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Video & Sound Production: Exercises & Lecture Notes

Ye YingYing / 0364398

Video & Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Exercises & Lecture Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Week 1 
2. Week 2 
3. Week 3 
4. Week 4 
5. Week 5 
6. Week 6
7. Week 7 
8. Week 8 
9. Week 9 

- Lecture Notes -

Basics of Cinematography


1. Shot Size
  • The amount of visible space in a single shot/frame.
  • Communicates information or emotion through framing.
Examples:
Close-Up (CU): Shows detailed facial expressions → emphasizes emotion/reaction.
Wide Shot (WS): Shows a larger area → used to establish setting/context.

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#shot-size
Video: https://youtu.be/AyML8xuKfoc?si=_xLVEotEBZG9VQk2

2. Camera Angle
  • The camera's position in relation to the subject.
  • Changes the viewer's perspective and creates mood or emphasis.
Examples:
High-Angle Shot: Camera looks down on the subject → makes them seem weak or vulnerable.
Low-Angle Shot: Camera looks up at subject → makes them seem powerful or dominant.

Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/#camera-angles
Video: https://youtu.be/wLfZL9PZI9k?si=vr9Crx7oT86yrEbd

3. Composition
  • The arrangement of visual elements in a shot.
  • Placement of characters/objects, use of color, lighting, balance, and symmetry.
Function:
  • Creates visual interest
  • Guides the viewer's eye
  • Communicates emotion or meaning
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
1. https://youtu.be/GtPqDPhx-EI?si=z05Yj20285VtVVph
2. https://youtu.be/GKzdP8cupH4?si=OFQlQPTBil46wgi0

4. Framing


- Class Exercises -

Editing Progress 
  • Key is 'Overwrite'

Final Outcome
Exercise 1 - Mints
Exercise 2 - Doritos
- Quiz Result -



Week 2 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes -

Framing & Storyboard
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XFl2052AD9TdLRSLmjPimZvnQZ3DPjQF/edit?slide=id.p28#slide=id.p28


Understanding Storytelling
  • Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, and experiences through a structured narrative. In film and literature, a common and effective structure is the Three-Act Structure.

1. Act One: The Setup
Introduces the protagonist, their world, and the current situation.

Key Element:
  • Inciting Incident: A significant event that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and starts the story.
  • It pushes the character to take action and pursue a goal.
Example: A character loses their job (inciting incident) and decides to start their own business.

2. Act Two: The Confrontation
The protagonist faces obstacles while pursuing their goal.

Structure:
  • First Half: The protagonist makes progress.
  • Second Half: They face setbacks, challenges, and complications.
Key Element:
  • Ends with a major turning point or crisis where the character must change their approach.
Example: The business starts to grow, but a competitor appears, causing problems.

3. Act Three: The Resolution
Leads to the climax and resolves the story.

Key Elements:
  • Climax: The final, most intense conflict or challenge.
  • Resolution (Denouement): Loose ends are tied up, and the protagonist’s journey concludes.
Example: The character overcomes the competitor and finds success, achieving personal growth.

Summary
  • Setup – Introduction + inciting incident
  • Confrontation – Obstacles, growth, crisis
  • Resolution – Climax and closure
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

- Class Exercises - 
Exercise - Shot & Edit 

Editing Progress 
  1. Import all the short clips first
  2. Adjust the length of each clip (same step as week one exercise - Overwrite)
  3. Import the audio (https://freetouse.com/music/lukrembo/memories)
  4. Add captions for each shot
  5. Add effect to each clip (SL Glod Tobacco - Canon 5D)
Final Outcome
 
Exercise - 3-act structure

Based on the short film Lalin

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only. 
  • Act 1: Introducing the Thai student  Lalin, who is in Japan, wears a mask and has become famous online. It shows how she feels unsure about herself and wants to be accepted. 
  • Act 2: As she goes through her daily life, she becomes more popular online and starts getting close to a classmate, but still hides her real face. 
  • Act 3: She finally takes off her mask in front of the classmate. He accepts her, and she starts to feel better about being herself.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
  • When Lalin meets a guy in a Santa costume, and gets bullied. Then she decides to go to Japan to start a new life.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
  • When Lalin edits her picture with a beauty filter. It shows how she feels stuck between her real self and her online image.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
  • When Lalin runs after the guy, showing that she wants to stop hiding and face her feelings.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
  • Accept yourself and don't let other people’s opinions control how you live.

