Video And Sound Production - Project 2: Production shoot & TikTok

18.4.2023 - 12.6.2023 (Week 3 - Week 11)
Tan Yi-Tyng (0353327)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Video And Sound Production
Project 2:
Production shoot & Tik tok video

LECTURE

All class exercises completed and updated under Exercises blog post (click HERE to view)
"Lalin" video editing in PR
Color Correction exercise
Understanding of TikTok
Top 3 of favorite TikTok videos

INSTRUCTIONS

PROJECT 2A

Production Shoot

For this particular task, we were assigned to reshoot a movie trailer in a group team and edit the footage individually. During week 5, Mr Martin was assigned our class into 4 groups and each group consisted of 9 members. I was assigned to the group 4 and our group was given to work on the Project S – Silence. Then, our group started to delegate group tasks and roles to each team member.

Crew list

Producer & Director: Princeton Darlington
Assistant Director: Tan Yi-Tyng
Art Director: Jacquline Lim Xin Ying

D.O.P: Chen Nan
Camera Assistant: Reenahshee Subramaniam
Location Sound: Kor Qian Qian
Boom operator: Majdi Mardi Khatir Jubarah

Actor 1: Anandya Dewi Saputra
Actor 2: Hasnol Rafiq Bin Hasnol Raduan

Fig. 1.1 - Production Shoot Brief

Fig. 1.2 - Silence - Trailer

Fig. 1.3 - Silence - Storyboard

Pre-production

After delegating our group tasks and deciding the production shoot time slot, our group started to discuss the location, costume and props used for the shooting. As an assistant director, I created a document with all the essential details including the planning for shooting time in order to help all of our members can refer back to the important information easily.

Fig. 1.4 - Group 4 - Brief

Production

Next, our group begin the production shooting during week 7 at the campus. As assistant director, my role is to ensure the filming comes in on schedule while maintaining a working environment in which the director, actors and crew can be focused on their work. During the shooting process, our team managed well time management in which we finished the production shooting within the expected 3 hours time limitation.

Fig. 1.5 - Behind the scene of group 4

Fig. 1.6 - Behind the scene of group 4

Fig. 1.7 - Behind the scene of group 4

Post-Production

During the post-production stage, we are instructed to edit the footage individually using Adobe premiere pro. I started by downloading all the videos and audio clips from google drive into my laptop and next imported them to premiere pro and begin editing.

Fig. 2.1 - Download the footage from google drive

Fig. 2.2 - Arranged and named the file accordingly.

Fig. 2.3 – Import the footage, edit and arranged the sequence.

According to the movie trailer video that I observed, there are just a few dialogues, with a BGM and transitions between some scenes. After completing sync the audio and BGM with the video, I then searched some tutorials on YouTube to learn more about adding transitions to the video. Additionally, I make some basic colour corrections and colour grading for the video to look more cinematic.

BGM: HIGE DANdism - Subtitle

Fig. 2.4 – Edited and sync the audio clips & BGM with the video

Video Transition

Looking at the reference movie trailer, I observed that the fade-in effects are used, especially at the beginning of the video and the flashback memories scene. Then, I followed the YouTube tutorial and learn how to apply the effect on the video. All I have done is go to the effect panel, search for the film dissolve effect and drag it to the timeline and apply it to the particular video. The scenes that have been applied to the effect are the beginning, memories scene and end of the video.

Fig. 2.5 - Apply fade in effect on the video

Followed by what I have observed, starting from the second scene looks like a flashback memories scene as it used vignette effect to portray that kind of feel. By creating that effect, I created an adjustment layer, placed it on top of that video, look for the circle effect and drag it to the adjustment layers, in the effect control panel, change the blending mode to stencil alpha, adjust the radius and feather outer edge.

Fig. 2.6 - Apply vignette effect

Next, I observed that there is an exposure flash transition between Scene 2 and Scene 3 in the reference video. So, followed to the Youtube tutorial, I first go to the effects panel, search for the levels effect and drag it to that two particular videos, in the effects control panel, using the keyframe and adjusting the white input level.

