Video & Sound Production - Exercises (Week 1 - Week 14)

22.9.2025 - 28.12.2025 (Week 1 - Week 14)

Lim Jia Yu 0357873

Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Digital Marketing   l   Creative Media Design (Minor)

VSP60104 Video & Sound Production (sec 03)

Exercises (Week 1 - Week 14)




TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Exercises

3. Overall Reflection




Instructions




Exercises

Exercise Lists

Week 1                                           Week 8                                           

Week 2                                           Week 9

Week 3                                           Week 10 

Week 4                                           Week 11

Week 5                                           Week 12

Week 6                                           Week 13

Week 7                                           Week 14



Week 1

Lecture (22.9.2025)

Title - Basics of Cinematography

A) Shot Sizes

     - how much of the scene is visible in a single frame

     - 9 types of camera shot sizes

       1. Establishing Shot

           - a wide shot used at the beginning of a scene to show the location or setting

           - tells the audience "this is where the story is happening"

Figure 1.1.1 : Establishing Shot


       2. Master Shot 

           - shows the entire scene with all the characters and actions in one continuous shot

           - like a "safety shot" that covers everything

Figure 1.1.2 : Master Shot


       3. Wide Shot (WS)

           - shows the subject from head to toe with lots of background

           - good for showing body language and the environment together

Figure 1.1.3 : Wide Shot (WS)


       4. Full Shot (FS)

           - frames the subject's whole body, filling the screen but still showing head to toe

           - focuses more on the character than the background

Figure 1.1.4 : Full Shot (FS)


       5. Medium Full Shot / Cowboy 

           - frames the subject from about the knees up

           - common in westerns (to show the gun holster), but also useful for showing body language 

             and facial expressions

Figure 1.1.5 : Medium Full Shot / Cowboy


       6. Medium Shot (MS)

           - frames the subject from the waist up

           - often used in dialogue scenes, because it feels natural and balanced between subject and setting

Figure 1.1.6 : Medium Shot (MS)


       7. Medium Close-Up (MCU)

           - frames the subject from the chest or shoulders up

           - focuses more on facial expressions while still giving a bit of context

Figure 1.1.7 : Medium Close-Up (MCU)


       8. Close-Up (CU)

           - frames just the face or a specific detail

           - great for showing emotions or drawing attention to something important

Figure 1.1.8 : Close-Up (CU)


       9. Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

           - zooms in on a very small detail

           - exp: an eye, a hand, an object

           - creates intensity or highlights something critical to the story

Figure 1.1.9 : Extreme Close-Up (ECU)


B) Framing

     - how the subject is positioned inside the frame, so the audience knows what to focus on

     - 9 types of camera framing

       1. Single 

           - a shot with just one person in the frame 

           - 2 types of single shot (clean single & dirty single)

Figure 1.2.1 (a) : Single (clean single)

Figure 1.2.1 (b) : Single (dirty single)


       2. Two Shot

           - a shot with two people in the frame, often used for conversations

Figure 1.2.2 : Two Shot


       3. Three Shot

           - a shot showing three people together in the same frame

Figure 1.2.3 : Three Shot


       4. Four Shot

           - frames four people at once, usually balanced so everyone is visible

Figure 1.2.4 : Four Shot


       5. Five Shot

           - a shot with five people in the frame

Figure 1.2.5 : Five Shot


       6. Crowd Shot

           - captures a large group of people at once

           - often to show energy, chaos, or atmosphere

Figure 1.2.6 : Crowd Shot


       7. Over the Shoulder (OTS)

           - filming from behind a character's shoulder

           - usually when showing a conversation or someone's perspective

Figure 1.2.7 : Over the Shoulder (OTS)


       8. Point of View (POV) 

           - shows exactly what a character is seeing, as if the camera is their eyes

Figure 1.2.8 : Point of View (POV)


       9. Insert Shot

           - focuses on a small detail to highlight something important

           - exp: a hand opening a door or a phone screen

Figure 1.2.9 : Insert Shot

          

C) Camera Angle

     - the position of the camera in relation to the subject

     - 9 types of camera angle

       1. Low Angle (LA)

           - camera looks up at the subject

           - making them look powerful, strong, intimidating

Figure 1.3.1 : Low Angle (LA)


       2. High Angle (HA)

           - camera looks down on the subject

           - making them look small, weak, vulnerable

Figure 1.3.2 : High Angle (HA)


