Video & Sound Production | Exercise

 Video & Sound Production | Exercises

- April 21, 2025 

21/4/25 - 28/5/25 (Week 1 - Week 3) 

Hu Yao Ping | 0376768

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media | Taylor's University

Video & Sound Production

Exercises


[Table of Contents]

1.Lecture

2.Instruction

3.Exercises

4.Feedback

5.Reflection


[Lectures - Asynchronous Study]

Week 1 (21/4/25)


1.Shot size: 

Title: Understanding Shot Sizes in Film

Introduction:

In filmmaking, shot size determines how much of the subject and its surroundings are visible in the frame. It directly influences how the audience perceives a scene and connects emotionally with the character.

Main Content:

  • Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): Often used as establishing shots, these shots show the environment and set the context. The subject may be very small or even unrecognizable.
  • Wide Shot (WS) / Long Shot (LS): Shows the subject from head to toe while still including the background. It balances character and setting.
  • Full Shot (FS): A type of wide shot where the subject’s full body is shown with little space above and below. It’s useful for showing body language.
  • Medium Shot (MS): Frames the subject from the waist up. This is the most common shot and is ideal for dialogue scenes.
  • Medium Close-Up (MCU): Frames the subject from the chest or shoulders up. It emphasizes facial expression while still offering context.
  • Close-Up (CU): Frames the subject’s face closely to highlight emotion. It’s powerful for dramatic moments.
  • Extreme Close-Up (ECU): Focuses on a small detail like an eye or a hand. It draws intense attention and can feel intimate or unsettling.
  • Insert Shot: A close-up of an object, often used to show important details (e.g., a letter or a phone screen).

Conclusion:

Each shot size plays a specific narrative and emotional role. Choosing the right one helps communicate mood, scale, and story progression effectively.


2.Framing:

Title: Mastering Camera Framing Techniques

Introduction:

Camera framing refers to how subjects and objects are placed within the boundaries of the shot. Good framing enhances storytelling and directs viewer attention.

Main Content:

  • Single Shot: Focuses on one character, often used to show isolation or individual perspective.
  • Two-Shot: Frames two characters together, often used in conversation scenes to show relationships.
  • Over-the-Shoulder (OTS): Frames the subject from behind another character’s shoulder, offering a perspective-oriented view.
  • Point of View (POV): Represents what a character sees. It immerses the viewer into the character’s experience.
  • Overhead Shot: Looks down on the subject from above. It can make characters seem vulnerable or insignificant.
  • Tracking (Dolly) Shot: Moves with the subject. It adds dynamism and is often used to follow characters through environments.
  • Master Shot: Captures the entire scene from a wider angle, used to maintain spatial continuity and coverage.

Conclusion:

Framing is not just about aesthetics; it’s about narrative power. Properly framed shots guide the audience’s focus and emotions.


3.Camera Angle:

Title: The Impact of Camera Angles on Visual Storytelling

Introduction:

Camera angles affect how the audience perceives a subject — in terms of power, vulnerability, or emotion. They’re crucial in shaping tone and perspective.

Main Content:

  • Eye-Level Angle: Neutral and natural; the subject appears as if the viewer is on equal footing with them.
  • High Angle: Looks down on the subject, often used to show weakness, fear, or inferiority.
  • Low Angle: Looks up at the subject, making them appear powerful, dominant, or intimidating.
  • Dutch Angle (Tilted Shot): The camera is tilted to create a sense of unease, disorientation, or tension.
  • Overhead (Bird’s Eye View): Gives a god-like or omniscient perspective; often used in establishing shots or to dehumanize a subject.
  • Worm’s Eye View: Extremely low angle looking up, exaggerates the subject’s dominance or scale.
  • Over-the-Shoulder (OTS): Offers spatial relationship and is commonly used in dialogue scenes.
  • Point of View (POV): Matches what a character sees, offering a subjective, immersive perspective.

Conclusion:

Angles influence audience interpretation. Effective angle selection enhances character dynamics and narrative mood.


4.Composition:

Title: The Art of Composition in Cinematography

Introduction:

Composition is the arrangement of elements in the frame. It guides the viewer’s eye, emphasizes meaning, and communicates emotion visually.

Main Content:

  • The Rule of Thirds: Dividing the frame into 3x3 grid helps position subjects off-center, making the composition more dynamic and pleasing.
  • Leading Lines: Use natural or constructed lines to draw attention to the subject (e.g., roads, hallways).
  • Symmetry and Balance: Symmetrical compositions can suggest order or control. Asymmetry can create tension or draw focus.
  • Depth and Layers: Use foreground, middleground, and background to create a three-dimensional feel and visual interest.
  • Headroom and Look Room: Give space above the head and in front of the subject’s gaze or movement to feel natural.
  • Framing Within the Frame: Use elements like windows or doorways to frame subjects, adding depth and visual emphasis.
  • Negative Space: Purposefully empty space can suggest isolation, peace, or tension, depending on context.
  • Contrast and Color: Use contrast in light, color, or focus to separate the subject from the background.

Conclusion:

Mastering composition means using visual tools with intention. Every element in the frame should contribute to the story being told.



Week 2 (28/4/25)


[Instruction]


[Exercises]

Week 1: Editing Exercises

In the first class, Mr. Martin introduced us to the basics of PR software and guided us in doing classroom exercises on video editing.


Exercise 1 - Mints:

Process:


First import the material

Create a new one in pr and put the selected material into it



After successful import, insert each video into the


Final Result:

Exercise 1 - Mints


Exercise 2 - Doritos:

Process:

The second exercise also repeats the above steps to import and insert, and then edit and sort the video.




Final Result:

Exercise 2 - Doritos:


quiz:




Week2 : Editing Exercises

In the second week, we systematically learned about the 8 lenses and carried out relevant video shooting exercises, followed by editing exercises.

Framing:
  • Low angle Wide shot
  • Frontal MCU (soft  background)
  • Frontal MS (soft  background)
  • Extreme Close-Up shot
  • Side angle MS (soft  background)
  • ¾ angling MCU shot (with blurry/soft  foreground)
  • Close-Up shot   
  • Eye-Level Medium-Wide shot  

Exercise 1 - Shooting Practice, Shoot & Editing:

First, select the shooting clips as follows and save them on the computer, then edit the video in sequence



Then import the video and edit it sequentially, and finally add text editing and some detail processing, such as removing noise and adding some simple background music.






Final result:

Exercise 1 





Quiz:


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