Fig. 2.7 - Apply exposure flash transition

Furthermore, I realized that there are some video clips are a bit shaky, so I decided to improve this to make the video overall look comfortable. To make that, I searched for the warp stabilizer in the effect panels and drag it to the shaky footage. Then, it will automatically analyse and stabilise the video clip to make it look smoother.

Fig. 2.8 - Process of edit the shaky footage

Colour Adjustment

After completing adding the transitions effect, I decided to adjust the basic colour correction and colour grading. Thanks to this YouTube tutorial, I learnt how to adjust the overall white balance, and exposure video clips by making sure the value not to exceed more than 100 and less than 0 in the lumetri scopes panel. Also, as a higher precision way to adjust the white balance, I used the pen tool to create a shape that covers the area which is supposed to be white, then adjust the temperature and tint, align the red green blue on the RGB parade on the same level to create a better result for correct white balance.

Fig. 3.1 - Process of adjust basic correction

Fig. 3.2 - Process of adjust white balance

As for the colour grading, I used a colour lut present that I downloaded online and modify it by adjusting the intensity. To follow the reference video, in scene 1, I adjusted the colour grading to slightly yellowish, so it would look cinematic, realistic and youth romantic feeling. And for scenes 2 and 3, I make them faded and darker to look like a memories flashback of feelings.

Fig. 3.3 - Comparison Before and After color grading

Final Outcome Project 2A: Production Shoot

Fig. 4.1 - Final Outcome Project 2A: Production Shoot

Submission Youtube Link : https://youtu.be/_HiDSkByzZQ

PROJECT 2B - TIK TOK

For this project, we are required to create a TikTok video, which will also be submitted for a competition. The assigned theme is to showcase our life at Taylor's University. We have been granted considerable freedom for this task, allowing us to shoot the video using either a phone or a camera, and edit it using a phone or laptop.

Instructions

Orientation vertical is best for tiktok video, though horizontal is also allowed.
Dimension: 1080x1920
Aspect ration: 9:16 / 1.1
Time: less then 1 minute
Try with variety camera shot such as wide shot, close-up shot, low angle etc
Explore with creative video transitions

Fig. 5.1 - Tiktok Brief

Pre-Production

When we were assigned this TikTok task, the first idea that immediately came to my mind was the popular Wes Anderson Trend. I believe it would be very interesting to explore this unique style in my project to showcase my university life.

Research

To begin, I started by conducting research and gaining a deeper understanding of the Wes Anderson style. Additionally, I watched numerous videos of people using this trend creatively to capture their daily lives.

Below are the videos that I found very helpful:

Fig. 5.2 - Different type of shots used in Wes Anderson's Movies

Fig. 5.3 - Explanation of 7 Wes Anderson Style Shots

Fig. 5.4 - Color Theory and Wes Anderson's Style

Mood Board

Fig. 5.5 - Mood board

The idea and style of this video are inspired by the Wes Anderson trend on TikTok, aiming to imitate the unique cinematic style that Wes Anderson is renowned for.

Below, I've listed some important notes based on reference videos that effectively capture the essence of Wes Anderson's distinct visual style:

Videos typically begin with tongue-in-cheek prompts such as: "Please don't act like you're in a Wes Anderson film in..."
The subjects in the videos maintain a stone-faced expression, looking directly into the camera, setting a specific tone for the cinematic experience.
Vintage clothing and warm color palettes are used to recreate the nostalgic charm commonly associated with Wes Anderson's works.
Symmetry plays a significant role in the composition of the shots, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious effect.
Utilizing wide shots and overhead angles further accentuates the unique cinematic look.
To achieve authenticity, it is essential to keep the camera as static as possible, ensuring straight lines and stability in each shot.
Applying color grading techniques to give a yellowish hue and adjust saturation levels is key to replicating Wes Anderson's distinctive color palette.

Exploration

The idea of video:

This video would showcase an interesting story that depicts my life as a design student at the university. The narrative revolves around a task I'm working on while on campus, particularly focusing on the initial stage of generating ideas, where I find myself struggling and feeling stuck. At first, I seek advice from my friends, hoping for some inspiration, but when that doesn't yield results, an inner voice suggests a different approach—seeking inspiration from the world outside, rather than being confined to my laptop. Thus begins my journey of exploring various locations on campus to find that creative spark. To capture this story, the video will adopt a Wes Anderson style, inspired by the popular trend of using this unique aesthetic to document the moments of one's daily life.