       3. Overhead 

           - taken from directly above, showing the subject from a bird's-eye view

           - often used for dramatic effect or to show patterns/shapes

Figure 1.3.3 : Overhead


       4. Dutch Angle 

           - camera is tilted sideways, creating a slanted horizon

           - making the scene feel uneasy, tense, disoriented

Figure 1.3.4 : Dutch Angle


       5. Eye Level

           - camera is placed at the subject's eye height

           - feels natural and neutral, like a normal human perspective

Figure 1.3.5 : Eye Level


       6. Shoulder Level

           - camera is at the subject's shoulder height

           - often used in conversations for a slightly different viewpoint

Figure 1.3.6 : Shoulder Level


       7. Hip Level

           - camera is placed at hip height

           - useful for showing body movements, actions, character walking

Figure 1.3.7 : Hip Level


       8. Knee Level 

           - camera is around the knee height 

           - often used for dynamic movement or to emphasise lower body action

Figure 1.3.8 : Knee Level


       9. Ground Level

           - camera is placed on the ground 

           - creates a unique perspective, often showing feet, shadows, action from below

Figure 1.3.9 : Ground Level


D) Composition

     - arrangement of visual elements within the frame

     - 9 types of camera composition

       1. Points

           - small spots of focus in a frame that draw the viewer's attention

           - exp: face, light

Figure 1.4.1 : Points


       2. Lines

           - can be straight, curved, diagonal, used to guide the viewer's eyes through the frame

Figure 1.4.2 : Lines


       3. Shapes 

           - forms created by objects or people (circles, squares, triangles) that give the frame structure and 

             meaning

Figure 1.4.3 : Shapes


       4. Texture & Patterns 

           - repeated surfaces or details that add richness and visual interest

           - exp: bricks, fabric, waves

Figure 1.4.4 : Texture & Patterns


       5. Space

           - the use of empty or filled areas in the frame

           - empty space can highlight a subject

           - filled space creates energy

Figure 1.4.5 : Space


       6. Depth

           - creating a sense of 3D perspective to make the shot feel realistic

           - exp: foreground, middle ground, background

Figure 1.4.6 : Depth


       7. Balance

           - how objects are arranged so the frame feels stable (symmetrical) or tense (asymmetrical)

Figure 1.4.7 : Balance


       8. Angles 

           - the way lines and shapes tilt in the frame

           - used to add drama or direction

Figure 1.4.8 : Angles


       9. Colour & Tone

           - the use of colours and light/dark contrast to set mood, highlight subjects, create atmosphere

Figure 1.4.9 : Colour & Tone


Tutorial & Practical (25.9.2025)

Task 1 - "Mints" editing exercise

Figure 1.5.1 : Footage

Video 1.1.1 : Editing Progress

Video 1.1.2 : Final Work


Task 2 - "Doritos" editing exercise

Figure 1.5.2 : Footage

Video 1.1.3 : Editing Progress

Video 1.1.4 : Final Work


Task 3 - Quiz

Figure 1.5.3 : Week 1 Quiz


Reflection

During Lecture:

Mr. Kannan introduced us to the foundations of cinematography (short sizes, framing, cinema angles, composition) and we did a short quiz to test our understanding. 


During Tutorial:

I installed Adobe Premiere Pro. Mr Kannan then explained the coursework outline for the next 14 weeks. We also had a hands-on session where I learned simple skills like inserting and dragging videos on the timeline, and exporting a file. It was my first time using Premiere Pro, so starting with the basics was really helpful. I feel more confident now and I'm looking forward to exploring more features in the coming weeks. 


Week 2

Lecture (29.9.2025)

Title - Three Act Structure

Figure 2.1.1 : Three Act Structure 

A) Act 1 

     - Act 1 = set up (25%)

     - introduces protagonist, world, situation

     - ends with inciting incident (disrupts life, creates problem)

     - forces protagonist to take action

       1. The Hook

           - opens the story in a way that draws in the audience

           - raises a question or tension: "What's happening here?"

           - doesn't yet show full conflict, but gives us a thread to follow


       2. Inciting Event

           - a disruptive event that disturbs the protagonist's normal world

           - it introduces the central conflict (or at least hints at it)

           - the protagonist sees the problem but can still choose whether to engage


       3. 1st Plot Point

           - the "point of no return" that ends Act I and launches Act II

           - the protagonist commits to take on the story's central problem

           - their world, priorities, or perspective changes in a way that makes going back impossible


B) Act 2 

     - Act 2 = confrontation (50%)

     - longest and most complex act

     - protagonist faces obstacles and challenges

     - first half : progress toward goal

     - second half : setbacks and complications

     - end with major turning point 

       1. 1st Pinch Point 

           - early in Act II, a reminder of the antagonist or the stakes

           - reinforces what's at risk and the power or threat the protagonist must face

           - serves to keep pressure on the protagonist, preventing complacency 


       2. Midpoint

           - the middle turning point

           - often a revelation, twist, or event that changes how the protagonist acts

           - marks a shift from reacting to acting


       3. 2nd Pinch Point

           - later in Act II, another jolt of threat or danger

           - heightens stakes further

           - often foreshadows or sets up the third plot point


       4. 3rd Plot Point

           - the final tuning point before Act III

           - sometimes called "false victory + low moment or dark night of the soul"

