VSP - Exercises

25.04.2024 - 17.05.2024

Graciella Limpah / 0364517 

Video Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Task 1 - Exercises

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LECTURES

Week 1 - Shot size, camera angle, and composition 

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.

Week 2 - Understand storytelling

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.

Week 3 - Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of a film sequence and breaks down the action into individual panels. It is a series of ordered drawings, with camera direction, dialogue, or other pertinent details. It sketches out how a video will unfold, shot by shot.

Traditionally, a storyboard would be sketched on paper, but with a modern digital tool, you can use photography, animation, notes to highlight key characters and scenes and easily go back and make edits. Many people devote their entire careers to storyboarding and they are one of the key tools used by directors, producers, and many other film crew members to communicate and bring a film to life.

Steps to make storyboard :

1. Identify key scenes in the script

2. Map out the key scenes

3. Add images or sketches

4. Describe what happens in each frame

5. Share it with your team

6. Finally, reference it on the day

Week 4 - Production

Production Stages :

1. Development : This is where it all begins. Development is the spark. A producer or a screenwriter has an idea, and they begin to make that idea into a movie. There are 2 main phases within the stage which are the package and financing. Development is usually overseen by a producer, as they are the person who is responsible for getting the initial pieces together – the creatives, the financing, the general schedule, and so on.
2. Pre-production : Pre- Production is where the rubber hits the road. A producer has put blood, sweat, and tears into getting their project picked up, and finally their wishes have been granted. Time for the hard part: making the movie. Pre-production refers to all the preparation necessary before filming begins. In other words, it’s everything that happens between financing being secured and production. There’s three major things that have to happen during this stage which are budgeting, getting the team together, and pre-visualizing.
3. Production : This is when the cameras roll and the footage is captured. The entire process of making a movie is a marathon, but the production phase is a sprint. Usually, a production schedule is as crammed as possible (the longer a shoot, the more expensive it gets). There are a ton of moving elements within the production stage, but here's a quick overview : the call sheet, the set up and shooting.
4. Post-Production : This stage refers to all the work that is done after footage is captured to finish the film. Most people associate post-production with film editing, and while that is a crucial part of the process, there are many other elements at play in the stage such as photo editing, sound editing, and additional visuals.
5. Distribution : Many beginning filmmakers tend to be caught off-guard by this process, which is under-discussed and can be costly and time-consuming. Like most of these stages, distribution is a huge umbrella term that encompasses dozens of different tasks and steps. These steps are : marketing and securing distribution.
   

The role of the production teams: 

Producer
The producer is essentially the project leader, overseeing the production from beginning to end. They develop the project from the initial concept, finalize the script, arrange financing, and manage the production team responsible for making the film. Additionally, the producer coordinates the filmmaking process to ensure everything stays on schedule and within budget. Without the producer's guidance, films would not be made.

Director
The director is mainly responsible for supervising the shooting and assembly of a film. Often seen as the primary visionary, akin to a novel's author, the director relies heavily on numerous other artists and technicians to bring the film to life. The idea of the director as the sole creator is misleading; instead, the director works at the center of production, collaborating with many others.

Screenwriter
Although the dialogue in a film may appear natural, it is meticulously crafted by the screenwriter. The screenwriter also structures the sequence of events to ensure a logical and engaging story progression. Similar to the producer, the screenwriter's critical role is often overlooked by the audience. Without a script, there is no movie.

Production Designer
The production designer is the first artist to translate the script into visual form before filming begins. They create storyboards, which are sketches that depict the visual flow of the story scene by scene. These storyboards ensure visual continuity and serve as the director's visual guide throughout production, also providing a template for the editing process.

Art Director
The art director is responsible for the film's physical settings, including buildings, landscapes, and interiors, making sure they are believable and appropriate. They acquire props, decorate sets, and create the environments where the story takes place.

Costume Designer
Costumes reveal a great deal about the film's time period and the characters, including their economic status, occupation, and self-perception. Costumes visually communicate aspects of a character to the audience.

Cinematographer
The director of photography (DP) captures the script on film or video, focusing on lighting and the camera's technical capabilities. When the director wants specific visual or atmospheric effects, the DP achieves this through lighting choices, film stock, and camera manipulation. This craft is known as cinematography.

Editor
The editor organizes the footage and assembles individual shots into a continuous sequence shortly after shooting begins. They select and arrange dozens of shots from hundreds of feet of film to create a coherent final product. The editor's decisions significantly impact the film's final appearance.

Actors
Actors are responsible for bringing the characters to life on screen. They work closely with the director and cinematographer, and their role is more complex than just appearing on set and delivering lines.

Music Supervisor
Music has played a crucial role in movies since the early days of cinema. Selecting the right music enhances the story and intensifies the audience's experience. From live musicians in silent films to today's carefully chosen soundtracks, music remains integral to filmmaking.

Color Grading vs. Color Correction 

Color correction is a technical process aimed at fixing color issues to make footage appear natural and realistic, as the human eye would see it. Color grading, while also technical, focuses on creatively altering the footage to add atmosphere and emotion, often using unnatural colors.

