Video and Sound Production | Project 3
Melvin Yung Khun Yew | 0357241 | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative
Media
VSP 60104 Video and Sound Production
Week 5 to Week 14
The final stop-motion video
This module introduced me to the knowledge and skills required to digitize sound and video elements for multimedia design projects, using the appropriate multimedia platforms.
These are the jump links to each part of this portfolio
Instructions
Mr Martin Chong, my module coordinator and lecturer for this semester, provided us with the necessary files including the module information, and reading elements to give us a headstart on this module.
Fig 2.1 MIB - Module Information Booklet
Task 1 | Project 1 Audio Editing Exercises
Before the final project, Mr. Martin gave us an opportunity to have a stop-motion trial shooting. It was helpful for the final project as we got to practice the techniques we’d need and learn the steps to make editing the stop-motion clips easier. He guided us on how to set up the scenes, work and play with lighting, and position the camera to get the best shots. He emphasized how important it is to keep the frames consistent so the stop-motion movements look smooth and more consistent. Moreover, he also shared some editing tips that would save us some time later on, such as using nest sequences to group all the images into one editable clip for easier manipulation. By the end of the session, we felt more ready and confident to start our final stop-motion projects with the guidance.
Time length: Week 5 — Week 14
Learning goals
Learning goals
- Technical and Digital Media Competencies – Demonstrate creative use of software, and effective use of digital media skills to promote or communicate design concepts or solutions. (MLO 2.1)
- Critical Thinking Competencies – Use ideation strategies to synthesize assess and evaluate prototype/final product outcomes for further development. (MLO 6.3)
- Personal Competencies – Demonstrate flexibility to manage change as a result of multiple demands and adapting to ideas and approaches. (MLO 9.1)
Project description
Students are required to produce a motion video on a given theme. Voice over, sound effects and music can be used, to tell a compelling story. Confine to no more than 2 characters/ locations and only 1 event in less than 15 shots.
Submission requirements
The final video is to be submitted in digital format
The final video is to be submitted in digital format
- 1080p(Full HD), 16:9(Wide Screen) screen resolution
- Frame Rate 24/25fps
- Progressive Scan Field Option
- 48kHZ, 16-bit stereo Audio Quality
- H.264 Compression
The final video is to be uploaded to YouTube/Google Drive, and the link inside the e-portfolio together with the reflection.
Work Process
Before the final project started, Mr Martin guided us in understanding the stop-motion first by asking us to think about the rationales.
My favourite stop-motion rationales
My favourite stop-motion rationales
- Creative Expression: Stop motion allows for unique and imaginative storytelling that can bring inanimate objects to life, showcasing creativity in ways that traditional animation might not.
- Tactile Experience: Working with physical materials and real objects provides a hands-on, tactile experience that can be more engaging and rewarding for some animators.
- Distinct Visual Style: The distinctive look of stop motion can set a project apart, giving it a charming, handmade aesthetic that appeals to audiences.
After some consideration, I decided to join hands with one of my friends, Ng Kar Yee to carry out this final project together on creating a 1 minute stop motion video.
During the class, I had some discussion on this project with my teammate on how our story will be, the medium we will use for the stop motion and the video vibes.
Project Document
Stop-motion Medium
A mixture of body movements, 2D paper cuts and clay (play-dough) |
| Fig 1.1 Clay models |
Storyboard
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| Fig 1.2.1 Storyboard 5/7/2024 |
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| Fig 1.2.2 Storyboard 5/7/2024 |
Stop Motion Shooting
Following the confirmation of our storyboard by Mr Martin, we proceed to start our stop motion shoot using the lighting equipment and tripod for the camera position at the Photo Studio at Block E. |
| Fig 1.3.1 First stop-motion shoot (Papercut) with my teammate, Kar Yee |
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| Fig 1.3.2 Second shoot for Clay medium scene |
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| Fig 1.3.3 Clay medium shoot |
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| Fig 1.3.4 Third body stop motion shoot with night and day scene |
Editing Phase
Following the completion of the stop motion shooting, I'm in charge of editing the photos and combining them into video clips with adjustments for my teammate to add the audio effects to the video.Starting with the editing, I proceed to compile numerous photos of nearly 3000 stop-motion images.