           - the protagonist pushes forward but faces a major setback or revelation that makes the final act necessary


C) Act 3 

    - Act 3 = resolution (25%)

    - protagonist faces final challenge (climax, peak tension)

    - conflict resolved, goal achieved / failed

      1. Climax

          - the moment of greatest tension and conflict

          - the protagonist confronts their biggest obstacle or the antagonist directly

          - the central dramatic question in answered here


      2. The End

          - after the climax, the story winds down

          - loose threads are resolved, consequences shown

          - we see how the protagonist and the world have changed, a new normal emerges


Knowledge on 3 Act Structure

Short film: My Name is "Lalin"

1. Which part is Act I, Act II, Act III respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.

Act I :

Lalin, a Thai girl who wears a mask to cover her real face. She feels ashamed because of how others used to judge her looks. After moving to Japan, she tries to start fresh but still hides her face in real life. However, she creates a new version of herself online, a flawless "net idol" who gains fans and attention. This double life sets up the conflict as she is living behind a mask, both literally and digitally. 

Act II :

As her online persona becomes more popular, the pressure to maintain this perfect image grows heavier. She carefully edits her photos and avoids letting anyone see her unfiltered face. During this time, she connects with a boy through messages, and he genuinely seems interested in her. But this new relationship becomes the biggest threat to her secret. She wants closeness, but she is terrified he will reject her once he sees her real self. Her fear builds and she keeps pushing him away even as she grows attached. 

Act III :

The turning point comes when the boy shows up in person, wanting to meet her. Lalin refuses at first, hiding behind her insecurities, bur he leaves her a handmade book filled with kind words and encouragement. That gesture hits her deeply. He values her beyond just appearance. In the resolution, we see her start to accept herself. Life doesn't magically become perfect, but she takes the first step toward living honestly, no longer trapped by her mask. 


2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The inciting incident is when Lalin begins chatting with the boy online. Their growing connection forces her to face the fear of someone discovering her true face. This moment pushes her story forward because it makes hiding impossible in the long run. 


3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The midpoint happens when her relationship with the boy gets deeper, and she realises she cannot just hide behind filters forever. The possibility of meeting him face-to-face becomes real, and that shifts the story. She is no longer just reacting by hiding, but now actively struggling with the question: "Do I let him see the real me, or do I keep living this lie?"


4. What is the climax scene in the movies?

The climax is when the boy comes to see her in real life. She refuses to meet him at first, afraid of being rejected, but after receiving his handmade book, she breaks down her walls. In the most powerful moment, she removes her mask in public, finally revealing her true face. This is the emotional peak of the story which is her biggest fear is confronted head-on. 


5. What is the theme of the movie?

The theme is about self-acceptance and authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances. Lalin's story shows the pain of hiding behind masks and fake images just to be accepted, and how real freedom comes from embracing who you truly are. It is about the courage to be vulnerable, and how true connection can only happen when show our real selves. 


1. Which part is Act I, Act II, Act III respectively? Describe each act with ONE paragraph only.

Act I :

Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant who is exhausted juggling her laundromat, her difficult relationship with her husband Waymond, her distant daughter Joy, and a looming IRS audit. Her life is full of stress, regrets, and what feels like unfulfilled dreams. The "normal world" she lives in is chaotic yet familiar. Then comes the disruption - Waymond's alternate self appears and tells her about the multiverse, and a threat called Jobu Tupaki is revealed. Suddenly Evelyn's mundane problems escalate into something cosmic, and she's pulled into a world she didn't know existed. 

Act II :

Evelyn is thrust into all kinds of alternate universes, living versions of herself she never imagined. She must learn to tap into the skills and experiences of her alternate selves. Along the way, the conflict deepens: Jobu Tupaki is revealed to be a splintered version of her daughter, Joy, overwhelmed by the possibilities of the multiverse and succumbing to nihilism. Evelyn struggles with guilt, responsibility, identity, and loss. The middle of the film heightens when Evelyn realises she may be the only one who can stop the Everything Bagel, the Jobu's tool that threatens to erase everything. Evelyn is no longer just reacting; she must choose how to fight. 

Act III :

All the confusion and chaos build to a peak confrontation. Evelyn faces Jobu on the brink of destruction (The Everything Bagel). Instead of defeating her with power or violence, Evelyn chooses empathy, kindness, and love for Joy, for her family, and even for the parts of herself she considered failures. She makes peace with her mistakes, accepts imperfections, and affirms she will always want to be with Joy, even when nothing else in the multiverse makes sense. The multiverse is saved, and Evelyn returns to her normal universe changed: relationship are healed, tensions eased, and she embraces the messy, imperfect life she has. 


2. What is the inciting incident in the movie?

The story really kicks off when Alpha-Waymond shows up and tells Evelyn that there are countless versions of herself across the multiverse. Up until then, she's only stressed about her taxes, her business, and her family problems. That moment flips her whole world upside down, because suddenly she is not just dealing with laundry and taxes. She has to face a cosmic-level threat. 


