VIDEO & SOUND PRODUCTION: Final Project

Fig. 1


VIDEO & SOUND PRODUCTION: FINAL PROJECT

–––

18/06/2025 - 27/07/2025 (Week 9 - Week 4)
Irdhina binti Mazli Sham (0366894)
Video & Sound Production - Bachelor of Design in Creative Media - Taylors University
Final Project



TABLE OF CONTENTS:
  1. Instructions
  2. Final Project
  3. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ej7UIffFkQq-yvK1MhzCshk89FxVn_bM/preview



FINAL PROJECT

Trial Shoots for Visual Effects and Stop Motion [EXPLANATION]:

VISUAL EFFECTS

STOP MOTION [APP]

STOP MOTION [DSLR]







For the final project, we were required to create either a visual effects video or a stop motion animation, depending on your specialisation. However, other specialisation aside from animation are allowed to do stop motion if asked. I decided to create a stop motion animation because I have been a fan of the media for a long time and I wanted to try creating one myself. 

The slide below is my proposal slide:


The story is based on a given theme by Mr Martin, which is tarot cards. We were required to pick a number from 1 to 6 and there would be a specific prompt given. I chose number 2 and got The Lovers as my tarot card. While it is not exactly what I had in mind, it turned out alright in the end.

Fig. 2

After researching the given card, specifically how it differentiates between upright and reversed, I decided to go on a love tragedy route. I have also seen a lot of stop motion animation involving horror and since I am also a fan of horror, I thought of dabbling into it as well. The premise of my storyline is an isolated artist finding her muse and dedicating herself to her to the point of self-destruction.

Once I got the idea down, I worked on my storyboard on Clip Studio Paint. It is used as reference and while I went away from it in production at times, I would not be able to expand on the storyline without it.

Fig. 3

After the proposal was approved, I started with prop-making, which consisted of characters made from clay (CHAR 1) and paper (CHAR 2). CHAR 1 also had a redo of her head because I was unsatisfied with the initial version whereas CHAR 2 had three paper puppet models but I ended up mostly using one, which was a shame considering how much time I spent on them...

Fig. 4

Fig. 5 & 6

Afterwards, I built the set up by drawing multiple artworks of CHAR 2 and making the frames using popsicle sticks.

Fig. 7

Once done, I started filming using a stop motion app on my phone. I would go back and forth between filming and editing later on to get additional scenes so the story flow is smoother.

Fig. 8

I divided the scenes into different files to make it easier to edit.

Fig. 9

Once I had most of the scenes ready, I moved on to editing. I used both After Effects and Premiere Pro to edit the footages. I also initially used Photoshop to compile the image sequences together to get the best quality but I found it too time-consuming, especially because the deadline was close.

After Effects was mostly used for rotoscoping scenes to overlap each other.

Fig. 10

I did have to use Photoshop for one scene that was taken from the regular camera on my phone.

Fig. 11
Lastly, Premiere Pro was used to compile everything together and do colour correction as well as adjustment layers for things such as Grain effect over certain scenes to show emotional state of the character. I also had to use the software for masking to remove unwanted elements such as wire when filming the floating hand.

Fig. 12

I found sound effects on websites such as Pixabay. Combined with the instrumental of My September by Nastyona, I put in the audio needed for the animation. Some of the audios are exaggerated through volume to increase dramatics.

Fig. 13
Final Outcome

Proposal Slides:



Final Video:





REFLECTION

EXPERIENCE: This assignment was very fun in terms of idea and production! Despite how time-consuming certain parts were, I did enjoy my time making this especially considering we were given creative liberties to do whatever we want as long as it aligns with our respective cards. Stop Motion as a media is definitely something I want to experiment more on, especially with different materials because I have seen people use all sorts of things from fabric to rice grains to make beautiful works of art. I also learn that Stop Motion animation takes lots and lots and lots of time and patience. Huge respect to those who do stop motion for a living!

OBSERVATION: Throughout making this animation, I noticed a lot of tiny flaws that would otherwise be overlooked by the average view, as seen by my friends. Whether it was a case of perfectionism or looking at my own work and its 'behind-the-scene' for too long, I learned to ignore the urge to fix every little detail because if I were to obsess over every detail, I would still be in the process of filming as I write this.

FINDINGS: This assignment somewhat helped me discover more stop motion animation, whether it be full-length animation or shorts, which is always welcomed. I appreciate my friends sending each other stop motion videos, considering my whole friend group did stop motion despite only two of us actually taking Animation as a specialisation.

Comments

Post a Comment