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| Fig 2.1.1 Adjust still image default duration to 3 frames |
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| Fig 2.1.2 Compile clips according to the scenes in one nested sequence |
In between the nested clips, I also added motion effects to the video to make the clips more engaging whilst also scaling my 3:2 ratio images down to a 16:9 ratio view, so I have some necessary scale-down from 4k images to 1080p images.
At the same time, I also add adjustment layers to be able to apply colour corrections and grading to fit the surroundings for each scene: high up in the sky (brighter scene), deep in the ocean (low light) and stranded in spaces (darker background)
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| Fig 2.1.3 Color correction and grading |
Finally, I combined all the video clips into one sequence.
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| Fig 2.1.4 Video clip compilation |
For the audio effect part, Kar Yee has more details on how she worked on delivering those sound effects to make the whole video more compelling.
Final video
"IF ONE CAN TELL THIS FEELING"
31 July 2024
Medium: Papercut, Clay, Body Movement
Lecturer's Feedback
Week 10
"The storyline needs to be clearer and include a more interesting plot, like what will attract the viewers instead of repeating the same actions or events. The storyline also definitely can be longer to be able to fit 1 minute period." — Martin Chong
Week 11
"The story is getting there, I have no issues with the storyline, it's interesting enough. Just how are you going to present the story with the medium." — Martin Chong
"The storyline needs to be clearer and include a more interesting plot, like what will attract the viewers instead of repeating the same actions or events. The storyline also definitely can be longer to be able to fit 1 minute period." — Martin Chong
Week 11
"The story is getting there, I have no issues with the storyline, it's interesting enough. Just how are you going to present the story with the medium." — Martin Chong
Week 13
"Be careful of any mistakes in the photo to avoid movement inconsistency in the clips, like the papercuts where one end of the cutouts are captured on the image." — Martin Chong
Week 14
"Utilizing the lighting equipment efficiently can help to promote the environment/surroundings in the video." — Martin Chong
"Be careful of any mistakes in the photo to avoid movement inconsistency in the clips, like the papercuts where one end of the cutouts are captured on the image." — Martin Chong
Week 14
"Utilizing the lighting equipment efficiently can help to promote the environment/surroundings in the video." — Martin Chong
My reflections
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| "It's a wrap!" — Ng Kar Yee, July 2024 |
My learnings
Understanding how stop motion works was eye-opening for me as I looked for visual reference and inspiration on the web. At the same time, I learned the importance of crafting a coherent and legible storyline, ensuring each scene flowed seamlessly after sessions of consultation with Mr Martin. Key considerations like maintaining movement consistency, adjusting lighting, and adding special effects were crucial because these elements significantly impacted the quality and fluidity of our final animation. Mr. Martin's tips on editing were particularly useful in making the post-production process smoother and more efficient. This comprehensive learning experience provided a solid foundation for our final project.
My observations
During the stop motion shoot, I had the chance to observe other groups' dedication and creativity in making props. I was impressed by the quality and detail of their work, which showed how much effort they poured into their projects. Seeing their innovative ideas and solutions inspired me and expanded my understanding of what can be achieved with stop motion. These observations not only sparked new ideas but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and creativity in producing high-quality animations.
My weaknesses or obstacles
My main obstacles are effectively communicating my ideas to Mr. Martin and visualizing them in complete detail as sometimes Mr Martin is confused with the storyboard we have. Articulating my vision clearly to Mr Martin was challenging for me, but it was a valuable learning experience in developing better communication skills. Thankfully, I encountered no issues during our props preparation and the stop-motion shooting process. I worked well together with my teammate, and our storyboard planning paid off by deciding how long each scene would take and the camera shot size, allowing us to focus on refining our techniques and enhancing the overall quality of our project. This experience on the final project highlighted the importance of clear communication and detailed planning in overcoming potential challenges.
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