3. What is the midpoint scene in the movie?

The big turning point comes when Evelyn finds out that Jobu Tupaki, the all-powerful villain is actually Joy, her own daughter. This hits her harder than anything else, because the fight isn’t just about saving universes anymore. It’s about saving her child. From then on, Evelyn starts making choices instead of just reacting, which changes the direction of the story.


4. What is the climax scene in the movies?

The most intense moment is at the Everything Bagel, when Joy is ready to give up on everything and disappear. Evelyn doesn’t fight her with violence, she chooses love and empathy to remind Joy that their messy, complicated relationship is still worth holding onto. By reaching out to Joy as her mother, she not only saves her daughter but also stops the destruction of the multiverse.


5. What is the theme of the movie?

The movie is about how love and kindness give meaning to life, even when everything feels random and overwhelming. Evelyn learns that she doesn’t need to be perfect or live every possible version of her life. What matters is being present and choosing compassion. It’s a story about family, forgiveness, and finding purpose in the small connections that keep us going.


Tutorial & Practical (2.10.2025)

Task 1 - Quiz

Figure 2.2.1 : Week 2 Quiz


Task 2 - Framing shooting exercise I 

Reference

Figure 2.2.2 : Shot Sizes Sample

My work

Video 2.1.1 : 8 Shot Sizes


Task 3 - "Lalin" editing exercise

Figure 2.2.3 : Footage

Video 2.1.2 : Editing Progress

Video 2.1.3 : Final Work


Reflection

During Lecture:

Mr. Kannan introduced us to the 3-Act Structure. To deepen our understanding, we watched "Lalin" and "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once", and identified which scenes belonged to Act I, II, or III. We also did a quiz to review and reinforce what we had learned.


During Tutorial:

We revised Week 1’s Cinematography topic. Mr. Kannan explained shot types such as wide shot, close-up, and medium shot and more in a very interactive way. For example, he asked a student to act out being angry, smashing the table and walking out of class, then guided us to think about what possible shots could capture this action. Also, he taught us the importance of the rule of thirds, screen direction, and the 180-degree rule. To demonstrate the 180-degree rule, three students acted while one played the role of the cameraman, showing us the correct camera positions.

After the revision, Mr. Kannan introduced us to eight shot sizes (low angle wide shot, frontal medium close-up, frontal medium shot, extreme close-up, side angle medium shot, ¾ angle medium close-up, close-up, and eye-level medium wide). We then worked in pairs to practice taking photos outside the classroom, applying these shot sizes in real situations.

To wrap up, Mr. Kannan shared one of his past projects, an Indian wedding video he filmed. He explained the different shot sizes he used and why he chose them. I found this very enjoyable because his teaching combined visual examples with hands-on activities, which made the concepts easier and faster to remember. As a visual learner, this approach was especially useful for me.


Week 3

Lecture (6.10.2025)

Title - Storyboard

Figure 3.1.1 : Sample Storyboard

A) Definition 

     - a visual plan for a film, animation, video

     - a comic strip, showing scenes in order

     - made up of drawings or images that represent each shot

     - each frame includes notes about action, dialogue, camera moves

     - helps filmmakers visualize the story before shooting 


B) Purpose

     - helps plan camera angles, movements, framing

     - allows the team to see the story flow before production starts

     - helps spot problems early and make changes easily

     - keeps director, crew, editor aligned on the same vision

     - save time, effort, cost during filming


C) Storyboard Includes

     - sketches / images for each shot or scene

     - written notes describing action, sound, special effects

     - arrows / symbols showing motion or transitions

     - information like shot size, camera angle, lens type

     - can be simple / detailed, depending on the project


D) Steps in Making Storyboard

     1. Identify Key Scenes

         - go through the script and pick out the most important moments in the story

         - focus on scenes that move the plot or show strong emotion or action

Figure 3.2.1 : Identify Key Scenes


     2. Map Out the Sequence

         - arrange key scenes in the correct story order

         - label or number each one to keep the flow clear and organized

Figure 3.2.2 : Map Out the Sequence


     3. Add Images or Sketches

         - draw simple sketches / use pictures to show what each shot looks like

Figure 3.2.3 : Add Images


     4. Write Short Descriptions

         - add notes about what is happening

         - exp : camera angles, actions, mood

         - include any special effects / transitions between shots

Figure 3.2.4 : Write Short Descriptions


     5. Share With Team

         - show the storyboard to team for feedback or suggestions

         - make adjustments so everyone agrees on the visual direction

Figure 3.2.5 : Share With Team

     6. Use During Production

         - keep the storyboard nearby as a guide while filming

         - update or tweak it if changes happen on set

Figure 3.2.6 : Use During Production


Tutorial & Practical (9.10.2025)