Based on the movie Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

1. Which part is act 1, act 2, act 3 respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only. 

  • Act 1: Introducing Evelyn, a woman who runs a laundromat, struggling with her family, taxes, and daily life. Things get worse when she goes to the IRS office.
  • Act 2: Starting when Evelyn finds out that there are many versions of herself in other universes. She learns to jump between them and has to stop a powerful version of her daughter who wants to destroy everything.
  • Act 3: When Evelyn stops fighting with violence and chooses kindness. She fixes her relationship with her daughter and husband and brings peace back to her life.
2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?
  • When another version of Evelyn’s husband tells her she is the only one who can save the multiverse.
3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?
  • when Evelyn starts using powers from other universes and begins to understand how the multiverse works.
4. What is the Climax scene in the movie?
  • When Evelyn reaches her daughter and shows her love instead of fighting, she helps her daughter feel understood.
5. What is the theme of the movie?
  • Accepting yourself and your family, and finding meaning in small, everyday moments.

- Quiz Result -


Week 3 - Shooting Practice 

- Lecture Notes - 

Storyboard
A storyboard is a visual representation of a film, animation, or video game sequence. Similar to a comic strip, with a series of drawings or images shown in order. Used during pre-production to plan and visualise scenes.
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-storyboard/

How to make a storyboard
Reading: https://milanote.com/guide/film-storyboards

Purpose of a Storyboard
  • Helps the director, cinematographer, and crew to:
  • Plan shots
  • Understand the narrative flow
  • Communicate creative ideas
  • Prepare for camera work, movement, and timing
What Storyboards May Include:
  • Camera angles
  • Character movement or positioning
  • Scene composition
  • Dialogue (optional)
  • Special effects or sound notes
Why Storyboarding Is Important
  • Allows testing of visual ideas before filming.
  • Helps identify and solve potential problems early.
  • Saves time, effort, and resources during actual production.
  • Makes the shooting process smoother and more efficient.
 - Class Exercises -
Exercise - Shooting Practice 2

Editing Progress 
  1. Import all the short clips first
  2. Adjust the length of each clip (same step as week one exercise - Overwrite)
  3. Import the audio (https://freetouse.com/music/lukrembo/memories)
  4. Add effect to each clip (SL Glod Tobacco - Canon 5D)
  5. Add captions for each shot
  6. Add Video Transition Effect 'Dip to Black' between each clip
Final Outcome

- Quiz Result - 


Week 4 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes -  

Production
Production Stages in filmmaking can be broken down into three main phases:
  1. Pre-production
  2. Production
  3. Post-production
1. Pre-production
  • This is the planning stage of filmmaking, where all the necessary preparations are made before filming begins.
  1. Writing the script
  2. Creating storyboards
  3. Casting actors
  4. Scouting locations
  5. Designing sets and costumes
  6. Hiring crew members
2. Production
  • This is the stage where the actual filming takes place.
  • The production team works together to capture all the footage needed for the film.
  • They follow the plans and preparations made during pre-production.
  • This stage can be physically and logistically challenging, involving:
  1. Coordinating a large team
  2. Managing a complex schedule
3. Post-production
  • This is the stage where the footage is edited and assembled into a final product.
  1. Cutting and arranging scenes
  2. Adding music and sound effects
  3. Colour grading
  4. Adding visual effects
  • Post-production can be time-consuming, requiring:
  1. Careful attention to detail
  2. A keen eye for storytelling
Reading: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/stages-of-film-production/

Production Crew
The production crew is a team of professionals who work together to create a film or video.
Each member has a specific role and set of responsibilities, which are essential to the overall success of the production.