Fig. 5.6 - Final Proposal for TikTok video

Storyboard

Instead of drawing out the storyboard, I decided to simply write down my ideas and gather all the reference images into one document for easier reference. In this document, I have listed the types of shots, locations, and actions needed for the shooting.

Fig. 5.7 - Storyboard

Production

For the shooting, I was paired with my classmate (SeJin), and we collaborated to create this project. I am incredibly grateful to my best classmate who helped me capture many excellent footage and reminded me to position myself within the camera frame or at the center.

Before our meetup, I spent some time exploring the campus, searching for optimal spots with good lighting and backgrounds for shooting the videos. To ensure better quality, I used my compact camera for recording this TikTok video. Additionally, I used a tripod to stabilize the camera and maintain a static shot throughout the videos.

The shooting didn't go as planned initially, as we intended to film at the library. However, we were notified that booking was required before shooting in the library. Consequently, we had to reshoot in the library on the other day, after obtaining approval from the library staff.

Fig. 5.8 - Behind the scene of shooting in library

Fig. 5.9 - Finding spots for shooting

Fig. 5.10 - Behind the scenes shooting at the entrance

Post-Production

Moving on to the next part, which is editing the footage. I began by importing all the footage to my laptop and then started the editing process in Premiere Pro. I chose to edit in Premiere Pro instead of using my phone because I find it much easier and it speeds up my workflow. I'm quite familiar with Premiere Pro, and using shortcut keys and working on a bigger screen makes the editing experience much more comfortable for me.

Fig. 5.11 - Import footage

Fig. 5.12 - Edit the footage syn with the music

Fig. 5.13 - Used ruler as guide to align the title and subtitle

Fig. 5.14 - Used ruler as a guide for the footage's scale to match with other footage

Fig. 5.15 - Used masking to create the effect of two of me in one scene

Fig. 5.16 - Used masking to create text reveal walk by effect

Fig. 5.17 - Color correction (Before)

Fig. 5.17 - Color correction (After)

At first, I attempted to adjust the color grading myself, but I wasn't satisfied with the results. Then, I came across a color preset that matched the Wes Anderson style, and I applied it to my videos. The outcome turned out great, exuding a cinematic feel.

Fig. 5.18 - Apply color grading preset

Fig. 5.19 - Color Grading (Before)

Fig. 5.19 - Color Grading (After)

Next, we were required to upload the video to TikTok. However, I encountered a problem where the music was muted due to copyright issues. To address this, I returned to Premiere Pro and added some sound effects. Finally, I successfully uploaded the video to the TikTok platform!

Fig. 5.20 - Uploaded the video to TikTok

Fig. 5.21 - Overall progress in PR (Timeline)

Final Outcome 2B - TikTok Video

Submission Youtube Link : https://youtu.be/C2-xiySmHCo

Fig. 5.22 - Final Outcome: TikTok video

Submission TikTok Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@yi_tyng/video/7245707721666825473?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7237506792308393474

**The original video sound is being removed on TikTok due to copyright issues. Please refer to the YouTube video instead.**

@yi_tyng Doing Wes Anderson Trend at Univeristy🏫 #wesanderson #wesandersontrend #university #designstudentlife #vintage #trend ♬ original sound - Jeremy Cascamisi

Feedback

18.4.2023 Week 3 (TikTok Proposal)

Interesting idea! You may proceed to it.

Reflection

Overall, both of these projects were very fun and exciting. As a person who loves filming and photography, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work on these production projects. During the group production project, I learned to use a lot of professional equipment and gained valuable experience in working within a team. It required good teamwork and a sense of responsibility for each of our roles and assigned tasks to achieve a successful outcome.

The TikTok project was one of my favorite projects in this semester. Working on the Wes Anderson trend has always been something I wanted to do, and coming up with an interesting story was a fascinating experience. Despite facing challenges during the shooting, especially outdoors with the hot weather and unexpected cases like not being allowed to shoot without booking, I still thoroughly enjoyed and felt satisfied with the overall outcome and production process.

TAN YI-TYNG (0353327)