Task 1 - Quiz

Figure 3.3.1 : Week 3 Quiz

Task 2 - Blooket game

Figure 3.3.2 : Blooket Game 


Task 3 - Framing shooting exercise II

Video 3.1.1 : 5 Shot Sizes


Task 4 - "Lalin" refine exercise

video requirement : sharp 35 seconds

                                 : use Ripple Edit Tool

Video 3.1.2 : 1st Editing 
(40 seconds)

Video 3.1.3 : Final Work 
(35 seconds)


Reflection

During Lecture:

I learned about storyboards — definition, purpose, and the steps involved in creating a storyboard. I realized that a storyboard is not just about drawing scenes, but it’s a visual plan that helps us organize our ideas and visualize how the story flows before actual production. It made me appreciate how important pre-planning is in any creative project, especially when it comes to film or photography work.


During Tutorial:

Mr. Kannan reviewed Week 2's 3-Act Structure topic through a fun Blooket game, which helped refresh our understanding in an engaging way. He then guided us through Project 1: Sound Dubbing, where we worked in a group of 5 to add subtitles, suitable sound effects, ambience sounds to scenes from a muted clip of "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once". This exercise was really interesting because it showed how sound can completely change the mood and storytelling of a scene.

Later, Mr. Kannan introduced us to five shot sizes (foreground: medium close up + background: full body, over the shoulder on medium shot, over the shoulder on medium wide shot, tight medium shot, tight medium sight angle) and practiced them by taking photos outside the classroom. This hands-on activity helped me understand how different framing and angles can influence the viewer’s focus and emotion. Lastly, we continued our video editing exercise by shortening the “Lalin” video to sharp 35 seconds using Ripple Edit Tool, which is a challenging task that trained my precision and creativity. Overall, the class was productive and helped me connect theory to practical skills in storytelling, photography, and editing.


Week 4

Lecture (13.10.2025)

Title - Production

A) Production Stage     

Figure 4.1.1 : 5 Stages of Film Production

     1. Development

         - conception of idea, turn idea into a project

         - producer assembles the "package" (script, director, cast, IP)

         - seeking "greenlight" (approval / backing)


     2. Pre-production

         - detailed budgeting (line by line), breakdown of costs

         - hiring crew and cast, heads of department selection

         - pre-visualisation : storyboards, shot lists, look and design planning

         - location scouting and technical logistics


     3. Production

         - shooting phase : cameras roll, footage is captured

         - daily operations via call sheets such as who, when, where

         - set preparation : lighting, camera setup, costume, makeup, blocking, rehearsals

         - execution of scenes : director calls "action", "cut", etc.


     4. Post-production

         - picture editing : assembly cut --> rough cut --> fine cut --> picture lock

         - sound editing & mixing : dialogue, sound effects, music, voice-overs

         - music / score composition and integration

         - visual effects, compositing, digital enhancements

         - colour grading / colour correction

         - titles, credits, motion graphics


     5. Distribution

         - marketing : trailers, posters, press kits, publicity

         - release / exhibition : getting the film seen by audience like cinema, streaming, etc.


B) Production Crew

     1. Producer

         - as a team leader

         - managing the project from the beginning to the end

         - develops the film idea, finalises, script, arranges financing

         - oversees scheduling, budget, coordinates the entire crew


     2. Director

         - oversees how the film is shot and assembled

         - interprets the story, make creative decisions, work closely with many other departments


     3. Screenwriter

         - writes dialogue and structures the film's story 

         - shapes the logic and interest in how the plot flows


     4. Production Designer

         - translates the written script into visual form before shooting begins

         - creates storyboards, design how scenes will look visually


     5. Art Director

         - deals with settings, sets, props, decorations

         - make the environment speak to the story

         

     6. Costume Designer

         - designs clothing that reflects the time period, character status, personality, etc.

         - use costumes to help tell the story visually


     7. Cinematographer 

         - capture the visual imagery : handles camera, lighting, film/video choices

         - work with the director to achieve desired look (tone, shadows, camera moves)


     8. Editors

         - take all the footage and arrange it into scenes, then the full film

         - choose which shots to use and in which order, affecting pace and feel


     9. Actors

         - bring characters to life, working with the director and cinematographer

         - contribute to tone, emotion, interaction


     10. Music Supervisor

           - choose or oversees the musical elements of the film

           - ensure music fit and enhance the story, mood, pacing


Tutorial & Practical (16.10.2025)

Task 1 - Quiz

Figure 4.2.1 : Week 4 Quiz (1a)

Figure 4.2.2 : Week 4 Quiz (1b)


Task 2 - Watch audio dubbing demo

Video 4.1.1 : Audio Dubbing Demo


Reflection

During Lecture:

I learned about the production stage and the different production crew roles, which helped me understand how each person contributes to the film making process.


