Video & Sound Production: Final Project

Video & Sound Production VSP60104 / Bachelor in Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Anggia Tsani Rachmadiyanti, (0368487)
FINAL PROJECT VSP: Visual Effects Video (30%)



 CONTENT LIST 

  • Lecture notes
  • Module brief
  • Exercises
  • PROGRESS
  • FINAL VIDEO
  • Feedback
  • Reflection

Drive Link: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gir1JQg4Z0FWZt0TL9GmGFgbBuy-3ReK?usp=sharing


 LECTURE NOTES 

Production Stages

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. 

Production Crew:

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.

 Module Brief: 



 VFX Class Exercise 

In week 9's class, Mr Martin gave us an exercise of a previous student's clip to do a flicking finger vfx effect on after effects. He gave us a tutorial too on how to scale, use green screen to do this:




 Peer work VFX Exercise 

In class, for exercise, Mr Martin told us to choose one vfx and try to do a trial shoot and edit in class. Me and Xuan did a practise shoot for the portal. We created it on After Effects and it was a successful one.




 Final Project Storyboard and Proposal slides: 


 Editing Process: 

After shooting, we used AfterEffects to do the VFX effect for the object 'Poof Vanish', 'Morphing' the object and creating the magic Portal. Here is our drive link to the project files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V_o8pz-5ldX9ik9mbcQYDnccsH0Qz-nV?usp=sharing

We used a lot of project files since our Ae and Premiere Pro crashed a lot while doing everything in the same files so we started new files for each edits. We used a lot of maskings  and had to be detailed when doing the effect for the object morphing and poofing vanish effect. For the portal, we followed the tutorial video and downloaded the free portal effect from online and downloaded it onto our file. Creating the portal effect was a fun process. I learnt that we can change and alter the perspective so it looks more realistic. Both of us also adjusted the saturation and colour of the portal colour to make it more orange.





 Colour Grading: 

After combining all clips together, we colour graded all the clips. We wanted the whole video to have a warm, dark moody tone to give it a dramatic (almost creepy) look. We used the colour wheel and adjusted the hue and brightness.



 Inserting the music and audio/sound effect : 


We searched for the background music from Youtube:

https://youtu.be/3CBTfCjuDyA?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/B9zRToy-mwk?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/wgy_E5JK8gQ?si=0tuY8udDwBOGs-16


After wards, Xuan did her voiceovers for some of the parts that needed retake for the voice since it wasn't clear during the actual shooting. Once we had all the music and sound files, we imported them all into Premier Pro. We made 3 tracks: 


1) Background Music

2) Voiceover

3) Sound effects




For the voiceovers, I added a bit of echo:



 Shooting & behind the scenes: 

Designing the set was quite fun even in limited space. We did the shoot in Xuan's apartment. I helped brought some props such as the candle, vintage books and cups, to give a magical and horror feeling and mood. For the intro shot, we used watercolour to make the coloured potion in the glass bottle. The lighting angles was the most challenging for me since it is only both of us doing this video. Xuan had to act and I had to multitask recording and holding the phone while holding the brown lamp, making sure the video has a warm feeling. However, the candle itself helped alot in giving the brownish and warmth feeling of the set. Xuan helped gave me some suggestions too on where the angle of lighting should go from.



We did multiple retakes for some scenes because we weren't satisfied with some




 Final Outcome Of Video: 

FINAL VIDEO Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/x5f_A8LdnC0?feature=shared 


Feedbacks: 

Week 11: Mr Martin said that we need to change the story so it looks more interesting. 

Week 13: We shoot and showed the first draft to sir and he said it's all good but take out the voiceover for the part where Xuan read the riddle. He also told us to add subtitles for the talking parts


Reflection: 

1. Experience

For this final video project, Xuan and I were tasked with creating a 1-minute video incorporating at least one VFX element from a YouTube tutorial. We were assigned Tarot Card 5: The Hermit, which inspired us to build a story around themes of impatience, inner reflection, and magical consequences. Our video leaned into an eerie, mystical atmosphere and featured visual effects such as a magical portal and object morphing, achieved using Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. As a two-person team, we had to take on multiple roles. I worked as the videographer, director, lighting crew, and editor, while Xuan took on the role of actor, editor and supported creative decisions. The biggest challenge for me personally was multitasking during the shoot, holding the camera, adjusting the lighting, and managing the scene without a full crew. It was physically and mentally demanding, but ultimately rewarding.

We spent a full week shooting and editing. Setting up props to match the magical theme, creating a clear storyboard, and sourcing fitting sound effects and background music took a lot of trial and error. Before arriving at our final concept, we experienced multiple rejections of our story proposal, which pushed us to refine and deepen our narrative structure.


2. Observation

Through the process, I observed that having a strong visual plan (storyboard) and shot list made a huge difference in staying focused during production. The eerie mood we aimed for was best supported by controlled lighting, color grading, and sound layering. These elements helped communicate the story even with minimal dialogue.

Another key observation was how much timing and pacing matter in short-form storytelling. Every second counts in a 1-minute film. We had to carefully balance visuals, effects, acting, and audio cues to ensure the message was conveyed clearly and emotionally. Moreover, even though there were only two of us, being open to each other's ideas helped strengthen the overall quality. Xuan's performance and adaptability helped me get the shots I needed, and her input also shaped the final edit.


3. Findings

This project taught me that resourcefulness is key in small-team productions. With only two people, we learned how to improvise and adapt. I discovered how important sound design is in heightening atmosphere and it truly completed the mood we wanted to build. I also learned the importance of story clarity, especially when your story includes fantasy or abstract themes. Simplicity in storytelling helped our visuals and effects stand out without confusing the viewer. Finally, I found that VFX is powerful, but only meaningful when used purposefully. Our use of the portal effect and the magical object transformation added drama, but it was the narrative core. 


Conclusion:

Despite the challenges, this project was a meaningful learning experience. It pushed us to be creative with limited resources, taught me to manage multiple production roles, and deepened my appreciation for the storytelling power of video and sound. I'm proud of what we achieved with just two of us.


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