation/Build

The middle of your story should raise the stakes to keep the audience watching. Plot must be interesting, there are ups and downs during the way. 

First plot point: a break into Act 2

First pinch point: often shown as the first obstacle, quarter way of Act 2, involves antagonist

Midpoint: halfway mark of movie, typically a moment that redirects the plot.

Second pinch point: pinch point is a setback. the break into Act 2

Third plot point: break into act 3, this plot point is the highest stakes of the story yet.

Climax: the big bang, the peak of the story

Act 3: Resolution/Pay off

The end should bring some kind of catharsis (bringing some kind of emotional result) or resolution, it's either a relief or despair. 

Resolution: moment to catch our breath and see how the journey has affected our characters.

III. StoryBoard

StoryBoard

    A representation of film sequence which are breakdown into several panels. It consists of reference images for the shots of the movie, also inserting the shot specs of this specific shot.  Happens in the Pre-production phase.

    Fig 3.1 - Example of StoryBoard.
    Traditional vs Thumbnail
    • Traditional storyboards: basic pencil sketches that include detailed information (camera movement, angle etc)
    • Thumbnail storyboards: doesn't have any writing, not so detailed
    How to make a storyboard
    1. Identify the key scenes that are written in the script (highlight the important keywords)
    2. Map out the keywords
    3. Add images or sketches of the key scenes 
    4. Describe what should happen in each scene (Composition, Transition, Character blocking, Expression, Annotations, Camera Action)
    5. Share with the team

    IV. Production

    Production stages
    1. Development
      • A producer / screenwriter has an idea, then develop the idea
      • The package
        • Producer starts to make the screenplay, property, recruit director and actors
      • Financing
        • Money out for movie production
    2. Pre-production
      • Producer has to
        • Have a necessary preparation before the movie starts
        • Budgeting 
        • Getting the team together
      • Pre-visualizing 
        • making a story board
    3. Production
      • Making the movie
      • Assistant director sends a call sheet each day before the shoot, the plan for today
      • Preparing Set up, shooting process
    4. Post-production
      • Work is done, editing process
        • Picture editing
        • Sound editing
        • Adding visual effects
    5. Distribution
      • Movie gets distributed into the market
    V. Miss en Scene

    Miss en Scene - A french Term meaning Placing on Stage
    1. Sets and Location
      • The sets and location establishes the atmosphere of the film
    2. Picking the right Color
      • Creating the mood or effect
    3. Set establishes the world
      • Staging the world according to the story
    4. Props
      • Objects used to enhance the story telling
    5. Costumes
      • To tell who the characters are in the world,  how they feel, etc
    6. Hair and Makeup
      • To tell who the characters are in the world,  how they feel, etc
    7. Lighting sets the tone
      • To create mood, to indicate the time, to give tension
    8. The medium - Film vs. video
      •  Choosing between film vs. digital and camera type affects texture, tone, and narrative style
    9. Camera Placement
      • The camera placement influence the audience mood and the atmosphere of the story
    10. Speeding up or slowing down film
      • Adjusting the frame rate
    11. Comprehend composition
      • Form and frame
      • Depth of Field
        • Composition technique to guide the audience focus
    12. Sound design
      • Audio to enhance the mood, giving tension
    13. Music
      • Music to enhance the mood
    14. Know the talent
    15. Blocking Actors
      • Actors position in the scene
    16. Action in the background
      • Actions in the background, secondary focus but gives mood
    17. Post Production
      • Editting process
    VI. Color Grading

    Color correction 
    Color correction is used to fix imbalances caused by lighting, camera settings, or file formats.
    1.⁠ ⁠Normalize the footage by adjusting exposure or contrast
    2.⁠ ⁠Fix saturation.
    3.⁠ ⁠Adjust brightness and contrast.
    4.⁠ ⁠Set accurate white balance.
    5.⁠ ⁠Check skin tones for natural appearance.

    Color grading
    Color grading adds an intentional look or mood to your video (cool or warm tones)
    1.⁠ ⁠Normalize your footage after color correcting.
    2.⁠ ⁠Choose your desired style/look.
    3.⁠ ⁠Apply color adjustments or LUTs.
    4.⁠ ⁠Fine-tune in your editing software.
    5.⁠ ⁠Check skin tones and use scopes.