During Tutorial:

Mr. Kannan revised the Week 3's storyboard topic by randomly picking students to answer questions from the quiz. After that, we continued with Project 1 : Sound Dubbing. We were also asked to watch an audio dubbing demo video, which gave us a clearer idea of how sound and dialogue are added to scenes. Sir then taught us how to use Adobe Premier Pro to edit video, add tracks, use the voice shifter, and choose suitable sound effects. He also explained the difference between sound effects and ambient sounds, which will help me apply them correctly in my project.

This session helped me understand how important sound is in storytelling. I also fell more confident using Premier Pro to combine different sound elements and create a more realistic and engaging scene. 


Week 5

Lecture (20.10.2025) 

No class  (Deepavali Celebration) 


Tutorial & Practical (23.10.2025)

No class (Deepavali Celebration)


Reflection

This week, there was no lecture and tutorial due to Deepavali celebration. However, Mr. Kannan made an important announcement about Project 2 : Movie Trailer. Our class was divided into two groups (Yellow Group & White Group). Each group has 14 members, and each member must take on one of the 14 production crew roles.

We were told to secure our positions by Week 5 and review the storyboard provided. Starting from Week 6, each group will begin filming according to the storyboard. (more details --> Project 2)

Although there was no class this week, the announcement helped me understand how we will be working as a real production team, with specific roles, and responsibilities. I am looking forward to applying what we have learned so far in this project. 


Week 6

Lecture (27.10.2025)

Title - Mise en Scene

A) Definition

     - a French term meaning "placing on stage"

     - refers to everything visible within the frame or on stage

     - includes setting, lighting, costume, composition, acting

     - shows how visual elements communicate story, emotion, meaning

     - directors use it to guide audience focus and create a specific atmosphere


B) Key Components

     1. Setting and Location

         - where and when the story takes place

         - shapes mood, atmosphere, realism, narrative meaning

         - reveal character background or emotional state

         - tight, enclosed spaces = tension or intimacy

         - wide-open areas = freedom or loneliness


     2. Props and Objects

         - items that can symbolize themes, represent characters' traits or move the story forward


     3. Costume and Makeup

         - show character personality, role, background

         - helps differentiate characters and indicate changes over time

         - enhances realism or symbolizes transformation

         - reflect character development or emotional shifts


     4. Lighting

         - shapes mood, depth, focus of a scene

         - high-key lighting = bright, cheerful scenes

         - low-key lighting = dark, tense, mysterious atmosphere


     5. Composition and Framing

         - how characters and objects are arranged within the frame

         - uses rule of thirds, balance, symmetry to create strong visuals

         - affects balance, focus, viewer perception of relationships and power dynamics

         - guides the viewer's eye to important subjects

         - affects storytelling rhythm and emotional impact


     6. Performance and Acting

         - conveys emotion, intention, subtext

         - facial expression, body movement, and tone all contribute to meaning

         - subtle acting can make a scene feel more authentic


     7. Colour Palette

         - influences emotion, symbolism, tone

         - color contrast can highlight conflict or change in the story

         - warm colours (red, orange) = energy, love, danger

         - cool colors (blue, green) = calmness, sadness, isolation


     8. Spatial Relationships

         - distance between characters and objects can indicate intimacy, tension, hierarchy


Tutorial & Practical (30.10.2025)

Task 1 - Quiz

Figure 5.1.1 : Week 6 Quiz 


Task 2 - Shooting activity for Project 2

Figure 5.1.2 : Shooting Activity For Project 2


Reflection

During Lecture:

I learned about Mise en Scene, which refers to everything that appears in front of the camera, including the setting, lighting, costume, composition, and the way the scene is arranged. It helped me understand how each visual element contributes to storytelling and creates a specific mood or emotion in a film.


During Tutorial:

We had a practical shooting session in E1.01 for our Project 2 : Movie Trailer. Before we began, Mr. Kannan introduced and demonstrated the purpose of each photography and filming equipment, such as the camera, tripod, lighting setup, and sound recorder. He also explained the safety precautions and proper handling methods. Then, he invited the students who were in charge of specific roles to explain in more detail how to use their assigned equipment. This helped everyone understand the technical aspects more clearly. 

During the shooting, I took on the role Assistant Director. My main responsibility was to assist the Director by checking whether the filming process was running smoothly, ensuring that each shot was properly framed and the actors were positioned correctly. I also helped coordinate communication between the crew and the actors to make sure the workflow stayed organized. Also, Mr. Kannan came to check on our progress, making sure everything was in good condition. He gave us valuable feedback and suggested the best positions and angles for the actors to achieve better composition and visual balance. 

It was a very fun and meaningful experience because everyone took their role seriously and contributed actively. Our teamwork and communication were effective, and even though our actors are not professionals, they still tried their best to perform naturally in front of the camera. We also faced a few small challenges, such as adjusting the lighting and redoing some scenes to achieve perfection, but we managed to solve them together.

