Video & Sound Production: Final Project

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20/5/2024 - 22/7/2024 (Week 5  - Week 14)

Lim Yu Xuen / 0359676

Video and Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Final Project : Stop Motion

TABLE OF CONTENTS



INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1.1 Module Information

PRACTICALS

Week #4
:Watch Stop Motion Videos

We were tasked to watch various stop motion videos and understand how the concept works. Next, we have to list 3 of our favourite videos with its' rationale. 

— Stop Motion Video #1

Rationale: It features clay characters and . I was drawn to the main character, who humorously exaggerates emotions while eating a sandwich. This character then encounters a second, skinnier figure with pitiful, round eyes fixated on the food. The narrative appears to lead towards sharing the meal. Suddenly, there's an unexpected twist: the skinny character is eaten, accompanied by shocking crunchy sound effects.

Figure 3.1 Stop Motion Video 1

— Stop Motion Video #2

Rationale: "Happier Alone" is to celebrate introversion and the fulfillment that can come from solitude. The protagonist's peaceful and self-sufficient life challenges societal norms that favor extroversion, portraying solitude as a positive and deliberate choice. The meticulous stop motion animation reflects the attention to detail often appreciated by introverts, adding depth to the narrative. This film validates the experiences of introverts, encouraging viewers to embrace their true selves and find joy in their unique lifestyles.

Figure 3.2 Stop Motion Video 2

— Stop Motion Video #3

Rationale: "Fishboy," directed by Anita Bruvere, explores the theme of guilt through the surreal story of a man with a fish head. Using stop-motion animation and paint-on-glass techniques, the film visually represents the protagonist's inner struggle and its impact on his relationship. The unique animation style enhances the emotional depth, making guilt a tangible presence in the narrative. The film's metaphorical approach allows viewers to connect with the universal experience of guilt, portraying it as both comforting and suffocating​.

Figure 3.3 Stop Motion Video 3

FINAL PROJECT: STOP MOTION

For our final project, we are required to film a stop motion based on a topic we selected and the topic must be approved by Mr Martin before we can film. I decided to work in pairs, together with my friend, Jia Xuan.

Proposal
We discussed and end up with the topic self care. We showed our proposal to Mr Martin during classes and received feedback and approval. Attached below is the proposal slides. 

Figure 4.1 Proposal Slides

Storyboard & Script
After the proposal is approved, we went ahead and created a storyboard of all the scenes we were going to do. These are rough sketches that are drawn on a tablet. Then, we adjusted the scenes with the script we want to go for. Attached below is the final script and storyboard.

 
Figure 4.2.1 Script (PDF)

Figure 4.2.2 Storyboard (PDF)

Props Making and Filming
For props, we decided to go for the materials clay, and paper. We first met up in a cafe to make the props together. This is to ensure that the prop sizes are the same, so it looks consistent in the shooting process. We finished the props a week before the day of the shoot.

Figure 4.3.1 Props Making (BTS)

During class hours, the photo studio was opened for students. We took the opportunity to film our stop motion video. First, we began to set up our props, and had help with the lighting from Mr Martin. We borrowed a tripod from a friend, and used Jia Xuan's iPhone 11 that had the stop motion app downloaded, for shooting. We wrapped our shoot in about 4 hours as we took a few breaks in between, to make more props on the spot.

Figure 4.3.2 Filming (BTS)

Editing Process
The images that we took were then exported from the stop motion app. The images were then imported into Premier Pro.

Figure 4.4.1 Placed into sequence

The images were placed into sequence and the speed and duration of each frame was set to 5FPS.

Figure 4.4.2 Rescaled Frames

As some of the frames included a few unwanted objects and shadows, the pictures were rescaled using effects control > motion to crop out the parts.

Figure 4.4.3 Adding Audio

Then, the audio file of the voiceover, done by me, was placed into the same file.

Figure 4.4.4 Adjustment Layer

Lastly, an adjustment layer is added to change the exposure, highlights, and so on. The video was the exported and upload into YouTube.

Final Video

Figure 4.5.1 Final Video
REFLECTION

This module was very fun and it is a good contrast compared to my other modules. Although there are ups and downs, this module took more energy as props, filming, video, and audio editing process can take a lot of time. Though it was exhausting to complete the tasks, nevertheless, I had a great time knowing new people through group projects and also learnt new experiences.

I also learnt the importance of time management by allocating enough time to plan a good storyboard, to making props, filming and editing. Having a proper storyboard and script can lessen and ease the time to complete the filming process.

Overall, prop making was the most challenging, but with a structured planning and creative process, it made the project enjoyable.


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