Video and Sound Production : Exercises

Video and Sound Production | Exercises

28/04/2025 - 26/05/2025 | Week 02 - Week 06

Jesslyn Octavia Tjong / 0374562 / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

Video and Sound Production / Taylors' University

Table of Contents

LECTURE 01

Shot size, camera angle, and composition are all elements of visual storytelling used in film, television, and other visual media.

Short 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.

LECTURE 02

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.

1. Filming Shots

For Week 2, the exercise focuses on learning various film shots by recording yourselves. The required shots are:

Close-Up Shot

Frontal Medium Close-Up (MCU) with soft background

Frontal Medium Shot (MS) with soft background

Extreme Close-Up Shot

Side Angle Medium Shot (MS) with soft background

¾ Angling Medium Close-Up (MCU) with blurry/soft foreground

Low Angle Wide Shot

Eye-Level Medium-Wide Shot

2. Editing Exercise ( Lalin )

LECTURE 03

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.

LECTURE 04

Production stages

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.

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.