After the shooting session, the Producer was responsible for exporting all the materials including photos, video clips, footage, and sound recordings, and organizing them into a shared folder for our group. This allows us to go through all the footage, and then we will need to edit it to create a 25-30 seconds movie trailer for our individual task. Overall, I learned a lot from this practical session, especially about teamwork, on-set communication, and how every role plays an important part in film production.  


Week 7

Lecture (3.11.2025)

Title - Colour 

A) Colour Theory

     - how colours work together and how they make people feel

     - scientific (how colours are formed and mixed)

     - creative (how colours tell stories or set moods)

     - helps create emotion, focus, atmosphere in a scene


B) Colour Wheel

     - first created by Issac Newton in the 18th century

     - shows how colours are related to each other

     - help decide which colours look good together or create contrast

     - exp : warm colours (red, orange, yellow) feel energetic and passionate

                 cool colours (blue, green, purple) feel calm or sad

     - it includes:

       1. Primary Colours

           - red, blue, yellow


       2. Secondary Colours

           - green, orange, purple (made by mixing two primaries)


       3. Tertiary Colours

           - mix of a primary and a secondary

Figure 6.1.1 : Colour Wheel


C) Colour Context

     - how a colour looks depending on wha's around it

     - colour can appear lighter, darker, more vibrant based on nearby colours and lighting

     - exp : a grey wall looks lighter next to black but darker next to white

     - to make sure the main subject stands out and the overall scene looks balanced


D) Colour Harmony

      - choosing colours that look good together

      - creates visual balance, unity, emotion in a shot

      - common types

        1. Analogous

            - colours next to each other on the wheel 

            - exp : blue + green (soft, natural feeling)


        2. Complementary

            - colours opposite each other

            - exp : red + green (strong contrast, high energy)


        3. Triadic

            - three evenly spaced colours

            - exp : red, yellow, blue (colourful, balanced)


        4. Monochromatic

            - one colour with different tones

            - simple and clean look


        5. Tetradic

            - four colours (two complementary pairs)

            - rich and dramatic

Figure 6.2.1 : Colour Harmony


E) Colour Correction vs Colour Grading

Figure 6.3.1 : Colour Correction vs Colour Grading


Tutorial & Practical (6.11.2025)

Task 1 - Quiz

# system error, so it showed all wrong

Figure 6.4.1 : Week 7 Quiz


Task 2 - Watch colour correction demo

Video 6.1.1 : Colour Correction Demo


Task 3 - Colour correction exercise

Figure 6.4.2 : Footage

Video 6.1.2 : Original Video

Video 6.1.3 : Final Work


Reflection

During Lecture:

I learned about colour and how it plays a major role in shaping the visual mood, storytelling, and overall appearance of a video. I realised that colour is not just about making a video look "nice", but about guiding the viewer's attention, creating atmosphere, and enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. 


During Tutorial:

Working on our Project 2 : Lalin, Mr. Kannan showed us how to perform colour correction on the Lalin footage that we already edited. He walked us through each step slowly using Premier Pro, explaining why certain adjustments mattered, like fixing brightness, adjusting white balance, and making sure the shots match each other. 

He also used a sample video to demonstrate the process from scratch. Watching him adjust the colours in real time helped me understand what to look for, like when the colours feel "off", when the lightning looks uneven, or when the skin tones don't look natural. It made the whole colour correction process feel less intimidating and more like a skill that I can learn with practice. In my opinion, this session helped me appreciate how colour isn't just a technical step, it is something that really shapes the final look of the video. It made me more aware of the small details that can make a big difference. 


Week 8

Lecture (10.11.2025)

Title - Sound Shaping

A) Frequency Range 

     - describes how "high" or "low" a sound is

     - measured in Hertz, Hz 

       1. Low Frequencies (20 Hz - 250 Hz)

           - deep, bassy sounds

           - add weight and warmth

           - exp : explosions, thunder, footsteps


       2. Mid Frequencies (250 Hz - 4,000 Hz)

           - most human speech sits here

           - important for clarity and presence

           - too much = boxy / muddy

           - too little = thin


       3. High Frequencies (4,000 Hz - 20,000 Hz)

           - sharp, bright details

           - adds crispness and air

           - exp : birds chirping, sibilance in speech, sparkle in music

Figure 7.1.1 : Frequency Range (Hz)


B) Dynamic Range 

     - difference between the quietest ad loudest parts of a sound

     - measured in Decibels, dB

     - soft sounds such as whisper, ambience

     - loud sounds such as shouting, explosions, strong music peaks

Figure 7.2.1 : Dynamic Range (dB)


C) Space 

     - describes how sound feels in the listening space

       1. Mono

           - 1 channel

           - same sound in both left and right speakers

           - centered and straightforward

           - easy to control and mix

           - best for dialogue, voiceover, podcast-style audio


       2. Stereo

           - 2 channels (left & right)