Key Color Terms:

Hue: Refers to the base color (e.g., red, blue).
Saturation: The intensity of the color, affected by the amount of gray.
Brightness: The level of light in the color, influencing the perception of energy and mood.

Additional Tools:

White Balance: Adjusts color temperature.
Scopes: Provide detailed color information.
Curves: Allow precise color adjustments.
Color Match: Matches colors to a reference image.
Three-Way Corrector: Balances shadows, midtones, and highlights.
Color Qualifiers: Change specific colors without affecting others.
Color Masks: Isolate colors in designated shapes.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Week 1 in class exercises 

In this class, we learn to use Premier Pro for the first time, so we are firstly asked to combine some short clips to make it a video. Here is the result :

fig 1.1 Mints exercise

Next, we are asked to combine some uneven clips to make it a video. Here is the result :

fig 1.2 Doritos Exercise

Week 1 in class quiz

Week 2 in class exercise

We are asked to work in pair to take 8 shots of each other, then compile all of the video into one and add caption.

The video shot : 

Frontal MCU :

Close Up shot :

Frontal MS :

Extreme Close Up Shot :

Side Angle MS :

3/4 Angling MCU Shot :

Low Angle wide shot :

Eye-Level medium wide shot :

Progress

fig 1.3 Process

Result 

fig 1.4 Shots exercise

Week 2 Lalin Exercise

We are asked to watch Lalin YouTube video, and with the given clips, we have to cut and compile into one proper video. We also put effects to it.

Progress

fig 1.5 Process

Result

fig 1.6 Lalin Exercise

Week 2 Lecture quiz (storytelling)

Week 2 Lecture Question : 

We are asked to watch 2 movie, the first one is "Lalin" and the second one is "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once".
Based on each of the movies,
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?

Lalin movie

1. Act 1, Act 2, Act 3

Act 1: Lalin's life is always wearing a mask. She are struggling with her self-image and her reliance on social media and post her picture with filter.
Act 2: Lalin starts connecting with a guy online. They develop a strong online relationship, and the guy wanted to meet Lalin in person.
Act 3: Lalin met Santa, and Santa help her to accept herself with the insecurities she have.

2. Inciting Incident

When Lalin met a guy online with her photos that have filters, then the guy wanted to met Lalin in real life.

3. Midpoint Scene

The boy Lalin met online want to meet Lalin in person and wanted to meet her without her mask on, but because Lalin is not confident enough to open her mask, she asked the boy to not wait for her and just go home without meeting her.

4. Climax Scene

Lalin opened her mask, and behind the mask, there are lots of pimple meaning that this whole time she is hiding her face from her insecurities.

5. Theme

This short movie is about self acceptance, how we can accept ourselves even though we have our own insecurities.

Everything, Everywhere, All at once

1.  Act 1, Act 2, Act 3

Act 1 : Introduces Evelyn Wang, a stressed laundromat owner struggling with taxes and her fractured relationships with her husband Waymond, daughter Joy, and aging father Gong Gong. 

Act 2 : Evelyn learns about the multiverse and her ability to "verse-jump" through parallel realities. Waymond reveals he's from another universe and needs her help to stop a powerful villain, Jobu Tupaki.
Act 3 : Evelyn explores various universes, confronts her regrets, and attempts to connect with Joy. The film reaches its climax and Evelyn faces Jobu Tupaki.

2. Inciting Incident
While overwhelmed at the IRS office, Evelyn is approached by an alternate Waymond who reveals the multiverse and pleads for her help. This disrupts her ordinary life and sets the main conflict in motion.

 
3. Midpoint Scene
Disillusioned by the chaotic nature of the multiverse and the pain in each universe, Evelyn succumbs to nihilism and joins Jobu Tupaki in destroying everything. This is a turning point as Evelyn abandons her initial goal and embraces destruction. 

4. Climax Scene
Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki, who is revealed to be Joy from a universe where everything is meaningless. Evelyn uses kindness and the power of connection to reach out to Joy, stopping her destructive path.

5. Theme
The movie explores themes of existentialism, the importance of human connection, and finding meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. It emphasizes kindness, acceptance, and choosing love even in the face of difficulty.

Week 3 Lecture Quiz

Week 4 Lecture Quiz

Week 6 Task - Sync Audio

Week 7 Lecture Quiz

Week 10 - Trial Stop Motion

  

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REFLECTION

Experience

Learning VSP, especially using the new app Adobe Premiere Pro, has been a fun and engaging experience for me. Although this is my first time learning about filmmaking, Mr. Martin has made it much easier with all the provided tutorials. The lectures shared with us are incredibly interesting and have given me a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes aspects of movie-making.

Observation

During these VSP classes, I observed that learning Adobe Premiere Pro requires patience and attention to detail. The process of editing videos and audio involves various intricate steps, from importing and organizing media to applying effects and fine-tuning the final output. I noticed that collaboration and communication within the group are crucial, especially when selecting appropriate sound effects and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Findings

By week 4, I discovered that Premiere Pro is a fascinating app. Changing the pitch of a voice was a particularly cool experience. Adding sound to a muted video can be stressful, but I found that I enjoy the challenge. Working in groups to find sound effects is also a bit stressful because we have to listen to many sounds to find the perfect match, which is not an easy task.