    Quizes
    Fig 4.1.1 - Quiz 1

    Fig 4.1.2 - Quiz 2

    Fig 4.1.3 - Quiz 3

    Fig 4.1.4 - Quiz 4

    Fig 4.1.5 - Quiz 5

    Fig 4.1.6 - Quiz 6

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    Instructions

    Week 1 - Exercise 
    Video editting: 

    Fig 1.1 - Editting in Premier Pro

    Vid 1.1 - Video Editting - Mintos 


    Vid 1.2 - Video Editting - Doritos


    Exercise - Three Act Story
    1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
    • Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only. 
      • Part 1 
        • It all started with Evelyn with her family being stuck in debt. She had to deal with her father and her family, their relationship wasn't in good deeds. When she dealing with her taxes and debts in the revenue service, she was pulled by her husband from another universe, requesting help to save the world from Jobu Tupaki (the villain)
      • Part 2
        • She starts traveling to different universe, having the life of different Evelyns. Finally, she finds Jobu Tupaki. Turns out, Jobu Tupaki is Joy, her daughter from the universe she once lived. She started to fight Jobu Tupaki and this is where all the chaos starts.
      • Part 3
        • She realised that fighting Jobu Tupaki won't make any difference. She realise that love and empathy is better than the chaos of violence. She decided to confront Jobu Tupaki with empathy.
    • What is the inciting incident in the movie?
      • When Evelyn's Husband from the multiverse pull her and asked her to save the world
    • What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
      • Evelyn fights with Jobu Tupaki (her daughter in another universe, the villain)
    • What is the Climax scene in the movie?
      • Evelyn realize that fighting is never-ending and starts to empathize the villain
    • What is the theme of the movie?
      • Nihilism
    2. Lalin
    • Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only. 
      • Part 1
        • Lalin, a Net Idol from Thailand who lives in Japan. She can't stand looking at her own face, uses filters for her social medias. She wears mask everytime she went out due to her insecurities. She then get to know Nut, a graphic novelist that wishes her to be a translator. 
      • Part 2
        • She began spending time with Nut through online and become close. After some while, he came to Japan to deliver the book to her, also to meet her. However, she's not ready and asked him to leave. 
      • Part 3
        • Turns out, Nut and Lalin once met, but then Nut decided to change to be a better person by losing weight. Lalin decided to chase after him but didn't reach him in time.
    • What is the inciting incident in the movie?
      • When she gets to know Nut, a graphic novelist that wishes her to be a translator.
    • What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
      • Nut came to Japan to meet Lalin in person, but she rejected to meet him
    • What is the Climax scene in the movie?
      • Lalin decided to chase after him after her realization, but didn't reach him in time
    • What is the theme of the movie?
      • Facing the real world
    Week 2 - Exercise 

    Objectives:

    1. Exercise: Shooting practice, shoot & editing 
      1. (add caption: Adobe Premiere Pro CC - Basic Titles for Beginners)
      2. Post it in your blog under Exercises section.
    Fig 2.1.1 - Recording Process

    Fig 2.1.2 - Editing Process

    Fig 2.1.3 - Exporting settings

    Vid 2.1.4 - Shooting Result

    1. Exercise: Editing Practise 1(Lalin)
      1. Last page of week 2 slides: VSP Framing & Storyboard.pptx
      2. Download the footage: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LGt1c2xPYia6gzLQGG_IuLnXgLvQnJvu?usp=sharing
      3. View the Original video: https://youtu.be/dSvEKiRB8EY
      4. Watch the Editing tutorial video: https://youtu.be/mmQHkApEREM
      5. Lalin final cut: Edit to 35 seconds sharp.
      6. Document process under Project 2 section.

    Fig 2.2.0 - Video Editting progress

    Vid 2.2.1 - Video Editting - Lalin (MY)

    Week 3 - Exercise 
    1. Exercise 2: Shooting practice, shoot & editing 

    Week 4 - Editing Project 1
    Audio Dubbing Project - Blog in Project 1
    Week 5  - Story Board Exercise

    Week 6  - Project Shooting
    Practice on shooting for Project 2

    Week 7  - Project Shooting 2
    Color grading and correcting for Lalin -- Blog in Project 2
    Week 8  - Independent week
    Audio editting in Adobe Audition -- Blog in Project 1
    Week 9  - VFX Exercise
    Do VFX exercise for final project

    Fig 9.1 - Progress in After Effects
    Vid 9.2 - VFX results 

    Week 10 to 14  - Final Project Execution
    Progress and Results documented in Final Project Blogger





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