           - sound can move between left and right

           - creates width and spatial realism

           - best for music , environment sounds, cinematic scenes

Figure 7.3.1 : Mono vs Stereo


Tutorial & Practical (13.11.2025)

Task 1 - Sound shaping exercise

Audio 7.1.1 : Original Sound

1. Phone call sound effects

Figure 7.4.1 : Rack Effect - Parametric Equalizer

Audio 7.1.2 : Phone Call Sound Effects


2. Muffled sound effects

Figure 7.4.2 : Rack Effect - Parametric Equalizer

Audio 7.1.3 : Muffled Sound Effects


3. Reverb sound effects

Figure 7.4.3 : Rack Effect - Reverb

Audio 7.1.4 : Reverb Sound Effects


Reflection

During Lecture:

I learned about sound shaping and how sound can be changed to create different moods, environments, or feelings in a video. I realised that sound isn't just recorded and used as it is, it can be shaped to match the story, make a scene feel more real, or guide how the audience reacts.


During Tutorial:

We started Project 1 : Sound Shaping by downloading Adobe Audition because that's the main software we'll be using. Mr. Kannan explained what sound shaping actually means and why it's important in production. He showed us how even a normal recording can be transformed into something that sounds completely different. 

He also did a live demo in Adobe Audition, showing us how to apply different effects. For example, he made the audio sound like a phone call, added reverb to make it feel like the speaker was in a big room, and created a muffled effect as if the sound was coming from behind a wall. Seeing how easily the sound could change helped me understand how powerful these tools are. The tutorial made me aware of how much work goes into shaping sound. It also made me exited to experiment with different effects and learn how to make audio match different scenes in a video. 


Week 9

Lecture (17.11. 2025)

No lecture.


Tutorial & Practical (20.11.2025)

Task 1 - VFX exercise

Figure 8.1.1 : Footage

Video 8.1.1 : Sample Video

Figure 8.1.2 : Jumping Composition

Video 8.1.2 : Outcome

Figure 8.1.3 : Flick Composition

Video 8.1.3 : Outcome

Video 8.1.4 : Final Outcome


Reflection

During Tutorial:

We started Project 3 : Visual Effects (VFX) using Adobe After Effects. Mr. Kannan warmed us up by showing a sample student footage and then walked us step-by-step through the process of adding and editing visual effects. He demonstrated how to import footage, create compositions, keyframe animations, apply masks, and use tracking to match effect to moving objects. Working through the example helped me understand the software's workflow and the logic behind layering, timing, and rendering final shots. By the end of the session I felt more confident with the basic tools and excited to experiment with more complex effects in my project. 


Week 10

Lecture (24.11.2025)

No lecture.


Tutorial & Practical (27.11.2025)

No task.


Reflection

During Tutorial:

Mr. Kannan explained the requirements for Project 3 : Visual Effects (VFX). He went through the steps we need to follow, such as looking for VFX tutorial, planning the ides, preparing s storyboard, looking for music and visual references. The briefing helped me understand that good VFX depends on proper planning. 

After the briefing, my partner and I discussed our storyboard idea and finalised the concept. We showed it to Mr. Kannan, and he approved it. This gave us confidence to move forward with the next stage of our project. 


Week 11

Lecture (1.12.2025)

No lecture.


Tutorial & Practical (4.12.2025)

Online consultation week. 


Reflection

During Tutorial:

My teammate and I showed our proposal and shot list to Mr. Kannan. He gave us positive feedback, saying that our progress and storyboard looked good. Since our shoot requires a green screen, Mr. Kannan also provided us with the contact person in charge of the studio so we can email them to request permission for next week's filming. 


Week 12

Lecture (8.12.2025)

No lecture. 


Tutorial & Practical (11.12.2025)

No class. Public holiday.


Reflection

Since we had already consulted Mr. Kannan about our storyboard last week and received his approval, we dedicated this week to completing our shoot. The whole process spanned two days : one day focused entirely on rehearsal, and the second day spent filming in both the studio and the classroom. 

As the actor, the experience was both challenging and fulfilling. During the rehearsal day, I focused on understanding my character, practising my lines, and refining my expressions and gestures. This helped me feel more confident and prepared for the actual shoot. On filming day, performing multiple takes, adjusting to different camera angles, and maintaining the same energy level throughout the scenes was quite tiring. However, it also taught me discipline, patience, and how to work closely with the production team. Even though the process was exhausting, it was also enjoyable and rewarding to see the scenes come to life. Overall, acting in this project gave me valuable experience and strengthened our teamwork.”


Week 13

Lecture (15.12.2025)

xx


Tutorial & Practical (18.12.2025)

xx


Reflection

xx


Week 14

Lecture

xx

Tutorial & Practical

xx

Reflection

xx


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Overall Reflection

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