Key Production Crew Members & Their Tasks
1. Director
  • Responsible for overseeing the entire production
  • Ensures the creative vision for the project is realised
Works closely with cast and crew to:
  1. Block out scenes
  2. Direct actors' performances
  3. Make creative decisions about the look and feel of the film
2. Producer
  • Manages the logistical and financial aspects of the production
Responsibilities include:
  1. Securing funding
  2. Hiring the crew
  3. Coordinating schedule and locations
  4. Ensuring project is completed on time and within budget
3. Cinematographer (Director of Photography / DP)
  • Responsible for the visual aesthetic of the film
Works with the director to choose:
  1. Cameras
  2. Lenses
  3. Lighting
  4. Helps achieve the desired look and mood for each scene

4. Production Designer
  • Handles the overall visual design of the film
Oversees elements like:
  1. Sets
  2. Costumes
  3. Props
  4. Collaborates with director and cinematographer to create a cohesive visual world

5. Sound Designer
  • Manages the audio aspects of the film
Tasks include:
  1. Recording and editing dialogue
  2. Adding sound effects and music
  3. Works closely with the director and editor to integrate sound and picture seamlessly

6. Editor
  • Assembles the footage into a coherent story
Collaborates with director and sound designer to shape:
  1. Pacing
  2. Tone
  3. Structure of the film

- Class Exercises - 
Holiday, no class exerciese.

- Quiz Result - 


Week 5 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes -  
Mise en Scène
Mise en scène is a French term that translates literally to “placing on stage.”
In theater, film, and other visual storytelling mediums, it refers to the overall visual arrangement and presentation of a scene.
It includes everything 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.
- Example: A realistic setting like a living room, or an abstract, symbolic space.

Time Period:
- The historical era of the story, influencing costumes, props, and set design.

2. Props and Objects
- Items used by characters or found in the scene.
- Can symbolize themes, indicate character traits, or help advance the plot.

3. Costume and Makeup
Reflect a character’s:
1. Personality
2. Social status
3. Occupation
4. Psychological state

4. Lighting
The use of light and shadow to:
- Create mood
- Highlight specific elements
- Guide the audience’s focus

Example: High-contrast lighting can create a dramatic or tense atmosphere.

5. Composition and Framing
The arrangement of visual elements within the frame (film) or on stage (theater).

Includes:
- Camera angles (in film)
- Actor positioning (in theater)
- Influences how the audience perceives relationships and power dynamics.

6. Performance and Acting
Includes actors’:
- Physical movements
- Facial expressions
- Interactions
- Essential to conveying emotion and subtext.

7. Color Palette
The selection of colors used in:
- Costumes
- Sets
- Lighting
- Can evoke specific emotions or symbolize themes.

8. Spatial Relationships
The distance and arrangement between:
- Characters
- Objects

Can express:
- Intimacy
- Conflict
- Hierarchy

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

- Class Exercises - 
Team shooting practise: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TVO9E-2dwQ2ptHQdJ38yZofJO3CFwCklUgzEwyg1uk0/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

This week, we formed a group for the upcoming Task 2. During the group discussion and role assignment, I was given the position of Art Director.

As the Art Director, my responsibilities include:
1. Selecting costumes together with the Director. [We aim to choose costumes that are neither black nor white to prevent issues with overexposure or underexposure during filming.]
2. Providing photo references of the actors in the selected costumes (both full body and half body shots).
3. Preparing all necessary props for the shoot.
4. Coordinating makeup for the actors to ensure it fits the theme and looks good on camera.
5. Arranging background props, taking into consideration available studio materials and setup.

Team shooting practice
- Quiz Result -  



Week 6 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes -
Colour Theory, Colour Correction V.S. Colour Grading
Production Shooting
- Quiz Result -

Week 7 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes -  
Colour Correction
 
- Class Exercises -
Public Holliday
- Quiz Result - 
No Quiz this week

 Week 8 - Shooting Practice

- Lecture Notes - 
- Class Exercises - 
No class exercise this week

- Quiz Result -
No Quiz this week

Week 9 - Shooting Practice

- Class Exercises -
This week, me and my groupmate Komugi are testing out the tutorial video that we had chosen.
- Quiz Result -
No Quiz this week

Week 11 - 14 [Working on final project]
- Lecture Notes -
No lecture notes provided from week 11-14

- Class Exercises -
Offline consultation

 - Quiz Result -
No Quiz from week 11-14

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